The final episode of The Ranch, titled “It Ain’t My Job to be Civil,” aired on January 24, 2020, marking the poignant end to the Bennetts’ tumultuous journey on Netflix. The episode, and the series as a whole, wrapped up storylines concerning family dynamics, business struggles, and the ever-present challenges of small-town life in Garrison, Colorado.
A Look Back at the Series Finale
The series finale of The Ranch brought several plot threads to a head. The primary focus revolved around Beau Bennett’s (Sam Elliott) heart attack and the uncertainty surrounding his health. This medical emergency forced the Bennett family, notorious for their bickering and disagreements, to confront their vulnerabilities and rally together. Colt (Ashton Kutcher) and Abby (Elisha Cuthbert) were grappling with impending parenthood and the anxieties of building a stable future, while Rooster’s absence continued to cast a long shadow over the family. The episode cleverly interwove moments of genuine emotion with the show’s signature sardonic humor, creating a bittersweet conclusion that resonated with longtime viewers.
The episode also addressed the financial difficulties the Bennett family faced with their Iron River Ranch. The future of the ranch, a symbol of their heritage and identity, remained uncertain. This tension added another layer of complexity to the narrative, underscoring the constant struggles faced by small businesses in rural America. In the end, the episode offered a sense of closure, suggesting that the Bennetts, despite their flaws and challenges, would find a way to persevere and support each other. It left the audience with a sense of hope, albeit tinged with the melancholy of saying goodbye to these well-loved characters.
Decoding the Ending: What Did it All Mean?
While the episode offered resolution to some storylines, it also left certain aspects open to interpretation, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the Bennetts’ future. Beau’s survival and the potential sale of the ranch were left ambiguous, reinforcing the realistic portrayal of life’s uncertainties. The focus shifted towards the importance of family bonds and the enduring power of love and loyalty, even amidst chaos and disagreement. The final scene showed the family gathering, united by their shared experiences and facing an unknown future together, epitomizing the enduring spirit of The Ranch.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Ranch’s Ending
To further clarify the events and context surrounding the last episode of The Ranch, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
H3: Rooster’s Absence: Was Danny Masterson’s Character Addressed in the Finale?
Yes, Rooster’s absence was subtly but definitively addressed. While Danny Masterson’s character, Rooster, was written out of the show due to serious allegations against the actor, his absence was explained within the narrative. The characters often alluded to his disappearance and the tragic circumstances surrounding it, reminding viewers of the impact his departure had on the family dynamic. The finale acknowledged his absence without explicitly rehashing the details of his departure.
H3: Did Beau Bennett Die in the Last Episode?
Beau Bennett’s fate was intentionally left ambiguous. While he suffered a heart attack, the episode concluded without definitively stating whether he survived. This ambiguity allowed viewers to interpret the ending based on their own hopes and expectations for the character. The focus remained on the family’s reaction and their collective strength in the face of uncertainty.
H3: What Happened to Abby and Colt? Did They Have Their Baby?
Yes, Abby and Colt were preparing to welcome their baby in the series finale. The episode showed Abby heavily pregnant and anxious about becoming a mother. The impending arrival of their child symbolized a new chapter for the couple and the Bennett family as a whole, representing hope for the future. The birth itself wasn’t depicted on screen.
H3: Did Mary Get Her Life Together by the End of the Series?
Mary’s journey throughout the series was one of addiction and recovery. While she faced numerous setbacks, the ending suggested that she was making progress towards sobriety and rebuilding her life. The finale showed her working towards stability and participating more actively in her support system, hinting at a more hopeful future. Her progress was far from perfect, acknowledging the ongoing struggle of addiction.
H3: Was the Ranch Sold in the Final Episode?
The future of the Iron River Ranch remained uncertain. The family faced financial difficulties, and the possibility of selling the ranch was a recurring theme. However, the episode did not definitively state whether or not the ranch was sold. This ambiguity allowed viewers to speculate about the Bennetts’ future and whether they would be able to preserve their family heritage.
H3: Why Was The Ranch Cancelled?
The Ranch was ultimately cancelled by Netflix, but the reasons were complex and multifaceted. While Danny Masterson’s departure undoubtedly contributed to the decision, other factors, such as contractual agreements and the natural conclusion of the storyline, likely played a role as well. Netflix rarely releases specific reasons for cancellation, but it’s generally understood that audience viewership and production costs are major considerations.
H3: Were There Any Plans for a Spin-Off Series?
While there were rumors and speculation about potential spin-offs, no official announcements were ever made. The success of The Ranch certainly created opportunities for expanding the universe and exploring other characters or storylines, but ultimately, no spin-off series materialized.
H3: What Was the Significance of the Episode Title, “It Ain’t My Job to be Civil”?
The episode title, “It Ain’t My Job to be Civil,” encapsulates the Bennetts’ dysfunctional but ultimately loving family dynamic. It highlights their tendency to bicker and disagree, but also their unwavering loyalty to each other. The phrase reflects their down-to-earth, no-nonsense attitude and their refusal to conform to societal expectations. Even amidst serious situations like Beau’s heart attack, they maintain their characteristic bluntness.
H3: Where Can I Watch All Episodes of The Ranch?
All episodes of The Ranch are currently available for streaming on Netflix. This allows viewers to revisit the series from beginning to end and experience the Bennetts’ journey in its entirety.
H3: How Did Audiences React to the Series Finale?
Audience reaction to the series finale was mixed. Some viewers appreciated the closure and the focus on family bonds, while others were disappointed by the ambiguous ending and the unresolved storylines. Overall, the finale sparked a significant amount of discussion and debate among fans, demonstrating the show’s lasting impact.
H3: Who Were the Recurring Guest Stars in the Last Season?
The last season of The Ranch featured several recurring guest stars, including Dax Shepard as Luke Matthews, a former soldier with a troubled past, and Aimee Teegarden as Nikki, a character involved in Colt’s past. These characters added depth and complexity to the storylines and contributed to the overall narrative.
H3: What Made The Ranch Unique Among Other Sitcoms?
The Ranch distinguished itself from other sitcoms through its unique blend of humor and drama, its authentic portrayal of rural American life, and its focus on complex family dynamics. The show addressed serious issues like addiction, economic hardship, and mental health with sensitivity and realism, while also incorporating sharp wit and relatable humor. The setting of a working ranch in Colorado provided a distinctive backdrop for the characters’ struggles and triumphs, making it a standout series in the comedy genre.