My thoughts on the series.

[Rod8456]

One's enjoyment of TWL will depend on how interesting/entertaining you find these characters and/or the actors playing them. Because there's not a ton of crazy twists and grand storyline payoffs. It can frustrate some viewers. S3 especially gets a lot of criticism for having weak, rushed or no payoffs at all. My biggest problem with S3 is the repetitive storytelling and ridiculous finale.

A good number of the payoffs on this show are realistic and somewhat cynical (which I love) but some are missing a beat to really drive it home. Like Rachel deciding to stay with Shane or Piper's decision to ditch the Buddhist lifestyle. Laurie's monologue is often praised, but feels unearned (though, some say that's the point). I wish the blonde trio had a more sardonic capper.

I think the overarching theme for most of these characters is that, despite all the high-mindedness, they give into their base/primal natures. Consciously or not and some more than others. I like that most of these people are not evil or used as punching bags for the creator. The writing is healthy cynicism, not the cold, smug kind.