Police Academy Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Police Academy.
Police Academy Ending Explained: New rules enforced by the Lady Mayoress mean that sex, weight, height and intelligence need no longer be a factor for joining the Police Force. Directed by Hugh Wilson, this 1984 comedy film stars Steve Guttenberg (Carey Mahoney), alongside Kim Cattrall as Karen Thompson, G.W. Bailey as Lieutenant Harris, Bubba Smith as Moses Hightower. With a 6.7/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Police Academy?
New rules enforced by the Lady Mayoress mean that sex, weight, height and intelligence need no longer be a factor for joining the Police Force. This opens the floodgates for all and sundry to enter the Police Academy, much to the chagrin of the instructors. Not everyone is there through choice, though. Social misfit Mahoney has been forced to sign up as the only alternative to a jail sentence and it doesn't take long before he falls foul of the boorish Lieutenant Harris. But before long, Mahoney realises that he is enjoying being a police cadet and decides he wants to stay... while Harris decides he wants Mahoney out!
Hugh Wilson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Steve Guttenberg (Carey Mahoney)'s journey. This opens the floodgates for all and sundry to enter the Police Academy, much to the chagrin of the instructors.
As part of the Police Academy Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.
How Does Steve Guttenberg (Carey Mahoney)'s Story End?
- Steve Guttenberg: Steve Guttenberg's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Kim Cattrall (Karen Thompson): Kim Cattrall's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- G.W. Bailey (Lieutenant Harris): G.W. Bailey's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Police Academy Mean?
Police Academy's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Steve Guttenberg may feel rushed. Hugh Wilson's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution. Based on 2,977 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.