As an entertainment journalist, there’s things I should know about the show I write about. One of those things is the fact that tonight’s episode of Vida is the finale of the series. I didn’t know that until a couple of days ago. In my excitement to see more of this show and experience Tanya Saracho’s send off to one of my favorite shows, I thought I would get more and didn’t worry about the finale date because it was in the future. But it’s not. It’s here. And I need to go through the stages of grief to process this!
1. Denial
First up, denial. Yes, there might’ve been some drinking as I denied that truth laid bare in front of me. There’s no way that the show that I’ve admired for so long could be cut off so abruptly, especially because it’s in its prime? They are at the height of it all when it comes to Emma and Lyn’s journey and there’s no way they would stop, right? RIGHT?!
2. Anger
Then anger came to visit. It’s not that I’m angry at Tanya Saracho, the cast, or the crew. If anything, I’m mad at the network. Something had to have happened behind the scenes that made this season of Vida the last one. And it’s disappointing as hell that our stories aren’t worth more than 3 seasons. I’m looking at you too One Day at a Time. We are worth it!
3. Bargaining
Bargaining came to visit after that. We are a family here at Vida and there’s no way that this could be happening. Like, seriously, what can we do to make more of Vida happen? Maybe their stories can continue in comic book format? That’s something I can live with. Pretty please with a cherry on top, dear goddess up above! We’ll read it, I promise you that.
4. Depression
As the reality of the end being near, depression set in. I’m sad that this is the end. I’m sad that we won’t be getting more of these stories. I’m sad that I won’t see the future of Emma and Nico. I’m sad that I won’t see the future of Emma and Lyn. I’m just sad all around and there’s nothing that can fix it.
5. Acceptance
Finally, the hardest stage of all, acceptance. I’m so proud of Tanya Saracho, the cast, and the crew of Starz Vida. They have given us three glorious years of Latinx content that broke barriers left and right when it comes to storytelling and our own queer and Latinx lives. Because of Vida I know that my story matters and I hope you know that too, dear reader.
Vida series finale airs tonight at 9/8c on Starz.
