Stream: Catastrophe (Season 4)

When I learned that the fourth season of Catastrophe would be its last, I was incredibly sad. Seasons one, two, and three had just six episodes each, which has never been enough. When this new season was released on Amazon, I avoided watching it, because I didn't want my time with Rob and Sharon to end. I was in complete denial. 

For those who maybe haven't seen the show before, it's the story of Rob and Sharon, played by Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan, a couple who get together in the most unusual way. After meeting in London while Rob was on a business trip (visiting from Boston!), the two have a whirlwind week together, and a few weeks later, Sharon calls Rob to say that she's pregnant. Rob packs up, moves to London, and they start to get know each other in earnest. 

Over the past three seasons, Rob and Sharon's relationship has grown immensely - from dating during the pregnancy, to raising two children, to coping through the loss of a parent. They laugh, they poke fun, they argue, they fight. Their relationship is one of the most honest I've ever seen on TV. 

*Spoiler alert! Do not read on if you don't want to know anything about the plot of season four.*

At the start of season four, Rob is dealing with the aftermath of his drunk driving. He's going to AA, and he's volunteering in a consignment shop with two elderly ladies who could not be less impressed by him. 

Meanwhile, Sharon has a new boss at her school, and they have a very strange encounter involving him perching on the edge of her desk. HR gets involved, and the awkwardness that follows will have you squirming on the couch. 

Rob also has a new supervisor at work, James Cohen, played by Chris Noth (a.k.a. Big from Sex and the City). As new head honcho, James shows blatant favoritism to Rob, over a woman at the office with more experience. During a dinner with their spouses, Sharon picks up on James' sexist commentary immediately, urging Rob to do the right thing. 

In the finale episode, Rob and Sharon fly to the States to visit Rob's mother (who in the previous season was played by the late Carrie Fisher). When Rob's sister arrives to the airport to pick them up, she shares the news that their mom has passed. What follows is an incredibly honest and realistic portrayal of a person moving through the stages of grief. 

In the last season (I can't believe I just typed that - I need more!), Rob and Sharon pull over on the side of the road and sit together on a beach, talking about their life together. What would have happened if Sharon hadn't gotten pregnant? Or Rob hadn't come to London? Or they hadn't decided to stay together? 

I have a lot of feelings about the very last seconds of the finale, but I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't watched. If you have, comment below or email me. I'd love to discuss! 

In case you missed it, here is my review of season one and two, as well as the review of season three.

I am going to miss Rob and Sharon so much. 

*Images courtesy of Collider and Vox.