And so one of the most iconic shows ever produced on this island has come to an end.
We have known for quite a while that this would be the last season of Derry Girls, but that doesn't mean we were prepared to say goodbye to it when last night's final episode aired.
The third season has been an absolute triumph, meaning expectations were as we waited to see where creator Lisa McGee would sign off with Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, and the rest of the crew. As always it didn't disappoint.
With spoilers ahead, here is a look back at the best moments and how the viewers to what was a particularly hilarious and poignant from the girls and boys of Derry.
***WARNING: Spoilers for Derry Girls finale ahead***
I suppose I should do this one last time . Tonight. Channel 4. 9pm. This episode is called The Agreement. I hope you like it. #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/zmDEH3MdpR
— Lisa McGee (@LisaMMcGee) May 18, 2022
The hour long special had two main focuses. Set a year after Tuesday's heartbreaking end to the scheduled episodes of season 3, the cast returned just as Northern Ireland were about to go to the ballot boxes to decide on the referendum for the Good Friday Agreement.
The most complex of issues, the characters in the show tried to undress the various complexities of the issues at hand in their own unique way.
one of the most important messages to come from tonight’s episode of #DerryGirls #derrygirlsfinale pic.twitter.com/dJDs7XFjeQ
— Murron (@Murron_nd) May 18, 2022
We should send this to Boris, he could do with it being explained to him. #DerryGirls ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Qf41eCQAcH
— Laura Hallissey (@Laurahallissey) May 18, 2022
All of this was taking part while Erin and Orla were planning their 18th birthday, which predictably turned out to be a bit of a disaster.
The party did get going eventually, leading to Tommy Tiernan producing some of the most iconic dance moves that the tiles have ever seen.
A moment of appreciation for Tommy Tiernan’s dance moves in tonight’s #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/yMPXKDoW08
— Niamhers (@niamhhassell) May 18, 2022
While there was plenty of comic relief on show, this was probably the most emotional episode of Derry Girls that we have been treated to. It perfectly summed up the complicated nature of the conflict in Northern Ireland and just how vital the Good Friday Agreement was despite many people questioning some aspects of it at the time.
This was perhaps best summed up by Granda Joe, who provided us with an absolute tearjerker of a response when asked by Erin what if they got this vote wrong. You'll want the tissues for this one.
Every girl deserves a Granda like Joe to guide them through life. What a guy 🥺 @SaoirseJackson #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/7RddMocPWv
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) May 18, 2022
When the characters did take to the polls to cast their ballots, we were met with some remarkable shots.
This one of Liam Neeson, who played a policeman in the show, was incredibly striking.
Sometimes there are no words that can adequately capture the emotion and significance of something as horrific as Bloody Sunday or important as the Good Friday Agreement. Liam Neeson does it with no words at all. Floored me. Peace in Northern Ireland MUST be protected #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/xMoJTt1A6C
— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) May 18, 2022
We were then given perhaps the shot of the year, as two generations of the people of Northern Ireland moved towards what everyone hoped would be a better future.
#DerryGirls So good!!!! pic.twitter.com/KTdPlDFALS
— Ruth Dalton (@Gvoegal) May 18, 2022
Give whoever is responsible for that shot of the granda and the baby leaving the polling station all the awards #DerryGirls
— Megan Hayward (@TheMeganHayward) May 18, 2022
Chelsea Clinton even popped up at the end for an unlikely cameo, giving a nod back to an episode in the show's second season.
No flipping way 😲 @ChelseaClinton got the letter! #DerryGirls pic.twitter.com/rZw4kh0keu
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) May 18, 2022
It was a brilliant end to an incredible show.
As many laughs as we have had over the last four years, this episode was about much more than that. With all the political unrest currently going on in the UK, it was a timely reminder of how far Northern Ireland has come over the last two decades or so and how that progress cannot be lost.
There was a consistent theme coming from those who watched last night's finale.
I learned more about the Good Friday agreement in the five minute closing #DerryGirls montage than I learned in the entirety of my education in the UK, and that is literally not an exaggeration in the least
— dan hett (@danhett) May 18, 2022
Lessons from #DerryGirls tonight.
Protect Channel 4 from the Tories.
Explain the Good Friday Agreement to the Tories.— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) May 18, 2022
In three seasons of TV @LisaMMcGee has educated English people more about recent Irish history than their school and media systems have managed to do in a generation. Bravo to her and to @Channel4. And long live #DerryGirls.
— Declan Lawn (@DecLawn) May 19, 2022
Impossible to watch that episode of #DerryGirls without feeling utter fury that people are willing to fuck with something as important as the Good Friday Agreement in the name of something as stupid as Brexit.
— Charlie Horwood (@charlieh1988) May 18, 2022
“What if it doesn’t work?”
“What if it does?” 🥺🥺
We’re eternally indebted to those who trusted in the GFA and to those who made sure it worked #DerryGirls— Caoímhe McNeill (@caoimhemcneill) May 18, 2022
“What if no one else has to die”
Such a powerful and poignant reminder of the leap of faith taken by voters in 1998, the Good Friday Agreement gave us the gift of peace, it's our responsibility to protect it. #DerryGirls— Emma DeSouza (@EmmandJDeSouza) May 18, 2022
Watching #DerryGirls and getting upset all over again by the way Johnson and his Government have put the entire Good Friday Agreement at risk to get their stupid Brexit "done".
Utterly unforgiveable.— Siobhan Benita 🇺🇦🌻 (@SiobhanBenita) May 18, 2022
A strong message and a fitting end to Derry Girls.
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