There's a moment near the end of the finale where we watch most of the cast slowly begin a waltz. At first we focus on individual couples here and there, checking in with each of our main characters. But then the camera pulls back and we just watch as they all spin around and around in this precise fashion.
And it's very satisfying, not only in the sense of representing the success of Mrs. Russell's plans and Gladys' dreams, but just in the sense of bringing together so many of our characters. This isn't exactly GAME OF THRONES; most of our characters just live across the street from each other. But even so, Agnes has only been in the Russells' home for a moment before this, and Ada never. So again there's that sense of things withheld and delayed which are finally granted, a very satisfying way to end a season.
But the dance is also an incredibly apt metaphor for this world. Everyone spins in their own little world, and yet they also all spin together and around each other. (It's like rich person version of the teacups at Disneyland.) And from a distance we can see the beauty, yes, but also the insane dizziness of it and the intense precision required. Without drawing any attention to itself, the moment lays out the difficulty that lies ahead for the Russells. You never win. The dance goes on and on.
I was talking Tuesday about the techniques of a season instead of an episode. Ending on a visual metaphor--if the metaphor is right--is a great way to stick the landing.
