Pretty good episode... Tabitha made the episode for me.
I never read the novels, but even if they were in the novels, the fan service scenes seem pretty pointless to me.
Spoiler for more specifics:
Colbert: Miss Siesta, strip!
A few minor plotholes:
- Siesta showing her panties basically had no purpose because they had to use magic anyway
- Why didn't they just use magic to break the chains?
- When Louise fell down, why have Saito carry her and not just have her ride with the luggages?