You explained it great. I agree that speakeasy worked waaay better this way. I really liked Season 5 but it was definitely uneven because of the excessive amount of concept episodes.

And I have to say that I am in love with this season. I think every episode so far was really, really good.

The lack of parody episodes so far are intentional, Mr. Alston. It's nothing to do with the budget. In his recent interviews, Dan Harmon repeatedly said that they overdid it in Season 5, so they will take a step back and do less 'big concept' episodes. The main purpose is returning to the Season 1 vibe. There will be…

It isn't certain yet that we won't see Jonathan Banks and John Oliver in the sixth season. Maybe they will be in a couple episodes.

Who the fuck is "Neddard"?

Really? Did you really not notice the episode's name is "Basketsball", not "Basketball", Erik?

Pierce-Troy connection was really apparent in second season, actually.