[SPOILERS] All endings are ...

[Orionis]

In summary ... Bull**** over bull****

Seriously.
You'd have to think zombies programmed this ... because common sense left the chat on that one a long time ago.

What we got (for those who don't know yet, but want to), was 4 and a half endings. Actually, more like 4.1 but I'll get to that.
In all cases you end up before a massive border blockade and are given the option to surrender or push through (literally) with violence and varying degrees of casualties. Depending on Sean's choice and Daniel's morality, this is what you're presented with.

Ending 1: Sean and Daniel make it to Mexico after violently blowing up the blockade. Six years later in Puerto Lobos, they have opened up a car repair shop (which looks very run down) and are relying on Daniel's powers to ward off gangs. The brothers have a house by the beach and are last seen drinking beer and staring off into the sunset.

Ending 2: Sean wants to surrender, but Daniel refuses and uses his powers to drive the car while blowing up the blockade. They have barely made it over the border when Daniel realizes Sean was shot (in the neck?) and quickly dies. Through pictures and newspaper articles we learn that Daniel has escaped to Mexico alone where he teams up with bad guys (specifics unclear), robbing banks and other sh**. He is last seen on the beach (now a blonde) mourning over a makeshift memorial for Sean, when a gang approaches him and he silently (without even lifting a finger) dispatches them. They remain alive but thoroughly terrified.

As with ending 1 (both low morale versions of Daniel), he is not to be trifled with.
As for the high morale version endings for Daniel:

Ending 3: Sean tells Daniel to push through, Daniel obliges and opens the way but jumps out of the car before crossing the border. Having revealed his powers, he is apprehended and later put into the care of his grandparents. Through pictures we see that he had a somewhat happy childhood. Six years later, he is seen in his grandparents' living room wearing an ankle bracelet and receiving a letter from Sean, who apparently has teamed up with Cassie/Finn again and is living his life on the beach in Puerto Lobos. Since Daniel can't leave the house (assuming he can't through the bracelet), Sean also sends some sand in the envelope, which Daniel smiles at.

Ending 4 (and 4.1): Sean and Daniel surrender. Sean is thrown in jail for 15 years while Daniel has a happy childhood, graduating, working as a barista and even moving out of his grandparents' house. At the end of his sentence, we see Karen and Daniel waiting for Sean's release. Optionally, (4.1) this scene also contains Lyla. We last see Sean and Daniel revisit the forest from episode 1 and camping for the night on their spot by the river. While Daniel excitedly babbles on, Sean is seen breaking down in tears. In the morning, they return to the road, hug, then walk to their respective cars and part ways (possibly forever, it's unclear).

And this ... this is what we get. Fitting, isn't it?

Because ALL of this could have been prevented if Sean (or the writers) had one ounce of logic. Because, you see, after failing to cross the border the first time, getting captured and breaking out, they don't try to redo what they planned, namely pick an unguarded spot on the miles and miles of border wall and break through, again, (this time a little quicker hopefully; and AT NIGHT), no, instead, Sean drives to the official border exit (you know, the one with the guard house and all) and then is SURPRISED that a blockade is waiting for them.
Not to mention that he would have most likely KNOWN of the blockade if he had BOTHERED continuing to listen to the police radio, which he was given specifically to do so. [insert internal screaming]

The level of idiocy in this scene is immeasurable.
But of course, the writers couldn't think of anything else to amp up the drama. (smh)

And never, not even ONCE in the entire season does Sean have an honest, clarifying talk with Daniel about the events in episode 1 (and all the other major drama points, like the cougar incident, the heist and the cult). About what Daniel remembers that happened or what he thinks that happened AND HOW HE FEELS ABOUT IT most importantly.

Seriously ... THE MOST interesting aspects of this entire story are completely glossed over and neglected. You know, like real character development and personal growth. Never is there a serious talk about what exactly they should do or if Sean's decision he made (while scared and traumatized only days after the loss of his entire world) about escaping to a foreign country with his kid brother ... is actually a good one. Like, WHAT?
No one questions this decision and everybody is like (shrug) "yeah, sounds like a solid plan. don't see any other options."
Bless dear old DAVID (of all people) for being the first one to point out that surrendering is even an option to consider at all !!!

I mean, out of four endings, in three of them Daniel's powers are outed (though you might argue that in not all of them we see people still alive to act as witnesses), so the main unspoken reason for running away (= keeping Daniel's power secret so he won't end up as a lab rat) is unfounded, because we see an ending where he lives "happily" with an ankle bracelet and it is never explained for how long anyway. We just don't know the specifics.

But outing supers is a big deal, which is left completely unexplored.
Like how is this ending affecting the world? Is it kept a secret and that is why Daniel can't leave the house? Is it made public and how does this influence any potential future LiS games?
I mean. So many interesting questions and plot points and yet (it feels like) most of the episodes are spent looking forlornly into the distance. [insert angry sigh]
So much wasted potential.

So, here are the endings (+variations) I think we SHOULD have gotten.

Ending 1: After an open and honest discussion, which is influenced by previous choices, Sean and Daniel decide to stay in the US and face the law. Daniel is ok with revealing his powers and standing up for his mistakes. They surrender and are judged for their respective actions.
If Sean did something illegal (like kicking Hank, agreeing to the heist/shooting Merrill, causing Lisbeth's death, causing the officers' death in the station) then he is thrown in jail for an appropriate amount of time and if he remained innocent, he is put under house arrest with Daniel at their grandparents'. The whole superpower affair is kept a secret and Daniel is kept under constant surveillance.
We see the whole reckoning play out and are given the option to defend our choices, like stealing food for survival. We also see previous characters speak out at the trial for or against the brothers, like Brett, Hank, Brody, Cassie, etc.
If Sean remained good, he's reunited with Lyla and is seen going to college for an art degree.
Daniel, depending on his morale and potential crimes, is either under lifelong house arrest or is allowed relative freedom while having a tracking device implanted so the government can keep an eye on him.
This is the best ending of all.

Ending 2: Sean and Daniel decide to not trust the system/to evade the law and depending on your in-game smart decisions they make it to Mexico, where they slowly build a life. It is hard and lonely at times, but it's freedom.
If Sean and Daniel's morale is low they end up more like gangsters. If both their morale is high, they eventually build a happy life and we see them honor their dad on dia de los muertos.

Ending 3: While trying to escape, they are captured due to your bad decisions and decide to stay quiet, Sean taking full blame and ending up in prison no matter if he deserved it or not.
There is a possibility of either of them dying under certain circumstances, which are avoidable.

These would have been appropriate endings.

But what do you think? Is there an ending I haven't thought of that makes perfect sense or one which you would have liked to see?

[Orionis]

Also, btw, there is another absolutely ridiculous moment early on in the episode. Did you notice?

Shortly after Sean and Daniel leave their camping spot on the cliff (note: I'd be terrified of accidentally rolling off while sleeping), they are barred by a stone blockade (blockade foreshadowing ... HA!).

A. HOW THE HELL did they get to their spot on the cliff in the first place? This path seems to be the only way there, as it's also the one Karen takes later on and she says she's been there before. HOW? Seriously, HOW?

and B. I know the Grand Canyon is deep, but you're not seriously gonna tell me that in this universe it is a bottomless pit? Because it must be or we should have heard a massive crash when all those boulders hit the floor.
But I guess making a nice boom when Daniel blows them up is sufficient for these particular game designers.

Ha! And I don’t even need an umbrella here, the canyon walls are high enough to throw shade on them :3

[Blackadar]

These are by far better endings than those presented in game.

As I've said all along though, the whole "cop killer" scenario would get beaten in a court of law by even a first year law student. Considering that fails, all the other subsequent actions make no sense whatsoever.

As for jail time, this is a 16 year old kid. Once the murder can't be pinned on him - and it can't - then there's actually not much left. Kicking a shopkeeper who kidnaps you, locks you up with handcuffs and kicks you in the face? That's not going to stick. Being at Merrills? No proof that you possessed, distributed or had anything to do with the drugs and there was no robbery. There's nothing to stick there either. Are they going to claim he can bend steel and break handcuffs from Ep 5? Any competent attorney has him doing time in juvie, probation or probably getting off entirely - if a DA would even dare bring charges.

[Cinemax]

I got ending 4.1 on your spectrum. The first words that came to mind were "awful" and "hacks".

But let's ignore what I hated about the episode (pretty much everything), and discuss what I loved.

Modern day photo of Chloe and Max as a kawaii emo lesbian couple. (This is only available if you're playing the game with bey over bay choice, natch). There's also a letter from Vicki Chase (whom was rescued by David instead of Max in this canon cause timey wimey)... and a phone call between David and Chloe that we only hear the wrong side of. I think Chloe also tagged David's RV, and the painting from her yard is behind it.

So, yes, obvious fanservice is obvious. I'm glad they tossed that in there cause I would have literally nothing positive to say about this game otherwise, but it makes me wonder how all that plays out in the other canon.

[Psychopath Banana]

Oh, but then there wouldn't had been unfair and dramatic. Someone was going to pay at the end. They are all bittersweet endings. But I agree that when arriving at Mexico there was no need for Daniel and Sean too keep breaking the law. The whole idea was to restart a life there. Not to keep doing the same.

[Orionis]

Originally posted by Cinemax:

I got ending 4.1 on your spectrum. The first words that came to mind were "awful" and "hacks".

But let's ignore what I hated about the episode (pretty much everything), and discuss what I loved.

Modern day photo of Chloe and Max :LIS_butterfly: as a kawaii emo lesbian couple. (This is only available if you're playing the game with bey over bay choice, natch). There's also a letter from Vicki Chase (whom was rescued by David instead of Max in this canon cause timey wimey)... and a phone call between David and Chloe that we only hear the wrong side of. I think Chloe also tagged David's RV, and the painting from her yard is behind it. :LIS_butterfly:

So, yes, obvious fanservice is obvious. I'm glad they tossed that in there cause I would have literally nothing positive to say about this game otherwise, but it makes me wonder how all that plays out in the other canon.:hawtdawgman:

I agree. David was the only highlight of the entire episode and I NEVER thought I would say that about a character I initially hated that much.

It also took me a hot second to realize who he was. (lol)
At first when Sean hugs him and says something like "Hi, David" I thought, "Strange, that they would name another side character that when there is already a very prominent character named David".
And his voice sounded familiar, but he looked so different. Only when he said "she called me step-douche" it made click inside my brain, I audibly gasped and then had a big, fat smile on my face.

He is so incredibly kind and understanding. It makes you sad and happy at the same time.

Though fitting, isn’t it? That the most character development in this entire game comes from a side-character, who appears only once? Ha!

[Orionis]

PS: Do any of you know, if he also appears if you chose bay over bae?
I mean, I can hardly believe that he would leave Joyce, especially after Chloe's death. Right?
Unless they made it canon that Joyce died too after Chloe ...

But what happens if he doesn't show up in Away? I mean he seems like such an integral part of that plot segment ...
And if's he's there anyway, oh no, what bs explanation did they come up with for him to leave Joyce?

[Scorpion242]

Joyce divorced him for the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ he was to Chloe.

on topic: good dissection of this disappointment.
I mentioned the rock in my comments, this is just what you get when the writer does not know how to set up the situation he wants to show. But since this is consistent with the game since the shooting in ep1 we should not have expected something better.

[TreeTrunk]

They drove there right after they broke out, they weren't really aware how much time had passed as when Sean is in the interrogation room and you look at the clock he says 'it's morning already?!'

They didn't realise the cops would create such a barrier in such a short time. They're not experienced criminals. Maybe they should have picked another spot on the wall but last time they had to use the power to open it they got caught. They just wanted to resume their journey as fast as possible.

With the rocks at the beginning, I didn't look but I just assumed they came up from the otherside.

But I was extremely pleased to see picture of Chloe and find out who David is too.

[nutcrackr]

Originally posted by Orionis:

And if's he's there anyway, oh no, what bs explanation did they come up with for him to leave Joyce?

He shows up regardless. If you choose bay, then he explains how he and joyce were too devastated to make it work after Chloe was killed. I thought it made sense. He seems to regret his actions. We hear Joyce call him near the end, so at least they're on good terms. Also he has a picture of the family, so at least he cares?

I don't buy that David would turn into an Arizona desert hippy though, but that's a whole other issue.

[Captain Dope]

Originally posted by Scorpion242:

Joyce divorced him for the ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ he was to Chloe.

More like because the death of her only child was too much for her, especially after losing her previous husband. It's not uncommon that married couple divorce when their only kid dies. We know from their phone call in episode 5 that Joyce and David are still keeping in touch and are still friends.

[Orionis]

Originally posted by TreeTrunk:

They drove there right after they broke out, they weren't really aware how much time had passed as when Sean is in the interrogation room and you look at the clock he says 'it's morning already?!'

They didn't realise the cops would create such a barrier in such a short time. They're not experienced criminals. Maybe they should have picked another spot on the wall but last time they had to use the power to open it they got caught. They just wanted to resume their journey as fast as possible.

If Sean would have BOTHERED to continue listening to the police radio, he most likely would have known about the blockade. But no, he turned it off, the dumb***.
And no matter if Sean thought the police wouldn't/couldn't create a blockade in such a short amount of time, in whatever way you look at it, it is a completely illogical and stupid decision to choose the official gate. They would have to know that there are at least SOME officers guarding it, so blasting through there comes with much higher risk of capture and death, not to mention exposing Daniel's powers.
Those exact reasons are why they chose a random spot between two guard stations in the first place.

And if Sean wanted the fastest way through, then literally turning left as soon as the wall came into view would have been the choice to make. But no, Sean continues all the way to the gate. And not even once they see the blockade does he veer off to get away. No, like a lamb to the slaughter he continues on towards them, allowing cars to pinch them in from behind.
The amount of stupidity boggles the mind.

The smartest choice would have been to lay low until dark, then pick a random spot, drive real close, blast through and drive away FAST.
But brains isn't their strong suit, so here we are ...

[Orionis]

Originally posted by nutcrackr:

Originally posted by Orionis:

And if's he's there anyway, oh no, what bs explanation did they come up with for him to leave Joyce?

He shows up regardless. If you choose bay, then he explains how he and joyce were too devastated to make it work after Chloe was killed. I thought it made sense. He seems to regret his actions. We hear Joyce call him near the end, so at least they're on good terms. Also he has a picture of the family, so at least he cares?

I don't buy that David would turn into an Arizona desert hippy though, but that's a whole other issue.

Interesting. Thank you.

Yeah, the hippy thing is a far shot from what we know of David, but after that much heartache and despair I can indeed see him wanting to go "away" from it all.

[Wody]

Originally posted by Orionis:

A. HOW THE HELL did they get to their spot on the cliff in the first place?

This is explained in the game. When you reach the spot of the blockade, or look at it (I forgot which) one of them says 'This wasn't here yesterday'. So, it happened overnight after they arrived, and didn't happen at other times when people reached that spot.

[Kuraokami]

Originally posted by Orionis:

Originally posted by TreeTrunk:

They drove there right after they broke out, they weren't really aware how much time had passed as when Sean is in the interrogation room and you look at the clock he says 'it's morning already?!'

They didn't realise the cops would create such a barrier in such a short time. They're not experienced criminals. Maybe they should have picked another spot on the wall but last time they had to use the power to open it they got caught. They just wanted to resume their journey as fast as possible.

If Sean would have BOTHERED to continue listening to the police radio, he most likely would have known about the blockade. But no, he turned it off, the dumb***.
And no matter if Sean thought the police wouldn't/couldn't create a blockade in such a short amount of time, in whatever way you look at it, it is a completely illogical and stupid decision to choose the official gate. They would have to know that there are at least SOME officers guarding it, so blasting through there comes with much higher risk of capture and death, not to mention exposing Daniel's powers.
Those exact reasons are why they chose a random spot between two guard stations in the first place.

And if Sean wanted the fastest way through, then literally turning left as soon as the wall came into view would have been the choice to make. But no, Sean continues all the way to the gate. And not even once they see the blockade does he veer off to get away. No, like a lamb to the slaughter he continues on towards them, allowing cars to pinch them in from behind.
The amount of stupidity boggles the mind.

The smartest choice would have been to lay low until dark, then pick a random spot, drive real close, blast through and drive away FAST.
But brains isn't their strong suit, so here we are ...

Let's be fair, they just made a very loud escape from a police building. Alarms were going off and everything. There was no way this was ending well. Cops would be out looking for them making searching for another section of the wall to break through a non-option as they'd be found too fast. Laying low has the same problem, as they can't run fast or far enough in that beat up old truck. The "best" option is to drive for the border and hope for the best, seeing as Daniel's powers could let them strong arm their way through if needed. Potential consequences or life decisions afterward mean far less in the face of a rapidly closing window of escape opportunity.

[TargetLost]

It's basicly.. only bad morality character make it to mexico.

Your suggested endings make a lot more sense. I think that's the ending everyone has expected to be more or less.

You raise a good point.

The reason I could agree with the brothers fleeing instead surrendering in seatle is to protect Daniel with his power from the Gouvernment.

This however seems not to be a valid reason for DontNod. It more looks like the reason for them is that sean does not get imprisionated for killing a cop. Which is not going to happen this way in the real world justice. They have to answer how Sean has killed the Cop and that's not possible to do because he has not. Thought yes I know the american justice is different and they are not that facts, prove and logic based for blaming and jailing people.

I think with the FBI agent in the hospital they had the best chance to explain the things and see what will happen. It hadn't blocked the runaway option if this went the wrong way.