My Review of The Last Man on Earth
Tonight I finished watching The Last Man on Earth, and I have to say, the ending left me utterly shocked. The abrupt cancellation of the fifth season was a huge disappointment. It left so many unresolved questions, and as a viewer, it feels unfair not to get closure after investing in the characters and storyline. Why didn’t they at least give the creators an opportunity to make a feature-length final episode to tie up all the loose ends? Instead, we’re left with lingering mysteries that will never be solved:
- What is Jasper’s real name? Throughout his time on the show, Jasper never revealed his true name. This mystery could have added a layer of intrigue to his character, but instead, it remained a frustrating loose end. A name holds so much significance, and revealing it could have helped us understand him better or added emotional weight to his backstory.
- Why does Jasper prefer living alone like a hermit? Jasper’s behavior is one of the most puzzling aspects of the show. He’s a young child, and typically, children crave attention, companionship, and guidance. Yet, he actively chooses solitude and avoids forming connections with others. What happened to him before meeting the group? Was there a traumatic event in his past that made him distrustful of people? Unfortunately, the show never delved into his psychology, leaving his character feeling incomplete and underexplored.
- Who were the people from the underground bunker? The final moments of the series introduced a completely new group of people emerging from an underground shelter. Their appearance was ominous, they stared at the main characters with suspicion, almost as if they were a threat. Who were they? How had they survived so long? What were their intentions toward the group? This could have set up an incredible storyline for the next season, exploring themes of trust, survival, and power dynamics. Instead, the series ended abruptly, leaving viewers in the dark.
Character Reviews:
- Phil (Tandy): Phil was both the heart of the show and its most frustrating character. In the first season, he was unbearable, his primary focus was on satisfying his own desires, especially his obsession with sex. He came across as selfish, immature, and completely oblivious to the needs of others. Watching him manipulate situations just to get closer to women was infuriating, especially since the apocalypse should have been an opportunity for him to evolve as a person.However, as the show progressed, Phil’s character developed in interesting ways. While he never entirely shed his annoying traits, his chaotic energy and quirky personality made him unique. He had a knack for misunderstanding situations, which led to hilariously awkward moments, like the time Gail told him they were "more than friends," and he assumed she wanted to sleep with him when she was actually referring to them being like family. These misunderstandings made Phil simultaneously entertaining and pitiable, as his deep need for acceptance often blinded him to the reality of his relationships.
- Melissa: Melissa’s character had an intriguing, darker edge compared to the rest of the group. She was unpredictable, which made her both fascinating and concerning. Her untreated mental illness was a major plot point, and her refusal to take medication created tension within the group. This aspect of her character was an opportunity to explore themes of mental health in a post-apocalyptic world, but the show didn’t go deep enough. How does someone cope with such challenges when access to treatment and support is nonexistent? Despite her erratic behavior, Melissa brought a unique dynamic to the group, and her moments of vulnerability were some of the most compelling in the series.
What I Didn’t Like:
- Phil’s Brother (Mike): Mike’s immaturity was infuriating. His constant pranks on Phil often went too far, undermining the emotional depth of their sibling relationship. One of the worst moments was when he shaved Phil’s hair as a joke, something that felt incredibly petty, especially given the dire circumstances of their world. While their sibling rivalry added humor, it could have been balanced with more heartfelt moments of reconciliation and support.
- Phil 2: His jealousy of Phil (Tandy) was another low point in the show. Instead of dealing with his feelings maturely, he let his envy over Carol drive him to violence, even going as far as physically attacking Phil. His inability to handle conflict constructively made him difficult to sympathize with, even though he had moments of kindness.
- The Deaths: Several deaths in the series felt abrupt and poorly executed, like Lewis’s death in the plane crash. Lewis had become an important character, and his death felt like a lazy way to create drama. It robbed the audience of a deeper exploration of his storyline and the relationships he was building with the group.
- Phil’s Behavior: Phil’s inability to stop talking at inappropriate times was maddening. While it was often played for laughs, it sometimes made him come across as inconsiderate and exhausting. His behavior alienated others in the group and frequently created unnecessary tension.
What Surprised Me:
- Carol’s Childbirths: The portrayal of Carol’s labor was completely unrealistic. She gave birth to two children without any signs of pain or difficulty, which felt absurd, especially in a world without medical care. This was a missed opportunity to show the real challenges of childbirth in a post-apocalyptic setting.
- The Cities’ Unrealistic State: The show’s depiction of the post-apocalyptic world lacked believability in certain aspects. Cities were eerily clean, with cars neatly parked and no signs of chaos. In reality, you’d expect to see abandoned vehicles on highways, evidence of mass evacuations, and signs of panic. The absence of such details made the world feel less immersive.
- Mike’s Childish Behavior: Mike’s reunion with Phil should have been emotional and uplifting, but instead, it was overshadowed by his childish pranks. It felt like a wasted opportunity to explore the bond between two brothers navigating the end of the world.
- Pat’s Survival: Pat’s ability to survive being hit by a van, and later a gunshot to the head, was completely unrealistic. It defied all logic and made it hard to take his character seriously. At times, it felt like the show bent the rules of reality just to keep certain characters alive.
What I Loved
- The Group Becoming a Family: Despite all their differences and conflicts, the group gradually evolved into a family. Watching them form deep bonds and learn to rely on one another was heartwarming, especially in such a bleak setting.
- Finding the Dog: As a dog lover, I found the moment when they found a dog incredibly touching. It was a small but meaningful reminder of hope and companionship in a desolate world.
Final Thoughts
While The Last Man on Earth had its flaws, it was a uniquely creative and entertaining show that didn’t deserve to be canceled without a proper conclusion. Its humor, combined with moments of genuine emotion, made it stand out from other post-apocalyptic series. I rated it 8/10 on IMDb, deducting two stars for the unresolved questions and unrealistic moments I mentioned earlier. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the series and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quirky comedy with a touch of heart.
I discovered it through Disney Plus’s recommendations, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. The show may not be perfect, but it offers a memorable experience that stays with you long after it ends.
