In the final episode of the first season of Dead Like Me, the anniversary of George’s death comes around. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Dead Like Me.
“Rest in Peace” is… peaceful. Seriously!
- I definitely want to see more of these people, and the reveal that there are CHILD REAPERS makes me need to know so much more about this fictional universe, but you know what? I’m happy. If the show had ended after one season, it would have left pretty much everything wrapped up: George’s relationship with Delores; Reggie and Joy coming to terms with George’s death; George accepting her undead life. You get the picture. I will write predictions for season two, though! They’ll be attached to tomorrow’s review.
- Anyway, two days off in a row! Things were looking up for George, so of course everything had to be ruined fairly quickly. Really, Delores had every reason to reject George’s request for her job back. While I will forever appreciate George’s takedown of Mr. Fingerman, she did quit Happy Town by using Happy Town to find herself a better paying job, and then she quit within the first five minutes. Delores even threw George a racist going-away party! Come on!
- Whether or not some divine force was at work, George’s day takes an interesting turn. Actually, everyone’s day is fascinating. Rube meets a yoga instructor who tries to inspire him to get more involved, to find a way to enjoy the life he has. Mason finds someone who is sexually attracted to him for who he is. Quite literally, actually! AND IT’S JEWEL STAITE, so that’s pretty awesome. Also, watching Mason get repeatedly slapped is strangely soothing, you know?
- SO LET’S DISCUSS CHILD REAPERS. Jesus, WHY??? WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THIS WHOLE THING, AND WHY WOULD THEY CONSIDER CHILD REAPERS TO BE A GOOD THING? Holy shit, the more I think about that kid and his pet-reaping job, the more horrified I am. The kid was clearly filthy and had no place to stay. Now, we still have no justification or explanation for why certain people get made into reapers. It all seems random so far. But if these people need to meet their quota as some sort of penance, what on earth did that child do to earn an undead life reaping souls? How long must he wander the earth before he gets to move on? Who is his boss, and why isn’t that person taking care of him? I am fully aware of the fact that I have over-analyzed the fuck out of this small detail, but I can’t stop thinking about it! I really hope we learn more about the reaper universe in season two.
- I just adore Delores, okay? I do, and it broke my heart to see her so upset over Murray. (Who is a cutie pie, y’all.) I’ve lost a lot of pets over the years, and it’s a pain that is visceral and haunting. Again, I’m thankful that the writers and Christine Willes have chosen to portray Delores with such sincerity because I don’t think I’d be as into her character if she were nothing but a punchline. As her life crumbles before her, we see her in a rare and vulnerable state. It’s so unlike the confident and positive ray of sunshine that Delores usually is! And in this, George steps up to be a friend. She knows she can’t stop death, and yet her first reaction is to protect Delores and Murray. She doesn’t even think twice about this, y’all, and I’ll interpret that as a sign that she genuinely cares for her old boss.
- This episode is also framed by the Lass family coping with the one-year anniversary of George’s death. I’ll just come out and say it: I don’t like Clancy at all. The work this show had done to sympathize him in “Sunday Mornings” has been entirely undone. The man is wooden, inconsiderate, and he is certainly not being faithful anymore. He’s not even hiding it at this point. Why does he keep his cell phone with him at all times? GOD, YOU’RE SUCH AN AWFUL PERSON THAT YOU’RE NOT EVEN THAT GOOD AT BEING AWFUL. Even on the anniversary of his daughter’s death, he has nothing to say to her. He can’t even be decent on that one day. I DON’T LIKE HIM.
- Each of these recent episodes moves Joy and Reggie closer, and I love seeing it, y’all.
- OH MY GOD, GEORGE CAN GO BACK TO HAPPY TIME. YES.
- The whole champagne scene gave me FEELINGS. So good, I swear. These people are glad to have George in their undead lives, and I just feel so great. Like I said. It’s a peaceful end to this season. I’m interested to see more!
The video commission for this episode is now archived on MarkDoesStuff.com for just $0.99!
Mark Links Stuff
– I have been nominated for a Hugo in the Fan Writer category! If you’d like more information or to direct friends/family to vote for me, I have a very informational post about what I do that you can pass along and link folks to!
– I have announced what the next books I am reading on Mark Reads will be, as well as updated y’all on the events, cons, tour dates, GOING TO EUROPE OH MY GOD, and general shenaniganry going on in my life. I have a similar post up on Mark Watches, detailing the next two shows I’m doing as well as the return of Double Features, and I finally explain what happened with my Vimeo account. Check these posts out!
- Mark Reads Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is now published and available for purchase! It’s available in ebook AND physical book format, and you can also get a discount for buying the ENTIRE SET of digital books: $25 for 7 BOOKS!!!
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