Good American Family Ending: What Really Happened?

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Just like Joe vs Carole, American Sports Story, and The Staircase, Good American Family is the newest drama to delve into a case that has previously been extensively examined in documentaries.

Absolutely, the television series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace on Discovery has already completed its third season. This captivating story revolves around a Ukrainian-American with dwarfism who was reportedly abandoned by her adoptive family at the age of eight under false accusations that she was actually an adult woman disguising herself as a child.

To put it simply, while the Disney Plus original offers some insights, it’s less about revealing new information and more about what it chooses to leave out. In essence, its eight episodes create intrigue through their selective narration rather than what they explicitly show.

Here’s a look at what went down – and what didn’t go down – in its final episode.

Good American Family ending explained: What happens in the TV show?

The build-up to the trial

Natalia (Imogen Faith Reid, delivering an impressive performance in a demanding role) expresses her desire for justice during a simulated TV interview with Dr Phil at the beginning of the scene, which helped bring her captivating story into public attention. She states, ‘I want the Barnetts to serve their time.’ As the Barnetts rewatch the footage with their legal team three years later, it seems likely that Natalia’s wish will come true.

Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael (Mark Duplass), already under scrutiny by public opinion, receive another blow as no one steps forward to testify on their behalf. In recent video interviews, individuals such as Natalia’s former school doctor and adoptive mother claim that they never saw her as the troubled child they had portrayed earlier.

Kristine states, as she witnesses the destruction of her character, that it seems Natalia shoved her against an electric fence, and she wished Natalia had supported her longer before this incident, which she finds incredibly distressing. In stark contrast to her empathetic role on Grey’s Anatomy, Pompeo delivers a flawless portrayal of a mother.

Additionally, Kristine encounters another obstacle as a large number of potentially damaging Facebook messages momentarily surface.

Despite their divorce, the Barnetts receive a reprieve as the prosecution is prohibited from bringing up any evidence concerning Natalia’s age. Due to a previous court decision, she was considered of legal age at the time of the alleged neglect. However, they both continue to face separate charges connected to Natalia’s disability.

Apart from the option given, Michael has an extraordinary opportunity for a clean slate. If he chooses to testify against his former spouse, he will be shielded from legal repercussions. Given that he often points fingers at her, it seems like a straightforward decision. However, Kristine employs her expertise to avoid being implicated and lets Michael face the trial instead.

The verdict

Fortunately for Michael, the principle known as spousal privilege prevents his Facebook messages from being presented as evidence. In the courtroom, any suggestion that Natalia was a minor was quickly objected to. As a result, Michael’s risky move proves successful when, following only two hours of jury deliberation, he is declared not guilty of all charges.

Initially upset and frustrated, Natalia confronts her new guardian Cynthia Mans (Christina Hendricks) for making her endure the courtroom ordeal. “It seems like you have faith in me,” she says, “but it’s clear to me that you only see me as a means to improve your own self-image.” Her sorrow deepens further when, just three months before her own trial, all charges against Kristine are dropped.

The aftermath

Kristine’s initial joy at avoiding any kind of penalty fades swiftly upon witnessing the unfavorable reactions on social media. Shortly after, she begins to label her once trusted friend as a “traitor,” or Judas, when this friend starts questioning her account of the situation.

As a devoted cinephile, I find it compelling when characters’ past experiences resonate with their present actions, much like the character of Jacob (Aaron Potter) in this narrative. Interestingly, he’s the lone Barnett family member who extends an apology to Natalia for her past mistreatment. However, as the story unfolds, even he begins to turn against her, echoing his own childhood experience of feeling dismissed upon being diagnosed with autism.

Regarding Michael, he continues to portray himself as the victim in this situation. During a long-awaited conversation, Natalia confronts him saying, “You were supposed to be my father, but you were just a kid yourself.” To which he responds, “I simply didn’t have the strength.” Later on, he says, “Hurt people often hurt others,” implying that he was under Kristine’s influence throughout.

The program seems to share a comparable perspective, and it’s worth noting that in comparison to its documentary equivalent, the television series “Good American Family” presents Michael in a much more compassionate light.

In a surprising turn of events, Natalia’s story seems to hint at redemption as she uncovers upon reaching her new family’s home that the digital world celebrates her as a heroine. Moreover, a title card during the end credits indicates that the date on her passport has been officially corrected to September 2003, signifying that her true age – eight – when left alone is now legally acknowledged. Regrettably, it appears that Natalia’s joyful conclusion was short-lived.

Good American Family: What’s missing from the show?

It’s worth noting that throughout the series, Cynthia and her husband Antwon (played by Jerod Haynes) are often portrayed as Natalia’s saviors. However, it has been reported since the show ended that accusations of abuse against them have emerged.

In the third season of The Curious Case, it’s been explored that the pair have faced accusations of being violent towards Natalia; however, they’ve strongly and clearly stated their innocence.

As a movie enthusiast, I haven’t heard any direct words from Natalia regarding the recent allegations against her. Instead, it seems like some individuals who claim to be witnesses have been vocal about these claims. The Mans, on the other hand, have firmly denied these accusations, labeling them as “sick, twisted lies.” Cynthia, one of them, has expressed her frustration, stating that it’s disheartening when people fabricate stories just to fit their own agendas. She finds it preposterous.

This unexpected event was something that Good American Family likely didn’t foresee. Regardless, it manages to challenge the storyline they presented.

In a surprising turn of events, Natalia’s tale has taken yet another unexpected turn as Nicole and Vincent DePaul, the couple who failed to adopt her back in 2009, are now caring for her after a daring escape plan was executed.

Nicole shared with People her perspective on Natalia, who’s aiming to be a teacher. She said, “Was there a chance Natalia may have done some unusual things in the past? Yes, but when you adopt a child, you treat them as if they were your own. You don’t discard them simply because they don’t suit your needs.

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2025-04-30 11:41