Alternative title(s): Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai
Novel Adaptation by Pierrot
Streaming on Crunchyroll
Premise
A bunch of ladies stand around and talk and stuff because they all want to be the one to marry a prince. Also there are supernatural creatures who can transform from human to crow (or raven, depending on the translation).
Artemis’ verdict: Talking Heads
I have stunningly little to write for a show that, on paper at least, should be right up my alley. Historical setting? Check. Courtly intrigue that takes place in a world where fantasy/supernatural creatures abound? Also check. Source material that isn’t a manga or light novel? Sign me up.
Except this was boring. There’s no way around it, the episode almost sent me straight to sleep. The premise and setting may well come into its own later, but I’m afraid the premiere has already lost me – much as I appreciate the effort, there’s only so much I can be invested in something that’s almost 100% people standing (or sitting) around and chatting, with occasional moments of evil laughter and/or sly fanning. What more is there to say? It was a tedious watch, barely strung together by moments of potentially cool things that never eventuated, and I’m just not one to wait around for several episodes for something to get better. Respectful pass.
Jel’s verdict: Maybe I should finally watch Apothecary Diaries
I was watching all the catty women in this episode and started thinking about Rose and Camellia, the greatest Flash game ever made. This would have been a lot more fun if all their differences were settled with merciless slap fights. Honestly it didn’t even need that, there was a lot of interesting things to work with like, I don’t know, PEOPLE TURNING INTO RAVENS? How was that not more of a factor? Instead everything just… happens… in a boring, matter of fact way. I feel like there are better options if you want some historical period court intrigue, like maybe GLORIO’s #3 anime of 2021 (that should have been #1) The Heike Story or from what I’ve heard, even last season’s The Apothecary Diaries. This show seems fine, but maybe I should go watch that instead.
The Glorio Blog 
Oh that’s too bad. I was kind of looking forward to seeing this one. Hopefully it gets more interesting in the next episode.
In all fairness, other people have disagreed, and I think the anime is one that stands out this season in particular for its unique story and character designs. I just wish it had started off its story from its far more compelling angle than spin its wheels with what feels like either boring backstory or its B-tier part of the plot.