Betty listed a good scene: 2) "Dawn of the Gods": The monopoly game at the beginning. Yeah, I know, it's kinda goofy, and I'm sure some people hate it, but it does several things for me: a) it's extremely amusing, IMHO, especially Orac getting sulky about abandoning the game, b) it's just so *nice* -- and such a rare thing -- to see them all relaxing and having fun together, and c) it provides a tiny glimpse of the Amoral Manipulative Orac I've always suspected lies beneath that calm perspex exterior.

You forgot the fact it was an element of realism; after all, people travelling aren't having a crisis every minute. Realistically, they will have a lot of time on their hands and need ways to amuse themselves. On the other hand-- was it one of those things they found on board, or did one of them purchase or steal it? Maybe that's what Vila gave Avon for Christmas.