I didn't read the book, but I heard that this is first episode which wasn't in the book at all.
Great. An hour of backstory and zero mention of wth happened to lucky coin Shadow got from one very overgrown 3000 years old Leprechaun.
I agree, Laura's new vision aspect is mildly interesting, but only so much. Just like coin, there's much explanations to details of it, as you've mentioned above.
I don't care much of show's shock TV aspects (sex,gore, gay etc..) , but the wit of Mr. Wednesday and intensity and mystery of story line was attractive to. Mystery could be interesting. last episode breaking this mold was not much of mystery or wit.
I think the subject of comedy on
that subject was much better explored in these movies (don't click on links unless you want spoilers)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1156398/reference
and
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365748/reference