The tenth and final episode of the season has arrived, and it’s a whirlwind. “Romans”, which references a bible quote, Romans 6:23, spoken by reverend Deaver, reads “For the wages of sin is death.” Ominous, right? That’s Castle Rock! There’s been no shortage this season of atmospheric, creepy sequences, and the finale is no exception. How will the cast fair? Do we get the answers we’re desperately seeking?
Let’s dive in.
Things Are Coming To A Head
In the last episode we learned a lot about The Kid (Bill Skarsgård). Was it all real? Perhaps. This is the story he was telling to Molly (Melanie Lynskey) so we can’t be sure, but I like to think it is.
In this alternate universe he’s another Henry Deaver, and he seems to have a great life. That is, until he’s forced back to Castle Rock, finds a young and different Henry Deaver, and gets sucked into an alternate world. Here, we find him just where we left him, wanted for crimes – a conduit for bad things, telling the shocked Molly his story.
He asks if she believes him, but it’s hard to tell. From her expression it seems that she’s conflicted. Understandingly so given what she’s felt/seen. All the events of this season have brought us to this moment. He wants help crossing back to his world, and he believes that Henry (André Holland) is the only one who can. That’s a big leap of faith from Henry, but is it really asking a lot? As we saw last week, these woods are menacing, so taking a hike with The Kid doesn’t sound like the best idea.
Wendell is back, and Willie (Rory Culkin) didn’t die in the forest. This brings the local police, who seem to love to blame Henry for everything, back at his feet. Molly insists that he helps The Kid, but he thinks it’s a job for the cops. The same ones who seem hellbent on his arrest. Everything and everyone is raw as the town becomes enthralled in the mayhem caused by the events of this season. As things worsen, he asks Molly to get Wendell out.
The creators Sam Shaw and Dustin Thomason are at the top of their game in one particular scene, as the two Henry Deavers are in the same jail cell, mulling over some shared history. A sequence which plays out after that is masterfully chilling. Sissy Spacek doesn’t get much screen time, which is unfortunate, but she’s still the center of the best episode this season. Neither does Jane Levy, but check out the mid-credits scene with her, it is worth it.
Also, great job adding WKIT, my favorite local rock and roll station that also happens to be owned by Stephen King as a sticker on her laptop.
This Book Is Closed (At Least For Now)
Castle Rock excels by using subtlety. That’s the beauty of the series. With “Romans” we’re given another episode that’s finely tuned, provided in inches rather than miles. There’s a lot of thought given in the details of Castle Rock, and I think with time and another watch, it’ll prove itself even richer than before.
Directed by Nicole Kassell, this episode is shot expertly, changing point of view depending on the demand of the scene, and “Romans” certainly delivers some dramatic heft with plenty of terror. The cast this season couldn’t have been better, and everyone shines. Our main three have consistently been solid, mirroring one another with each new twist. By the end I’m left to wonder, again, who exactly The Kid was. Had something else taken hold of him? Something wicked? Was he really just a victim of circumstance and some strange supernatural sound/door? There’s a lot to theorize and it really comes down to us; we’re the jury here.
Also, can evil be caged? Or, despite the obvious supernatural seeds, is it really a matter of human beings unleashing their darkest desires? That’s what works so well about Castle Rock and its unyielding sea of possibilities. I’m not always a fan of a show ending on a note of ambivalence, but I don’t mind it here. I think there’s enough discovered and explained to leave what isn’t as an auspicious reminder. What’s scarier than the unknown?
This show taps into that fear, just as King does, in remarkable form. For those who haven’t seen it, I won’t disclose the exact ending. Castle Rock ended on par with a season filled with mysteries, with one question in particular: did Henry make the right decision? It’s an intriguing close, and at first you might feel emotional and want to resent it. Give it some time and you might just fall on the same side that Henry does.
Conclusion: Romans
The creators have said this will be an anthology series with a different story each season. That isn’t to say we have seen the last of these characters, but I’m assuming in its second go-around there will be a new set of engaging stories. Of course, this will also give us more opportunities to delve into Stephen King lore. I can’t wait! Until then, we have a season to reflect on that provided us with some very entertaining and thought-provoking narratives, delivered by some amazing talent in front of and behind the camera.
What did you think of the finale? Was it what you expected? Let us know in the comments below!
Season one of Castle Rock can be streamed on Hulu.
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