Anyone who wasn't familiar with Schitt's Creek before most certainly learned about the sitcom after it swept the Emmy Awards, winning in every major acting category. One of those awards went to Catherine O'Hara for her hilarious portrayal of Moira Rose.
Every character went through a significant arc through the series' run, and did both sweet and annoying things, including Moira. She seemingly had the toughest time of everyone adjusting to their new poorer lifestyle, living in a small town and sleeping in a rundown motel.
Looking back, how would Moira from season one view Moira from the finale? By and large, she was the same person with the same massive and impressive collection of wigs. But she did evolve in several ways.
Hate: Still Not Wealthy
Moira from season one would hate the fact that Moira from the season finale was still not wealthy. Yes, she was on the right track to building her wealth and notoriety back up, about to star in a reboot of the daytime soap that made her a star in the first place.
With Johnny also re-establishing himself as a businessman, on track to set up a franchise system of roadside motels, and a pending move to Los Angeles, things were looking great. But first episode Moira would be upset that it took so long.
Proud: She Had A Better Relationship With Her Kids
The biggest way that Moira grew was in being able to spend more time with her two children and finally being there for them as a mother should. Yes, they were grown adults already. But there were times when they still needed their mother, and she demonstrated a level of selflessness she never had before.
While episode one Moira might not have seen how important it was to have such a close relationship with her kids, there's no doubt she would have been proud of the way they bonded.
Hate: Promoted Terrible Wine
Remember that time when Moira stooped so low as to be a spokesperson for a terrible line of local fruit wine? She was barely able to choke down a glass while filming a commercial for the vineyard. And when attending a tasting with David, the pair got adorably drunk together trying desperately to find one wine or at least a combination of wines, that she would be comfortable putting her name behind.
Episode one Moira would be mortified at putting her name near anything that wasn't expensive and high quality, not to mention taking advantage of a local winery to get free alcohol, no matter how bad it was.
Proud: Successful Career
While Moira had only just gotten a fruitful acting gig by the final episode and had yet to begin shooting, Moira from episode one would have been proud that she was able to revive her career and prove her worth as an actor and a critical part of the story for a reboot.
And while she might have turned up her nose at The Crows Have Eyes, the terrible horror movie Moira starred in to keep her acting fresh and bring in some money, episode one Moira would still have respected the hustle.
Hate: Lost Touch With Her Old Self
Moira might not have liked the fact that she lost a bit of her old flare, from her ability to wear a new, never-before-seen outfit to every event or outing, to her refined palette for fine foods.
Sure, Moira still fancied the hottest new designer clothing and treated herself now and then. And while most of her foods were eaten in a local diner, she hadn't entirely forgotten what it was like to have a seven-course tasting menu. Nonetheless, Moira from season one would not have liked that the new Moira hadn't been able to indulge in so long.
Proud: Made New Friends
Regardless of who those friends were, Moira was always able to appreciate the importance of forging relationships with others. If anything, the ones she made now were far more meaningful because they were genuine: she wasn't looking for anything from them other than someone to talk to and they weren't looking for anything from her.
Moira would have applauded herself for being able to forge new bonds, despite her circumstances.
Hate: Worked Outside Of The Entertainment Business
During her time in Schitt's Creek, Moira took on new hobbies and honed new skills. She tried to stick with the entertainment business by joining the Jazzagals acapella singing group and even heading up a performance of Cabaret at the local theater.
Moira from season one might have loved that. But she would not have loved Moira trying her hand at other things that, in her eyes, likely didn't use her skill set, which was acting. Namely, that would be Moira's position on the town council where she worked to solve local community issues.
Proud: Did Intense Research On Small Town Living
The way Moira from season one would see it, her entire time in Schitt's Creek was all research so she could seek out some interesting new roles in movies or TV series based around small-town living. It was all research.
This is the way season one Moira would view things – she was learning how they live, dress, and talk, immersing herself in the culture so she would be prepared for any upcoming roles. In this respect, then, she'd be very proud of herself.
Hate: Extended her social circle
Moira was very spoiled and dramatic, and only really paid attention to people she deemed as arbitrarily worthy. Thus, under normal circumstances, she would never have become friends with people like Jocelyn and Roland.
And even though Moira and Jocelyn got along really well and became good friends, despite their differences, Moira from season one would probably frown upon the fact that she had extended her social circle to include people that she may not have deemed as deserving of her time and attention.
Proud: Added Culture And Arts To The Town
Moira did her best to improve Schitt's Creek the way she thought it needed to be improved and in ways that she could. That included, namely, trying to introduce a level of arts and culture to the town. For example, she spearheaded a musical production of Cabaret. She also joined the local acapella singing group so she could continue practicing her craft, and direct them in the way she believed they needed to be directed.
Meanwhile, she supported her son David when he turned the old variety store into the higher-end boutique store Rose Apothecary selling local, handmade goods, crafts, and other items.