It seems like the writer is forgetting that he's reviewing an episodic sitcom and not a serialized drama. Complaining about this episode because of the overall arc feels a bit like complaining that there wasn't enough slapstick in Sundays episode of Homeland.

Definitively! If Steve Heisler's problem with the episode is that Leslie is acting over the top in regards to Ben, then he has no idea what love is. Hopefully (probably?), he's single. Otherwise, if you're Steve's girlfriend and you're reading this: He doesn't love you as much as he thinks he does!

I wasn't crying - I'm just allergic to  jerks!