THIS! I think people expected an over-night turnaround of material, and I always stated following May Sweeps we'd see some kind of story-movement, and what's playing right now is proof of that. And agree: seeing Sonny spiral and every turn against him has been compelling, and while I understand Maurice Benard's POV on the story, he's an actor and should be able to handle the material.
Patrick Mulcahey's work has been clear and the heart he's poured into a lot of the storylines has been wonderful to see playout. It's a crying shame TPTB chose for Elizabeth Korte to remain, and not Mulcahey.