SUMMARY
- Grace confronts her inner demons and realizes she isn't perfect, but still finds a way to come to terms with her past trauma.
- Frankie struggles with her mortality and fears not leaving a meaningful impact on the world, leading to a greater understanding of herself.
- Despite their differences, Grace and Frankie realize they need each other and grow closer, even after a near-death experience.
Netflix's critically acclaimed comedy series, Grace and Frankie, ended after seven seasons, and many are wondering what the show's ending means and why it was canceled in the first place.
Created by Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, Grace and Frankie follows Grace Hanson (Jane Fonda) and Frances "Frankie" Bergstein (Lily Tomlin) who are both married to lawyer husbands, Robert Hanson (Martin Sheen) and Sol Bergstein (Sam Waterston).
However, their husbands switch up the Grace and Frankie relationships when it's revealed that Robert and Sol have been in love with each other for years and that they are leaving their wives to be together.
Both Frankie and Grace decide to move into their joint beach house despite never having been very close to each other when they were still with their respective husbands.
However, throughout the series, Grace and Frankie get involved in a series of misadventures, romantic conflicts, and family drama that forces them to bond with each other, eventually resulting in the two women becoming close friends.
Despite Grace and Frankie being one of the best LGBTQ+ shows on Netflix, the series was canceled after it released its seventh and final season, though luckily both the story and all the character arcs reached their natural conclusions.
Cast of Grace and Frankie
- Characters
- Actors
- Grace Hanson
- James Fonda
Frances "Frankie" Bergstein
- Lily Tomlin
- Sol Bergstein
- Sam Waterston
- Robert Hanson
- Martin Sheen
- Brianna Hanson
- June Diane Raphael
- Mallory Hanson
- Brooklyn Decker
- Coyote Bergstein
- Ethan Embry
- Nwabudike "Bud" Bergstein
- Baron Vaughn
Grace (Jane Fonda) in a floral blouse, sitting and smiling in Grace and Frankie
In the final episode of Grace and Frankie, Grace decides to finally confront her inner demons that she has been bottling up.
For example, when Grace reads the memoir of her ex-husband and former criminal, Nick, it states that his marriage with Grace was one of the worst mistakes he ever made.
While Grace is upset with this revelation at first, she soon discovers that Nick had always been unhappy when they were together, which causes her to come to terms with the fact that she isn't a perfect person and that, despite good intentions, she may often cause her loved ones to feel hurt and miserable.
Additionally, Grace reconnects with her estranged brother Geoffrey (Jamey Sheridan) whom she has not spoken to in nearly 20 years. Grace is notably afraid of the ocean throughout the series, but it's never explained exactly why.
Grace and Frankie finally gives an explanation for this fear during Grace and Geoffrey's reunion in which it is revealed that their father drowned while swimming in the ocean. Grace was so traumatized by this event that she has never set foot in the sea or ocean ever again. However, after reconnecting with her brother, Grace has finally come to terms with her past trauma.
Frankie Tries To Leave Her Mark On The World
Frankie (Lily Tomlin) on her patio with her hand on her hip in Grace and Frankie
Meanwhile, Frankie is also dealing with her own internal conflicts, specifically with her hypothetical mortality. Afraid that she will die within seven days, Frankie hosts a fake funeral as she wants to hear what her family and loved ones will say in their eulogies.
However, Frankie quickly becomes frustrated when every eulogy given at the fake funeral mentions Grace, causing her to believe that she is a sidekick in her own life. On top of her arthritis worsening to the point that she is unable to continue her painting, which is her passion, Frankie wonders what kind of impact she'll leave on the world.
Grace and Frankie Realize That They Need Each Other
Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) in Heaven, touching their heads against each other in Grace and Frankie
Frankie is so afraid of her arthritis getting worse and eventually dying that she vents all of her frustration onto Grace. The two get into a heated argument, but after Frankie admits to Grace what's been bothering her, the two forgive each other and hug.
Unfortunately, the two women get electrocuted when they hug thanks to Frankie's microphone connecting to Grace's vodka martini. Grace and Frankie wake up in heaven and meet God (Dolly Parton). Despite the duo's plea to return to Earth as they want to spend the rest of their days together, God states that Frankie will stay in heaven while Grace will go back.
Realizing that this is possibly the last time that they will ever see each other, Frankie and Grace give heartfelt, emotional goodbyes to each other. God is so moved by the bond that Grace and Frankie have that She allows them to return to Earth.
Once the duo come back to life, they return more connected than ever. Grace helps Frankie continue her artistic passions by helping her hold a paintbrush, and in exchange, Frankie takes Grace to the beach to help her overcome her fear of the ocean.
Sol Comes To Terms With Robert's Memory Loss
Sol (Sam Waterston) and Robert (Martin Sheen) with their dog, sitting in Adirondack chairs and holding hands in Grace and Frankie
Near the end of Grace and Frankie, Robert's memory loss worsens to the point he is unable to remember the first time that he and Sol met, confusing it with the memory of how he and Grace first met.
Sol is afraid that Robert's condition will become worse to the point that Robert will completely forget all the memories they have together. So, after visiting a doctor, the two travel to the hotel where they first met. At first, Robert does not recognize where they are or what significance the hotel has to their past/relationship.
However, when the song, "The Way You Look Tonight", starts playing, Robert suddenly remembers all the fun and excitement that he had with Sol. After embracing and kissing each other, the two agree that they should take the time to create new memories and enjoy their last remaining days together, even if Robert eventually loses those memories due to his condition.
Brianna And Mallory Start A New Future Together
Mallory and Briana sitting with Grace and holding her hands in Grace and Frankie
Meanwhile, Grace and Robert's daughters, Brianna (June Diane Raphael) and Mallory (Brooklyn Decker) are at very low points in their lives. Brianna not only officially split up with Barry (Peter Cambor) once and for all due to both being unhappy with their current lives, but Barry is thriving after their separation.
Meanwhile, Mallory gets fired from her job at Tanneth. The sisters lean on each other for support and eventually are able to overcome their individual obstacles. Brianna and Mallory eventually decide to start a business together, believing that if they have each other, the future looks bright.
The Real Meaning of Grace And Frankie
The main theme of Grace and Frankie is love and how it can be a powerful tool to motivate people to overcome their inner demons and find a new sense of purpose. Near the end of the final season, many of the characters are plagued with some kind of issue that makes them feel powerless and hopeless whether it be a medical condition, a job loss, or the lack of a significant other.
However, these characters eventually realize that no matter how tough life may seem, they will always overcome their obstacles as long as they are not only supported by their loved ones but also simply love themselves.
Why Grace and Frankie Was Canceled
Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) standing in their kitchen looking concerned in Grace and Frankie
In terms of why Grace and Frankie was canceled after its seventh season, co-creator Martha Kauffman said, "It was a combination of things. Netflix isn't doing long-term series anymore. And we are really lucky that we got the seventh season."
(via Hello!). However, regardless of why it was canceled, luckily Grace and Frankie was able to end on a high note, and its moving conclusion honored the beloved characters.
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