I'm hoping it is also a way to let them get out from under the "forced to do what Senator Morra says" thing in future seasons.
I really hope they keep Piper around, I have loved her since Fringe. She's so fucking hot, and I like the added dynamic of her actually being a reasonable love interest for him, as opposed to the one we all expect with Rebecca. She was only moderately attractive when she was cursing like a sailor anyway.
Drunk Brian talking as all of the other characters was pretty funny, as was the George RR Martin stuff. Not to mention the "Five Years Later" part. I like that every episode has something to make you laugh, that is different than all the previous laughs.