10 Endings Stephen King Actually Got Right

The scene that readers remember toward the end of the novel was, blessedly, excised from both the Tim Curry version and Andy Muschietti's recent two-part adaptation. While that is a scene that somewhat taints the third act of the novel, the actual ending of the book is as close to perfect as it gets.

The Losers have begun to go their separate ways. Their memories of their battles with Pennywise are fading again, though the events of the novel have still forever changed them. With over 1000 pages of text, it would be very hard for it not to change them.

Bill Denborough is still in Derry with Audra, his wife. She fell victim to Pennywise's 'deadlights' - the powers that suck the soul from the bearer. She is a shell, but he refuses to give up on her. His last weapon is the bike that saw him through many of the nightmares and adventures of his childhood - Silver.

He sits her on the crossbar and he begins to pedal. Some of the magic remains because, as he gains speed, she wakes up, called back from the deadlights, crying out for him. With utter joy, the novel ends with Bill and Audra reunited, free from IT at last.

With that much of a lead in, this is a pay off that truly feels special.