It’s time to enjoy Osaka.
What They Say:
“Disguise”
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
While I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the whole Momotaro approach the last time around as that’s a story element that was used heavily back in the 80’s and early 90’s when I first got into anime, it worked well enough to give Monochrome the push to move forward right with her first big concert. She’s been putting in the effort and practicing while getting really good help from those around her that have signed on to her goal. The result has been fun so it’s easy enough to give a pass to one of those pieces that just grinds me the wrong way with what it does. I totally get it as a big piece of Japanese folklore, but it doesn’t do a thing for me.
With the concert getting things moving at the start here with its big production values and very enthusiastic audience, it even works well enough that you can give it a pass for using the same song as always. Even more so because the episode isn’t about the actual concert but what she and Maneo are up to after it’s over at Osaka. It takes a fun turn with a look at how her top competition is doing as they get to ride with her for a bit, which provides for an idea of how difficult life is for one in that position with the way fans would glom onto her. Of course, Monochrome makes it her goal to let Kikuko have a good time seeing Osaka with her and comes up with a ridiculous costume. It’s light and silly with what it does and has a really cute Wooser nod in it that just adds to the fun for those that enjoy that series.
In Summary:
Naturally, there’s not a lot here outside of the feel good material with what Kikuko gets to experience with Monochrome and the very pleasant nature of both of them. It’s quite welcome to have her be as mellow as she is instead of being a cruel or mean top idol as it allows Monochrome to have something positive to aspire to. There are lots of small moments here that are nice, not much in the way of actual laughs or anything, but you get some good grins when it comes to Mana and Maneo more than anything else. I’m pulling for him on his dream of a second convenience store.
Grade: B-
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
Review Equipment:
Sony KDL70R550A 70″ LED 1080P HDTV, Apple TV via HDMI set to 1080p, Onkyo TX-SR605 Receiver and Panasonic SB-TP20S Multi-Channel Speaker System With 100-Watt Subwoofer.
