Dropped

I liked the counterpoint delivery of lines and some of the framework/backdrop for this episode, even if the content is what it is

Though I do like that Subaru finally stopped sailing up de nile and accurately critiqued the whole problem with fantasies and otaku hikkokimoris in general
Though I think the story falls victim and into its own critique, in that it posits the way out of that as "have a cute maid waifu who will accept you unconditionally no matter how horrible you are," which is exactly what that part of otaku culture wants to hear

Rem detailing the future she wants was nicely done, and honestly I'd watch a SoL economics show about them trying to make it. It wouldn't be Re:zero though

[radio edit] the P I G E O N S was the worst animation decision I've seen since UBW though

literally no clue why Subaru even cares about Emilia, certainly I as the viewer have been given no reason to
and Rem is basically just a cardboard fantasy, and all of the interesting parts of her character (inferior complex with her sister, inner demon/bloodlust, difficulty connecting with people) were basically dropped from the story for w a i f u i s m
Or rather, resolved last arc within a couple of days, and now she has no purpose but to be a cheerleader for Subaru

I am super interested in Puck now though, and lots of >implications this ep
If Emilia is responsible for Puck, if Emilia's death means he'll destroy the world, and you'd need half the strength of Satella to meet him, I wonder if he is actually half the strength of Satella, or related there somehow?? Though that's probably just tinfoil

Basically I think he imprinted on her. She was the first person in this world to be nice to him when she saved him from the thugs in the alley and basically ever since that point he's been obsessed with her because other than that moment his life in this world had been people being rude and other negative experiences.

Great episode.