In reaching the end to my own binge-watching spree of "The Office" this past weekend, I’ve compiled a list of the variety of emotional stages we all go through when we reach the end of a beloved TV show after so many hours of heartfelt dedication.
1. The struggle of beginning that last episode
You know this is the big one. This isn't just the end of another season, oh no. You could handle another emotional season finale, but this is the series finale! This is the end. Once you start this episode there is no going back.
2. Denial
The episode is over. You laughed. You cried. Now you're ready for the next one. You refuse to believe that is all. How can such a spectacular show possibly end…EVER? No there must be more!
3. Anger
You finally come to the realization that this is in fact the end. There is no more continuation of this beautiful piece of work. How could they possibly do this to you? It's not fair! It's an outrage! You contemplate burning down a small village.
4. Sadness
Once the realization finally settles on you and the anger fades, you are left with a crippling feeling of despair. What are you going to watch in your free time? How will you avoid writing your psychology paper? Tears may flow. It's part of the healing process.
5. Numbness
Now you may feel as if you've lost your purpose in life. It's too painful to feel so you'll just shut down to avoid facing the void left in your soul.
6. Nostalgia
It's like a bad breakup—suddenly
everything begins to remind you of your show. You remember all the great episodes and funny moments and you forget about that one filler episode that left you questioning the awesomeness of your beloved series.7. Loneliness
Suddenly it's all you can talk about and your friends start to get sick of hearing about that amazing character arc in season 8.
8. Companionship
You may be lucky enough to find someone going through the same thing as you and you will connect with them on a level you never knew two humans could connect. Finally someone understands your struggle.
9. Accomplishment
You finally realize the weight of your accomplishment. You finished over 207 episodes in two weeks. That's over 6,000 hours of pure amazement! That takes some serious dedication.
10. More Sadness
Around this point sadness will probably creep back in. Your beloved series is over forever. The characters you let into your heart will never have new stories to tell you.
11. Distraction
In a desperate need to distract yourself, you'll accept suggestions and scour Netflix for some new series to watch. Your previous show will always hold a special place in your heart, but this new show will push its way to the front.
Binge on my friends.
