I don't think they quite knew *how* this show was to be sold to the audience; the arc wasn't heavily played initially, no. Later, moreso.
I hear all the time though from new viewers who just started watching, and are right up to speed.
Re: changing the episodic structure...no, can't really do that, because you have to think in larger terms, both down the road and how the show airs overseas, minus those breaks.
