The final episode of Animal Kingdom, titled “Fubar,” sees the Cody boys’ criminal empire crumble under the weight of their past actions and fractured loyalties, ultimately culminating in Pope’s desperate attempt to protect his family, a fatal confrontation with Deran, and the scattering of the remaining Codys. It marks a definitive end to their reign of terror and explores the lingering consequences of Smurf’s legacy.
The End of an Era: Deconstructing “Fubar”
The sixth and final season of Animal Kingdom was a masterclass in unraveling years of complex relationships and criminal endeavors. “Fubar,” the series finale, delivered a potent cocktail of suspense, emotional reckoning, and ultimately, tragic resolution. While the show was never afraid to push the boundaries of morality, the finale forced viewers to confront the true cost of the Codys’ choices.
Pope’s Final Act of “Protection”
The episode revolves around Pope’s confession to the murder of Catherine, a crime he committed years ago to protect Julia (Baz’s wife, also Lena’s mom). This revelation triggers a chain reaction, threatening to dismantle everything the Codys have built. In his twisted logic, Pope believes that taking responsibility will somehow shield his brothers from the consequences, revealing the depth of his dysfunctional “family” loyalty. However, this action ultimately leads to his confrontation with Deran.
Deran’s Breaking Point
Throughout the series, Deran has always grappled with the morality of his family’s lifestyle. The finale sees him reach his breaking point. He is torn between loyalty to his brothers and a desire for a better life, a life free from violence and fear. His final encounter with Pope, driven by betrayal and the devastating impact of Pope’s actions, results in a tragic and irreversible outcome.
The Fate of J and Craig
While Pope’s actions are central to the finale’s climax, the other Cody brothers face their own reckoning. J, ever the opportunist, attempts to secure his financial future, showcasing his cunning and self-preservation instincts. However, his past catches up with him, leaving his fate uncertain. Craig, despite his flaws, finds a glimmer of hope for a new beginning, though it is bittersweet, knowing the devastation that has befallen his family.
Smurf’s Ghost Lingers
Even in death, Smurf’s presence hangs heavy over the Cody family. The flashbacks interspersed throughout the season provide context for their current actions and reveal the roots of their dysfunction. “Fubar” underscores the lasting impact of her manipulative control, demonstrating how her legacy continues to shape their lives, even as they attempt to break free from it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Animal Kingdom Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions, designed to offer more insight into the nuances of the Animal Kingdom finale:
1. What does “Fubar” mean, and why was it chosen as the title for the final episode?
“Fubar” is a military acronym that stands for “Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition.” This perfectly encapsulates the state of the Cody family and their criminal empire at the end of the series. Everything has fallen apart, and their lives are irrevocably damaged.
2. Why did Pope confess to killing Catherine after all these years?
Pope’s confession stems from a warped sense of loyalty and a misguided attempt to protect his brothers from the consequences of their actions, particularly J’s manipulations. He believes taking responsibility will somehow absolve them, showcasing the deeply dysfunctional nature of their family dynamic.
3. How did Deran find out about Pope killing Catherine?
J reveals this information to Deran, manipulating him to further his own agenda and destabilize the family. J understands Deran’s moral conflict and uses this knowledge to push him towards a breaking point.
4. Why did Deran kill Pope? Was there any other option?
Deran’s act of violence is the culmination of years of suppressed anger, guilt, and a desire to escape the Cody family’s destructive lifestyle. He sees Pope as a symbol of everything he wants to leave behind. While the situation was complex, the writers positioned the moment as one where Deran acted in the heat of the moment, feeling like he had no other way out.
5. What happened to J at the end of the series?
J’s fate is left ambiguous. He successfully executes his plan to secure his financial future, but he is also implicated in Pope’s actions and under suspicion. The final scene implies that he is being pursued by law enforcement, leaving his ultimate destiny uncertain.
6. Did Craig survive the series finale? What was his ending like?
Yes, Craig survives. He leaves Oceanside with Renn and Nick, seeking a fresh start. His ending is bittersweet, filled with the hope of a new life but also the lingering pain of his family’s destruction.
7. Did the flashbacks throughout the final season serve a specific purpose?
The flashbacks provided crucial context for understanding the Cody family’s dynamics and the root of their criminal behavior. They revealed Smurf’s manipulative nature and the events that shaped the brothers’ lives, ultimately explaining their actions in the present.
8. Was Smurf truly the mastermind behind everything, even in death?
While Smurf is dead, her influence permeates the entire season and shapes the events of the finale. Her teachings, manipulations, and the criminal empire she built continue to dictate the Codys’ actions, even as they try to escape her shadow. She remains a central figure, even in absentia.
9. What were the main themes explored in the Animal Kingdom finale?
The finale explores themes of family loyalty, betrayal, the consequences of violence, the cycle of abuse, and the search for redemption. It delves into the complexities of dysfunctional relationships and the difficulty of escaping a toxic past.
10. Was there any hope for a happy ending for any of the Cody brothers?
While none of the Cody brothers achieves a truly happy ending, Craig’s escape with Renn and Nick offers a glimmer of hope. However, even this is tinged with sadness, knowing the price he paid to achieve it. The overall tone remains tragic and cautionary.
11. How did the Animal Kingdom finale compare to the rest of the series?
The finale maintained the series’ signature suspenseful pacing and gritty realism. It offered a satisfying conclusion to the overarching narrative while staying true to the characters’ established personalities and motivations. It amplified the emotional stakes and delivered a powerful and impactful ending.
12. Are there any plans for a spin-off or continuation of Animal Kingdom?
As of the current date, there are no officially announced plans for a spin-off or continuation of Animal Kingdom. While the show garnered a dedicated fanbase, its storyline reached a definitive conclusion, making a direct continuation unlikely. However, the possibility of exploring a different aspect of the show’s universe in the future remains open.
The Animal Kingdom finale, “Fubar,” leaves viewers with a sense of closure, albeit a tragic one. The Cody family’s reign of terror comes to an end, but not without significant cost. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive consequences of a life lived outside the law and the enduring power of family, even in its most dysfunctional form.