Roswell�s Royal Four say their goodbyes, bringing emotional truths to the surface.

Written by Jason Katims
Directed by Patrick Norris

This season finale really was cracking stuff. It's gripping pace built up a real expectation that this is the last Earth will see of the aliens, for a while at least.

With only 24 hours left before they must return home to save Tess� baby, this episode looked as if it would be just an extended exercise in leavetaking.

The tying up of everyone�s loose ends makes for a lot of bared souls on display, and some genuinely touching moments. Poor Liz and Maria get what they want only to have it immediately ripped from them, and Isabel�s selfish shell is cracked open by the pain of having to leave, letting in all her anguish over Alex�s death.

Just when you thought all you were going to get was (admittedly very sensitive) emotional wallowing, suddenly the shocking truth behind the murder of Alex was revealed.

The suspense level was ramped up to new levels as Liz, Maria and Kyle rushed to unmask Tess� treachery, prompting a good old-fashioned showdown between her and Max.

Everyone�s secrets came out, the people we cared about were left on Earth and it didn�t seem at all contrived. A great finale to season two.

This week's love:

Michael: Maria. He'd give up his home for her.
Max: Liz. Tess. Liz. Tess. No, it's Liz.
Maria: Michael, Michael, Michael.
Tess: She's determined to keep her claws in Max.
Isabel: Alex. Now she realises.
Liz: Max, at last.