See How They Fly

Everybody expects a lot from season and show finales, where there should be ideally in my view a lot of emotional impact, all the ideas introduced and developed over the course of the run falling into place and where it all feels rounded off realistically. Some season and show finales have been very successful at that, 'Breaking Bad' and 'Inspector Morse' example. Others failed spectacularly, still remember vividly how angry those for 'House of Cards' and 'Game of Thrones' made me.

"See How They Fly" is not quite one of the best season and show finales (have actually heard varying accounts though of whether there will be a second season or not, but have believed for some time that this season is intended to be a one-off). It is also a slight disappointment after such a masterful previous episode. "See How They Fly" also is a long way from being one of the worst and does what a season and show finale should do mostly extremely well. It is a more than worthy end to 'Watchmen' and shows how far the show had come on since it first started, liked but not loved the first four episodes while loving the others.

All of 'Watchmen's' episodes are exceptionally well made and put a lot of films released today to shame. "See How They Fly" is gorgeously designed and the photography is some of the best of any television show from 2019, just love its style, atmosphere and how cinematic it looks. The lighting is suitably moody and matches the episode and show's bold tone, and the effects don't look cheap or under-budgeted, the squid looked surprisingly great.

The music is still haunting and the music choices are still inspired, especially effective are "Clair De Lune" and "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". A few of the tracks were used in other episodes as well, but this didn't feel recycled at all and like it was referencing what had come before and a way of tying things together.

Other 'Watchmen' episodes are more playful, episodes 3-5 and 7 namely, but the script is intelligent, occasionally subtly witty and has bold bite without being over-serious or dreary. The storytelling is bold and unflinching, ties things together, answers questions and puts it all into place. Amazing for an episode with so many ideas, a few too many perhaps, that are not trivialised and feel timely today. A lot of revelations and turns here and they are not just clever but quite shocking too.

Characters are richly fleshed out with Lady Trieu being at her most interesting throughout the whole show, and she was a character that showed enormous potential and made a big impression from the get go. Veidt's role in "See How They Fly" is also one of his most illuminating and a good deal is learnt about his character and motivations. The performances are stellar all round, Regina King and Jeremy Irons are big standouts as is classy Hong Chau.

My only criticism for "See How They Fly" was that the ending did feel a bit too rushed and anti-climactic, with not as much of a sense of finality that other show finales have.

Summing up, excellent conclusion. 9/10

Loved the movie (2009). As for this series that came as a sequel I honestly didn't like the first 2 episodes, I was like "wtf! this is not Watchmen, not even close... But the rest of the episodes were brilliant and then I thought the first 2 were not so bad, they were essential parts in this great story. If there won't be a second season it's fine, the ending was perfect imo. If it will be renewed for 1 or 2 more season it would be great! 10/10 for this ep and 9/10 for the whole seas

The story started off confusing with the first several episodes but halfway it found a groove and has thus ended with another confirmation that the writing duo of Lindelof & Nick Cuse know what they're doing and have brought yet again another rich TV series where I can't wait to watch the next episode. Awesome last episode for the first season.

I Loved Everything about this Episode, it was simply perfect !

Thank You For This Series, it was my Highlight of 2019 !

Amazing Series !

Perfect ending to wrap up a great season of television. Congratulations to Lindelof and everyone involved and especially Regina King