I don't really mind the slow pacing, but the way they slow it down is a bit annoying at times. Like the Gai scene. Normally i probably would have found it hilarious, but it was at such a crazily in appropriate time. I mean they're right outside the enemies door, they know Gaara's time is limited and every second probably counts, and yet he sits there for like a full minute grunting like he needs to take a dump. It just killed the sense of urgency to me. The scene with Naruto right after it was hilarious though.

It looks like they're really going to off Garaa now. I didn't think they'd do it, but now that there is seemingly no chance of them retrieving Shukakku i really don't see how they could possibly explain saving him. I'm looking forward to watching Chyo fight Sasori, so hopefully they get to the meat of that scene soon. All in all it was a good episode and built up some good drama for the up coming eps. Hopefully we'll see Naruto release some Kyubi fury.