I know what you mean, having been so used to the all one story then the next thingy of the last two books, getting bits of one story interleaved with the other gets a bit wierd.
I thought it captured the sheer desperation and hopelessness of it all very well, but I suppose it would feel a bit strange considering all hollywood sponsored movies seem to require a happy ending of sorts. So this one had to end on a hopeful note, albeit with the hint of betrayal from good old gollum. Personally I would have prefered to be left in the pit of despair, ready to be saved by the last movie.
Give me a "Crouching Tiger" ending over the standard crud anytime.
I would guess that 'Return' is going to start gloomy and get happier in the last half.
Although I can't wait to see how far he takes the end, will it end with the defeat of Sauron, or after Aragorn is crowned or best of all, with Bilbo, Frodo and Galdalf all sailing off with the last of the elves.
After mentioning the "Pit of Despair" reminded me of that other classic, the Princess Bride, oh well