If you can finish the end of something well whether it’s a speech, the closing seconds of a basketball game, or the last note of a song that’s what people will remember the most. Take for example just one of Michael Jordan’s game winning shots, or the final lap of an Indy 500. If you can pull of the closing act of something you’ll often be remembered for that the most.
It got me to thinking about the various “final acts” or end scenes of Sliders episodes. Sure there were some bad endings and even worse episodes that could never recover from the most well written ending. It seems however, that more often than not there were good final scenes, whether they were comedic, shocking or emotional they always make you feel good after watching them.
That’s just one of the reasons that makes Sliders a great show. Remember the Pilot episode where Quinn sees his father’s double in shock and realizes they’re not home? Or how about “Fever”, where Rembrandt pokes fun at Arturo for being the “Quarter Pounder”. It makes you feel good after watching the episode and it seems your time spent was worthwhile.
Then there was season three which paid homage to so many movies, and in many instances lacked true original writing. Nevertheless they always pulled out the stops and made great endings. Just throw together some thoughtful words and music and there you go. Take for example “Sole Survivors”, a very lack luster episode, yet thoughtful ending:
Dr. Tassler: (to Debra) “We’re the only hope this world has. Look it’ll take time, but we can start to inoculate people. We can create a groundswell of recovery.”
Quinn: “That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? A lot of things just come down to loyalty. Don’t they?”
Season three’s “Dinoslide” felt like a step back into the “Jurassic Park” movies, with a brain sucking Rickman. But there’s the emotional final scene with Rembrandt and friend Malcolm that doesn’t disappoint:
Malcolm: “I wish there was a way we could stay together, but I can’t see it.”
Rembrandt: “Yeah. Yeah, you’re too important to Gretchen. She needs you, all of these people do.”
Malcolm: “And your friends need you. (sighs) I’m not gonna ask you to promise you’ll come back. I’ll just hope for it.”
Rembrandt: “Me, too.”
Malcolm (gives drawing to Rembrandt): “So you won’t forget me.”
Rembrandt: “I will never forget you, son. Not in a million years.”
And as a final example who can forget the infamous last lines of “The Guardian”? “My name isn’t Jim. It’s Quinn.” After all, isn’t that what people remember the most about that episode? If there’s one thing to remember about Sliders, it’s their final scenes, they not only crafted them, but they crafted them exceptionally well.