Hightown ended its third and final season on Friday. I thought the season and series finale was the best episode of the season, and the season in turn was the best of the three seasons.
First, as someone who spends several months or more a year on Cape Cod with my family, I'll admit that I was very likely to like the series. But it exceeded all my expectations, beginning with the theme song, "Vacation," the 1980's Textones's rendition of the 1980's Go-Go's song. It's plain and simply my favorite punk rock song, and most of the time the only punk rock I really like.
But let's get to the storyline of the final season.
[Spoilers ahead ... ]
In a phrase, the final episode of the final season wrapped everything up in a way that left a path wide open for a fourth season or a movie somewhere down the line.
I was glad to see Frankie killed. I was glad to see Jackie finally get in a sobre groove -- but I didn't like her siding with Alan against Ray. Hey, maybe that's just me, but I love the relationship Ray and Renee have, and I approve of him doing whatever is needed to protect her.
I'm also glad Osito is surviving and is thriving. Atkins Estimond did a great job in the role, and this is a good time to mention that the acting across the board was outstanding. Just think about the difference between Monica Raymund in Chicago Fire and what she did as Jackie in Hightown, where she delivered an Emmy-worthy performance. James Badge Dale as Ray was memorable, as was Riley Voelkel as Renee. Garret Dillahunt has been memorable on the screen for many years, and came through again as Shane in Hightown.
Let's talk about Hightown picking up the story some time in the future. As I said, there's more than enough room for that. Ray now being in Osito's pocket is more than enough for a season right there. It's the price he had to pay for protecting Renee., and it's a ticket for a future in the series. Jackie as a clean cop is a good story, made all the more powerful that she turned on Ray. In a new season or movie, I'd expect her to revisit that wrong decision.
Big thanks to everyone for putting together this unique and uniquely satisfying series, which I look forward to seeing some more of, someday.
See also Hightown 2.1: Switching Ups and Downs ... Hightown 2.2: Some of My Favorite Things ... Hightown 2.3: Dinners and Almost Dinners ... Hightown 2.4: Approaching Midseason Predictions ... Hightown 2.5: Bullets and Love ... Hightown 2.6: True Love and Deception ... Hightown 2.7: Getting Down to Business ... Hightown 2.8: The Devil His Due and Therapy for the Soul ... Hightown 2.9: Heroes and More Seasons ... Hightown 2.10: Brilliant End-Up, Looking for 3
And see also Hightown 1.1: Top-Notch Saltwater and Characters ... Hightown 1.2: Sludge and Sun ... Hightown 1.3: Dirty Laundry ... Hightown 1.4: Banging on the Hood ... Hightown 1.5-6: Turning Point and the Real True ... Hightown 1.7: Two Things ... Hightown 1.8: Up and Down and Up
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