Also, I just listened to the commentary and have a question for Hal (and everyone else): When watching Rey tap into the Force and overpower Kylo at the end, do you interpret this as her using the Dark Side, or just harnessing the ‘light’ which has ‘always been there’? I ask this because if Rey were so susceptible to the Dark Side here, that might constitute a very great character flaw and go a long way towards making her a more dynamic lead.
BTW, thanks for the many shout outs in the commentary Hal, you’re really too kind!
V1 was mediocre at best and at that time I just hoped that someone would take the idea and run with it, so you and Ridley deserve all the credit I can give.
To answer your question, I do think Rey tapped into the dark side to come at Kylo so forcefully. I think that’s why the ground opens up between them, so that she has little choice but to flee, rather than being merciful.