In seasons 3 & 4, episode 6 was the best instalment. Sadly, the same did not quite occur this time though this was a stronger episode than most this season as it finally got the plot moving and offered a good mix of humour and drama.
The humour in this episode mostly has to do with the return of Krystal, one of the show's more ridiculous yet undeniably fun characters. Most of the beginning and a lot of the middle of this episode is focused on her, and her wacky misadventures. While it is mostly played for comedy, it also doesn't feel like a total waste of time as it does tie in to the main plot in some important ways.
As for the dramatic elements, they had some presence throughout the episode but did not take over until the final ten minutes or so. Thankfully, these ten minutes progressed the plot more than the last three episodes combined. Not only did things move in significant ways for the first time since episode 2, but the episode specifically remedied several issues that had really been bugging me. Namely the idiocy and blind obeisance of these villagers the show claims are the best of the best, and the entire idea of a 170 year-old man (because good god that is ridiculous). In this episode, the villagers finally get a clue and P.T. Westmoreland's age is revealed to be a lie, both of which made me very happy.
All in all, a nicely balanced episode that manages to get the season moving again after the false start that was episode 2. I really hope the next one doesn't just go right back to coasting and uses the momentum that was re-established here.
