"King of Queens" reaches satisfying finale - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 05-14-2007, 08:02 PM

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The improbable marriage of Doug and Carrie Heffernan (Kevin James and Leah Remini) reaches an hourlong implausible conclusion after an impressive nine seasons on the air for "The King of Queens," most of them in the shadow of "Everybody Loves Raymond."

CBS asked critics not to spoil the story, as if our consciences would allow such a thing. So let's just say that writer Michael J. Weithorn resolves a shaky Heffernan marriage, the impending wedding of Carrie's dad, Arthur (Jerry Stiller), and Doug and Carrie's quest for an adoption in China. All of these situations are dealt with in ways that will surprise no one but that, nonetheless, should satisfy the show's fans and followers.

"Queens" was conceived as a modern-day "Honeymooners." James, unlike Jackie Gleason, could not comically threaten domestic violence, and Remini, unlike Audrey Meadows, was not required to hide her beauty. Still, the humor in both series ran on a parallel track and asserted that marriage could survive bickering and bluster as long as, deep down, the couple truly loved each other.

Despite its endurance (the 200th episode aired in April), "Queens" falls short of being one of TV's great classic sitcoms. Nonetheless, it was dependably funny, occasionally very clever and, thanks to the magic of syndication, should be around in reruns for years.

Highlights of the final hour include the return of actress Merrin Dungey (Deacon's wife) and Gary Valentine (James' real-life older brother), and a nostalgic slide show at the program's end.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

the truth · 05-14-2007, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Damage

- "The King of Queens " - in the shadow of "Everybody Loves Raymond."

- "Queens" falls short of being one of TV's great classic sitcoms.

Hey, screw this guy!

Adamantium · 05-14-2007, 10:48 PM

He's not entirely incorrect. I mean we love the show and it will always be a classic to the fans, but during most of it's run, it was kind of in the shadow of "Raymond." And it didn't get a big send off like Raymond, Friends or even That '70s Show got. If I didn't glance at the small pic in this week's Entertainment Weekly, I wouldn't have known the finale was tonight. It's a great show and will be forever rerun, it's already popular in reruns and all but the current season are out on DVD.

With that being said, I liked the finale. It still hasn't hit me yet that there's no more Doug, Carrie, Arthur, Spence, Deacon, Danny and the gang. But it will, on a very sad day.

Tish · 05-14-2007, 11:32 PM

Well I LOVED it!!!! I watched it twice and will sleep well tonight knowing The Heffs are happy! Thanks for the ride.

jpcanes · 05-15-2007, 01:16 AM

The finale was wonderful!!!
I thought it was the perfect ending.

glenny · 05-15-2007, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpcanes

The finale was wonderful!!!
I thought it was the perfect ending.

Arthur was magnificant!!! He made the entire episode!!

TryN2BGood · 05-15-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenny

Arthur was magnificant!!! He made the entire episode!!

I AGREE!!! It was good to see Holly and Lou too

LuvLeah · 05-15-2007, 10:12 AM

I loved the final. It was great and it was a wonderful ending for us fans, IMO.

AB · 05-15-2007, 02:17 PM

I enjoyed it too, it was funny having Arthur show back up at the door with suitcase in hand.

JourneyMan · 05-15-2007, 02:25 PM

Poor Holly was left pregnant and alone!

I wonder what's next for Leah and Stiller? Anyone hear anything?

TripperFan · 05-15-2007, 02:43 PM

I was glad to see Holly was brought back for the finale, but it wasn't all that satisfying in my opinion.

I would have liked to see kids brought in for the entire final season. I think they could have done a lot with Doug and "child rearing" (he was just a kid himself). lol

To me, the last few episodes got too "down" even though they had it end on a good note, it still left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth.

Kevin James claims he wanted the show to end so he could focus on doing movies (?????) - the only movie I can remember him in was "Hitched" so I don't know where the offers are flooding in.

Leah is working on a website that celebrates the "joys" (funny stories) of parenthood. I saw the first clip and it looked pretty funny.

I do hope the best for all of them - I'm going to miss the show overall.

GeorgeWBushGOP · 05-15-2007, 03:26 PM

I am holding out for a spinoff

Ireneparalegal · 05-15-2007, 03:28 PM

I would like to have seen Ricki Lake and the character Richie in the finale.

Also, the finale seemed rushed. Last week, I can't recall Arthur even being shown. It would have been nice to have the wedding in last week's episode or at least added two more episodes and just stretched it out some. It just seemed to "hurry up and finish". So many great characters came out of KoQ's and it would have been nice to see them all appear. Lou Ferrigno's appearance was too darn small.

ALSO, I MADE THE PREDICTION AND I WAS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT ABT THE FINALE...CHECK OUT MY PREDICTION ON POST NUMBER 4:

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...arrie+pregnant

HuntingtonM15 · 05-15-2007, 04:31 PM

Considering the season eight finale could have very well been the series finale, I was extremely pleased with it. I really couldn't think of a better way to end the show.

LivinLaarge · 05-15-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

I
I would have liked to see kids brought in for the entire final season. I think they could have done a lot with Doug and "child rearing" (he was just a kid himself). lol

To me, the last few episodes got too "down" even though they had it end on a good note, it still left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth.

.

Agreed i would have wanted to see how they are as parents. i love the show but the ending just didn'y end well for me.

05-14-2007, 08:02 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	"King of Queens" reaches satisfying finale LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The improbable marriage of Doug and Carrie Heffernan (Kevin James and Leah Remini) reaches an hourlong implausible conclusion after an impressive nine seasons on the air for "The King of Queens," most of them in the shadow of "Everybody Loves Raymond." CBS asked critics not to spoil the story, as if our consciences would allow such a thing. So let's just say that writer Michael J. Weithorn resolves a shaky Heffernan marriage, the impending wedding of Carrie's dad, Arthur (Jerry Stiller), and Doug and Carrie's quest for an adoption in China. All of these situations are dealt with in ways that will surprise no one but that, nonetheless, should satisfy the show's fans and followers. "Queens" was conceived as a modern-day "Honeymooners." James, unlike Jackie Gleason, could not comically threaten domestic violence, and Remini, unlike Audrey Meadows, was not required to hide her beauty. Still, the humor in both series ran on a parallel track and asserted that marriage could survive bickering and bluster as long as, deep down, the couple truly loved each other. Despite its endurance (the 200th episode aired in April), "Queens" falls short of being one of TV's great classic sitcoms. Nonetheless, it was dependably funny, occasionally very clever and, thanks to the magic of syndication, should be around in reruns for years. Highlights of the final hour include the return of actress Merrin Dungey (Deacon's wife) and Gary Valentine (James' real-life older brother), and a nostalgic slide show at the program's end. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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05-15-2007, 01:16 AM	#5
jpcanes Member Senior Member Join Date: Feb 28, 2005 Location: The L.R.G.'s Indiana Office Posts: 1,744	The finale was wonderful!!! I thought it was the perfect ending.
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05-15-2007, 02:43 PM	#11
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	I was glad to see Holly was brought back for the finale, but it wasn't all that satisfying in my opinion. I would have liked to see kids brought in for the entire final season. I think they could have done a lot with Doug and "child rearing" (he was just a kid himself). lol To me, the last few episodes got too "down" even though they had it end on a good note, it still left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth. Kevin James claims he wanted the show to end so he could focus on doing movies (?????) - the only movie I can remember him in was "Hitched" so I don't know where the offers are flooding in. Leah is working on a website that celebrates the "joys" (funny stories) of parenthood. I saw the first clip and it looked pretty funny. I do hope the best for all of them - I'm going to miss the show overall.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

05-15-2007, 03:28 PM	#13
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,691	I would like to have seen Ricki Lake and the character Richie in the finale. Also, the finale seemed rushed. Last week, I can't recall Arthur even being shown. It would have been nice to have the wedding in last week's episode or at least added two more episodes and just stretched it out some. It just seemed to "hurry up and finish". So many great characters came out of KoQ's and it would have been nice to see them all appear. Lou Ferrigno's appearance was too darn small. ALSO, I MADE THE PREDICTION AND I WAS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT ABT THE FINALE...CHECK OUT MY PREDICTION ON POST NUMBER 4: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/...arrie+pregnant
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

05-14-2007, 10:48 PM	#3
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,837	He's not entirely incorrect. I mean we love the show and it will always be a classic to the fans, but during most of it's run, it was kind of in the shadow of "Raymond." And it didn't get a big send off like Raymond, Friends or even That '70s Show got. If I didn't glance at the small pic in this week's Entertainment Weekly, I wouldn't have known the finale was tonight. It's a great show and will be forever rerun, it's already popular in reruns and all but the current season are out on DVD. With that being said, I liked the finale. It still hasn't hit me yet that there's no more Doug, Carrie, Arthur, Spence, Deacon, Danny and the gang. But it will, on a very sad day.

05-14-2007, 11:32 PM	#4
Tish Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Feb 16, 2005 Posts: 130	Well I LOVED it!!!! I watched it twice and will sleep well tonight knowing The Heffs are happy! Thanks for the ride.

05-15-2007, 10:12 AM	#8
LuvLeah Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jan 14, 2007 Location: New York Posts: 20	I loved the final. It was great and it was a wonderful ending for us fans, IMO.

05-15-2007, 02:17 PM	#9
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,428	I enjoyed it too, it was funny having Arthur show back up at the door with suitcase in hand.

05-15-2007, 02:25 PM	#10
JourneyMan Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Mar 29, 2005 Posts: 15	Poor Holly was left pregnant and alone! I wonder what's next for Leah and Stiller? Anyone hear anything?

05-15-2007, 03:26 PM	#12
GeorgeWBushGOP Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 04, 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 802	I am holding out for a spinoff

05-15-2007, 04:31 PM	#14
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,060	Considering the season eight finale could have very well been the series finale, I was extremely pleased with it. I really couldn't think of a better way to end the show.