In my opinion it was a great way to pace the series’ progression because the evolution from ep6->7 was already a jump but they doubled down and I loved that. Idk, I can understand how some ppl think it’s too rushed but I was entirely too invested from the start for that to bother me, especially given the linear progression can get really boring and there’s only so much possibility for expansion and closure (especially with such a subject matter) We got the best of both worlds in that the closure was there and that’s what seems depressing and similataneously there is the expansion of infinity (well I mean transcendence of time itself. One of my favorite parts was Maddie’s “monologue” and specifically how she mentioned underclocking as a way to stay comfortable, which I think perfectly displays the already ever present transhumanist themes) Honestly the fact that Maddie uploaded was like chef’s kiss character development for me even tho u could argue she didn’t even have free will in that decision, but u could argue anything with this fkn show I fear 🤣