Since Sports Are Now On - What Are You Watching?

Yeah man, I'm with you.  The ending went in a different direction than I expected and I found it to be very sweet and satisfying.  Really, a lot of the characters accomplished that for me. 

Alma - you expect her to basically just use Beth completely to improve upon her life and while you could argue she does that to a degree, she does love her and respects her passions.  In the end, her absence was really felt, both for the character and the audience. 

Benny - you expect him to be some sort of shitbag hustler, and he kinda is in some ways, but he completely respects Beth and ends up making her a better player, basically at his own expense.  I read somewhere (and I can't find it now for whatever reason), about how every character in the show represents a piece on the board.  Benny is the bishop.  He teaches her, bestows wisdom upon her but is chaste in a weird way and really holds out from giving her carnal affection despite her wanting it.  

Harry - after their brief interlude ends, he still supports her and ends up helping her in the end. 

Just a beautifully told, wonderfully shot and crisply acted story.  I'm glad you enjoyed it!