In the hilarious and heartwarming third and final season of The Other Two, one of the standout running gags involves Cary’s romantic involvement with a Method actor named Lucas. Unlike any other actor, Lucas fully immerses himself in each role, adopting the persona and backstory of the characters he portrays. From playing serial killers to Hallmark boyfriends, Lucas is dedicated to his craft like no one else. However, it’s not until the finale that Cary gets a glimpse of the real Lucas, who is surprisingly unremarkable and disconnected from his own identity. Stripped of his roles, Lucas finds himself wandering naked and confused in the forest, unaware that he is even Australian.
Throughout the season, Lucas’ journey serves as a cautionary tale, mirroring Cary and Brooke’s own struggles to cultivate their public images. Cary and Brooke, siblings of the show’s breakout star Chase, have always grappled with envy and resentment towards their brother’s overnight success. However, beneath their snarky exteriors, it is clear that they care deeply for Chase. The finale brings them back to their roots, highlighting the genuine familial love that has always been the North Star of the show.
The Other Two’s humor has always been acerbic and sharp, but it is balanced by an underlying sweetness. The first episode establishes Cary and Brooke’s initial mixed feelings about Chase’s success, but their snark and resentment melt away when their little brother seeks solace with them. This underlying love sets the tone for the entire series, even as the characters navigate the absurdities of Hollywood.
Season three of The Other Two takes the show’s humor to new heights. From satirizing Hollywood’s weirdness to poking fun at self-indulgent celebrities and organizations, the show’s wit reaches 30 Rock-level absurdity. The jokes are biting and timely, taking swipes at everything from space-race billionaires to do-nothing philanthropic organizations. Amidst the show’s zany absurdity, there are moments of genuine commentary, such as when Cary is cast as Disney’s “first-ever unapologetically gay character.” This storyline cleverly satirizes the press cycle around LGBTQ representation in media, highlighting the absurdity of the debates that often surround these portrayals.
As Cary and Brooke’s ambitions soar, they lose sight of who they truly are. Cary’s newfound fame and recognition lead him to adopt a self-important and ignorant persona, while Brooke’s pursuit of doing “undeniable good” leads her to make morally questionable decisions. However, The Other Two never loses sight of its characters’ humanity. The show delivers moments of both hilarious comedy and wrenching drama, showcasing the depths of the characters’ flaws and insecurities. The Dubeks, flawed though they may be, ultimately find redemption and growth through their capacity to love and support each other.
In the final episodes, Cary and Brooke make sacrifices for the sake of their family. Cary drops out of a prestige movie to engage in self-reflection, while Brooke sacrifices her own reputation to save her mother and brother. Both characters reject the things they thought would complete them in favor of true personal growth. Ultimately, it is their capacity to love and be loved that gives them the strength to make these difficult choices. However, in a typically wry twist, a mid-credits scene hints that they may fall back into their old patterns of self-interest and ambition.
The Other Two concludes with a poignant and bittersweet family dinner at an Applebee’s set. Initially angry at the deception, Pat, the Dubeks’ mother, comes to accept the realities of her life. The symbolism of the fake restaurant and hired extras serves as a reminder that life is not always as it seems. While things may not be perfect or “normal,” the love and bond shared by the Dubek family is what truly matters.
In its final season, The Other Two expands its comedic chops while still maintaining its heart. The show’s acerbic wit is balanced by moments of genuine sweetness and familial love. It reminds us that amidst the absurdities of life and the temptations of success, our connections with others are what ground us and give us purpose. The Other Two serves as a cautionary yet heartwarming tale, leaving us with a lasting reminder of the power of love and family.