「グリズリーさん旅立つ/見知らぬお店」 (Gurizurī-san Tabidatsu / Mishiranu o Mise)
“Mr. Grizzly’s Journey / A Strange Shop”

Eventually, I’ve got to stop saying “Shirokuma is a troll,” but being able to troll effortlessly is an amazing trait. Simple desert naming or nonchalantly serving an order without question–true troll blood is engrained in his genes.

However what’s an overly skilled troll without an overly dramatic target friend? That’s probably why Shirokuma and Grizzly got along so much as kids: Grizzly’s energies were being pooled to comedic use whilst Shirokuma’s desires are fulfilled. It’s a twisted yin and yang of sorts, both in their fur color and their personalities! Even when separated by many a mile, their chemistry still works. Grizzly goes through all of the stages of grief in an epic trip while being completely unaware of his meta-exploitation by Shirokuma for our entertainment.

But come roll second half, the introduction of a new character challenges Grizzly’s title for ‘most overreactive’. Never have I seen someone take their lunch break that seriously, but apparently it all makes sense! After being stuck in what must be an office setting for many hours, you wouldn’t want to spend your valuable paid break on eating soggy ramen in a humid open shop! You go for the good stuff! Though, for our new character, his observations also become his bane. Whilst this means great comedy for us, it also reveals to us a key trait about the setting–that Animal City [placeholder name] is an isolated case. All of these ridiculous animal antics aren’t a worldwide phenomenon, but in fact are semi-rare instances. There may be the occasional bar out there, but for the most part, think of it like Index’s Academy City: a special place in what’s a fairly normal world. What this means is that it opens up a lot of doors for where potential episodes could go. Exploiting unwitting humans with a bunch of funny animals…can go quite humorously if done right.

Enough with the small analysis though: this was an energetically funny episode that included a lot of the cast. Sasako got above-average screentime, the zoo animals got their share of conversation, and Panda continues to become more likeable as a character. Again, I doubt whether Panda’s antics are growing on me or if he’s actually growing in character, but either way, the show is growing into its rhythm nicely. Next episode, we’ll be seeing Rin Rin either be popular with the girls or a major creeper, as well as returning back to an animal’s roots camping.

 

Preview

9 Comments

  1. This episode is the best ever episode of Shirokuma Cafe and that line of Shirokuma, “Because my mother gave birth to me,” is epic rofl.

    The second part is very funny. I hope he’d return every now and then. He’d be a great addition

    Eunichi
  2. First thing first, Otters lol. This episode was too much on the humor, I think I liked this one the most so far. I want to see more baby Polar Bear and Grizzly scenes.
    Argh I missed Penguin-san sit on the chair too. And how are the animals holding up cups with no thumbs; I hope that will be pointed out as well. Neck-tie guy will be remembered as the only human to have eaten bamboo…I would have thought Sasako would have told him they are for Panda only. XD

    random viewer
      1. I suppose those parts of the world are in China where Pandas are found with bamboo that’s naturally grown there. And for humans to eat it is probably considered a delicacy to be a choice of food.

        random viewer
  3. Even with just a small role, that otter’s seiyuu is a big shot. Sugita Tomokazu played that otter. And Necktie-san is Suzumura Kenichi. The seiyuu cast in this show just wows me.
    And it was an enjoyable episode again. Best part would be Shirokuma’s reply to Grizzly at the end of the first half. “Because my mother gave birth to me”. Priceless.

    belatkuro

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