I thought they could have squeezed 1 more episode out of the first season.
It really could've gotten to 10 episodes easily.
I do feel like the one thing they didn't nail (aside from the fat acceptance bullshit) is that the episodes were very uneven in terms of plot balance. The finale, like you said, could've been a double easily, but there were others that were rather thin. Oddly balanced.
It seemed like an avalanche of story was coming and then it kind of just ended. It was a bit odd. I look forward to the next season. Wonder if they can keep that lightning in a bottle.
Yes, all of this.
Should have been 10 episodes, as they absolutely stopped all of the homage stuff at around episode 6 and rushed to the end. After the first two, each chapter had a new writer. The last episode also featured a change in writers with "Story by" which was fairly clear that it had an impact on the quality and continuity.
I also feel as though they should not have done the "One Month Later" bullshit - seems as though it was added later after initial screenings were successful and they were certain to be renewed. In true Stephen King/Twilight Zone fashion, I wish they had made it like a novella and made season 2 a completely new story.
But still, loved it, like anyone in the 35-45 age range should. Impossible not to watch Poltergeist, Stand By Me, ET, etc afterwards.
Lastly, I think the end of Episode 3 is in my Pantheon of Great TV Moments.
