First one was better
Man, the first one didn't need any explanation. It was clear enough what was going on in the last episode -- you should have just continued with the story in this one. Strentorian narration just weakens your plot. The people who did get it don't need it, and the people who didn't get it are just watching for the action and don't want it.
Just get along with the goings-on, and let the plot explain itself. Your story so far is one battle -- not enough has happened to need explaining!