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Disappointing end to A Touch of Frost (SPOILER)

posted 15 years ago by CrystallineBlue
26 replies | jump to latest

What were the producers thinking concluding this magnificent series with an insipid American-style "happy ending"! The Frost character and series deserved better.

The decision not to use the 'alternate' end in which Inspector Frost dies makes no sense because the final episode storyline set the audience up for a tragic end:
- As a longtime viewer I was rooting for Frost to finally find that special someone, but given Frost's lifelong bad luck with women I was also prepared for his relationship with lovely Phyllis Logan to once again be 'too good to be true';
- Inspector Mullet finally publicly acknowledges and honours Frost's extraordinary ability and dedication;
- Frost's statement "I'm happy" immediately prior to the collision.

The namby-pamby happy end deprived loyal Frost viewers of an emotionally-satisfying conclusion - a tragic end would be disturbing and emotionally complex as was the entire Touch of Frost series. The poignant gesture of Frost's hat placed on his coffin is a superb visual summation.

Ending the series with Frost's death would be artistically powerful for David Jason and the audience, and in-line with the story arc of the series.

[–] jonfrum2000 13 years ago

There's as much wrong the a need for misery as there is for 'namby-pamby happy' endings. Does every character have to die a miserable death to make you happy? What a strange idea. It seems the affected, self-deluding vanity of the viewer has gone a bit too far. Believe it or not, for some of us happiness is not to be sneered at, and it is as 'real' as misery and pain.

You must be the life of the party.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Brainwave1964 12 years ago

aw what's wrong with Phyllis Logan? Lady Jane in Lovejoy was so sweet and like-able :P

[–] Phantomzonevillain 12 years ago

I actually think it works best with the death of Mullett. A man who has repeatedly challenged Jack and provoked him into delivering results. With the death of Mullett, it could translate as Jack has just lost that fire and that's why, standing by the coffin, with the simple words of "Goodbye Sir", it comes full circle to showing that despite butting heads for 18 years, Jack did actually like his boss afterall and the job wasn't worth doing anymore. Just my thoughts.

On the other hand, I can see why killing Jack was also a viable option. The man lived for his job, he died for his job. And in the moments before he died, he was "very happy" - which is what had eluded him for so long. The ultimate tragedy for a lonely man....

Killing George Toolan, it just didn't feel right for me. I find it hard to explain why. George has been Jack's right arm for so long, but still, nevertheless, in mind a supporting character, whereas I felt that Mullett, because of his presence throughout the show, was more of a principal. At least, with the dvd, you can always pick the end you want. I'm going with Mullett every time.......

[–] garyedgecombe 11 years ago

Why the hell are people only satisfied by someone dying at the conclusion of a series? It baffles me! It's unnecessary, unrealistic, and denotes a total lack of imagination by the writers! People don't tend to die at the end of their career, they usually retire! Frost ended as it should have..in a realistic manner.

[–] lantzn 9 years ago

"People don't tend to die at the end of their careers, they usually retire."

Then die within a few more years.

[–] willjohn 11 years ago

i don't know how old Frost was supposed to be but David Jason was well past the usual Police retiring age. How long did you want him to keep going for?

[–] louiseculmer 10 years ago

i didn't want anyone to die.

[–] chrislunn100 9 years ago

My wife and I both agree that the ending in which Frost dies was the best one and it is the one we choose to use whenever we watch the final story. We just felt that Toolan had been through a hell of a lot in the later episodes and indeed had already had one heart attack (near death experience) that it was unrealistic that it would be him again. Also a copper like Frost wouldn't retire. Finally the final scenes of the Frost dies ending are poetic and beautiful particularly the shots over the pews (would have been nice to have seen more of his past sidekicks there though) and the final shots of his battered hat on top of the coffin is perfect and an excellent way to end it.