Considering that they didn't know that things would have to wrap up as quickly as they did, I do think Joss had started dropping EXTREMELY subtle hints. But figuring that he had several seasons left to tell the story, he wasn't going to go there yet. And because they had begun some big diverging, I know I wasn't expecting the wrapping to be very crisp and perfect with a bow...lots of extra tape holding the paper on the package. *g*

Last week was an entirely poorly placed ep. Some of your questions may be answered, some probably won't. Next week may surprise us all. *HUGS*