I thought episode 173 wasn't too bad. I enjoyed the parts with Captain Zaraki and Lieutenant Yachiru the most. The part with the girl in the purple robe was a little odd. Looks like they may be back in the real world for the next episode (even though no building were shown to confirm or deny it). Finally that was the best illistrated picture book segment since the characters were running around snapping photos of people in compromising positions during the main arc a handful of episodes ago.
Edit: for those who didn't see the picture book segment (episode 173), or can't remember it here it is:
http://drop.io/funnybleachmoments