diff --git a/tests/features/environment.py b/tests/features/environment.py
index a6918146..da5c46d5 100644
--- a/tests/features/environment.py
+++ b/tests/features/environment.py
@@ -85,3 +85,8 @@ def after_scenario(context, _):
     if hasattr(context, 'cli') and not context.exit_sent:
         # Terminate nicely.
         context.cli.terminate()
+
+# TODO: uncomment to debug a failure
+# def after_step(context, step):
+#     if step.status == "failed":
+#         import ipdb; ipdb.set_trace()
diff --git a/tests/features/steps/iocommands.py b/tests/features/steps/iocommands.py
index 9d39f8b2..14d130b5 100644
--- a/tests/features/steps/iocommands.py
+++ b/tests/features/steps/iocommands.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8
+from __future__ import unicode_literals
 import os
 import wrappers
 
diff --git a/tests/features/steps/wrappers.py b/tests/features/steps/wrappers.py
index 8a75f9b9..eac7c830 100644
--- a/tests/features/steps/wrappers.py
+++ b/tests/features/steps/wrappers.py
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8
+from __future__ import unicode_literals
+
 import re