Season three of the popular satire show on Max, “The Other Two“, has successfully wrapped up. The progression of the show has seen young Chase (Case Walker), likened to Justin Bieber, thrust into fame in the inaugural season. The subsequent season saw matriarch Pat’s (Molly Shannon) rise to prominence due to her talk show. Hence, it seemed apt that older siblings Brooke (Heléne York) and Cary (Drew Tarver) would also have their turn in the limelight. However, the glitz and glam of show business wasn’t quite as shiny as anticipated, taking a toll on the Dubeks and those they hold dear, leading to some intense moments. Nevertheless, the season concluded on a high, pleasing critics alike.
Retracing Steps Back to ‘The Other Two’ Season 3
In a bid to keep his acting career’s wheels turning, Cary spirals down a troubling path, costing him his closest confidante, Curtis (Brandon Scott Jones). Cary also winds up lodging with Lucas (Fin Argus), his celebrated boyfriend whom he hardly knows. Meanwhile, Brooke, in her quest to prove her worth, manipulates Chase for a phony charity event. She then goes to extreme measures to show that her ex-boyfriend Lance (Josh Segarra) isn’t as virtuous as he seems, culminating in a fire at his residence. Concurrently, Pat’s newfound fame sparks a desire to return to her roots in Ohio. Upon arriving, she realizes her disdain for her previous life and subsequently tweets her thoughts, mistaking the platform for a private conversation with Streeter (Ken Marino).
The closing episode of season three, fittingly titled “Brooke & Cary & Curtis & Lance,” offers a glimpse into the simpler days when the main characters were just ordinary people. Cary and Curtis steal items from their workplace for a picnic, where Brooke introduces them to Lance. The future of Lance, the shirtless darling of the group, is prefigured when Brooke inquires why he isn’t already recognized as People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Fast-forward to the present, and Cary is seen alone in the same park with smoke billowing in the distance – a result of Brooke’s incendiary actions.
Cary and Curtis’ Path in ‘The Other Two’ Season 3 Finale
Cary grapples with a distorted sense of time, leading him to believe that his manager Mackenzie (Nadia Dajani) is giving him the cold shoulder. In desperation, he journeys to her brother’s house in The Hamptons where she enlightens him that merely 36 hours have passed since their last interaction. This revelation shocks Cary into confronting his recent personality changes – a stark shift from humble actor to fame-obsessed individual.
Following a much-needed rest, Cary greets the day with a fresh outlook, informing his mother, Pat, that he will no longer require funding for his film. In a twist of events, news surfaces that his boyfriend, Lucas, was found disoriented and unclothed after completing his last film, hinting at the void left by his lack of new roles to throw himself into. It is also disclosed that Lucas has a husband, instantly dissolving his relationship with Cary.
Determined to mend his relationship with Curtis, Cary pays him a visit during his birthday celebrations. Curtis, who was hoping for a more stable friendship with Cary, gratefully accepts his apology but draws the line, stating that Cary cannot stay as he had offended Curtis’ other friends. As a peace offering, Curtis shows Cary a revealing picture of his new beau.
Brooke and Lance’s Path in ‘The Other Two’ Season 3 Finale
Meanwhile, Brooke, accompanied by Chase and Pat, is en route to the Peabody Awards, where her fraudulent charity event has garnered a nomination. Her attempts to dodge red carpet interviews are futile when she is confronted about her dubious character. Luckily for her, the focus shifts to Chase, accused of capitalizing on mental health issues, and Pat, facing backlash for her offensive tweets about her hometown.
In response, Streeter and Shuli (Wanda Sykes) go into crisis mode to manage the situation. Shuli, demonstrating her adept understanding of the industry, warns Chase against writing a public apology on NotesApp. While discussions are ongoing about making Streeter the scapegoat, Brooke steps forward in an interview, taking the blame for both her mother and brother. This selfless act is the first true good deed she performs, thereby making amends for her past misdeeds.
After the interview, Lance and Brooke have a much-needed heart-to-heart. She admits to invading his privacy by going through his emails, and he confesses to hiring a publicist to secure a spot on the cover of People. They admit to missing each other and agree to take things slow in rebuilding their relationship. However, in typical ‘The Other Two‘ fashion, they hastily resume their romantic relationship, marked by a dramatic reconciliation kiss in the rain.
A Family Dinner Closes ‘The Other Two’
One of the most memorable moments from the season is replayed as the family gathers for another staged dinner at Applebee’s (since Pat couldn’t locate her prosthetic nose to attend a proper restaurant). Brooke and Lance appear to have accepted their differences and continue to show affection despite them. Cary enters, sharing his decision to take life slower, eventually leading him to cancel his film anticipated to be an Oscar contender. A subsequent scene showcases Brooke’s conversation with Streeter, where she is thrilled to find out that all artists wish for her to represent them. The final scene of the season focuses on Chase, the first famous Dubek, making his temporary Piglet tattoo permanent.
Despite pushing the characters to their limits, the season finale brings Brooke and Cary back to their humanity, providing a mostly upbeat ending. The news that ‘The Other Two‘ will not be returning for a fourth season renders this finale the series’ conclusion. While it’s bittersweet to bid farewell to a cherished show, it’s rewarding to know that it concluded on a high note and in its own unique style. The Max original will be remembered as one of the most hilarious and incisive comedies ever, boasting impressive celebrity cameos (we’re now referring to the ‘Shang-Chi’ star as Marvel’s Simu Liu). Here’s to hoping it doesn’t vanish suddenly due to potential cost-cutting measures by Warner Brothers-Discovery.
