It was a genuine surprise. I found it to be one of the best episodes so far. It felt as if they decided to take more freedom in handling a story, as opposed to just follow the manga.
Also, did you get the impression that the animation (designs, especially) was better in this episode?
How so? Its been several months since I last read the manga, but I don't recall it being very different from the manga.
In the kingdom of the blind, you're the village idiot.
Gosh, I haven't read the R manga for so long (since it is my least favorite), but I got the impression they added a few new moments in this episode (for instance, the sequence of Asanuma overhearing Luna talking with Usagi and Mamoru at the table is far more elaborate here).
However, the animation seemed like an improvement to me.