That conversation is something that will stick forever with the record 8.5 million viewers who saw it.

And all at once, we really could relate to him and his boys especially his boys.

We all have, or will, watch someone we love die.

They will never need doubt if their memories of those conversations are accurate.

Lets start at the beginning.

(That, I imagine, had factored into Jakes decision to risk leaving Anchorage.

Try not to piss him off.

The next time we saw Jake, he was sitting in the hotel thinking.

Im real proud of you.

Jake: Thank you.

Phil: Thank you.

Jake: I dont really want to leave you, but this is for the better.

Phil: Yeah it is.

Jake: So you just keep on doin what youre doin.

Phil: Seriously, it makes me happy.

Jake: Thats good, thats what I like to hear.

Ill give you a call when I hit Seattle.

Phil (now nearly asleep): This is one here you dont wanna miss.

I love you, pops.

The image of Jake hesitating as he left the room and turning to look back at his dad heartbreaking.

The shot of Josh driving his brother to the airport after that verbal brawl theyd had heartwarming.

Josh said Jake had chosen the right way and the right time to get help.

Jake said he wasnt sure if it was the right time.

After Phil squeezed Joshs hand so hard that Josh begged him to stop, the conversation turned serious.

Phil: Im sorry.

Phil: When you were growing up, I should have been a better father.

Josh: Dad youve been the best father you could ever have been.

Youve taught me great skills.

So dont ever say that.

Dont ever apologize for that.

Youve taught me everything I need to know to be a man.

And Im gonna take care of you as best I fin possibly can.

I dont give a s. I aint lettin you out of my sight.

The same thing youd do for me.

[Wipes tear from Phils eye.]

I love you, buddy.

Phil: I love you.

I love you, too.

[Josh leans down and they hug.

Phil kisses his fingers and puts them to Joshs head.

Josh kisses Phils forehead.

Phil kisses his fingers again and puts them to Joshs cheek.]

Josh: I love you, buddy.

[Phil places one more kiss on Joshs cheek.

Josh fights back tears.]

I know, man.

I know, man.

Im bein strong here.

I think Josh had broken the seal, and the dam was about to break.

He left the room, for the first time motioning for the camera not to follow him.

(Watch the scene here.)

Phil didnt look good the next time we saw him.

He asked Josh to rub his hand and wanted to know where his good-luck necklace was.

Josh said he had it at his hotel and would bring it in that night.

Phil looked out the window and asked if it was snowing.

Josh told him to get some sleep, they exchanged I love yous, and Josh left.

Thats it right there.

The friend told Josh that Phil wouldnt go out without a fight.

Never has, never will, they agreed.

The storm continued, but now the crews were weathering it.

Sig and Andy were laughing in their wheelhouses as they rode the waves like a rollercoaster.

Which to me, was a reminder that Phil had loved the life he led.

We cut back to Josh, who phoned Jake.

And then the only sound was that of the waves rising and falling.

A fishermans story starts out, This aint no bulls.')

Josh said theyd be spreading their fathers ashes on the Bering Sea this fall during king crab season.

But man, there were some tender moments as well.

(Watch the tape back, Josh.

Johnathan leaned over, hugged Todd, and thanked him for being there those final days.

And Todd thanked Johnathan for being there, too.

We all teared up.

(You have to feel bad for Clint.

Clint assumed it wasnt him because he hadnt already been told or seen celebratory fireworks.)

I see that working on the Time Bandit, but not on the Northwestern.

Jake dropped a pot, and he was quickly relieved of his duties.

Sig thinks its going to be another season or two until Jake is ready to fill Edgars shoes.

Edgar wants to fast-track him.

Theres another storm brewing… How do you think the show handled Phils passing?

How many times did you tear up?

Is that scene between Josh and Phil the most honest moment youve ever witnessed on a reality TV show?

Did you rewind the Redemption Day montage, or was it just too painful?

Phils final episode

Recap of last weeks episode ofDeadliest Catch