Space Brothers 09

CONGRATULATIONS Mutta, Serika, & Kenji! Our three favorite aspiring astronauts made it, just as that one guy who did the loose-screw test thought they would. Space Brothers so far is really following that Hollywood, underdog-wins path! But rather than rushing into the third test and watching Mutta possibly turn his dreams into reality, he’s faced with another internal conflict that just might hinder his ability to perform at his fullest.

We’re back in Japan, after a fairly long and fun trip in Houston that was not only funny but also – in my opinion – helped make Hibito a likable, almost relate-able character, as opposed to some genius little brother who lacks attention to detail once in a while. Although we don’t get to see the will he left for Mutta (yet), I’m sure it’s very sweet and touching and bromantic. Or, like Mutta said, it’s random crap he jolted down at the last minute. But having a will itself is serious. It’s hard to imagine someone you grew up with doing something that serious. I could barely even imagine my big bro turning 21 last year, since it’s such a big number, let alone writing something like a will! Just a crazy part of growing up, I suppose.

This episode doesn’t have anything crazy in it. No Fire Extinguisher Burglars, no cool tests, no Mutta tripping over himself or wiggling around like a weirdo. The kissing thing, pretty funny. Mutta’s dad, pretty funny. But overall it’s a rather toned down episode after such a big reveal. Not big on laughter or emotion, with the exception of the last few minutes. What’s my reason? Once again Mutta is faced with the biggest obstacle of the show–himself.

He’s always doubting and making things more stressful for himself, especially when it’s too late (it’s not like you can un-headbutt your ex-boss, or take back what you said during that interview). What I’m getting from him is almost a sense of guilt – Serika is doing this for her father. It’s something that hits the heart, something that reality TV and their producers get off on, while Mutta’s just doing this because he really, really likes space. But is having a compelling backstory and touching reason really something that automatically makes it so that a person “deserves” something more than another person? Isn’t simply wanting something with all your heart enough? Aunt Sharon’s coming back next episode, no doubt with some words of wisdom. “After you become an astronaut, you can find your reason.”

It looks like Space Brothers is following a sort of format rather strictly – internal conflict (Mutta doubts himself), followed by some external conflict or outside forces that help resolve the internal conflict (Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s pep talk, the talk show). Kind of a vague format that could be applied to anything, really, but it almost feels like Space Brothers is getting a little – key word is a little - redundant. (Maybe it’s just me…) Even so, I’m still enamored by Mutta and the whole cast, really, and I can’t wait for how it’s all going to boil down. Judging by the preview, the next episode is going to be quite eventful, so look forward to it!