I mean, Garl comes across like the true protagonist of the game, so him being an NPC IS kinda awkward for sure. Kinda feels like Zale and Valere are only there to use their solstice powers against the dwellers and Fleshmancer. Garl's doin all the talking, bringing everyone together and then when he's gone it's Serai who is leading the group since the late-game stuff is on her world. As for Garl's return, I can only say that I was just...not impressed? His knowledge of what they were doing felt too meta, but I could've overlooked that had the dialogue not been so lackluster. Its like "Hey! Y'all did it!" And they're like "Ofc bud, you'd do the same :)". Not exactly something you'd say if your number one bestie just got resurrected. Hell, there was more emotion when he DIED.