To repeat: in a series already known for its writing, how amazing does the script for a single episode have to be to outshine the others? This answers the question.
One of the problems with episodic TV is that, to maintain audience interest, the writers will gradually over time move from exterior stories and themes and conflicts and start internalizing the stories among the characters.
The problem is that you can only do this for so long --- the process itself is like eating your own arm to avoid starvation. The good news is that when it is done well it a joy to behold.
This episode is a writing clinic in how to work with characters you have painstakingly created over 3 years.
One of the problems with episodic TV is that, to maintain audience interest, the writers will gradually over time move from exterior stories and themes and conflicts and start internalizing the stories among the characters.
The problem is that you can only do this for so long --- the process itself is like eating your own arm to avoid starvation. The good news is that when it is done well it a joy to behold.
This episode is a writing clinic in how to work with characters you have painstakingly created over 3 years.