In Carol & the End of the World, extinction is imminent as a planet is hurtling towards Earth, and whilst most feel liberated to pursue their dreams, one anxious, quiet woman stands alone, feeling lost amongst the masses. Across ten episodes we watch as our anxious, quiet protagonist Carol searches for some meaning and purpose before the world ends, from relationships to office jobs to trying to fit in with the crowds. Through this journey the series has its audience asking the important and heart-pounding questions about life — what’s the point? Why are we here? What would I do in this situation? The ending of Season 1, revealed in Episode 10, hopes to provide answers to some of these existential questions.
Whilst this is a series about death, it’s refreshing in its simplicity, and it reassures audiences that it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to be the downer when everyone else is positively partying.
Carol & The End of the World Season 1 Episode 10 Recap
Carol is on a simple quest to find her passion, something she loves, before the world implodes. Carol ends up discovering a “workplace” where she can spend time, rather than watching television at home alone.
With everyone else being more extravagant in their time before the world ends, Carol finding a workplace as her sanctuary is a nod to people currently wasting their lives at work now. It can also be a gentle reminder that it’s okay to be happy and content in your life — if you’re happy in your office job, that is absolutely fine. Life is about finding your happiness, in whatever form it takes.
The final episode begins with everyone in the office slowly beginning to cry until the entire room is sobbing. A convulsive wave of emotions sweeps the office, causing an outcry and opening an investigation by HR. Who and what caused this must be held accountable (no feelings/nothing personal in the office space, remember.)
Whilst Carol is timid, she is the only person in the office to take an interest in her colleagues. Striking conversation, learning their names and their hobbies. Making the office environment a better place — office dogs and lunchtime Spanish classes. Therefore, her friendly ways have caused a disruption and she is to blame.
Carol takes her colleagues to the abandoned Applebees that she frequents. Word spreads of their joyous time and Carol is blamed for disrupting the peace the office was designed for.
How does Carol & the End of the World Season 1 end?
The Distraction (the company) was simply a place to work and keep your mind off things before Carol showed up. Carol has now made people “feel”. The HR devil woman is on a mission to stop Carol, but she turns up to one of their “happy hour” times at Applebee’s and like magic, is turned. Kathleen is enjoying drinks and Karaoke. Kathleen then ends the investigation and Carol’s job is safe.
The final shots are of people enjoying their time at Applebee’s and Carol seems content. The ending shots are of Carol saying goodnight as the world looks like it’s about to end, and Kathleen is alone on a bus. Full circle, as we began with a bus scene, but this shows Carol’s character development, as she isn’t the one alone.
It’s a wholesome ending, affirming for an apocalypse show, and I felt fulfilled.
What happens to Carol?
Carol goes on a journey of self-discovery at a time when time is limited. Even in her voice, we hear higher tones as she begins to feel happier in her work and life – possibly distracted by the impending doom. Here she makes friends, and the world feels a little more normal for her. Carol is unapologetically herself – and through this, she finds a peaceful way to spend her last year on earth.
The series ends with everyone alive – we don’t see the world implode so there is the possibility it doesn’t happen, and if it doesn’t, Carol has built herself a happy, decent little life and ends the series happier than when it started. There is an interaction with her parents where they get engaged to their live-in nurse, but I did want something from between them and Carol. They could have gotten married at Applebee’s – something ridiculous and over the top for the final episode.
What did you think of the ending of Carol & The End of the World? Comment below.
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