And things go downhill from here....

Season one ends similar to Wizard's First Rule with the demise of Darken Rahl and I'm ecstatic! There are more interesting storylines after Rahl's death from the books like Richard's lineage which Zedd has been hedging throughout the season. I'm glad that the episode focuses more on the bond between Richard and Kahlan and not a swordfight between Rahl and Richard. They already had a sword fight ("Conversion") and Richard lost so it was not an option. I'm not surprised that Richard and Kahlan can't physically be together yet because this is TV. Orden is not a solution because it only negates the effects of Kahlan's touch in that one instance when Richard puts the boxes of Orden together. Zedd also says Orden is no more by the end of the episode. The Rada'Han seems very rare and expensive and in the history of Confessors, I'm sure they would have searched for the solution to their unfortunate fate when it comes to love. Overall, I enjoyed the finale and hopefully Michael Hurst directs more episodes in season two.

Likes:

• Kahlan
  I like all of her scenes because her timeline was the highlight of the finale. She also had great costumes as the queen. I would watch the show if it was only about Kahlan. The love story is great but she's a compelling character on her own. It's also a plus that Bridget Regan portrays her so well in any situation.
  With all the ANGST of the episode there's at least a very cute moment:
  
  Little Nicholas and Queen Kahlan
• Darken Rahl's death
  I'm so glad the show chose to do this in the finale but I was pleasantly surprised that it happened twice! The first made me laugh though it was a violent death even for this show.
  Nicholas: "No, father, it's just me."
  Then General Egremont does his thing and Kahlan's warning came true.
  Goodbye, manipulative bastard. His vomit inducing "my love" to Kahlan was tolerable because of this scene. I actually prefer this moment than his final death.
• Cara
  She acted like a Mord-Sith and she has a distinct personality. Her sarcasm is present and she already baits Richard easily. The actress has great chemistry with Craig Horner which is a plus if she returns next season.
• Richard
  He's more violent in his fights maybe due to his desperation to find Kahlan. I was a little teary-eyed when he finds out what happened to her. It was surprising because his reaction is more subdued compared to when his father died. Thankfully, he didn't yell to the sky with a "NO!!!!" because I would have rolled my eyes. I also love the way he places his cheek against Kahlan's tomb when he reaches the People's Palace.
  
  Richard: "You loved me across time."
  I cringed a little but since it's Richard and Kahlan I'll let it go.
• Nicholas
  In "Sacrifice", it's explained why male Confessors can't be allowed to live. In the finale, a male Confessor lives with devastating consequences. He is already bloodthirsty before he is a teen despite the loving guidance of his mother. It seems like he's more attached to his mother because he kills his father right after her death. Her betrayal probably has something to do with it.
  I can see this as another reason why Richard and Kahlan won't consummate their relationship even if somehow he can't be affected by her power.
• Effects
  They were all great! I specially liked the birds transforming into Rahl and the Mord-Sith. It was interesting that there was a difference when Kahlan confesses Richard and when Nicholas confesses him. With Kahlan, there's a ring of light that surrounds them while with Nicholas, only a light emanates from the boxes. I wonder if it has any significance.
• The ending shot
  It's similar to the ending of the 2-part premiere minus the horses. It's a new day, time for the next adventure.
  

Dislikes:

• Episode length
  I wouldn't mind if the finale was in two parts.

Reruns start this weekend and the episodes will be shown in order. Catch them on WGN or find it on your local CW/FOX/MYNetworkTV affiliate. Season 2 will probably start on October 31 or November.

[21 Fever] [20 Sanctuary] [19 Cursed] [18 Mirror] [17 Deception] [16 Bloodline]