The ending leaves the viewer to decide what the end of the story would be. If you followed closely I think Tony leaves clues about the rest of his life, particularly the interaction with the kids with cancer, and him getting more a sense of commitment that if not for himself, his life could be dedicated and spent looking after others he cares for. So the ending I think was just a very convenient way to take care of the other characters of the series, if perhaps too convenient, and then leaves us with the decision to decide whether Tony vindicates himself in our eyes for our hope for his future, or if you thought he was still too despondent over Lisa's passing to continue his life. I will take the optimistic route and say that his life became fuller for his family and friends and that he lived many many years later until his sad demise from a heart attack on the squash court.
I cried uncontrollably for the first time in over 10 years, after many heartbreaks, deaths with no goodbyes and other emotional pain. It was not because I am a rock but because I was rotting inside and couldn't let it out. I feel like a new person.
I completely agree about the ending! It shows him going on with his life accepting that Lisa wouldn't be there anymore. He continued after his dog passed until eventually, he passed/faded away. Another great end to a Ricky Gervais show and another great review by BrainPilot!
I took the ending to symbolize Tony living out the rest of his life, with the trees changing colors representing the passing of time (Autumnal Leaves....like the nursing home) The fact that the dog fades away first and then Tony continues to walk on before he fades reinforces the representation of time passing between when then dog dies and when Tony does. It's more melancholy than sad, but pretty emotional nonetheless. I thought it wrapped up Tony's story really well.
Yeah that's what I thought. The leaves turning to autumn I thought symbolised his autumn years before he fades. It's hopeful because he's got this community of friends around him now that he appreciates and treats better and those will be with him all his years.
The ending of Afterlife was brilliant. Played to my favourite EVER song "Both Sides Now" it broke me. Seeing him walk seemingly alone into his Autumn Years reminded me of my Dad after my Mom died of Cancer prematurely young. Gervais is a comic genius and also manages to touch the heart in serious/poignant moments. He did this with The Office and with Derek. All his series' reflect in most people lives. He's an absolute legend. Probably because he lived a life before he became famous!
@@cyberprog The Finale of Six Feet Under got me as well. Cried for hours and at the end of Lost, despite not really knowing what was going on for most of it ;)
I never for one second thought the ending was Tony committing suicide, for me it was just showing the progression of life, Lisa has left then ultimately the dog will go and eventually Tony will pass away. Beautiful ending and amazing show
I loved it! It was therapy for me being a widow who's husband of 38 years died of cancer. I felt like he was telling my story. He got everything exactly right!!
I'm a 30 yr old grown man and I thought it was a masterpiece (defo cried a good bit). The comedy and emotional aspect was just perfect. Absolutely brilliant 👏
The final shot takes place over at least multiple months. Look at the trees. There is a shift of seasons. I see it that he moves on with his life, accepting that Lisa is always with him, even though she is gone. The dog dies, eventually, but Tony is able to deal with that, because the dog has done its job. Tony does eventually pass, but he never meets anyone to spend his life with. He is too much in love with Lisa to be able to do that, but that is ok. He is part of the town now and loves his friends.
Just finished watching season 3 ...absolute genius..one of the few shows where you laugh and cry at the same time..I've loved this show from the first episode and will really miss it ..can't wait to see what ricky brings us next ..
Ricky Gervais is a fantastic creator. He takes you on a journey. This series was well done. You will smile, you will laugh and you will cry!!! Isn’t that life!!!
My eyes hurt. I'm a 49 year old man and not ashamed to admit that this show just slapped me in the face with heartache. Ricky Gervais was phenomenal. Half the time crying from sadness and the other half from laughing. Beautifully written and performed!!!
FU Gervais. I never cry, ever. Yet after watching the final episode, I'm sat here with tears streaming down my face. My heart, which is made of Tungsten, melted like a snowball in a blast furnace. Seriously though, I hope this man never stops making TV shows. Pure genius.
The creative decision of Tony walking off was a revelation to me. There was that idea that if you are not in love...give love. The season was jaw dropping and heartfelt for me.
The ending is a perfect celebration of the bitter sweet aspect of life. The acceptance of it's unfairness, not for a second though he believes he will be reunited though, he merely accepts that from now on Lisa will be a different part of his life a cherish and somewhat painful memory, like all our loved ones becomes when they die
Here right after finishing season 3. Still struggling to see the screen as I type through the tears. This got me! What a beautiful ending. Watching time pass symbolically as Lisa fades away, then the dog and then Tony. Really beautifully done Ricky ❤️👌
I cried for 20 minutes after the end. I've cried every single episode this show made me view life in a more nuanced way and made me appreciate every second and truly realise how beautiful the world can be.
The scene with Tony talking to the kids with cancer broke me.. Edit: as the old guy (can't remember his name) said to Anne on the bench "it goes on" that's the whole point of the show, life goes on
You know he went back. He wont do an season 4 said it wouldn't be as good, but it would be him giving back but without the other side that made the show special, his crotchety side.
Dear Mr Gervais, you absolutely must film another series, a prequel , I want to see how Tony and Lisa met , I'm surely not alone. Kudos to Gervais as an actor and boy can he act.
The ending where he fades off into the trees with the dog beside him symbolises his whole life, he starts off walking with his dog and then his wife appears briefly before disappearing, then the dog disappears seconds later followed by Tony, it symbolises his life, he never remarried and died alone but content with the life he lived with Lisa
I loved this quote from Ricky about Tony :Speaking about how Tony eventually comes to rediscover his humanity, he explained: "And at the beginning, it's funny and he can't stand this banality but that saves his life because he starts getting back into society. Life is doing stuff. That's all it is. It's doing stuff. "The other message, of course, is to be kind to the vulnerable, and it showed that Tony wasn't a psychopath. Even though he's trying to lash out and hurt everyone, he was kind to his dog, he was kind to his nephew, he was kind to the new girl, he was kind of the old lady in the graveyard because he had empathy and he couldn't change that, he couldn't pretend not to have it."
I'm not going to be able to explain this properly, but here goes; perhaps that is why it was such a good show. When I first learned of Ricky Gervais, he did come off as a bit of an atheistic asshole. However, the more I've watched his work, I've come to like him. Perhaps it's that cynicism that allows him to appreciate the little things in life that give it more meaning. Tony does mention that throughout the show; how knowing that there more than likely is nothing after we die makes this life more meaningful. That's probably why all religious content feels empty because they worry about getting into the afterlife that they can't enjoy the life one has now. It goes to the whole the journey being what matters and not the destination. I loved the show.
Some might judge it to be cynicism but I see a lot of myself in him and think of myself more of a realist and I see Ricky as being just that. Respect to those who tell it as it is and who aren’t afraid of the truth.
Season 3 was terrible until episode 5 & 6 then it was a masterpiece. If he would have left out all the crude creepiness of several of those characters it would have been a stellar season 3. I'm just sick of seeing the worst of humanity and it was not necessary.
@@bls5160 Those scenes were necessary to establish the baseline of inhumanity so that we can see later that no matter how ugly the world is, there's always something to live for. I agree that five and six were the best episodes, but I also enjoyed the first four.
@@BruceHurley I never looked at it that way but it makes perfect sense. Thanks for opening my mind to what he was trying to convey. But all in all the whole series had so many great messages about what the real meaning of life is. Have a great day and go out and be someone's angel!
Definitely a British Masterclass!! This season EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS, and I absolutely LOVED IT!!! All the characters were brilliant, and the way Ricky tied them all together in the end was brilliant. The ending was a natural death after losing his dog who was his anchor following Lisa's death. Of course, the dog would probably die first, but he would relish in the fact that as painful as it was being without Lisa, he came to understand that life does go on, and touching the lives around him helped in his healing. PURE GOLD AND I CRIED LIKE A BABY!!!! Tony and Anne at the cemetery ....PRICELESS!!!!!
He did not believe in the after life. Not a single part of him did. He never thought he’d be with Lisa again. He knew that she is nowhere as he said in the show…So please, don’t bring down the show by giving it your own superstitious spin because it takes away from the beauty of what the core message was. We only have 1 finite life. It’s not a rehearsal and we don’t get second chances. This is it, hence why it’s so beautiful.
I feel this is one of the most amazing programs I've seen in years. The actors, character portrayals and the writing were all top- notch and impressive. I absolutely sobbed at the end. But it was beautiful at the same time. I have an entirely deeper respect for Ricky Gervais - I'd always thought he was hilarious, but this show portrayed a depth that I understand and greatly appreciate.
This show made me bawl my eyes out on several occasions, especially in season 3. It also made me laugh out loud many times. I think the story is so beautifully written and performed and the song choices are also always perfect. In my opinion this is one of the best tv-shows out there. At least one of the best ones I have ever watched. Well done Mr. Gervais!
For me, it would have been lovely if, after the dog and Lisa had disappeared, he would have been joined by another partner later in life before fading away. I think he deserved another life partner.
That ending was so beautiful, what I believe happened is that, he lived his life being a good person and visiting the kid with cancer everyday, until he got better, then after he lived a long life of being a good person, he eventually died of old age, with all the people he loves around him. ♥♥♥
It was beautifully made to a point I cried at the end watching them fade away during the change of the season. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. A definite must watch. I’m not keen on Ricky Gervaise & don’t think he’s really funny. But this made me laugh & cry. Just brilliant
One of the best shows for me, what an absolutely brilliant ending scene with the fading of characters. Must admit, I was more sad for Brandy passing away. In all, amazing watching experience !
Not too sure why people were confused by the ending, I think it was very clear in its meaning about moving forward and how normal and natural death is, as much as we don’t want it to be. First Lisa disappears, then Brandy 😭, then eventually Tony, signifying how eventually we all die and the world continues on. I guess what might have confused people is the way Lennie looks down at his camera screen after he takes the picture of Tony and Brandy but since Lennie’s puzzled/concerned look happens right before we suddenly see Lisa appear next to Tony and Brandy as they walk away, I took it to imply the very real possibility of an after life, as if Lennie sees something in the photo next to Tony, especially when combined with that beautiful poem she reads, I think it implies that she is always there, around Tony and Brandy..all the time…even in death and in that heartbreaking scene with the children in the cancer ward when they ask where Lisa is and he says that she is “at home”; this is actually true, she is there because Tony keeps her memory alive everyday. It was a beautiful ending for a wonderfully heartwarming, existential story. When Lisa read that poem I lost it 😭 and the ending was so poignant and bittersweet and the entire series so to the point - life is short, so make the most of it while you are here, appreciate your loved ones, and be kind to your fellow man (and four legged friends!) ❤️🥰
Dude, this show was so fucking good. No other tv show has ever made me feel the way this one has. I laughed my ass off, I cried, it made me reflect on my own life’s losses, choices, and forced me to remember never to take anyone you love for granted. Fucking BRILLIANT. Ricky Gervais is an absolute revelation in this show. It was a bittersweet ending but I also agree that it ended perfectly.
Amazing ending that did not disappoint at all! Loved the way it showed everyone ending up happy. The image of Tony fading away with Lisa and the dog was beautiful, I cried a lot this season.
I think he took his life... That shared stare and salute was totally a goodbye... Everyone was happy, all he ever wanted...as you said, all caracthers had their resolutions... Those fades at the end reminded me of the seasons even the trees...like, season 1 with Lisa always "present" , season 2 the dog saved his life, season 3 Tony's end... Eitherway what an amazing show, we all should thank Ricky Gervais for this masterpiece...
I think the salute to Lenny meant that Tony had decided to quit the newspaper and do other things that he is more passionate about. He's basically telling Lenny it was great working with you but I've got to do my own thing now.
I loved that show. A rollercoaster of emotions. I cried and laughed and cried and laughed during the 3 seasons. But atthe end of the last episode I couldn't stop crying, I couldn't control it. I often watch this last episode. But it's always the same result, I can't stop crying.
Really great series...makes you think about all the people we've lost over the years. Life always goes on after we die.....that's just as simple as it gets in my view. We're born.... we live...and we die leaving memories for others. Well done Ricky.
Despite Ricky being an atheist, his character Tony wants to feel like there's something after this life but doesn't know what. The only thing he does know; that he's learned over the past two seasons is that he finally gives consideration to what Lisa told him to do in one of the final videos that he watches. She tells him to go out and live his life and just give joy to the people around him. His life was never going to be as good as it was when Lisa was alive, but she knew he'd be happier and more fulfilled with the rest of his life if he helped others be happy. The final scene where Tony, Lisa and the dog are walking away was indeed symbolic of life itself. Lisa passed away first allowing Tony and his dog to continue on life's journey for a while. And it's highly more likely that the dog would pass away next, leaving only Tony to carry on. And finally, Tony's journey here on earth would eventually come to an end. Watching this left me heartbroken. Nobody thinks about the wedding vows they repeat to their partner--the bit about until death do us part, but in most cases one partner will die before the other leaving their partner behind. You have to find a way to make sense of your life after being half of a couple to being all by yourself. That scares most of us to death to think, "What will I do if my spouse dies. What will my life look like and how will I go on without them?" I imagine that Ricky Gervais would be completely gutted if anything happened to Jane. For all his joking and bravado, it would bring him to his knees.
After Life is a beautiful show, a must watch. I watched the first season when it aired first and loved it. I didn't like the second season at first when it aired and stopped it after 3 episodes because something was missing from it this time around. Now with the third season, I watched it again from start to finish and what a rollercoaster it has been. The first season alone was amazing and the third, especially with the ending, topped it of beautifully. The salute in the end first made me think that he tooks his life. Like that he did everything good he could after Lisa died and now his task, being good to people and make them happy, was completed after he looked around at the fair. Especially with Lennys reaction to it. But I don't think he would have been in the mindset for that. I believe he continued his life, as you proposed in the video. Very emotional and I'll definitely come back to the show every couple of years.
I don't think you even have to be grieving to feel a connection to this show , it captures moods like no other. I'm certainly not a fan of Ricky Gervais but have to say the writing and thought process are second to none. It helped me in ways i can't still describe , I only recently binge watched it all and i was in exactly the right place in life to do so. I would recommend this to anyone , not just those of a certain age who have been or are going through the scenario because i think it captures the emotions of grief so perfectly you can begin to understand how others are feeling. As for the ending i do think he lives , now content with the World and his place in it but do see how it can give others peace knowing he took his life. Suicide isn't always a cowards way out as some would tell you , for some it's purely an end of the road which they have tired of travelling and feel it's completed. I hope he writes more thoughtful shows as i'd definitely watch but please don't ever make a 4th series of After Life. It is already perfection whichever way you see the ending.
I thought the final scene was brilliant as was the children's hospice scene where Tony lied about his belief in God and heaven to comfort/support the little child. So moving and a moment of sheer humanity. Both scenes were comparable to the final scenes of Derek in the last episode of series 1 relating to his father who had abandoned him.
Honestly I took the ending of him passing on. The reference of his wife and then her fading away, then the dog and then eventually Toni. So I had the impression that he eventually passed away. But was left wondering if he did because the dog was the final part of their life together and her memory, or he had nothing left to live for and then dies. Idk, I’m probably wrong. All that being said I absolutely love this movie. Hands-down one of the best ones I’ve seen in a very long time. Full of so much emotion, life and wonder. It was just so real and wonderful. Strongly recommending it to anyone
After Life overall was amazing. It was a little formulaic with each episode but, there are some absolutely GENIUS moments! Ricky Gervais is on a completely different planet. Keep it flowing RG!!
Just brilliant just love Ricky how he puts the series together and yes ep 3 was so funny and the part where he met the children in hospital broke me couldn't wait to see the ending Ricky you are such an amazing man
I'm sure it's already been said but 0 chance the Tony character would kill himself and leave the dog. The dog and Anne on the bench saved him. Binged the entire final season with my daughters and there was 0 dry eyes during the final episode. Highest possible respect for Gervais and the entire cast/writers.
What’s more depressing is the fact that the seasons only changed twice at the end possibly meaning Tony and his dog passed really soon after the ending at the fair
@@manupkp Him and Lisa used to visit with their dog to the fair every year and then since he has learnt to live with some happiness he visits the fair with the dog till he passes away finally of natural cause and not suicide.
How I saw the ending is... Tony was walking the same route, over many years, to re-live the memories of walking that same route with Lisa. As the passage of time goes on, with autumn coming and going, many years past and his dog eventually dies - yet he carries on walking the same route. That route became even more sentimental to him, like it was the last physical manifestation of all the things he loved - the trees, the smell of the park, everything that he experienced with both Lisa and his beloved dog. Eventually Tony passes too, but whether that was down to finally crumbling due to losing everything, I'm not sure. I cried like a baby watching the last scene as I realised how symbolic that walk was. It wasn't just a metaphysical concept to me, but quite literally happened.
The scenes with Tony and Anne were my favorite. I loved the show and the ending, Ricky is very talented and the way he left the ending so everyone could interpret as they wanted it, THAT was writing we don't see much of anymore. There was no real happily ever after for everyone, because....life goes on.
Agree with all this. This had me laughing and crying in equal measure. His work is always of an incredible standard of wit and heartbreak. The thread that runs through all his work is that of socially awkward characters who may seem like idiots on the surface but actually are people who just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. It’s what makes his work so beautiful, the ordinary person that we can all relate to going through life’s struggles in search of happiness.
Just beautiful life is but a season for which we cannot slow down or capture again this ending has had a profound effect me on it really has yes I cried lots and watching this again it makes me ache for time past and friends lost and inability to retrieve that lost time.
What an emotional roller coaster these 3 seasons have been. Brilliant show! Regarding the ending… my first spontaneous feel was that he took his own life. However, now after I’ve thought about it some more I think the positive explanation given in this video seems more likely.
Certainly wasn't about them 'all being together eventually' neither Gervais nor his character believe in any kind of 'after life' but makes the point that the time we spend together is brief but it has a lasting impact upon us.
One aspect I loved about this story is that Tony didn’t end up with the nurse. He had enough insight to know he would be using her as a crutch which wouldn’t have been fair to her. He couldn’t give her what she deserved and she realised that as well. Their friendship remained which would of lasted which makes it more meaningful
I’ve had a little bit of time of to process it and I do think that the ending was good, though I wonder if maybe After Life needed a full season 3. I found the pacing in this one to be a little strange- maybe if he had ended it the same way Derek ended, with a movie, we might have had a more concise story to close a wonderful series with. Love the way some of the character arcs ended, like Kath’s and Matt’s but others left me kinda…unsatisfied. Also, I was kinda sad we didn’t get to see Sandy or Roxy. Love both of those characters, a shame they didn’t get at least one scene. But overall, it was definitely powerful, especially that final shot. I’m eager to see what Gervais does next.
Just got done watching it. I Ricky Gervais always made me laugh, but he can legitimately deliver the Drama. I'm still wiping tears. Excellent show. It ended beautifully. The only way to continue the show would have to make any of the Side characters as the main. But, I really hope they don't.
Well, it's clear he didn't take his own life as they cleverly added the detail of his dog fading away before he did. This to me symbolized that Tony died naturally.
I love and adore this series. 1 Question: Who is the singer of "Both Sides Now" at the end.? It doesn't sound like Joni Mitchell....I love the version that they played with this particular singer.
Season 3 is okay best I just hated those 2 guys they were so loud and obnoxious and cringy so I was glad they got beaten up but ending i felt mixed feelings i wish Emma was there I wished they ended on season 2 tbh.
I think after his dog passed he ended up committing suicide as there was very little time in between the dog fading and him compared to the wife and the dog. He couldn't live alone.
''And the seasons, they go round and round And the painted ponies go up and down We're captive on the carousel of time We can't return, we can only look Behind, from where we came And go round and round and round, in the circle game''........... Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Mitchell Joni
Tony was an angel, he just didn't know it, when Lenny took the photo at the and and looked at the camera Tony wasn't there, that's why he looked puzzled.
Knowing Ricky Gervais and the character he created in Tony, I really believe he wouldn’t have taken his own life after telling the little lad at the hospital he would see him everyday until he gets better 💙
I think at the end of season 2 it was heading in the direction of him moving on with the care worker even though she wouldn’t compete with his wife, and it’s kind of bittersweet this ending because we know that his life wouldn’t have been as happy going forward, without Lisa. All his friends had moved on and formed new relationships, and he was left with just his dog until the end of his days. The ending reminded me a bit like watership down - a new generation comes and life goes on
What did you make of the ending? Comment below!
Couldn't imagine a better ending to 3 seasons of beautiful heart wrenching laughter and tears
Reminded me in way of "Six feet under" ending.
The final of Still Game had all the characters fade away...way before this show...not original but cool
The ending leaves the viewer to decide what the end of the story would be. If you followed closely I think Tony leaves clues about the rest of his life, particularly the interaction with the kids with cancer, and him getting more a sense of commitment that if not for himself, his life could be dedicated and spent looking after others he cares for. So the ending I think was just a very convenient way to take care of the other characters of the series, if perhaps too convenient, and then leaves us with the decision to decide whether Tony vindicates himself in our eyes for our hope for his future, or if you thought he was still too despondent over Lisa's passing to continue his life. I will take the optimistic route and say that his life became fuller for his family and friends and that he lived many many years later until his sad demise from a heart attack on the squash court.
He set out to bring happiness to those in his life. Then he went home with Lisa and their dog.
I cried uncontrollably for the first time in over 10 years, after many heartbreaks, deaths with no goodbyes and other emotional pain. It was not because I am a rock but because I was rotting inside and couldn't let it out. I feel like a new person.
Read my comment at the top of the page ,me too xx
The show was so cathartic
I completely agree about the ending! It shows him going on with his life accepting that Lisa wouldn't be there anymore. He continued after his dog passed until eventually, he passed/faded away. Another great end to a Ricky Gervais show and another great review by BrainPilot!
It shows that he’s not joined by another partner though, and that’s a bit sad. It would have been lovely if he’d been joined by another in later life.
I took the ending to symbolize Tony living out the rest of his life, with the trees changing colors representing the passing of time (Autumnal Leaves....like the nursing home) The fact that the dog fades away first and then Tony continues to walk on before he fades reinforces the representation of time passing between when then dog dies and when Tony does. It's more melancholy than sad, but pretty emotional nonetheless. I thought it wrapped up Tony's story really well.
That's how he explained it. I watched a lot of interviews. It was to give hope.
this was also what i thought
Thats exactly what I thought it was. The passing of time and inevitably people
That's exactly what Ricky said it means
Live goes on
Yeah that's what I thought. The leaves turning to autumn I thought symbolised his autumn years before he fades. It's hopeful because he's got this community of friends around him now that he appreciates and treats better and those will be with him all his years.
The ending of Afterlife was brilliant. Played to my favourite EVER song "Both Sides Now" it broke me. Seeing him walk seemingly alone into his Autumn Years reminded me of my Dad after my Mom died of Cancer prematurely young. Gervais is a comic genius and also manages to touch the heart in serious/poignant moments. He did this with The Office and with Derek. All his series' reflect in most people lives. He's an absolute legend. Probably because he lived a life before he became famous!
So sorry about your mum
It's up there with the death of Dr Green on ER for me (with Over the Rainbow playing showing his last days)
@@cyberprog The Finale of Six Feet Under got me as well. Cried for hours and at the end of Lost, despite not really knowing what was going on for most of it ;)
@@SarahTre100 ah yes, the Prius advert lol, yeah, that was a good one.
I never for one second thought the ending was Tony committing suicide, for me it was just showing the progression of life, Lisa has left then ultimately the dog will go and eventually Tony will pass away.
Beautiful ending and amazing show
I loved it! It was therapy for me being a widow who's husband of 38 years died of cancer. I felt like he was telling my story. He got everything exactly right!!
I'm a 30 yr old grown man and I thought it was a masterpiece (defo cried a good bit). The comedy and emotional aspect was just perfect. Absolutely brilliant 👏
The final shot takes place over at least multiple months. Look at the trees. There is a shift of seasons.
I see it that he moves on with his life, accepting that Lisa is always with him, even though she is gone. The dog dies, eventually, but Tony is able to deal with that, because the dog has done its job. Tony does eventually pass, but he never meets anyone to spend his life with. He is too much in love with Lisa to be able to do that, but that is ok. He is part of the town now and loves his friends.
@Cosmic Donkey of course it was edited. I don’t think they had Gervais walking in super slow motion for multiple months to get a true shot.
@@kevinsiedenburg4955 They planted special quick ageing trees just for the final shot.
@@oldskoolmacboy of course. I didn’t even think about that. Don’t I feel stupid now…
@@kevinsiedenburg4955 Well, you need to think about these things before you post comments. I hope you feel silly now.
@@oldskoolmacboy He accepted his mistake, which is rare these days, and you continue to lecture him?
Just finished watching season 3 ...absolute genius..one of the few shows where you laugh and cry at the same time..I've loved this show from the first episode and will really miss it ..can't wait to see what ricky brings us next ..
He would NEVER leave his dog alone. Maybe later after he died, but never before.
Ricky Gervais is a fantastic creator. He takes you on a journey. This series was well done. You will smile, you will laugh and you will cry!!! Isn’t that life!!!
My eyes hurt. I'm a 49 year old man and not ashamed to admit that this show just slapped me in the face with heartache. Ricky Gervais was phenomenal. Half the time crying from sadness and the other half from laughing. Beautifully written and performed!!!
FU Gervais. I never cry, ever. Yet after watching the final episode, I'm sat here with tears streaming down my face. My heart, which is made of Tungsten, melted like a snowball in a blast furnace.
Seriously though, I hope this man never stops making TV shows. Pure genius.
Gervais and cast at their very best.Thought provoking , emotional and funny- a tour de force.Ricky Gervais is a genius.
The creative decision of Tony walking off was a revelation to me. There was that idea that if you are not in love...give love. The season was jaw dropping and heartfelt for me.
The ending is a perfect celebration of the bitter sweet aspect of life. The acceptance of it's unfairness, not for a second though he believes he will be reunited though, he merely accepts that from now on Lisa will be a different part of his life a cherish and somewhat painful memory, like all our loved ones becomes when they die
Here right after finishing season 3. Still struggling to see the screen as I type through the tears. This got me! What a beautiful ending. Watching time pass symbolically as Lisa fades away, then the dog and then Tony. Really beautifully done Ricky ❤️👌
I cried for 20 minutes after the end. I've cried every single episode this show made me view life in a more nuanced way and made me appreciate every second and truly realise how beautiful the world can be.
The scene with Tony talking to the kids with cancer broke me..
Edit: as the old guy (can't remember his name) said to Anne on the bench "it goes on" that's the whole point of the show, life goes on
You know he went back. He wont do an season 4 said it wouldn't be as good, but it would be him giving back but without the other side that made the show special, his crotchety side.
This show broke me. Such a hidden gem
It evokes emotions like no other!
During the final episode, I laughed some but I shed many tears too. This show has helped to make me a better person.
Dear Mr Gervais, you absolutely must film another series, a prequel , I want to see how Tony and Lisa met , I'm surely not alone. Kudos to Gervais as an actor and boy can he act.
The finale of "After Life" may be 47 of the most sublime minutes in television history.
Just finished Season 3 about 20 minutes ago. This review is absolutely spot on. Well done.
The ending where he fades off into the trees with the dog beside him symbolises his whole life, he starts off walking with his dog and then his wife appears briefly before disappearing, then the dog disappears seconds later followed by Tony, it symbolises his life, he never remarried and died alone but content with the life he lived with Lisa
Truly a British masterclass of a show. Satisfied for having watched and the soundtrack is amazing too 10/10
The gravity of love is so powerful and this show displays that force. A masterpiece. Thank you Ricky.
I loved this quote from Ricky about Tony :Speaking about how Tony eventually comes to rediscover his humanity, he explained: "And at the beginning, it's funny and he can't stand this banality but that saves his life because he starts getting back into society. Life is doing stuff. That's all it is. It's doing stuff.
"The other message, of course, is to be kind to the vulnerable, and it showed that Tony wasn't a psychopath. Even though he's trying to lash out and hurt everyone, he was kind to his dog, he was kind to his nephew, he was kind to the new girl, he was kind of the old lady in the graveyard because he had empathy and he couldn't change that, he couldn't pretend not to have it."
I think the conversation with the child that might have a terminal illness made him realise "How dare I be miserable".
Beautiful, Thought provoking with characters you care about.
I totally agree with your thoughts on the ending.
Life goes on.
I'm always amazed by how such a funny and cynical man could make a show that'll leave you emotionally volunerable
I'm not going to be able to explain this properly, but here goes; perhaps that is why it was such a good show. When I first learned of Ricky Gervais, he did come off as a bit of an atheistic asshole. However, the more I've watched his work, I've come to like him. Perhaps it's that cynicism that allows him to appreciate the little things in life that give it more meaning. Tony does mention that throughout the show; how knowing that there more than likely is nothing after we die makes this life more meaningful. That's probably why all religious content feels empty because they worry about getting into the afterlife that they can't enjoy the life one has now. It goes to the whole the journey being what matters and not the destination. I loved the show.
Some might judge it to be cynicism but I see a lot of myself in him and think of myself more of a realist and I see Ricky as being just that. Respect to those who tell it as it is and who aren’t afraid of the truth.
Season 3 was wonderful. The ending was beautiful. Gervais is truly a genius at it turns out much more than comedy.
Season 3 was terrible until episode 5 & 6 then it was a masterpiece. If he would have left out all the crude creepiness of several of those characters it would have been a stellar season 3. I'm just sick of seeing the worst of humanity and it was not necessary.
@@bls5160 Those scenes were necessary to establish the baseline of inhumanity so that we can see later that no matter how ugly the world is, there's always something to live for. I agree that five and six were the best episodes, but I also enjoyed the first four.
@@BruceHurley I never looked at it that way but it makes perfect sense. Thanks for opening my mind to what he was trying to convey. But all in all the whole series had so many great messages about what the real meaning of life is. Have a great day and go out and be someone's angel!
I found this on UTube last night. Such a profound series. Took me 16 years to let my late husband go.
I do wish this was on down here in Australia.
I just watched the whole of Series 3 last night on Netflix and Im in Australia
Definitely a British Masterclass!! This season EXCEEDED ALL EXPECTATIONS, and I absolutely LOVED IT!!! All the characters were brilliant, and the way Ricky tied them all together in the end was brilliant. The ending was a natural death after losing his dog who was his anchor following Lisa's death. Of course, the dog would probably die first, but he would relish in the fact that as painful as it was being without Lisa, he came to understand that life does go on, and touching the lives around him helped in his healing. PURE GOLD AND I CRIED LIKE A BABY!!!! Tony and Anne at the cemetery ....PRICELESS!!!!!
He did not believe in the after life. Not a single part of him did. He never thought he’d be with Lisa again. He knew that she is nowhere as he said in the show…So please, don’t bring down the show by giving it your own superstitious spin because it takes away from the beauty of what the core message was. We only have 1 finite life. It’s not a rehearsal and we don’t get second chances. This is it, hence why it’s so beautiful.
I feel this is one of the most amazing programs I've seen in years. The actors, character portrayals and the writing were all top- notch and impressive. I absolutely sobbed at the end. But it was beautiful at the same time. I have an entirely deeper respect for Ricky Gervais - I'd always thought he was hilarious, but this show portrayed a depth that I understand and greatly appreciate.
This show made me bawl my eyes out on several occasions, especially in season 3. It also made me laugh out loud many times. I think the story is so beautifully written and performed and the song choices are also always perfect. In my opinion this is one of the best tv-shows out there. At least one of the best ones I have ever watched. Well done Mr. Gervais!
For me, it would have been lovely if, after the dog and Lisa had disappeared, he would have been joined by another partner later in life before fading away. I think he deserved another life partner.
That ending was so beautiful, what I believe happened is that, he lived his life being a good person and visiting the kid with cancer everyday, until he got better, then after he lived a long life of being a good person, he eventually died of old age, with all the people he loves around him. ♥♥♥
It was beautifully made to a point I cried at the end watching them fade away during the change of the season. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. A definite must watch. I’m not keen on Ricky Gervaise & don’t think he’s really funny. But this made me laugh & cry. Just brilliant
One of the best shows for me, what an absolutely brilliant ending scene with the fading of characters. Must admit, I was more sad for Brandy passing away. In all, amazing watching experience !
Not too sure why people were confused by the ending, I think it was very clear in its meaning about moving forward and how normal and natural death is, as much as we don’t want it to be. First Lisa disappears, then Brandy 😭, then eventually Tony, signifying how eventually we all die and the world continues on. I guess what might have confused people is the way Lennie looks down at his camera screen after he takes the picture of Tony and Brandy but since Lennie’s puzzled/concerned look happens right before we suddenly see Lisa appear next to Tony and Brandy as they walk away, I took it to imply the very real possibility of an after life, as if Lennie sees something in the photo next to Tony, especially when combined with that beautiful poem she reads, I think it implies that she is always there, around Tony and Brandy..all the time…even in death and in that heartbreaking scene with the children in the cancer ward when they ask where Lisa is and he says that she is “at home”; this is actually true, she is there because Tony keeps her memory alive everyday. It was a beautiful ending for a wonderfully heartwarming, existential story. When Lisa read that poem I lost it 😭 and the ending was so poignant and bittersweet and the entire series so to the point - life is short, so make the most of it while you are here, appreciate your loved ones, and be kind to your fellow man (and four legged friends!) ❤️🥰
For gods sake America, please don’t try to remake this masterpiece.
Dude, this show was so fucking good. No other tv show has ever made me feel the way this one has. I laughed my ass off, I cried, it made me reflect on my own life’s losses, choices, and forced me to remember never to take anyone you love for granted. Fucking BRILLIANT. Ricky Gervais is an absolute revelation in this show. It was a bittersweet ending but I also agree that it ended perfectly.
Amazing ending that did not disappoint at all! Loved the way it showed everyone ending up happy. The image of Tony fading away with Lisa and the dog was beautiful, I cried a lot this season.
I think he took his life...
That shared stare and salute was totally a goodbye...
Everyone was happy, all he ever wanted...as you said, all caracthers had their resolutions...
Those fades at the end reminded me of the seasons even the trees...like, season 1 with Lisa always "present" , season 2 the dog saved his life, season 3 Tony's end...
Eitherway what an amazing show, we all should thank Ricky Gervais for this masterpiece...
He absolutely did not. Look at the trees. He lived for a long time. With Lisa at his side the whole time.
The dog fades before him though. So what, he killed his dog before him? No. He didn't go home and kill himself.
He absolutely did.
Lenny: be the best man on my wedding
Tony: I'm not sure
@@kevinsiedenburg4955 The beauty of this ending is we can all take are own interpretation
I think the salute to Lenny meant that Tony had decided to quit the newspaper and do other things that he is more passionate about. He's basically telling Lenny it was great working with you but I've got to do my own thing now.
This show became my fav show…❤ thanks for all the team & actors.
I loved that show. A rollercoaster of emotions. I cried and laughed and cried and laughed during the 3 seasons. But atthe end of the last episode I couldn't stop crying, I couldn't control it. I often watch this last episode. But it's always the same result, I can't stop crying.
Laughed and cried in equal measure, masterpiece of the reality of the loss of loved ones, just brilliant.
The most beautiful story of the journey of grief, including permission to laugh as well. Thank your Ricky Gervais.
Great ending. I haven’t cried from a show in a long time.
Really great series...makes you think about all the people we've lost over the years.
Life always goes on after we die.....that's just as simple as it gets in my view.
We're born.... we live...and we die leaving memories for others.
Well done Ricky.
I was not prepared for this show. It was amazing. had to do 2 sittings with this one. Fuckin Hell, this show was an emotional rollercoaster.
Despite Ricky being an atheist, his character Tony wants to feel like there's something after this life but doesn't know what. The only thing he does know; that he's learned over the past two seasons is that he finally gives consideration to what Lisa told him to do in one of the final videos that he watches. She tells him to go out and live his life and just give joy to the people around him. His life was never going to be as good as it was when Lisa was alive, but she knew he'd be happier and more fulfilled with the rest of his life if he helped others be happy. The final scene where Tony, Lisa and the dog are walking away was indeed symbolic of life itself. Lisa passed away first allowing Tony and his dog to continue on life's journey for a while. And it's highly more likely that the dog would pass away next, leaving only Tony to carry on. And finally, Tony's journey here on earth would eventually come to an end. Watching this left me heartbroken. Nobody thinks about the wedding vows they repeat to their partner--the bit about until death do us part, but in most cases one partner will die before the other leaving their partner behind. You have to find a way to make sense of your life after being half of a couple to being all by yourself. That scares most of us to death to think, "What will I do if my spouse dies. What will my life look like and how will I go on without them?" I imagine that Ricky Gervais would be completely gutted if anything happened to Jane. For all his joking and bravado, it would bring him to his knees.
Loved it. Was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. Had me in tears of laughter and tears of emotion.
After Life is a beautiful show, a must watch. I watched the first season when it aired first and loved it. I didn't like the second season at first when it aired and stopped it after 3 episodes because something was missing from it this time around. Now with the third season, I watched it again from start to finish and what a rollercoaster it has been. The first season alone was amazing and the third, especially with the ending, topped it of beautifully.
The salute in the end first made me think that he tooks his life. Like that he did everything good he could after Lisa died and now his task, being good to people and make them happy, was completed after he looked around at the fair. Especially with Lennys reaction to it. But I don't think he would have been in the mindset for that. I believe he continued his life, as you proposed in the video. Very emotional and I'll definitely come back to the show every couple of years.
I don't think you even have to be grieving to feel a connection to this show , it captures moods like no other. I'm certainly not a fan of Ricky Gervais but have to say the writing and thought process are second to none. It helped me in ways i can't still describe , I only recently binge watched it all and i was in exactly the right place in life to do so. I would recommend this to anyone , not just those of a certain age who have been or are going through the scenario because i think it captures the emotions of grief so perfectly you can begin to understand how others are feeling. As for the ending i do think he lives , now content with the World and his place in it but do see how it can give others peace knowing he took his life. Suicide isn't always a cowards way out as some would tell you , for some it's purely an end of the road which they have tired of travelling and feel it's completed. I hope he writes more thoughtful shows as i'd definitely watch but please don't ever make a 4th series of After Life. It is already perfection whichever way you see the ending.
I thought the final scene was brilliant as was the children's hospice scene where Tony lied about his belief in God and heaven to comfort/support the little child. So moving and a moment of sheer humanity.
Both scenes were comparable to the final scenes of Derek in the last episode of series 1 relating to his father who had abandoned him.
I really wanted him to say his bestman's speech...
Honestly I took the ending of him passing on. The reference of his wife and then her fading away, then the dog and then eventually Toni. So I had the impression that he eventually passed away. But was left wondering if he did because the dog was the final part of their life together and her memory, or he had nothing left to live for and then dies. Idk, I’m probably wrong.
All that being said I absolutely love this movie. Hands-down one of the best ones I’ve seen in a very long time. Full of so much emotion, life and wonder. It was just so real and wonderful. Strongly recommending it to anyone
I loved it. i went back and watched all three seasons again and picked up things I had not seen the first time.
After Life overall was amazing. It was a little formulaic with each episode but, there are some absolutely GENIUS moments! Ricky Gervais is on a completely different planet. Keep it flowing RG!!
Just brilliant just love Ricky how he puts the series together and yes ep 3 was so funny and the part where he met the children in hospital broke me couldn't wait to see the ending Ricky you are such an amazing man
I'm sure it's already been said but 0 chance the Tony character would kill himself and leave the dog. The dog and Anne on the bench saved him. Binged the entire final season with my daughters and there was 0 dry eyes during the final episode. Highest possible respect for Gervais and the entire cast/writers.
“Take a picture”…… took picture of him walking away without being asked. Brilliant ending all around.
Cried cried and cried, laughed and laughed, absolutely genius Ricky and cast, and Even more tears at the Ending, best show Ever.
What’s more depressing is the fact that the seasons only changed twice at the end possibly meaning Tony and his dog passed really soon after the ending at the fair
I'm thinking the last walk was pretty much all of his adult life. First he walked with the dog, then a while with Lisa and dog ... and so on.
@@manupkp Him and Lisa used to visit with their dog to the fair every year and then since he has learnt to live with some happiness he visits the fair with the dog till he passes away finally of natural cause and not suicide.
Just finished watching S3 and I can’t stop crying…
Brilliant show and very emotional. Ricky can pump out hilarious content and can also create a tear jearker. He is a genius.
How I saw the ending is... Tony was walking the same route, over many years, to re-live the memories of walking that same route with Lisa. As the passage of time goes on, with autumn coming and going, many years past and his dog eventually dies - yet he carries on walking the same route. That route became even more sentimental to him, like it was the last physical manifestation of all the things he loved - the trees, the smell of the park, everything that he experienced with both Lisa and his beloved dog. Eventually Tony passes too, but whether that was down to finally crumbling due to losing everything, I'm not sure.
I cried like a baby watching the last scene as I realised how symbolic that walk was. It wasn't just a metaphysical concept to me, but quite literally happened.
The scenes with Tony and Anne were my favorite. I loved the show and the ending, Ricky is very talented and the way he left the ending so everyone could interpret as they wanted it, THAT was writing we don't see much of anymore. There was no real happily ever after for everyone, because....life goes on.
Agree with all this. This had me laughing and crying in equal measure. His work is always of an incredible standard of wit and heartbreak. The thread that runs through all his work is that of socially awkward characters who may seem like idiots on the surface but actually are people who just want to be loved and accepted for who they are. It’s what makes his work so beautiful, the ordinary person that we can all relate to going through life’s struggles in search of happiness.
Exactly!
The ending confused me as why did Lenny look at the picture that he took of tony twice ?
I've literally been searching for an answer for this for days. It's the only part i can't make any sense of.
What happened to Mandeep Dhillon? Was sad to see she didn't return to the last series,
Same with Roisin Conaty who played Roxie, Im guessing maybe scheduling issues? or maybe Ricky felt they did not serve the story
Absolutely AMAZING show. Utter genius writing
Cried, laughed and cried some more. Perfect ending to a perfect journey
Just beautiful life is but a season for which we cannot slow down or capture again this ending has had a profound effect me on it really has yes I cried lots and watching this again it makes me ache for time past and friends lost and inability to retrieve that lost time.
The big clue was the dog going first. if he had decided to end it, he would have made sure the dog lived on.
What an emotional roller coaster these 3 seasons have been. Brilliant show!
Regarding the ending… my first spontaneous feel was that he took his own life. However, now after I’ve thought about it some more I think the positive explanation given in this video seems more likely.
Certainly wasn't about them 'all being together eventually' neither Gervais nor his character believe in any kind of 'after life' but makes the point that the time we spend together is brief but it has a lasting impact upon us.
Afterlife .. an absolute masterpiece.
Im so glad that they didnt kill off the dog in this season
One aspect I loved about this story is that Tony didn’t end up with the nurse. He had enough insight to know he would be using her as a crutch which wouldn’t have been fair to her. He couldn’t give her what she deserved and she realised that as well. Their friendship remained which would of lasted which makes it more meaningful
I’ve had a little bit of time of to process it and I do think that the ending was good, though I wonder if maybe After Life needed a full season 3. I found the pacing in this one to be a little strange- maybe if he had ended it the same way Derek ended, with a movie, we might have had a more concise story to close a wonderful series with.
Love the way some of the character arcs ended, like Kath’s and Matt’s but others left me kinda…unsatisfied. Also, I was kinda sad we didn’t get to see Sandy or Roxy. Love both of those characters, a shame they didn’t get at least one scene. But overall, it was definitely powerful, especially that final shot. I’m eager to see what Gervais does next.
Just got done watching it. I Ricky Gervais always made me laugh, but he can legitimately deliver the Drama. I'm still wiping tears. Excellent show. It ended beautifully. The only way to continue the show would have to make any of the Side characters as the main. But, I really hope they don't.
Takes a lot to make me cry. This did. Moving and real.
Well, it's clear he didn't take his own life as they cleverly added the detail of his dog fading away before he did. This to me symbolized that Tony died naturally.
I sobbed outloud when the dog faded away
I love and adore this series. 1 Question: Who is the singer of "Both Sides Now" at the end.? It doesn't sound like Joni Mitchell....I love the version that they played with this particular singer.
Thanks for such a lovely review ❤️✅
Season 3 is okay best I just hated those 2 guys they were so loud and obnoxious and cringy so I was glad they got beaten up but ending i felt mixed feelings i wish Emma was there I wished they ended on season 2 tbh.
Yep. Totally agree.
Final episode: TEARS !!!! So many TEARS !!!! The journey over the last 3 seasons was emotional, the finale was indescribably brilliant
I think after his dog passed he ended up committing suicide as there was very little time in between the dog fading and him compared to the wife and the dog. He couldn't live alone.
''And the seasons, they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return, we can only look
Behind, from where we came
And go round and round and round, in the circle game''...........
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mitchell Joni
Brilliant review on a brilliant show
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review!
It made me laugh, it made me think and it made me cry……I loved it!❤️❤️❤️
Tony was an angel, he just didn't know it, when Lenny took the photo at the and and looked at the camera Tony wasn't there, that's why he looked puzzled.
Knowing Ricky Gervais and the character he created in Tony, I really believe he wouldn’t have taken his own life after telling the little lad at the hospital he would see him everyday until he gets better 💙
I think at the end of season 2 it was heading in the direction of him moving on with the care worker even though she wouldn’t compete with his wife, and it’s kind of bittersweet this ending because we know that his life wouldn’t have been as happy going forward, without Lisa. All his friends had moved on and formed new relationships, and he was left with just his dog until the end of his days. The ending reminded me a bit like watership down - a new generation comes and life goes on