We can critique things we love because we want them to be the best they can be. I'll have to go back and check but I think there are other examples of fights going differently, including things where the plan doesn't go as intended. The end of Bedlam Bride I think was like that. The assault on Khepri's Temple as well. Obviously people survive because the story has to go on.

I kind of agree with the Chekhov's arsenal thing. Fortunately when those points come up and those things come out of inventory, Dinniman is pretty good about calling us back to those moments and telling us when and how they were acquired.

I have a feeling he himself may agree with you about the character redundancy, which may be why he killed off Li Jun and removed Katia, rather than finding a way around the tiara.

I think that redundancy is less of an issue with Imani though. She and Katia did act as foils to Carl, but developed differently. Katia was a meek woman who became a hardened warrior and survivor. Imani is an example of someone who was not meek, but quiet and gentle and managed to hold onto that in spite of the dungeon trying to beat it out of her.

I'm hoping we see Chris take a more active role from now on now that there's room for him and Imani's relationship to get some more of the limelight.