‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ ended on a bittersweet note as Owen’s leave from Hannah and Bailey’s life was settled. The man had to sacrifice being together to keep his family alive.
It wasn’t until the last episode that viewers could confirm Owen was alive. However, this confirmation came with a heavy price as it was Owen’s last scene, and he would never be seen in Hannah and Bailey’s lives again.
Owen’s famous last words refer to the title of the novel/series, so it is the one moment you would not want to miss in the entire saga. The ending made many fans question the possibility of a second season, but I’m afraid it is still up for debate.
So let’s have a better look at the finale of ‘The Last Thing He Told Me.’
What Was the Last Thing Owen Said to Hannah?
Owen reappears in front of Hannah after a five-year time skip. It happens at an exhibition that Hannah has organized for her work. She notices a patron who has the same wooden wedding ring as Owen.
In a split second, Hannah recognizes her missing husband despite him hiding under a cap and unkempt beard. Owen then walks over to her and whispers, “the could-have-been boys still love you.” That was the last thing Owen says to his wife in episode 7 of ‘The Last Thing He Told Me.’
What does ‘Could-Have-Been-Boys Mean?
Owen refers to all of Hannah’s exes and past romantic interests as “could-have-been boys.” They are men Hannah had met and could have been potentially married if she wasn’t with Owen.
When Owen whispered to Hannah, “The could-have-been boys still love you,” he meant it as an indication for her to move on. It is now final that he will not return to her life anymore as it will put Hannah and Bailey at risk.
He reminds her that she doesn’t have to be emotionally attached to him anymore and can move on with her life to meet and date anyone she wishes as she has options. He knew that making her hold onto his memories was selfish.
One could also interpret Owen’s final words as pushy and overbearing. While one interpretation of his words is him being selfless, another is him trying to control Hannah’s life decisions.
By telling her to choose another partner over him, he is freeing himself from guilt as well as manipulating her choices. After all, he could have just given her a confirmation that he was alive but not returning without telling her to go date others. It seems like a petty move.
However, “the could-have-been boys” might also refer to him as he loves her too. He might be confirming that while he can’t be a part of her life anymore, he will continue loving her.
Do you think Owen declaring that he loves her or that Hannah can date others was manipulative? Or do you see it as a selfless act where he gives a much-deserved closure to his wife? Tell us what you thought of the finale of ‘The Last Thing He Told Me.’
