LIFE UNEXPECTED: Shiri Appleby, Kris Polaha, Liz Tigelaar Talk Finale

There are only two episodes of LIFE UNEXPECTED left and, quite frankly, that breaks our heart a little.

Yes, we understand the reality of the ratings business. But really, when was the last time The CW aired a show so darn lovable?

In honor of the series, LUX creator Liz Tigelaar and stars Shiri Appleby (Cate) and Kristoffer Polaha (Baze) participated in IBG’s Conversation event — a benefit for Portland’s Boys & Girls Aid — this weekend. Keep reading for some of their thoughts on LUX, its fans, a few of their favorite memories and more…

Tigelaar told us that when she got the call from The CW, saying they wouldn’t be ordering the back nine episodes of season two — just one day before they were to prep what would be the final hour of the show — she and the writers had to figure out what LIFE UNEXPECTED was really about: a love triangle or a family? The writers concluded that LUX was about a family and were able to make a few tweaks to give the finale some closure.

But since the Cate-Ryan-Baze triangle has been a part of the show since the beginning, you may be wondering whom Cate will be with when they fade to black. FYI, both Tigelaar and Appleby proclaimed themselves to be Team Baze… though Polaha declared himself to be Team Ryan. Also, Tigelaar said she could understand why Baze would truly be in love with rebound girlfriend, Emma, so soon after losing Cate — he needed to be in love with Emma in order to survive the loss of Cate, especially since he has to see her with her husband all the time. And Tigelaar said that Cate needs her marriage to Ryan to work because she made a decision and must stick with it. However, she noted that when a marriage starts on shaky foundation, it’s hard to overcome that.

So, what will happen in the finale? The gang was pretty mum on spoilers, but they did reveal the last scene they shot — though not necessarily the last scene of the hour — featured Appleby, Kerr Smith (Ryan) and Britt Robertson (Lux). Polaha filmed his final scene a day earlier and the panelists recalled Robertson bawling when he finished. Appleby — who was roommates with Robertson during the first season of the show — said she wasn’t sure how Robertson would react when they wrapped, but she gave Appleby a high-five and a “see you in L.A.!”

As it turned out, however, they didn’t need to wait until Los Angeles to see each other again. LUX finished production on November 23rd, but instead of coming home, the group decided to stay in Vancouver — where LIFE UNEXPECTED filmed — a few extra days so they could spend Thanksgiving together.

I mean, how cute is that?

Check out a few videos of Tigelaar, Appleby, Polaha and moderator Meg Masters from the event…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPzaffBtdfw[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1bVt_RU2g8[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49SvHxLyHiA[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1UptcrYfq4[/youtube]

Did you miss the Conversation series but still want to donate to a great cause?

Checks for Portland’s Boys & Girls Aid — made out to “Boys & Girls Aid” — can be sent to
Save LIFE UNEXPECTED
c/o GIVE ME MY REMOTE
P.O. Box 691813
Los Angeles, CA 90069

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