“Younger” is a groundbreaking and critically acclaimed dramedy created by Darren Star, who also created “Sex and the City.” The series follows Liza Miller, a 40-year-old recently divorced woman, as she tries to re-enter the workforce after a 15-year hiatus. Liza, struggling with her age as a barrier, decides to reinvent herself as a millennial, using a fake identity to secure a job at a prestigious publishing company in New York City.
Her bold decision is influenced by her desire to support herself and her daughter while grappling with the challenges of being a single mom. At the start, Liza laughs off the assumption that she’s in her twenties, but with encouragement from her roommate Maggie, a tattoo artist, Liza takes the risky plunge. She alters her identity, creating a new social media profile and obtaining a fake ID. This allows her to land an assistant role at Empirical Publishing, setting the stage for a journey filled with love, deception, and personal growth.
Younger Ending Explained
Liza (Image via Getty)
Liza’s journey in “Younger” is a balancing act between maintaining her secret and embracing her role as a successful assistant at Empirical. From the outset, when she interviews for the position, Liza emphasizes that she is “not special, but a grown-up,” highlighting her desire to blend in rather than stand out. Despite her outward success, she constantly doubts her choices and fears that her secret will eventually catch up with her.
Throughout the series, Liza continues to question whether she deserves the success she’s experiencing, considering her age and the lie she’s built her career upon. Her inner struggle impacts her relationships, especially with Josh, the tattoo artist she meets early on. The constant need to keep her secret leads to a complicated dynamic where Liza is always wondering if her fabricated millennial persona will eventually be exposed.
Kelsey’s Growth and Career Shift
Meanwhile, Kelsey Peters, portrayed by Hilary Duff, experiences her own evolution in the publishing world. Initially, Kelsey works hard to prove herself at Empirical Publishing, particularly with Millennial Imprint, a new initiative she leads. Over the course of the seven seasons, Kelsey grows both personally and professionally, eventually deciding to leave Empirical and create her own app-based publishing brand, Inkubator. This move is a result of her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to escape the shadow of her mentor, Charles Brooks.
Her departure from Empirical is bittersweet, taking place during the company’s 100th-anniversary dinner. She tearfully thanks her mentor, Charles, even as she sets her sights on a new venture in the West. Kelsey’s decision to leave marks a significant turning point in her character arc, as she learns to trust her instincts and forge a new path in the competitive world of publishing. By the end of the series, Kelsey’s friendship with Liza remains strong, as the two continue to support one another through their individual growth.
Josh and Liza: A Complicated Love Story
Throughout “Younger,” Josh, the tattoo artist played by Nico Tortorella, is a key figure in Liza’s life. The two initially bond over their shared love of art and books, but their relationship becomes complicated when Liza’s secret is revealed. Josh learns that Liza is actually in her 40s, and Liza, feeling guilty about the deception, tells him their relationship has an expiration date. Despite this, Josh and Liza continue to have a strong connection, even after Liza begins a relationship with Charles.
Josh’s response to Liza’s secret is one of acceptance. Rather than being upset or confused, he embraces their relationship, regardless of the age difference. In the series finale, despite Liza moving forward with Charles, her bond with Josh is still evident. They reunite in the same bar where they first met, recreating the moment when Liza threw a shoe at a bartender to get his attention. This scene serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges and complexities of their relationship, Liza and Josh share a unique connection that transcends the years between them.
Charles (Image via Getty)
Charles: The Love Interest Who Couldn’t Move Past the Lie
Charles Brooks, portrayed by Peter Hermann, is the handsome and accomplished publishing executive who serves as Liza’s romantic interest throughout much of “Younger.” His relationship with Liza is one of the central plotlines of the series, as he represents the possibility of a more traditional, age-appropriate relationship. However, despite their deep connection and shared love for the written word, their relationship is strained by Liza’s lie.
Charles believes Liza is a 26-year-old assistant, and much of their relationship is built on this deception. Over time, the other characters in the series learn about Liza’s true age, but Charles struggles to move past it. He remains unable to accept the fact that Liza has been lying to him for so long, and this ultimately causes their relationship to fall apart. In the finale, Liza is named Editor-in-Chief of Empirical Publishing, while Charles decides to attend a writer’s retreat to work on his long-lost novel. Despite Liza’s attempts to make their relationship work, the lie continues to fester and creates an insurmountable barrier between them.
Maggie’s Conclusion
Maggie, Liza’s friend and roommate, also finds closure in the finale. After a series of complicated relationships, Maggie ends up in a more traditional partnership with Mags (Janeane Garofalo), who had once hired her as a teacher. This conclusion marks a shift in Maggie’s character, as she becomes more in tune with her desires and is inspired by Liza’s decision to follow her heart. The series ends on a hopeful note for Maggie, as she finds stability and happiness in her romantic life.
Maggie (Image via Getty)
A Happy Ending for Most, but What About Liza?
As “Younger” concludes, it’s clear that many of the characters have found their own versions of happiness. Kelsey strikes out on her own, Lauren continues to live unapologetically, and Maggie finds love. However, the question remains: Does Liza find happiness after all the lies? The finale leaves open the possibility that Liza and Josh might rekindle their romance, offering a hopeful and emotional conclusion. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter or simply a moment of reconciliation between former lovers, it’s a poignant ending that allows the characters to move forward in their lives, with or without the lies that once defined them.
The Green Mile Ending Explained
The film’s tragic ending revolves around the fact that John Coffey, despite his supernatural abilities, is wrongfully executed for crimes he did not commit. Coffey’s character, who has a deep, childlike innocence, doesn’t resist the execution. This acceptance of his fate reveals much about the tragedy of his character. Even with his incredible powers and physical size, he does not attempt to escape. Coffey tells Paul that he has seen too much evil in the world and, in a sense, welcomes death as a release from that torment. His willingness to die, despite the injustice, only amplifies the sadness surrounding his fate.
The Green Mile (Image via Getty)
Coffey’s Smile at His Execution In a heart-wrenching scene, Coffey smiles just before his execution. This smile adds a layer of complexity to his character. Although he has expressed his fear of dying, his smile likely serves as a reassurance to Paul, knowing that his gifts will live on through him. Coffey has always sensed that Paul is a kind and good man, and it’s implied that he knows his supernatural abilities, which include healing powers, have been transferred to Paul. The smile may symbolize Coffey’s comfort with the fact that Paul will use those gifts to help others.
In the film’s framing device, Paul Edgecomb is shown to be 108 years old, sparking questions about how he has lived for so long. The nature of Coffey’s healing powers and their impact on aging remains unclear, but based on how Mr. Jingles, the mouse, has aged much slower, it’s suggested that Paul’s life has been extended. It is speculated that Coffey’s powers might have granted him a form of immortality, but Paul views this long life as a form of punishment. The tragic nature of his longevity is highlighted by his outliving everyone he has loved, yet the mystery of how long he will live remains unresolved.
Comparison of the Book and the Movie’s Ending While the movie’s ending is emotional and tragic, Stephen King’s original novel is even darker. In the book, Mr. Jingles dies shortly before Elaine, offering a more direct indication of Paul’s eventual fate. Additionally, the film’s framing scenes, where Paul is not writing his memoirs but watching the movie Top Hat , differ from the book’s narrative style. These changes affect the interpretation of Paul’s fate, making the book’s ending even sadder and leaving a more definite understanding of his eventual demise.
Karma is an underlying theme throughout The Green Mile , with John Coffey serving as an example of the concept. Throughout the film, Coffey helps the good-hearted characters and ensures that those who have wronged others face their appropriate fate. However, Coffey’s fate stands in stark contrast to this karmic cycle. Despite his goodness and innocence, Coffey is punished for a crime he did not commit, which highlights the film’s exploration of the unfairness that sometimes prevails in life.
Paul Edgecomb and Coffey (Image via Getty)
The Messianic Themes of Coffey’s Character In many ways, John Coffey fits within the traditional narrative of a messiah figure. His supernatural powers, coupled with his innocence and eventual sacrifice, parallel many religious motifs. Coffey’s initials, J.C., further emphasize this messianic comparison. His acceptance of death, despite its unfairness, underscores his desire to escape a world filled with pain and evil. This biblical symbolism adds depth to the film, offering both a reflection on human kindness and the struggles against prejudice. The film’s fantastical elements, such as Coffey’s ability to heal and even resurrect, enhance the sense that Coffey is a larger-than-life figure.
The Director’s Insight into the Ending Frank Darabont, the director of The Green Mile , explains that the ending is intentionally bittersweet and not rooted in the traditional sense of hope. Darabont notes that Paul’s fate mirrors Coffey’s in some ways: both are good men who face unfair consequences. While Darabont admits he doesn’t fully understand the meaning behind Coffey’s ultimate fate, he acknowledges that the unresolved nature of the story contributes to its power. Darabont emphasizes that the mystery behind The Green Mile is part of what makes the story so compelling.
David Morse, who portrays the prison guard Brutus ‘Brutal’ Howell, reflects on the enduring relevance of The Green Mile , particularly about modern issues like racial injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement. The film’s central narrative — the story of an innocent Black man condemned to death for a crime he didn’t commit — resonates strongly with contemporary audiences. Morse acknowledges that while the exact meaning of the film may be difficult to pinpoint, its emotional heart and soul are what make it so impactful. The themes of kindness, suffering, and unfair fate continue to strike a deep chord with viewers.
Coffey (Image via Getty)
Audience and Critical Reception The Green Mile received mixed reviews from critics but garnered a largely positive reception from audiences. While the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score is 79%, audience ratings place it much higher at 94%. Many viewers cite the film’s emotional depth and the way it challenges their understanding of justice and kindness. In his review, critic Roger Ebert praised the film’s ability to weave a detailed and compelling narrative. He admired how Darabont directed the story with care, allowing for emotional release while maintaining a solid structure. For many, the ending of The Green Mile is a powerful, unforgettable moment that continues to resonate long after the credits roll.
A Final Reflection on the Ending The emotional and complex ending of The Green Mile is what has allowed the film to remain impactful over the years. The movie balances heartbreak with moments of levity, showcasing disturbing evil and inspiring acts of kindness. While critics and viewers may interpret the meaning in various ways, the film’s emotional core—centered on the unfairness of fate and the suffering of good people—continues to engage audiences long after its release. The film is undeniably one that challenges, moves and leaves a lasting impact on anyone who experiences it.
