Unfortunately for fans, the recent release of After Life season 3 is the final installment in the TV show. The series opened up a conversation of grief, death and life itself, with subjects that people sometimes choose to shy away from.
Within the plot were many relationships that had a solid role in the telling of Tony’s story, intertwined with a few of After Life‘s most meaningful quotes. Each relationship is different but beautiful in its own right, with a few of the best really having an impact on viewers.
Lisa And Tony
The whole plot of After Life stems from the love between Lisa and Tony, which consequently causes Tony an untold amount of pain after his wife passes away. Lisa’s part in the series isn’t ever in the present moment. Instead, she is shown through home videos that Tony has of her. Each video is a glimpse into the connection the pair had, with moments of laughter, fun and tears, as Lisa endured her cancer treatment.
Tony’s summing up of his feelings with the quote, “I’d rather be nowhere with her than somewhere without her,” stands as one of the most powerful quotes of the show, where no more needed to be said to understand how much he understandably misses her. Lisa was the one for him and the portrayal of their relationship makes it evident that he was the one for her.
Brian And James
Unlikely but heartwarming friendships are a beautiful watch, especially when they develop organically. As two of After Life‘s best characters, James and Brian are different in age, temperament and background, but their commonality lies in their non-judgmental, well-meaning natures, as they both trundle through life wanting to find more for themselves.
Season 3 shows James’ support towards Brian as he encounters his ex-wife, whilst Brian offers a room for James to live in, albeit a somewhat unsavory residence. There’s nothing materialistic or grand about the two, but that’s what makes them great. It’s just friendship.
Emma And Ray
It may be no more than a patient-carer relationship, but Emma’s commitment to her job allows a strong bond to form, whereby Ray is at ease and comfortable in the care home.
He struggles to remember his son (Tony), as he does with most other people, but he never appears to be aggravated by Emma’s presence, even though he may not know who she is. Emma treats Ray as if he were her own relative and talks to him as if he were an old friend — the kind of care anyone would be grateful for.
Lenny And Tony
A reliable friend can come in the form of someone who is a shoulder to cry on or one who will drop everything when you need them. Or, they can come in the form of Lenny, your work colleague that will let you pinch their neck fat if it makes you feel better.
Laidback Lenny lets Tony vent to him about the absurdity of their newspaper stories and poke fun at him whenever it may help. He isn’t necessarily a man of many words, but he is there for him, in whatever way he needs, even if it’s sometimes at his expense.
Tony And Anne
After Life conveys how grief can bring people together. Even the conversation being had on social media about the program has allowed people to share their stories of loss, whilst others show their support.
Anne and Tony both lost their partners and it’s the coincidence of the two being placed near each other that begins their conversations. Anne offers a calm and level-headed presence by giving Tony advice when he needs it, delivering some of the best quotes in After Life in the process. Their friendship is without egotism or expectation. It simply just is.
Matt And Tony
As Lisa’s brother (and Tony’s boss), Matt takes on the responsibility of trying to help Tony get better, even if it means letting him turn up late to work and not wholly commit to his job.
Tony’s depression becomes a focus for Matt, as he attempts to come up with ways that might relieve Tony of his pain for a while, including a blind date. In season 3, Tony came to the realization that Matt would’ve been struggling with the loss of his sister, but instead the relationship with his brother-in-law and his well-being took precedent.
Emma And Tony
Emma and Tony both took a liking to each other, but Tony’s situation meant that he wasn’t in the position to be able to move on to another partner. Emma waited for Tony, even choosing his “Groundhog Day” as a way of being in contact with him, although it meant the relationship couldn’t progress. Their final scene together is of Tony walking Brandy and bumping into Emma with an old flame.
The two part ways after Emma introduces Tony as her friend, to which he replies “always.” It may not be the classic love story with a happy ending, but that’s what makes this relationship so real. Life isn’t full of happy endings, but they’re both mature enough to care for each other, although not as an item.
Anne And Paul
Both widowed, Anne and Paul met through Tony, as he introduced the pair, knowing they would appreciate the company. Though the audience doesn’t see much of them together, it’s clear they have found companionship in each other, without ignoring their pasts.
Anne follows her own advice that she gave to Tony by letting someone else into her life. They are both seen sitting at Anne’s husband’s gravestone, proving they found a way forward that would take their late partners with them.
Daphne And Pat
The nature of Daphne’s job as a sex worker named Roxy meant that she’s faced plenty of prejudice and misconceptions. As one of After Life‘s most likable characters, she found a friendship in Tony without those prejudices, also leading on to meeting Pat, and their date was heartwarming to watch.
Postman Pat was self-deprecating but endearing and Daphne was charmed by the way her date treated her. Although the relationship ultimately didn’t work out, the date scene taught a lesson about not judging a book by its cover. There was so much more to both of them. No matter someone’s job or background, we’re all human and should be treated as such.
Brandy And Tony
Brandy gives the audience a reason to believe that a dog really is a man’s best friend. She becomes Tony’s savior, his reason to carry on and an unwavering emotional connection to the love he had with Lisa.
From their home videos, it’s evident that Tony and Lisa were smitten with their pet and though suffering heartache, Tony still loved Brandy just as much. She recognizes Lisa when hearing her voice and even lays at her gravestone, allowing Tony to feel he’s not alone, as his loyal dog remains on duty.