Summary
The Cleaning Ladydirector Catriona McKenzie has explained Arman’s death in season 3 of the show, including how it paid tribute to the death of his actor, Adan Canto, who died in early 2024. Canto had portrayed the Los Angeles gangster since the series began, but was absent throughoutThe Cleaning Ladyseason 3’s story. That was until episode 6, when he sacrificed himself to save Thony from one of the people who’d previously captured him, resulting in the car he was in driving off a bridge. His final, noble action was saving the show’s main protagonist.
Speaking withScreen Rant, McKenzie explained why Arman’s death inThe Cleaning Ladyseason 3 happened the way it did, as well as how it honors Canto’s time on the series. The director revealed howthe moment cemented his character as a hero, acting as a positive sendoff despite the tragic circumstances. Check out what McKenzie had to say below:
One of the things that I’m good at is I’m really good at leading with a sense of compassion. As a director, you fall into the engine that is a show in its third season show. It’s an engine that is up and running, and it’s a very tight-knit crew and a crew that are grieving.
I’m good at doing action, and I knew they wanted to really honor Adan’s life and give his character a good sendoff. He sacrifices himself as a hero, so we did the Thelma and Louise thing and sent him off the cliff. It was quite a technical thing to do, but everyone obviously wanted to give him that moment. It was very sad for everyone — and particularly Elodie [Yung], who had to do that scene on the cliff’s edge. It was devastating for her, but she’s such a professional.
I guess it’s about being very calm and very precise and very gentle. I do think that, when you’re directing, you have to remember that actors are not machines. They’re living, breathing human beings with a life and feelings and insecurities. I just think kindness is key. To be kind to another human that has to step in and do the work is civilized and gracious.
How Arman’s Absence Will Impact The Cleaning Lady Season 4
Following Arman’s sacrifice, the episode cuts to when he and Thony slow-danced and kissed in Mexico, all the way back in season 1.The episode is then dedicated to Canto, who died of appendiceal cancer back in January 2024. The emotional resonance of the scene not only hits because of how important his character was to the show, but also because of the actor’s death. It makes his character’s sacrifice all the more memorable, as it will be the last time he’s seen onscreen.
Arman’s death had a major impact on Thony for the rest of season 3, even as the story threads began to converge on different elements of the show. Given Canto’s death at the start of 2024,the actor’s absence had already been felt throughout the latest episodes.Going intoThe Cleaning Ladyseason 4, however, there will be a more empty space for his character than there ever was before. This means the next episodes will likely see the protagonist continue trying to process how he sacrificed himself to save her.
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Despite the heavy lossThe Cleaning Ladyhas endured,the show’s continuation will no doubt honor Canto and the contributions he made to the series as Arman.Although there will be a major absence felt in the show moving forward, it can still pay tribute to his legacy in ways that honor everything he gave to the series. With the show’s story gearing up for even more exciting, harrowing moments, Thony’s journey feels like it’s only just beginning.
The Cleaning Ladyseason 4 will begin on Fox at a later date.
The Cleaning Lady
Cast
The Cleaning Lady is a drama series centered on Thony De La Rosa, a Cambodian doctor who becomes an undocumented immigrant in the United States. Forced to work as a cleaning lady, she navigates complicated situations while using her medical expertise. The series explores themes of survival, resilience, and the lengths one goes to protect their family. Starring Elodie Yung, the show delves into the hidden struggles of those living on the margins of society.
