Shunpei as a character is redundant, if you remove him what will we have missed? Are there any parts of the story that stop working? I disliked that we were forced to see him pull the same bump into the other char stunt like 8 times.
That said, I always like to see Rinko at work. Eventhough you know full well that her investigation will lead back to the monster of the week, it makes the world feel more alive. There is stuff happening outside of the plot, weird stuff is noticed by bystanders, hence why the police is investigating. It just feels more natural.
Did we ever get an explanation on who old guy (Wajima?) is?
I also rather liked that HAruto's mp was gone again as well as the effects. Him passing the baton to Beast. "Eat them Nitou!" Putty patrol is in the show specifically to address Nitou's need to eat phantoms.
So Haruto can't fight Wiseman without getting sucked dry, Gremlin once again says that he will fight Haruto later. I smell a backstab coming up.
Also I'll voice my opinion again, Koyomi is the Philosophers stone.