I'll start by saying I watched this series after it was all released, so the length of the episodes seems irrelevant.
The protagonists are so well played, I couldn't look away whenever they were on screen. I will admit some of the side stories started to lose me but they ultimately paid off by laying groundwork for greater emotional moments later on.
As far as the ending, I can't see a more realistic conclusion given what you learn about the characters' personalities. It might not be the ending you want, but it's an ending that makes sense and is poignant in a way obviously many people will find dissatisfying.
The protagonists are so well played, I couldn't look away whenever they were on screen. I will admit some of the side stories started to lose me but they ultimately paid off by laying groundwork for greater emotional moments later on.
As far as the ending, I can't see a more realistic conclusion given what you learn about the characters' personalities. It might not be the ending you want, but it's an ending that makes sense and is poignant in a way obviously many people will find dissatisfying.