A hinge episode showing character growth risks being predictable, and aiming to do it for three pairs, two solos, plus the team as team, all in one episode-while steering away from both shtick and booms-was daring. It demanded an orchestration of chewy empathy that the series had been struggling to find so far this season.
The depth and significance varies. Jamie's arc is least believable-he's close to being a wizened elder now. And we've peeled one of Higgin's layers every season, and the gay storyline, while important and poignant, doesn't break new ground. But a Rebecca who reclaims the present and a Ted who finally integrates his Americanness with his circumstances are refreshed heroes, and I look forward to where they'll lead.
I'm glad they pulled this off.
The depth and significance varies. Jamie's arc is least believable-he's close to being a wizened elder now. And we've peeled one of Higgin's layers every season, and the gay storyline, while important and poignant, doesn't break new ground. But a Rebecca who reclaims the present and a Ted who finally integrates his Americanness with his circumstances are refreshed heroes, and I look forward to where they'll lead.
I'm glad they pulled this off.