The concept of a 'never goodbye' ending is fascinating because it plays with our emotional expectations. I recently watched 'Your Lie in April', and while it didn't have a traditional farewell, the lingering presence of certain characters through memories and music created this bittersweet, almost haunting satisfaction. It’s not about closure in the usual sense—it’s about the story lingering in your mind like a melody you can’t shake. Some might argue it feels unfinished, but for me, those endings often mirror real life, where goodbyes are rarely clean-cut. The ambiguity leaves room for personal interpretation, and that’s where the magic happens.
On the flip side, I’ve seen this approach backfire in stories where the lack of resolution feels lazy. Take 'Lost'—its refusal to fully say goodbye to certain mysteries left many fans frustrated. But when done right, like in 'Steins;Gate', where the ending loops back on itself thematically, it feels deliberate and profound. It’s a gamble, but when it pays off, it’s unforgettable. I think the key is whether the story earns that lingering feeling or if it’s just avoiding the hard work of wrapping things up.