The End (Australian TV series)

The End explores the topic of euthanasia and what it means to die with dignity.[8] Euthanasia in Australia has been subject to significant political and public debate.[9][10] At the time of the show's creation, Queensland, where the show takes place, was the only state in Australia to have not considered any bills relating to Voluntary Assisted Dying.[11] Since the show's release, Queensland has introduced legislation surrounding Euthanasia.[12] The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2021 is scheduled to come into effect in 2023.[12]

In the first episode Kate is faced with a moral dilemma, when she is made aware of her patient Beth's (Brooke Satchwell) intention to have a voluntary assisted death.[13] Beth and her husband Josh (Luke Arnold) ask Kate to test the illegal drug they had acquired to ensure its safety when they learn of Kate's strong opposition to euthanasia.[13] "I hate that argument. She's not a dog" is Kate's response when Josh compares the situation to putting down a suffering animal.[14] Later, Kate is seen killing an injured bat in her backyard to end its pain.[14]

Suicide appears many times throughout the show. The End opens with a depressed Edie Henley's unsuccessful attempt to end her own life.[14] As the show continues, so does Edie's attempts, as she struggles to find meaning in her life after her husband's death and the discovery of his previous infidelities.[3] It is revealed that Oberon (Morgan Davies) has recently attempted to end his own life, which brings his relationship with Edie closer.[14] The portrayal of suicide in media has been found to have a positive impact on suicide awareness and help-seeking behaviour.[15]

Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, reported an average approval rating of 76% based on 16 critics, with an average rating of 7.2/10.[19] The website's critic consensus reads "The End's cynical take on life and death may not be as deep as it thinks itself to be, but sharp performances and a few genuinely surprising insights almost make up for it".[19] On Metacritic, it holds a weighted average mark of 59 out of 100 based on 8 critics.[20]

Globally the show received mixed reviews. One review for the Boston Globe reported that the storyline is "too dense at times" but the shows writing is "consistently perceptive".[21] A review for Variety reports the show "can't quite find its tone" but also praises the performance of Harriet Walter and Frances O'Connor for having a "purifying effect".[22] Writing in Roger Ebert, Brian Tallerico criticises the depth of the shows writing, stating that some scenes felt "over-scripted" and "superficial"[23]

The Wrap calls The End "an engrossing watch", praising the way the show presents the complex conversations surrounding life and death and the performance of the cast. The review also writes that some of the writers decisions could have been different to allow the show to come together more meaningfully.[24]

• AACTA Award, nomination, for Best Miniseries (2021)[25]
• AACTA Award, nomination, Noni Hazlehurst, for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Pamela Hardy.[25]