The acclaimed dark comedy-drama from Channel 4 and Netflix has recently won two BAFTAs, including Best Drama Series. Based on Charles Forsman’s comic book, the two seasons follow two angsty teens, Alyssa and James, on a journey around the UK.
Forsman is also the author of I Am Not Okay With This, which was recently developed into a Netflix series as well. The End Of The F***ing World is the grittier of the two, even though nobody’s head explodes. It’s also received more critical acclaim and has a higher rating on IMDb. Here are the five best and five worst episodes of the show, according to IMDb ratings.
BEST: Episode #2.4 (8.4)
Coming in at number five is the fourth episode of season 2, where Alyssa, James, and Bonnie finally meet. They offer Bonnie a ride when they spot her posing as a hitchhiker, with no idea that she’s the one who sent them bullets with their names engraved on them.
But when James gets a flat tire, the trio is forced to find shelter at a nearby motel for the night. They meet a somewhat seedy manager who wants to sleep with Bonnie, but she adamantly refuses. Still, he comes into her room, and when she tries to push him off her, she accidentally shoots him.
WORST: Episode #2.6 (7.9)
As a series of such high caliber, its worst episodes aren’t bad, but they weren’t enjoyed by audiences as much as some of the others. The sixth episode of season 2 is one of these.
It’s great television, but when compared to the rest of the series, a little lackluster. Alyssa announces that she wants a divorce, and the action seems to be over, with James and Alyssa parting ways.
BEST: Episode #1.3 (8.6)
The third episode of season 1 initiates the central point of conflict and tension. It marks a significant shift in James’ character as he decides that he definitely doesn’t want to kill Alyssa. She also changes as she accepts her feelings for James and stops being so mean to him.
She also experiences unwanted attention from two men: Topher and Clive. Topher heeds her request and leaves, but Clive tries to force himself onto Alyssa. James is hiding under the bed when this happens, and he springs up and stabs Clive in the neck.
WORST: Episode #2.5 (7.9)
Bonnie is reeling after having killed the motel manager. She tries to cover her tracks and her behavior worries Alyssa and James, who eventually split.
James is becoming increasingly confused as to where he and Alyssa stand, especially after they shared a kiss the night before. In the daytime, everything feels stark and different. She requests to be taken home, and their separation is probably the reason for this episode’s lower rating.
BEST: Episode #1.8 (8.8)
In the season one finale, viewers finally learn what exactly the end of the f***ing world is. After Alyssa discovers that her dad isn’t who she thought he is, she and James are at a loss as to what to do next.
The cops finally catch up to them, and the two frightened teens make a run for it. Unfortunately, they can’t outrun a trained police force, and James is shot on the beach before the screen cuts to black.
WORST: Episode #1.7 (7.8)
Interestingly, the episode preceding the finale is not one that audiences love quite as much. Here, Alyssa and James’ journey culminates when they meet her dad. At first, Alyssa really likes him, but James isn’t so sure.
Meanwhile, Gwen and Phil are trying to track their children down. Tony isn’t being very helpful, foreshadowing Gwen’s eventual separation from him. Eunice and Teri disagree on how to approach the runaway teens. The episode feels a lot like a lull in the action, so its lower rating makes sense.
BEST: Episode #2.8 (8.8)
The show’s final episode, assuming season 3 doesn’t get made, is the second-best, according to IMDb. The characters finally get some closure, as do viewers. After facing so many struggles and experiencing so much growth, Alyssa and James seem ready to figure out who they really are.
James scatters his dad’s ashes, which have turned into a paste, and Alyssa returns to the place where her troubles began: Clive Koch’s house. James fears the worst when she goes missing, but the two are able to reunite and reveal their love for one another.
WORST: Episode #1.2 (7.8)
James and Alyssa’s adventure begins with a few bumps. The car explodes and the teens resort to hitchhiking. A suspicious man picks them up and Alyssa spots him taking advantage of James in the bathroom.
They steal his money and continue on their way. Eventually, they find a hotel to stay in for the night, where James is conflicted about how he really feels towards Alyssa. For the most part, the episode is slow and quiet, though still enjoyable.
BEST: Episode #2.7 (9.1)
The best episode of the series is the second-last episode of season 2. Bonnie tracks Alyssa down at work, ready to kill her. Neither of them is aware that James hasn’t actually left yet.
He hides in the back room, ready to defend Alyssa as he does with Clive, but he accidentally reveals his position. The episode is rife with tension and suspense, bringing the events of the last two seasons to a satisfying climax when James and Alyssa save Bonnie from killing herself.
WORST: Episode #2.1 (7.7)
This episode’s ranking is to be expected; it’s pretty much a bottle episode, taking the focus away from the main characters and the setting that viewers are familiar with. After waiting so long for a season 2, all audiences want to know is whether James is alive or not, but this episode focuses on Bonnie, a new character.
It’s a great episode, but probably not what audiences wanted to see. Still, viewers learn about her history with Clive Koch and see the other side of the story following his death. Naomi Ackie’s Bonnie is a very compelling and surprisingly sympathetic villain – if she can be categorized as one.
