THE IDOLM@STER – 18

「たくさんの、いっぱい」 (Takusan no, Ippai)
"Lots of, Lots"

Ritsuko fans will likely be both pleased and disappointed with this episode, as we got to see her stand in for a mumps-ridden Azusa with some of the shoddiest artwork to date. The quality has always fluctuated with some shortcuts taken when possible, but wow, this week was a doozy since it looked like the animators finished the episode in their sleep.

Mawaru Penguindrum – 17

「許されざる者」 (Yurusarezaru Mono)
"Unforgiven Ones"

At first glance, this was the most straightforward and unambiguous episode in recent weeks. However, a closer look at some of the implications reveals that we're really no closer to understanding what's going on than we started.

Guilty Crown – 04

「浮動 flux」 (Fudou)

After the cliffhanger last time, Guilty Crown takes a noticeable turn for the better in terms of showcasing complexity in the characters, building up the story, foreshadowing future events, and most importantly, avoiding any questionable plot developments that viewers may dwell upon prematurely. At the center of it all is of course Shuu, who's now at a crossroads on who to trust.

UN-GO – 04

「素顔の家」 (Sugao no Ie)
"House, Unmasked"

Now that was more like it. Building on the strong first half last week, UN-GO delivered a conclusion to its first two-parter that was exactly what I hoped this show would be – smart, funny, dark and extremely interesting.

Chihayafuru – 05

「よはのつきかな」 (Yoha no Tsuki Kana)
"The Sight of a Midnight Moon"

This was the week Chihayafuru left the kid stuff behind and ventured into altogether more depressing territory. But I have a suspicion this was a change-of-pace and not a trend.

Shinryaku!? Ika Musume – 05

「ラジコンじゃなイカ!?/七夕じゃなイカ!?/一人遊びしなイカ!?」 (Rajikon Janai ka!? / Tanabata Janai ka!? / Hitori Asobi Shinai ka!?)
"Isn't That Remote-Controlled!? / Isn't It Tanabata!? / Won't You Play Alone!?"

* Note: Ika Musume will be on break again next week so that the other broadcast stations can finally catch up.