What actually helped was that while it probably isn't meant to be written this way, El's genuine smugness about her relationship with Peter may be her biggest character flaw, and it informs her actions. So I'm not irritated with El for this episode. I'm irritated with the writer. New writer; he's dropped to the bottom of my list.
i have to ask this are you stating that it's a recent development in her character because of the writers?

because i've felt it has been there all the time..and i have always had mixed feelings about it..

Missing Diana and Sara too..:(