Tofu’s Weekly Roundup #3

Binbou-gami ga! 05

I’m just gonna come out straight and say that I’ve lost feel for Binbou. It’s a big hit or miss in terms of their comedy being partially a parody and outrageous. Sadly their comedy is a bigger miss than a hit and I’d rather look into Kokoro Connect for comedy than Binbou-gami. Not to mention that I seriously don’t care much about the characters, nether-the-less the plots they throw at us. Long story short, I’ve lost interest.

(DROPPED)

Natsuyuki Rendezbous 05

Wow. Things have gotten really supernatural quite fast but even with the sudden picture book world and the body swapping incident, Natsuyuki keeps their characters fresh; displaying very realistic reactions while continuing to embed some humour into the series. It’s definitely a slow paced series that revolves around a very complicated love triangle (?); making it a more relaxing experience while keeping the emotions strong and vibrant. What’s also great about Natsuyuki is their small cast of characters that allows each of them the right amount of air time in order to narrate the story (and even when the narration is taken in turns, the story still flows smoothly).

(Rating: 7/10)

Kokoro Connect 05

That was seriously the most beautiful episode I’ve seen so far this season. That preview from last episode did well to pique everyone’s interest and it did not disappoint with episode 5. In fact, the events that took place within episode 5 blew my expectations for how emotionally impacting it was going to be.

The whole episode delivered a brilliant, emotional rollercoaster. After 5 episodes and the help of their individual voice actors, we’ve already developed a strong connection between these characters, allowing us to feel their emotions and their feelings thus allowing us to better understand the traumas and tough times they’ve gone through. Because of this, the characters felt much more real in terms of their reactions and interactions with each other in episode 5.

There were sad moments, desperate moments, and tragic moments but there was also touching moments and romantic moments that made this episode so dramatic to watch through – but that was what made it such a beautiful climax to Nagase’s arc. Kokoro Connect continues to surprise us with how well they can handle and deliver twists and also allowing the whole cast to grow without isolating any characters for too long. It was a well told and well-paced episode from start to finish. There’s no reason for you NOT to be watching this.

(Rating: 10/10)

Sword Art Online 05

SAO’s practically the most inconsistent series I’ve seen which isn’t exactly a good thing though I’m willing to forgive SAO because of how it’s being adapted that’s making it so inconsistent with other episodes. The best thing about episode 5 is Asuna! She’s finally getting some air time after episode 2.

Though her relationship with Kirito is quite tsundere, it does feel out of place because of all these time jumps. You can tell this isn’t the 2^nd time the two met each other so we’re really left to guess how – not only Kirito – but everyone else developed off screen.

Episode 5 revolved around a mystery dealing with a special PK case that took place within town that shouldn’t have been possible. Though overall, I do feel that from here on out, the episodes won’t feel as inconsistent so that’s good in terms of story. I’ve got a few guesses as to who’s the culprit but what about you guys? Any suggestions of who did it guys?

(Rating: 7/10)

Space Brothers 19

Oh my god. I’m getting really giddy over the next episode because it’ll finally be the time where the Groups need to choose 2 people who will make the best astronauts! Just how will they go about this!? *ahem* As for the actual episode this week, there were heaps of teamwork and bonding going on in Group A and B respectively – Group A working together to make Udon and Group B finally interacting with each other on more casual and friendly terms.

As much as the episode served as a reminder for the big day, it also implied the feeling of belonging or wanting to belong. Mutta’s past story about how no one saw eye to eye about stars like he did gave him the realisation that there are actually people out there that share his passion – to be honest, I was a bit touched by that since I’m studying about ‘Identity and Belonging’ for English. It was a well-paced episode overall, but like I said at the start, I can’t wait for next episode!

(Rating: 8/10)

Kuroko’s Basketball 18

It was sad to see Seirin lose in such a manner, but it was obvious that they wouldn’t win against Touhou from the start. But I’m glad the guys never gave up as difficult as the game was. In terms of Aomine’s playing style, I’ve actually thought of doing all those things before when I was younger (and possibly a bit fitter) but it never worked out since I was a slow runner. In the end, I enjoyed the game even though it was a bit depressing. At least now we’ll be introduced to the new character that will join Seirin in the next episode.

(Rating: 7/10)

Hyouka 16

Having a real mystery play out within the school as a means to promote the new manga ‘Kuddryavka’s Order’ is a damn brilliant idea. But if that’s the case then the culprits would be Kugayama or Anjou Haruna; the people known as Ajimu Takuha. Is there a bigger twist to all this? If we were to believe this was true then it’s no longer much of a mystery.

In fact, Fukube’s jealousy is more of a mystery to me than the Jumonji incident. It was so sudden and unreasonable for him to act so out of character. Did I skip an episode? But besides all the mystery, I feel really sorry for Mayaka and how she’s being treated like shit at the Manga Society. Sure I confess I didn’t really care much about her at first but those girls are so foul!

(Rating: 6/10)

Oda Nobuna no Yabou 05

The brilliant strategist Takenaka Hanbei joins the cast and damn is she fricken powerful! I did cringe seeing such a skinny, short loli being portrayed as Takenaka at first, she at least becomes a proper character near the end than just an excuse to satisfy the perverts in Japan. An example being having a grown up man saying the words “Hanbei-chan” in a deep but slow voice.

What I haven’t mentioned in these thoughts is how much I hate that Asai brat. Someone needs to make him scream and beg for mercy for all I care. I guess that’s a corrupted daimyo for you (but was the real Asai brat such an unlikable guy?).

 (Rating: 6/10)

Tari Tari 06

This. This is exactly what I wanted to see in Tari Tari – to move the heart through music. With Wakana’s tragic past as the catalyst, it allowed us to take a trip into her mother’s heart and truly see the love between a mother and a daughter. It was expressed through happiness but also sadness, which allowed our Wakana to develop into a person who can now hold her head up high and appreciate music once again. But now with her arc practically over, I wonder who we’ll focus on next.

(Rating: 8/10)