In honour of the two hour series final of EVERWOOD, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on some of the reasons why EVERWOOD is TV’s best drama. Please remember to watch the two hour series finale, tonight at 8-10pm on the WB.
Realistic Relationships: Whether it was father & son issues between Andy and Ephram, or a friendly male rivalry between Dr. Brown and Dr. Abbot, no show portrayed relationships in such a realistic and heartfelt manner as EVERWOOD. The relationships between the denizens of EVERWOOD is what made the town such a special place, and what kept us coming back week after week.
The First Season Finale: Colin’s life was on the line. Thankfully, a reluctant Dr. Andy Brown (world renowned brain surgeon) agrees to operate. As the finale concludes, Andy walked out of the operating room to a waiting room filled with family and friends. His expression was one of neither happiness or sorrow. The episode ended on a cliffhanger, and we would only find out the results of the surgery in the Fall’s second season premiere. (It was way too long a wait!)
Expect the Unexpected: EVERWOOD never took the easy way out. Instead of choosing the ‘tv fix’, EVERWOOD’s writers choose to have Colin die on the operating table. Such a bold decision would drive the story for most of the second season. Colin’s death shocked the small little town, as if they lost their favourite son. Andy fell off his pedestal, Amy spiraled out of control, and the town dealt with the fact that nothing would ever be the same.
Ephram & Amy: From the first episode, we knew that Ephram & Amy were meant for eachother. For two seasons, the writers managed to find reasons to keep them apart. Be it a coma boy, a bad boy, or a really hot drummer (Madison), our two favourite teens just couldn’t get together. As the second season came to a close, our two star crossed lovers finally acknowledged their feelings. Yet of course, in typical EVERWOOD fashion, they were destined to spend the summer apart (as Ephram was off to New York for Julliard training). Thankfully, Amy hopped on a plane to join him (definitely one of my personal favourite moments!)
Bright & Hannah: It took a brainy girl (with glasses!) to transform Bright Abott from a stereotypical high school bully/womanizer to the thoughtful, funny and engaging character we see now. As the series reached what would ultimately be its final season, Bright and Hannah became the highlight of each episode. Their chemistry was undeniable and their conversations adorable. You could always count on Hannah to bring out the best in Bright.
Guest Stars Done Right: EVERWOOD never pandered to its audience. The writers rarely succumbed to cheesy stunt casting (unlike the rest of TV). When special guest stars were brought in, they always fit perfectly into place. Be it James Earl Jones, Jane Krakowski, and/or Kelly Carlson, the guest stars served the story, not the other way around.
While I could continue writing for hours on why I love EVERWOOD, I’ll end by thanking creators Greg Berlanti and showrunning goddess Rina Mimoun, along with the entire cast and crew. Thank you for bringing us four incredible seasons of EVERWOOD. Eighty-eight episodes of dramatic, surprising, heartfelt, and brilliantly written and acted drama. Everwood will be missed, please feel free to post your favourite moments below. 