The Sign

I finished watching The Sign episode with my daughter. I liked the episode, but the ending and how everything was neatly tied together at the end didn't feel like a great way to end. Though, it's obvious that they were never going to leave. The creators can't just throw away all the characters they've spent seasons building up. I think they could have told the story slightly differently.

I would have written Bandit being excited about the move. Talking to the children about the great schools waiting for them and how good they are. All the amazing things near them they'll be able to do. The new house they're going to and how it'll have a swimming pool and be bigger than their current house. Talking to Chili and his (Bandit's) friend excitedly about the new job. What things they can now afford. All the opportunities this new job is giving him. It's his dream job and he's excited to take the next big step.

Then once they've all packed up. The house sale is almost finalized. He's quit his job. He gets the phone call from the new job saying that unfortunately it's fallen through. He slowly walks to the sign and rips off the sticker and tells the family they won't be moving. The kids and Chili are happy and run back into the house to start unpacking. Bandit however walks and sits outside and stares off into the distance. When the kids look back they see that while they're happy. Bandit is devastated.

Which can then lead into the 4th season of having a parent that is depressed. Having a parent that is unemployed. Having the financial situation of a family change and watching as things slowly get back to normal.