Endings

I think, with new birth comes ends as well.

That theory or philosophy has been stated in so many ways before and I agree with it. It is, at the very least, an optimistic way to think about endings. These ends can instead be seen as mere changes in life and lifestyle.

There have been varying levels of ends recently. As far as TV goes, and for anyone who knows me - this is significant on some level - Lost and 24, as series, have ended. Lost was beautiful. As any bold ending it - it provokes questions, controversy, hatred, and love. And I think that is how the show always was - a mixture of those, sometimes all within one person. But LOST in it's ending returned to what it was from the beginning - a story about people, finding themselves, and each other, regardless of the circumstances or obstacles the world had in store for them. For the first time in a while, LOST made me feel for the characters and care about what was happening to them, and it did so for 2 and a half hours straight - something it has not done in a while. There are plenty of other sites, and blogs, and analysts out there to delve into this more.

24 has had many its rough moments. A show that came on so strong, hit a road block in its 6th season - really teetering on the edge of ruining its legacy. It took a year off to 'find' itself and came back with a 7th season that was more high powered, more action packed, and probably more farfetched than any of the previous seasons. It was an improvement on the 6th and still entertaining to watch. In season 8, the writers took a step back. They realized how absolutely bizare the show had become in its action and toned it down. Full episodes would occur, this year, without a single physical violent act. It was never a show that functioned on a high level of acting skills or dialogue, and this was apparent, but the effort was notable.

Season 8 was not the best but it was still a very good season. It had plenty of bumps, but in the end, its finale, the farwell to the series - one that literally changed television forever (and for the better) it left me, and I assume most fans, extremely satisfied. It did not need to end on an assassination or city explosions. A show that was born out of action, ended on drama and it did so successfully. The emotional tension on screen tonight and the final scenes between the leads in the show really were prime. I could not be happier with the final hours of such a phenomenon.

TV will be different. The two biggest powerhouses (reality tv doesnt count and so you won't hear me praising American Idol despite its viewership) have come to a close. The two shows that dominated conversations in regard to tv shows for most of the decade are now over. It's been wild rides for both and I don't feel at all lacking in their departure.

Another and more life significant ending came this week with the end of my college career. This post, however, is too long and I am not quite ready to reflect on that yet. Let's just say that with endings - despite the difficulty in letting go - there comes new opportunities, change, and progress. Today was my first day of work. Looking ahead, at this week alone, I am in for a real increase in pace. Summer vacation, free time, weekly days off - things of the past. But this new adventure is one I am not only ready for, but excited for. Tomorrow is day 2.