Category Archives: Episode Writeup

Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Episode 1

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Hello friends, and welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today we’re exploring the first episode of a show that only came out recently, and which actually aired its second season just this past spring – the much-loved romantic comedy Kaguya-sama: Love is War. I actually watched the episode we’ll be viewing today for Anime News Network’s preview guide, where I gave it three out of five stars. So, uh, there’s that.

My thoughts at the time were pretty straightforward. I’m a massive fan of the show’s director, Shinichi Omata – as one of the most talented ex-SHAFT directors, he’s combined the stylistic quirks of the SHAFT house style with many inventions of his own, elevating shows like Sankarea into thrilling visual theater. More recently, the two seasons of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu collectively stand as one of the very best anime of the last ten years – but Rakugo was a thoughtfully written period drama, whereas Kaguya-sama is fundamentally a pretty standard romantic comedy. I find most anime comedies to be some combination of too repetitive and too simplistic in their jokes, and in spite of Omata’s welcome visual embellishments, he still wasn’t able to elevate Kaguya-sama into something I’d want to watch weekly. Even by the end of that first episode, I was basically just clamoring for the leads to confess to each other – my days of being satisfied by “will they or won’t they” drama are at this point years behind me.

Given that review, I was frankly a little surprised Kaguya-sama ended up getting funded for notes writeups. But I’m perfectly willing to give something a second chance, and with Omata at the helm, I’ll likely be well fed visually even if the show’s jokes don’t thrill me. Additionally, there’s frankly a pretty wide spectrum of media that is interesting or noteworthy enough that I’d like to have a solid opinion on it, but not so personally appealing to me that I end up watching it in my free time – and given Omata’s presence, I’d say Kaguya-sama falls pretty squarely within that space. With both Omata’s and my own history established, let’s take a second crack at Kaguya-sama: Love is War!

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Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! – Episode 12

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Well folks, a day I have both been eagerly awaiting and quietly dreading has finally arrived. At long last, we find ourselves on the brink of Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!’s final episode, as the adventures of Asakusa, Kanamori, and Mizusaki conclude with the debut of their third major production.

It’s been a cozy and rewarding journey so far, full of insights into the complex world of anime production. Asakusa has taught us a great deal about creative inspiration and storytelling, Mizusaki has illustrated the finer points of animation itself, and Kanamori has consistently tempered her friends’ ambitions with reminders of the fiscal limitations and other compromises inherent in film production. They’re a good trio, complimenting each other both in terms of talents and temperaments, and through them Eizouken has illustrated and celebrated many of the granular elements that make animated art so compelling.

It’s certainly true that this episode doesn’t feel particularly climactic, though. As an adaptation of a continuing manga, Eizouken has made little effort to hide its episodic nature, and hasn’t really “ramped up” towards a climax in any way beyond the natural rising tension of their development schedule. But that seems somewhat appropriate for this show, which has so often reveled in the day-to-day friendship of these girls, and which clearly sees a long and illustrious future spiraling out before them. It’s been a delight to spend time with this cast, and appreciate the joy and imagination with which Yuasa’s team has brought them to life. Let’s settle in one more time for Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!

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Symphogear AXZ – Episode 5

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Buckle up folks, it’s time for SYMMMMPHOOOOGEAAAAR! When last we left off, the Bavarian Illuminati had just unveiled their much-hyped Faust Robes, leading to a total defeat for our main wielders. Shortly after that, Adam himself finally arrived, and ended up destroying the entire battlefield through alchemical fusion. Things are looking pretty grim for the team at the moment!

Of course, none of those narrative facts really mean all that much in a dramatic sense. “We gained our Faust Robes” might as well be “we achieved a new level of Super Saiyan” for all it means in terms of storytelling, and if you’re surprised by giant explosions, you must be new to Symphogear. Personally, the thing I found most interesting about AXZ’s fourth episode was its direct acknowledgment of Japan’s role in World War II, which, when coupled with the team overseer’s call to “drive these barbarians from the shores of Japan,” seemed to imply this season might be moving towards some genuine political commentary. Whether this episode furthers those ideas or just exults in glorious spectacle, I’m eager to continue this riotous journey. Let’s get to it!

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Pokemon Sun and Moon – Episode 13

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Well folks, the people have spoken, and they demand more Sun and Moon. As your humble entertainer, my hands are bound by the will of my readers – fortunately, there is almost nothing I’d rather do than return to the shores of Alola myself, and see what our trainers-in-training are up to this time. Sun and Moon’s last episode might have been my favorite episode so far, as Team Rocket got to take center stage like never before, and make delightful fools of themselves in the context of the actual team’s beach trip. Combining slice of life relaxation with lots of great comedy beats and terrific animation flourishes, episode twelve was a Sun and Moon highlight, and also one of Team Rocket’s most successful gambits across their long and less-than-illustrious career. I expect they’ll need some time to recuperate from their last battle, so let’s see what the rest of the cast are up to in another episode of Sun and Moon!

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Hidamari Sketch – Episode 1

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Hello everyone, and welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today we’re embarking on a new journey, as I explore the first episode of a beloved franchise that I have basically zero experience with. We’re checking out Hidamari Sketch today, and as usual, I’ll begin by laying down what I actually know about this franchise. First off, I know that it’s one of the most enduring slice of life franchises out there, both in terms of its actual number of seasons, and in terms of its ongoing acclaim and cultural relevance.

I also know that it’s one of the core shows that defined the theoretical “SHAFT aesthetic,” a loose collection of stylistic choices that frequently includes flat, abstract backgrounds, single-tone colors, rapid closeups, creative and diegetic typography, mixed media compositions, dramatic character design shifts, and that beloved head tilt. Akiyuki Shinbo is credited as head director on basically all SHAFT productions, but given Hidamari’s other director Ryoki Kamitsubo would leave the production after the first season, leaving it entirely in Shinbo’s hands, it seems fair to assume that Hidamari Sketch is one of SHAFT’s most directly Shinbo productions.

Finally, I also know that Hidamari Sketch is about art students, and that their heads are very wide. With all that established, let’s explore one of SHAFT’s most iconic and beloved productions!

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The Girl in Twilight – Episode 4

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Hello everyone, and welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today we’ll be continuing our exploration of 2018’s The Girl in Twilight, where we last witnessed the disastrous conclusion of Nana Nanase’s short-lived betrothal to her celebrity idol. Though Nana claimed she was breaking things off due to her very sensible desire to not be called Choco Banana, in truth, it was coming to terms with her mother’s remarriage, and realizing her stepfather was genuinely concerned for her, that helped Nana comfortably embrace her old life. And ultimately, she ended up getting a sweet battle suit in the bargain, so I suppose all’s well that ends well? Either way, the resolution of Nana’s arc has returned The Girl in Twilight to its neutral position, and I’m eager to see what character insights or social commentary our next dimension-hopping trip offers. Let’s get to it!

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Symphogear AXZ – Episode 4

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You know what, screw it, we’re watching more Symphogear. Everyone’s presumably still stuck inside due to COVID, and at this point, it’s beginning to feel like time has no meaning, and the world has spun off its axis entirely. Fortunately, that’s precisely the right attitude to take into Symphogear, which concluded its last episode on the line “believe it or not, this is a great place to pick a fight with God,” and has refused to make much more sense than that at any point in its distinguished run.

I could tell you that last episode helped clarify season four’s narrative trajectory, but you’d know full well I’d be lying. Symphogear narratives are essentially driven by a massive switch labeled LOVE EACH OTHER and KILL EACH OTHER, which seesaws between modes seemingly at random, while ensuring each episode receives its allotted combination of charming relationships and thundering explosions. Symphogear is the anime equivalent of an adrenaline shot and a warm hug, and I think that’s a combination we could all use in these dark days. Let’s get to it!

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Hugtto! Precure – Episode 14

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Hello all, and a warm welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today I am thrilled to be returning to the world of Hugtto! Procure, after altogether far too long of a break. We’re even returning on a particularly exciting moment – having finally connected with Lulu emotionally during the climax of the previous episode, we might finally be due for charming odd-couple bonding between the ever-exuberant Hana and the literally robotic Lulu. Classic sitcom shenanigans, here we come!

Tonal expectations aside, Lulu’s arc has been foreshadowed through moments of hesitation and doubt since nearly her first appearance. Having been presumably built by Criasu Corp, and spent her whole life within their corporate, hierarchical structure, Lulu’s liberation feels like Hugtto’s most dramatic example so far of its principle theme: that our current circumstances are not our destiny, and that we can transform ourselves to become the adults we want to be. Simultaneously, rescuing Lulu will also stand as Hana’s most dramatic expression of her signature power: the ability to inspire others through her faith in them, and help them arrive at a happier self-image. Let’s enjoy more of these two’s adorably goofy relationship as we return to Precure!

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Pokemon Sun and Moon – Episode 12

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Hello folks, and welcome back to Wrong Every Time. Today I’m delighted to be returning to Pokemon Sun and Moon, and also pleased to report that I have no real clue what we’ll actually be doing this episode. Given Ash just recently completed his first Grand Trial, followed by Kaki’s somewhat delayed focus episode, my assumption is that we’ll be getting the gang back together this time, and enjoying another ensemble episode with the whole class. Beyond that, it’s also been quite some time since Team Rocket made anything but a cursory appearance, so I’m guessing we’re about due for another of their dubious schemes. But however things play out, I’m sure the sun will shine brightly, waves will lap gently, and pokemon will battle fiercely through another Alolan day. Let’s get to it!

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Kaiba – Episode 3

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Past shimmering stars and an aurora of souls, Kaiba has fled. Pursued by Vanilla, the cruise liner’s bloodthirsty head of security, Kaiba has run through cities and slums, stowed away in luggage compartments, and fired off in an escape pod, seeking a reunion with the one he loves, or perhaps just an escape from this world’s injustices. But in a world like Kaiba’s, there is no true escape from violence or injustice; with capitalism having even claimed dominion over our bodily autonomy, violence and injustice are woven into the system itself. Even in our own world, homes can be stolen, families ripped apart, and lives destroyed, all with perfect legality and systemic support. In a world where even your body isn’t yours to keep, where can you possibly run to, and what can you consider home?

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