Just got back from the signing. Turns out it was never intended to be a trilogy; the publisher first asked "That is a two-parter, right?" Ferrett said "Yesssss." Then it was, "This is a trilogy, right?" "Suuuuure...." Hence, disjointedness in reading all three.

I found many running gags, though (I've finished it). Curious to which one you referred.