The dynamics of life and death surround Showtime’s new series “The End.” Set in Australia, this dark comedy explores how a mother and daughter relate to ever-changing circumstances. Creator and writer Samantha Strauss offers a balanced look at the realities of personal growth, while also delving into what it means to be a part of the modern familial unit. Director Jessica M. Thompson comes to ‘End’ as a relative novice in the TV industry; her previous experience extends to the well-received feature “The Light of the Moon.” Jonathan Brough joins as director for four episodes and expands his filmography from series such as “Rosehaven.”
Harriet Walter and Frances O’Connor star as the generational duo. The pair plays off the differences as well as the similarities that any family would face; added contemporary issues only help to convince viewers of why the actresses continue to find their place among major projects. Walter’s work is numerous, most notably coming to the attention of international audiences with appearances in “Downton Abbey” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” O’Connor features an equally impressive set of credits with many viewers finding her work through “The Conjuring 2.”
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Here’s the official synopsis:
O’Connor plays Dr. Kate Brennan, an Australian-based specialist in palliative care. Euthanasia is a hot-button topic in Kate’s field of work, and she is passionate in her opposition. On the other side of the world, Kate’s mother Edie Henley (Walter) feels just as strongly about her right to die. Kate has little choice but to ship Edie out from England and deposit her in Australia’s Gold Coast in a nearby retirement community – Edie’s worst nightmare. While Kate struggles with her own problems, her children, one of whom is a teenage trans boy, are trying to work out who they are and who they want to be. “The End” is a story about family, ethics, and emotion, and mostly how it’s never too late to start again.
Noni Hazlehurst, Roy Billing, Robyn Nevin, Luke Arnold, Morgan Davies, and Ingrid Torelli also star in “The End.” The series premieres on Showtime on July 18. Watch the new trailer below.