I realized, as this episode finished, that I hardly remember a thing from season two. Which left me mostly lost.
Looks like I'll be re-watching it before next Friday, since outside of not remembering anything, the episode itself was solid enough to catch my interest to keep watching.
Also, ever since 2006, when Gintama came out, I have forever since strongly associated Rie Kugimiya with Kagura. It makes it difficult for me to view Shana as her own character as I just keep thinking of Kagura every time Shana opens her mouth, which is kind of distracting. :/
My only hope for this season is that we get a conclusive...er...conclusion to the fight against Bal Masque, and we don't end in some corny let's all be friends love and peace ending.