Published by Mason Oldridge, 6 December 2022
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Dead to Me wraps up its twisting narrative in the third and final season of Netflix’s tragicomedy.
Season 3 picks up where the second season ended, with Ben having crashed into Jen and Judy in a drink-driving accident. The hit-and-run brings the story full circle as each character has now hurt one another in some way. The series' trademark twists and turns are in full swing as well, as Judy is diagnosed with terminal cancer and Jen is pregnant with Ben. The season then follows the investigation into Steve’s death following the discovery of his body as the ladies deal with their new situations.
While new cans of worms may have been opened, the season did a pretty good job at closing them too. However, there were a couple of controversial decisions made in bringing closure to the narrative. In the penultimate episode, Agent Moranis is found dead as the camera switches between the multiple suspects. This can be justified in that the cause of death is less important than the effect of death, as Jen and Judy can be exonerated for Steve’s murder as the Greek Mafia are blamed.
Furthermore, on their holiday to Mexico, Judy tells Jen she isn’t returning home. While it was wise to take the more realistic approach of Judy dying, we see Jen and family mourn the death of Judy without confirming she has died yet, making the scenes less authentic and also suggesting Judy was left to die alone rather than with support.
The finale closes with the bittersweet ending of Ben playing with the boys in the pool as Jen and baby lay poolside. Ben unknowingly playing in the pool that his brother was murdered in is a sign that this final secret can’t be left untold. Jen says “Ben, I have to tell you something” before the screen cuts to black. Although audiences are left to interpret the aftermath of this themselves, this reveal should have taken place earlier in order to conclude the series with Ben’s confirmed forgiveness, which could have been justified by Steve’s cruelty and Ben’s involvement in the hit-and-run. Nevertheless, this is a gripping series with a decent conclusion.
8/10