But in the "old days", the stories were 4 or 6 parters and shorter eps. They were written that way, rather than as a season of single stories with an arc. There was continuity, but not arcs as such.

I'm beginning to think the old way was better. Not that I've watched this week's yet, and all the reaction to it is putting me off. Whereas I used to be a fan, I've dropped down the list to below "casual viewer" to "really couldn't care less if it's going to be this much of a hassle".