As Long As You Finish Well

There's a saying that goes, "It doesn't matter how you run the race, as long as you finish well." Most of that statement is true, especially the "finishing well" part. This time of year always brings movie blockbusters and great television season endings. As I pondered on those two things, I wondered, what movies and TV series have "finished well?" My list could go on forever, but I've narrowed it down to just a few...

What didn't finish well...

1. "In Good Company" - I saw this movie while traveling in the great state of Alabama to visit friends and it seemed like a good movie choice. But when the movie ended (and I won't give it away), my friend stated loudly, "That's it??!!" It left me wanting more and wanting my money back.
2. "Facts of Life" - As a child of the 80's, this show was by far one of my favorites. But, it 'jumped the shark' when Mrs. Garrett left. Her return on the "Reunion"movie made it worth watching, but Blair buying Eastland at the series ender was a yawner.
3. "Seinfeld" - Many Seinfeld fans may disagree here, but I thought the series ender was underwhelming. I've not been a huge Seinfeld fan, but really dig his take on humor in everyday life. There is something disturbing about watching the friends I've laughed with for seasons end up in jail.
Special Mention - "Will and Grace" - Obviously this show hasn't ended yet, but my dream is that the series will end with Will realizing his sin, turning from his homosexuality, and marrying Grace. Does anyone else think their relationship is oddly marriage-like?

What did finish well...

1. "My Best Friend's Wedding" - Although a lover of chick flicks that end happily ever after, it was nice to see a movie not end as predictable as other chick flicks. And, actually end more realistically.
2. "Newhart" and "St Elsewhere" - These two series ended with the revealing truth that it was all just a dream. Cleverly the "Newhart" ending tied back to the original "Bob Newhart Show" which was sheer genious.
3. "Lord of the Rings-Return of the King" - Even Tolkien purists liked the ending of this trilogy as all the questions were answered and the open-ended issues closed. Sad it finally had come to an end, but happy that I left the theater with a warm feeling in my heart.
Special Mention - "Star Wars III - Return of the Sith" - This movie did a good job at closing the loose ends of the original trilogy, but I hesitate to classify it as ending well, when this really was the beginning.