no bare with me, its 2 am in the morning and I'm watching Focus Grill on CN
I don't know but for some reason the ending made me cry(i don't mean like hysterically but a tear or two got by) mainly because it was the last episode of such an epic series I started watching the show when I was 13 and kinda grew up with it, even though I didn't get many of the jokes back then.
But I do think it's the best ending of any series.
This show, for all it's humor, was about 8 year olds in their formative years. 2 of the 3 kids had single parents, every character whether adult or child has issues... and it never got too serious or preachy... the kids just carried forward and everyone just stayed upbeat. This was a truly incredible show. I just watched Focus Grill for probably the 12th time (I've owned all seasons on release date) and try to go all episodes once per year.
I think it's a powerful ending, because everyone had friends and hobbies in those early years that they simply grew out of. Going on each episode's journey is a fun and remarkable experience because it does remind you of your childhood so much, without being stupid... from having crushes to childhood "girlfriends" to dealing with adults and now being an adult dealing with children. I always thought this show had a lot of heart, and that's why the last episode is painful... and perfect.
The montage of the movies you've watched just floods you with so many great great memories, both on the show, and all the memories of your own life each episode reminded you of. But just as playing with toys, putting on plays, or whatever childhood hobby you had suddenly seems silly, so the movies seemed so to Brendan, Jason and Melissa. The music for the montage is extremely touching, and it gets me every time. The first time I saw the camera break I was actually shocked. It was like a character was killed off. Brendan's reaction to it says so much but is just pitch perfect. As depressed as he is about it, the mention of tacos makes him virtually forget... he has moved on, and so should we. But the last seconds of the camera recording are just as powerful to me too... the lament of the forgotten toy.
I don't know. Without this episode, I don't think I would realize just how warm the whole series really was... to end it in an upbeat way just would deny the fact it was ending. I think the ending they chose really summed up childhood in a very compelling and beautiful way... it's just most of us don't have a single moment where we can say "that is the moment my childhood ended", so to see it happen for the character Brendon Small really feels painful.
You can imagine the three drifting apart after going to different high schools or colleges and all wondering what ever happened to each other... and all of them talking about the movies they made to their friends, eventually spouses, and eventually children of their own.
Really amazing show.
Amateurs built The Ark, professionals built The Titanic.
I've grown up watching this on AS with my sister. Though, we only watch it on AS and on the airtimes, we don't own the DVDs. Eventually we'll get them but it feels just right waiting up to watch them each night. I can't say I've seen this episode and reading each of your experiences makes me hesitant to watch it. I know being the sentimental chick I am I'll shed a tear or two. This show never fails to amuse me. Each episode I see, even if it's the same one I've caught over and over, entertains me like no other show.
The DVD's are worth it. The 4th season even comes with a CD with over 40 tracks of music from the show.
Don't fear the episode. It's really good... if you are sentimental at all though, you definitely will cry, but it's a good kind of crying. Again, it just ties the whole show up beautifully.
Amateurs built The Ark, professionals built The Titanic.
I agree with dontdropthebanana (heh); that was a great post, keyser. The way it ended really did seem to reveal the warm and comforting feel of the series as a whole... especially as time wore on and it all sunk in.
Like alot of others here, when I first saw this episode I was unaware that it was the series finale. I happened to be watching with a friend who was a fellow fan, and it kinda hit us both hard. It was sad, and even somewhat disheartening, but it was also very dignified. Home Movies deserved that much.
I didn't cry but a part of me died along with the show. The same thing happened when Saved By The Bell finished (before College Years came, even after the Vegas movie it was sad for me).
Sad
Recent top 3: Howl's Moving Castle, Taxidermia, Bart Got A Room.
I've really tried of think of any other one that had that effect on me, but Home Movies just really sucked the wind out of me when it ended. Very unique show. I really enjoy Metalocalypse, as Brendon Small is a really talented guy and it's cool to see other facets of his personality shine.
But the connection with Jason Melissa and Brendon was a really unique thing. I mean there's been a lot of shows with great final episodes, but wow.
Amateurs built The Ark, professionals built The Titanic.