Ok I admit it, I want the old Coop back. I'm tired of the Dougie schtick and almost felt like KM was too in ep. 11.
But I agree with the consensus. I don't think Coop will be himself until the very end, if at all.
My gut tells me the last ep will be the crowded showdown of many primary characters at the "coordinates" and that there's a VERY good chance the season will end on just as big a cliffhanger as season 2, even if no further seasons are ever made.
One big cliffhanger could be the invasion the Giant's lodge by the dark forces of the Black Lodge. Thus his statement to Coop at the beginning of the series: "It is in our house now."
Which also reveals that Coop, like Laura, is a creation of, and/or agent of, the Good Lodge.
I believe you are right about it ending on a cliffhanger. There is a golden rule any artist, director, writer, musician, actor follows..... always leave them wanting more!
Fire walk with