It's weird; the show itself is so, so much darker this year - but the relationships are stronger (and healthier), with emotional connections all over the place. Which I'm eating up with a spoon, even as I freak out a bit over how awful everything is.

Yes, this! I am so in love with this season, it feels like the perfect ending for the show. Although I really don't think it will end on a down note. I think Michael's friends will save him and they'll ride off into the sunset together. I am possibly unrealistically optimistic. :)