User Reviews

Great episode! The chaotic cremation was in true Erin-style. It showed both Maeve's ambiguity and Sean's bitterness brilliantly. Both their feelings are very understandable and valid. It was sad Maeve and Sean didn't get to reconcile, but also felt realistic. Otis and Eric finally started talking about the things that bothered them, but sadly enough, weren't in the right mindset to listen to each other. It was nice that Aimee got everyone together for the funeral - she's amazing! I'm also a sucker for the episodes where they all get together and connect with one another the way they did.

On a side note: great to have the teachers back, even if it's just for one episode! The moment between Maeve and Emily was very sweet and Colin's rendition of "With or Without You'' was amazing - and I'm saying this as someone who doesn't even like U2. The choice for this song was also nice. Even if it's about something completely different, I can see how it's fitting to describe the relationship with an addicted parent.

Up to this point, this episode is the standout in a season that has veered off course. It deepens old characters who are much better developed. It also finally focus on Otis and Maeve's relationship. The way the editing was done, it's clear to me that Otis's problem isn't just his excessive honesty but his struggle to accept that he also has feelings for Ruby. When the writers include the memory of Otis entering his mother's room as a child in the middle of that particular scene, it conveys the message that he didn't want to cause suffering to a woman he loves. He sees himself in a situation with Maeve where he might become like his father was with his mother.