All the seasonal anime I watched in the third week of Fall 2019!
Case File nº221: Kabukicho – Episode 2
77/100 (UP 2 points from previous episode)
Minor overall improvements and a general sense of settling into a comfortable routine makes for a predictable but nevertheless enjoyable episode. Also, I’m glad that amongst our group of male detectives we are given not one but two female detectives added to the cast even if they were sorely underutilised, but there’s still time as it’s only early on and this is a 24 episode long season.
Val x Love – Episode 3
82/100 (UP 2 points from previous episode)
The week-to-week improvements for this show are minor but cumulative and help further endear us to our fundamentally flawed protagonist and likewise the various girls who are entering his circle. While narratively not much happens in this episode it feels like a step in the right direction to making this a more substantive experience and adaptation of the original manga as the fan service is improved (though still lacking as we’re left with a censored version that promises more for the uncensored blu-ray)!
After School Dice Club – Episode 3
83/100 (UP 7 points from previous episode)
After last week’s fall in the rankings things are more or less back on track with how they were in the first episode which is great, wonderful even. Though this episode isn’t anything remarkable its at least comfortable and has our shy protagonist Miki learning not to judge a book by its cover and more importantly the value in the good in every bad situation–no matter how much our memory may skew things to the negative. Also, Aya’s sister Hana and the ‘tough girl’ Maki are totally a couple, no amount of calling them “best friends” will make me believe they aren’t an item. #justsaying
High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even In Another World – Episode 3
85/100 (DOWN 2 points from previous episode)
There were a lot of strong moments in this episode and some not so, while I appreciated the fleshing out of Roo’s motivations and backstory and the conclusion to the merchant business it lead to a somewhat cliche introduction of a new villain who treats peasants like trash and is so much of a cartoon villain that he even kidnaps the busty elf girl to do unspeakable things to her. These elements felt less inspired against a backdrop of otherwise interesting and unique characters… oh and the hot springs scene was pretty excellent as well!
Z/X: Code Reunion – Episode 2
86/100 (DOWN 2 points from previous episode)
I’m glad this show is taking its time with introducing just exactly what kind of show this is because a more impatient series would have crammed all this into a single episode and left the audience reeling from the info-dump. Things are still unclear (like who were the mystery loli’s and their giant red dragon who came in at the last minute to save the day) but it’s the good kind of confusion that leaves you wanting more rather than being frustrated.
My Hero Academia – Episode 65
90/100 (UP 3 points from previous episode)
With the third season of this show I was worried the series was stagnating–spinning its wheels as it focused on the petty squabbling between Bakugo and Midoriya. Thankfully this new episode (after last week’s recap) shows that the series is not only willing to take some risks (we get two character deaths–albeit on the villain side of things) which considerably ups the ante for the future of the league of villains but also the episode show’s that isn’t afraid to show off its comedic chops and ‘quirkiness’ with Midoriya attempting an internship with Sir Nighteye. Also, Bubble Girl, a.k.a best girl, gets a re-introduction, I look forward to seeing more of her!
Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia – Episode 3
90/100 (UP 1 point from previous episode)
Another incredibly solid installment of this series that’s taking its time as far as its central narrative goes but is all the more compelling because of it. I enjoyed the more slice of life-esque elements of this show as our core characters settled down into the daily grind but still enjoyed the minutiae of the everyday regardless. Also, Ishtar (a.k.a. Sexy Rin) makes her second appearance and it was undoubtedly a highlight as was pretty much anything with Ana, she’s the best!
AZUR LANE – Episode 3
91/100 (DOWN 1 point from previous episode)
Surprise beach episode! I say “surprise” because it seemed like even the characters involved were taken aback by having the chance to frolic in the sea, and the sea–and its ties to war and what that meant to each of the girls was the theme of this episode and the drama ran high as Enterprise continued to push herself beyond the barriers of her own well-being. Likewise, the light-hearted shenanigans worked well as a counterpoint to the more serious scenes and the introduction of a fifth faction of battleships on the Chinese side only seeks to expand this already jam-packed cast of cute girls.
Kandagawa Jet Girls – Episode 2
91/100 (DOWN 3 points from previous episode)
This episode is front loaded (pun intended) with a lot of exposition about the ins and outs of jet racing and while absolutely essential to the understanding of the sport and its various concepts it made for a little dry viewing with only the high quality 3D animation of the race itself and the smattering of fan service to keep the audience’s attention. The race itself was still interesting and fast paced but it lacked any real stakes as it was quite literally a tutorial race for the viewers. Things pick up afterwards as we’re afforded a double shower scene as well as some gym scenes to amp up the quantity and quality of the service. The episode also has its fair share of genuine laugh-out-loud moments which is also appreciated and shows this series knows exactly what it is and isn’t afraid to be cheeky about it.
Food Wars! The Fourth Plate – Episode 2
92/100 (UP 2 points from previous episode)
Shonen anime are always so hard to talk about on a weekly basis, especially one’s so deep into their run like we have here. It’s more of the same great entertainment that leaves me grinning from beginning to end but little in the way of overall development as we’re well in the middle of a tournament arc and with no signs of it ending any time soon. Subaru’s ‘imitations’ of his Elite 10 competitors were an undoubted comedic highlight as were the fan-service heavy tasting scenes involving the emcee.
Didn’t I Say To Make My Abilities Average In The Next Life?! – Episode 2
92/100 (DOWN 4 points from previous episode)
A minor drop but a drop nonetheless, with our characters starting life at ‘adventuring school’ I was reminded of the weaker aspects of the anime ‘Endro’ but thankfully the laughs are still plentiful, as are the references and meta-humour. Plus our characters are just such a joy to watch that any shortcomings are easily overlooked.
Fire Force – Episode 13
94/100 (UP 1 point from previous episode)
The action from the previous episodes continues to build and build as the Asukasa district is beset upon by the enemy and Company 7 and 8 have to work together to beat back the enemy that has infested the former’s territory. There’s some incredibly cool action moments interspersed between character moments and much needed comedy that all add up to an excellent episode that promises even more greatness going forward!
We Never Learn Season 2 – Episode 3
94/100 (UP 2 points from previous episode)
The first half of this episode with Ogata accidentally cutting her bangs and Nariyuki not noticing any difference was ‘business as usual’ as far as this show is concerned (which is to say, absolutely wonderful but somewhat predictable). The second half however, still mostly focused on Ogata managed to be surprising in all kinds of ways with side-character Sawako getting some more focus which is intriguing because I have to wonder what purpose she’s going to have going forward and whether she’s going to be a romantic interest or not.
Rifle Is Beautiful (Chidori RSC) – Episode 1
94/100 (NEW entry)
As many of you might be aware, cute girls doing cute things shows are among my favourite, however there are many tropes of the genre that are inescapable and as such it can make watching new CGDCT shows initially predictable as you’re introduced to characters who fit into various familiar tropes and watch a show eke out it’s identity among countless other shows doing similar things. So why do I specifically bring this up? Well, because almost every thing I thought was going to happen from plot developments to character tropes were subverted. That’s not to say that this show is a total subversion on the CGDCT genre but it was honestly refreshing to have a show skipping past the whole ‘making a club’, ‘recruiting members’ malarkey in a matter of minutes that in some shows lasts multiple episodes. But aside from all that the show is wonderfully fun, hilarious at times with a bunch of girls I’m already wholly invested in spending more time with. Honestly a wonderful first episode from beginning to end and if things continue at this quality this could truly become one of the greats of the genre!
Previous Fall 2019 Anime In Review Posts:
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Anime QandA 
It wouldn’t be Fate without some obsessing over food. I’m liking it so far. Also planning to check out Rifle is Beautiful and Kandagawa because I like the idea of shows about cute girls doing niche sports. (The screenshots posted up there also helped inform my decision.)
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