It makes me happy to see the show move at a good pacing. Especially when it involves Nanako and Kanji.
The first half of the episode, or at least a good chunk, was of Nanako spending time with Yu and the gang. It wasn't super major or the most impacting part of her social link but it does show her openness to Yu as being a brother figure. However, this is only the beginning of her social link and it'll be interesting on how they will split it on in later episodes. The rest of the episode involves Kanji, as the gang put all of the clues together and confirm if he really is the next person to go in to the TV. The scene they used for the show were pretty solid as it keeps focus on whats important like the possible reason why Kanji may have been the next target, even if it leads to a miss direction. The Yukiko with Yu scene was a nice touch that shows how Yukiko is holding up. While the scene they kept from the game worked pretty well, I'm a little mix with some of the new scenes they added. The Yu finding Kanji's key chain bear, the study group, and the after test taking parts added to the show in a meaningful way but the whole beef bowl scene, while funny in a way, felt unneeded and did it need Aika to be in it for like a few seconds? Also what happen to the Yosuke talk about who does Yu like? That would had made the Yukiko scene with him a little interesting if Yu had some sort of interest in her (implying that he also likes Chie too).
Kanji has the perfect tough guy voice thanks to Tomokazu Seki, who has done many tough guy characters in the past, with nice screams and attitude. Another good voice was from everyones favorite detective, Naoto, who is voice by the lovely Romi Paku. You could not found a voice that can sound both male and female than hers. And while Susan Dalian does a good job with her, it fails to hide Naoto gender, which is part of her story and a nice shock value when it is reveal.
And so another solid episode that leads us to Kanji being in the TV and we will see all of it next week. Even if you don't want to see all of "that" Kanji -_-;
Hightlight
I did question how the adoption was going to handle some of the social link arcs. However, I wasn't expecting them to make it this short.
With Ai Ebihara Moon social link, it was a nice twist to introduce her in the beginning when Yu joins the basketball team. Just like the game, she is pushy ice queen who falls for Ichijo, but only to feel rejected when Kou tells Yu that he likes Chie (Good choice :D). From here the show takes a interesting twist with her arc where Ai only uses Yu as a stand in for a boyfriend and after understanding her situation, with a small slapping fight with Chie, comes to terms with what she needs to do to make people like her. This was the route I took in the game since it made Ai a interesting person when it didn't involve falling for the main character to solve her issues.
While Ai's arc want pretty well I can't say the same for Kou's arc as it was just a few lines of dialogue and resolved pretty quickly. What they should had done was split it up and have it pop after every social link episode to better develop Kou. Also will they do something Daisuke Nagase? You see what makes the Strength social link interesting is the bonding of Kou, Daisuke, and Yu and we don't really build on that here. Maybe they will come back to this later on but I just hate to see it end here.
As someone who has seen the Japanese version of the game, it nice to listen to Itou Kanae fully voice Ai as she does a good job playing pushy character with that voice of hers. Daisuke Ono also does a good job with Kou with a nice cheerful voice which is a interesting contrast to his other roles (One involving throwing vending machines). We also get to see the anime original character, Aika Nakamura for a few seconds which is a bit odd as it didn't lead up to anything but hey I get to hear Aoi Yūki :D Also missed opportunity for the ramen scene on the roof, should had been longer.
Despite some issues, the episode held up well for what it did. Next week we have the Kanji arc with a splash of Nanako Golden week. So least get bent! Investigation team, GO!
Highlights
Its interesting how the anime is adding some nice details that help build these characters. We all know that Yukiko's problems come from her feeling that she can't go anywhere due to her family's inn and being protected by Chie to some degree, but we never get to see those moments and that is what the anime fills in. With the few bits of her being unhappy while working and the symbolism of the pet bird helps emphasize where Yukiko's problems are coming from and where it lead down to. There was also a nice emotional moment between Chie and Yukiko with nice beats and pacing to it. On other notes, the fighting had some nice twist like how Pyro Jack absorbing the fire, which is a game mechanics, but works well within the contexts of the show. Animation is still hold up pretty well but I did see some what I like to call weird anime faces in a few scenes. So far another good episode and coming up next week Yu will be spending some time building some social links. Let see how well that goes. Investigation team, GO!
Highlights
Man, this episode hit every good mark. From a story standpoint of the Yukiko arc to the interesting imagery. The relationship that Chie has with Yukiko from their first meeting, which helped set the stage in the start of the episode, to the revelation of Chie's other self with Yukiko's red room and Chie's masks, was handled pretty well. It is the very reason why I like the game for the development of the characters and I'm glad the anime is taking that concept and working it in with a nice twist. The battle was really well done as well with lots of style and flares. And it is confirm that Yu can change out Persona as he makes more bonds but I do question why Pyro Jack at this point? Where is Jack Frost Ho!? Comedy wise, it hit some good beats like the Yosuke’s weapon incident and the
anime version of the Yukiko in the TV which wasn't sexy but pretty cheesy in a good way. Despite how well this episode want there were a few problems. The scene with Kou and Daisuke want a little too fast but I'm pretty sure that they will show up later, we really to see those balls, and the calling over Teddie using Yu's hand felt out of place due to how fast it want. Overall this was a great episode. There is a rule that I go by when watching anime that if the show gets better after 3 episodes or shows signs of good development, it is worth continuing watching, and I can say that Persona 4 episode 3 pass with flying colors.
Hightlights
It was a pretty nice convention despite not seeing many panels and getting through the crowds. Anyway here are my impressions with this years Anime Festival / Comic con.
Showroom floor
It was pretty smartly layout, placing booth of big publishers in one area and vendors in another. This also want with grouping anime and comic related things in certain areas and gave the artiest ally to be in some bright place. However, crowding was still somewhat of an issue when trying to just walk around. It didn't helped how lines are a bit disorganize when they started to get very long (Really wanted to play some Skull Girls but the line was a bit messy).
Fate/Zero
This was the only screening I want to since the panels and screenings I wanted to go to weren't on Saturday or just not in good rooms. The Fate/Zero screening was placed in a small room wish may not had been a good idea since that series deserves a bigger screening room. However, the room to me helped show how popular the show was as 30 people filled it up quick. The audience was divided with people who are familiar with the series and those who are seeing it for the first time. As the show started people were completely quiet as everyone was intrigue with what was going on. The best moment was at the end as Saber said her famous line "Are you my master?" when cheered and clapped. After the show everyone was liked what they seen and high hopes for the show.
Swag
Pretty awesome postcards, both in glossy and matte finish, a poster, Redline, and two DVD/Blu-ray sets, Darker than Black season 2 and Katanagatari.
Cosplays and displays
Lots of interesting cosplays from many shows and nice booths.
Video
