"Santa Clarita Diet," a Netflix original horror-comedy series created by Victor Fresco, captivated audiences with its quirky premise and stellar performances by Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant. The show centers on Sheila and Joel Hammond, a suburban realtor couple whose lives take a bizarre turn when Sheila becomes a zombie. The series blends humor and gore, exploring themes of love, marriage, and suburban life in the face of the undead. However, the show's abrupt cancellation after three seasons left fans with numerous unanswered questions, particularly concerning the ending.
Season 3 Finale: "The Cult of Sheila"
The season 3 finale, titled "The Cult of Sheila," initially suggests a resolution for the Hammond family. The threat of Serbian labs and Serbian zombie experiments seems to dissipate, and Sheila avoids a deadly impalement. However, the closing moments introduce a new, unsettling twist: a giant, fleshy spider-like zombie creature, reminiscent of Sheila's Mr. Ball Legs, crawls into Joel's ear and burrows into his brain. In a desperate attempt to save him, Sheila bites Joel.
The Cliffhanger: Joel's Fate
This cliffhanger sparked intense debate among fans: Is Joel dead, undead, or possessed by Mr. Ball Legs? The episode leaves Joel's fate ambiguous, leaving viewers to speculate about the implications for the Hammonds' future.
Analyzing the Evidence: Is Joel a Zombie?
Despite the initial shock, compelling evidence suggests that Joel becomes a zombie. Season 3 explores Joel's anxieties about immortality and becoming a zombie himself. He grapples with the moral implications of eating people and fears that eternity could jeopardize his marriage with Sheila. In "Cult Of Sheila," Joel confronts his fears and declares his desire to spend eternity with Sheila, even if it means embracing the undead lifestyle. This declaration coincides with Mr. Ball Legs entering Joel's brain.
Mr. Ball Legs' Intentions
It's unlikely that Mr. Ball Legs intended to harm Joel or sabotage Sheila's happiness. Throughout season 3, the spider creatures demonstrate a protective and supportive role towards their zombie hosts. For example, Ramona's Ball Legs attacks a motel owner who harasses her. Mr. Ball Legs also seems to help Sheila avoid detection by the Knights of Serbia.
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"Mama": A Cryptic Message
The moment Mr. Ball Legs enters Joel's brain, he utters "Mama," a word Sheila had been teaching him. This suggests that the creature's actions are driven by a desire to please Sheila and fulfill her wish for Joel to join her in zombieland.
The Zombie Transformation Process
The zombie-making process involves expelling a spider creature. It's unlikely that Mr. Ball Legs would remain in Joel's body after the transformation. Sheila's smile at the end of the episode suggests that she anticipates a future with Joel as a fellow zombie.
Victor Fresco's Confirmation: Joel is Possessed
Adding to the confusion, a tweet from the show’s creator Victor Fresco revealed that Joel is possessed by Mr. Ball Legs, giving a definitive answer to the question of what happened at the end of Santa Clarita Diet.
The Cancellation and Unresolved Plotlines
The cancellation of "Santa Clarita Diet" after season 3 left numerous plotlines unresolved. The show's unique blend of horror and comedy, coupled with its exploration of relatable themes, resonated with a dedicated fanbase. The cancellation was particularly frustrating because it occurred at a crucial point in the narrative, leaving viewers without closure.
The Ball-leg Knights
The Ball-leg Knights, a threat introduced in season 2, were not featured in the finale, leaving their storyline unresolved. The potential for conflict between the Hammonds and the Knights, with Anne possibly joining their side, remained unexplored.
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Rick's Involvement
The possibility of Rick, Joel's friend, becoming involved in the Hammonds' secret life was also left hanging. Joel's need for a friend outside of Gary's head suggested a potential for comedic and dramatic storylines involving Rick's integration into the undead world.
Themes and Social Commentary
"Santa Clarita Diet" explores themes of empowerment, narcissism, and the consequences of unchecked consumption. Victor Fresco uses the zombie premise to comment on modern society's narcissistic tendencies and its tendency to consume without considering the consequences.
Empowerment vs. Narcissism
The show examines the fine line between empowerment and narcissism, suggesting that while taking control of one's life and pursuing one's desires is positive, it's crucial to maintain limits and consider the impact of one's actions on others.
Consumerism and the Undead
Fresco draws a parallel between the undead's insatiable hunger and humanity's consumerist tendencies, suggesting that both can lead to destruction and a disregard for consequences.
Critical Reception
"Santa Clarita Diet" received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique premise, comedic writing, and the performances of Barrymore and Olyphant. The show's blend of horror and humor, as well as its exploration of relatable themes, resonated with audiences.
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Season Ratings
- Season 1: 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.9/10.
- Season 2: 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.85/10.
- Season 3: 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 7.78/10.