Episode 1102

"Episode 1102"
Holby City episode
Episode no.	Series 23 Episode 50
Directed by	David Innes Edwards
Written by	Joe Ainsworth
Original air date	29 March 2022 (2022-03-29)
Running time	46 minutes[1]
Guest appearances
Paul Bradley as Elliot Hope Jules Robertson as Jason Haynes Chizzy Akudolu as Mo Effanga Hugh Quarshie as Ric Griffin Catherine Russell as Serena Campbell Jemma Redgrave as Bernie Wolfe Jenny Howe as Alexandra 'Lexy' Dunblane Hamish Clarke as Ken Davies Tracy Wiles as Helen Davies Luke Roberts as Joseph Byrne (uncredited)
Episode chronology
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Holby City series 23
List of episodes

"Episode 1102" is the fiftieth episode of the twenty-third series of the British medical drama television series Holby City, and the 1102nd episode of the overall series. It is also Holby City's final ever episode after the show was cancelled by the BBC. The episode was written by Joe Ainsworth and directed by David Innes Edwards, and premiered on BBC One on 29 March 2022. The show's production team promised fans they would create an ending "it deserves" and began rewriting stories. The writers were used to scripting the show as a continuing drama but the show's end meant they could create closure for all featured characters. Producers were loath to introduce dramatic stunts or explosions in the finale. They favoured an emotional approach with stories that paid homage to the NHS, which they believed were Holby City's "roots".

The episode features the death of long-featured character Jac Naylor (Rosie Marcel). Earlier episodes had focused on her determination to find a cure for her brain tumour. Jac awakes from surgery and soon dies from a stroke after implementing an advance healthcare directive. Jac's organs are retrieved for transplant procedures and some good comes from her death. Story producer Ben Wadey chose to kill the character off to provide a definitive end for the show. He wanted to ensure viewers were not left feeling the show was left with "unfinished business". Marcel was initially reluctant to portray the story because she wanted Jac to live on. In addition the episode focuses on the remaining regular characters as their stories conclude. Writers were challenged with the task of giving each character a suitable ending either before or during Episode 1102. The episode also features the return of five former characters who make cameo appearances. The show's end credits featured a slow version of the iconic theme tune and a montage of former cast members.

The episode received positive reviews for its emotional scenes and writing. Various critics praised the episode for paying tribute to the NHS. Judith Woods from The Daily Telegraph branded it a "beautifully-judged finale". Hannah Verdier from The Guardian praised the "dignified" decision to end the show "gracefully" instead of relying on sensational stunts. Jessica Sansome of Manchester Evening News believed that the episode was effective in promoting organ donation.