SEASONAL PRATTLE
Wonder Egg Priority’s expected competence proceeds – a focused, workman-like episode that does its job in demystifying the Accas in a gradually grim way, inevitably fitting in snuggly as both a broader, useful narrative addition and a reasonable character piece in isolation to this series’ run by curtain call. On a whole, eleven employs appreciable tactics of layering confusion and vulnerability that have sprouted up before; It’s designed in such a way where it stitches just enough information into Frill’s rise and fall to leave healthy interpretation in relation to bigger narrative gears – smoothly navigating key beats through intelligent framing choices as the Accas’ happiness slowly turns into despair, and eventually blending that into the Wonder Egg’s suicidal underpinnings. And that harmony is nicely orchestrated! This series is often welding the fractured headspaces of its cast to a set of physical and intangible factors that make them predisposed to killing themselves, attempting to cure that with its own idea of treatment, and discovering the bitterness in doing so along the way. Having another window opened up on it all is always welcomed, especially one as major as this.
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun (12)
“A more appreciable show than its cover would imply”
Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun arrives at its conclusion, thankfully without disappointment or any blatant spills. Collectively, this finale operated correctly, it cleanly resolved the crucial perspective collision of eleven that was still lingering regarding Tomozaki and Aoi – acting as one final megaphone of both of their ideals in the process and logistically feeling really true to their characters as they navigated the discussion and came to a satisfying answer – essentially meeting a middle ground that does well in upholding the merit of both of their sides. In general, Jaku-Chara Tomozaki-kun was a more appreciable show than its cover would imply – not consistently having the connective tissue and tool kit to be impressive, but being poignant enough when it matters and solid in its messaging to be a respectable genre piece and avoid the large heap of light novel mediocrity. I would welcome a season 2.
Horimiya (12)
“Merely echoes the already established outside of a sequence or two”
Somehow, Horimiya is still waddling its way towards the finish line despite the passing of its latest Christmas-tinted episode that appeared to be pretty conclusive on its own. This series has virtually played all its cards – by now, the romantic dynamics of our pairs have solidified, and most of their passionate strokes and shared gags just sorta resemble touching moments and jokes we’ve already seen before. With that said, episode twelve’s content merely echoes the already established outside of a sequence or two, with nothing really praisable about its written build, broader craft, or even use of its holiday backdrop. It’s an inoffensive performance, but one that doesn’t move the needle of Horimiya’s overall quality – and ended in a way where it doesn’t leave momentum even though it has another episode left.
