It was a strong plant, I knew that from the time I made the decision to bring it back home from the farm.
I just wasn't expecting it to suffer such extreme trauma on the ride back home (it's a second season mother, and the only plant I've had produce bhut pods as yet).
My initial thoughts were that it would re-set and vegetate, but I've never had such a big plant turn so fast so quickly.
Thanks to all the helpful advice. Especially Cyannemist (I didn't now much about cutting-back and pruning entering in to this, but I feel like I know more thanks to your contribution).
My prognosis is that it will be throwing off pods by mid-March !
Great advice.. I was shocked that those leaves fried and died so quickly. Within a couple days I was brushing them away naturally, with only slight plucking.
Lesson learned: don't expose plants to massive shocks in temperature