Here's another post-finale Q&A RDM did on the sci fi boards -- for those interested.
The show did something similar in season three that it did with season two, though I would say to a lesser extent. The twenty episode seasons have given the writers more room to breath, but also allowed more room for filler episodes. Pretty much all of season 2.5, with the exception of the
Resurrection Ship and
Lay Down Your Burdens episodes were filler. Here, the same thing happened. But it was sandwiched between some really well-done episodes so the effect wasn't quite as harsh. I find 2.5 very difficult to sit through, but I don't think I could say that with either half of season three with the highpoints the show experienced on each end.