The final episode of Mork & Mindy, titled “Gork’s Revenge,” saw Mork and Mindy facing a dire threat to their infant son, Mearth, as the villainous Exidor returns with a plot to turn Mearth into an evil being. The episode culminates in a poignant battle of wills and love, leaving viewers with a bittersweet, emotionally resonant goodbye to the beloved characters.
The Genesis of a Sad Farewell
The cancellation of Mork & Mindy after its fourth season was a shock to many fans. Despite its initial success, the show’s ratings had plummeted, largely due to changes in the writing and the shift in focus away from the initial charm of Mork’s interactions with everyday humans. The final episodes, therefore, were written with a sense of urgency, attempting to wrap up storylines and provide closure for the characters that audiences had grown to adore. The original intent was to end the show on a more optimistic note, but network constraints and budget limitations contributed to a bittersweet, even tragic, conclusion.
“Gork’s Revenge”: A Detailed Breakdown
“Gork’s Revenge” begins with the return of Exidor, played by Robert Donner, a cult leader from previous episodes. Exidor has discovered that Mearth, being born backward (aging from old to young), possesses immense power. He intends to exploit this power to create a “perfect world” ruled by himself. He kidnaps Mearth, subjecting him to a machine designed to reverse his aging process prematurely, thereby amplifying his potential for evil.
Mork and Mindy, distraught by their son’s abduction, enlist the help of Orson, Mork’s superior on Ork, who appears as a disembodied voice. Orson provides guidance and cryptic clues, ultimately leading them to Exidor’s hideout. The ensuing confrontation is fraught with tension and peril.
The Battle for Mearth’s Soul
The climax sees Mork confronting Exidor while Mindy attempts to disable the machine. Mork, using his Orkan powers and unwavering love for his son, manages to disrupt Exidor’s plans. Mindy successfully shuts down the machine, but not before Mearth experiences a surge of manipulated energy.
The final scene is a heart-wrenching moment where Mearth, now appearing as a young child, is returned to his natural state of aging backward. He imparts wisdom beyond his apparent years, offering a philosophical reflection on love, family, and the importance of living a life of purpose. He tells Mork and Mindy that he will be leaving soon, as his time on Earth is nearing its end. He disappears in a burst of light, leaving his parents grieving but ultimately accepting of his departure. The episode concludes with Mork and Mindy clinging to each other, facing an uncertain future but bound by their love and the memory of their extraordinary son.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mork & Mindy Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions that offer further insight into the show’s conclusion:
FAQ #1: Why was Mork & Mindy Cancelled?
The show’s cancellation stemmed primarily from declining ratings. The changes in the show’s format, including moving the setting from Boulder, Colorado to a more generic suburban neighborhood, and a shift in tone, alienated a significant portion of the original audience. Robin Williams’s demanding schedule also contributed to the network’s decision.
FAQ #2: What happened to Exidor after “Gork’s Revenge”?
The episode doesn’t explicitly state what happens to Exidor. Given the chaotic nature of the climax, it’s implied that he is either apprehended by the authorities or escapes to pursue his cult activities elsewhere. His ultimate fate remains ambiguous.
FAQ #3: Was the original ending supposed to be different?
Yes, reportedly, the writers initially envisioned a more optimistic ending where Mearth continued to age backward, potentially even becoming a wise old man. However, due to budget constraints and the network’s desire to wrap up the show quickly, the more dramatic and bittersweet ending was chosen.
FAQ #4: Did Robin Williams like the ending of Mork & Mindy?
There is no publicly available information directly confirming Robin Williams’s specific feelings about the finale. However, given his commitment to the show and his emotional investment in the character of Mork, it is plausible that he found the ending emotionally resonant, even if he didn’t entirely agree with all the creative choices.
FAQ #5: Why did Mearth age backward?
Mearth aging backward was a core element of the show’s concept, designed to allow for comedic situations and philosophical explorations. It allowed the writers to explore themes of innocence, experience, and the cyclical nature of life. It provided a unique narrative device for showcasing Mork’s alien perspective on human existence.
FAQ #6: Was Pam Dawber happy with the final season?
Pam Dawber has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the direction the show took in its later seasons. She felt that the focus shifted too much away from the Mork and Mindy relationship and towards more outlandish storylines. She ultimately felt the show lost its original charm.
FAQ #7: What was the significance of Orson in the final episode?
Orson’s role in “Gork’s Revenge” was to provide guidance and a sense of cosmic perspective. He served as a reminder of Mork’s Orkan heritage and offered cryptic clues that ultimately helped Mork and Mindy save their son. He represented the Orkan authority figure and offered a sense of closure to Mork’s journey.
FAQ #8: Could Mork & Mindy ever be rebooted?
A reboot of Mork & Mindy would be challenging without Robin Williams. However, the concept and characters remain popular, and a reimagining focusing on different aspects of Mork’s alien perspective or Mindy’s experiences with extraterrestrial life could be explored. It would require careful consideration of the legacy of the original series.
FAQ #9: What lessons did Mork & Mindy teach its audience?
The show taught viewers about acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of seeing the world from different perspectives. It explored themes of love, family, and the challenges of navigating a complex world. It promoted understanding and empathy through Mork’s innocent and inquisitive approach to human culture.
FAQ #10: How did the finale affect the legacy of Mork & Mindy?
While the ending was tragic, it added a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the show’s legacy. It demonstrated the writers’ willingness to explore complex themes and provided a memorable conclusion to the characters’ journey. It arguably enhanced the show’s overall impact and enduring appeal.
FAQ #11: What was the critical reception to the final episode?
Critical reception to “Gork’s Revenge” was mixed. Some critics praised the emotional depth and the attempts to provide closure, while others criticized the convoluted plot and the rushed nature of the ending. Ultimately, the emotional impact of the ending resonated more strongly with viewers than the specifics of the plot.
FAQ #12: Where can I watch the Mork & Mindy finale?
The Mork & Mindy finale, along with all the episodes of the series, is often available for streaming on various platforms, depending on licensing agreements. Checking popular streaming services like Hulu, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video is recommended. You can also purchase episodes or entire seasons on digital platforms like iTunes or Google Play.
A Lasting Impression
Despite its cancellation and the bittersweet nature of its finale, Mork & Mindy remains a beloved television classic. Its unique blend of comedy, science fiction, and heartfelt emotion continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring that the story of Mork from Ork and Mindy McConnell will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come. The show’s legacy lies not just in its humor, but also in its ability to explore profound questions about life, love, and the human condition, even through the eyes of an alien.