Friday, the first episode of “Famous Last Words,” Netflix’s latest installment, debuted. A series of interviews based entirely on world figures who died by the time of their respective episode’s release. Kept entirely under wraps until after their death, the first episode comes after the devastating news of primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall, whose interview, which was originally filmed in March, became the first to air following her death on Oct. 1.
The idea behind the docuseries is as outstandingly devastating as it is healing. Each of the subjects sits down with executive producer, Brad Falchuk, for a deeply personal conversation about their life, legacy and mortality.
A format based on the Danish series “Det Sidste Ord” (“The Last Word”), the show has been described as a “modern take on the state funeral.” But rather than pomp and ceremony similar to that of the royal family’s period of mourning in Britain, this discussion offers quiet introspection for the entire world, replacing public mourning with a space for private eulogies.
Filmed in a closed studio with only remotely operated cameras, only the guest and Falchuk are present on the stage. Secrecy is central to the show’s concept as it is to preserve a sense of immortality for the figure, especially if their death is not soon apparent. At the end of each interview, the guests are invited to look directly into the camera and say their final message to the world.
Jane Goodall, the legendary scientist whose work with chimpanzees redefined humanity’s understanding of the natural world, premieres in the first episode. In 55 minutes, Goodall revisits her extraordinary life. Her years spent in Tanzania observing chimpanzees, groundbreaking discoveries about animal emotion and intelligence and her decades of activism urging humans to live more in tune with nature.
The conversation turns sharp when asked to speak more divisively. When asked whether there are people she dislikes, Goodall doesn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely, there are people I don’t like,” Goodall said.
Yet even in her criticism, there’s no bitterness, just the same calm humility that guided her entire life. As the obvious topic of death looms, Goodall speaks openly about her hopes for what comes next. She described hoping to be greeted by her late mother, her childhood dog and a chimp named David Greybeard, one of her earliest and dearest companions.
Falchuk describes Goodall’s interview as emblematic of what “Famous Last Words” is meant to be.
"Jane Goodall was fearless in all things,” he said in a statement after the public announcement of Goodall’s death. “She deeply loved humanity and the natural world. It was clear to me in our conversation that she was approaching her final adventure with the same fearlessness, hope, humor and joy that she approached everything else in life.”
At the end of the episode, Falchuk steps off the set, leaving Goodall alone to deliver her closing message. Looking straight into the camera, she speaks to the viewers directly.
“I want to make sure that you all understand that each and every one of you has a role to play,” Goodall said. “You may not know it, you may not find it, but your life matters, and you are here for a reason.”
“And if you want to save what is still beautiful in this world…then think about the actions you take each day,” Goodall said. “Because multiplied a million, a billion times, even small actions will make for great change.”
As “Famous Last Words” unfolds, with future subjects’ unknown, the series provides a rare kind of honesty. The series leaves viewers with a sense of peace, something she sought not only for herself but for the planet she dedicated her life to protecting. In allowing Goodall to sit and say goodbye to the planet she fought for, “Famous Last Words” delivers a touching farewell that celebrates the lasting legacy of a woman who redefined our connection to the natural world.
