SERIES REVIEW – Barry is one of the best things to happen to streaming in recent years. The adventures of Barry Berkman (Bill Hader), a hitman turned actor for a time, are not only incredibly funny, but also surprisingly deep and dramatic. In its fourth and final season, the show ventures even further into the dark side while maintaining its humor and humanity. Barry is a true masterpiece that isn’t afraid to challenge viewer expectations and genre boundaries.

Throughout the first three seasons of Barry, the protagonist had to overcome numerous obstacles to achieve his dream of living a normal life and having a successful acting career. But as he got more entangled in lies and crimes, he realized that he couldn’t escape his past. In the fourth season, Barry is in prison after being set up by Gene Cousineau (Henry Winkler), his former friend and acting coach. Gene, however, is struggling with his own conscience and self-worth as he tries to write his memoir. Meanwhile, Barry’s girlfriend, Sally Reid (Sarah Goldberg), tries to move on after the events but finds it difficult to forget what she did and what she learned about Barry. And, of course, there’s NoHo Hank (Anthony Carrigan), the lovable Chechen gangster who always gets into some kind of trouble.

Prison is no joke – or is it?

During his time in prison, Barry not only battles his own demons but also endures constant harassment from other inmates and guards. However, the show doesn’t let this dampen our spirits, as it creates plenty of humorous situations for Barry. The series masterfully blends dark comedy and thriller elements, constantly surprising and entertaining viewers. In the prison scenes, not only does Bill Hader’s acting talent shine, but Barry also encounters people who feel similarly abandoned, hopeless, and lonely. These people aren’t just comic relief, they’re flesh-and-blood characters with their own stories and motivations. The show humanizes not only Barry but also the other inmates, despite the tough events our protagonists endure. In prison, Barry also reunites with Fuches (Stephen Root), his former hitman “boss”, contractor, and mentor, with their unique friendship taking on a new level.

Thanks to the show’s usual sarcastic tone, the scenes depicting prison culture – sometimes extremely cruel – are both hilarious and heart-wrenching. In prison, Barry also confronts the consequences of his actions and the impact they have on others’ lives. The fourth season not only examines Barry’s conscience but also explores whether he can change and forgive himself.

Love conquers all – or does it?

In the second half of the fourth season, Barry is released from prison but struggles to find his place in the free world. The show then shifts to a “romantic” tone that doesn’t lose its bittersweet and sarcastic flavor. Barry reunites with Sally, and while they’re still in love with each other, they can’t accept each other’s past and present. The series skillfully depicts the tension and attraction between the two, at times amusing and at times touching, as they both find themselves in an unusual situation compared to their previous lives.

Bill Hader and Sarah Goldberg’s acting reaches its peak in the fourth season, particularly due to the unique relationship between their characters. Barry and Sally are not a typical couple; they are two wounded souls who attract and repel each other. Barry tries to suppress his guilt with his feelings for Sally, while Sally attempts to compensate for her own failures with her loyalty to Barry. The show doesn’t idealize them but rather presents their relationship honestly, showcasing its strengths and weaknesses. The series tells an emotional story while also providing a deep psychological analysis.

Humor is the best medicine

One of Barry’s greatest strengths is its ability to make viewers laugh and cry simultaneously with its sharp, dark humor. This is especially true in the fourth season, as the show creates comical situations with dark and tragic stories lurking behind them. For example, NoHo Hank’s (Anthony Carrigan) adventure, in which he tries to leave his life of crime and start a normal life with Cristobal (Michael Irby), the Mexican drug lord.

The fourth season brilliantly parodies mafia movie clichés and NoHo Hank’s character, who remains optimistic and kind no matter what happens to him. But how long can this naivety last? And what will become of Barry, who is increasingly losing control of his life? Barry doesn’t spare its characters, but it doesn’t condemn them either. Instead, it shows them as they are: human.

Barry’s end – or beginning?

The fourth season of Barry is a true catharsis that wraps up the show’s main storylines without providing easy answers. It maintains tension and intrigue throughout, with twists that no one sees coming.

The finale concludes with a scene that is both stunning and shocking. Barry is a series unafraid to take risks and experiment, which is why it has become one of the best in its genre. Even if the fourth season marks the end of Barry, it’s a show that we won’t forget.

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