I agree there wasn't as much tension, but previously June was totally on her own. She had no idea who could be trusted. She now has Handmaids and Martha's she knows are on the same page as her, so the feeling of isolation and despair has lifted.
The dead bodies hanging in clear view when June was lining up with the Martha's let us know the regime is as bad as ever. The difference now is that June is joining forces and fighting back.
I think CLs wife is faking. She snapped into completely capable mode when the guards arrived. I wouldn't be surprised if she's running the show and CL is doing as she bids. Hence his anger at what was going on in the house/ basement. He's clearly not comfortable with what's going on, but doesn't seem to be in a position to do anything about it. One of the Martha's also said 'You're new, you don't know how it works around here', which could have been a reference to the fact that CL isn't in charge.
Luke is being Luke... I can't see June ever having a relationship with him when she gets out. He wouldn't have a clue how to support her. I doubt she'd be attracted to him any more.
I'm not impressed with how Emily has just been shoved through the system in Canada. The poor woman is completely broken. She's been raped, mutilated and has committed murder (or at least thinks she killed AL). There seemed no support for her at all. So even though there were female Drs, opticians, etc. They behaved in what I thought was a very male way, ie. no compassion or empathy to what she had been through. I really hope she has a positive reunion with her wife and child. As Moira said, there's no happily ever after, just after. I fear she'll develop cancer after all the radiation she was exposed to. So she may appear healthy now, but for how long?
I really want to see the Winterman's. Especially Serena; she had that same look in her eye that June had at the end of last season. Maybe she'll join the resistance?!