A Very Fitting Ending. Review: Series Finale of In Plain Sight - "All's Well That Ends Well"

Review: In Plain Sight, S5, E8 – Series Finale – “All’s Well That Ends Well”

Air Date: Friday, May 4, 2012, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★★

WARNING! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS. DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE SERIES FINALE YET.

A Very Fitting Ending. Review: Series Finale of In Plain Sight - "All's Well That Ends Well" 1

IN PLAIN SIGHT -- "All's Well that Ends" Episode 508 -- Pictured: (back l-r) Ali Marsh, Paul Ben-Victor, Frederick Weller, Rachel Boston, Tangie Ambrose. Seated (l-r) Nichole Hiltz, Lesley Ann Warren, Mary McCormack -- (Photo by: Cathy Kanavy/USA Network)

We’ve enjoyed five exciting seasons of In Plain Sight, all filled with interesting witnesses and stories, family drama, love interests, and Mary (Mary McCormack) witticisms. So, I was hopeful the series finale would continue along those lines and I’m happy to say, it does. “All’s Well That Ends Well” does a great job of giving us everything we want while bringing closure to the storylines we’ve faithfully followed over the years. Not the least of which is Mary and Marshall’s (Frederick Weller) relationship. All’s well does, indeed, end well and I loved every minute of it.

The final person to enter WITSEC is Casey Logan (Anna Osceola), a young fashion model who witnesses a murder committed by a member of the Russian Mafia. While Casey’s storyline isn’t all that compelling (which is fine with me), her character is—in that I see a parallel between her and Mary. They have both lost a parent at an early age and each has been dealing with the fallout ever since. What Mary tells Casey sums up Mary’s personality to a tee: “Screw the past and play the hand you’re dealt.” Isn’t that exactly what Mary’s been doing all these years?

This season Mary is a mom, which has afforded her the opportunity to deal with her witnesses on a much more personal level. I like that In Plain Sight has allowed Mary to become a softer, more understanding person while still giving us the short-tempered Mary who utters sharp witticisms faster than I can say my name. Speaking of witticisms, “All’s Well That Ends Well” is chock full of them. I’m glad the writing staff didn’t hold back in this final episode of the series. I would have been so disappointed!

After all these years, it’s nice to see Mary get closure with her father James (Stephen Lang), even if it involves him dying in her arms. Now, so much needs to be done—planning the funeral, deciding where to sprinkle James’ ashes… Plus, Mary’s mom Jinx (Lesley Ann Warren) is back from Florida with Mary’s sister Brandi (Nichole Hiltz) who has a surprise of her own.

Speaking of closures, the writers wrap up the will-they-or-won’t-they question surrounding Mary and Marshall in a very fitting manner. Once again, Marshall blows off Abigail (Rachel Boston), who’s waiting for him at the church to speak with their minister about their upcoming nuptials, in favor of accompanying Mary to the funeral home. The minute Marshall does that I knew he was going to have to face the music with Abigail. Geez Marshall, I know Abigail’s a nice person and all, but you’re really taking advantage! I don’t blame her for being tired of playing second fiddle to Mary. This scenario gives us the perfect set-up for bringing Mary and Marshall’s story to a close. If Marshall loves Abigail as much as he says he does, he has to find a way to make Mary understand she can’t lean on him as much as she does. Or, will he finally confess his love for Mary? We know he loves her—he says it in one of the promos for this episode! Of course, Mary doesn’t make it easy, always cutting him off before he can get two words in edgewise.

A Very Fitting Ending. Review: Series Finale of In Plain Sight - "All's Well That Ends Well" 2

Mary and Marshall laughing about models

Marshall finally gets to have the talk he’s been trying so desperately to have with Mary, and I knew the minute they walked onto the balcony I’d be crying. Marshall explains how much he loves her and then proceeds to explain what he needs from her going forward. It’s a very tender and sweet moment, indeed, and while it may not be what many fans have been hoping for, to me it’s the next best thing.

Jinx plans a wake for James, which horrifies Mary. She’s not exactly a party person and wants nothing more than to bury herself in work, as usual. We all know Mary has never been the sort of person to face her issues head on. I’ve always liked Warren as an actress and in this final episode, she outdoes herself with the heartfelt speech Jinx delivers to Mary that rips the band-aid off what has made Mary tick all this time. After years of treating her mother with contempt, it’s good to see these two dealing with each other so lovingly and with such respect.

Observations:

Mary has a friends-with-benefits relationship with Kenny (Josh Hopkins). These two seem like a perfect fit. Hopkins is adorable as a single dad who seems content with what he has with Mary. Hell, he’s just plain sexy! Did you check out the abs on that guy!? I suspect, however, his feelings for Mary run deeper than he cares to admit, especially when he offers to be her date for the “fake wake.”

Brandi is preggers! Brandi being Brandi, she has no idea who the father is, and needs Maury – excuse me – Mary’s help as usual. (Sorry, I always think of The Maury Povich Show when it comes to unwed, pregnant women!) I’m glad Brandi is portrayed as a woman well on her way through AA’s 12-Step Program, making amends and dealing with what life has handed her. I would have hated it had Brandi gone out as a drunk, still a child at heart, never taking responsibility for anything.

If anyone was wondering what was in the little suitcase James dropped in Mary’s basement window last week, well…let’s just say it’s a whole lotta moolah—$162,000, to be exact, with a note that says “My Dear Norah—wish I could’ve given you more.” It’s sweet that since he hasn’t been there for Mary all these years, he gives her this money (that he goes out of his way to prove is legitimate) for baby Norah. It’s the only way James can continue being a part of their lives now that he’s gone. Definitely an “aww” moment for me.

Brandi decides to keep the baby – Mary keeping Norah has given her the courage to do the same. Mary deciding to keep the money James left and use it not only for Norah, but for Brandi’s baby as well brings a huge smile to my face. I think these two sisters will have a lot of fun raising their kids together, don’t you?

Contrary to what Delia (Tangie Ambrose) thinks about the office being closed, Stan (Paul Ben-Victor) gets promoted to Deputy Director of WITSEC, the top job in D.C., and Marshall takes over the Albuquerque office. That’s a much nicer ending than leaving everyone with questions about their future.

The way Mary lets her father go is perfect. That’s all.

Memorable lines:

Mary to Marshall: “Funeral for my father? He’d rather die.”

***

Mary: “Two knocked-up unwed mothers, multiple rehabs, daddy issues all over the place—this family is so Jerry Springer.”

***

Mary, imitating a model: “Ooh, look at me. I’m so skinny, I can barely stand. Look, I wear my ribs on the outside!”

***

Mary to Marshall: “Abigail’s got a mad switch? I thought she’s always set to perky.”

***

Mary to Delia about AUSA Perilla (Ray Abruzzo): “Perilla was born pissed. The guy gets into fights with women in line at Babies ‘R Us®.”

***

A Very Fitting Ending. Review: Series Finale of In Plain Sight - "All's Well That Ends Well" 3

Marshall offers a very fitting toast for both Stan and the end of a wonderful series

The dinner for Stan brought tears to my eyes as the camera slowly pans the room giving us a look at the people who have gathered in celebration. It’s a happy scene, yet sad because we know this is the last we’ll see of our favorite WITSEC marshals. Stan and his lady love Lia (Tia Carrere), Marshall and Abigail, Perilla and Delia, Brandi and Jinx with baby Norah, and surprise of all surprises, Kenny is there with Mary. Yes! Finally, Mary is going to let someone in! Perhaps the best part of this gathering is the loving looks that pass between Marshall and Mary, telling us everything is ok between them, they’ll be BFFs forever, and completely choking me up. Each has grown enough to let the other live their life without being so dependent on one another. I could hardly see the TV screen through my tears for Marshall’s toast: “Before it’s too late, I’d just like to raise a glass to old friends, new beginnings to all of us, but especially to the new Deputy Director. Bon voyage and a fond farewell.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

The writers did a great job of wrapping up everything in a nice, neat little package. The acting was spot on by everyone, the dialogue was as sharp and witty as ever, and all the storylines come to a happy ending for everyone. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. To be honest, I think it was more fitting to have Marshall end up with Abigail and Mary moving on with a new relationship that appears to be more than a booty call. So goodbye, my friends at In Plain Sight. I miss you already. Now hand me a box of tissues!

I’ve had the privilege of participating in many interviews with the cast and crew over the years and I’m including them here, from my first one to the last, for your reading pleasure: Conference Call with In Plain Sight Stars Mary McCormack and Fred Weller; A Conversation with In Plain Sight Executive Producers Ed Decter and John Strauss; Interview: A Conversation Among Friends with Mary McCormack and Fred Weller of In Plain Sight; and last, but definitely not least, Interview: Mary McCormack and Frederick Weller Talk About In Plain Sight’s Final Season.

To watch full episodes and deleted scenes, as well as more interviews with the cast throughout the seasons, go to www.usanetwork.com/inplainsight.

[nggallery id=343]

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!