What I’m Watching: Maniac (Series Finale)

Maniac: Season 1, Episode 10 “Option C” (B+)

Well, that’s it. While I did like the way that this episode ended, I’m not sure it necessitated everything that’s happened up until now. James and Azumi seemed so genuinely relieved to see everyone wake up, demonstrating just how little control they had over what was going on. It’s definitely for the best that they won’t be conducting more experiments going forward, and they seem to give each other what they need, which is helpful given their oddball personalities. Greta proudly telling James that she was going on a book tour on all seven continents was preposterously over-the-top (Antarctica hardly seems like a stop for that). I preferred the endings that we got for our two protagonists, who took unexpected steps that they likely would not have before their participation in the trial. I was curious if we would see Annie’s father after she started yelling at him to get out of the pod in the backyard, and there was Hank Azaria in a far more subdued role than I’ve seen him in recently on “Brockmire,” comforting her in the best way he could when she claimed that she was the daughter who shouldn’t have lived. Hiring a Friend Proxy Owen to go with her on a road trip didn’t end up working out, but it did inspire her to go rescue the friend who very much needed her. Owen turning his brother in on the stand was a bold move that showed his true bravery, and his family rewarded him for it by committing him. Playing through the options of what could happen if he looked Annie up was interesting, delving into what’s real and what’s not, and it was great to see her show up and insist that they make a run for it. It’s possible I’d be up for more of these characters, though I think the format would have to change. I don’t think a renewal is likely though, given the mixed reactions. I’m happy that I made it through and perfectly happy to say goodbye.

Series grade: B
Series MVP: Emma Stone