To me, this was one of the best episodes of the series (the entire show, not just this season). All the main characters are going in defined directions ready to intersect with others, and secondary characters (like Helle) are facing challenges away from the main storylines with potential for a lot of conflict later.
These characters have grown a lot over the years, which has been satisfying, but flaws still remain which keeps them interesting. This episode (no spoilers) had many of the main characters facing fears and regrets. Jeppe's storyline was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Rita's anti-authoritarian/I'm-too-cool-for-school personality runs afoul of Swedish PC culture. (As an American I have no real clue what the two cultures are actually like, but I picture Denmark as counter culture and Sweden as rule followers - which this episode played into.)
Rita's two exes commiserate over life with and without Rita. Jeppe's workaholic dad begins to realize how bad his lifestyle hurt loved ones around him, and the oft timid Hjordis ventures out under Rita's shadow to confront her mentor. Great episode.
