Given that the entire show was built on an unrealistic premise, I'm confused how some people are just now realizing, on the last episode of the series, that this could never happen in real life. In the real world, the Spanish government would have infiltrated the building immediately, even if it meant some hostages were killed. They never would have accepted brass to replace the gold stolen from the national reserve. The list goes on.
Subverting your expectations of reality is part of the show's charm. The ending would never work in the real world, but it feels appropriate in the universe of the show. After a mediocre fourth season, the second half of season 5 was a refreshing return to the show's roots, and brought the story to what is (in my opinion) an emotionally satisfying conclusion.
The development of characters and their relationships is ultimately what makes this a great show. The plot might be unrealistic, but what's important is that the characters aren't. Seeing them grow, learn, struggle, and resolve is what makes the show worth watching, and the last episode has some of the best character development of the whole series.
So if you're looking for strict realism, this show isn't for you. Your time would be better spent watching one of the many great shows that adhere to realism religiously. But if you can put realism aside and accept the sometimes irrational world this show takes place in, I think you'll be happy with the ending.
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