RUSSIAN DOLL Ending and Timeline Explained!

[@ThinkStory]

UPDATE: I have a RUSSIAN DOLL Season 2 video out! Link is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ-kd4eppJt6i5Y Thanks for watching everyone! This vid mainly focused on the ending and timeline but if you want to learn more like the meaning of "Russian Doll" or what the heck was up with "Emily of New Moon" you can check out Screenrant's article here: screenrant.com/russian-doll-netflix-ending-explained-time-loop/3/

[@deadbrainstudio]

you just retold the series you didn't told a single thing about a ending, so why did i waste my 7 minutes watching this???? i watched the series and already know what it was about, why do i need you to re-told me everything, you din't even speculated about what the ending could have mean.

[@jdogsful]

I was really hoping to get some info specifically regarding the end scene when the realities converged.

[@ahmadzakihilmi8064]

Dude I think you're missing something, when nadia hold the lamp in the hobo parade there's two identical girls with grey coat passing by her. I think they're both nadia (pay attention to the hair). How would you explain that?

[@stephjovi]

@@deadbrainstudio exactly! I understood the rest myself I wanted to know what the ending means and that's exactly what he doesn't explain. Guess we gotta wait for season 2 to understand that but than don't say you explain the ending than ignore the ending

[@jdogsful]

@@ahmadzakihilmi8064 yeah, there were 3 nadias in a single shot. Two were walking towards the parade and 1 walking with parade. Maybe somehow symbolically related to the mirrors theme?

[@moonlily1]

I liked this very much, yet at the same time I kind of hope there isn't a season 2. It felt complete and resolved. It was less like a tv series and more like a long movie.

[@ThinkStory]

I agree! If they do a season 2 it should probably be a completely different cast and setup.

[@moonlily1]

@@ThinkStory Series finales almost always get mucked up and disappoint the audience. For me, Russian Doll was as close to perfect as a story is going to get and I don't want anything to spoil that. I'd respect the integrity of a flawless, one and done that said everything it needed to and left the stage gracefully. But I don't see a season 2 with different people under a similar premise because this was a very personal story for Natasha Lyonne, it just wouldn't be the same, and I loved Nadia so much, I don't want a copycat story about someone else.

[@bskidmorefw]

Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler both pitched this series as a three season arch. Maybe they will switch it up with seasons 2 and 3. If it gets renewed for a second season

[@firionkaiser8291]

@@ThinkStory They said if they do make a season 2 Nadia will most likely return, but probably not as the main character

[@Finn_Anwarunya]

@@ThinkStory they could do it like American horror story where it's the same cast, but they play different characters in a completely different setting.

[@mkulla8267]

gotta get up, gotta get out

[@juniperjuniperjuniper]

sweet birthday baby!

[@kakashi0429]

Ahhhhhhh I just kicked that song out of my head

[@syazz1500]

That song lowkey bangs tbh

[@Leo-ti4ml]

Dont leave!

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2mshXdnept-b6c - Song

[@ricardo9733]

*Sweet birthday baby*

[@syazz1500]

Having fun?

[@lavendercock]

*tries to gives you Israeli Coke*

[@ZallopV]

Snatch Me omg she was hilarious

[@DontDoSadness91]

Wonder how many times the actress actually had to say that lol

[@krewlfilm7992]

Loved her

[@tigerofthewest8]

I don’t know if anyone mentioned this. She only ate chicken the whole show (except one time which i’ll explain in a bit). Chicken for her birthday, leftover chicken, raw eggs with hot sauce. Most importantly chicken noodle soup in the flash backs when her mom had a complete mental breakdown. It has to represent something. The same thing over and over never changing. Maybe her habits. Now the only time I can recall her eating something else is those gluten free crackers at B’s house. They make it clear she’s eating something different. And in that moment she acted differently too. She “stuck out her neck” for somebody else. Trying something new. I’m not sure if she ate the cake in the last episode. If she did my idea still works. She’s helping people. Being totally selfless. It was an interesting detail that at first i noticed because i thought it was funny she only ate chicken, but now realize was a totally intentional thing.

[@snoopy7729]

Maybe the chicken goes along with the whole 'which came first, the chicken or the egg' thing? That also is like the vicious loop she is living in.

[@reesemcnamara8492]

And she mentioned that her mother "gave" her an eating disorder. Maybe the refusal to eat other foods is part of her disordered eating? Just as her mother fixated on eating only watermelon. Breaking the time loop also ended her cycle of disordered eating and substance abuse.

[@shawnasideas]

There’s one scene when she buys a cup of watermelon at the deli, that’s the only other time she has a different food

[@HughMiller98]

Ironically it's the chicken that kills her once, when she choked on a bone

[@rodrickrul3s214]

Shawna's Ideas that’s different. there’s also a scene where she has cake with alan, but never does she eat the cake or watermelon.

[@AlmostASurvivor]

That didn't "explain" anything. It was just a synopsis of the plot.

[@lukask6259]

THANK YOU!

[@miss_karenjoselin]

Thank you, saved me time... hate when they do that

[@victoriagoeringer]

Yeah I just wasted 7 minutes

[@Ms.Yana83]

I kept waiting for the explanation that never came. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@svyatam3898]

What exactly needs explanation then?

[@Madamegato]

Hmmm. So I watched it through twice and feel like there are some valid points you make, but some that are missing. Of course, this is my take on it for what it's worth: Nadia and Alan actually ARE in purgatory. They actually did die the first time they were hit (where we see Oatmeal slink through the fence - I believe that is the only "real" version we see). What they're re-living is a purgatory brought about by being suicidal. Alan's version of suicidal is the lonely on the inside, clingy on the outside, manifesting through OCD and "I'm fine." He eventually does what most people *think* suicidal people do, which is jump to ease his own pain. Nadia's version of suicidal is the jaded "don't care" and "what happens will happen, Oh well." She manifests this by pushing everyone away from her so that she doesn't feel pained, while at the same time, doing anything and everything short of killing herself outright in order to numb what is within. (Ruth mentions this when she says that she's watched Nadia chase death at every corner). The homeless man and Oatmeal (after the first death) are angels. If you remember her going to the Synagogue, the receptionist says after her prayer that angels are all around us. Horse undergoes a transformation that I have yet to figure out, but I feel is the symbology from death to life - black shoes, no shoes, white shoes. Regardless, he continually tries to transform Nadia every time they meet (Let me cut your hair) - even says when he jukes Alan that "We've got another one..." (Lost soul). In the end, he is up on a pedestal holding Oatmeal. He even says to Oatmeal "You choose her." He repeats this at least three times. If Oatmeal is an angel, for me, it explains why he disappears out of Nadia's hands well before anything/anyone else starts vanishing - he is leaving her because she has to learn not to pin all her trust on him, but needs to learn the lesson of trusting other people. Horse (possibly as a version of archangel Gabriel or Uriel) returns one of Nadia's original angels to her waiting hands, but the relationship is altered for the better. The end parade, for me, is a spirit parade. You'll notice the giant skeleton puppet, the stag head (for me like a forest/protective spirit), etc. They are heading *down* into a tunnel and even pass their alternate selves (after taking a torch bearing light). Then, even though they should be crossing doing in two different directions (one up, one down as they are back to back), they pass on even footing, and come out going *up* from the tunnel. It screams of rebirth, the descent and journey of the Hero, (nevermind the name of the episode being the name of the Goddess of mazes and puzzles), but also - for me - says that they have crossed over finally and have joined the spirits to become their own versions of guardian angels - Nadia is Alan's, Alan is Nadia's. My two cents. Sorry so long. :)

[@roseroby713]

This is very similar to my interpretation! My take was the endless loop that Alan and Nadia are falling into is a type of purgatory and in their crossed fates, they need to "fix" each other by going back to where their REAL deaths took place in order to end the loop and surrender to their fates, which is that they both died. The parade felt like the two of them triumphantly taking off to some kind of version of heaven together, led by Horse, who does come off as perhaps a kind of guardian angel to both Nadia and Alan.

[@darshies10]

What an amazing reply. Thank you for this

[@bearer1700]

Outstanding! Among all the interpretations, in my opinion, yours by far is ahead of others. Reliving in Purgatory makes more sense than not so clever sci-fi parallel timelines.

[@HSR233]

THANK YOU! I think the parade at the end was a Dia De Los Muertos parade, symbolizing a celebration of Alan and Nadia finally crossing over.

[@CAlbus]

Fantastic interpretation, you should post it to Reddit as well

[@Michaelthekiwi]

Horse is like Charon, he takes payment (Nadia's Krugerrand and Alan's engagement ring, both intrinsically linked to their pain in life) and takes them through an underworld (the tunnel) to their afterlife. The tunnel leads uphill, so they are being lifted out of a hell or purgatory. It's White Shirt Nadia and Scarf Alan emerge, which is the healed versions of themselves.

[@cleo_jelly]

I really liked this series and I think it's worth watching twice just so you can see the differences you didnt see in the first run through. I think it was really well made and it was something new. Perfect for groundhog day too Haha!

[@Sadaaaaf]

What’s Groundhog Day?

[@KlingonCaptain]

@@Sadaaaaf What's Groundhog Day? Only one of the few perfect movies in existence, and one of the first two time loop movies, both of which came out in 1993. P.S. the other movie is simply called "12:01." Also, "12:01" is free here on KZbin, but it's not exactly the best movie ever made. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIecnqerlLqcebc

[@Sadaaaaf]

KlingonCaptain I thought Groundhog Day was this small animal who predicted weather and shii

[@KlingonCaptain]

@@Sadaaaaf It's also a movie where Bill Murray plays a weatherman who kills a groundbreaking named Punxsutawney Phil.

[@Sadaaaaf]

KlingonCaptain I searched that name up “punxsutawney Phil” and an animal came up

[@GomuGama]

This is more of a video trying to recap the series instead of explaining the ending.. i clicked on this vid in hopes of a detail explanation of the ending, not a recap.

[@XxHxCRaverxX]

Same with every other "Ending Explained' videos. What really confused me at the end is, are they both in different universe? Because it wouldn't make sense for them to be in the same for the fact Ferran, the deli clerk, had different experiences for Nadia and Alan explaining how they know the other to him!

[@SmithDoe]

@@XxHxCRaverxX Yes, both timelines merge at the end. If you look closely. "Fixed Allan" wears the pink Scarf - Not "Broken Allan" "Fixed Nadia" wears a white blouse and a black vest "Broken Nadia" wears Black blouse and gray vest. At the very end, you can see "Broken Nadia" walk away from the parade and both "Fixed Nadia and Allan" Walking together in the parade.

[@CalamityJenJones]

@@SmithDoe I noticed this as well...thought it would be explained in the video but it wasn't even mentioned hahaha

[@DawnCutaia]

@@SmithDoe Thank you! I didn't notice that and I was completely confused :)

[@orcasin112]

Thanks I'll stop watching now.

[@tiageorge624]

I think the most significant and the most easily missed part is that in the final shot the version of Nadia and Alan are interchanged, as in, in the final shot we see Nadia is the version of herself that knows she died 15 times (wearing Maxine's white blouse) and Alan is the version of himself that knows he died 15 times (wearing the good karma scarf). At the time, I thought the scene where Maxine throws her drink on Nadia's face was pointless but now I'm sure it was written in so that Nadia ends up wearing a different outfit so that we the audience don't miss out to notice that in the final shot both versions of Nadia and Alan are the ones that know they have gone through this time loop thing.

[@Mlovesfashion62]

I think the whole show is about the concept of mental health and how we sometimes have problems but we still need to help others ESPECIALLY when they're unreceptive or refuse to accept our help, just like in the end it wouldn't have meant much if Alan was waiting for her to help him or if she was waiting for him, but despite being told off many times they still persevered and refused to go away until they made sure that the other person was safe. I thought that was very beautiful. Well, that's my take on it anyway

[@MegJuniper]

i also think when Horse said "we got another one" he meant like "we got another version of allen coming through" and when nadia approached them and made sure she got allen out of there, Horse put on his horse parade hat as in to say, "nadia finally made it, the parade is happening tonight, they are going to make it."

[@doctorgoogoo]

@Allison Acevedo me 2

[@Martitaj0nes]

so nobody is gonna analyse the hobo parade? seriously?

[@prophetkat]

Right?!?!?

[@aherrmie]

Flipibisni C.c It reminded me of the Fisher King with Robin Williams, more than anything else. It’s too weird not to mean something profound. 😂

[@stephanierauba4887]

Fuckin right 😂😂😂

[@yovannyfrancisco6692]

The only reason I clicked the dang video

[@sophialarkin]

This is what I came to the video for!! And why I’ve given the video a thumbs down 👎

[@marcboas14]

Is no one going to address the Title? There is one moment where Nadia encounters an actual Russian Doll, and I've been thinking about why that is the title of the show ever since. Here's my take: A Russian doll consists of multiple dolls nested within each other, with every doll you take away, you get to a next doll until you reach the centre. I think this symbolized the people and objects disappearing in every loop (each loop = shell of the doll). More specifically, every loop is a layer peeled away, slowly getting to the core of the issue. with each doll shell that you take of, you get closer to the center of the doll. Similarly, with every loop that Nadia and Alan experienced, the irrelevant things around them were stripped away, bringing them closer and closer to the real issue. Which, by the way, turned out to be entirely an internal/mental issue, in the same way that that the smallest doll is inside all the other shells.

[@welekid]

course,and Nadia Vulvokov is obviously a russian name,SHE is the russian doll ,we go to the core of herself.that 's certainly why she has a heart attack when she sees the younger version of herself (core means heart )

[@writingalias4401]

I've been watching reviews of this. And no one is focusing on the costume change that occurs when Nadia grabs the hobo lantern. The 'destructive' selves seem to vanish the moment that Allen shouts with excitement. It's as if the timelines converged, and deleted the original selves that were unaware of the 15-death cycle. The reason this sort of sticks out to me, is because it seems to explain who/what/how this phoenemona occured in the first place. In each case, the two of them were looking into a mirror at the exact same moment. Then, they met each other at the exact same moment, then they died at the exact same moment. So, there seems to be some kind of modern sci-fi magic happening here. Similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the homeless man is seen as some kind of prophet, or mystical being aware of timeless space. Horse, the deus ex machina leader of the homeless community in New York seems to be taking Allen and Nadia's pain as tribute. In Allen's case, his money, and in Nadia's case, her cat. In that final timeline, Oatmeal is not found. It is fairly clear to me that there is something mystical going on with Horse and Oatmeal. The cat lives at the deli with Farran, another person that connects Alan and Nadia. Mike also connects them, but he seems to be something else, a benefactor as well. He arrives with a child that we knew he had, but we didn't care about; Nadia: 'oh jesus, don't show me a fucking picture.' Mike: 'it's not a picture, its a text' (from Beatrice). We learn at the end that Mike was also on a distructive path, perhaps with Beatrice, and peace with her as a stable rock, a good mother for his child, perhaps his life is saved as well. In addition, There are many deaths prevented in this story, including Horse, and Ruth. People continued to dissappear. What was happening when the world continued to lose function? were they in hell? were these people dying? I am obsessed with this concept. It was done beautifully, and I can't imagine it paying off any better than it did when Alan screamed, and Nadia held the lantern with shaking expression on her face. Beautiful work. That costume change is real. loves! subcribed.

[@EmoElmo007]

I noticed the costume change too. It made me pause at first and i literally had to rewind to watch the timelines "converge". It made the ending that much sweeter.

[@ThinkStory]

So when are we collabing on the next vid? :P

[@writingalias4401]

@@ThinkStory oh my, I'm flattered, but I'm strapped for time.... *says the girl writing and responding to youtube comments*

[@douglaspkillah]

Just got finished with the season and noticed that immediately.

[@radiofriendlybox]

not only that, but two women walk past nadia on either side of her that appear to look like nadia as the timelines merge.

[@TheMrpoet]

When Nadia picks up the Russian Dolls it symbolized the multiple loops each was trapped it. It also symbolized that each person has multiple dimensions but our physical eyes only see the outer one called the physical.

[@asami669]

When did she do that

[@TheMrpoet]

E5 around the 9:30 time frame, " A Superiority Complex "

[@mrBadimus]

Also - another important thing - the next doll is smaller then prev. So each loop there are fewer ppl and fewer objects. So the amount of loops is limited.

[@marcboas14]

@@mrBadimus You're onto something but I interpreted not as the loops being limited, but as every loop slowly getting to the core of the issue. with each doll shell that you take of, you get closer to the center of the doll. Similarly, with every loop that Nadia and Alan experienced, the things around them were stripped away, bringing them closer and closer to the real issue. Which, by the way, turned out to be entirely an internal issue, in the same way that that the smallest doll is inside all the other shells.

[@dlghwns]

No ones talking about how at the end of the parade scene the Nadia(wearinga white blouse) and the Alan(wearing the good karma scarf Lizzy's girl gave him) we get to know thoughout the series 'crossover' together side by side. Nice little detail

[@KalonOrdona2]

Thank you!! I had been wondering about that

[@nep86]

And you can see two look alike nadias going the other way and the nadia with white shirt in the middle. What about that?

[@Matthew-gl6ni]

That scene where Ruth and Nadia are talking about her being a seed in the darkness looking for the light made me ball. it felt like I was being confronted for my own struggle with severe depression and it, like a lot of the movie, was so genuine I will be shocked if it doesn't get nominated for some awards next year.

[@dbkragen]

same ...and i keep calling it a movie as well lol ...it sure felt like it loved it

[@Erin-000]

My boyfriend corrects me every time 🙄 I watched it straight through (depression=disability=much.free.time) It's basically a four hour movie. Lol

[@mothmanifest]

For me it was the moment in the car with her mom I relate strongly to the child Nadia in that scene and it kind of shook me. I had a very similar relationship with my father who struggled with PTSD.

[@queenvictoria9378]

It’s spelled “bawl” if you were crying

[@stevenallinson6144]

You missed the most important part. The ACTUAL ending. The parade. The two versions come at the tunnel from two directions, one up the tunnel, and one down. You see them actually PASS BY each other at the end. They are at once oblivious and apart, and yet together. They are two separate people, but now part of a single whole...

[@StarryMidnight]

The timelines merged and they’re in the same timeline now!!

[@shanstergoodheart5177]

Not that it matters but I didn't get the impression Nadia was an alcoholic. Self destructive maybe but she did spend the majority of the film at a party.

[@saintsibyl6149]

Shanster Goodheart yeah if anything a drug addict (like the real life actress)

[@ThinkStory]

Fair point.

[@kittyarcade2296]

True, by the same standards, they would say Alan is an alcoholic too just because they were both drinking to deal with their situations at the time. Alan drank in multiple timelines and places, and so did Nadia (aka the wine at the rabbi's place).

[@pjamese3]

"A cynical, self-absorbed New Yorker." So a New Yorker then?

[@Janine.Najarian]

I was gonna say lol

[@justbrowsing8162]

Holy Crap! LMAO

[@koryblount3484]

Such a strange feeling I get from the show, almost like feeling the interdimensional nature to it and a sort of deja vu feeling or an affinity feeling as if what happens in this show actually happens.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Take the real life red pills, like lsd, DMT shrooms... you’ll find there are infinite parallel realities in your lifetime and you are living out each choice. You know on a deep level the show is showing the truth.

[@mindful.8.catharsis]

I thought for sure the story was going to reveal that Nadia's mom was also stuck in a time loop and really wasn't mentally ill, just reacting with frustration from repeatedly dying. Like by smashing Ruth's mirrors if she kept repeating her day after dying starting out with looking into a mirror like the other two. I also thought there would be a connection between the rotting fruit and Nadia's mom buying so many watermelons, that maybe her mom was going to test the reality of her loop using fruit to see if it rotted.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Mindful Catharsis well not really, time loop films people get better as they repeat the day. So her mother wouldn’t be crazy if she was in a time loop.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Unsung Songs what’s interesting been learning about various ghost sightings. One was a lady who died in a car crash, and was in a time loop where she didn’t realise she died in the car crash. So people do most definitely get confused and end up time loops, especially after a violent death. 🐯🐯🐯🐯

[@jaredzsz]

One of the best series on Netflix bar none other than this.

[@Sadaaaaf]

Watch haunting of hill house. Amazing

[@lohst1672]

Peggy Hill ummm travelers is really good too. Same with stranger things.

[@ZallopV]

Ozark is cool as fuck! Excellentwriting and breathtaking twists and turns.

[@Skrapes]

@@Sadaaaaf I watched it and it's ass

[@Sadaaaaf]

SKRAPE boo

[@Razalkarp]

Binged this past weekend!!! It was great!!! When they both woke in separate timelines, I was kind of sad for them. But, they don't get off that easy and still have to work to make the destructive Alan/Nadia into the balanced Nadia/Alan.

[@SmithDoe]

Actually if you look closely, at the very end, both of their Timeline merge together. "Fixed Allan" wears the pink Scarf - Not "Broken Allan" "Fixed Nadia" wears a white blouse and a black vest "Broken Nadia" wears Black blouse and gray vest. At the very end, you can see "Broken Nadia" walk away from the parade and both "Fixed Nadia and Allan" Walking together in the parade.

[@Razalkarp]

@@SmithDoe Went back and rewatched. Nice fucking catch!!! Well...I guess I should've paid better attention instead of being in awe by what a great series it was.

[@KalonOrdona2]

@@SmithDoe Cookie for the ending's actual explanation! Thank you so much!

[@coolboss999]

So both the Allan and Nadia selves that have the knowledge of the 15 death day cycle came out of the parade?

[@OfficialNoCoast]

Thanks for basically regurgitating the exposition they give us in the show. You should consider changing the title to "Russian Doll Recap" lol

[@neko-chan2486]

honestly i found the comment section more helpfull

[@OfficialNoCoast]

@@neko-chan2486 I agree! The comment section seems to get the nuances of the show better than the person who made this video 😂

[@Theaikro]

Exactly the same shit with the channel "Let me Explain" the host literally just tells you the story of the movie without adding anything else. Lazy shit

[@Erin-000]

@@Theaikro I think the creator tried… just wasn't capable or simply failed to make a video that meets your, and so many others, expectations. The real problem was the title. If it had read, "Russian Doll S1 Recap." Would you feel the same? Furthermore, is it necessary to judge and insult a person in the comments of their video, reflecting on a show that favors self-examination and growth!? Maybe watch it again and see if you can learn something. "...to quote a conversation earlier in the series - neither time nor morality are truly relative; that it’s possible to change the course of one’s life, and another person’s, by doing the decent thing at what seems like a fleeting moment."

[@OfficialNoCoast]

@@Erin-000 I dont think he insulted the creator. Just called him lazy which to be fair this was pretty lazily done lol

[@Endogrim]

I also noticed in the last episode the title was Ariadne. I googled Ariadne, and Ariadne is usually involved with labyrinths and mazes. Allen and Nadia are in a eternal maze or labyrinth of death. So Minos put Ariadne in charge of a labyrinth were sacrifices for reparations which means the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged. Which references to Nadia and Allen doing wrong when they live relive their lives again and later on helping each other from making the mistake of dieing.Also, when both of them overcome their deepest fears, in the Ariadne myth Ariadne helped Theseus overcome the Minotaur and save sacrificial victims. This is when Allen and Nadia are sent to their past selves and help each other overcome death. Which means they are both Theseus saving each other before becoming victims of reliving the same day(s) Hoped that made sense this my first time making something like this :3

[@Kristometh]

I died 13 times during this video before I finally got to the end but it was worth it

[@iiyohshia]

Your profile pic says a lot

[@RealRanton]

Great video and summary but u didn't actually explain the ending at all... In the end there is a third version of them and the all walk past each other. You didn't explain that... 🤔

[@ThinkStory]

Will work on improving the videos! Love your channel! Playing resident evil 2 soon! :)

[@madelinepammit8174]

Yes! I wanna hear about that, and about the significance of the hobo character Horse

[@heyitsmetrevor9352]

*Happy death day has left the chat*

[@_thebigpig_5769]

Purge Trevor happy death day is a piece of shit compared to this.

[@jeanmoke1]

@@_thebigpig_5769 Completely forgot it even existed

[@Jo-chilin]

Lol I forgot about that movie and they’re similar but this is 100x better

[@greentrong]

@@_thebigpig_5769 have you seen happy death day 2? its sooo much better and emotional than the first one. it's also about letting go ~ moving on kind of theme.

[@stacyxxy]

Tiffany Secrets well yeah it’s better cause it’s a series. You get to learn each character in depth where as in happy death day, the producer had to fit a whole story line into 2 hrs. Still a great movie!

[@mateo8559]

When people are vanishing from the looped timelines and Maxine is the only one left, Nadia begs her to leave and Maxine responds, “I can’t”. I think that Maxine represented something larger, same with Oatmeal and Horse.

[@MegJuniper]

I like how the parade had the large characters of death, skeleton etc, symbolizing the celebration of the death of their old selves, but Horse was wearing a white wedding dress. It was pretty dirty but I think the white dress could symbolize their obvious new birth and the dirtiness of it symbolize that they aren't being reborn as perfect beings, but pretty scratched up, a bit rough, but overall healed of their spiritual wounds/psychological traumas.

[@encamode2947]

This is the sort of series where you can pause at any frame with a lot of things in the shot and chances are you'll find a clue. When I formed this theory, I tested it out in the deli, because that is a place where the 2 main characters return to all the time. Sure enough, in the last episode I paused at a shot where Alan meets broken Nadia as she agrees to come in and buy cigarettes. On the counter is a book. The Four Agreements. There is a passage in that book that reads: "Whatever life takes away from you, let it go. When you surrender and let go of the past, you allow yourself to be fully alive in the moment. Letting go of the past means you can enjoy the dream that is happening right now.” ― Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom " Sound familiar? There is also a scene where Horse takes Alan to where the other homeless people are (for a moment I thought one of them was Nadia's dead mother with hair dye, but that's beside the point). One of the homeless guys, for no real reason that I could discern at the time, holds up a cardboard square sign that just says "P5" on it. Maybe someone else can figure that one out. ;)

[@MegJuniper]

Surrender i believe was the similar message given to nadia by the Rabbi? very cool clue u found !!

[@TrishV1]

Maybe P5 is Psalm 5? I just looked it up and it’s the Psalm of David, which would harken back to the meeting with the rabbi. Interesting that in the deli scene you mentioned, Alan is in front of a stand of David’s sunflower seeds.

[@CalvRSA]

I feel like this needs to be emphasised: Most Kruger Rands,like the one Nadia wears; have a golden buck on them. It's super symbolic when Horse puts the golden buck headpiece on right after they speak about the Kruger Rand. So, this shows how Horse was the ultimate and final connection between the 2 time lines.

[@frankbunny5959]

Another allegory regarding the rotten fruit is how we as people age on the outside but can remain ripe on the inside depending on how we view time.

[@brendagallagher5409]

"hey, Netflix whats this show about?" "its a long story involving multiple deaths." "you had me at multiple deaths." so they had you when they finish their sentence?

[@tree555kidd8]

Yes

[@hugovinicius2068]

Oh buddy, you must be really fnny at parties. r/Woosh

[@laurenbruges8784]

They could have continued the paragraph

[@happinessiskey6879]

I think when they plan to recreate their first meeting to "make things right" and help each other the universe tells them (through Nadja seeing her younger self) that a way out of the loop hole is by making things right for themselves and not for each other. Alan came to that conclusion by talking to Nadja but he knows they have to make things right on their own to be at peace with themselves . When they finally meet again in the deli they seem really worried when Nadja knows Alan but Alan doesn't remember her and the other way round in another timeline. But that's the only way it makes sense because if they would just recreate their first meeting knowing each other they wouldn't need each others help because they knew what was going to happen. If they would meet in the deli where neither of them remembers their story they wouldn't help each other either because they both wouldn't know the importance of helping each other out.

[@zhulia]

One of the few shows where the ending was so satisfying that i don't expect or demand a second season... but if they're offering, i'm definitely not opposed to it.

[@MrsSkinnyJean]

I can’t stop watching Russian Doll over and over again. Alan and Nadia are both such compelling characters. I can’t imagine what season 2 will be about, but I hope it’s just as good.

[@imooout5240]

so what did you think about s2 ?

[@MrsSkinnyJean]

@@imooout5240 not a fan!

[@sonnyknows]

What about during the hobo parade when she passed two versions of herself.

[@SmithDoe]

Earlier ion the season, Nadia said that she's sûre that many parallel timelines exists. At the end she made peace with herself and it represents her broken self on many other timelines, merging with her now "repaired" self. Just like it merges with "fixed Alan's" timeline.

[@sonnyknows]

@@SmithDoe Thank You! I was thinking the same but, wasn't sure.

[@aherrmie]

SonDaria McCaskill I think the 2 timelines converge again there, and we’re left with the real versions of Nadia and Alan, the ones who made it through all the loops. The parade itself has to mean something, there’s too much symbolism there. It reminded me a lot of the Fisher King with Robin Williams.

[@sonnyknows]

@@aherrmie maybe the parade signifies the combining realities and they craziness the put themselves through.

[@PoppyCorn144]

@SonDaria McCaskill if you look at what they’re wearing you’ll see it’s the versions of themselves who have gone through multiple deaths - he has on the ‘good karma’ scarf and she’s wearing the white blouse borrowed from Max. So the better versions of themselves move forward.

[@victorgonzalez3704]

If you take a closer look at the last ending scene at the tunel, the Alan from the time line where he remembers his past (colored scarf) walks next to the Nadia from the time line where she remembers her past (white scarf), meaning they finally found themselfs in the same timeline.

[@toby-wc4un]

Also you forgot to mention the very last shot of Nadia and Alan walking with the parade. It shows them both as their 'healed' selves, both the Nadia and Alan that knew each other and had overcome their problems. Alan is wearing the red scarf and Nadia is wearing the white blouse. Neither of them were in their original destructive clothes.

[@leokvxch3161]

somehow all Netflix productions become better after you explain them

[@davidadams2395]

For those complaining that the uploader didn't _answer_ anything regarding the ending, I would posit that, in your dissatisfaction, his recap has served to awaken the philosopher in us all. There is no one explanation, but there are many fine interpretations in the comments.

[@ThinkStory]

Thank you!

[@davidadams2395]

@@ThinkStory You're welcome. I did enjoy your video by the way. I love the show and the theories it has inspired.

[@leonoreperin4877]

I hate these “ending explained” videos. They always freaking start with a whole damn explanation of the show, I didn’t need that I need just the ending explained thank you Jesus is it that hard?!?

[@Skytasa]

Why complain when you can just skip to the end? Maybe there are some people who want the entire show explained, if you don't, great, skip to the end.

[@prophetkat]

They didn't even explain the end. Just what was already obvious

[@leonoreperin4877]

Skytasa does the video say: show explained or ending explained? Why explain the entire show if you labeled your video as “the ending explained” that means only people who want the ending explained wanted to click on it and why the heck would people who just watched the entire show (because they want the ending explained) have a stupid recap of the show they literally just watched? I can complain, just like you can complain about my complaining

[@leonoreperin4877]

Awkward Katalyst exactly!!

[@Skytasa]

@@leonoreperin4877 I think, you're just a huge baby. Find something legitimate and real to complain about lmfao

[@adsoyad2320]

Okay but like... Who else shitted themselves when Nadia saw her young self like I was so scared man...

[@carolpablo7060]

I feel yah. Almost peed my pants.

[@verxatile5411]

To sum things up, this video didn't really explained the ending but from what I've noticed, the fly from Alan's first loop is gone on his last loop and got transferred into Nadia's timeline which foreshadows that there is something off or their timeline has been switch which might be explained later in Season 2

[@RaeRaeRandy]

Love this show so much

[@Killer-zr4ln]

Aye it’s randy

[@hinhwood1629]

There were moments watching this where I felt like I was watching the most important thing on TV right now. It goes deep.

[@jessx4380]

The last scene. The Nadia that doesn’t know Alan, she is intimidating mean! But then I realize that’s whom she’s always been. And the Alan that doesn’t know Nadia is just plain nice to a Nadia.

[@zhulia]

aww, yeah good observation. they are such different characters from a stranger's perspective, even a stranger who knows them intimately. I think Nadia has a profound depth to her and you have to crack outer layers of shell and roughness to reach who she truly is.

[@welekid]

@@zhulia like a russian doll?

[@lauraashleypolisena8284]

This actually happens to everyone when they turn 36

[@lauraashleypolisena8284]

@Unsung Songs okay good

[@IvyG-C]

Uhm what?

[@Sheist]

Facts

[@aherrmie]

Note on the kick ass hobo parade. It reminded me of the Fisher King, with Robin Williams. There was a ton of symbolism there, with the knights and Horse. I think it also showed the 2 different timelines coming together, with the versions of Nadia and Alan merging and becoming one person again. Great show.

[@josephtaylor1009]

Russian doll was an incredible show I watched the whole thing in one night it was so intelligent,funny,hella dark and an all together beautiful story thank you for explaining it in depth

[@marcmorgado]

I'm re-watching the show and noticed that even before her first death (run over by a cab, in the first episode) when she sees Horse, she feels that she had seen him before... Maybe the series starts with the looping deaths already in progress...

[@mikeock5694]

It’s a simple logic; She was losing herself, falling apart, and kept dying everyday until she met a dude that was going through the same thing and even though they were totally opposite and didn't match as a couple, they decided to choose to love each other in order to stay alive in the new earth because Love is the only weapon we have to remain our true selves and not as our parallel selves that are slowly fading away along with old earths. New Earth/New Age.

[@acs812]

This show is beautiful... Big up for everyone that involved!

[@Sammyboombayay]

every review/ending explained have missed out some interesting details. For instance, when John (Nadia's ex-boyfriend) sees the Jewish man he says that you need to turn away from the physical world and toward the spiritual one. This leads me on to both Alan and Nadia throughout the series giving up what is important to them. The necklace and the ring, which could be symbolic of his romantic relationship with his girlfriend and Nadia's relationship with her mothers. Next..we have the homeless man "Horse". Who is he and is he important. We see him at the end of the series wearing a horse headpiece and parading with his friends down a tunnel. To me, this parade looks similar to the "day of the dead" festival that certain cultures embrace which is interesting since "Horse" is trying to help Nadia within the series. Both Adam and Nadia give Horse the two things (ring and necklace) that really mean something to them...granted different time-loops. I could go into more detail, especially with some of his dialog...but it's possible that "horse" is actually human form of Death. This is also backed up by his name since death is one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. If this theory was to be confirmed by question would then be, was the ending about the death of their former life where Alan was robotic and stuck in a routine, and Nadia stuck in self-loathing and destructive behavior, or was it their actual deaths...and the series was about them coming to good terms about their passing, trying to move on (together). This also fits into what Ruth was saying to Nadia about never being able to accept death. Anyway, share your thoughts. :)

[@vampedkitty]

This is all what I was thinking, when I think back on the show it reminds me of the movie Jacobs Ladder

[@Erin-000]

That may be up to the viewer. There is and always you right now and answer. Things can be ambiguous and fluid to allow you to ask these questions and find out not just what you think, but what you think says about you. 🤔

[@queenvictoria9378]

I feel bad for the person that stole Death’s shoes in that case lmao

[@defiantaichi]

I thought both timelines combined in the Hobo parade since both were in their latest outfits and not from the ones in their first death (hard to tell with Alan since he wears the same thing everyday but the scarf). Or even just symbolically, that they found each other and its ok to be damaged but we can all be helped. I thought the series is also very relevant and a very very good depiction of depression and other mental health issues. Netflix did it right this time (looking at you 13 reasons why)

[@MOBROOKS]

Her dancing at 1:49 is one of the greatest moments in cinematic history!! Haha

[@captassassin5680]

I didn’t even know this was a thing, thanks Netflix! But I can assure you, that even if I had watched it first. I still would’ve need you, TS to explain it to me. Great video!

[@KevinPheiffer]

Yeah, I came here to understand why Nadia was alone in the last dew seconds of the last episode... In case anyone else is here for that, this is just a season recap, not an explanation as to why Alan is missing.

[@TheDAExperience]

I loved this show and hope it isn't forgotten by awards season next year. Everyone played their parts perfectly, and that was one of the best finales I've seen in a while. I do wonder will this show be like an anthology with different people or will season 2 focus on Nadia and Alan in the two timelines. Would be funny that with each season the timelines grow to reflect it.

[@XoXsamiiseeXoX]

I think Nadia’s mom was also in the loop and her fate was suicide because she was trying to save younger Nadia by forcing her to choose Ruth due to her going insane. But her insanity comes with reason. She became obsessed with trying to fix the synchronicities. The mirror obsession: alternate realities that her mom was obsessively trying to keep in order. When she destroys them in the one scene, she’s giving up and changing the synchronization aka Nadia’s fate as well (I believe this scene is the day that Nadia finally made up her mind on wanting to be with Ruth). The watermelons: remember all of the fruit was rotting toward the end? She kept so many watermelons with her at all times to remind her that THIS is the real reality and not the 2D or 3D one that Nadia explains to Alan in the one scene. She was stuck and didn’t know how to “forgive” her purgatory hence leading to suicide. But, like everything else in this amazing show, every decision affects the people around us. Season two will explain a better in depth look into Nadia’s mother, I feel. Sorry if this doesn’t make sense but hopefully someone out there can understand my theory.

[@Sadaaaaf]

This and haunting of hill house r the best series

[@StevenGamingArmy]

do u think there is a connection that the mirrors was gone and that the mother broke the windows?

[@aziery2011]

LembeR Honestly could be, but Alan’s mirror also disappear, but then again both were connected so 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ThinkStory]

Absolutely, there is a whole sidebar story about the mirrors and what they represent which I didn't highlight in the video.

[@Madamegato]

If mirrors are the reflection of our selves that we don't want to acknowledge (Ruth said this), then it completely follows that the mirrors being gone are those moments where they had to look within themselves for answers. When Alan's storyline gets sideswiped by Nadia, he shatters Mike's mirror in Mike's office - much like Nadia's mom does in Ruth's house. For me - that means Alan doesn't want to see this part of his life - that all along, he knew B wasn't happy but refused to see it, and shatters the mirror so he doesn't have to see it. The day after, when he answers the door for Nadia, it's filmed in the reflection of a fragmented mirror - things he's beginning to see but still isn't ready to acknowledge. Finally, all they're left with is looking inside when all the mirrors are gone - meaning they no longer get to figure this out through other's eyes (a reflection, i.e. external symptoms of unhappiness), but now have to face the truth deep inside - which is something most people never bother confronting because it hurts (most choose to numb - something Nadia and Alan were no longer at luxury to do).

[@LeVidocq]

Ruth also says that mirrors serve as an extra pair of eyes. Alan and Nadia serve as each other's mirrors. In the last episode they reflect the best of each other like when Alan apologizes on behalf of Nadia about the dog comment.

[@terenarosa4790]

@@ThinkStory you didn't highlight much of anything in the video.

[@JL0ndon]

Holy shit i live in NYC and i saw the hobo parade 😂 it was ages ago and i couldn’t figure out what it was but now i know what the hell i was seeing after i got out the bar lol

[@dead_fox]

Great analysis and video! I personally loved it, one of my all time favorite series. Both Nadia and Alan were amazing, the cinematography and the soundtrack were on point as well, creative story and execution and like able characters

[@EverywhereNYC]

well done!! I appreciate the time it took to put this together and how well you did it!

[@Brueni11]

I binged this show for the last few hours. Loved it.

[@travsformation1]

Thhis is precisely the kind of explanation Alan would have given. So much for metaphysics... XD

[@jumpityjump3]

My only question is: Do they cross back over into the same timeline once again, both knowing everything they've experienced together and each other as they cross through the parade at the end as we see the two true characters (him with the scarf and her in her friends white top) march forward with the parade as we can clearly see two Nadia's fade into the crowd behind our 'real' Nadia?? ❤️

[@neko-chan2486]

yeah i think its one one those "multiverse" merging , where a multiple amount of Nadia's and Alans returned to the final time loop and all merged into one.

[@jumpityjump3]

I like that very much! Thank you for responding! ❤️

[@SmithDoe]

If you look closely : "Fixed Allan" wears the pink Scarf - Not "Broken Allan" "Fixed Nadia" wears a white blouse and a black vest "Broken Nadia" wears Black blouse and gray vest. At the very end, you can see "Broken Nadia" walk away from the parade and both "Fixed Nadia and Allan" Walking together in the parade.

[@jumpityjump3]

JohnnyHG That is what I was thinking but I wanted to be sure. Thanks, friend! ❤️

[@MaknALivinOuttaLyfe]

You should watch Rick and Morty “a rickle in time” episode. It talks about timelines and fixing it too itll help

[@TheDjike22]

The show is awesome and really doesnt need an explanation but I had to see what was being said about it and your synopsis is dead on right and thank you for your time!

[@poohbair88able]

Some of these facts you point out were something that was already obvious. What I want to know is the very end where Nadia passes 2 versions of herself. I can see her passing 1 version which is the destructive version but why 2? Please share a theory for that

[@mirandahardman3838]

yes i need to know this too!

[@MegJuniper]

maybe its to signify that perhaps its happening on infinite timelines until they get it right ?? idk! im wondering the same as you

[@SusannahPerri]

Thank you for explaining it. I was too freaked out to watch it all! I had no idea it would turn so super natural. Maybe I will try Season 2 now. (Maybe) 🙃

[@marykarp3617]

Season 2 gets even more crazy and mildly disturbing but still good, imho.

[@SusannahPerri]

@@marykarp3617 thank you for the warning!! 😮

[@iBurnedaHouse]

I'm dying to understand the symbolism behind the color yellow, and the fish tank.

[@robertgould1345]

I think they mention something about fish having short memories. And the fish is stuck in the same place going round and round.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

@@robertgould1345 Yeah, and than Nadya explained that is was a myth cause some fish can have long memories, up to 5 years

[@DJJonPattrsn22]

Actually Nadia's mother died at 35. She never made it to 36, that's why this was such a big birthday for Nadia

[@Bj_mc31]

SWEET BIRTHDAY BABY!

[@marks7796]

Years ago I had this in my queue as just a show to plow through. What I ended up seeing was one of the best crafted story I have ever experienced. I always recommend this show. An obscure golden nugget in my playlist.

[@Lucky4193]

it was her mom who sold the coins not the grandma

[@Gonk]

Great show, the ending did leave me feeling weird since the other doesn't know what they went thru, I want them to get back together in the same universe >< The whole thing was creepy scary funny awesome. :)

[@Wintersheim]

Gonk they did sort of merge back to their “aware”selves. Notice Nadia’s blouse and Allan’s scarf in that last clip.

[@sksksk2940]

Wowa Vanna yoo thank you for pointing that out

[@zinaa]

I loved the Russian dolls ... Nadia and Allen ... and I don't know if I want a second season because am satisfied with this ending....

[@Travis-hr4pi]

All I know is Nadia is only wearing the black suit jacket in her timeline while in Alan’s timeline she wears the grey overcoat. Alan is wearing a jacket and the scarf in his timeline while in Nadia’s timeline he only wears the grey sweater. At the very end during the parade Nadia and Alan are wearing their outfits from their respective timelines, Nadia in the black suit jacket while Alan wears the jacket and scarf. This means the timelines are merged, they truly found/recognize each other and for the time being have seemingly fixed themselves and their problem.

[@BachelorFantake]

Quality video as per usual!

[@etialtes]

Great analysis, man. BIG LIKE!

[@katperdiz]

What a wonderful trail. Thank you. The story is beautiful. Kudos to the writer

[@lunaopenyourmind7554]

I really liked the show, I also liked your explanation, helped clear up some things.

[@ariannalista4069]

Honestly, I loved this show because of the execution of an unoriginal idea. ‘Unoriginal’ you think, ‘isn’t that bad?’ NOT WHEN ITS EXECUTION IS THIS FUCKING SUPERB. (To each their own of course, but damn I really enjoyed this show.)

[@nicksilva7113]

I think the hobo parade is the collision of the two split timelines. We see the split screen turn to one, the two Nadias also become one Nadia, the same with Alan. I think they had to save each other in separate timeline in order to correct the universe back to its original timeline.

[@RuKy109]

I've a theory. I think that the mother went crazy cause she were in the loop too(or she knows the existence), that's why she was destroying all the mirrors, so to me every time they die, they "respawn" beyond a mirror (this explains why is started in a bathroom) and explain the "Russian doll" effect. you're welcome.

[@fcvazquez2]

I greatly appreciate your video for being clear, concise and efficient. You didn’t waste a second of your video. You covered all the key points. I’m sure other videos could have elaborated more but, this is the Internet in 2019--I want the information without wasting any of my “precious time.” 😏😉 Thank you!

[@rowni]

*Oatmeal. Gingerbread man* That's all I came here to comment.

[@michaelcain9324]

I just binged the entire series. It was great, and your video put it all in perspective.

[@kittyarcade2296]

The thing that tripped me out most was why certain things were disappearing. I guess it was to take away factors that were either meaningful, or didn't matter and cluttered what they really were meant to do. Also the way that flowers and fruits were deteriorating... that confused me.

[@AlexMerenkov2]

I loved the series and it really threw me for a loop towards the end. I think there was a lot of symbolism that was beautifully done. I think another part about it is the mirrors her mother kept trying to destroyed which alludes to the fact that Nadia was missing the point and not acknowledging what was wrong. Her mother destroyed mirrors because she didn’t want to admit the problems she faced thus representing the cycle that they are stuck in unable to break free from. I really loved the idea behind the series and I think that the ending really had to be that way or it was going to suck.

[@amtulbasit9497]

This sounds like an anime story line.

[@jumpityjump3]

I was waiting on this from you! I'm gonna watch the video now and comment again after. Thank you! ❤️

[@bodo8311]

I think at the end with how you van see 2 nadia's that the 2 original ones that had to work together from the start connected there 2 timelines and deleted the destructive one for the new one

[@kawh8719]

THANK YOU! I was so confused watching this series. Everyone said it was brilliant but I didn't get it. Your breakdown is what I needed to help me understand!

[@hihilali]

Last week I re-watched it with my boyfriend and I had SO MANY questions about the very last seconds. When they arrive at the hobo parade, they are facing the parade. There are two timelines, and they are both together. Nadia has two different coats (and the shorter one is the one she wears when she first dies, and in Alan's timeline). However. As the two sides reunite, Alan disappears, and the two Nadias are close together. Change of plan, and now they are both together Nadia & Alan in the parade, and they are their "better self", both. Which I think is a third timeline. And in this plan, we see two Nadias walking into the parade, with both the same shorter coat, meaning two "first" Nadias. No sign of two Alans here. AND THIS. THIS GUYS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS. Honestly this is driving me crazy. Because OK, third timeline, nice, something happens and they're both OK and together. But why would there be a fourth time-line overlapping, a fourth one without Alan and with two identical Nadias? And is it a fourth one or is it dimensions 1 and 2 merging? And why is Alan disappearing? My only solution to this problem is that it's a fourth timeline in which Nadia already made peace long ago with her young self, and the second Nadia is a representation of her being able to move on and grow up, not being followed by the ghost of her past. But honestly, that's kind of bullshitty, no? Please help me understand these 10 seconds honestly I have been thinking about that at least twice a day since a week and I need answers

[@milkwhistle]

sweet birthday baaaaaby