Apple TV Plus' original horror series, Servant, concluded its fourth season with a shocking finale that left viewers with more questions and unexpected twists. Created by Tony Basgallop and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, known for his mind-bending narratives, Servant follows the Turner family who hires a mysterious nanny to care for a reborn doll representing their deceased infant son, Jericho. Combining Shyamalan's signature psychological twists with escalating tension, the series captivated audiences for four seasons, gradually incorporating elements of the occult and supernatural horror.
From its inception, Servant garnered positive reception, with the fourth and final season earning an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It consistently ranked among the top-reviewed shows in Apple TV Plus' extensive catalog. While certain aspects of the show may have seemed perplexing in the final episodes, this was to be expected for those who had followed the series throughout its entirety. The conclusion of Servant may not have provided a wholly satisfying resolution, as the season 4 finale, "Fallen," was deliberately crafted to perplex viewers and provoke introspection as the beloved show bid farewell.
Dorothy Chose To Grieve For Jericho
In the lead-up to the conclusion of Servant season 4, Dorothy Turner (played by Lauren Ambrose) found herself facing a difficult decision when confronted by Leanne (played by Nell Tiger Free) about Jericho. It became evident that the enigmatic nanny had played a pivotal role in bringing "Jericho" back, and she persistently offered Dorothy the opportunity to have her baby boy once again. However, upon discovering the grim truth about Jericho's demise, Dorothy embarked on a challenging journey of grieving, which ultimately paved the way for her recovery.
This pivotal choice rendered Leanne somewhat obsolete and compelled her to confront her own existence in the grand scheme of things, particularly her grief over the loss of her parents. While the supernatural aspects of the show provided a chilling backdrop, it ultimately boiled down to Dorothy and her stagnant emotional growth in relation to her son's tragic death. By consciously choosing to confront her pain, Dorothy exhibited clear signs of personal growth and a willingness to release the grip of the past or begin the healing process. Essentially, the series reached its conclusion when Dorothy learned of her responsibility in Jericho's death, with the final episode serving as the climactic resolution.
Leanne Was Searching For Forgiveness
Leanne's commitment to healing others in Servant made her a remarkably likable main character, despite the detrimental effects it had on her own well-being. While her methods may have been unconventional and influenced by her cult background, Leanne genuinely had Dorothy's best interests at heart, albeit in a twisted manner. However, she was unable to heal herself, and the surprising revelation in the season 4 finale of Servant was that what she truly sought all along was forgiveness.
Ever since she was a young girl, Leanne blamed herself for the tragic death of her parents in a fire. This deep-rooted guilt led her to cling tightly to her situation with the Turners, as she believed it was an opportunity to make amends for her perceived failure in saving her family. Interestingly, there were parallels between Leanne's story and Dorothy's, as both of them carried the burden of self-blame for accidents that were not entirely their fault.
In the climactic episode of Servant season 4, Dorothy symbolically forgave Leanne for the past, granting her a sense of liberation from the guilt that had plagued her throughout her life. Unlike Dorothy, who was given a chance to start anew after confronting her past, Leanne was not afforded the same luxury. Despite earning a measure of forgiveness in the end, she remained trapped in her situation, unable to escape the consequences of her actions.
Why Did Leanne Sacrifice Herself?
Knowing that the situation with the Turners had reached its conclusion, and with no other options available, Leanne made the ultimate sacrifice by immolating herself in the flames of the Turners' home, thereby completing the ritual of the Lesser Saints cult. This act not only served as a poignant parallel to the loss of her own parents but also demonstrated Leanne's unwavering commitment as she successfully halted the storm that posed a potential threat to numerous lives. While Leanne achieved her goal of aiding the Turner family, it tragically came at the cost of her own life. The ambiguity surrounding her demise further adds to the enigmatic nature of Servant season 4's conclusion, as her body was never discovered.
Who Was Officer Reyes?
Despite its small cast, Servant introduced a range of supporting characters that added intrigue to the horror mystery storylines. Officer Stephanie Reyes (Victoria Cartagena), who made her debut in season 2, proved to be a vital component of the narrative. In the season 4 finale, Officer Reyes arrived at the remains of the Turner home, revealing her purpose to be the guardian of Leanne's body. This revelation connected the dots, as Reyes was discovered to be a member of the Lesser Saints cult, explaining her presence as the responding officer when Jericho met his demise.
While it wasn't explicitly shown, the conclusion of Servant season 4 subtly hinted at Reyes' involvement behind the scenes, manipulating the events of the show. Moreover, her role as a police officer suggested that members of the cult may have infiltrated various levels of society within the town, aiming to expand their influence. Acting as a recruiter, Officer Reyes openly expressed to Julian (Rupert Grint) that the cult would always be there for him if he needed their support, referencing his previous resurrection following a drug overdose.
Julian’s Ending Explained
Julian, Dorothy's troubled brother, went through a peculiar journey throughout the series. The conclusion of Servant season 4 hinted that his story was far from over. Despite his initial reluctance, Officer Reyes approached Julian outside the charred remains of the Turners' house and revealed that Leanne had brought him back to life after a drug overdose on Christmas Eve. Officer Reyes drew a parallel between Julian and Leanne, both having been resurrected through the cult's mystical powers, and explained that Julian was now a part of the Church of Lesser Saints.
What transpired afterwards remained somewhat unclear, but it aligned with the overall enigmatic nature of the show. Julian caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of a window and witnessed the presence of colossal wings. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that it was merely an illusion created by a mural, giving the impression that he possessed wings. This surreal moment not only affected the character profoundly but also hinted at his potential transformation into another "fallen angel" for the cult. Alternatively, it could have been a mere coincidence, illustrating how deeply the cult had infiltrated his psyche.
The Real Meaning of The Servant’s Ending
Though it had its share of terrifying moments, the conclusion of season 4 of Servant revealed the underlying symbolism that permeated the entire show. Symbolic elements were ever-present throughout the series, ranging from the significance of Jericho's name to the visual representation of Julian's wings. Ultimately, the series delved into the realm of subtext, with the ending serving multiple purposes. It effectively tied up loose ends that had been unraveling since the first season while also delivering Shyamalan's trademark unexpected twists. Grief and guilt emerged as the driving forces behind the narrative, illustrating how these powerful emotions can infect and consume individuals.
In the world of Servant, there exists a tangible cult that functions as a carrier of guilt, similar to a contagious virus, transmitting its ideas from one person to another. This cult not only affects Leanne, but also all those who come back to life through her magical powers. While Dorothy managed to liberate herself from the cyclical pattern that hindered her ability to mourn, the conclusion revealed a surprising twist - Julian had already fallen victim to the pervasive guilt. As the final chapter of Servant closed, it became evident that the lingering pain would continue to haunt long after the fourth season concluded.