I also found the finale really strong, and a great ending to the show. I still maintain that beginning an edit before a show/season is done is not always the way to go because a general framing starts building up of how it will play out. If the season/show goes in a different direction, there is inevitable disappointment. I don’t think that’s fair to the show. (Shrugs) that’s just my opinion, though. I know it’s become more the norm to do it this way. Anyway, I do think you’re a brilliant editor.
I always edit back to front for this reason. The finale is where you get your payoff of plot and character storylines, and so I work backwards, making sure that I’m including anything that sets up those later payoffs.
Absolutely.