As I noted in my reply: I think it's an idea-based story rather than a plot-based story. Joss is going all philosophical on us, at the expense of the characters. But we saw that happening in S7 as well, when potentials and the ideological agenda took over the characters. Characters are becoming illustrations for the philosophical points.
I think it will continue in this venue, with character development coming mostly from other writers who are more invested into the characters. Like we had with Faith arc.