Alternative view of the finale that I think is pretty cool:

I was reminded of "The Prince's Tale" from HP and the Deathly Hallows in terms of a mysterious reason for someone to have animosity for another, finally explained through a series of flashbacks and back stories that packed a truly emotional punch. Just fantastic storytelling in both cases.

Great episode but the explanation of the "will they, won't they" with the two couples seemed forced and kind of awkward - thought this show didn't need to spell it out. Must be part of the continued effort to gain a larger audience.

Parks is 3 for 3 on marriage proposals…nailed them all in brilliant, character-driven scenes. Well done again.

We always talk about a major problem with this show being that Leslie always wins and the obstacles in front of her are easily solved. It was nice to see some serious stakes and a legit failure she'll have to deal with. Well done by the writers.

I think Steve is right about the wedding episode. NBC really screwed this show by threatening that mid-season cancellation. They wrapped up so many story lines, and it was good enough to be the series finale. Like Steve, I hope the show can still remain fresh if there's a Season 6. Just another brilliant show the…

Laatiikka!

Have to add "Soulmates." The vegan bacon directly into trash bit, followed by the "Just the crows and the beef" line at Food 'N Stuff make that episode a classic in itself

This is the definitely the episode Jake Johnson needs to submit for Emmy consideration. Although the Modern Family cock block is all but inevitable.

This is the definitely the episode Jake Johnson needs to submit for Emmy consideration. Although the Modern Family cock block is all but inevitable.

Ron Swanson - the only man to utter "Trick or Treat." as a declarative statement and not an exclamation.

Ron Swanson - the only man to utter "Trick or Treat." as a declarative statement and not an exclamation.

Isn't that Bill Paxton?!

Isn't that Bill Paxton?!

Annyong

Ben's half-hearted "surprise" while simultaneously waking up and squinting into the distance was pretty solid work for Adam Scott.

I thought Ron's foray into "The Bulge" was brilliant - he was so caught up in the riddle that he didn't realize where he was, and the obliviousness of the whole thing was sensational.

Modern Family may not even be the second best sitcom in its own comedy block right now…1) The Middle 2) Happy Endings 3) Modern Family 4) Suburgatory - the MF characters are rapidly becoming more and more one-dimensional, while the Middle characters continue to develop strongly as this season goes on…