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I found the episode quite pleasant in itself. Watching Hiro and 002 did kinda feel like walking on a treadmill though. Their dialogue in the sea mirrors the one they had at the lake in episode 1. Other than confirming that she views their relationship as more than just one between a pistil and a stamen, it rang hollow, and seemed to be more for the benefit of the 3 stooges listening in than advancing her relationship with Hiro. Although this time their interactions had an air of comfort and settledness about them.
What this episode spells for the future is more worrying though. Other than the bad ending being even more likely now, it's kinda disappointing to see them take the most generic angle possible with the Klaxosaurs (i.e. humans dirtied their hands by trying to manipulate magma energy).
(I for one look forward to Kokoro x Mitsuru; Futoshi is too damn bland.)