Speculations on Gene Cousineau's Future in Barry

Following the finale of Barry, Henry Winkler shared his thoughts on the unexpected twist that saw Gene Cousineau, the acting teacher, being the one to kill the show's main character, Barry Berkman. The finale was filled with numerous surprises, and Cousineau's action at the start of the episode left Winkler stunned. He confessed that he was taken aback when Bill Hader told him about Cousineau's role in the final episode and the reason behind his decision to take Berkman's life.

Winkler was left speechless upon hearing the ending from Bill during the middle of the season. He recounted the moment to The Hollywood Reporter, stating, "I what!?" before stammering and walking away to get some avocado toast. Despite the chaos and tragedy surrounding the situation, Winkler explained that he felt compelled to murder Berkman because Gene was being unjustly blamed for Barry's actions. According to Winkler, Gene felt trapped and overwhelmed by the mounting evidence, as Barry was the son he had always wanted instead of his actual son.

Cousineau's decision to kill Barry came as a shock, especially considering the many enemies Barry had made in the criminal underworld, including his mentor Monroe Fuches and NoHo Hank. However, Cousineau's threat to kill Barry in the first episode of season 3 after discovering that Barry had killed his girlfriend Janice, indicates that he was willing to go to extreme measures to exact revenge. The unexpected twist in the finale of Barry subverted expectations by resolving Barry's past demons before his arrival and highlighting the importance of being honest with oneself and accepting one's true nature. Each character's fate was a testament to this message.

Fuches had shed his facade of being a noble influence in the criminal world, unlike NoHo Hank who pretended to be a shrewd businessman while being a ruthless gangster who chose his criminal life over his lover. Sally yearned for a normal life that allowed her to showcase her talent, instead of being on the run with Barry. Barry, on the other hand, realized that his actions were leading to Cousineau's imprisonment and was ready to turn himself in, but Gene killed him as he could no longer overlook Barry's actions against him. The show's bleak ending resonates with its theme of unmasking the consequences of living a double life. Stream Barry on HBO Max.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter