Chuu2 Ren 02
Structurally, I don't see why something like this couldn't have been the first episode. With slight tweaks Nibutani's questions/stalking would have been a fine introduction to Utah and Rikka's living situation, without wasting a whole episode on it.
The episode itself was actually kind of cute. There's a springboard here to examine the effect of Rikka's behaviour on her ability to maintain relationships, even with people who actually like her. The show's interest in maintaining the status quo could be challenged along with its romantic relationship. The whole "we can do do this relationship thing however we want because you're Wicked Lord Shingan and I'm the Dark Flame Master (aka you're delusional and I'm humouring you)" speech by Utah could be his starting point for how he deals with her, instead of a cop-out.
The episode ends though, with what might end up being a blatant declaration of the show's direction: a phone call from Nibutani to Utah, with advice to the effect of "stagnation in relationships allows interlopers to disrupt them", which acts as a vocal backdrop to the new character for the show dropping in on Rikka's balcony, complete with her own set of delusions about magic and whatever. It's perhaps unrealistic to ask for thoughtful treatment of the characters issues, but if that scene isn't a feint and what I'm about to get is a love triangle, then god help me and god damn KyoAni.
Nibutani is still the closest thing to a reason to watch that this show has.
Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha 01
That did not go where I expected it to. What started out similar to Gingitsune, ended up with a more interesting premise by putting some of the power in the protagonists hands. Uka was pretty good, too. Probably my favourite debut of the season. Episode 2 when.
Seki-kun OAD
This is like somebody distilled joy into a bottle, handed it to me and said "here, drink this." Imagining KanaHana saying her dialogue into a microphone in a studio is a mental image I likely won't ever tire of.