I really liked it. I liked the humor, I liked the performances, I thought the heartbreak and victory played perfectly together, and I didn't think it was an abrupt shift at all. It was pretty angsty and dark all the way through. You are not the first to make your observation, but . . . I agree with viking_cat, it struck me as a fitting end. Sure, not everything that happened *had* to happen, but it was ultimately a sort of coming-of-age story.
I did keep waiting for a twist with Penny. This was just a different twist than I expected, and I think a more rewarding one.
I did keep waiting for a twist with Penny. This was just a different twist than I expected, and I think a more rewarding one.