Kaiju No. 8 episode 9 review

So, if you thought Kafka would get a name, that’s too bad. Because nearly everyone calls him “Sir” yet again this episode. Except for the guy who calls him “Old Dude.” It’s laughable at this point. I think they should just name the show “Sir No. 8.”

In any case, I wish I could tell you what happened in this episode, but I could barely see anything because of the dark lighting this show uses. It might as well be in black and white. I get that they’re fighting in darkness, but when it’s to the point that the viewer has to squint into the screen to make out what’s going on, you’ve got a problem.

Standard shounen fare throughout. Kikuro, who I finally am calling by her first name, gets a new weapon, which is predictably powerful yet not at the same time. It’s pretty clear at this point that every single battle is going to have to be won by Sir – er, I mean, Kaiju No. 8. I have some hopes that the secret comes out soon, which will probably be a boon to the series.

Lots to look forward to, even if the on-screen product isn’t exactly what I want at the moment. This show can be good, I know it. But right now it’s just too predictable.

Best girl of the episode: Kikuro

Episode rating: 6/10

Spice & Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf episode 2 review

So, Holo is now pretending to be Lawrence’s wife, with her ears covered up. I wonder how long they’ll keep up this charade. Meanwhile (now I’ve gone from Sajak to Al Michaels), Holo likes to be naked… a lot. It’s enough to make even me uncomfortable. I’m a pro-fanservice guy, yet Holo refusing to wear anything half the time in front of Lawrence doesn’t seem right. Also, if Lawrence is going to get together with her, shouldn’t he show some form of attraction toward Holo? I can’t imagine seeing a beautiful woman naked and not be stimulated. Lawrence should show… something.

Anyway, this was another solid episode. We’re still in set-up mode, but I’m really enjoying this show so far. I hope it can keep up the good work.

Best girl of the episode: well, obviously, Holo

Episode rating: 8/10

Kaiju No. 8 episode 8 review

SO! (As Sajak starts out pretty much every sentence.) So, “Sir” gets chased down by the guy who resembles Gin Ichimaru, former Squad 3 Captain and host of many nightmares. Instead of doing the smart thing and saying, “Hey, look, I’m a human who has no intention of hurting any other humans,” Sir decides that he’s going to keep things a secret, because that always works. Eventually, Sir gets away and Gin Ichimaru is left wondering what the hell is going on out there.

Then we get a big victory feast. “Everyone’s getting along!” Suddenly everyone starts fighting. “Wow there’s so much tension!” Suddenly everyone starts working through their problems. The humor in this episode wasn’t bad, but you’ve got to do better than that to get me to even form a smile on my face. Right now the only anime capable of doing that is Dragon Ball Z Kai, and that’s all unintentional humor (“He blew himself up for nothing!”)

Nevertheless, I like this show, and this episode. Just please try not to be so cliche.

Best girl of the episode: Mina

Episode rating: 7/10

Konosuba season 3 episode 9 review

So, we find out the reason for Darkness’s departure, and Kazuma uses special powers from the previously useless Aqua to impersonate anyone he wants. He first goes and performs a photoshoot with some guy wearing a bra and panties, which was about as pandering as any scene as I can remember (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Then he goes and meets up with Darkness and hilarity ensues.

Apparently Lalatina is being forced to marry someone, and she’d rather go through with it than the alternative (what’s the alternative again?). Kazuma manages to embarrass her, which of course turns Darkness on. And then Darkness takes “revenge” on him. It’s all silly fun.

Maybe not the greatest of episodes, but hey, we got all four characters taking part in the action this week, including Megumin’s attempts at getting a new party member. A good, solid week for Konosuba, which sank last week but rebounded nicely.

Best girl of the episode: Lalatina

Episode rating: 7/10