Renn’s 12 Moments in Anime: 6 Survival Strategies

Warning: Spoilers for Mawaru Penguindrum 23.

I have to hand it to Director Kunihiko Ikuhara. There’s a huge level of inter-connectivity in Penguindrum, even if the first half looks nothing like the second and even if this is applied in vexing ways. Take, for example, the Princess of the Crystal’s “Survival Strategy!” It isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s the show’s motto, through-and-through. Why, in the penultimate episode alone…

(1) He was shot, but still alive.

(2) She was blasted, but still alive.

(3) She died, then came back to life.

They’re both ghosts, but…

(4) (5) They’re still alive. Admittedly, in bunny and hat form.

(6 x [>9000]) Oh, and she’ll never bloody die. Kanba, this girl’s heart has stopped four times in twenty-three episodes, and she’s still alive. Stop trying to save her, and save yourself.

Listen up you lowlilfes! You’ll never amount to anything, so die already!

Come Thursday, we’ll get trolled by Ikuhara for the 24th time this year.

Moment six? Realizing I’m stoked for the Penguindrum finale.

Any finales you can’t wait to see?

Note: Yes, a short, cop-out post today. Just finished an exam and have another on Thursday (after which I get to watch Penguindrum). I WILL SURVI–I will be back tomorrow. To anyone who hasn’t been on the blogosphere the past few days, this is a part of the 12 Moments in Anime Project. One anime moment per day for twelve days straight. Thanks for reading!

Image Credit: 1, Gloria Gaynor

/ 4 Commentsleave a comment /

• Elyon says:

  December 21, 2011

  Pffffffffffffffft the Gloria Gaynor. xD I kind of wish hadn't almost killed Himari so many times. It lost it's impact after a while. But Shouma getting shot? I freaked out….until he didn't die either. Ikuhara needs to stop trolling.
  Good luck on your exams, Renn!!
  My recent post Renn’s 12 Moments in Anime: 6 Survival Strategies

  Reply
  • Renn says:

    December 21, 2011

    Gloria has been a go-to on my stop chatting and study playlist. I could really use a survival strategy myself. :(

    I'm sick of all the death fake outs for pretty much all the characters. Much as I love the cast, I would be a bit satisfied to see them all drop dead in the finale. :p

    Thank you! I need it! xD

    Reply
• Mint says:

  December 22, 2011

  I'm gonna miss looking forward to this crazy show every week… :(

  Good luck with your exam!

  Reply
  • Renn says:

    December 23, 2011

    Me, too. It'll be over with the subs. ;_;

    Thanks, Mint! It went really well. :D

    Reply