'Damages': Now you don't owe me nothin'!

That, folks, was a season (series?) finale. No Journey, no cut to black, no stupid Meadow trying and failing to parallel park.

After last week's episode, I was crabby that "Damages" seemingly took the easy way out, with assorted henchmen being responsible for David's murder and the attack on Ellen.

But here's the thing: Assorted henchmen were responsible for those crimes -- but silly me, I underestimated Patty's deep, deep need to win, no matter what the obstacles.

Here's the wrap-up -- and trust me, all of this was unveiled as breathlessly as it sounds here: Frobisher's henchman who killed David is actually NYPD, and managed to weasel his way back to the apartment to pick up the flashlight left there while ransacking the joint for the tape. All evidence, then, still points to Ellen, but Patty gets the murder charges dropped, in exchange for handing over Gregory Malina's damning tape for the district attorney to use to pursue criminal charges against Frobisher during the heat of the next election cycle. After showing Frobisher the tape (and, of course, promising it will never again see the light of day -- naughty, naughty!) Patty convinces him to settle for a cool 93% of his net worth -- $2 billion. His former employees are ecstatic, except for double-crosser Larry, who finds himself both cut out of a payoff for weaseling to Frobisher and cut out of the settlement for being the leak. Larry tracks down Frobisher in a field where he intends to build his next empire, and shoots him in the gut, venting that "now you don't owe me nothin'!" Is Frobisher dead? Mayyybe. Maybe not.

Take a breath here. No, we're not done yet.

After reconciling with Katie at David's funeral and celebrating with Patty over the settlement, Ellen is dragged into the back of a limo with Hollis -- and two FBI agents. It seems as though they've been investigating Patty for all sorts of bad news: fraud and obstruction of justice, among other misdeeds. They want Ellen to go back to work for Patty, and report back to them about the shadiness that goes down in the office. As of this point, Ellen had no intention to return to work, despite Patty's solicitous offer that she'll keep her office open just for her. But then, abruptly, Ellen agrees to go back and become an FBI informant. Why?

Well, as she tells Patty, she doesn't believe in the law anymore, but she does believe in justice.

Ellen figured out that Patty, with the assistance of elderly badass Pete, actually set her up to be killed when she was alone in the apartment. Apparently Ellen's admission that she regretted what the duo had done to get Frobisher -- namely, blackmailing Ray -- was too much for Patty to take. Flash forward a few days, and it's only through Ellen's mad knife skills that she managed to escape the hit.

Yeah, really!

So let's hear it for "Damages" -- they managed to provide a convincing, entertaining and rewarding conclusion to a multilayered story. It's deeply depressing that what makes the show so compelling -- it's not dumbed-down, it doesn't give the predictable plot twist -- is what is cited as scaring off viewers. I, for one, was conditioned to expect less from a show with this many dangling ends. Here's one that actually pulled it off. Remember that when you're foaming at the mouth when "Lost" comes to a conclusion in a few years.

There is one lingering question: In flashbacks, we saw that Patty miscarried in 1972, and the grave she was visiting was actually that of her daughter. The quick cuts at the end implied that after Patty ordered the hit on Ellen, she had the freakout on the deck chair, and then drove to visit the grave. Was it because she had a sudden attack of guilt that she was now going to be responsible for the death of a woman she took a motherly interest in? Or ... does the lingering glare Patty gave to Frobisher in his apartment indicate that her loathing of him has a much more personal root? Like baby-daddy kind of loathing? (You really think Frobisher remembers the early '70s?) Am I too quick to blame Frobisher for everything?

C'mon FX, you gotta bring "Damages" back. Inquiring minds want to know.

P.S.: Best use of James Brown over the closing credits, ever. Take that, Journey!

-- Ann Donahue

<b>(Photo courtesy FX)</b>

Comments

[ogawak]

That was one fantastic season ending. FX, bring back Damages, please; We just have to find out what happens to Ellen. Was the still-born baby Frobisher's responsibility somehow? Is Frobisher dead? And what of Patty's son?

[Zeke]

Oh, Lord. Couldn't resist the cheap shots at The Sopranos and Lost, could you? Do us a favor, and save the A.D.D.-addled jabs at other shows for the youngsters at Entertainment Weekly. Anyway, the finale did wrap up just about perfectly. This was a good show, and I'm sure FX will renew it despite its low ratings.

[Bob & JoAnna Reagan]

If you are collecting names of people who were dilligent and appreciative watchers of "Damages" and would see FX continuing the series as a vote for improving the quality of television programming - please add our names.

Bob & JoAnna Reagan
Murphys CA

[allen]

Great recap...while I got most of the plot twists it's nice to read a concise re-hash for clarity sake. Can't wait for next season and I hope it wins a few emmys. If so, maybe more people will start watching. Thanks!

[ruel]

Emmy Sweep.

[John]

Ann, you're the only one who purportedly loves this show. Are you angling for a job as a writer on Damages?

[Henry]

Excellent show, and great finale. I'm REALLY hoping they bring it back!!!

[Joanne Swartzberg]

I loved how the writers planted the Stature of Liberty bookend/murder weapon from the beginning. Very clever writing: the henchman had what he was looking for right in the murder weapon.

[9toednihilist]

Frobisher, or his company, was responsible for baby Julia's death. N'est pas?

[Paula Williams]

I agree the show must come back on. There are too many unanswered questions. I followed the show each week and was very disappointed when the finale was shown.

[Jeff]

Amazing show and terrific season-ending episode. Great acting, writing, editing and directing.

Not a surprise that you see a lot of the producers, writers and directors from the Sopranos on board here. Bring it back F/X.

[RJ Wilson]

Incredible season finale. It lived up to the first 3-5 opening episodes of the series. Damages is such an extremely well written show that I knew that it would be impossible to keep up the quality writing for the entire season. And indeed the last couple of episodes leading up to the finale were disppointing and somewhat confusing.

But it turns out that there was a satisfying conclusion to the many intertwined plots. Initially, I thought that the series should have ended at the gravesite scene of Ellen's fiancee. But now I want to see the titanic showdown between Patty and Ellen next season.

Glenn Close was consistently outstanding in every episode. Damages should be renewed on the strengths of her thespian skills alone. Compared to what is currently offered on nightly television programming - Damages is superb.

It's up to you FX....return one of the best shows on television.

[Mike]

This was one of the worst series finalies of all time! After 12 incredible episodes and a good starting 45 minutes, the last 20 minutes was a HUGE disapointment. What about the loony woman chasing David? What about Pattys son? What did Tom do with the rings? What good was it for us to know Tom was putting 2+2 together. What purpose did Michael Nouri serve? Frobisher is not dead, not where he was shot. Remember his always present cell phone. I feel manipulated by the writers in not completing the story and leaving more loose ends than Edgar Rice Burrows. In not giving a COMPLETE and satisfiing conclusion, the wriers committed the great sin of wasting the viewers time. My wife and I will NOT watch a second season, not after the the roo-roo we got this year.

[cms]

Why no mention of the son and husband? I think the son is caught up in the situation with Ellen and the murder attempt at the apt, somehow. Why else have that odd scene in the kitchen, with the son using the same knife to slice the hell out of an apple?

And did Lila just fall off the planet?

Interesting thought about Frobisher and the baby. Makes sense to me, but then I think Ted Danson has to live for it to be meaningful. He didn't seem to have much a chance of life, but then the guy could have thought to shoot him more than once.

I thought the show had already been picked up -- guess I misread an article. Yes, please, FX -- bring back Damages!

[Rick]

Great series and great season finale. But I still can't figure out why Patty wanted Ellen killed. Ellen's regrets for blackmailing Ray to get to Frobisher wouldn't logically be a compelling reason for Patty to have her murdered. Very questionable.

[Brandon]

Sorry FX I'm one of those viewers that watch you show (Damages) on my DVR. Do to my work schedule I'm unable to watch the show live. But let me tell you that when I'm ready to watch my recorded shows, Damages is the first I watch. Great Season ending, I even called my family and friends in Hawaii to make sure they didn't miss it. Looking forward to the battle between Ellen and Patty.

[Sharon klepach]

Please FX, bring back this show! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Loved the whole thing and you can't let us hanging like this! If you want to know if there is interest, believe me, THERE IS!! Waiting somewhat patiently for the return of this wonderful drama!