The Secret Meaning of Corner Gas

Insights from Eric Peterson who played Oscar Leroy

Why the Hell Settle?

If there was ever a thesis statement for Corner Gas, it was Oscar Leroy’s final rant in the last episode:

“Why the hell settle? We never settled. One week you teach piano, the next, Lacey’s a hockey coach, Wanda’s a real estate agent, Hank’s an accountant. We all try new things. And I, for one, want to see Brent up on that stage standing in a bucket of yogurt.”

For Eric Peterson, those words encapsulate the spirit of the show—embracing the unexpected, pushing boundaries, and always finding humour in the everyday.

The Significance of the Final Scene

The final episode of Corner Gas carried emotional weight for the cast, crew, and fans alike. Peterson saw the finale not as a goodbye, but as a fitting tribute to the unpredictability and charm of small-town life.

“The show was always about celebrating the quirks of everyday life,” Peterson noted. “That last speech was really about how we all keep moving forward, trying new things, and not just settling into one role forever.”

A Lesson That Lives On

The message of the finale remains relevant today—embrace change, take risks, and never stop looking for new experiences.

For fans, Corner Gas was more than just a sitcom; it was a reflection of real, everyday moments in a uniquely Canadian way. The humor, the small-town dynamics, and the heart behind the characters made it a show that continues to resonate.