I also liked Ichigo's reaction to the cat, and Ishida was like "See?! I told you it was shocking!" And did Ishida sew his outfit himself? Everyone else is just in jeans and teeshirts...

Mixed in with the comedy was some good action in the beginning, although I was also a little surprised by Ichigo's sword's true form. Kind of big, and no guard. I was also wondering if Urahara was going to end up going with them as their guide, but it looks like he can't go through the portal. Maybe he was banished? Next ep should be cool as well.