Episodes like this are good every once in a while. They're like the intermission for a play. A chance to get some drinks, make cliffhangers have some impact and hang with the cast in the lobby. If that metaphor works or not, that's not what's important.

I liked this episode a lot, because it used one of my favorite storytelling techniques - the change in perspective. Plus it had Keima's Mother fanservice, dragons and Cthulunch, so there's quite a lot to love. I know that, while it's a completely different show, So Ra no Wo To also used the converging perspectives technique - even if it's only for one episode, it's worth using. After all, within every larger story lies an infinite number of smaller ones.

Animation stays good, maybe too good. Kodama-sensei looks awkward like that, though given that he's awkward to begin with it doesn't really matter. :p

Music fits well, and the insert song was unexpected but really nice, too! The last awesome kitchen scene I remember watching was Gintama's mayonnaise kitchen.:heh:

The adaption is accurate but with intended changes. Like this, Keima's rather softened personality compared to the manga might be balanced out with his rather cold tone this time, meant in a positive light. Of course, the outcome is similar with Keima actually taking note of Elsie's effort (plus he didn't need to go to the toilet). Like tsun said, this episode was Elsie overload and I've got nothing to complain thus... :D
On top of being called a bug, she won't get to know about Keima's little secret and is even told that he doesn't like sweet stuff so she's got plenty reason to feel down. But really, it's lighthearted enough to not rage over it and maybe we'll just see another Elsie overload in the distance future, since the anime is highlighting her existance to begin with. :)

Plus points for:
- Keima's mother fanservice
- actually showing what happened to the monster(s?) afterwards (LOL@Cthulunch)
- 'introducing' the special events Keima gets on his PFP
- Elsie's evil laugh

Two minor things were skipped (a certain licking service which couldn't have happened to begin with given the slight change in events and "have you played too many games?") which I would have liked to see.

10/10

As a manga reader I say non-conquest stuff is just as essential and entertaining. Imo one doesn't work without the other, otherwise it wouldn't be the TWGOK I love so much anymore.