Forever Season 1 ending explained: Why Keisha and Justin part ways

Forever season 1 (image via Netflix)
Forever season 1 (image via Netflix)

Forever Season 1 finale puts an end to the bittersweet journey of Keisha and Justin. The show, based on Judy Blume's book, takes them through their journey from childhood friends to first love. Both of them come to a point of decision in their lives ahead of graduation, which tests their relationship.

Forever's finale addresses the biggest question: Do Keisha and Justin last? The answer is no. They go their separate ways, feeling their futures drawing them in opposing directions. They do not end their relationship on a note of anger, however, but in mutual respect's development.

Keisha goes on to Howard University, and Justin remains in Los Angeles to be able to practice his love for music rather than pursue the path his parents laid out for him.


Keisha and Justin's relationship journey

Keisha and Justin's narrative starts on a strong footing. They reunite after years of separation and become each other's first love in a very short while. Justin presents Keisha with an infinity necklace, which symbolizes they will never leave each other.

As graduation becomes imminent, however, there are signs of cracks. Keisha is definite about her future and has put in great effort to get admitted into Howard University. Justin feels lost, though. He has trouble with ADHD and is uncertain about his future, caught between his mother's desires for him to go to Northwestern and his interests.

Their relationship is strained when Justin attempts to push Keisha into intimacy, causing an argument and a breakup. Both acknowledge they need to separate to understand who they are, independent of the relationship. Keisha wishes to find herself at Howard, and Justin must get a sense of what he wants for himself.


The final decision

Forever's finale has Keisha and Justin having an open discussion about their futures. Justin confesses that he is unable to keep living other people's lives. He understands that going to Howard with Keisha or going to Northwestern for the sake of his mother would not satisfy him. Keisha also realizes that they are in a loop, and they both decide to break up.

Justin finally opens up to his parents about his real dreams. He informs them that he wants to pursue music, not attend college for their sake. His mother is upset, but his father is understanding, telling Justin that he will never lose their love. This is a turning point for Justin as he starts taking charge of his own life.


Keisha's graduation and new beginning

Following the split-up, Keisha graduates from high school and gives a speech looking back at how she has developed. She focuses on living in the present and having the support of her community. Her speech is about how she has grown since she began at St. Maria's and how her "village" has enabled her to be the person she is today.

Keisha departs for Howard University, poised to begin a new life. Justin remains in Los Angeles, working at CVS and still making music with Rodney, a guy he became acquainted with through Keisha's cousin.

Their last encounter is a subdued, intimate date in which they express their gratitude to each other for the love and support they offered one another. They go their separate ways, hopeful that someday in the future, when their lives are more stabilized, they might meet again.


The message of Forever's ending

Forever does not conclude in a classic happily-ever-after. Rather, it presents a realistic image of first love and the difficulties of maturing. Forever demonstrates that, at times, loving someone entails releasing them so both can seek their aspirations. Keisha and Justin's breakup is not a failure but a step towards their individual development.


Forever Season 1 conclusion is a well-thought-out exploration of adolescent love, discovery, and making the tough choices of adulthood. The series concludes on an optimistic note with the indication that even though the romance may not continue, the encouragement and the development they experienced from each other will last for eternity.

Edited by Sohini Biswas