‘Parenthood’ Series Finale: A Bittersweet Close To The Third Act

Hope you had a box (or two) of tissues ready. After six seasons, ‘Parenthood’ came to a bittersweet end on Jan. 29 — with weddings, babies and yes, heart break.

If you missed the series finale of Parenthood, you may not want to read this. From Amber (Mae Whitman) struggling to raise her newborn baby, Zeek Jr., to Hank (Ray Romano) and Sarah (Lauren Graham) planning to walk down the aisle, I’m running down the ten moments that you needed to see in the finale. And yes, I’ve dissecting that last perfect montage.

‘Parenthood’ Finale: Have I Ever Told You You’re My Favorite?

Having to say an emotional goodbye to the Braverman family wasn’t an easy task, but through tears, I’m breaking down everything you may have missed through the running mascara.

— Hank once again made us love him by sitting down with Zeek (Craig T. Nelson) to tell him about his Asperger’s Syndrome, as well as ask for his blessing in marrying Sarah. Naturally, Zeek choked up and explained what we already knew: Sarah loves deeper than anyone.

— Sarah and her father sat on the porch of their home in a perfect father-daughter moment, and he actually admitted that she was his favorite (big shocker there). Sarah thanked her dad for changing everything by letting her stay with him, and assured him that he’d been “the very best” father.

‘Parenthood’: Whose Idea Was That ‘Friday Night Lights’ Surprise?

— Julia (Erika Christensen) and Joel (Sam Jaeger) obviously freaked out when they get a call from Victor’s adoption agency — but it wasn’t not bad news. Victor’s mother had given birth to another child and wanted to basically give them dibs. After discussion, they except, because well, they’re amazing parents and how awesome that Victor gets a biological sibling!

— Zeek walked Sarah down the aisle and into Hank’s arms in a quick, yet perfect moment, after a flash of the family photo shoot beforehand. Yet another beautiful moment for the series.

— Amber didn’t want to admit it, but living in a tiny apartment with Zeek Jr. wasn’t exactly easy. Luckily, she had grandparents who loved her more than life, and told her they wanted her to be their “third act,” and to come live there. She also took over the luncheonette with Crosby (Dax Shepard) when Adam wanted out.

— Speaking of Adam (Peter Krause), he was convinced by his lovely wife to take over Chambers Academy upon leaving the luncheonette; quite the task, and well worth it. Stay tuned for that.

We Want You To Be Our Third Act

In the final ten minutes, Camilla began a conversation with Zeek — but he did not answer. There, in his chair in the living room, he passed away. The family gathered in a circle on the baseball field, per his request, to spread his ashes. And then, they played a game of ball, just like Zeek would have wanted.

While “Forever Young” played for the duration of the show, we got to hit fast forward and see into the Bravermans’ futures. Here’s what we saw: Joel and Julia celebrating Christmas with four children;  Crosby and Jasmine have baby number three on the way; Amber ends up with her future boyfriend (played by Friday Night Light‘s Jason Street Scott Porter!), but stays close with Ryan (Matt Lauria), since he is Zeek Jr.’s father; and Adam as a proud parent, hand delivering Max his diploma (told you it was worth it, Adam!).

We’ve got to say we were more than pleased with the finale — but were you, HollywoodLifers?

— Emily Longeretta
Follow @EmilyLongeretta