Arguably the most divisive show of 2012, the second season of “Girls” returned Sunday with refined performances from its main cast in an episode that ranks among the series’ funniest.

Lena Dunham is constantly proving herself and exceeding expectation. Her portrayal of Hannah Horvath is starkly bright compared to her character’s self-pity and self-loathing from last season. Hannah is on the precipice of becoming a lovable yet flawed character. While performances from Allison Williams and the impossibly hilarious Zosia Mamet exceeded last season’s, their story arcs are the only falter of the episode.

The characters are in familiar situations and act predictably. But “Girls” is inching closer to shattering its stigma, and this season could be an explosion.