See, here’s an illustration of my theory about how a show can get away with most, if not all, exploitative ingredients (as long as the crew’s smart about the effect of what they’re using). I’m sure plenty of other shows have been totally upfront about their T&A in the way BINBOGAMI-GA was last time with its “Obligatory Fan Service episode,” but I doubt too many of them have actually used all that flesh to both advance a romantic sub-plot and also say something rather poignant about a character.
This time, the crew’s pulling back the curtain (like some of the better SIMPSONS and SEINFELD episodes, actually) to show how they’re well aware that most of these character’s entertaining behavior is pretty reprehensible. I’m sure the writers got a real novel kick out of having Momiji actually offer sound advice to the cast about how they should behave better - - all the while knowing that everybody was going to forget it immediately.
To bring up another 90’s cartoon, I remember something Mike Judge said one time about why Beavis and Butthead couldn’t be better role models. It was along the lines of, “Well, we figured a couple of well-behaved, obedient kids wouldn’t be too fun to watch.”
Actually, I shouldn’t feel too guilty about digging out the pop culture references, because that’s what this show is all about, and you can imagine how big of a kick I got from seeing Ichiko and Momiji cosplay as L and Light. Is this the first show that’s spoofed DEATH NOTE? As much I loved that show, it really is an easy target for parody. (Although, to bring the point home, that’s another show that was smart about how it handled its exploitative ingredients - - too smart for half of its audience, I’d wager.)
Oh, and much thanks to takashichea for providing the promo image for today’s episode.
Watch this episode, "Someday, Call Me By My Name" here and decide for yourself, then read my comments on the previous episode here.
Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk
Speaking of Death Note references, I remember Bobby saying yes, we can as a reference to Obama after the credits.
It was a good episode with Momiji playing the nice girl, and I can't wait to see the season finale.
@takashichea said:
Ah. I always click out by the credits.
How much of the series is left, then? It kind of feels like it's winding down, but we're only halfway through, now, right?
@No_name_here:
Sadly, the next episode is the final episode. I guess that the creator didn't have enough manga material to get ahead for the anime.
Kinda hard to nit pick on this show.. but ima gona.This episode had a bit of shody animation that was not parody i think .But over all its a high quality ,low brow entertainment for the refined among us.If you only watch 12 episodes of anime this year...you have more discipline than me.
I will take 13 shows of great quality over 24 meh with filler any day of the week.