December 25th 2024.
As I watched the finale of Gavin and Stacey, a feeling of bittersweet nostalgia washed over me. The scene where Smithy and his group of stags are standing in a nightclub, watching the foam party in front of them, struck a chord within me. It was a moment of realization that this chapter of their lives, which they once enjoyed so much, was over. And just like that, they had to move on. It was a poignant parallel to how I felt about the show itself.
It's been a whopping 17 years since we were first introduced to the lovable characters of Gavin and Stacey, played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page. We've been on a journey with them, witnessing their first date, their engagement, marriage, and the arrival of their baby. Along the way, we've also been introduced to their quirky families – the Shipmans and the Wests – and the colorful characters in their lives. It's no wonder that the show has become a part of British culture, with 18 million viewers tuning in for the 2019 Christmas special.
But when the credits rolled five years ago, I was among the many fans who were left wanting more. It didn't feel like the story was over when the show ended in 2010, and even the one-off reunion didn't quite satisfy our cravings. However, as much as I would have loved to see sporadic new episodes of Gavin and Stacey, I have to admit that it's time to say goodbye. And thankfully, the creators Ruth Jones and James Corden – who also play Nessa and Smithy – are in agreement, declaring that this is truly the end.
One of the things that made Gavin and Stacey so special was its authenticity. The characters were relatable, and we could see ourselves or people we know reflected in them. Personally, I like to think I'm a Pam. We've been through pretty much every scenario that an "every family" faces, and the show has squeezed out as much drama as it possibly could. It's time to let go before they push it too far, and I commend the team for bowing out on their own terms. It's better to leave the viewers with positive memories than to keep them watching out of loyalty instead of genuine interest.
The latest and final episode of Gavin and Stacey picks up five years after the last reunion, and we're thrown back into the lives of our favorite characters. We soon discover that Smithy is getting married...but not to Nessa. As the group discusses the upcoming wedding, we're led to believe that maybe, just maybe, Smithy and Nessa will finally give their relationship a proper chance. But then the first twist happens – Smithy is marrying Sonia, whom we met in the 2019 episode. It was a shock that left many of us gasping (literally, in my case).
The surprises don't stop there, as we soon learn that Gwen's secret boyfriend is none other than Dave Coaches. And just when we think things can't get any crazier, the third and final twist is revealed – Smithy admits to having feelings for Nessa. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and it all comes to a head at the wedding, where Smithy makes a last-minute dash to the port to stop Nessa from leaving for six months. And this time, he proposes marriage to her. It's the happy ending we've all been waiting for, and the wedding scene is filled with joyous moments.
But it's not just the big moments and laughs that make this finale a fitting end to the show. It's the little details – like Mick opening up about his struggles with Pam and Smithy stepping in to fill the void – that truly tug at our heartstrings. And as Nessa says her final goodbyes to her son Neil, we see the love between them in all its forms. It's a beautiful reminder that love comes in many shapes and sizes.
As a long-time fan, I also appreciated the many easter eggs scattered throughout the episode. From the first scene being a phone call between Gavin and Stacey (just like most episodes), to the callbacks to iconic moments like Pam telling Mick to "get a life" and Nessa packing Tic Tacs instead of a toothbrush for a trip to Essex. And of course, the fishing trip gag that we'll never truly know the outcome of – and that's what makes it even funnier.
As the wedding reception comes to a close, and we see our characters hugging, singing karaoke, and laughing, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia. It's not just the characters we're seeing, but also the actors who brought them to life. After nearly two decades of working together, this was their chance to say goodbye, and it's a fitting end to a beloved show.
Of course, it's undeniable that Gavin and Stacey has meant a lot to me over the years, as it has to many others. It's been my go-to comfort show, making me laugh on days when nothing else could. And while it's natural to want it to stick around, I also recognize that all good things must come to an end. And after three seasons, 22 episodes, and three Christmas specials, it's time to bid farewell to Gavin, Stacey, and their loved ones. But like the characters themselves, it's been a fun and crazy journey that I'll always cherish.
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