All of the elements of storytelling really pulled together so we could see monster-of-the-week, development, and backstory.

Exactly. They have all the ingredients and the right recipe.

Isn't Bill in TB better than Bill in the novels? I don't regularly watch the show, but I have a mostly good idea of what happens b/c of relatives, and I've read the first four novels.

Looking forward to the finale! Actually, all the episodes coming up look interesting, so I'm excited. :)