(Petzi linked here.) I saw the exact same thing - to quote my review:
Since Epitaph One Echo/Ballard really smacked of S7 Spuffy, I may be taking Echo's breakdown as Joss's post-S7 projection of Buffy's psychology... I think I needed that touchstone, TBH, because I haven't been buying Echo/Ballard for the rest of the season.
My theory is that Joss/the writers realised no one cared about Echo/Ballard, so they tapped into our connection to another certain relationship in order to make us all care. Because Joss and co. are sneaky like that. ;)
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Since Epitaph One Echo/Ballard really smacked of S7 Spuffy, I may be taking Echo's breakdown as Joss's post-S7 projection of Buffy's psychology... I think I needed that touchstone, TBH, because I haven't been buying Echo/Ballard for the rest of the season.
My theory is that Joss/the writers realised no one cared about Echo/Ballard, so they tapped into our connection to another certain relationship in order to make us all care. Because Joss and co. are sneaky like that. ;)