I caught the episode last night and am rewatching it on ondemand right now, because i don't know exactly what to think.
Ari has changed alot this season, he still retains some of his trademark awesome dickness, but its much subdued and he actually is showing a softer side this season which I dont know how to feel about..i think Alan's death might have had an even more profound effect on him than what i previosuly thought.
Regardless I hope Ari remains a reoccuring charachter if he takes the studio job , which would be sick, but I will miss his incessant Lloyd insults.
This has definately been the darkest season yet and is completely different from any other season, I hope  they get back to showing the boys ballin LA up....such a weird season.