entertainment

Love story season finale: a bittersweet nostalgic end

The finale of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette brought a bittersweet close to the addictive series.

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Bittersweet ending

Bittersweet ending

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From the opening scene of Carolyn getting her nails done to the devastating plane crash, the season finale was a rollercoaster of emotions.

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John Slattery's dashing appearance as Talia Balsam's husband in a rare acting turn was a highlight, if somewhat distracting from the core storyline.

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The couples therapy session felt invasive and awkward, with Carolyn and John's differing views on the state of their marriage on full display.

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Seeing Paul Anthony Kelly's character smoking a cigarette in a dimly lit bar was a visual delight, but the question remained: how much is Radiohead being paid for these nostalgic cameos?

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The most explicit sex scene this season finally gave fans what they craved, even if it was a bit gratuitous.

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The flashbacks to John and Carolyn's passionate elevator kisses were a reminder of their intense love, but the mystery of who had Friday, their anniversary, remained unsolved.

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Rory's wedding, with Caroline's stylish sunglasses, was a poignant moment, but hearing the Bessette sisters' plans for the fateful flight made for uncomfortable viewing.

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Caryn Kipping's stylish dresses and 90s fashion were on full display, from Carolyn's sleek outfits to Caroline's trendy ensembles.

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References to Dido's music, once ubiquitous, now seem nostalgic, but the show's inclusion kept the 90s vibes strong.

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At the George gala, Carolyn shone, and the show's exploration of The Rules and societal expectations around relationships felt timely, even if sometimes heavy-handed.

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John's backwards baseball cap, a symbol of his laid-back persona, was an interesting choice, straddling the line between lesbian chic and frat boy.

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The revelation that Caroline wasn't even planning to attend the wedding John and Carolyn were heading to at the time of their deaths hit hard, emphasizing the cruel twist of fate.

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Picking up inside the plane in the moments before the crash, while poignant, felt unnecessary, and the montage of news reports and the aftermath for the families was gut-wrenching.

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Grace Gummer's performance as young Carolyn was a standout, and Constance Zimmer's portrayal of Ann-Marie was equally compelling, especially her explosive confrontation with Ed.

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Ethel Kennedy's powerful declaration,