Reviewers from IGN praised the episode for its "sick reveals" and for being a very active finale. While some were less enthusiastic about the subplot involving Sam being investigated after his confession, the episode was overall considered a solid conclusion to the first season. Aquarius: "Old Ego is a Too Much Thing" Review - IGN India

The episode is the Season 1 finale of the NBC drama Aquarius , which first aired in 2015.

: The finale leaves several threads open, most notably the disappearance of Charmain while she was undercover at a mortuary. Critical Verdict

: A major focus of the review is Sam crossing a moral line. While he kills a murderer, reviewers noted this felt like a natural step for a character already willing to bend the truth for his cases.

: A particularly disturbing plot point involves Katie (Sadie) stealing a newborn infant to replace Mary’s stillborn child to regain Charlie’s favor—a move critics called a "messed up" and "twisty" insert into actual history.