The final season of 'Barry' has recently ended — a series that you almost certainly should like. Why? We explain in this article. And if you don't like it, write in the comments, we'll figure out what's what.

Recently, the author's project of actor, screenwriter, comedian, and author of many hilarious sketches for Saturday Night Live, Bill Hader — the series 'Barry' — came to an end. The show tells the story of a hitman who suddenly decides to change his life and become an actor.

Hader not only convinced HBO bosses to develop the series, participated in its creation, but also played one of the main roles. The fourth season was the final one, simultaneously delighting viewers with more twists and causing sadness that the show must no longer go on.

If you haven't watched 'Barry' yet, we (I) hasten to tell you why it's a great series that deserves all the Emmy nominations for Best Comedy Series (too bad without wins, but at least Bill Hader and Henry Winkler won awards for their roles) and your attention. And if you're already watching the show, write in the comments what you love about the project.

Reason Zero: Episode — 30 minutes, Season — 8 episodes

This is perhaps the most obvious and banal reason, so it's not included in the main list. But it's still important to clarify that this series won't tire you out with its stretched runtime. After all, sitting through 30 minutes is much easier than a one-hour episode. In today's reality of life and fierce competition among streaming services for viewer attention, episode length matters.

1. Imperfect Multidimensional Characters

All characters in the series, without exception, are very contradictory individuals with difficult fates, who manage to do both good and bad things. At times you empathize with them, and at times you scream at the screen and don't understand how they can be so reckless and shortsighted. And if you add to this the absurdity of many situations they find themselves in, what's happening sometimes resembles a roller coaster: one moment they're at the peak of idiocy, the next they suddenly think rationally.

The multidimensionality and imperfection of the characters is what hooks you. After all, in their actions, words, and attitude to life, you can often see your own reflection. And thanks to the excellent acting, all the emotions on screen feel real.

2. Unpredictable Plot

The plot in 'Barry' is something that never ceases to amaze. So when it became known that the fourth season would be the last, everyone started guessing how the story of the hapless hitman who decided to become an actor would end. The plot twists here are designed to surprise and defy expectations.

In addition, the storytelling style here is built on contrasts and grotesque, especially when it comes to depicting violence. There's a mass shooting to cheerful or melancholic music. Or conversations about love, and a second later a pool of blood in the frame. Not to mention that the main character uses his hitman past to hone his acting skills.

At the same time, the series has a lot of soulfulness and sincerity that is understandable and relatable to everyone. After all, the central theme of 'Barry' is an identity crisis. Every character here is searching for themselves, their place in the world. And one of their main motives is the desire to become better. True, while watching, you often recall the phrase, 'I want to do the best, but it turns out as always.'

3. Genre Blend

Initially, 'Barry' was positioned as a black comedy, subtly joking about death and violence, with plenty of satire and absurdity. But gradually the show changed direction, and by the fourth season, the series had turned into a deep human drama. In addition, you can notice elements of thriller, action, and a bit of gangster in the series.

So there's plenty of action, humor, tragedy, and spectacle here. Everyone can find something to their liking.

4. References to Pop Culture and Film Classics

One of the undeniable values of 'Barry' is its undisguised love for cinema. Therefore, the show actively quotes famous directors and references film classics. But it also doesn't forget to make references to mass culture, without which modern films and series seem increasingly impossible. Pop culture reflects cinema, cinema reflects pop culture, to paraphrase a famous saying about the relationship between cinema and life. And digging into all of this is no less interesting than following the plot development.

5. Caustic Satire

A black comedy cannot be black without satire on society. Here, Bill Hader and his team try to turn this dial up to the maximum, touching on the most relevant and pressing issues.

The last season also stood out for its rather biting satire of Hollywood. There's criticism of film bosses who can cancel a project due to an algorithm's rating, and managers who can both elevate and destroy an actor's career. And a caricature of how Hollywood makes money off everything. And the truth doesn't interest anyone: the way you tell the story, that's the truth.

In the final episode of the fourth season, 'Barry' seems to hint that in the end, our/your life is just another story that can eventually be told in Hollywood (if it's interesting enough). And under what sauce it's told doesn't depend on you.

P.S. And we haven't even mentioned how beautifully everything is shot, especially the long-take scenes. And the color grading. And the editing cuts. And the overall visual atmosphere.