Retsgip’s Anime Blog

“A cigg a day keeps her loli at bay”

Rating: 8.7/10

I wasn’t as impressed with this episode as the last few, and it was mostly because of all the little coincidences here and there. Maybe it’s just me, but I absolutely HATE when animes have the “small world” syndrome. Running into people at certain times or in certain places, especially in such a huge city is beyond me. I guess it’s what they call “destiny,” but I just call it rubbish. Except for the coincidences, all the reasons I enjoy this anime were still masterfully executed, and I couldn’t even begin to hate it.

Sexy woman in black lace, check.

I cannot tell you how happy this anime makes me feel. The female characters alone exceed all of my expectations, and I’m glad that they’re grown up and not loli. Sure, Shouko is somewhat loli, but her demeanor and poise are well beyond the average loli. Then we have Tetsu’s sister who’s a goddess in and of herself. And Karada is much more fitting as an older looking woman, so there you have it. All women and no lolis, cha-ching! Retsgip heaven.

I’m yanking this thought off of Whai Whai anime blog and agreeing completely with his assessment of Tetsu. In fact, I’m pretty much disgusted in his attitude as well. He has absolutely no balls AT ALL, and he never follows through with anything he says he’s going to do. Hell, his big sister even told him straight up that he was a dick for being stupid (paraphrasing). Perhaps we’ll see some character development and he’ll finally step up to all the challenges that come his way.

Coincidence Corner:

Here I’ll just briefly lay out the major coincidences that happened in this episode. I wouldn’t care as much if they weren’t such BIG coincidences, but they were very important and guide plot into what seems like a coincidental string of coincidences…

1. The First Chance Meeting

Tetsu meets with Hiro at the exact moment he’s leaving the house. This is when Tetsu learns all about how Karada has run away and possibly not returning. This starts the ball rolling.

2. The Second Chance Meeting

Kotomi just HAPPENS to be on the train visiting her old caregiver/teacher at the same time and just HAPPENS to notice that Tetsu is there. At least Kotomi is energetic and peppy and livens up the episode a little bit.

3. Small World Effect (part 1)

Karada finds a job at an Inn run by a lonely old couple. Who could they be and why is it important? Notice the dialog is the same in the picture below…hmmmm.

4. Small World Effect (part 2)

Yes, the world is indeed a small place. Karada is working at the Inn that Kotomi was going to. Tetsu met Kotomi who invited him over after being worried by Hiro’s words when they had their chance meeting. HOLY CRAP it’s almost as bad as a romance novel. Maybe that’s why I love it so much (mmmm romance novels).

-Retsgip