Do you recall, what he answered?

I asked a friend this question back in 1980 . I think he was a film student.

One thing I remember: notice how scenes would take an extra beat/second to end, as if the director is punctuating them,

I haven't given it much thought; but the reflective quality of some of the scenes, can allow the actors to express something 'nuanced', or give the scene more emotional impact, as to what has just happened. The episodes have different directors, so this may have been something suggested by Mike Nichols or Jay Presson Allen.
There are plenty of episodes on you tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iZt3OxNdz8&list=PLJI_hrqCFqfx58gHDkeWh14RJtFoQC5kf

I haven't seen this show in 30 yrs, but some scenes stick in my mind. One thing I remember: notice how scenes would take an extra beat/second to end, as if the director is punctuating them, if you know what I mean.

I haven't seen that episode yet. I am half way throug an episode, where Nancy is being stalked.
I have enjoyed the 2 part jury duty episode the best and the one where Willie's best friend, tells him he's gay and Willie goes cold. I read they focus on Buddy a lot more, as she gets older.