I disagree. It was showing that he went there to get the knowledge he needed to help the fight, but it was showing that even these people of high knowledge have forgotten and do not take things seriously or believe its real. It shows that he is somewhat hindered and delayed in getting proper information. It's a story that needs to be told and getting it out of the way now, early in the season is the place to do it.
They didn't have to spend so much time on it. Definitely felt like a waste given all the plotlines.
"So much time" in this case is 5 whole minutes. Don't watch the show if you don't like it. ---