Raleigh Samson

He is a fascinating character. And a sad one. His life went downhill because he tried to do one harmless and kind thing for another person (not to mention this person getting lobotomized because of one fucking love letter). His lyrium addiction wasn't even his direct fault: Templar orders literally subject their soldiers to this risk, potentially keeping them either on a substance leash or ruining their lives.

It's a fucked up way to make an example out of any templar who dares to show too much sympathy: you ensure that they don't thrive after you discharge them.

So, of course Corypheus made use of that bitterness. Moreover, he gave Samson everything he thought he lost - and Samson had no real reason to believe that the world deserves to exist in its current state. He had seen the evil and ugly side of things - the plans of a crazed magister don't really phase him that much anymore. Yes, let's burn it all down - we can hardly do worse.

(I see you, Samson, I see you)

I didn't want to kill him or execute him. Too bad the only option to keep him alive and around was to let him serve the Inquisition under Cullen's supervision. Not that I don't like Cullen, but I don't like all that "Samson is Cullen's dark counterpart and Cullen's way to combat inner demons" - no. Samson would be Cullen's potential future if Cullen served in a more draconic order. Samson is a discarded templar who survived. Samson isn't some kind of a dark villain - he is a victim turned against those who used to hold his leash. Samson should be a sobering wake up call for Cullen, not his reason to pat himself on the head and feel morally superior.

So, in my headcanon I imagine that Raleigh spends the rest of his days subtly and joyfully pissing Cullen off but also spilling some tea on the truth behind templar orders he refused to face. And that Cullen not only acknowledges it, but promises to work on it on his part.

Connor

It was nice to see him all grown-up - and sad to see him so afraid and full of self-loathing, blaming himself for the possession and death even though he was just a child back then and adults were the ones who screwed him over (in fact, Izolde was the least guilty because she loved Connor and did everything she could). I won't put if behind the Circle to probably fuel his guilt further.

It's particularly sad because Connor is strong. When push came to shove, he chose to deny the demon and leave it without a vessel - he was desperate not to be under its control again. I really hope that in the world Sybil helped to change, Connor is a bit happier - and can see his parents again (I am probably the one of the very few people who doesn't hate Izolde - she was willing to die to blood magic to save her son, how could I hate her?!).

Dagna

She is a nerd. She loves magic. She gives zero fucks what others think when she follows her passion. She succeeds even though nobody ever expected her to.

It was so satisfying to see Dagna again after the Origins, and to see that she is happy with what she is doing.

It’s unpopular opinion monday! :D