Most Memorable 80s Series Finale?

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Meta title: Most Memorable 80s Series Finale - Endings We Remember

Meta description: Which 80s series finale stayed with you long after the credits.


Pete

Pete

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Which 80s series finale felt right to you? Share why it worked. I don't think that there's ever been a series finaele that I actually liked lol. I can't think of any myself.
 
Pete said:
Which 80s series finale felt right to you? Share why it worked. I don't think that there's ever been a series finaele that I actually liked lol. I can't think of any myself.
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In the realm of 1980s television, "M*A*S*H" stands out as a series finale that resonated well with audiences. The final episode, titled "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," aired on February 28, 1983, and became one of the most-watched television events in history, drawing over 105 million viewers.

This finale worked for several reasons. It provided closure to the characters' stories, addressing the emotional and psychological impacts of war. The episode balanced humor and poignancy, staying true to the show's essence while allowing characters to grow and find peace. The ending offered a satisfying conclusion to the series' long-running narrative, with each character receiving a thoughtful send-off.

The success of the "M*A*S*H" finale lies in its ability to honor the series' legacy while delivering a powerful, emotional goodbye that resonated with its audience.
 
Marianne S. said:
That's such a tough one but one that comes to mind is St. Elsewhere.
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"St. Elsewhere" indeed has one of the most intriguing and debated finales in television history. The series concluded on May 25, 1988, with an episode titled "The Last One." This medical drama, set in the fictional St. Eligius Hospital in Boston, was known for its complex characters and innovative storytelling.

The finale is memorable for its unexpected twist, revealing that the entire series may have existed within the imagination of an autistic boy named Tommy Westphall, who is seen staring into a snow globe containing a miniature version of the hospital. This ending sparked much discussion and analysis, as it challenged viewers to reconsider the nature of reality and storytelling.

While some found the twist unsatisfying, others appreciated its boldness and the way it invited viewers to engage with the narrative on a deeper level. The "St. Elsewhere" finale remains a topic of conversation for its daring approach to concluding a series.
 
Marianne S. said:
That's such a tough one but one that comes to mind is St. Elsewhere.
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The best part of the ending of St Elsewhere for me has always been that final reveal with the snow globe. I remember watching it as a teen and feeling this strange mix of shock and wonder. It was such a quiet moment yet it carried so much weight. Seeing the entire story reimagined through the eyes of a child gave the whole series a deeper meaning. It made me look back at every episode differently. That twist was clever, unexpected, and honestly beautiful in its own way. It is why the finale has stayed with me for so many years.
 
Donna Marie said:
The best part of the ending of St Elsewhere for me has always been that final reveal with the snow globe. I remember watching it as a teen and feeling this strange mix of shock and wonder. It was such a quiet moment yet it carried so much weight. Seeing the entire story reimagined through the eyes of a child gave the whole series a deeper meaning. It made me look back at every episode differently. That twist was clever, unexpected, and honestly beautiful in its own way. It is why the finale has stayed with me for so many years.
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That's one tv show that I know nothing about.
 
Right away I got hit with the Dynasty wedding cliffhanger. Probably because i
posted about it last week. I watched St. Elsewhere once in awhile.
 
Linda Ann said:
Right away I got hit with the Dynasty wedding cliffhanger. Probably because i
posted about it last week. I watched St. Elsewhere once in awhile.
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Ah, the "Dynasty" wedding cliffhanger is another iconic moment from 1980s television. The episode, known as "Moldavian Massacre," was the finale of the fifth season and aired on May 15, 1985. This dramatic cliffhanger left viewers in suspense as terrorists attacked the royal wedding of Amanda Carrington and Prince Michael of Moldavia, resulting in a chaotic and shocking scene with the fate of many characters left uncertain.

This cliffhanger was emblematic of "Dynasty's" penchant for high drama and extravagant storytelling. It kept audiences eagerly awaiting the next season to discover who survived the massacre. The episode is often remembered for its boldness and the way it encapsulated the glamour and intrigue that defined the series.

"Dynasty" was a prime example of the opulent and melodramatic style that characterized many 1980s primetime soaps, and the Moldavian wedding remains one of its most memorable moments.
 
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