‘Snowpiercer’ Recap: ‘Last Stop’

9/23/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Daveed Diggs as Layton in Episode 410 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘Last Stop’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.

For the most part, stories that feature a chance to save humanity or save the planet from a major apocalypse, tend to lean toward formulaic endings to their story. Some for instance, go the George Romero route and end the story in a sour and bleak manner. Which isn’t a bad thing, since happy endings aren’t always possible, but it is a tad overplayed in this day and age. Or… they end shockingly happy, wherein some kind of McGuffin manages to save humanity from whatever is ailing the planet… so civilization can enjoy its second chance. Which is also fine, but just seems a little too perfect.

Which is why, the series finale of Snowpiercer on AMC is of note. Simply because ‘Last Stop’ was a finale that bucked all the trends and all the tropes for this kind of genre, to offer up a cathartic and realistic finale for this saga. One steeped in beautiful and impactful lessons. That is… after we were able to enjoy one kick ass final battle aboard the rolling ark that Joseph Wilford created. Because this was it, the International Peacekeeping Force versus the Great Layton Revolt. The Final Layton Revolt, and well, the IPF had their hands full. Simply because they had never fought people in this manner and had no idea how train combat worked. So, they resorted to gas and tactics and that was a terrible idea.

Because it gave everyone a chance to breathe and think and examine the situation. Wherein everyone came to realize there was a way to defeat Nima. For if they took the time to shut off communications to the engine and put forth an all-out uprising while Melanie and Alex made their way to the rocket, there was a chance they could save humanity, and well, that plan outright worked. For Javi was able to sever the communication links and that forced Nima to slightly delay the launch sequence, buying Melanie and Alex time to get there and start to remove the Gemini vials. Not to mention, the troops were rallied and put close to the control room to protect the rocket. But alas, Nima figured out the plan and confronted Melanie and his daughter.

Wherein, something powerful happened. In that, Melanie and Alex were able to help Nima understand the folly of his actions, of what his arrogance had done and that it had brought humanity to the brink twice over now. Which made for a confused man, one who was distracted long enough for Alex to figure out how to sabotage the rocket before the hatch opened to launch it. Which brought forth the end of Nima since his confusion left him unable to escape in time, only because he granted Melanie and Alex one act of kindness. By asking them to leave before the chill arrived, and he died without knowing his plan failed. Because Alex did everything right and destroyed the rocket, saving humanity at last and that in turn, gave rise to the unique ending in question. One that took place in the only real safe haven left on Earth, New Eden.

Rowan Blanchard and Jennifer Connelly as Alex and Melanie Cavill in Episode 410 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘Last Stop’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

For in that place, all were welcome to start over there, and bygones were bygones. Not to mention, Snowpiercer was essentially put out of commission, only to roll her cars now and then to keep the engine cooking in case New Eden’s climate turned south. But what mattered more here, were the conversations and the beautiful moments that everyone shared in. Because everyone got their wish, they got a chance to live as one, and they were able to celebrate the best parts of who we are. But more importantly, they all came to learn… that for the past eight years, they fought hard against that which they could not control, and in doing so… paid dearly. Because they focused on revenge, on class standing and on the petty stuff that mankind did not leave behind in its absolute darkest hour.

But now they understood, the gift they had been given. In that, this was mankind’s second chance, be it brief, be it long, but this was it. This was their chance to get it right, to live in the moment and enjoy the wonder of life and, let go of the worst parts of society, and that… is indeed a different kind of ending. One that should serve as a reminder of how tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, we should, live for now, enjoy what it is in front of us and celebrate beauty and be the best person that we can be. Regardless of what change we need to impart. Because that… sets up a better tomorrow. One that we can embrace with a deep sigh of satisfaction, and what’s wild… is that all that fight and all that drama and desire to warm the Earth, was unnecessary. Since we also learned, slowly but surely, mankind’s mistake… course corrected.

Giving rise to a vastly different kind of happy ending as well, one that informs us… it will all be okay, and that too… is a fine lesson. All of which provided us with, the perfect finale to this incredible series, and sadly… that’s all there is to say about this show fellow nerds and geeks. For Snowpiercer has reached the last stop, her terminus, and we cannot thank the talented cast and crew of this series for taking us one last incredible ride, and for four wonderful years of storytelling. Filled to the brim with lessons and commentary on how perhaps, we can indeed be better and find the peace that this last bastion of humanity found at the end of the world.

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