Terminal Velocity – ‘Boogiepop and Others’ Episode 5 Review

What’s the show? Boogiepop and Others, Episode 5.

So how’s this episode? So this is probably the most cohesive, linear and sequential an episode of ‘Boogiepop and Others’ has been so far. And you know what, as much as I extolled the virtues of the show in previous episodes–comparing its confusing overall experience favourably to the works of David Lynch among others–this show works best when its straightforward with its narrative. Only obfuscating when it makes the most impact rather than for the sake of it.

And in layman terms that means…? It’s a good episode because it’s not as confusing as others but it’s still a little confusing but only when it needs to be.

Right. So what happens in this episode then? So first of all we’re introduced (or rather re-introduced) to a duo we probably presumed were merely extras in the previous episode. Misaki Taniguchi is a ~nice guy~ and he comes to the “rescue” of Aya Orahito a strange girl who can’t say no to anything asked of her for an innate fear of being “hated”. The two form a sort of bittersweet relationship throughout the first half of the episode until we’re introduced to Shinjirou Anou a bully by any other name, but also a boy infatuated with Misaki. Though it’s not long before his observation of Misaki and Aya draws the ire of a ‘Synthetic Human’ who erases all his desires and passions and turns him into a “terminal”–a servant of the mysterious ‘Towa Organisation’.

As much as the whole “I don’t know why I’m crying” thing is a pretty stale trope, they pulled it off here because it was so unexpected.

Wait I thought you said this wasn’t confusing, I’m confused. Silence, I’m not done yet. So ~things~ happen, Shinjirou comes into contact (not for the first time) with our previous episode’s protagonist Jin. The “Snow In April” motif recurs, Shinjirou is broken from his status as a “terminal” and goes to meet a girl who left a love letter in his locker–except it was a faked letter written by Boogiepop in order to drawn out the ‘Synthetic Human’. They fight a bit, some vague truths are revealed and Shinjirou goes about his life. And all the while this has been happening Misaki and Aya have been dating and getting closer and it’s all very sweet and endearing–if slightly ominous. And then at the end of the episode we get the reason why for this ominous feeling–turns out Aya’s real name is ‘Camille’ and she’s (probably) a terminal for the ‘Towa Organisation’ too.

Yeah, I don’t even know at this point… Come on, you expect a synopsis written by a drunk to make any more sense the events themselves?! Listen, I know its not exactly a) to b) storytelling but surely you can keep up, right?

Do I even want to at this point? You know what, you’re absolutely right. If your (for some reason) reading these reviews and not watching the show there is no point to continue to do so. This show (and by extension, these reviews) are exclusively for those watching the show as its almost impossible to offer an adequate recap without sounding like an absolute madman.

And so your review then? Yeah, great episode! Lots of weirdness but likewise lots of heart and character development. Boogiepop in her brief appearance was unexpectedly badass and the rest of the show was perplexing but entertaining. At this point–regardless of authorial intent or execution–I’m just along for the ride. Thank you, more please!