[eggplant]

Hm, an interesting direction they're taking.

Spoiler for Episode 4:

At least the Chupacabra angle from the previous episodes is still in effect. There's the introduction of the new life-forms (although they have made cameo appearances before), Motsu and Shichimi (voiced by Saitou Chiwa (Anya) and Sawashiro Miyuki (Nekane) respectively, lol), whose existence may irritate the Negima purists.

And of course, the provisional contract kiss of the week ritual, this time being Nodoka, although we don't get to see her powers yet.

Definitely looks like Negima!? is going to follow an original storyline.

The new ending song (or shall I say, the proper ending song) sounds exotic, unlike any of the Negima songs of the past. If Shaft can make each ending sequence different as they did in Pani Poni Dash!, that would be a treat.

And what do you know, instead of the Baka Rangers act, there's a parody of Takagi Boo, which left me in stitches!

All in all, I construe this episode will be the benchmark on determining whether the fans either like the direction or not.

The lack of interaction among the classmates may not bode well with some, but I suppose the creators have to focus on the fighting and magical aspects, considering the time slot.

That being said, I wonder why the most exciting moment was when I saw the commercial for the upcoming Negima PS2 game?