the worst part is that it felt so purposeful? like, exactly, smackle and zay and farkle were all upset but it was obvious they would work it out. they’d reached closure with it, whatever happened. they were grateful for riley and would always love her but were able to remove themselves from it to whatever degree. farkle and smackle had each other. zay knew he’d still have lucas.
maya had amazing moments with riley, and with the family angle and her being present for the decision making (as you’d expect), it felt like she was settled. no matter what happened, she had options and she had potential and although she would never choose to have riley leave, she could handle it. she could power through.
lucas got none of this – not due to a lack of screen time like usual, but simply because his story wasn’t pointing that way. if you rewatch, he legitimately does not smile a true, content smile the entire episode until after its revealed riley is staying. he gives her the softest smile in the classroom scene when farkle goes to erase the board. but before that, he looks stoic and closed-off the entire episode. he’s not ready. he’s not ready, he’s not prepared, he says so himself. and the episode leaves you with that feeling.
i don’t think i will ever be able to get the image of him watching her leave at topanga’s out of my head. it legitimately says it all. he’s watching such an important part of his life and who he is walk away from him, maybe forever. and he’s not ready.
he would power through, i know, because he’s strong and good and would make it work eventually. i say this because i know lucas friar. but by the impression the episode leaves you with? sure doesn’t feel like it.