After an almost perfect nine episodes, AMC’s historical horror series, The Terror, delivered a powerful final episode titled “We Are Gone.” This episode was intense, gripping, and deeply emotional.
It showcased the final fate of Captain Crozier’s (Jared Harris) men from the Franklin Expedition, concluding their tragic journey in one sweeping moment.
The previous episode saw the deaths of beloved characters Fitzjames (Tobias Menzies) and Blanky (Ian Hart), but the finale shifted focus more toward tragedy while still honoring the lives lost on this ill-fated journey.
The Emotional Weight of Hope
David Kajganich, co-showrunner and executive producer, shared his insights on the emotional depth of the series. He explained, “The men who were actually on this expedition, they would have had hope for a very long time and many of them probably until the moment of death.
With that hope comes the retention of one’s whole personality, your sense of humor, your sense of irony, your spirit of generosity.” He emphasized that even during this disaster, the warmth of these characters should not be lost. This perspective is essential to understanding the motivations and actions of the characters as they show their harrowing experiences.
Collider had the opportunity to interview Kajganich and Soo Hugh, the other co-showrunner and executive producer, about the finale and saying goodbye to these richly developed characters.
With so much devastating content covered in the finale, the discussion focused on three of the most haunting sequences: Dr. Goodsir’s death, the chilling moments at Starvation Cove, and the calm yet impactful final frames of the episode.
Dr. Goodsir’s Heartbreaking Journey
Dr. Goodsir was a character who stood out for his commitment to saving his shipmates from lead poisoning. He struggled to protect them, and when he could not save them, he desperately wanted to uphold his Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes a doctor’s duty to help others.
However, the dire circumstances he faced forced him into impossible choices. Under Hickey’s command, he was ordered to carve up a murdered man for dinner, a task that violated everything he believed in. Ultimately, he made the tragic choice to become a killer himself, sacrificing his life in an attempt to end Hickey’s mutinous reign.
In a desperate act to save those still alive, Goodsir used poison to set a deadly trap for those who conceded to cannibalism. Tragically, his sacrifice did not yield the desired outcome. The scheming of men and the unforgiving forces of nature thwarted him.
Paul Ready’s performance captured the essence of Goodsir’s moral conflict and emotional turmoil, making him a character that viewers loved. His final moments were heart-wrenching, and they left a lasting impact on the audience.
Still from The Terror (Credit: AMC)
As his body shook and seized, viewers were shown a glimpse of his final thoughts—flowers, a shell, a crystal—representing the beauty of the natural world.
These images stood in stark contrast to the horror surrounding him. While his death might seem peaceful in comparison to the chaos of the expedition, Kajganich explained that a tragic undercurrent runs through this scene.
He remarked, “What a puzzle to figure out how to show that to an audience. We had a rule that we wouldn’t protect any of the characters from sentimentality or unflattering truths.” This meant showcasing Goodsir as a man who found comfort in the natural world and in human relationships.
In his last moments, he remembered the beauty of nature rather than the people he had known. This detail adds depth to his character’s journey, making it even more tragic.
Starvation Cove: A Gruesome Revelation
One of the most memorable moments in the finale occurs in the last act when Crozier retraces the steps of the men he had to leave behind. Lady Silence senses the death of Tuunbaq and tries to revive it with water from her canteen, but it is too late.
Crozier, still alive, finds himself in a desperate situation. Unable to break his chains, Lady Silence cuts off his hand to free him. Together, they follow the path of Crozier’s men, discovering devastation and death at every stop.
Each discovery is painful. Jobson, Crozier’s loyal man, died believing his captain abandoned him, a heart-wrenching moment that adds to the emotional weight of the narrative.
However, the most haunting image is of Edward, who is alive yet dead-eyed, with chains strung through his face. This shocking visual encapsulates the brutal reality the men faced.
Hugh explained that this imagery came from actual Inuit testimony, which gives it an added layer of authenticity. “It’s interesting; we’ve received many social media questions about that imagery.
We debated how much to reveal, but we wanted to highlight that moment because it was so haunting and ambiguous.” This commitment to authenticity is evident throughout the series and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Still from The Terror (Credit: AMC)
Kajganich further elaborated that an Inuit mother and son discovered a body in a tent rigged with chains, an essential detail that adds to the series’ dark atmosphere.
They wanted to show viewers what happened to Crozier’s men at Starvation Cove, a camp plagued by disease and cannibalism.
Kajganich explained their approach: “We wanted to give viewers a visual sense of what those last months must have been like for the men. They faced lead poisoning, starvation, and other ailments, which led to a dark fate.”
Their intention was to convey both the reality of the men’s suffering and a sense of mystery about their fate. This nuanced approach helps the audience connect with the characters on a deeper level, even in the face of horror.
The Haunting Legacy of Starvation Cove
Starvation Cove symbolizes the ultimate tragedy of the expedition. It is here that the bulk of the men from the Franklin Expedition perished under unimaginable circumstances.
Kajganich shared, “We decided that if we were going to stay with Crozier and his experience of those last months, we wanted to ensure that when he finally catches up to the last camp at Starvation Cove, we see visually what the tenor of those last weeks and months must have been for them.”
The imagery presented in Starvation Cove is haunting. The evidence of cannibalism and the suffering endured by the men emphasizes the depths of human desperation. Kajganich explained, “We wanted to show that, but we didn’t want to prioritize any one thing.
We aimed for a collection of images that would leave you with enough answers to what those men probably went through, while also maintaining a kind of holy ambiguity about it.”
This blend of clarity and ambiguity adds to the series’ complexity. It allows viewers to grapple with the moral implications of survival in extreme circumstances.
Hugh added one last thought on the sequence in Starvation Cove, suggesting that audiences should pay close attention to Lady Silence’s expressions as she surveys the chaotic violence of the scene.
Still from The Terror (Credit: AMC)
“I think the shot of that sequence is actually the final shot of Lady Silence watching Crozier watch Edward. The look that Nive has in that moment is amazing.
She just has this look of—her face is like, ‘And you call us “the other”? Look at what has happened to these men,’ and it’s so powerful.” This observation adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the tension between cultures and the human experience in dire situations.
Crozier’s Final Moments: A New Beginning
In the end, we bid farewell to Crozier, a captain who has lost all his men, facing overwhelming odds. With no one left to lead, he follows Lady Silence, also known as Silna, to an Inuit camp where he begins a new life.
Lady Silence faces her own consequences for losing Tuunbaq, and Crozier cannot follow her. He settles into the community, warning future shows about the horrors of The Terror.
As the series comes to a close, Kajganich reflects on the fate of Crozier: “We loved the idea that Crozier survived in an unexpected way.
Lady Silence is asked to pay for the chaos caused by these men, and Crozier realizes that returning to England would only mean failure for him.” This insight underscores Crozier’s character growth throughout the series.
Kajganich also discussed how the ending diverges from Dan Simmons’ book and why they opted to omit the romance between Crozier and Lady Silence. “We didn’t want Lady Silence to serve any other arc in the show but her own. But we thought that child was important, because it shows the level of trust and comfort they have with him at that point.”
The inclusion of a child in Crozier’s final moments symbolizes hope and acceptance. It suggests that Crozier has found a place where he is valued, a significant contrast to the despair he faced during the expedition.
A Quiet Moment of Reflection
Hugh suggested that the final moment served as a quiet reward for viewers after all the chaos of the season. “That last shot could be five minutes longer.
The audience feels they earned that moment of quiet after everything they’ve experienced,” she noted. This reflection allows viewers to take a breath and absorb the weight of what they have witnessed.
Still from The Terror (Credit: AMC)
The closing scene, featuring Crozier at a seal hole, is both serene and poignant. It signifies a new beginning for him, even amidst the tragedies that preceded it. This duality captures the essence of the series—pain and beauty coexist in the human experience.
With this, Kajganich and Hugh conclude one of the best horror series in recent years. The emotional depth, strong character arcs, and haunting imagery have left audiences reflecting on the story long after the credits roll. A third season is set to release in 2025, promising to show more of the rich narrative that The Terror has become known for.
The Terror Season 1 is available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
Time to point those toes and feel the beat as Dancing With the Stars Season 33 kicks off with a premiere full of surprises. Thirteen contestants, ranging from Olympic champions to reality TV stars, had their chance to dance without worrying about elimination.
Celebrities like Joey Graziadei and Tori Spelling chose songs that reflect their personal journeys, leading to emotional stories throughout the show. From the top scores to those needing a little extra flair, here’s what stood out in the season opener.
No Eliminations in the Season Premiere
The premiere surprised everyone, not just with the performances but also because there were no eliminations. This choice allowed the celebrities to relax and enjoy their first dance without the pressure of being voted off.
The show opened with an energetic performance from the professional dancers, including Witney Carson, who returned after a break, and Ezra Sosa, who made his debut as a full-time pro.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough introduced the first dancer, Graziadei. He, known from The Bachelor Season 28, was the first to hit the dance floor with his partner Jenna Johnson. While past contestants from The Bachelor have not always excelled, this year might be different.
Graziadei’s cha-cha earned scores of ‘7’ from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. His performance was lively and energetic, showcasing his growth as a dancer.
Following him were Brooks Nader, who delivered a fiery tango, and rugby champion Ilona Maher. Maher expressed her desire to showcase her feminine energy through her dancing, which was evident in her performance.
Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson brought a charming smile to his dance, winning over the judges with his warmth and charisma. He may not have had the most complex choreography, but his positivity was infectious.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
Actor Eric Roberts also made a smooth entry, focusing more on character than on timing, which some believed may have affected his performance. Roberts mentioned that he has slower movements on his left side due to an accident, but he still managed to connect with the audience through his acting skills.
Chandler Kinney and Dwight Howard Impress
Chandler Kinney, known from Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, truly impressed the judges and viewers with her sharp tango to Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go.” She was the standout in Week 1, scoring a strong 23 out of 30. Kinney has some dance experience but had never done ballroom dancing before.
Her performance showed remarkable precision and confidence, indicating that she could be a strong contender for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Kinney’s main competition includes former NBA player Dwight Howard. He demonstrated that height does not prevent him from dancing well, scoring 22 out of 30. Howard moved gracefully across the floor and impressed both the judges and the audience with his rhythm.
Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik also shone, using his gymnastic background to perform impressive lifts and cartwheels. He earned a score of 21 out of 30, showcasing his flexibility and athleticism.
Contestants Share Personal Stories
The premiere was filled with talented dancers, but it also allowed participants to share their stories after facing personal challenges. Tori Spelling and former bachelorette Jenn Tran have both gone through highly publicized break-ups, with Tran recently breaking down on live TV.
In a touching moment, they opened up in backstage videos about how they hope dance will help them rediscover themselves. Spelling has had her share of struggles, and she shared how dancing provides a form of therapy for her. While their scores were lower than some others, their heartfelt stories may inspire viewers to cheer for them.
Spelling performed with a lot of heart, and even though she didn’t score as high as other contestants, her vulnerability resonated with the audience.
Jenn Tran also danced with passion, and both women showed that their emotional journeys could win the hearts of viewers, even if their technical scores were not the highest. This emotional connection often helps contestants in the long run as audiences tend to root for those with compelling stories.
Anna Delvey’s Performance Lacks Enthusiasm
While Spelling and Tran used dance as a healing tool, Anna Delvey, a convicted con artist known from the Netflix series Inventing Anna, did not seem eager to show a different side of herself. Delvey’s performance was underwhelming, and she did not engage with the audience or judges as effectively as others.
Although judge Carrie Ann urged viewers to judge her dance skills fairly, Delvey’s lack of enthusiasm during her cha-cha was apparent. Her comment about not wanting to repeat the choreography was disappointing for many.
Delvey has a complex background, and some viewers hoped she would bring more depth to her performance. Instead, her disengagement left the audience wanting more. While the judges recognized her potential, her attitude raised concerns about her commitment to the competition.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Weeks
Despite a few lackluster performances, the return of Dancing With the Stars was thrilling and full of potential.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
The season promises to be exciting, with contestants continuing to grow and evolve. As they share their stories through dance, audiences will have the chance to connect with them on a deeper level.
Dancing With the Stars Season 33 airs every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. Fans can look forward to more breathtaking performances and emotional moments as the season progresses.
