'Last episode is total BS': Prime Video's 'Expats' leaves fans with mixed bag of emotions

Lulu Wang's 'Expats' has left some admirers swooning over its rich and genuine representation, while others are condemning its open conclusion
PUBLISHED FEB 23, 2024
A still from 'Expats' (@Amazon Prime Video)
A still from 'Expats' (@Amazon Prime Video)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Amazon Prime Video's acclaimed series 'Expats' has finally reached its destination, with characters finally getting a sense of closure. 

The series, based on Janice Y. K. Lee's novel 'The Expatriates,' exposes the harsh reality of life as an expatriate.

It also emphasizes the fact that even if your facial characteristics are identical, you may find yourself alone in the crowded metropolis of Hong Kong.

Fans are torn over the ending of 'Expats'

The series garnered widespread acclaim for its premise throughout its run. However, the conclusion sparked conflicting reactions among fans, mainly due to the open ending.

Some viewers appreciated the series' representation of complicated relationships, while others were upset over the unresolved enigma surrounding Gus' disappearance.

As soon as the episode premiered on the streaming service, X users started sharing their opinions.

Raving about the cinematography of the finale, a fan wrote, "Safe and sound and the cinematography and framing in these shots?! Lulu is in her bag! 🔥👏🏾🎥 Episode 6 #Expats @PrimeVideo."



 

Another admirer complimented Lulu Wang's remarkable directing abilities and stated, "Has anyone else been watching Expats? It’s a beautifully shot show and there was so much about it that kept pulling me into it. Lulu Wang did it again. I absolutely loved it."



 

A fan applauded the series saying, "Yes! Fantastic series! 👏🏻 #NicoleKidman @PrimeVideo #Expats"



 

Talking about the diverse themes of the series, a fan urged others to watch the show and wrote, "In this series, it touched themes such as foreign migration (expats), political aggression, youth activism in Hong Kong, and many other themes that are narrated in the most realistic way possible. Go give this a watch!"



 

"Best show of the year so far #expats.," wrote another fan.



 

Meanwhile, some fans also criticized the ending of the series and shared their sentiments on X, "Not sure how I feel about #Expats overall. None of the main characters were particularly likable besides Essie and Puri but we only got one episode of them. The ending irritated me with no conclusion to what happened to Gus. There lacked a finality to the show."



 

Objecting to the ending of the show, another fan wrote, "Expats ended so f*****g trash smh."



 

Pointing out that Gus' disappearance was left unsolved, a viewer wrote, "Just finished "#Expats on prime. Great series but the last episode is total BS. No idea what happened to the missing kid, Margaret stays in HK?!"



 

Another admirer voiced their thoughts on the future of the protagonists' decisions and said, "#Expats Finale. Beautifully filmed series, and not much else, besides being annoyed at most of these people. I think Hilary is going to be ok, and I'm glad for her. Shocked that Mercy was 25, thought an immature 20. Hopefully her mom can raise the baby, because she's hopeless."



 

What happened in the 'Expats' last episode?

The miniseries concludes with Margaret Woo (Nicole Kidman), filled with a sense of confidence, deciding to stay in Hong Kong to find her lost son Gus (Connor James).

Hillary Starr (Sarayu Blue) eventually separates amicably from her adulterous husband, David Starr (Jack Huston), choosing a life filled with possibilities and tranquility.

Mercy Cho (Ji-young Yoo), who struggled with guilt throughout the series, apologizes to Margaret and Hillary.

She also opts to become a single parent, a decision that is later supported by her mother.

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