[rwaddy2]

Hey Li-Ion, thanks for commenting!

While I do see how that he could be seen as a non Deus Ex Machina because of how long the Citadel has been present in the galaxy, I still believe that the ghostly figure just felt like a rushed denouement that didn't serve much of a purpose, other than to drive home the legitimately good argument that Shepard is indoctrinated/hallucinating.

Let's hope that you hit the nail on the head with your theory. I'd rather be boned by DLC entitled "The Truth" than stick with this asinine conclusion. Thanks for bringing the video to my attention!