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Finally got around to watching this episode.
Now this is much more like what I had hoped for with this series than what Episode 2 was. An actual plot starting to gradually but effectively develop, good witty dialogue between Araragi and Hitagi, a threat of sorts being well-introduced and given some nice mystery and intrigue. Araragi is even given a couple moments where he genuinely comes across as very cool (such as breaking out of Hitagi's ensnarement, as though it were nothing to him!), which was great to see.
On a related note, Shinbo is clearly going all out with this (3 different OPs already, lol). I can just feel the man's confidence in his distinctive style coming through in every dramatic panning shot, quirky joke bit, setting background, and scene transition.
This show feels like SHAFT's well-earned Victory Lap, a way to go wild with the animation budget to celebrate the successes of the Monogatari series and Madoka Magica. Since I've always liked SHAFT/Shinbo's style, I find this really fun to behold.
9/10 for Episode 3.
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