I'm sure you're right. I don't think Gamble did a bad job, per se, but I think she might've felt a little like she was corralling cats, and didn't have the reins held tightly enough. I highly recommend this podcast (it's a quicky, but it explores why cathartic horror is so impactful and satisfying: http://www.writingexcuses.com/2012/05/13/writing-excuses-7-20-cathartic-horror?) I also think it nails what do many of last year's eps fell flat, emotionally. They were too worried about plot and the MotW, and forgot WHY we watch the show.