Much like this episode title suggests, going into this finale I felt like Complications was in critical condition. Everything was a mess with John’s secret life and his web of lies caving in on him. Every character was in danger and it was looking like there was no way out of the situation, but…surprise, surprise! In the end, everything worked out pretty well for John.
The opening of this episode had me more than a little worried. After Detective Holden announced that Darius was wanted for a teenager’s murder, I thought maybe I should reconsider my favorite character. After the flashback to the murder in question at the beginning of this episode, I was really hoping that it wasn't Darius because it was truly terrible and I wouldn’t have forgiven him. Thankfully, it was revealed that Darius was innocent and it was actually Detective Holden! This whole time he’s been a dirty cop and just trying to keep the gang war going so that nobody would suspect that he was actually the killer and stole all the drug money. I have to admit I wasn't really expecting this twist, as they brought it in so last minute, but I was happy that this was the way it all turned out. I remember wondering, back in my review for the pilot, why John wouldn't just go to the police and then saying the best explanation was police corruption. I let go of that theory long ago because the police were never a huge part of the story until the end and I thought that the characters would have some sort of suspicion but it was never mentioned. So, even though everything was a bit far-fetched, I guess it’s good that he never went to the police. In a lot of ways this ending felt very convenient and out of nowhere but it’s the only way that John gets out of this clean. Although, one character that didn’t do too well with this storyline was Darius. I was devastated when Holden shot him. He was actually an interesting character with complexities and depth and then he was just gone. I wish they hadn’t killed him, but I can see how in order for John to be permanently free from the gang, it had to happen. It just sucks that it had to be at Darius’ expense. They didn't give very much info on how they were going to cover up the shooting at the clinic, maybe that was purposeful and that’s something they would want to cover in season two, but it all just felt a bit rushed and not thought through very well.
I really enjoyed Gretchen’s scenes in this episode. I actually came to like her over the course of the season, which I was not expecting. She was a huge part of helping save Antoine and she really brought a lot to the story. I wish we had gotten a bit more of her and her sister’s story and background. I would have enjoyed seeing more on how she went from who she was before getting involved in the insurance scam and who she is now but I guess John and his never ending problems were more important. Speaking of John’s problems, this episode also showed Sam and John making up and getting over their fight over her infidelity. Honestly, that storyline was very tired and overdone so I’m happy everyone’s over it. They had bigger issues to deal with and really they both did bad things so it kind of cancels out.
Overall, the finale was as overdramatic and unrealistic as ever but it was entertaining. I wish this story had been a TV movie or something, because it did feel a bit drawn out. At the very least they probably could have lowered the episode count to 8 instead of 10. I enjoyed this show, for the most part, when I watched it but it was never a “must watch” for me. It was an interesting mix of entertainment from the actual story/characters and just the pure ridiculousness of it. I’m not sure if I’m on board for a season two…or if it even has a chance at that, but it did do a good job of wrapping things up and setting up a possible season two story. It doesn't sound like it would be as exciting as this one, but with the sketchy cancer clinics it would be more personal for John, so at least it would make more sense why he would feel responsibility to intervene. I guess his life just never gets less complicated.
Well, it’s been fun reviewing Complications. What did you think of the finale and the overall season? Do you think there’s hope for a season two? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading!
About the Author - Kate Sidwell
Kate is a 24 year old, USA based, Psychology/Public Health Researcher - but that’s just her day job! In her spare time she is an avid TV watcher (some may even say addict!!). Some of her favorite shows are Jane the Virgin, Bates Motel, The Flash, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Rookie Blue, Silicon Valley, Beauty and the Beast, Sleepy Hollow, The 100, The Mindy Project, Pretty Little Liars, Once Upon a Time, The Royals, Orphan Black…so pretty much too many to count and a huge variety! She’ll give pretty much any show a chance! She also devotes a lot of time to her tumblr (
eat-sleep-breathe-tv.tumblr.com) where you can find her reviewing and commenting on most of these shows and just generally fangirling! She’s excited to be writing for SpoilerTV on Complications, Baby Daddy, Proof, Switched at Birth, Secrets and Lies, and Minority Report!
