ME3 Ending FAQ (Rage-Free Zone!)

ME3 had an ending.

...and that's about all I can say about it with any degree of specificity. This is where you come in!

This thread is for: Asking and answering questions about the endings. Maybe the wisdom of the crowd can fill in the blanks. Please cite sources where possible.

This thread is not for: Complaining about the ending, ME3, Bioware, or canadians. Please use one of the 460,000 other threads.

Obviously, this entire thread is a spoiler. You've been warned.

Here are my questions:

  • Shepard sees SpaceGodKid in the opening cinematic, then chases him through a dream forest. Has the Catalyst been trying to contact him the entire time or something?
  • Where is Joker and Co. going when the Big Bang goes off?
  • I'm thinking TIM's indoctrination was intentional, basically a Saren 2.0. Anyone else get that vibe?
  • Are the old man and the child shown post-credits supposed to be anyone in particular?