One very minor point...

[Patricia Butler]

This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

[Charlie9]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

He also was the only one who had a job that required carrying a gun. I
think that the line of work he chose had more to do with the way he
died than his race. But, feel free to keep your mind closed.

[Steve M. Mann]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

[Tina]

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.

Tina

[Harv]

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

- The regular driver called in sick so he filled in that day
- It was a one-man operation with one truck and one driver, Keith.
- He was a former cop and former Security guard and former body guard so he
figured he could handle an armored car job
- The fact that his last name was Charles and the comany name was Charles
was a coincidence
- Some other reasons I can't think of

Harv

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.

Same here, unless Charles Security was a one person show (but I can't
imagine he'd get any work then).

[notherenow]

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

[Tina]

"notherenow" <snip>>> I wondered why he needed to work his business and not
employ others for the

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

I'll by that.

Tina

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

[notherenow]

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

[Film Fan]

Yeah. I guess he could have been hit by a bus in his armored truck.

Post by notherenow

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

[Patrick]

Post by Steve M. Mann
It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better
chance of dying a violent death than the others.

Or, maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez, whom David had fallen in love with. Keith wanted a huge divorce
settlement (what with so much of his money being tied up into Fisher and
Sons), so David conspired with Raoul; they arranged for the armored car to
be robbed while Raoul looked the other way, hanging Keith out to dry.

Then, years later at a family picnic, David - clearly astonished - sees the
ghost of Keith (who smiles, as if to say, "payback time, bitch") and is so
terrified that he has a heart attack and keels over on the spot.

[b or t k-c]

... maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez... Then, years later...

Of course... that must be it!!!


...................

Post by Steve M. Mann
It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better
chance of dying a violent death than the others.

Or, maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez, whom David had fallen in love with. Keith wanted a huge divorce
settlement (what with so much of his money being tied up into Fisher and
Sons), so David conspired with Raoul; they arranged for the armored car to
be robbed while Raoul looked the other way, hanging Keith out to dry.
Then, years later at a family picnic, David - clearly astonished - sees the
ghost of Keith (who smiles, as if to say, "payback time, bitch") and is so
terrified that he has a heart attack and keels over on the spot.

[Eaglesclaw]

who is Raoul Martinez?

Post by b or t k-c

... maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez... Then, years later...

Of course... that must be it!!!
...................

Post by Steve M. Mann
It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better
chance of dying a violent death than the others.

Or, maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez, whom David had fallen in love with. Keith wanted a huge divorce
settlement (what with so much of his money being tied up into Fisher and
Sons), so David conspired with Raoul; they arranged for the armored car to
be robbed while Raoul looked the other way, hanging Keith out to dry.
Then, years later at a family picnic, David - clearly astonished - sees the
ghost of Keith (who smiles, as if to say, "payback time, bitch") and is so
terrified that he has a heart attack and keels over on the spot.

[Patrick]

Post by Eaglesclaw
who is Raoul Martinez?

From David's obituary:
"David leaves behind his partner Raoul Martinez, his beloved sons...."

[Harv]

Post by Eaglesclaw
who is Raoul Martinez?

Raoul Martinez was Maggie and Nate's unborn child's Prius salesman.

Harv

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Eaglesclaw
who is Raoul Martinez?

New relief pitcher for the Red Sox.

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Patrick

Post by Steve M. Mann
It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better
chance of dying a violent death than the others.

Or, maybe Keith's partner on that fateful trip was none other than Raoul
Martinez, whom David had fallen in love with. Keith wanted a huge divorce
settlement (what with so much of his money being tied up into Fisher and
Sons), so David conspired with Raoul; they arranged for the armored car to
be robbed while Raoul looked the other way, hanging Keith out to dry.
Then, years later at a family picnic, David - clearly astonished - sees the
ghost of Keith (who smiles, as if to say, "payback time, bitch") and is so
terrified that he has a heart attack and keels over on the spot.

LOL - very creative!

[Patricia Butler]

Post by notherenow

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

That may be true of many small businesses, but some businesses, such as
armored truck security, simply can't be done effectively as a one-man
operation.

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by notherenow

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

I'll bet it's not a security company with armored cars, et al. I
understand your point - I had a one man consulting business for a few
years in the 80s.

[notherenow]

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

I'll bet it's not a security company with armored cars, et al. I
understand your point - I had a one man consulting business for a few
years in the 80s.

No, it's a research company, and at times we're collecting data at a
number of locations from people who speak a variety of languages. At
times, it would be impossible to do the work without adequate cover for
the contingencies. :)

[b or t k-c]

Post by notherenow
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

Maybe it's only my being unrealistic, but, in my small owner-operated
business, it seems like the larger my staff, beyond 2 employees, the less
net profit I actually make.


...................

Post by notherenow

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by notherenow

Post by Tina

Post by Steve M. Mann

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

It was just the nature of his occupation (security). He was in
relatively risky business, so it only figures he had a better chance of
dying a violent death than the others. It had nothing to do with ethnic
origins.

I wondered why he needed to work his business and not employ others for the
dangerous work.
Tina

Off the cuff interpretation: He believed in working his business, not
just managing it. It's the way of most small business owners,
frequently out of necessity but also to stay in contact with customers
and ensuring the quality of the service. One reason that people start
their own business is that they love doing the work.

The biggest problem with a one person businessis that you need to
perform the work to earn revenue, but you also need time to market for
the next client/contract. There would be certain requirements regarding
a security company, e.g., insurance, bonding, which would preclude a one
person co. IMHO, of course.

As the proud owner of a one-person small business I can testify to the
fact that you do it *all*. When my contracts call for me to hire I not
only *do* the work, I have to make sure that everyone else has what
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by b or t k-c

Post by notherenow
she/he needs to do their part. My work load increases for having staff.

Maybe it's only my being unrealistic, but, in my small owner-operated
business, it seems like the larger my staff, beyond 2 employees, the less
net profit I actually make.

I don't think your situation is unique. You don't have any economies of
scale yet.

Now I'm wondering, if 2 one person companies merge, who gets fired?

[notherenow]

Post by b or t k-c
Maybe it's only my being unrealistic, but, in my small owner-operated
business, it seems like the larger my staff, beyond 2 employees, the less
net profit I actually make.

OTOH, other people get to make money too, you get to share the
wealth so to speak. That's one thing that I really like about taking on
large projects. In my network sharing the work means that we can
compete with the big boys and we can all make a living. Plus working
together is always more fun than working alone. It's harder to learn
new methods or think creatively when you've only got yourself to
brainstorm with.

[Joanne]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

Considering his career choices, he was more high-risk for a violent death
than the others. It worked for me and his death was powerful when they
showed David, old and standing alone.

Joanne

[Gary]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

Have it your way, but I think you are pointing at exactly the wrong show to
accuse of using and/or propagating racial stereotypes.

Keith is a very loving, intelligent, and (at times) high-wage earning black
man. And Rico is nothing like most of the Latin male characters we see on TV
or in the movies. He is good at his work, loving to his kids and family,
etc.

As others have said, Keith's violent end is *only* because of his profession
not because he is black.

Now, if the kid that did things to David was black maybe that would be a
stereotype. But that hoodlum was white. Again, evidence that this show
is not about using the easy stereotypes and/or racism.

[Patricia Butler]

Post by Gary

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

Have it your way, but I think you are pointing at exactly the wrong show to
accuse of using and/or propagating racial stereotypes.
Keith is a very loving, intelligent, and (at times) high-wage earning black
man. And Rico is nothing like most of the Latin male characters we see on TV
or in the movies. He is good at his work, loving to his kids and family,
etc.
As others have said, Keith's violent end is *only* because of his profession
not because he is black.
Now, if the kid that did things to David was black maybe that would be a
stereotype. But that hoodlum was white. Again, evidence that this show
is not about using the easy stereotypes and/or racism.

Yes, you're all correct that he was in a higher risk profession. As I
said, it's a baby niggle, but did give me a twinge at the time. But
let's not over-react to me pointing it out. I hardly accused the show
of being racist, nor do I think it was. I think calling me
close-minded was a bit of stretch considering I couldn't have possibly
prefaced my observation with more disclaimers that I don't think it's a
big deal in the grand scheme of things. It was just an observation.
I'm not the PC police, believe me.

[Charlie9]

Post by Patricia Butler
Yes, you're all correct that he was in a higher risk profession. As I
said, it's a baby niggle, but did give me a twinge at the time. But
let's not over-react to me pointing it out. I hardly accused the show
of being racist, nor do I think it was. I think calling me
close-minded was a bit of stretch considering I couldn't have possibly
prefaced my observation with more disclaimers that I don't think it's a
big deal in the grand scheme of things. It was just an observation.
I'm not the PC police, believe me.

You can add all the disclaimers that you want, you still thought that
it was racist. You twinged because you saw a black man meet a violent
death. I saw a security guard get shot.

[Patricia Butler]

Post by Charlie9

Post by Patricia Butler
Yes, you're all correct that he was in a higher risk profession. As I
said, it's a baby niggle, but did give me a twinge at the time. But
let's not over-react to me pointing it out. I hardly accused the show
of being racist, nor do I think it was. I think calling me
close-minded was a bit of stretch considering I couldn't have possibly
prefaced my observation with more disclaimers that I don't think it's a
big deal in the grand scheme of things. It was just an observation.
I'm not the PC police, believe me.

You can add all the disclaimers that you want, you still thought that
it was racist. You twinged because you saw a black man meet a violent
death. I saw a security guard get shot.

Okay, you win. You're a far, far better person than I. Congrats!

[J.D. Baldwin]

As I said, it's a baby niggle, but did give me a twinge at the time.

Do babies who aren't niggles give you twinges?

[Gary]

ok. fair enough.

[j***@gmail.com]

They could have mixed it up a bit more. Let's see, one interesting
death, two death beds, and three keel-overs. Seems to me, they could
have worked a shark attack or the ebola virus in there somewhere.

Reminds me of that joke: When I go, I want it to be in my sleep, like
my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

[Gary]

Post by j***@gmail.com
They could have mixed it up a bit more. Let's see, one interesting
death, two death beds, and three keel-overs. Seems to me, they could
have worked a shark attack or the ebola virus in there somewhere.
Reminds me of that joke: When I go, I want it to be in my sleep, like
my grandfather. Not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.

Exactly. Something unexpected would have been in keeping with the show.

Funny joke too.

[Dante]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

I didn't look at his race at all, I DID notice he was an old fart who
wasn't paying as much attention as he should have when he swung those
doors open....

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Dante

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end. In fact, all the other deaths were quite peaceful, yet
Keith had to get riddled with bullets. As I said, perhaps a minor
point about an otherwise stellar finale, but something that did sort of
bother me all the same.

I didn't look at his race at all, I DID notice he was an old fart who
wasn't paying as much attention as he should have when he swung those
doors open....

I get it now:

racism: no
agism: yes

[Peter Alerich]

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.

Peter

[David Kaiser]

While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black. And partly because I had heard the
actor plaing Keith, on the recap show, saying he wanted to stay away from
anything stereotypical.

DK

Post by Peter Alerich

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.
Peter

[PattyC]

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black. And partly because I had heard the
actor plaing Keith, on the recap show, saying he wanted to stay away from
anything stereotypical.
DK

The killers were black??? How did you determine that?


PattyC

Post by David Kaiser

Post by Peter Alerich

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.
Peter

[Rivergoat]

Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

[Patricia Butler]

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

[Charlie9]

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

I agree, he probably would have died of a heroin overdose. You know
how they are.

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Charlie9

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

I agree, he probably would have died of a heroin overdose. You know
how they are.

Right, just like Garrett Morris and the sax player from "Eddie and the
Cruisers". ;)

[b***@yahoo.com]

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

If David had sold they retired Keith could have died 10 years eariler
by shark attack while they were enjoying a caribbean cruise.

[b or t k-c]

Post by b***@yahoo.com
If David had sold they retired Keith could have died 10 years eariler
by shark attack while they were enjoying a caribbean cruise.

Retiring and taking a cruise didn't turn out to be the best moment in Rico's
life, for example.


...................

Post by b***@yahoo.com

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

If David had sold they retired Keith could have died 10 years eariler
by shark attack while they were enjoying a caribbean cruise.

[notherenow]

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

Exactly. Besides if David had sold and retired the mortuary, at his age
(35- 36) he would have had a life expectancy of another 40 - 50 years.
Remember, he only owned one-third of the business. With two boys to
educate, he and Keith would most likely have had to earn money even
after the sale. Whether it be active investment management of the
capital of his portion of the proceeds, or singing full time in a
professional choir, he'd be working for money nonetheless.

[b or t k-c]

Post by Patricia Butler
That kind of thinking is pointless.

As my dad used to say, "no one drives to Heaven in a Cadillac"... we all die
eventually, from one cause or another.

I think Keith was oddly fortunate, in a way, to go out doing what he,
apparently, liked to do. Having seen a few lingering deaths, I've come to
think a sudden one may not be the worst possible scenario.


...................

Post by Patricia Butler

Post by Rivergoat
Keith's death, to me, was the saddest. And no one has touched on the
irony that if David (and believe me, I'm not pointing any blame, just
noticing something) had gone ahead and put the mortuary up for sale,
he and Keith may have had enough money to retire, or as Keith
suggested to David do whatever he (they) want (although maybe Keith
always wanted his own security business? But I doubt it...). By Keith
being the loving companion, and strong family member, he donated
enough of his personal finances so that Rico could be bought out as he
wished. David opted to keep the Fisher business intact, so I see that
it became necessary for Keith to continue to work for a living. Nice
that he was able to form his own security company (and I would tend to
agree with those that wonder why at that point Keith needs to do the
most dangerous part of the job....and did seem somewhat lax when he
opened the truck doors for the last time), but how it might have been
different if only........ But then such is life...and death.

That kind of thinking is pointless. It's impossible to say "if not for
X then all would have been well." Had they retired or something, Keith
could just as easily have met his end just as early, if not earlier, in
any of a million ways.

[s***@yahoo.com]

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black.

You made that fact up.

[Jon Nadelberg]

Post by s***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black.

You made that fact up.

The killers weren't black. If anything, they looked light skinned to me.
But I couldn't tell at all really.

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by s***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black.

You made that fact up.

Facts are not made up.

[Tina]

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by s***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black.

You made that fact up.

Facts are not made up.

Don't listen to Ann Coulter or Bill O'Reilly, do you? ;)

Tina

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by Tina

Post by Sparky Spartacus

Post by s***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black.

You made that fact up.

Facts are not made up.

Don't listen to Ann Coulter or Bill O'Reilly, do you? ;)

Only when the alternative is worse, e.g., anesthesia free organ donation.

[b***@yahoo.com]

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black. And partly because I had heard the
actor plaing Keith, on the recap show, saying he wanted to stay away from
anything stereotypical.
DK

Post by Peter Alerich

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.
Peter

It crossed my mind too, that the only person do die of violence was
unfortunately Keith, our african american man. But I also realized he's
in a risky profession, has been all his life so it made sense.

I was just a smidge disappointed that there were few deaths with any
real imagination, basically we can assume stroke or heart attack for
nearly everyone. (Although, it appears Brenda may have developed
Parkinsons in her later life, notice how she shakes as Billy babbles
on, or is that rage: "When will he shut up!?!?").

It would have been nice to see as someone suggested ebola, or tiger
attack!

[Tina]

Post by b***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black. And partly because I had heard the
actor plaing Keith, on the recap show, saying he wanted to stay away from
anything stereotypical.
DK

Post by Peter Alerich

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.
Peter

It crossed my mind too, that the only person do die of violence was
unfortunately Keith, our african american man. But I also realized he's
in a risky profession, has been all his life so it made sense.
I was just a smidge disappointed that there were few deaths with any
real imagination, basically we can assume stroke or heart attack for
nearly everyone. (Although, it appears Brenda may have developed
Parkinsons in her later life, notice how she shakes as Billy babbles
on, or is that rage: "When will he shut up!?!?").
It would have been nice to see as someone suggested ebola, or tiger
attack!

Didn't anyone die of cancer?

Tina

[Sparky Spartacus]

Post by b***@yahoo.com

Post by David Kaiser
While I am certainly not pc, I had Patricia's reaction as well--partly
because the killers, too, were black. And partly because I had heard the
actor plaing Keith, on the recap show, saying he wanted to stay away from
anything stereotypical.

Post by Peter Alerich

Post by Patricia Butler
This is just a little, tiny, baby niggle on the various means of demise
of all the main characters. I couldn't help but notice that the only
African American main character is also the only one who was given a
violent end.

Keith was a violent man, at times. After getting past that, he died a
violent death. I saw it as irony and totally intentional on the part
of the writers.
Peter

It crossed my mind too, that the only person do die of violence was
unfortunately Keith, our african american man. But I also realized he's
in a risky profession, has been all his life so it made sense.
I was just a smidge disappointed that there were few deaths with any
real imagination, basically we can assume stroke or heart attack for
nearly everyone. (Although, it appears Brenda may have developed
Parkinsons in her later life, notice how she shakes as Billy babbles
on, or is that rage: "When will he shut up!?!?").
It would have been nice to see as someone suggested ebola, or tiger
attack!

A tiger attack in LA? Maybe if they retired to Las Vegas they could have
taken over the white tiger act from Siegfried & Roy. :)