I liked these episodes WAY More than the last few (Hunter x Hunter 48-50)
I realized this incredibly early on during 48, and my opinion only solidified as the stakes continued to raise.
I think it boils down to two main reasons: I Really And Truly Don't Like Shonen That Much, and I Really And Truly Like Gon and Killua More Than Kurapika
(I'm Sorry Kurapika stans) But Gon and Killua are just so much fun to watch. They're dynamics with each other are just so fun, and are exemplified in this set of episodes to boot. I love Gon's immediate likeability. No matter the character, no matter the situation, Everybody Loves Gon, and So Do I. And his ever positive attitude gel's with Killua's standoffishness perfectly. Both Eyebrows, the professional art appraiser, and Samurai Spider, just instantly fell in love with the kid! For entirely different yet similar reasons! That's so interesting!
And the hijinks are just more entertaining for me. I love two strangers barging in to argue about art. I love Killua sweating while tailing these guys while Gon is happy go lucky. I absolutely Adore putting the two in the middle of almost All The Troupe! That's such a good move! And they're final escape, as Gon's theme plays in its entirety. Just fantastic stuff, all around.
In the end, I like the characters more than the fighting. Anytime the show teases a fight but instead strengthens the characterization, I'm all for. The last set of episodes was a big lead up for a fight. These episodes was a big lead up for a clever escape. And also Gon and Killua were back.
Oh, I also want to mention the music again. One of the flute(I think?) pieces played during 48 was great, I think this is the first we're hearing it. Having the Zoldyck (who can spell) theme cut in, implying that there's a good chance Killua is going to run into his family again was great. The threatening Spider Troupe theme while the kids are surrounded and Gon's being child abused again was a good touch. (yay more child abuse, I guess. that part's not my favorite). And especially being able to hear Gon's theme in full is always a treat.
[EDIT] Oh one more thing. After thinking about it a bit more. The fact that the show creators put Gon and Killua in (basically) black face for a couple episodes... yeah I dislike that. I understand the supposed reasoning, but I do not think it's good. I liked it better when I thought a fan did it out of love.