Recap

Usa takes Sayaka’s words to heart and ups his efforts to get closer to Ritsu. He learns more about why Ritsu doesn’t have friends, but his borderline stalker methods might take things too far.

Jel’s Thoughts

This was actually one, singular plot line for a change as the episode specifically dealt with friends. By contrasting the perspective of the adults and high school kids, it made for a surprisingly insightful musing on why we put up with people when we don’t necessarily want to. Mayumi knows that you only need a few good friends to keep you from going crazy and Shiro rather delicately explains how awesome being comfortable with yourself can be.

By contrast Usa goes through all the blind thought processes of a young boy who’s brain has been overtaken by infatuation. It was hard to not cringe a bit as he recited his mantra of “I’m not going to take the hint!” and later immediately felt jealous of Shiro when Ritsu opened up a little to him. Ritsu also displayed the classic teenage naive introspection and misguided self loathing that would normally drive me crazy. In the context of the adults’ perspective though, it actually works really well. You’re supposed to acknowledge that they’re being immature kids, not to judge them or think less of them, but relive some of those same feelings we all probably experienced at some point.

In that sense this episode of Kawaisou did the more to endear me to this cast than any episode yet. Amidst the sparkles and flowers and cartoonish flourishes, it added a bittersweet dose of reality that makes enduring the flat, repetitive comedy and predictable character types worth it. Rather than a storybook romance it’s more about finding and accepting who you are, which is a theme I find much more interesting.

Marlin’s Thoughts

Every time I think this show is going to lose me, it reels me back in with a solid finish. There was a solid message in all of the normal trappings this show has unfortunately gotten us used to. These kids are acting their age, and it’s only natural they’ll make mistakes as they both try to get used to each other. Usa’s stubbornness reminds me of even how some of my own friends still act when they get themselves wrapped up over a crush. I’m still not loving these adult characters, but at least when the author decides to get his point across she does it well. It does, however, make their personalities that much more frustrating, since when the plot demands it they can actually be thoughtful people, but when the show needs a “joke” they’re there in a flash to debase themselves for what apparently passes for humor these days.