AceShowbiz - Lisa Kudrow has bid farewell to one of her most iconic roles as Valerie Cherish in the final episode of HBO Max’s third season of The Comeback. The series concluded with a poignant finale that aired Sunday night, featuring surprise guest stars Bradley Whitford, Adam Scott, and Justin Theroux, and culminating in Valerie’s emotional exit from the spotlight.

The Comeback has made television history as the only series to have three seasons spaced a decade apart, forming a unique trilogy. Earlier this year, Kudrow explained to The Hollywood Reporter that they wanted to honor the audience and the character with a thoughtfully structured three-part story. The final episode was filmed at the Warner Bros. lot, mere steps from Stage 24 where Kudrow had famously worked on Friends, a fact she described as both momentous and touching.

The finale wrapped with a bittersweet scene of Valerie and Laura Silverman’s character Jane on a soundstage, shooting the closing moments of Jane’s long-term documentary. Jane praises Valerie for her growth over the years, especially in light of the public humiliations she endured. Valerie, however, pushes back on the idea that she was simply a victim. She insists she never consented to be humiliated and that she did her best with the circumstances presented to her, embodying what it means to be human.

Kudrow reflected on this final scene and the series’ conclusion, emphasizing the depth of Valerie’s character and the importance of showing her strength rather than victimhood. She also shared insights into what was cut from the episode and the process of bringing in notable guest stars to elevate the story.

In the penultimate episode, Valerie faces harsh criticism from writers angry about her starring in a sitcom created with AI assistance, leading to a tense coffee shop confrontation. The finale opens with a calmer moment at home where Valerie and her partner Mark watch her show, only to see an AI-generated version of Valerie appear onscreen. This development becomes a pivotal plot point, revealing how Valerie was scanned without her full understanding and that her image was being used for promotional purposes by NuNet, the powerful tech company behind the AI.

Valerie initially believes this use of her digital likeness is harmless, thinking it’s merely for advertising. However, it is soon revealed that she unwittingly signed a legal contract via DocuSign giving NuNet full rights to use her image as they please. This raises complex questions about consent and identity, inviting viewers to consider different perspectives on the ethical use of AI in entertainment.

A tender moment unfolds when Mark warns Valerie not to read the online reactions to her show’s episode, but she quickly breaks this promise and begins scrolling through comments. Discussing her own relationship with online criticism, Kudrow admitted she occasionally reads comments but largely avoids negativity. She explained that during her time on Friends, she stepped back from online discussions after encountering harsh remarks, realizing that ignorance can be a form of self-preservation. She highlighted the importance of confidence and mental calmness in any artistic endeavor, noting that negativity hinders that process.

The episode also features a lively scene with Valerie and the cast of her fictional sitcom How’s That?! Valerie brings her Emmy as motivation but accidentally breaks it, demonstrating a new level of maturity as she quickly reassures the upset actor responsible. This marks another moment of growth for her character, showing a willingness to let go of past accolades and focus on the present.

Kudrow described the joy of working with the ensemble cast on the soundstage, praising their talents and chemistry. However, she expressed disappointment over several cut scenes that didn’t make the final episode due to time constraints. These included moments featuring Brittany O’Grady, Zane Phillips, Tim Bagley, and Barry Shabaka Henley that added depth and humor to their characters.

One notable deleted scene involved Zane Phillips’ character Dean casually discussing his frequent use of AI for everyday tasks like meal planning, fitness, and even “spiritual stuff,” a line Kudrow found particularly sharp. Another cut moment had Brittany O’Grady’s character Gabrielle mentioning her boyfriend’s enthusiasm for the show—and humorously noting that his wife also enjoys it. These small details enriched the world of the series and its characters.

Additionally, a heartfelt scene featuring Valerie’s real-life son Julian Stern was trimmed. In it, Valerie tells Julian he’ll be eligible to join the Writers Guild for contributing a line to the show, offering to help with the initiation fee. Julian then jokes about being well compensated for running the AI assist program, a moment that blended family and professional themes.

The cast receives surprising news that NuNet has renewed How’s That?! for a second season. However, Valerie soon faces a confrontation with a renowned TV writer, Jack Stevens, played alongside writers portrayed by Bradley Whitford, Adam Scott, and Justin Theroux. This intense meeting addresses the ethical implications of the show’s reliance on AI technology.

Kudrow revealed that securing these three guest stars was notably straightforward because they were fans of the series. Their performances exceeded expectations, blending intimidation and charm in a way that heightened the stakes for Valerie’s character. In particular, she praised Adam Scott’s comedic timing and the gravitas brought by Whitford and Theroux.

The finale also took care to clarify that no artificial intelligence was used in the writing of the series, a point Kudrow and Michael Patrick King felt was important to emphasize given the show’s themes. This distinction underscored the authenticity of the storytelling even as it explored the impact of AI on creative industries.

Overall, the final season of The Comeback concluded with a thoughtful exploration of identity, technology, and resilience. Kudrow’s portrayal of Valerie Cherish remains a complex portrait of a woman navigating the challenges of fame, personal growth, and the changing landscape of entertainment. The series’ unique three-decade-spanning narrative offers fans a rare and meaningful closure, cementing Valerie’s place in television history.