Given the Krillin-centric nature of these episodes, I was expecting the antagonists to comically ignore Goku and zero in on the weaker opponent. That doesn't actually turn out to be the case. The villains are numerous enough that both are kept pretty busy. The fact that straight combat or brute force isn't what ultimately wins the day helps address any power imbalance issues between the two fighters.
A lot of focus is put on Krillin's fear, as he is brought face to face with opponents who had killed or humiliated him in prior encounters. In some regards, this feels like rehashed territory, as Krillin's arc in the "Resurrection F" story line seemed like it covered this, but this was still done pretty well. It was a nice way to incorporate some flashbacks from earlier series. Not only did it build emotional tension and show just how many times Krillin has suffered over the years, but it was a nice follow up, considering how nostalgia driven the last episode was.
Oh, speaking of nostalgia. The flying nimbus cloud makes a return appearance here. I was never crazy about that thing for some reason, but bringing it back here was a nice touch.
I was hoping to see 18 show some remorse for her rhetoric in the last episode, but alas, that never comes to pass. The closest thing we see is her tussling Krillin's hair and giving him a hug after the pair return with the herb. I don't know if that's pride or an indicator that, contrary to her lines last episode, she hasn't lost that lovin' feeling. I guess the fact that both she and Marron show concern over his well being is going to have to be enough.
Still, it would have been nice to see her acknowledge that she was inching dangerously close to emotional abuse and promise not to resort to such dirty pool again in the future.
On the flip side, Goku does a pretty decent job of reassuring and encouraging Krillin when it looks like the latter is starting to lose his nerve. Granted, Goku never gets a clear idea as to why Krillin was freaking out, but he never got annoyed or anything like that.
Of course, the two do get separated in the latter half of the battle. It felt natural and it did allow both fighters to figure out how to win on their own, which I think benefited both characters.
I was surprised to see that the "paradise plant" wasn't what I thought it was. I can understand Roshi not smoking it as a way to keep the show kid friendly, but the effects are completely different. Considering how riled up he became, I suppose you could still make some sort of drug parallel, but it isn't what I thought it was going to be.
In any event, much like Gohan before him, Krillin finds a reason to start training again. Also, much like Gohan, said reason is based on his daughter. He also says that he's doing it for himself, which is nice too. To further indicate that he's back, Krillin shaves his head again, going back to the iconic look that he had been rocking in both "Dragon Ball" and "Dragon Ball Z".
Overall, this episode wasn't quite as strong as its predecessor. It was entertaining, to be sure, but it didn't quite pack the same punch. Still, it's nice to see Krillin back in the game. He and Gohan may never hit god-tier like Goku, Vegeta, or kinda/sorta Future Trunks; but at least they are readying themselves so that they can be better prepared to deal with future threats.
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