Hm, I need to not read comments before watching the episode because I was expecting a train wreck and I ended up enjoying it. I was really surprised how quickly it ended, and not in a rushed sense; there was just a lot going on and I wanted to see more. So I guess I disagree that the "magic" of Geass is gone. I still look forward to seeing how things are going to play out. For all the flaws R2 has had, I don't think it's nearly as bad as people are making it out to be. The ending will definitely have a large impact on my overall view of the series, but 23 episodes in, I've enjoyed the vast majority of it. Two episodes to go and a lot of ground left to cover, but I'm optimistic (I seem to be in the minority there, but that's nothing new ).
On the topic of who to root for, I'm definitely rooting for Lelouch here. The way he was shaking when talking to Nunnally and his conversation with C.C. really sold me. There have been times I've been anti-Lelouch for various reasons, but now isn't one.
And speaking of the conversation between C.C. and Lelouch... I'm hardly a shipper of that pairing, but I liked that scene a lot. It worked really well in context to me.
Cornelia being taken out definitely came out of nowhere to the point that I'm not sure I buy that she's dead... but with only two episodes to go, her still being alive seems odd. Buut~ she's such a great character that she deserves better >.>
I loved how the battle between Lelouch and Schneizel played out. Watching them attempt to outmaneuver each other in a life-sized chess match was really fun.
I guess I'd say I'm apathetic toward Viletta's pregnancy as I really don't mind it. It's pretty soap-opera-y, but at the same time, it's a new life that will be born into the world of whoever is victorious in the end, so it can work in that respect.
As for Nunnally... I was annoyed with her for awhile, but knowing that Schneizel lied to her about the people of Pendragon being evacuated just makes me pity her. She's in a bad situation no matter where she stanRAB. I just hope by the end she comes back to Lelouch and Suzaku, since those are the two people that care about her the most and vice versa.
And if Nina could do something useful before the end, I might find myself not hating her quite as much. That doesn't say much, but it's still something, right?
I'm still looking forward to seeing where this goes. I'm still emotionally invested in the outcome and all that, so yeah. I'll just sit here and wave my pro-Geass flag.