It's official, we're back to all two-part stories. And you know what, that's not a bad thing. If this show really was entirely standalone, it would become a just another sentai show (IE: rushed stories, lots of filler, etc.).
Anyway, I liked this episode. Some of the side characters are annoying, but I think they've got it where it counts. I feel like Sanjo finally nailed Shinnosuke and Kiriko's personalities. A lot of people are complaining about the others? Rinna, Kyu, and Gen are certainly annoying (though they're nowhere near as bad as the KR Club in Fourze), but that's not a fault of the characters themselves. It's the fact that their personalities are being forced upon us (want a drinking game that'll have you dead within minutes? Take a shot every time they have a wide-angle close-up or a sound effect over a sped-up action).
The villians (especially Chase) certainly have some potential, but they have yet to fully explore it. Make no mistake, I'm in it for the three main characters (Shinnosuke, Kiriko, and Belt) and the mysteries surrounding Belt's past.
And finally, the action. I still love it (though the first fight here is a little weak, and the fast-mo can stop at any time). And for all the people complaining about the CG? Guys, if you don't like that kind of thing, you shouldn't be watching modern Kamen Rider to begin with. As for the weapons, they're not THAT bad. Sure, Vegas and Monster are a little goofy, but they're skimmed over enough that I don't mind (It looks like the director is trying to downplay their stupidity as well, like in Gaim - Vegas notwithstanding). Plus, we have tires like Shadow and Spike to make up for them. And hey, the suits themselves look cool (I can't wait to see Mashin Chaser in action for real).
Lastly, the cosmetic stuff. I like Shinnosuke's new pose, but why introduce it here and not in episode one or two? Same for those sound cues in the opening. Also, his and Chase's transformations look awesome, and I'm still counting Chase as an evil rider (he's got toys and a friggin' transformation sequence. He's not Shadow Moon, he's an evil rider who just isn't being referred to as such).