Sharp dialogue, perfect character voices, and yes, yes, of course this is what happened. It's a wonder I somehow missed this episode. :D

It's the little touches I like best, that kept me grinning. The wreath sliding over one ear. Vala insisting there should be cake and shamelessly misrepresenting the custom. Her disdainful "Don't you know anything about Origin?" -- I mean, like of course everyone must know to run their hands through incense. The fact John got hit by a spear. (Well, that doesn't make me grin, but right on for the cliche busting.)

I think the word (phrase?) for this story is "fully realized." The amusing tidbits were like finding treasure in every corner.