Gavin & Stacey, the beloved BBC comedy, made its much-anticipated return with a feature-length festive special this past Wednesday, concluding 17 years of rich storytelling and character evolution. The finale sparked joy and tears as Smithy and Nessa finally declared their love for one another, providing viewers with the resolution they had long awaited. With fans tuning in not only to see whether Smithy would accept Nessa’s wedding proposal from the 2019 Christmas Special but also how the episode would reckon with several unanswered questions from the series' earlier seasons, the stakes were high.
The episode wasted no time, starting with Smithy, played by James Corden, preparing for his wedding to his girlfriend Sonia, portrayed by Laura Aikman. This surprising twist had fans wondering about the fate of Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, who previously proposed to Smithy during the holiday special five years ago. The tension brewed as it was revealed Smithy had never formally responded to her, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
With a five-year time jump, many fans felt nostalgia as they watched Gavin and Stacey, played by Mathew Horne and Joanna Page respectively, travel back to Essex to join the festivities surrounding the wedding. A common thread of concern surrounded Sonia and the Shipman/West family; her distance from the family and comments about wanting to sever ties after marriage did not go unnoticed. Some fans were apprehensive, recalling past episodes and Sonia's lack of connection with the core family.
Meanwhile, Smithy had his share of pre-wedding jitters as he navigated slide shows of the family dynamics during his stag party, showcasing humorous yet poignant interactions among the cherished characters. Fans were treated to returning favorites including Uncle Bryn, who was up to his usual antics, and Pam Shipman, whose iconic line 'Oh my Christ!' delighted viewers anew.
But the real fireworks came during the wedding ceremony. Gavin, as Smithy’s best man, braced himself to raise his concerns about Smithy’s choice of bride. And just when it seemed disaster would strike, Smithy's friends stood to support Gavin, voicing their worries about Sonia. The dramatic turn forced Smithy to confront his feelings and the reality of his relationship with Nessa. The realization set in: Smithy had never truly moved on.
Running to find Nessa, who was about to leave for good, the scene captured the urgency and excitement reminiscent of classic comedy moments. The series concluded as Smithy professed his love and proposed to Nessa—this time, she simply nodded yes, highlighting their unique bond of never kissing. Viewers were thrilled as the couple finally exchanged their vows, sealing their bond with their signature handshake.
The finale also sprinkled humor and nostalgia, touching on long-established gags and character arcs. Gwen’s shocking relationship with Nessa’s ex, Dave Coaches, underscored the series' whimsical nature. Funny enough, it echoed unresolved long-running jokes, including the infamous fishing trip, leaving room for speculation among fans eager for something recognizable.
Ending on what could only be described as 'perfection,' the episode elicited emotional responses from viewers, prompting them to turn to social media to share their sentiments. Comments such as "NESSA AND SMITHY FINALLY!!!!" and "What an ending, my heart feels full" flooded platforms like Twitter, clearly showcasing the open adoration fans hold for the series.
James Corden and Ruth Jones, the show's creators, expressed their gratitude and nostalgia earlier this week, stating live during the premiere, 'It has been the greatest privilege making this show over the past 17 years.' Their emotional testimony captured the essence of what Gavin & Stacey has meant to fans across generations.
The episode concluded with heartfelt montages of the wedding reception, concluding not only Smithy and Nessa’s story but also serving as affectionate farewells to characters who have become beloved fixtures to the audience over the years.
With its legacy of laughter, love, and shared memories firmly intact, the final chapter of Gavin & Stacey leaves its viewers with the heartfelt reminder of why comedies can often resonate so deeply. This community of characters, who have entertained for nearly two decades, bids goodbye as they gather for one last photo, immortalizing their many inside jokes, laughter and cherished moments.
