The Last Ship Review: Detect, Deceive, Destroy / Endgame (Season 4 Episodes 9 and 10)

After an intense battle with several casualties, the crew of the Nathan James comes out victorious, and was there ever any doubt?

The Last Ship Season 4 Episode 9, “Detect, Deceive, Destroy” and The Last Ship Season 4 Episode 10, “Endgame,” come together for an action-packed season finale that ultimately (and thankfully!) gives us a happy ending.

The strength of this crew and they way they have each other’s backs is what gives this show such heart. One could easily become lost in the action sequences, especially in a finale like this one, but what matters more than those scenes are the small moments with individual characters.

Burke’s hesitation to leave Danny’s side, Danny managing to pick on Kevin while they both lay injured on the ground, Chandler and Sasha’s willingness to board the Greek warship on their own — everyone is doing what’s best for their fellow crew members while fighting for the greater good.

And when several men are down, others step up for what is probably my favorite part of this entire season finale. Unexpected members of the crew are willing to lay their lives on the line and board the Greek ship when they’re needed.

Gator even surprises the others with his awesome shooting skills.

Kathleen is a gem in this finale as well. Not only is she one of the volunteers for the boarding party, but she finds herself in a terrifying position when the helicopter she’s in is shot down. She’s so young, but she has her father in her, that’s for sure.

RIP Tex.

One of the more interesting aspects of the finale is also one of the most frustrating. While the season has done a remarkable job of creating these complex villains, so much time is devoted to those characters that it takes away from the characters who have been with us from the start.

I’m far more concerned with Master Chief’s health, Burke’s internal struggle, and Tom’s decision to stay with the crew rather than walk away again. We get resolution to all of what I just mentioned, but it’s those sorts of things I’d rather sit with for a bit.

That’s not to say developing the villains isn’t important — it is. It’s necessary for us to remain invested, and it makes the battle far more interesting than it would be otherwise. Understanding Vellek’s motivations and Giorgio’s pain are key.

But those developments simply don’t leave enough room for everything else. These short seasons just go by so quickly.

Speaking of our villains, not a single one of them makes it out alive. You have to feel a little sad for Giorgio, at least. It’s too bad he didn’t get a chance to redeem himself and somehow wind up on board the James to help out next season.

Lucia is also killed in well-timed shot that keeps her for shooting Chandler, a moment, by the way, which shows a real vulnerability for him.

And Vellek decides to take his life into his own hands, but not before telling Chandler and the others what might have been. It’s Chandler, though, who has it right about humanity.

 

Chandler: Being human isn’t about cutting out the darkness. It’s about fighting every day to find the light!

We wrap with a happy ending. Tom tells Mike he’d like to go home when Mike offers to take him anywhere, and that’s a satisfying moment that rounds out his arc for this season.

We’ve seen this man go through hell, we’ve seen the worst side of him, and now, we’ve seen him come to terms with everything that makes him human. It feels like closing a chapter.

What did you think of the season finale of The Last Ship? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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The Last Ship returns next summer to TNT.

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