I like the villain narrative. Denny is annoying and sensitive. He's getting better at the role but peak Kyle Busch was one of a kind; a perhaps all time talent coupled with a hilarious and apathetic character. Denny doesn't have the quick quirky wit to really fill those shoes.
Bubba's uptick gives me permission to root for him next year. If he can keep building on-track and keep being himself I think he can make a footprint on this series. Buscher was awesome but he's not going to light any fires off track.