The last episode of The Affair is Season 5, Episode 11, titled “511.” It aired on November 3, 2019, and serves as the concluding chapter of the complex and multifaceted narrative exploring the aftermath of infidelity and its rippling effects on numerous lives.
A Journey’s End: Decoding “511”
“511” is more than just a number; it’s the culmination of five seasons worth of emotional baggage, relationship wreckage, and the slow, painstaking process of rebuilding lives fractured by the initial affair between Noah Solloway and Alison Bailey. While the episode provides closure to many of the storylines, it also leaves room for interpretation, a characteristic consistent with the show’s deliberately ambiguous and subjective storytelling style.
The episode primarily focuses on Joanie Lockhart, Alison’s daughter, now an adult living in a dystopian future grappling with her own identity and the legacy of her mother’s tragic death. It revisits key locations and themes from the series, offering a poignant reflection on the past and a cautionary glimpse into a possible future. It also attempts to offer some resolution for Noah, who confronts his past actions and seeks a measure of peace.
The Fate of Key Characters
“511” addresses the fates of several key characters, albeit sometimes obliquely. While the focus is heavily on Joanie’s experience and her exploration of her mother’s life, the episode also provides:
- Noah Solloway: He continues to grapple with the consequences of his actions and attempts to find redemption. While not a fairy-tale ending, he appears to be finding a way to live with his past.
- Helen Solloway: While not central to the episode, the lasting impact of the affair on her life and her family is subtly acknowledged through Joanie’s reflections.
- Cole Lockhart: His absence highlights the enduring pain caused by Alison’s death and the ripple effect of their troubled relationship.
- Joanie Lockhart: The episode hinges on her journey to understand her mother and ultimately accept her own identity.
The Controversial Future Setting
The choice to set a significant portion of the finale in a bleak, near-future dystopian environment proved controversial amongst viewers. This stylistic decision served several purposes:
- Emphasizing the Long-Term Consequences: It underscores the idea that the decisions made in the past can have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences for future generations.
- Highlighting Environmental Concerns: The setting reflects anxieties about climate change and its potential impact on the world, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
- Providing a Distanced Perspective: The futuristic setting allows for a detached yet emotionally resonant examination of the past, offering a fresh perspective on the central themes of the series.
FAQs: Unpacking the Final Episode
Below are frequently asked questions designed to address common points of confusion and provide a more comprehensive understanding of The Affair‘s final episode.
1. Does Joanie ever find peace with her mother’s death?
While “511” doesn’t offer a definitive “happy ending” for Joanie, it portrays a journey towards acceptance. By confronting the truth about her mother’s life and death, and visiting key locations from Alison’s past, Joanie begins to process her grief and develop a more nuanced understanding of her mother’s choices. The episode suggests she is on a path to healing, albeit a long and challenging one.
2. What exactly happened to Alison Bailey? Was it suicide or murder?
The ambiguity surrounding Alison’s death remains a central point of contention. While the series implies it was a suicide orchestrated by Ben Cruz, Alison’s former lover, this is never definitively confirmed. The lack of a concrete answer serves to highlight the show’s exploration of subjectivity and the unreliable nature of memory. The final episode doesn’t offer further clarification, leaving the question open to interpretation.
3. Why was the future setting so controversial?
Many viewers found the futuristic setting jarring and disconnected from the rest of the series. Some argued that it detracted from the core themes of relationship dynamics and infidelity, while others appreciated its metaphorical exploration of societal anxieties and the long-term consequences of personal choices. Ultimately, it was a stylistic choice that resonated differently with individual viewers.
4. Did Noah ever truly redeem himself?
Redemption is a complex and subjective concept. While Noah takes steps to acknowledge his past mistakes and attempts to be a better person, whether he fully achieves redemption is debatable. The show doesn’t offer a simple answer, suggesting that the consequences of his actions will continue to haunt him. He does, however, seem to find a measure of peace and acceptance.
5. What role does Ben Cruz play in the finale?
Ben Cruz is not directly featured in “511.” However, his presence lingers in the background as the underlying cause of Alison’s death, which continues to impact the lives of Joanie, Cole, and others. His absence underscores the enduring consequences of his actions.
6. Does Helen Solloway find happiness after everything she endured?
While Helen’s happiness is not explicitly addressed in the finale, the episode implies that she has found a degree of stability and contentment. Her children are growing and she is seemingly in a stable relationship. While the scars of the affair likely remain, she appears to have moved forward with her life.
7. What is the significance of Joanie visiting Montauk?
Montauk serves as a powerful symbol of Alison’s life and the events that unfolded there. By visiting the town and the key locations associated with her mother, Joanie is able to connect with Alison’s past and gain a deeper understanding of her struggles and choices. It allows her to reconcile her idealized image of her mother with the more complex reality.
8. Does the episode offer any hope for the future?
Despite the bleakness of the dystopian setting, the episode offers a glimmer of hope. Joanie’s journey towards self-acceptance and understanding suggests that even in the face of immense pain and trauma, healing is possible. Furthermore, the final scene with Noah suggests that he is finally confronting his past and moving forward.
9. How does the show’s use of multiple perspectives impact the finale?
While “511” primarily focuses on Joanie’s perspective, the series’ signature multi-perspective approach is still subtly present through her interactions with others and her reflections on the past. This reinforces the idea that truth is subjective and that there are multiple valid interpretations of events.
10. What are the main themes explored in the final episode?
The final episode delves into themes of grief, loss, identity, the long-term consequences of infidelity, environmental anxiety, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. It’s a culmination of the series’ core themes, explored through the lens of Joanie’s journey. The weight of the past is a dominant theme.
11. Is there a hidden meaning behind the episode’s title, “511”?
While there’s no explicitly stated hidden meaning, the title “511” could be interpreted in several ways. It could simply be a numerical designation, or it could allude to a specific code or reference point that remains ambiguous. Some viewers have speculated that it represents the final piece of a puzzle, completing the overall narrative. Ultimately, its significance is left to the viewer’s interpretation.
12. What is the overall message of The Affair as a series?
The Affair doesn’t offer a simple, easily digestible message. Instead, it presents a complex and nuanced exploration of human relationships, the destructive power of infidelity, and the challenges of forgiveness and redemption. It suggests that actions have consequences, that truth is subjective, and that healing is a long and arduous process. The show leaves viewers to grapple with the ambiguity of human nature and the lasting impact of choices.