Just saw this episode.  Did anyone else notice the glitch in the camera view of the car bomb going off at the end?  I went back to check for time jumps, just in case, and sure enough, it jumps in time just as Stanton gets into the car.  I think it was meant to show she could still come back at some point.  And also…

The problem is that I only just started watching the show from the beginning a few weeks ago, my avoidance of which having nothing to do w/ the show itself, but my distrust of the CW network.

I wholly concur.
Especially in regards to Shirley's pay off. :)
Bonus unexpected quirkiness in the American I.S. version starring Dylan and Kelly.

I agree with the reviewer on Troy and Britta, their "romance" has never developed believably, which makes every scene with them-acting-as-a-couple feel really off.  The concept of the opening scene was fun, but in this context, too jarring to enjoy.

Kind of disappointed they brought back Hardman so soon. 
Was hoping for a Nina Myers slow-play.

YES. Thought the same of the first few scenes. Perhaps residual effects from last epy's laugh track gag.