I talked about this yesterday but think it's even more true reading more people's reactions online to this week's episode, but this was an episode that I think was hurt by the way this show is structured.
Like, by using the non-linear storytelling and vague plot mechanics, they've made trying to figure out the plot as big a part of watching this show as anything else. Like a lot of people watch this show just to try and fit the puzzle pieces together, and they've actively encouraged that with the way they're telling the story.
So when they step back from that for an episode and focus on the development of the characters themselves, it was a bit jarring. When we talk about most of the characters, it's about how the fit into the plot and the big picture. What is Dolores trying to do, where is she going, is she sentient or not? Same questions with William, where did he come from, what is he doing, where is he going, is he real, etc.
We haven't taken a lot of time to consider what these characters are feeling, and this episode was all about that, especially right after a plot-heavy episode like Riddle of the Sphinx. I really liked the episode, but it was definitely different.
