Rectify Series Finale Review: All I’m Sayin’ (Season 4 Episode 8)

Unsurprisingly, Rectify Season 4 Episode 8 delivers a perfect series finale.

Oh, Rectify, how I’ll miss you.

“All I’m Sayin'” isn’t an ending that wraps things up and puts a bow on them. Instead, it offers just enough closure — and enough hope — to feel satisfying without feeling too trite or too convenient.

We still don’t know for certain whether or not Daniel actually committed murder, but we can feel as though he didn’t. Not only is the case being re-opened thanks in large part to Jon’s relentless efforts, but Hannah’s mother admits to Janet that she no longer believes Daniel murdered her daughter — a scene that was as heartwarming to watch as it was completely tragic.

And the signs do point to other, much more convincing suspects. But that doesn’t really matter.

What matters is that more and more people are starting to believe that Daniel is innocent. As Amantha says, nothing can ever rectify what’s happened.

At least this is a start, isn’t it?

For Daniel, it’s hopeful that the case is being re-opened, but what’s more significant for him is the way he’s changed and the way he’s allowed himself to open up since he’s left Paulie.

He’s in therapy and willing to do the hard work that comes along with it, and he’s allowing himself to get comfortable with a group of friends.

One of my favorite scenes from this episode is Daniel sitting at restaurant with the guys, and not only springing for everyone’s dinner (he did just get a raise) but even springing for a special dessert in celebration of Pickle’s new job.

Daniel has become a part of a new community, and one that is quite frankly more accepting and more understanding of him than what he could find back home.

It makes me wonder if Daniel did ever had the chance to return to his family, if he actually would. His new life has been so important, and so instrumental in allowing Daniel to see himself as someone who should have a good life in the first place.

His frustration during group time that everyone’s exceptions are too low is a significant moment. As the guys point out, it means he believes he’s deserving of more, and that those expectations are closely tied to hope.

That’s what he sees at the end of the episode, with Daniel’s picturesque vision of himself with Chloe and her new baby. Daniel is now a person who believes that’s something he could have, despite everything he’s been through.

In that way, he has closure, and it really is the perfect note to end on. The possibilities for Daniel are so much more now than he ever would have believed before.

Back in Paulie, it’s the end of the tire store, but it feels like everyone else is starting their own new journey too –whether that be something large or something small.

The whole family even manages to be gathered in the empty tire store as they watch the press conference on screen, getting the news that the case will be re-opened and there’s a chance Daniel’s conviction would be completely set aside.

A chance. Again, we won’t get to see how all of that plays out, which makes the ending a bit messier here. But it’s enough to offer some hope. It’s enough for everyone to start a new chapter.

The family also has a moment of normalcy with their family dinner scene, which we can imagine is what life was like before Daniel returned home.

Daniel is able to get some closure with everyone over the phone. He has a final conversation with Amantha early in the episode, and he speaks with his mother, Teddy, and Tawney at the end. Teddy’s words to Daniel, offering the ceramic mechanic and telling Daniel he’s sorry for everything he’s been through, is kind of a beautifully unexpected scene.

Teddy’s character has changed pretty dramatically since we first met him too, and this moment of compassion is important for him.

It’s Teddy I’m most broken-hearted for at this point, actually. Even his passing of the phone to Tawney — which is symbolic in some ways because Daniel was the catalyst that ultimately ended their marriage — is a loaded moment.

Other Thoughts:

• The return of Kirwin is wonderful, especially since the flashback we see is one that feels positive.
• That shot of Foulkes as he sees the news about Daniel’s case is tough to watch, but it’s also really satisfying.
• One thing that feels a bit off to me, not only in this episode but in the season overall, is Amantha’s relationship with Billy. I actually would have liked to see that explored a little further, because as it stands, it feels like something is missing from that story.
• I so enjoyed the scene when Daniel is called into his boss’s office and told he’s getting a raise, but then doesn’t know quite how to answer the question of whether or not he actually likes his boss. It’s awkward in a way that is fitting only to Daniel Holden.

What did you think of the series finale of Rectify? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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