Actually, I didn't think they played the back-ground story out that well at all. I've watched the show from day one, and it took me a while to work out what was going on. All in all I liked the story. It gave some closure to the character, and it gave us some nice scenes away from NY. I thought Anna did a good job (I've never understood the hatred towards her character at all - sorry) and the scenes between the younger girls was very well acted. The B plot was a little boring, but the actors seem to be having a ball this season.
I'm enjoying this season much more than the last.
B+