The Televangelist: ‘Luck’ Series Finale

The real question of the episode was: who were you pulling for in the final race, Gettin’ Up Morning or Pint of Plain?

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  • HBO
  • NOOOO: Our “Luck” is over



That’s all, folks. “Luck” proved itself to be a sustainable miniseries by closing off its first (and now only) season with an emotionally gratifying finale that tied up most of the loose ends while still keeping the door open for further development had it been able to continue. “Luck” was like a postcard from the race track: “Wish you were here!” (unless you’re trying to kill me, in which case, buzz off).

I was nervous the series might end on a major cliffhanger (much like “Battlestar Galactica” did each season) such as a mid-race freeze frame that would leave the story lamentably incomplete. Sure, the battle between Mike and Ace will rage on, but what we did get to see of it in this final episode was like a spy thriller that stumbled onto another set, with Ace ending up with the slight upper hand. Israel’s story and the return of Ace’s grandson Brent (both of which were set up by Mike) would have no doubt continued to goad Ace into seeing his Count of Monte Cristo-esque revenge through a second season. And because Ace has Gus, my money lies with them on eventually defeating Mike. After all, the goat came back, right? And Brent says he’s feelin’ lucky.

In fact, the finale of “Luck” may be the most happy-go-lucky and positive project that David Milch has ever created. Predicting disaster at every turn, I was stunned to see almost everyone come out on top. Rosie, Mon Gateaux and Foray Stables won their race. Leon tells Joey he has plans to go to Portland, and speaks well of Rosie despite her taking his ride. Later, in reward for his positive karma, Jerry gives Leon the ticket for the bet he made on his behalf before the race. Joey gets to see his jockeys prosper, and Naomi gets to have sex in a bed of money.

Regarding Jo and Escalante, I still saw a lot of positives coming from their interactions. Though Jo lost her baby (just as Escalante seemed to be coming around to the idea), the two deeply bonded over the experience. Escalante calling her all day and bringing her part of the Pint of Plain’s winning bouquet would most certainly not have happened earlier in the season, and in those last moments where Escalante comforted her after she broke the news, I felt strongly that the pair would remain together.

The real question of the episode was: who were you pulling for in the final race, Gettin’ Up Morning or Pint of Plain?