This episode was ok, not enough action, but at least some story progression.

Like dragonrage said, the preview for the next episode is hilarious. The Shinigami Golden Cup was funny too, but not as good as the preview.

Ichinose vs Zaraki will kick some serious ass if they let it. I hope it's not like Kuchiki Byakuya vs Kariya part 1, where they interrupted the fight. If they want to extend this arc, might as well do it with an entire episode of hack and slash. Of course, animating that long a fight is a bitch, compared to the stagnant animation of this current episode, where characters mostly stood around and talked.

I feel bad for Jidanbou and the other guard at the gates. They're no match for the Bounto's dolls, and got beat so easy they didn't even bother to show it. Who wants to see Old Man Yama vs old man Bounto!?