Let's not make any mistake here -- Ellery has got several good qualities and several bad ones, and they are making a less than completely effective Chief Deputy out of him. He has a lot to learn about diplomacy, and about treating A.D.A.'s with respect, and he a flaw in his character that causes him to compete when he should be cooperating. Paula should be getting his support, rather than having to chase after him and get broadsided by him. He has a lot of growing up to do, and unless she stands up to him and starts pushing back, without whining to her bosses, he is going to trample her again in the next big case. This scene was to illustrate Paula's attempt to take Ellery on herself, and to give him a piece of her mind.
But it is fun as hell to write!