The Gavin and Stacey finale wasn't the funniest - but it didn't need to be
OPINION: Gavin and Stacey finally wrapped up on Christmas Day - and it really was the perfect ending.
On Christmas Day, fans of Gavin and Stacey felt mixed emotions as the beloved BBC series finally concluded.
Nessa (portrayed by Ruth Jones) and Smithy (James Corden), who've had an on-again, off-again relationship since the show's inception, finally said their vows, giving Ross and Rachel [from Friends] a serious challenge in the romance stakes.
Following the 2019 Christmas special's cliffhanger ending, viewers were certain that James and Ruth wouldn't leave things hanging - after all, we were all eager to find out if Smithy accepted Nessa's proposal (spoiler: he didn't).
As I settled down to watch the final episode, I was sceptical - could it possibly meet my high expectations, particularly if this was truly the end?
It did, reports the Daily Record.
One observation about the 90-minute episode is that it didn't seem as humorous as previous seasons or festive specials. I found myself shedding more tears than chuckles, but there was a valid reason: it was an opportunity for the cast to bid a heartfelt farewell to their characters.
From beginning to end, the episode was filled with laughter, shocks, and a fair share of tearful moments, and when Smithy's bride was revealed to be Sonia (Laura Aikman), I was gobsmacked.
True to their word, James and Ruth delivered plenty of unexpected twists and turns, even though we never discovered what actually transpired on that infamous fishing trip.
Like everyone else in the country, I was on the edge of my seat, yelling at the TV when Sonia and Smithy made their way down the aisle. I was holding my breath for Gavin (Mathew Horne) to pipe up (thank heavens he did).
Of course, while Smithy and Nessa's budding romance took us all by surprise, the real unanticipated twist was Gwen pairing off with Dave Coaches, a curveball nobody saw coming, but it was high time that Gwen found her own slice of happiness.
As for how they wrapped it up, it couldn't have been more heartwarming.
Just when you thought Ruth Jones and James Corden might leave us hanging yet again, Smithy comes to terms with his love and pops the question to the mother of his child.
With the celebrations underway, the gang gathered for a touching final hurrah in honor of Smithy and Nessa's union, not forgetting the customary pint down the local.
Gavin and Stacey's journey ends with one last snapshot, and in this instant, we come to grips with the fact that this beloved saga has reached its sunset.
"Tell me tomorrow, I'll wait by the window for you."
Gavin and Stacey is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.