The last episode of Devious Maids, titled “Once More Unto the Bleach, Dear Friends,” aired on August 8, 2016, leaving fans with a cliffhanger ending and a profound sense of disappointment. The episode, part of the show’s fourth season, concluded with Rosie Falta facing a life-threatening situation, creating an unresolved storyline that ultimately signaled the show’s abrupt cancellation.
The Disappointing End: A Cliffhanger Remembered
Devious Maids, created by Marc Cherry and based on the Mexican telenovela Ellas son… la Alegría del Hogar, captivated audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and social commentary. However, the series’ untimely cancellation after its fourth season left many plot threads dangling, and fans yearning for closure. The final episode, far from providing resolution, threw one last wrench into the works, leaving the fate of a major character in the balance. The ending, intended to set the stage for a fifth season, instead became a permanent question mark in television history.
The storyline leading up to “Once More Unto the Bleach, Dear Friends” centered around the return of Peri Westmore, a previously deceased character, revealed to be alive and hiding. Her return brought with it a new web of secrets and potential danger, adding to the already complex lives of the maids and their wealthy employers. The final moments of the episode saw Rosie making a critical choice that placed her directly in harm’s way, leaving viewers in agonizing suspense. This dramatic cliffhanger, designed to hook audiences and guarantee a renewal, ultimately backfired when Lifetime decided to pull the plug on the series.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Devious Maids Finale
H3: What exactly happened in the last scene of Devious Maids?
The final scene depicts Rosie confronting Peri, who is brandishing a weapon. Rosie manages to disarm Peri and is about to call the police when Spence (Rosie’s husband), suffering from memory loss due to his involvement in a previous traumatic event, appears and attacks Rosie, mistaking her for someone else. The episode ends with Rosie lying unconscious on the floor, leaving her fate uncertain. This shocking twist was intended to set up a new mystery for a potential fifth season, focusing on Spence’s mental state and the aftermath of his actions.
H3: Why was Devious Maids cancelled after the fourth season?
The cancellation of Devious Maids is attributed to several factors, including declining ratings in its fourth season and the restructuring of Lifetime’s programming strategy. Despite a dedicated fanbase, the show’s viewership had steadily decreased, making it less profitable for the network. There were also rumors of behind-the-scenes creative differences, although these were never officially confirmed. The combination of these elements led Lifetime to ultimately decide against renewing the series for a fifth season.
H3: Were there plans for a fifth season of Devious Maids?
Yes, Marc Cherry and the show’s writers had detailed plans for a fifth season of Devious Maids. These plans involved exploring the consequences of Spence’s actions, delving further into Peri’s secrets, and potentially introducing new characters and storylines. The writers had intentionally crafted the fourth season finale as a cliffhanger to generate excitement and anticipation for the next season. However, these plans were never realized due to the show’s cancellation.
H3: Did the cast and crew know the fourth season would be the last?
No, the cast and crew were reportedly unaware that the fourth season would be the final one. They were operating under the assumption that the show would be renewed for a fifth season, based on the cliffhanger ending and the network’s previous support for the series. The news of the cancellation came as a surprise and disappointment to everyone involved in the production.
H3: Has there ever been talk of a revival of Devious Maids?
Over the years, there have been occasional rumors and fan campaigns advocating for a revival or reboot of Devious Maids. However, as of the present day, there have been no concrete plans or announcements regarding a potential revival. The cast and crew have expressed their willingness to revisit the series, but the decision ultimately rests with the rights holders and their assessment of the show’s viability.
H3: What did Marc Cherry say about the cancellation?
Marc Cherry expressed his disappointment at the cancellation of Devious Maids, acknowledging that the show had a dedicated fanbase and a unique blend of drama and comedy. He also expressed gratitude to the cast, crew, and Lifetime for their support over the four seasons. While disappointed, he has moved on to other projects, including the successful series Why Women Kill.
H3: How did fans react to the ending and cancellation?
The fans of Devious Maids reacted with a mixture of disappointment, frustration, and anger to the cliffhanger ending and subsequent cancellation. Many took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, launching online petitions and campaigns to try and save the show. The unresolved storylines and the uncertainty surrounding Rosie’s fate left a lasting negative impression on many viewers.
H3: Is there any way to find out what would have happened in season five?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive source that reveals exactly what would have transpired in the never-produced fifth season of Devious Maids. While Marc Cherry and the writers may have shared some general ideas in interviews or online forums, the full scope of their plans remains largely unknown. Without a revival or a published script, the details of season five remain a matter of speculation and fan theories.
H3: Were there any recurring themes in the show that continued through the final episode?
Yes, several recurring themes persisted in the final episode, including class conflict, secrets and lies, the complexities of female relationships, and the pursuit of love and happiness. The show consistently explored the dynamics between the wealthy employers and their domestic staff, highlighting the power imbalances and the hidden truths that often lay beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. The final episode continued to examine these themes through the storylines involving Rosie, Peri, Spence, and the other maids.
H3: Who were the main characters featured prominently in “Once More Unto the Bleach, Dear Friends”?
The main characters featured prominently in the final episode included Rosie Falta (played by Dania Ramirez), Spence Westmore (played by Grant Show), Peri Westmore (played by Mariana Klaveno), Marisol Suarez (played by Ana Ortiz), Zoila Diaz (played by Judy Reyes), and Genevieve Delatour (played by Susan Lucci). These characters were central to the episode’s key plot points and contributed to the overall dramatic tension.
H3: What are some similar shows that fans of Devious Maids might enjoy?
Fans of Devious Maids may enjoy other shows that feature similar themes of mystery, drama, and social commentary, such as Desperate Housewives (also created by Marc Cherry), Why Women Kill, Big Little Lies, Revenge, and Gossip Girl. These shows offer a similar blend of intrigue, character-driven narratives, and exploration of complex relationships.
H3: What is the legacy of Devious Maids in television history?
Devious Maids, despite its abrupt cancellation, left a lasting legacy in television history as one of the few mainstream American series to feature a predominantly Latina cast and explore the lives and experiences of domestic workers. The show broke ground by providing representation for a demographic that is often underrepresented in popular media. While it faced some criticism regarding its portrayal of Latino stereotypes, it also sparked important conversations about class, race, and the realities of domestic work. The show’s impact can be seen in the increased diversity and representation in television programming that has followed its run.
Conclusion: An Unfinished Story
The final episode of Devious Maids, “Once More Unto the Bleach, Dear Friends,” remains a bittersweet memory for fans. While the show provided entertainment and representation, its abrupt cancellation and cliffhanger ending left a void that has never been filled. The unanswered questions surrounding Rosie’s fate and the unfulfilled potential of the fifth season serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of television and the enduring power of storytelling. Though the Devious Maids may be gone, they are certainly not forgotten. The desire for closure and the possibility of a revival continue to resonate with viewers who were captivated by the show’s unique blend of drama, humor, and social commentary.