The Best Man's Concluding Act: A Satisfying End?

The Best Man: The Final Chapters is an American comedy-drama miniseries that premiered on Peacock on December 22, 2022. It is the third instalment in The Best Man franchise, following the 1999 film The Best Man and its 2013 sequel, The Best Man Holiday. The series takes place a few years after The Best Man Holiday and sees the return of Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) and his friends as they navigate romance, family, and the complexities of middle-aged life. The finale of the series provides closure for the characters, with some happy endings and others less so.

Harper and Robyn's divorce

The divorce was not amicable. Robyn decided to take their daughter to live in Ghana, which caused a huge argument between the former couple at Quentin Spivey and Shelby Taylor's place. Harper eventually agreed to let Robyn take their daughter, but the damage was done.

The divorce took a toll on Harper, who struggled with moving on. He even had a hard time pursuing a potential relationship with Jordan Armstrong, who cared about him deeply but ultimately chose to focus on herself and her career.

Two years after the divorce, Harper had won a Pulitzer Prize for his latest novel. While all his friends were there to celebrate, Robyn was notably absent. Their daughter, however, showed up to support her father, demonstrating that they had found a way to make their new situation work.

Jordan's career change

Jordan Armstrong (played by Nia Long) has been facing challenges in her personal and professional life. In the series, she decides to leave her demanding career to pursue a different path that aligns better with the life she wants. Jordan continues to work on her show while also making time for passion projects. She recognises the importance of self-care and chooses to prioritise her well-being.

Jordan's journey in "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" marks a significant turning point in her life. She re-evaluates her priorities and decides to leave her high-profile career behind. This decision allows her to explore new avenues and pursue projects that are close to her heart. Jordan's choice reflects a courageous step towards personal growth and a more fulfilling life.

Jordan's decision to leave her career is not an impulsive one. She has likely contemplated this move for some time, weighing the pros and cons. By choosing to prioritise her well-being, Jordan sets an example for others who may be facing similar dilemmas. Her journey highlights the importance of self-care and the courage to make bold decisions.

In addition to her career change, Jordan also experiences personal growth in her relationships. She and Robyn come to terms with their hookup and potential romance. Jordan's maturity and self-awareness are evident as she recognises that she cannot be with Harper due to his need for healing after his divorce. She values their friendship and doesn't want to stand in the way of his future success.

Jordan's character arc in "The Best Man: The Final Chapters" serves as an inspiration for anyone contemplating similar life changes. Her willingness to leave her career and pursue a different path showcases the importance of self-reflection and taking risks. Jordan's story encourages viewers to prioritise their well-being and make choices that align with their authentic selves.

Lance's child goes missing

In the final season of The Best Man franchise, Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut) faces a family crisis when his child, LJ, goes missing. LJ, played by Eric Scott Ways, comes out as non-binary, and their father struggles with their gender identity.

In the limited series, Lance is dealing with the loss of his wife, Mia Sullivan, played by Monica Calhoun. The series explores the complexities of Lance's life as he navigates fatherhood, grief, and personal growth. The disappearance of his child adds another layer of conflict and emotion to Lance's story arc.

The Best Man: The Final Chapters concludes with a time jump of two years, showing that Lance has found love again. The series ends on a positive note, with Lance and the rest of the crew celebrating Harper Stewart's (Taye Diggs) Pulitzer Prize win for his latest novel.

Quentin and Shelby's relationship

Quentin Spivey and Shelby Taylor's relationship in The Best Man franchise is quite an ironic one, given that the two couldn't stand each other in the original 1999 film. In the sequel, The Best Man Holiday, released in 2013, the two become an item, much to the surprise of viewers.

In the original film, Quentin is an old college friend of Harper Stewart, the protagonist. He is a free spirit, and Harper chastises him for being unable to settle down in a job. Shelby, meanwhile, is the domineering girlfriend of another college friend, Julian "Murch" Murchison. None of the friends approve of her.

In the sequel, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, released in 2022, Quentin and Shelby's relationship is one of the most stable in the group of friends. In the series, the couple hosts a celebration for Lance Sullivan's jersey retirement, during which Harper and Robyn Stewart have a huge blow-up regarding their divorce. In the final scene, which jumps ahead two years, everyone is happy with where they have ended up, and Quentin and Shelby are still together, with creator Malcolm D. Lee stating that he wanted them to be "#couplegoals".

Harper's novel

Harper Stewart is an up-and-coming author in Chicago whose debut novel, Unfinished Business, has been selected by Oprah's Book Club. The novel is based on his circle of friends from college, including Jordan Armstrong, with whom he almost slept with. In the novel, Harper writes about a one-night stand he had with Mia, a woman who is about to marry his friend, Lance Sullivan.

Harper travels to New York City to spend the weekend with his friends before they all attend Lance's wedding. Jordan passes around copies of Unfinished Business to their friends, and as the group reads the novel, long-held secrets are revealed. Harper's relationship with his girlfriend Robyn is strained as he is unwilling to commit to her, and she discovers his infidelity. Despite this, Harper and Robyn work together to save Lance and Mia's wedding, and Harper gives a heartfelt speech that leads to their engagement.

In the sequel, The Best Man Holiday, released in 2013, Harper and Lance are able to move past Harper's romance with Mia, and Harper welcomes his first child. The limited series, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, released in 2022, follows Harper and his friends as they navigate romance, family, and the complexities of their friendships in middle age. Harper's marriage to Robyn ends in divorce as she decides to move to Ghana with their daughter. Harper eventually wins a Pulitzer Prize for his latest novel, and the series ends with a reunion of all the friends, celebrating Harper's success.

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