Many consider this episode the finest of the twentieth and final season of the series. It is hard to argue against it being so.
The plot is plenty straightforward, but the acting is what takes this episode to the heights. Gary Busey turned in a special performance, and enjoyed strong support from John Beck and Lynn Benesch, the three of whom carried this episode with minimal acting by the normal ensemble cast.
It would take a truly cold-hearted person to watch this episode and not get a bit misty eyed. Ultimately, the value of one's life is measured by the quality and dedication of one's pursuits, regardless of how much time one lives.
The plot is plenty straightforward, but the acting is what takes this episode to the heights. Gary Busey turned in a special performance, and enjoyed strong support from John Beck and Lynn Benesch, the three of whom carried this episode with minimal acting by the normal ensemble cast.
It would take a truly cold-hearted person to watch this episode and not get a bit misty eyed. Ultimately, the value of one's life is measured by the quality and dedication of one's pursuits, regardless of how much time one lives.