An Emotional Goodbye For Freeform’s Good Trouble

After more than 10 years on our screens, we are saying goodbye to Mariana (Cierra Ramirez) and Callie Adams Foster (Maia Mitchell). While the ending was rushed, it was saved by the authentic and genuine emotion shared between these two sisters and best friends.

After five seasons, Freeform's Good Trouble has come to an end. We watched this group of strangers turn into a family of friends. Their lives were dramatic, messy, and sometimes very confusing, but that's what we loved about them. This show did well, not just because it was a spin-off of the show we know and love The Fosters, but because it tapped into our collective need for community. We fell for these new stories and characters, watching them tackle just about every issue imaginable, from transgender rights to racial issues. While I appreciate the escapism that fantasy provides, I also recognize the importance of feeling seen and heard. Having a show that lives in our reality allows us to relate to and share experiences. Observing these characters, each at different stages of life, navigate their world was profoundly moving and encouraging. It has been a gift for fans of The Fosters to learn, grow, cry, and laugh alongside the Coterie family.

This cast has evolved significantly. Let's recall where it all began. Remember when Alice was still in the closet? Or when characters like Mira or Jessie graced our screens? There was Davia, entangled with her high school crush, who was already married. Dennis was initially portrayed as that older, creepy guy who dated younger women. Malika stood out as the fierce activist, unafraid to voice her opinions. Gael was the attractive bisexual painter having sex with Callie. And Callie herself started as a clerk for a conservative judge. Oh, and who could forget Mariana's beginnings at Speckulate, working under the a-hole Alex?

Jumping forward 5 seasons, this cast is living in their truth and stepping into their light. The final episode ends with Alice receiving a phone call that the landlord will be selling the building and the tenants have to move out in three months. This sets the stage for the final family dinner at the Coterie, as we see the characters off on their next adventures.

Alice (Sherry Cola) was offered a role as a series regular on a sitcom, but chose to continue working with the guys at America's Funniest Ferrets & Friends. This decision paid off when the sitcom was canceled and she was given the hosting gig for AFFF. She and Sumi are also buying a house with mostly Sumi's money, of course, because we all know the entertainment industry doesn't pay that well. Meanwhile, Gael (Tommy Martinez) has reached where he's been fighting to be since the start. He turned down a mainstream job working with a well-known artist to continue his street art and has now won a contract for a mural in downtown LA. He and Callie even shared a little moment as she has truly watched him blossom into this confident artist who knows what he wants.

Davia (Emma Hunton) was asked by Ethan to return to his musical due to Serena falling ill, but he was lying. Ethan had decided that Davia had been his inspiration and, therefore, she should play Darla. She brought the house down! The investors loved her and the show is now moving off-Broadway in New York City. But what does that mean for Davia and Dennis (Joshua Pence)? Well, they agree to continue seeing each other and traveling back and forth, considering Dennis cannot move his restaurant. Though Davia is concerned about the time being too long, Dennis reassures her by saying, "Not in the scheme of our whole lives together." This was a promise of their continued love after watching them love at a distance for four seasons, which leaves the audience hopeful for their future.

Luca (Booboo Stewart), who had only recently joined the family, has officially figured out his immigration status and has admitted his feelings for Ladle (Tetona Jackson) — but that's not all. He is also thriving in the dance community, announcing that he will be going on tour with THE Olivia Rodrigo. Meanwhile, Silas is gone! He’s not dead, but we finally have answers on whether or not he killed Madison — and he sure did. Jenna shot him in defense of Mariana and Joaquin (Bryan Craig) and, though she may have gotten away, she is still fighting so many demons. Jenna is off in rehab and Joaquin has begun writing about cults and is now being sought out by magazines to work full-time.

So, who did Mariana pick: Joaquin or Evan? EVAN!!! Evan has been getting his memory back the past few episodes and he finally remembers it all. Now, we don't get to see their entire reunion, but he does tell her he loves her, shows up to the final family dinner, and kisses her.

Though this may be the end of the Coterie, they have built a lifelong friendship that has given more than it's ever taken. As Dennis says, "A toast to the best of times past and the best of times to come." Their final moments are of them by the iconic rooftop pool, laughing, crying, and sharing their love. Each of them says their goodbyes until we are left with just two, Mariana and Callie. It only made sense, as they are the reason we are here. The montage of Callie and Mariana brought me to tears, leaving us with so much love in our hearts after watching these two women become who they've always been deep down. Mariana was right. It has been quite a journey and yes, Callie, there was no one else we would have rather done it with.

Though Freeform did us a disservice by abruptly canceling the show, the team went about it gracefully. I mean, what we love about Mariana and Callie is their dynamic on-screen and their love — and we got to end with that. What else would I have liked to see? I would have wanted to know more about Mariana's plans. Maybe a wedding for Alice and Sumi and Jamie and Callie. I would have liked a close on Isaac's journey. I would have loved to see Gael's baby and sister Jasmine. There were so many unanswered questions, but perhaps this open-ended quality was always part of the show's charm, acknowledging that life's endless paths and possibilities cannot be neatly packaged.

This is a tough goodbye indeed. But if there's one thing we should take away from this story: "it's not where you come from, it's where you belong." 

Good Trouble can be streamed on Hulu.