The old age make-up for everyone was early Star Trek like bad, so I knew what was going on, but it worked for me because the flash forwards were so surreal with the lighting etc anyway.

Ted: yes indeed. The first of Claire's beaus not to be.*g* Also, he falls into that rare category we talked about half a year or so ago - a conservative character written by a liberal writer as someone sympathetic (and who doesn't get converted).

Yes, I agree, if Nate had lived, and gotten together with Maggie, he'd have pined for Brenda again, just as he did when with Lisa. That's Nate for you.

Brenda and Billy: yes, absolutely. That was so them. And there is both amusement and comfort and wistfulness at the thought.