California, Here We Come

"California, Here We Come" is the series finale of the Martin Lawrence Fox sitcom Martin. The series ran for five seasons from 1992 until 1997. This episode aired on May 1, 1997.

This particular episode marks the return of Tisha Campbell who had been absent for several episodes throughout the season. This is also Martin Lawrence's most prominent episode after having minor roles in several episodes, despite being the show's star.

Cast

• Martin Lawrence as Martin Payne
• Thomas Mikal Ford as Tommy Strawn
• Carl Anthony Payne II as Cole Brown
• Tichina Arnold as Pamela "Pam" James
• Maura McDade as Shanise McGullicuddy (credited as a guest star)

Recurring Cast

• Jeri Gray as Ms. Gerri
• John Wesley as Mr. Jim
• Adrian Tibbs as Lil Dawg
• Sean Lampkin as Nipsey

Special Guests

• Tisha Campbell as Gina Payne (credited as a regular cast member)
• Tommy Hearns as Himself
• Lisa Leslie as Herself
• George Clinton as Himself
• Lou Rawls as Himself

Plot

Part One

Martin, Tommy and Cole find out that Martin's show has been picked up by a major television network and will air nationally. The news seems good at first but it turns out Martin will have to move to Los Angeles where the show will be filmed. Also Gina has been away for a while working in L.A. for her boss, Mr. Whitaker. Meanwhile, Pam flies out to L.A. to visit Gina. It turns out Gina has been promoted and she will be working in L.A. permanently. When they arrive back in Detroit, Gina tries to tell Martin the good news but they miss each other coming in and out. It dawns on Pam that she won't be coming to L.A. with Gina. In the meantime, Cole has been trying to propose to Shanise but every time he gets the chance something goes wrong. Throughout the day, Tommy, Cole, Pam and Gina recall past good times with Martin.

Part Two

Cole is still trying to propose to Shanise. But she swallows his engagement ring when he tried to slip it in her meal. Ultimately, he is able to propose and she accepts. Tommy and Cole throw Martin a going-away party at Nipsey's. Their barbershop friends and Nipsey's friends celebrate with him. Martin thanks everyone for their love and support over the years. Nipsey toasts to Martin and wishes him well. In the ending moments of the series, The gang are packing up as the movers prepare to clear out the apartment. Martin and Gina's plane will be leaving soon. Gina is the first to leave as she says goodbye to Tommy, Cole, Pam and Shanise. Pam makes one last insult about Martin and he replies with calling her "Scary Seinfeld". Pam admits that as much as she dislikes him, she hates to see him leave. All these years, Martin was deep down a true friend to Pam. Pam kisses him on the cheek goodbye and exits the apartment. Lastly, Martin assures Tommy and Cole that this isn't the end, only a new beginning. They tell him that things won't be the same without him. As they are about to walk out the door, they sadly take one last look at Martin and walk out the door. Just as Martin is about to leave he takes one last look around the apartment. He has flashbacks of past memories in the apartment from hanging out with the gang to romantic moments with Gina. He writes "1 Luv" and his signature on the wall of the apartment, sighs "thank you", turns off the lights and exits out the apartment.

Reception

The finale received generally mixed to positive feedback, from both fans and critics alike. Some felt that the finale was more of an abrupt ending to the series as no prior storylines lead up to the events of this episode, like most shows often do to wrap up a series. Also, the fact that Tisha Campbell and Martin Lawrence didn't physically appear in the same scene due to their feuding was strongly disliked by fans of the show.

Despite this, it was the most watched episode of the season.

Behind the Scenes

In the final scene, the emotions from the actors (especially Martin Lawrence, Thomas Ford, and Carl Anthony Payne II) were genuine as they really were upset about the series coming to a close.

After taping the finale, the cast and crew were very tearful and emotional. It was a very emotional ending for both fans and the actors.