Grace and Frankie, the final episodes, a loving farewell

Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in Grace and Frankie

The final episodes of Grace and Frankie were told with tenderness and affection. The two key relationships – Grace and Frankie and Sol and Robert – were written as the beautiful love stories they had always been. Everyone is getting older and that isn’t always roses and rainbows, but they age with love. Spoilers ahead.

The episodes began with Nick (Peter Gallagher) out of prison and living with Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin). He wore an ankle bracelet and couldn’t leave the house. Grace wanted him gone so she could be with Frankie. The women had a business prospect for their lifting toilet and he was a problem to have around.

Frankie was told by her psychic that she would die in three months. This news consumed much of the drama in the episodes, with Frankie throwing her own funeral. Something happened at the funeral that put Grace and Frankie at heaven’s door, which was guarded by the Angel Agnes (Dolly Parton). That was a fun but brief 9 to 5 reunion.

Secondary characters and guest stars have always been one of Grace and Frankie’s most fun aspects, and they maintained that quality to the very end.

Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston in Grace and Frankie

Robert (Martin Sheen) and Sol (Sam Waterston) were struggling with Robert’s memory loss. Sol was so sweet in taking care of Robert and keeping him safe. It was beautifully written and turned their love story into a classic romance.

Jane Fonda, June Diane Raphael, and Brooklyn Decker in Grace and Frankie

In the younger generation, Mallory (Brooklyn Decker) was running Say Grace. Brianna (June Diane Raphael) was as prickly and problematic as ever. Except at the end Brianna did something nice for her sister. Possibly the first time in her life, and promising a kinder, gentler Brianna.

Ethan Embry, Lindsey Kraft, and Baron Vaughn in Grace and Frankie

Bud (Baron Vaughn) was tired of being a divorce lawyer. He wanted to do stand-up comedy instead. His wife, Allison (Lindsey Kraft) was okay with this. Coyote (Ethan Embry) was about to get married to Jessica (Christine Woods). Frankie wanted this to happen immediately because of the three month projected limit on her lifespan.

Grace had some personal revelations about herself and her childhood that helped her grow. Dealing with Frankie’s certainty that her end was upon them also brought the love these two felt for each other out in the open. It was acknowledged aloud. Amazing, at least on Grace’s part. It wasn’t romantic love like Robert and Sol, but it was powerful and all-important to them both.

I feel like Grace and Frankie was a gift made especially for me. Representation matters in terms of age, too!

Grace and Frankie has been one of the all time best things on television. It’s funny, it’s poignant, it makes needed statements on age, life, and love. I’m sorry it’s over.

Thank you for 7 seasons of wonderful to everyone who worked on this series. Well Done!

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