“Do you think anyone will remember us? That we were even here?” This poignant question, posed by Dennis as the Coterie residents share a final rooftop gathering, resonates not just for the characters facing eviction but also for Good Trouble itself. As the series concludes after an unexpected cancellation, it prompts reflection on its impact and lasting legacy. This Good Trouble Episode Guide delves into the heart of the finale, exploring how the show has navigated complex issues and championed diversity, leaving an indelible mark on television.
For devoted viewers, Good Trouble is more than just a spin-off of The Fosters; it’s a powerful exploration of adulthood, identity, and social justice in the 21st century. Memories of Callie and Mariana’s intense sisterly bonds, Dennis’s raw portrayal of grief and mental health, and Malika’s inspiring journey of self-discovery and activism are just a few facets that will linger. The series fearlessly tackled crucial contemporary issues, from Black Lives Matter to Asian hate crimes, alongside groundbreaking LGBTQ+ storylines, showcasing bisexuality, gender nonconformity, and queer relationships with nuance and depth.
However, the true triumph of Good Trouble lies in its authentic representation of diversity. While many shows strive for diverse casts, Good Trouble distinguished itself by consistently placing diversity at the forefront. Every character, irrespective of their background, was given a meaningful story, avoiding tokenism and creating a rich tapestry of lived experiences. This commitment to genuine representation has set a new benchmark for diversity in television, making Good Trouble a series that deserves to be remembered and revisited. This episode guide serves as a tribute to that legacy, offering a look back at the final episode and the journeys of the characters we’ve come to cherish.
To properly honor the finale and encapsulate the essence of Good Trouble, let’s revisit the “how it started” versus “how it ended” arcs for each of the central characters.
Callie Adams Foster
Alt Text: Callie’s transformation in Good Trouble: from pilot episode thrift store clothes to finale’s sophisticated look, showcasing her journey.
How It Started: Callie Adams Foster, fresh from law school with honors, begins her Los Angeles journey as a counter-clerk for a conservative federal judge. The initial days are overwhelming, filled with case files, a crucial bench memo, and bar exam preparations. Despite friction with Mariana since their arrival, a sisterly bond prevails when Callie immediately supports Mariana in need. Sharing a communal bathroom and embracing thrift store fashion becomes secondary to the invaluable experience of navigating this new chapter alongside her sister. And, of course, the undeniable spark with Gael adds another layer to her new life.
How It Ended: The finale doesn’t culminate in a wedding for Callie and Jamie, defying fan expectations. Instead, Callie returns to the Coterie for a poignant family dinner. While her current life remains somewhat open-ended, the episode emphasizes her enduring connection with Mariana through a flashback montage of their most memorable moments from The Fosters and Good Trouble. This emotional recap underscores the eleven-year journey viewers have shared with Callie and Mariana, witnessing their growth from teenagers to young women. Callie’s final scenes with Mariana on the rooftop poignantly acknowledge their shared journey and unbreakable bond, solidifying their sisterhood as the heart of the series.
Mariana Adams Foster
Alt Text: Mariana’s style evolution in Good Trouble: from overdressed tech startup newbie to confident and celebratory in the series finale.
How It Started: Mariana Adams Foster, armed with a MIT degree, arrives in Los Angeles ready to conquer the tech world with a six-figure job at Speckulate. Excitement abounds as she embarks on this new phase with Callie, but the initial reality is far from glamorous. The Coterie loft is underwhelming, its residents quirky, and a series of misfortunes – towed U-Haul, stolen belongings, and a disastrous first day at work with unbearable colleagues and a mortifying encounter with her boss – create a chaotic start. The initial setbacks strain the sisterly relationship, but Callie’s reminder of their Adams-Foster resilience – to fight and persevere – reignites their determination to make their mark in Los Angeles.
How It Ended: Mariana’s finale begins with her waking up next to Joaquin after their unsuccessful attempt to gather evidence against Silas. Haunted by visions of Madison’s torment, she grapples with her feelings. Despite a night with Joaquin, the reappearance of Evan, now with his memories restored, throws her personal life into turmoil. Evan’s enthusiastic return and confession of love, contrasted with Mariana’s recent romantic detour with Joaquin, creates a classic love triangle scenario. In a swift turn of events, Mariana chooses Evan, leaving Joaquin behind. Three months later, at the Coterie’s farewell dinner, Evan is part of the family, indicating a positive resolution in Mariana’s personal and professional life, leaving her future bright and full of possibilities.
Alice Kwan
Alt Text: Alice Kwan’s journey in Good Trouble: from Coterie manager with toilet paper to successful comedian celebrating with Sumi in the finale.
How It Started: Alice Kwan, the Coterie manager, is introduced juggling Costco-sized toilet paper packs, embodying her role as the Coterie’s caretaker. She welcomes Callie and Mariana, providing a tour of the communal spaces and introducing them to the eclectic residents. At the first Coterie family dinner, Alice’s discomfort with her mother’s matchmaking attempts is revealed. Her reluctance to come out to her parents stems from a fear of further disappointing them, highlighting her struggle with parental expectations and self-acceptance.
How It Ended: Alice’s finale storyline revolves around her comedic ambitions. To secure the hosting gig for America’s Funniest Ferrets & Friends, she creates a hilarious ferret-themed audition reel with the support of Morty, Morrie, and Murray. Despite the reel’s success, she doesn’t get the hosting job but is offered a series regular role on a sitcom. In a selfless act reminiscent of her past choices, Alice initially declines the sitcom to stay with her writers’ room team. While this decision echoes her earlier experiences with the CBTV Diversity Program, the show offers a happier resolution: Alice eventually becomes the host of America’s Funniest Ferrets & Friends and buys a house with Sumi, signifying both professional and personal triumphs. This ending balances her caring nature with her deserved success.
Malika Williams
Alt Text: Malika’s evolution in Good Trouble: from activist in the pilot to political candidate in the series finale, demonstrating her growth.
How It Started: Malika Williams is introduced warning Callie and Mariana about the Coterie’s fridge etiquette, initially appearing as a somewhat cynical resident. However, her depth is quickly revealed. Like the sisters, Malika experienced the foster care system, but unlike them, she was never adopted. This past informs her guarded nature but also her resilience. She finds a chosen family at the Coterie, displaying care for Alice and playfully teasing Dennis. Recognizing a shared desire for social change with Callie, Malika embodies activism from outside the system, contrasting with Callie’s approach from within.
How It Ended: Malika’s finale sees her at Douro, seeking clarity from Angelica about their relationship after Isaac’s departure. She expresses her desire to be with Angelica but also emphasizes her career ambitions and impending “bold move.” This move is revealed to be a strategic political play. After Councilman Hauss prioritizes her women’s center, Malika is criticized by Tracy for seemingly aligning with him. However, Malika’s true plan is to challenge Hauss for his council seat. Angelica fully supports Malika’s political ambitions, solidifying their relationship. At her campaign announcement and later at the Coterie dinner, Malika’s political future looks promising, culminating in a toast to “Councilwoman soon-to-be-elect Malika Williams,” signifying her impactful journey into political activism.
Gael Martinez
Alt Text: Gael’s artistic journey in Good Trouble: from pilot episode rooftop artist to confident street artist in the series finale.
How It Started: Gael Martinez is introduced in a late-night rooftop encounter with Callie after a swim. Their connection is instant, sparked by shared artistic passions and a joint. Gael, a graphic designer by day and artist by night, initially jokes about being a doctor, revealing his playful nature. His studio loft becomes a space for both artistic and romantic exploration with Callie. However, their budding romance is complicated by Mariana’s crush on Gael, leading Callie to initially distance herself. Gael, accepting of the situation, quickly moves on, demonstrating his easygoing approach to relationships.
How It Ended: Gael’s finale arc centers on his artistic career. Yuri, his former boss, confronts him, recognizing Gael’s tag on a mural from his art exhibit. Yuri, angered by Gael’s independent success, attempts to bribe him with a meeting with Frank Barda, a prominent art tastemaker, in exchange for silence about Yuri’s derivative work. Gael grapples with this tempting offer but is challenged by Jay about “kowtowing to elites.” During the interview with Barda, Gael initially makes a case for an apprenticeship but ultimately rejects the offer. He chooses to pursue his career in street art, staying true to his artistic vision and integrity. At the Coterie dinner, Gael celebrates his decision, reaffirming his commitment to authentic artistry over mainstream validation.
Davia Moss
Alt Text: Davia’s journey in Good Trouble: from phone-focused influencer at pilot dinner to captivating stage performer in the finale.
How It Started: Davia Moss is introduced at the Coterie dinner, seemingly glued to her phone, much to Dennis’s annoyance. Her phone use is explained by her profession as a body-positive Instagram influencer, which she sees as an extension of her teaching career. Davia’s goal is to empower her students to embrace healthy body images, contrasting her past struggles with dieting. She uses her platform to promote self-acceptance and challenge societal beauty standards.
How It Ended: Davia’s finale storyline focuses on her acting career and relationship with Dennis. Initially devastated by losing her lead role to her understudy, she is comforted by Dennis. Ethan, the producer, later calls, urgently requesting her return for a staged reading as the understudy is “sick.” Dennis encourages Davia to reclaim her role, not for Ethan, but for herself. Davia delivers a powerful performance, leading to investor interest in moving the play to New York with Davia in the starring role. The finale addresses the question of Davia and Dennis’s future amidst this opportunity. Dennis wholeheartedly supports Davia’s career, affirming their commitment to a long-distance relationship, emphasizing that their love can withstand the distance and time apart.
Dennis Cooper
Alt Text: Dennis’s consistent presence at the Coterie in Good Trouble, from pilot episode to the series finale, a steady figure.
How It Started: Dennis Cooper is presented as an enigmatic figure in the Good Trouble pilot. Despite preparing the family dinner, he doesn’t fit the typical “Coterie dad” archetype. Older than the other residents, Dennis appears equally uncertain about his place in the world. Davia’s comment about his “two weeks of abstinence” hints at a playboy past, contrasting with his initial reserved demeanor.
How It Ended: Dennis plays a supportive role in the finale, primarily focused on Davia’s career. When Davia shares the news of the play moving to New York, Dennis’s response is immediate and unwavering support for their relationship. He proposes a long-distance relationship, willing to travel to New York and have Davia visit LA, minimizing the two-year separation as insignificant in the context of their long-term future together. Dennis’s finale arc solidifies his commitment to Davia and their relationship, showcasing his growth from an initially enigmatic figure to a supportive and loving partner.
Joaquin Peréz
Alt Text: Joaquin’s arrival and departure in Good Trouble: from season 4 newcomer toasting farewell in the series finale.
How It Started: Joaquin Peréz joins the Coterie in season four, intentionally remaining aloof from his new housemates. At Dennis’s food truck launch, he deflects Mariana’s attempts to connect, answering questions with questions and preemptively mentioning he’s seeing someone to deter her advances. His initial portrayal is of a guarded and independent investigative journalist.
How It Ended: Joaquin’s finale storyline revolves around the Madison/Silas mystery and his evolving relationship with Mariana. After another failed attempt to implicate Silas, Joaquin and Mariana succumb to their mutual attraction. Despite initial reservations about ensuring Mariana was over Evan, Joaquin’s emotional distress over his sister’s situation leads to intimacy. The next morning, he gives Mariana an “out,” but she doesn’t take it. A call from his sister about Silas’s plan to move Madison’s body reignites their investigation. Their attempt to capture Silas on camera goes awry, leading to a confrontation where Mariana ultimately injures Silas with Joaquin’s truck, and Jenna ultimately shoots Silas. At the Coterie dinner, Joaquin appears alone, announcing magazine interest in his cult writing and plans to return to Oklahoma with Jenna to address family issues, signifying a departure from Los Angeles and Mariana.
Luca Ryusaki
Alt Text: Luca’s journey from homelessness to home in Good Trouble: belongings trashed to celebrating in his new home with Mabel.
How It Started: Luca Ryusaki is introduced in season four as part of Joaquin’s story on homelessness in Los Angeles. Unsheltered since age 14 after his parents’ death, Luca has navigated homelessness for a decade while pursuing his dream of becoming a dancer. Despite his hardships, he finds daily moments of happiness. However, a police raid on his encampment, resulting in the destruction of his belongings, highlights the vulnerability and invisibility faced by the unhoused community. Luca poignantly remarks, “That’s the thing about being invisible. No one cares when they erase you.”
How It Ended: Luca’s finale focuses on his dance career and relationship with Mabel. In dance class, he excels and is chosen for a featured trio in a video. Riley commends his performance and notes his newfound confidence performing on camera. Luca attributes this change to Callie’s help in obtaining his alien ID number, removing the need to hide. Despite a recent breakup, Luca and Riley plan to talk. However, at work, awkwardness with Mabel after their kiss is evident. Luca expresses confusion about his feelings and Riley. Ultimately, at the Coterie dinner, Mabel is Luca’s date. He announces booking his first professional dance gig on Olivia Rodrigo’s tour, marking a significant triumph in his career and personal life, moving from homelessness to a promising future in dance and love.
Good Trouble concludes not just as a television series, but as a cultural touchstone. This good trouble episode guide through the finale highlights the show’s commitment to character development, social relevance, and above all, the celebration of diversity. It’s a series that has undoubtedly left a lasting impression, proving that stories centered on inclusivity, complex relationships, and real-world issues can resonate deeply with audiences. While the Coterie may be closing its doors, the memories and the impact of Good Trouble will endure, reminding us of the importance of representation and authentic storytelling in media.
