Frankly I loved the change of pace without a main character death, you blood thirsty haters... Looking at you Tim
I thought the episode stood on its own without total shock factors. The introduction of the wolves and their total chaos mentality. Morgan being involved for more than 10 seconds of screen time, I love the change he has undergone while on his own, and obviously under someone's tutelage to learn some sweet moves with the staff. The dichotomy of the Alexandrians and Ricks group. The realization that you may think you want to die, but survival is in our nature by dickhead priest and Sasha. I freaking loved Rick's speech after essentially saving these hippies from a half dozen zombies no one knew had got in. I enjoyed watching Martha Stewart realizing she'd royally screwed up when her husband was slashed, by accident really, by douche husband. And the "splainin" Rick is going to have to do to Morgan since the last time they met and how they definitely don't think along the same lines anymore.
Not to mention Daryl giving everyone man crushes as he usually does and Ricks future bang buddy giving him the come hither eye on the regular.
(My bro in law and I talk about each episode and give people nicknames hehe.)