This is the episode that I've been waiting for. Not because it was a series finale, but because it shows that high quality writing is truly out there. After a season full of twists and turns, this is the one that finally shows the light, and in the end, it delivers where so many other shows have failed.
Yes, characters died (two of my favorites, actually). For a show steeped in sci-fi and action, this is quite possibly the most realistic aspect. Not everyone survives, and the character reactions to it were perfect. The way Echo held it all in when she saw that Paul had been killed during the battle to get to the Dollhouse. The way Adelle let Topher do what was needed, despite how the viewer could see how much it hurt to let him go. Even the way Alpha was willing to leave one last gift for Echo before leaving for a life unknown.
This was a truly heartbreakingly wonderful episode, and it's rare that these sorts of episodes ever get the chance to air. I hate that the series is canceled, but if this is the way that it had to go out, then I'm glade that it went out on such a high note.
Yes, characters died (two of my favorites, actually). For a show steeped in sci-fi and action, this is quite possibly the most realistic aspect. Not everyone survives, and the character reactions to it were perfect. The way Echo held it all in when she saw that Paul had been killed during the battle to get to the Dollhouse. The way Adelle let Topher do what was needed, despite how the viewer could see how much it hurt to let him go. Even the way Alpha was willing to leave one last gift for Echo before leaving for a life unknown.
This was a truly heartbreakingly wonderful episode, and it's rare that these sorts of episodes ever get the chance to air. I hate that the series is canceled, but if this is the way that it had to go out, then I'm glade that it went out on such a high note.