MovieChat Forums > In the Heat of the Night (1967) Discussion > Do you think Tibbs and Gillespie will ke...

Do you think Tibbs and Gillespie will keep in touch?

posted 3 years ago by redban (5206)
1 reply | jump to latest

Or are they done forever?

On one hand, the last scene hints at a final farewell (“You take care now”)

On the other hand, there was a clear friendship that developed between them, which is big considering Gillespie’s prior racism. Gillespie symbolically carries Tibbs suitcase. Tibbs smiles when he gets on the train. Etc

Do you suppose they would call, write, maybe visit occasionally?

[–] spurtle467 (1498) 2 years ago

I agree in that the last scene hints at a final farewell. I'm sure they are somewhat glad or relieved to be out of each other's hair and that will mean there's no rush to contact one another for a while, but at the same time they now share a mutual like and respect for each other; Tibbs being appreciated for helping and solving the case, and Gillespie for having Tibbs' back. So perhaps one day in the distant future who knows?