I can't explain how or why, but now I realize why I love this series so much after 2 eps-- because it reminds me of "Excel Saga." No, I can't explain exactly why, just that it does. And I mean the manga version of Excel, not the anime version. (Mostly because I never watched the anime.)
I suppose it has something to do with the random insanity and over-the-top enthusiasm of Haruhi. And perhaps it's because Mikuru reminds me a bit of a cross between Hyatt and Mince.