The Ending Of Station Eleven Explained

[@blake_hamilton]

@8:22 A lot of people missed this (myself included until I rewatched the scene), but in episode 6 when Kirsten tries to kill Tyler he says, "If I die, I'll lose control of the story. It happened already. When I was hurt, Haley told the kids a different story, that the mines erased the past. That was Pingtree." The implication is that he had nothing to do with the children blowing up Gil's place. It happened while he was recovering from the stab wound and Haley took control of the group. Such important information that wasn't given enough time. It's truly my only criticism of the show. I love it so much. Great video!

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Oh wow, I can't believe I missed that!

[@trontsephore]

Oh, thanks for pointing that out. That's the one part of the series I really struggled with.

[@titab]

I caught that on first watch. Very relevant to how Tyler isn't really guiding them but curating an experience that it can easily get out of hand

[@jessicamoore1314]

Yes! Thanks for saying that, it was easy to miss and very important.

[@wyattdufrane8819]

@@BryceEdwardBrown I missed this the first time too. It does seem like he intended for the children to blow up the airport when he "lit the beacon" though. It definitely still feels like the handling of the Tyler's redemption was unearned. Kind of the only blemish on an otherwise damn near perfect show.

[@ryanburks1314]

I adored this show, and it’s criminally underrated. I also had a hard time getting through it because of how depressing it would get, but that’s a credit to the show runners for doing their job extremely well.

[@drugsarebad97]

I damn near cried when they did the play in the end with the prophet as hamlet .

[@ryanburks1314]

@@drugsarebad97 I’d have an easier time telling you the times I didn’t cry during those last two eps.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

I loved this show so much!

[@orangebucky]

You got that right! This show is very underrated! With so much garbage out there being viewed, this is a series that needs to be watched for its amazing content!

[@theofthe2299]

@@drugsarebad97 I actually cried during multiple points lol

[@CAP416]

The show about a pandemic and healing trauma through art therapy has been my art therapy, and healing during a pandemic.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Precisely!

[@trontsephore]

Indeed. Normal People had a similar effect on me. I carthatically bawled my eyes out when the main guy was in therapy.

[@universalcollective427]

Station Eleven was such an unexpected jewel, I enjoyed it more thoroughly than most of what I've watched in the last two years. The fact it's a story set at the beginning, in the middle, and after a worldwide viral pandemic is just too much man, I mean, for gods sake, too much. BeB you're a pleasure to listen to explain all the ins and outs of so many things, I've enjoyed on a much more surface level. Hearing you break down into the nitty gritty gives me a deeper appreciation for the work.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Love this comment!

[@ryanburks1314]

@9:07 Rose’s child is actually Alex, who was born as Rose died in childbirth. On screen (ep.9), there’s a form being filled out, showing her name, Alexandra, as we see Jeevan watching a white sheet being placed over Rose’s body.

[@mec2069]

Thanks for clearing that up, I was going to mention that, as although the young Taylor comes to see rose and the baby he doesn't actually take the baby with him, but I didn't connect that Rose's baby was Alex good find.

[@titab]

yep. what we don't see is how Kirsten gets the baby

[@mec2069]

@@titab Kristen meets Alex at Pingtree

[@titab]

@@mec2069 thank you! I thought she already had her before that.

[@Moeller750]

I thought it might be Alex!

[@Graenolf]

Bryce adds details and meanings in his analyses that most other film/TV channels miss. It is nicey nice

[@universalcollective427]

word

[@VJ-qz3pt]

Great analysis! One of the details that got me - seeing young Kirsten take the knife that killed Frank after her play in the apartment, and then connecting that back to the moment in an earlier episode where Alex comments to Kirsten about how weird it is to bring a weapon to a play. It’s not weird once we understand what she’s been through. Wow!

[@andrewl5272]

I think she should keep those knives on her forever. She's the best guardian of her troop.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you V J!

[@Gambit2051]

EASILY one of the BEST Series I have ever seen...It was so full of....Life and Hope and Despair and Death and Growth and Relationships...just Beautiful.

[@stephenkincheloe5218]

Buddy your video is spot on and really enhances the enjoyment of the series. I've talked a lot of my friends into watching this series (haven't found anyone as obsessed as I am yet lol) and after each person finishes, I email them a link to this video and it really helps them understand everything. Kudos.

[@PeacefulPagoda]

I went into Station Eleven thinking it was a post-apocalyptic (pandemic) survival show, which I'm 100% down for. The interpersonal nitty gritty of how people live through that is ssooo fascinating. So when the show hard-cut to the Traveling Symphony, it really threw me. And I'm a theatre geek! haha But I'm really glad I stuck with it.

[@tayosphere]

I read the book back in 2017-ish and enjoyed it immensely. I actually let out a scream when I saw it was going to be on HBO Max, lol. The series takes a lot of the structure of the book but then mixed it up (as I guess usually happens when a book goes to TV or film). For example, there was no direct relationship between Jeevan and Kirsten after that first night and Tyler/the Prophet was more sinister (if you can imagine... no redemption arc for him) so it was really interesting to see how it was adapted for the screen. TBH, it was almost like watching a new story. I love how this analysis showed how deeply the writers/producers, et al were able to reimagine and make all the different characters and events connect. So good!

[@Mastaace]

So you think the changes made it better for tv? I'd read that Kirsten and Jeevan weren't together in the book but that's one of the main drawing points of the series... I don't understand how it would have worked as well without their relationship. I'm such a book snob I hate-quit Walking Dead in season 3...but one thing I liked in season 1 was them keeping the villain alive slightly longer (that could be cause Jon Bernthal was such a better actor). But yea then the rest of the changes they made made me hate it lol.

[@willsjobeck2401]

@@Mastaace I adored the show but my friend recommended reading the book and I absolutely loved it. I think the main takeaway from OPs comment is that it takes the structure/setup and tells a different story. The book focuses on different relationships to provide a through line. I can see how it would have been difficult to make a show that directly adapted the book while maintaining the viewer’s attention. There’s just so much more internal dialogue in the book that flushes out some of the relationships. Either way, both the show and book were great!

[@tayosphere]

@@Mastaace I don't know that they made them better, I think that it made it more palatable for TV, especially filling up 10 episodes. It's more compelling to have Kirsten and Jeevan ride out those years together, and I think that aspect adds to the series' because it fills in some gaps that were in the book, like what happened in the first few years (only the first few weeks were explored in the book, I believe)

[@Moeller750]

Honestly, it's pretty amazing to have a show about a world ending pandemic, and yet the climaxes are a family, letting go of their trauma by dressing up and playing Shakespeare, a found family reuniting at a party and two people using shared trauma to make a decision over the phone

[@jessicamoore1314]

Wonderful summary - I watched this series in the deep of winter. I had a similar childhood to Kirsten (less trauma of course, we are all mainly still here) … and after a breakdown a few years ago, I went through intensive therapy that helped me process it all. The episode where she was poisoned was like revisiting that time and it felt very healing/nourishing. Beautiful and deep series that I wish got more critic, award and fan attention.

[@bettydwyer]

This made me love the show even more, thank you

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

I'm so happy to hear that!

[@RandolphSouth]

Thank you for your thoughts. Station Eleven certainly satisfies the definition of art. It prompts so many viewers to contribute to the story and interpretation. It was an interesting coincidence that most watched the series while were mid pandemic. The emotional impact helped me through the loneliness of the year.

[@soutarm]

Thanks so much for putting this together! I missed the vast majority of the points you made, luckily the surface level story was compelling.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mec2069]

This is such a very special show

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Wholeheartedly agree!

[@Noremac41]

Great video, Bryce! I just finished this show, and was quite moved by it. Your analysis was really insightful, and made me appreciate the story even more!

[@apphilosophy79]

Love the explanation of the focus of being able to say goodbye at the end. Wew, they changed a lot from the book, I was sad for Clark!

[@solovinojuntoseva8463]

Holy smoke, I love this. Super great insights I never even thought of. Great video!

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@Strange_Armour]

If Lost was made by people who cared, it would be Station Eleven.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Lol

[@ariadnasegura7415]

A series lile station eleven (even though its a book) would have NEVER existed without Lost. So show some respect for the best series eveeeeeer

[@SarahH2704]

This is such a well done analysis wow

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you Sarah!

[@Mastaace]

Great vid my dude. I'd just watched a shorter explained video from a channel I'd watched before, but you touched on a ton more things in this one. I'd read a review saying to stick through this show cause the first few episodes didn't really catch them..but man I'm pretty sure episode 3 was probably the best EP of the series. I really enjoyed the show as a whole and I def cried when Kirsten and Jeevan were reunited.

[@Mastaace]

Another thing I thought of is this show has great LGTBQ representation. I like when there are gay characters where being gay is like the most minor aspect of their character, like Clark in this. They do have a small gay romance subplot I guess, but other than that he's just an ordinary character who happens to be gay.

[@mairiamonitino6637]

Alex is Rose’s baby! Not Cody! We never find out who Cody’s parents were. Trust me I’ve watched the show 50 times or more lol.

[@williamkinsey4979]

I,m with you there it,s truly a way of life!

[@gregfulton2539]

Usually shun end of world tales and no fan of flashbacks.....so glad watched this...recall Mackenzie from the great BR2049

[@lastsonofthewest2444]

How beautiful to remove all the veneers we all place in front of reality, in a fantasy series. Accidental watch too, one insomnia filled evening, that did not end until the full story was revealed. Appreciate your insights Bryce. I often feel the details and intricacy pale when compared with a first, emotional, unenlightened viewing though.

[@mercedesg.joaquim7426]

Cody no era el hijo de Rose: Alex era la hija de Rose. Hay un fotograma en el capítulo de la doctora Deborah en el que ella misma anota el nombre del bebé y pone claramente "Alexandra". Por lo demás, muy buen análisis de esta magnífica serie.

[@bhavpat514]

Just finished thjs and Cried like a baby when they reunited. So much said in that scene without anyone uttering a word

[@ybemad]

🤯 Such great observations. Makes me want to watch through again.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

So glad to hear!

[@drugsarebad97]

One thing to notice about the hamlet comparison is how in hamlet everyone dies because nobody addresses the issues at hand directly. In station eleven however , Tyler confessed who he is sooner rather than later , and confronts the issues at hand during the play directly . His ability to confront his past and confess who he is saved them all from tragedy

[@cats1900]

I have enjoyed this series half a dozen times. I live it.

[@joek81981]

Bet one of them books gets a pretty penny on ebay. This was by far my favorite thing from covid. It silently and effortlessly strolled into my top 10 shows of all time.

[@joek81981]

You're really good at watching TV. And really good at making videos about TV. This was insightful as hell. I didn't think about AAAANY of this stuff while I watched it.

[@joek81981]

"You're really good at watching TV" is thee most genuine complement I've ever given anyone. I hope it came off that way.

[@maximiliand2544]

This show was the greatest surprise of the year.

[@carsondenny1986]

Wow, Jeevan being the 11th stranger (not chronologically) is super cool. Good call.

[@ttrenchmiranda]

I fucking love this show! Thanks for your video! Hadn't caught a lot of it

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Awesome to hear!

[@e.casey.leydon]

This was great. Thanks for making it.

[@4TheLoveOfCars-]

Start a petition for season 2!! This show was just wayy too good!

[@ariadnasegura7415]

Why is everybody forgetting how Tyler kidnapps kids?!

[@iamthewizardwhoknocks2845]

Thanks for this

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

I appreciate you @iamthewizardwhoknocks2845!

[@StarPopyful]

Best show ever made.

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

It's so good!

[@wilma0855]

Everyone should read the book. It's interesting how things get changed between the book and the TV series.

[@rlb224]

Really wonderful analysis

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@rickpieto9678]

sorry, lee hazlewood's your sweet love was the best song on the show

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Fair enough haha

[@trontsephore]

Oh my god I became obsessed with that scene and that song.

[@bighhh2000]

I don’t know if you said this but a little Easter egg like thing is that saint Debra by the water is named after Debra the doctor who ran the birth giving place which explains why the pregnant person in the symphony stayed there

[@Laura-kl7vi]

Great review! I loved show even better than the book, which I read first. The only issue-and it's a big one-is I couldn't suspend disbelief that Kirsten (or anyone) would come to trust someone that had Just sent children with bombs to a peaceful community and murdered them and her friend Gil. That's the act of someone who, at the least, isn't to be trusted. At Severn Airport later, she repeatedly trusts the Prophet/Tyler. The last episode is hard, it's like all his murders are ignored. Giant plot hole.

[@jarednicholson1042]

Tyler did not send the kids to Pingtree. 1.06 - Tyler to Kiersten: If I die, I'll lose control of the story. It happened already. When I was hurt, Haley told the kids a different story, that the mines erased the past. That was Pingtree. He was still indirectly responsible, but it's an important distinction. Otherwise, as you say, he is completely unredeemable IMO.

[@andrewcatlin3590]

This makes the show seem more interesting and more linear than it actually is.

[@FilipinoHODL]

After the kids blew up Gil, all succeeding episodes just keep me thinking "But Tyler is Evil." I just found out later near the last episode that he was not there to guide the kids. I think the writer-director should've fixed that part. Ruined few episodes for me and I'm quute confident that not just me if not everyone.

[@Laura-kl7vi]

YES that's the biggest flaw. Me, I didn't even catch at the end that he wasn't there to guide the kids and/or had nothing to do with the blow up. It should have ruined the show for me, typically I'd have thought as you did. Mostly it was "why is Kirsten trusting him?". I loved to show enough to not have it ruined, unlike me.

[@Exrimordonaj]

The very next episode when Kirstin goes to meet Tyler he tells her that he didn’t give that command one of the kids did because he wasn’t in charge while he was too sick recovering from being stabbed by kristin.

[@krxahfb]

Looking forward to checking out the show, recently finished the book

[@cdespejo]

Amazing review!

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@zedzed9463]

is it my pms or did someone else cry throughout the whole series as well?

[@sharma6186]

Didn’t Kiersten say she had a baby brother that wasn’t born yet? I wonder if she named him Frank in her mind? Or maybe her family survived and Frank is a post pan baby like Alex was Rose’s baby. Great analysis. Loved the show. You’re wonderful.

[@Laura-kl7vi]

We know that one of Jeevan's son's is named Frank. Yes, Kiersten had a brother that she said never was born (stillborn or died in utero) or that wasn't born dead (mom was pregnant?) I don't recall which.

[@TheDjsimonsays]

Question - so the Astronaut (Dr. Eleven) different characters see throughout the series... what does that represent? Is it them just imagining him there during a time of anxiety/depression/stress etc? And it's their way of using Station Eleven to cope with what's going on around them?

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Dr. Eleven appears when the book is helping the character work through hard times. So yes, exactly, it's helping them cope!

[@seth8629]

Impressive analysis and insight

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Thank you so much!

[@dafinesil]

That show make me cry...

[@NamoAmithuofo]

Hope the Emmy's for this Amazing Show & Mackenzie Davis

[@kstayhigh420]

Im not crying

[@bryguy0111]

One of the best shows on HBO ever ❤

[@joey4track]

It reminds you of Maniac probably because it's from the creators of Maniac :p

[@theofthe2299]

I only watched this series because I entirely love Gael García Bernal I was no ready for how amazing and poignant it would be

[@yaelzivanartist]

Patrick Sommervile also made Maniac

[@Rhuarc1]

I fancy myself adept at figuring out story. In light of this analysis, I'm a rank amateur.

[@mridontknow321]

This is just as good as the last of us if not better 😢 idk why it gets no recognition

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

It's sad to see this show not get the recognition it deserves

[@TheCandiDavis]

Thank you very much for this review. I liked the show, but I didn’t love it. After watching this video. I think I can see more of its beauty.

[@taylorlee5103]

I look forward to other Emily St. John Mandel adaption: Sea of Tranquility.

[@carsondenny1986]

It wouldn’t make sense to comment that someone eats cereal for breakfast. Sia remarks that Jeevan eats cereal for dinner.

[@DarrellTurnerJr]

The child bombs and redeeming Tyler was almost a bridge too far. There is some nitpicks I have with a post apocalyptic world where most the world dies in a month or two but overall it was well written, had great acting and was entertaining.

[@elanastocker]

I loved this series

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Same!

[@bethebest9486]

Just in ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Same, what an amazing series!

[@asanissimasaa]

I just finished the novel. This sounds NOTHING like the novel’s relationships.

[@susibozzie9078]

💗Awesome Show💗 Awesome Mackenzie!! 💗

[@oneguyatthesametime]

Would be great if this director did a Passage series too. Fox botched it so hard.

[@williamkinsey4979]

The reason why this is getting such a bad wrap is it,s thoroughly demanding! This is nothing more or less than a work of genuis! People don,t like that! They want a nice bite size morsel they can easily digest and move onto the next bite Station Eleven isn,t any of that! Station eleven is nothing more or less than a way of life. That demands repeat viewing And those that have been touched by this weird wacky world consider ourselves very lucky indeed.

[@marylynne5238]

This is absolutely nothing like the book.

[@jessicafoust3012]

why you watch show with toaster?

[@danielkimball3037]

I appreciate the ending explainer...Clearly I have an unpopular opinion, but I wasn't blown away by this show like clearly many posting here were. Some interesting moments for sure but I think dragged on in several areas unnecessarily....7 out of 10 vote for me

[@golden454]

💜💜

[@recitationtohear]

#d

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

Classic

[@recitationtohear]

@@BryceEdwardBrown thx

[@noamasaf2668]

i think tyler wasnt 9 or 8 at the time the pandemic broke, think he was more like 12, cause we know his daughter was born a short while after

[@Laura-kl7vi]

I don't know who his daughter is, but what is true is the actor is indeed at least 12. And I think he was 12 in the book?

[@kuzonCS2]

Are you gonna watch wheel of time?

[@BryceEdwardBrown]

I have not heard of it, I'll have to look into that!

[@laurasalo6160]

croutons 😆

[@cnh1710]

I would be Dan. Lol