Kara Wang, left, Sherry Cola, right.
Cite: Courtesy of Disney
The highly-anticipated series finale of “Good Trouble,” created by Joanna Johnson, aired on Freeform this week, leaving fans with a mix of emotions. Since its premiere in 2018, the show has been a favorite among Gen-Z audiences and those with a liberal leaning. Serving as a spinoff from “The Fosters,” an ABC Family classic, “Good Trouble” follows the lives of Callie (Maia Mitchell) and Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) as they navigate adulthood in downtown Los Angeles.
A Show That Tackles Real-Life Issues
“Good Trouble” not only delves into the personal and professional lives of its main characters but also addresses relevant social issues affecting them and their housemates. From police shootings and the Black Lives Matter movement to trans rights and homelessness, the show fearlessly explores the challenges faced by young people today.
T.J. Linnard
Cite: Courtesy of Disney
Closure and Moving Forward
The series finale centers around the fate of The Coterie, the communal loft space that served as a home for the characters. As news of the building’s sale reaches them, the residents come together for a final group dinner. This scene, reminiscent of the pilot episode, symbolizes the essence of the show – the importance of family, both chosen and biological.
Joanna Johnson, co-creator of “Good Trouble,” explains the significance of the family dinner scene: “It just felt obvious that [a family dinner] was what that scene had to be. There was also a big family dinner in the pilot when Marianna and Callie first moved in. It just seemed right to have a bookend with the last episode.”
Maia Mitchell, left, Cierra Ramirez, right.
Cite: Disney
Decisions and Futures
The finale also marks Mariana’s choice between two love interests, Evan and Joaquin. According to Johnson, the audience had always perceived Evan as Mariana’s “endgame.” While Mariana’s future with Evan remains uncertain, Johnson believes she will continue to embrace her independence.
As for the enigmatic character Kelly, played by Anastasia Leddick, her future lies in the world of theater. Johnson playfully mentions that she had once joked about Kelly being a ghost, but in all seriousness, she sees Kelly continuing her work at the Palace Theater.
Reflecting on the Journey
The final pool scene, which evokes a sense of introspection, was entirely scripted. Johnson wanted the characters to reflect on their impact and legacy. She wonders if the show and its characters will be remembered, emphasizing the significance of political and humanitarian messaging embedded throughout the series.
Johnson expresses her pride in the show’s Black Lives Matter storyline from Season 1, which bravely confronted issues of racism and policing. Additionally, she highlights the fun and engaging storylines, such as Alice’s involvement in “America’s Favorite Ferrets and Friends.” Johnson believes that the future of the show could have included a focus on the upcoming elections and the importance of voting.
T.J. Linnard
Cite: Courtesy of Disney
A Fond Farewell to Freeform
With the conclusion of “Good Trouble” and “Grown-ish” this season, the future of Freeform remains uncertain. However, Joanna Johnson reflects on her positive experiences working with the network. She praises Freeform for its support and creativity, making it a wonderful place to work.
Despite bidding farewell to the characters and stories that have captivated audiences for five seasons, the impact of “Good Trouble” will certainly endure. With its thought-provoking themes, diverse representation, and compelling storylines, the show has left an indelible mark on television.
This article was originally published on F5 Magazine.