oof i almost wish we never got to hear that alternate ep6 stuff from samba cause like. i really love s2, i really really do!! and because of the rancid vibes coming from parts of this fandom since the finale, i have mostly just focused on the things i absolutely adore (which is a lot, or even most of the season). and that’s been very lovely.

but i do also feel like the last few episodes (6-8 to be exact) are not as strong as the rest of the show. and it’s weird cause i can’t exactly pinpoint why, and i love so much from those episodes too (and weirdly 2x07 which was my least favourite when i first watched it i think is SO fun on rewatch, idk i feel like this is almost an unpopular opinion but i LOVE stede in that ep and i love their fight. also their little date. the crew running schemes). but to me s1-s2ep5 is almost perfect tv in every way, but the end of s2 isn’t.

and to know these tidbits about what could have been!! dancing!! the taking it slow thing actually having some development and plot to it. stede makeover and talking to someone on the crew about their relationship after the reunion (i agree with people saying it’s good people weren’t “meddling” but i also think it would have been mostly comedic and like a way for one/both of them to voice their thoughts)!! it sounds so good 😭

and obviously there are probably so many reasons why things were changed. budgets, fewers eps, studio things etc. but it might also just be what the writers room thought worked better for whatever reason. we have no idea, unless they actually come out and tell us, which i strongly doubt. also we just have samba’s retelling of what he remembers and knows about the earlier drafts, it really isn’t clear at all. maybe the script actually sucked we have no idea?!

but it is kinda ruining my “i love ofmd so much the stede and ed in my head are being in love and very funny in the inn” phase and pushing me into a “mourning what could have been” phase instead