Terriers wrapped up its first season on Wednesday night with a highly satisfying episode and an open-ended conclusion that did not feel like a cheat or a tease. While I’ve made clear my reservations about the series in a previous post, I thought the last three episodes of Terriers were excellent, and am solidly in the please-FX-renew-it camp.
What I appreciated most about the finale was that it really did wrap up the key plot. The secret plan to pave over Ocean Beach to build an airport was exposed, thanks in large part to Donal Logue’s Hank. This was Terriers plotting at its best, taking bits from movies ranging from Chinatown to Night Moves, as well as the California detective novels of Ross Macdonald, and making these influences work as the show’s own. Which is to say, Terriers achieved a nicely sardonic tone that knew the distinction between honest skepticism about the challenges life throws at you, and cheap cynicism. In this sense, you could say Terriers is one of the grungiest feel-good shows on TV, a very solid accomplishment.
The Britt half of the story was handled maturely as well. Michael Raymond-James’ character did what he should have done in the first place — forgive his gal Katie for her one-night stand and profess his love — and he accepted his two-year conviction for beating Gavin to a pulp with manned-up equanimity.
And how about that ending? It was terrific. Hank and Britt in their battered truck, rumbling along to drop Britt off for his stint in jail. Stopping for a red light, Hank poses not a theoretical, existential dilemma, but a real one: Go straight, and Britt goes to jail. Turn left, and they both head off to Mexico, where sober Hank promises to fall off the wagon and Britt will officially be on the lam. (The red-light/green-light, go-straight/go-left dilemma is also, of course, the producers’ nod to the fate of the series itself. The episode was, after all, titled “Hail Mary.”)
Supposing Terriers returns, what do you think Britt’s traffic-stop decision will be? And what did you think of the finale as a whole?
Twitter: @kentucker
Best show on tv next to the walking dead. Please FX, give this show another season.
Gotta agree Tom. Add Dexter and Boardwalk Empire and you have the only dramas I actually respect and care about.
Don’t forget about Mad Men and Breaking Bad.
You can keep mad men off of that list.
In addition to preaching to us converted ones, you can send your Hail Mary to:
user@fxnetwork.com
I wouldn’t delay on that Aaron but make sure you’re gtiteng insurance for the right reasons. I’ve always felt insurance is to replace your income so your family can survive if you die unexpectedly. Later in life it can be used as an estate planning and wealth transfer tool but I don’t like using insurance for that until I’ve maxed out all my other tax-advantaged investments.
AGREED!!! please renew this show!
I agree, please renew Terriers!! I have watched it every week and was dying when FX took it off for a bit but again, please renew Terriers!! Love Donal Logue and his loyalty to the Imperial Valley. He really did graduate Central & the cap he was wearing last night is a real restaurant. Not to mention having his sister on the show. Props to Donal and Terriers crew.
Don’t forget Fringe!!
I loved the show but it did take me a while. Did not like Hank, Britt was great. Would like to watch more.
Thanks
I think Brit aught to do his time and the show should return when he is released. Hank is an alcoholic and should stay on the wagon. and for gods sake let them both have girl friends, as hank said to Gretch (“it’s time we both moved on”).
I thought Terriers was grat show and think it should continue.
I am really disapointed that it was canceled.
Hank should drive stright and Britt
goes to jail and comes back in a year. They can do a few shows with him in jail, I know you guys can come up with a good idea, the writers are great and so is the show. Please bring it back.
I write for the show and I’m so happy you came around! This show was a beautiful experience all around. Everyone cared so much. I think it’s so incredible that the fans of the show have responded in kind. What a ride! Email user@fxnetworks.com to rally for a second season! Or just PRAY!
I just want to say I ONLY watch 4 T.V. Progams.
1. Sons Of Anarchy
2. Terriers
3. Supernatural
4. Entourage Rerun’s
They all need to go for many more season’s
Okay, LOVE Terriers. But my sister and I cannot figure out what was in the lining of the jacket that had the blond (head honcho) upset and backing off the airport. All we saw was a photo (and reference) to a children’s hospital.
It was most likely a photo of him with a child, in an inappropriate/illegal situation.
I had the exact same question, and at first was annoyed that we didn’t get more info. But on second thought, much better to leave it unexplained, b/c it’s really not germane to the plot. We just know it’s not something the guy wants made public, and we can fill in the blank as we wish.
it was a photograph that was never properly explained. It was for dramatic effect so the audience would assume the worst. we can assume that it was something that was seriously taboo and would destroy the guys reputation
i hope it wasn’t a one season series but if it was it was certainly one of the best one hit wonders. it was mature, well written and well acted. if the plug gets pulled it will be missed but i’m glad i watched it.
I completely agree. If it’s a goner, I am glad to have watched it all.
Don’t stop there! Take care of the funeral ageanrrments too! This way you have it the way you want it and the family is not stuck with decions at a terribly stressful time.krantcents recently posted..
Thanks Glen. An emergency fund might seem neaecnssury until you actually have an emergency! But I can’t tell you how many times I have had similar situations as yours Glen in the last few years. Having those $300-$500 dollar expenses isn’t fun, but by having an emergency fund, it turns those expenses into an inconvenience rather than a crisis.Jon White recently posted..
Hear Hear Matt!My take on pre-paid funeral atmangerenrs is BE CAREFUL there are so many scams out there. If you do buy them, make SURE your family knows about them so they don’t double spend!Marie at FamilyMoneyValues recently posted..
Like everythig in Donal Logue’s repertoire this show is fantastic-well written, well plotted, skillfully developed. Astonishing how a work of this caliber garnered so very little hype.
A huge, huge miss if FX chooses not to renew-this–the only quality television to come out of the new fall season. (aside from the walking dead) Considering the rest of the eclectic FX lineup this should fit right in.
Agree with Tom. Awesome writing, this shows needs to come back.
one of the best series on FX since my all time favorite the shield. needs to come back for sure.
Please FX keep this show…
send request for a 2nd season to user@fxnetworks.com
Great acting, writing, keeps you on edge of your seat the whole time. Satisfying and unsettling at the same time. Unique. Bring it back.
Great show. Seriously. Please FX, don’t let this one go the way of other great shows that were canceled before their time (Cough*TheRiches*Cough).
Great dialogue, great casting, ever twisting plot….have looked forward to it every week. FX Please renew
I absolutely love this show. Although I threw a book at the TV, I thought it was smart to end it the way it did. If it doesn’t get renewed, we can just go on believing they turned left to Mexico and order those margaritas. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RENEW THIS SHOW!!!!
I LOVE this show and I hope FX brings it back for another season. I would hate to see FX go the way of so many “regular” networks & not give the show a decent chance. I thought the finale was great. I hope they go straight at the light & stay law abdidng. I also hope that Katie is carrying Britt’s child
The cliff hanger is the renewal or not, but it’s certainly not in which direction the guys turn. If renewed, straight to jail and do not pass go, else there can’t be a show. Mexico is out of the question as a setting for the series.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RENEW THIS SHOW!!!!
Terriers is one of the few shows that I loved this season. Well acted, well written, well let’s have a renewal of the show!
I also hope they give Terriers another season. Well acted, written, directed. I’m so surprised their ratings were not higher.
Completely agree. Saw the first episode out of curiousity when it premiered and then waited in agony each week for a new one. Hands down the best show on TV right now!!!