There are getting to be an annoying number of plot contrivances in this season already. One I can forgive but there have been a couple of great big clangers so far. As soon as the flat tire happened I groaned out loud.
It's not ruining it for me because everything else is great, like Danes' performance in the third episode (she's got next years Emmy boxed off already) and the other well written and rounded characters. It's just a shame they seem to be reaching for big, shocking events every episode when it's not needed and its leading to silly and contrived plotting.