First time watcher here, just finished the finale episode. What a beautiful, crazy journey its been to get here. However, I must say that I dont think the ending has fully hit me yet but I'm still formulating an opinion. The reasons I don't think it hit as hard for me are below 1. I binged it: the relationship formed with these characters over the span of five years is much deeper than those formed over a month and a half binge, hence why seeing these characters fates would hit much harder if you watched it when it came out. I think this is also why it felt a bit rushed, as my watching of the series was a rush (albeit an eager one) 2. Breathe Me: this song has been played out so much so that its become a bit of a meme/trope for sad/tearjerker videos, so to see this song used in that context kinda made it a bit cornier than I would have hoped. Similar to how "Chasing Cars" was used in Greys Anatomy (although one could argue the song choice here infamously birthed that trope in a way, which is kinda cool) 3. Unfairly high expectations: Going into this show, I was told the finale was one of the greatest of all time, so I think any expectations/preconceptions I had in my head were never going to be able to live up to the reality. Part of me wishes I hadnt heard about the ending so I could reach my own conclusions, but alas.

With all that being said, I loved binging this show. It got a bit soapy and melodramatic in late season 3/season 4 but overall a top 5 show for me at least. Would love to hear others thoughts and if anyone has similar sentiments.

Edit: ok fine I just needed a few days to process lol. It finally hit me and I started crying in the shower this morning 😅