The last episode of Wizards of Waverly Place, titled “Who Will Be the Family Wizard?”, aired on January 6, 2012, and resolved the central conflict of the series: which Russo sibling would retain their magical powers for life. This hour-long special concluded the saga of Alex, Justin, and Max Russo as they competed in a final, high-stakes wizard competition, ultimately determining who would be named the Family Wizard.
The Final Wizard Competition: Stakes and Surprises
The episode masterfully weaves together nostalgia, suspense, and emotional resolution. It opens with a recap of the siblings’ journey, highlighting their growth and the challenges they faced while balancing their wizarding abilities with their everyday lives. The Russo family, including their mortal parents, Jerry and Theresa, prepare for the wizard competition, which takes place in a magical arena designed to test the siblings’ knowledge, skill, and resourcefulness.
The competition itself is presented in three stages, each increasingly difficult. The first stage tests their knowledge of spells, the second their ability to conjure and control magical creatures, and the final stage, the most challenging, requires them to navigate a complex and perilous obstacle course. Throughout the competition, alliances shift, betrayals occur, and each sibling is forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities.
Alex’s Unexpected Victory
While Justin is initially the clear favorite, demonstrating superior knowledge and control of his powers, Alex surprisingly triumphs. She demonstrates a remarkable display of quick thinking and resourcefulness, using her creativity and willingness to bend the rules to her advantage. Her victory underscores a key theme of the series: that true wizardry lies not just in power, but also in adaptability and compassion.
The episode takes a dramatic turn when Justin, although losing the competition, is offered the position of Headmaster of WizTech. This represents his exceptional academic achievement and dedication to the world of magic. He accepts the offer, ensuring his continued involvement in the wizarding community, even without retaining his family powers. Max, the youngest sibling, generously gives his powers to Justin, understanding his brother’s genuine desire to contribute to the magical world. This selfless act highlights Max’s character development throughout the series, showing his growth from a mischievous prankster to a thoughtful and caring brother.
The Legacy of Waverly Place
The final scene depicts the Russo family celebrating at the Waverly Sub Station, now a fully realized wizarding world meeting place. Alex, now the Family Wizard, vows to use her powers responsibly and for the good of others. The episode concludes with a poignant sense of closure, highlighting the enduring bond between the Russo siblings and their commitment to upholding their family’s legacy. It affirms that while only one Russo could keep their powers, their shared experiences and mutual love would continue to define them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the “Who Will Be the Family Wizard?” Episode
Here are 12 frequently asked questions about the last episode of Wizards of Waverly Place, designed to provide comprehensive information and deeper insights into the episode’s significance:
1. What was the date the last episode of Wizards of Waverly Place aired?
The last episode, “Who Will Be the Family Wizard?”, aired on January 6, 2012.
2. Who ultimately won the wizard competition in the final episode?
Alex Russo won the wizard competition and became the Family Wizard.
3. What happened to Justin after he lost the wizard competition?
Despite losing, Justin was offered the position of Headmaster of WizTech, which he accepted, signifying his continued involvement in the wizarding world.
4. Why did Max give his powers away in the final episode?
Max selflessly gave his powers to Justin because he recognized his brother’s genuine passion for magic and his desire to contribute to the wizarding community in a meaningful way.
5. What was the obstacle that ultimately led to Alex winning the competition?
The final obstacle was a complex maze filled with magical traps. Alex used her quick thinking and clever use of her magic to navigate the maze, while Justin was ultimately stumped by a deceptive illusion.
6. Did any characters from past seasons make a cameo appearance in the final episode?
Yes, several recurring characters from past seasons made appearances, including Harper Finkle, Alex’s best friend, and some of the WizTech students. Their presence added a sense of nostalgia and closure to the series.
7. What powers did Alex have as the Family Wizard?
As the Family Wizard, Alex retained all the magical powers she had developed throughout the series. The episode doesn’t explicitly detail specific new powers gained upon becoming the Family Wizard.
8. How did the “Who Will Be the Family Wizard?” episode differ from a regular episode?
The final episode was a special hour-long episode, significantly longer than the standard 30-minute episodes. It also featured a higher budget, more elaborate special effects, and a more emotionally charged storyline to properly conclude the series.
9. Was there a spin-off series planned after the final episode of Wizards of Waverly Place?
While there was talk of potential spin-offs, only one stand-alone special, The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex, was produced. This special aired in 2013 and continued Alex’s story.
10. What message was the final episode trying to convey to viewers?
The episode conveyed several messages, including the importance of family, the value of adaptability, and the idea that true strength lies not just in power, but also in compassion and the willingness to use your abilities for good. It also highlighted the importance of embracing one’s unique strengths, even if they differ from societal expectations.
11. Where does the final episode rank in popularity amongst all episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place?
The final episode is widely considered one of the most popular and highly rated episodes of the entire series. It resonated deeply with fans due to its emotional weight and satisfying resolution of the show’s central conflict.
12. What is the significance of the Waverly Sub Station in the final scene of the episode?
The Waverly Sub Station, now transformed into a magical meeting place, symbolizes the intertwining of the mortal and wizarding worlds. It represents the Russo family’s ability to balance their magical heritage with their everyday lives and their commitment to using their powers for good in both realms. It also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of their family and their commitment to community.