And… another chapter at the end of which I was just going, “Mm… okay. Whatever.”

I think the problem here is that the author has a really convoluted story in mind and is afraid they’re not going to get a chance to let it unfold slowly (which is a very real possibility - the axe is ever-looming). But so they’re erring in the opposite direction - trying to reveal too many enticing details and hints and mysteries without enough context or breathing room. Which unfortunately also ups the chance that it’ll get axed before the whole story is told.

Hoping it settles down to a reasonable pace. And doesn’t get axed before the story gets told.