Charlotte / First Impressions / Series Introduction

「我他人を思う」 (Ga Tanin o Omou)
“I Think About Others”

Ladies and Gentleman, meet Yuu Otosaka (Uchiyama Kouki). He’s good looking, at the top of his class, and can even take control of others for up to five seconds! The catch is he used that ability to get to the top in the first place, he’s committed countless lewd acts with that power, and he’s an arrogant jerk that thinks himself better than everyone else and does this when no one’s looking. It’s only fitting that a such a person be stopped as soon as humanly possible, and there was definitely a measure of satisfaction seeing his atrocities put to a sudden, swift, and painful end. Forcing him to transfer schools and causing him to get dumped by the girl he tried so hard to get are just additional icing to the metaphorical cake, and there’s much to be said about how enjoyable Charlotte’s first episode ended up.

With Maeda Jun leading things as the series’ creator however, that doesn’t come as much of a surprise, and the cheerful opening comes in as a likely cover for what should be a darker, more serious story. Needless to say, the clues are there—the question is which ones are the ones to follow—and there’s clearly more than meets the eye here, especially regarding the Otosaka family. The whole feeling that there’s a family member “missing” lights up the radar like nothing else, and one wonders—assuming his existence was real—just how much relationship there is between that missing family member has with the powers possessed by those in Hoshinoumi Academy’s Student Council.

The fact that Yuu was abusing his powers is a testament to the potential issues these powers can cause, and although imperfect in some way, the powers of both Tomori and Takajou are both game changers in their own right. Given the possible abuse, Yuu’s actions come across as relatively harmless in the big picture, and it’ll be interesting to see not only how he ultimately uses his powers, but the extent to which they can be used. One can reason the time limitation is the one imperfection his ability has, and in that case, would he actually be capable of doing more than just physical actions while in another’s body? Does he possess the capability of going through their memories while he’s at it? Or to push things further, would he be able to use his temporary possession to cause people to change their entire thought process regarding something—Inception style?

Given those possibilities and the fact he’s seemingly the main character here, there’s certainly a multitude of ways his powers could be used, and it makes you wonder if there’s not a more sinister imperfection present here. For this, the series’ first lines come to mind—

Why am I the only me and not anyone else?
Perhaps that person over there is myself as well…

—and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that this constant possession of bodies could either cause him to lose parts of himself over time, or cause others to lose parts of themselves instead.

Either way, Charlotte’s first episode leaves much to the imagination, and it reeks of potential as a series that can be everything from comedic to serious, and memorable to boot. The aforementioned are only some aspects the story can develop as it goes, and I haven’t even gone into how they can develop Yuu’s relationships with others and his distant parents, or the notion that the strings of fate may be play in regards to his current predicament. The series’ Maeda Jun foundations only help the series, and this was a premiere that succeeded in piquing my interest. I said it before, but this could very well be the show to watch this season, and this first episode certainly doesn’t change that.

Ending Credits

 

75 Comments

  2. The series’ Maeda Jun foundations only help the series, and this was a premiere that succeeded in piquing my interest. I said it before, but this could very well be the show to watch this season, and this first episode certainly doesn’t change that.

    I’m happy to hear that Charlotte is worth the hype from the premiere.

    On another note, Yuu has great reaction faces.
    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2027.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2035.jpg

    ichigo
    Reply

  4. https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2005.jpg

    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2007.jpg

    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2010.jpg

    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2014.jpg

    https://randomc.net/image/Charlotte/Charlotte%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2038.jpg

    Did Lelouch and Light somehow have a child we never knew about? XD

    I was also glad to see Yumi taking the initiative in having her and Yu going their separate ways rather than endlessly trying to follow him Hinata style. (“We have yet to start dating. So for me to chase you in a one-sided manner is as if I were a stalker.”)

    HalfDemonInuyasha
    Reply

    1. If I could give an analogy, its like Amagi Brilliant Park’s Kanie Seiya was given a different power to play with, and a more permanent one too…with him cunningly abusing it till he gets caught..
      I wonder if he can use his power on the same person multiple times?
      (MC here is same seiyuu with Kanie)

      Techim
      Reply

      1. I think it’s likely that he can use it on the same person multiple times. He uses it to cheat on exams, and there are only so many people in your classes. I imagine he would cheat off of the same group of kids every exam.

        Xnieamo
        Reply

      1. What a beautiful justice

        If the point of their school is to prevent dumb teenagers from using their dumb powers to do dumb things, why was this guy allowed to cause thousands of dollars worth of collateral damage chasing after somebody who wasn’t even running all that fast?

        I get that MC was cheating at things and maybe hurt some peoples feelings or something, but this guy wrecked several uninvolved places for no real reason. And then he claims the moral high ground???

        AngelFour
        Reply

      3. My money’s on the

        “Because we needed a self-righteous heroine & her sidekick to sit on the moral high ground and set this scummy MC straight while showing that they’re no better. Oh wait, besides the fact that they’re intentions were good, unlike him, therefore they must be in the right.”

        argument.

        Not to mention that Yuu crossed the line of cunning into lack the realm of dumbness and lack of sense. Like, there are many other ways to use those powers to his advantage yet why he heck aim so such a prestigious school, out of all things? Sure he’d pass the tests but then what? How would he even talk to the girl he liked or other people at that school when they started talking about things he didn’t have a clue about. Let’s not even get into the part where he risked the lives of the girl he likes, the driver(and possibly other bystanders) and HIS just to get her attention. Still, at least he was a somewhat interesting flawed character with plenty of room to develop. Now the development we can expect from him is most likely the development into a Tool MC.

        MgMaster
        Reply

      4. Soon you friend Slainefag, talking about morality and what is right or wrong.
        I can not take your comments seriously.
        All you said contradicts what you posted in Aldnoah.Zero while trying to justify the immoral acts of Slaine.
        The stupidity of Slaine almost took his beloved princess’s death, leaving her in a coma.
        Slaine used the power and positions that he obtained, to following and doing the same shits that Saazbaum did.
        you use two weights and two measures in your comments.
        It really is impossible to take your comments seriously.
        Mainly a Slainefag, that used the term ” Slaine not done nothing wrong”

        Ufo1985
        Reply

    2. I agree with you, it is something I appreciate very much a character, the fact that their thoughts are shown, through internal monologues, so the fans know what the character is thinking of doing and why did, helps a person better understand the character.
      So I think that characters like Lelouch, Kyon, Araragi has a superior writing, because besides possess the convecionais dialogues, they also have shown dialogues of thoughts.

      AngelFour
      Reply

  7. http://i.imgur.com/Nz2bTop.jpg
    http://i.imgur.com/dlDp0mQ.jpg

    If the point of their school is to prevent dumb teenagers from using their dumb powers to do dumb things, why was this guy allowed to cause thousands of dollars worth of collateral damage chasing after somebody who wasn’t even running all that fast?

    I get that MC was cheating at things and maybe hurt some peoples feelings or something, but this guy wrecked several uninvolved places for no real reason. And then he claims the moral high ground???

    AngelFour
    Reply

    1. He definitely bent the morals there to his side, but in the end I can stomach it on the aspect that part of it was for the comedy (pretty sure much of the damage wasn’t lasting), part was to highlight the limitation of his abilities, and part of it showcased just what Yuu was facing if he resisted.

      And who knows, the latter might end up being a worth a lot more than the damages if Yuu helps out a lot later, haha.

      Zephyr
      Reply

    2. It’s totally different Seiya Kanie. Kanie not hurt morality.
      It is true that both are arrogant, however Kanie was a person who played clean, and never abused of power of reading minds that he possessed, to take advantage own, he used his power only 2 times. Kanie not hurt morality.

      The sarcasm in the phrase, using his power to control and take advantage for himself, manipulating people, not calling morality and internal monologues are more like Lelouch.

      AngelFour
      Reply

    3. Perhaps more for the Fan Base. Most hearing his Voice also have this kind of Face in mind. But then, this will fixate always now his voice with this Face. I hope the VA do not mind as well, getting pulled into some Voice=face alike drawer

      WorldwideDepp
      Reply

  9. I’m assuming that first girlfriend he had (Who dumped him) is the last time we’re going to see her. (Since she’s not part of the school) And CLEARLY that famous singer girl is going to be in his school and have somekinda super powers.

    drzero7
    Reply

      2. @ sealouse

        Bland? so then all hime-cuts are bland!? When in-universe, she’s the primadonna of the school.

        I’m actually quite interested on her and I want to see her again. Though I wan to see her returning to see a changed Yuu by that time. It would probably be sad to know that her savior was actually a scumbag. At the very least, Yuu’s facade was not broken as far as she’s concern.

        Really a nice move of rejecting that scumbag. Though was it really the last of it?

        Raiu
        Reply

      2. “Plastic Memories league?”

        Nah, this is Key Visual Arts (Clannad, Little Busters) we’re talking about here. Of course the feels will be on a higher level.

        And P.A. Works has consistently been good with their animation so far. Excluding their collaborations with Key, Hanasaku Iroha and Tari Tari instantly come to mind. (While Clannad was also made by Key–the visual novel, at least–it was Kyoto Animation who…err…animated it, not P.A. Works.)

        Anyway, hope you guys restocked your tissue papers after Plastic Memories. Just in case.

        Incognito
        Reply

  13. Still in the middle of the episode, but I’ve never gone from hating a character (and show to an extent) to loving both this quick in the course of an episode, never mind a show. The story/show literally slapped the MC back to Earth/humility.

    This is pretty entertaining coming from PA; hope they can keep this up.

    Merkius
    Reply

    1. Seriously, is it just me who thoroughly enjoyed his evil, selfish and maniacal self? That was a absolute blast to watch till the other characters came and spoiled his fun. Seriously, I really want a series to just go all-out and show us how far people can go with their powers, and how creative they can get, when left unchecked ala Death Note and Code Geass in a more everyday-life setting with more everyday-life problems. Possessing girls’ bodies? Brilliant! Cheating on tests? Ingenious!

      Actar
      Reply

  17. I think their powers reflect the challeges they encountered during their childhood days, for example takajou is fast maybe during his childhood days he was not fast enough to prevent something dire from happening(the flash) or tomori where she was exposed to so many attention that she wanted to be unseen by everybody and lastly like yuu who idolized his elder brother (?) Who wanted to be like him thus his power.

    Topacio
    Reply

    1. If we’re to follow this assumption, I think it would be more fitting if tomori’s power manifested because she wanted to ‘hide from somebody/someone’, it would certainly explain why her power only works on one person and not the rest.

      Zero
      Reply

      1. Yes, we can also assume that is her case since they said that their powers are incomplete or lacking but oh well we will know what really happened in the succeeding episodes

        Topacio
        Reply

  18. Lelouch and Kanie in one tight package. I like this premiere. Wish her Ex will make a later appearance.

    Just curious… why Charlotte for a series title? Is she a character yet to be shown?

    Reikakou
    Reply

  20. @Charlotte

    It pass with great Honor!!!

    Well, PSI capable Peoples, that use their ability for selfish reasons

    Lelounge Vibes (Yes, i know. that do not the Voice actor a favor)

    I am curious in how it continue.. at that only with 1 Episode

    This Anime is Save!!. I put this right on my Watchlist!!

    WorldwideDepp
    Reply

  22. Gosh, Lulu is baaaack (oh, different anime).

    I so enjoyed this though – refreshing reactions and great pace. Must continue to watch. This season has some really interesting anime titles!

    Teabie
    Reply

  24. —and it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that this constant possession of bodies could either cause him to lose parts of himself over time, or cause others to lose parts of themselves instead.

    I was thinking that originally, his power, at full capacity, allowed him to change his body permanently once(as in ‘only one/the first time’), then, imperfectly, was only capable to change for 5 secs. Although the dialogue from Otosaka gave the impression that his power was ‘perfect’ and the other two SC members’ powers as ‘imperfect’, that doesn’t mean that is true; it could be a bad assumption on his part.

    The theory I’m going for now is that the “memory” person was Yuu before changing to the current Yuu body.

    frubam
    Reply

  25. Of all the series I’ve watched the premier of this season this was the only one that genuinely got me looking forward to the next episode. I like that we are starting off with an MC who is less than admirable. I think it makes things a bit more interesting. At the same time though, the introduction of his little sister and his other actions seem to indicate that while he does act like scum, he probably isn’t that bad deep down.

    Considering this is a Maeda Jun work, were likely to be treated to the idea that his actions this episode are more in line with a defense mechanism or trauma related to some form of rejection or trauma in the past. In any case, it is the most interesting show to come out so far this season

    Juan
    Reply

    2. Judging an entire anime by its cover (1 episode) huh? Shame on you. Remember, nothing is going to be without some well used ideas. It may seem like the “same old crap” but doesn’t mean it is. Hell, as long as it is interesting and fun what’s it really matter even if it is to an extent. Maybe not tell yourself it’s going to suck right off the bat. Lighten up.

      Avalon
      Reply

  30. That was actually really good, though the whole idea of having to place restrictions on their powers just rubs me the wrong way. Really hope they don’t focus too much on this “using their powers for good” idea too much. The entire fun of the first half was seeing them abusing their powers and I don’t think many series have actually dealt with the full potential of that idea yet.

    Actar
    Reply

  32. Yuu is smug as fuck,love that about him (hope he stays that way throughout the series,though seems unlikely).

    Ayumi is cute ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

    Some foreshadowing about that thing she said about having another sibling? (Thinking there might be more to this because of the mysterious person in second key visual)
    http://i.imgur.com/hOSODAL.jpg

    Just saw the last few seconds of the episode,yep this other sibling/child friend from the past is likely the other person in the second key visual.

    Surprisingly good start,generally don’t like Key’s work but I guess when they partner with PA Works their work turns out good.

    Edit: Btw,encase anyone didn’t notice Kouki Uchiyama who voices Yuu also voiced Kanie from Amagi Brilliant Park who both look alike.

    Both have rather distinct personalities as well,Yuu be a smug asshole and Kanie being a giant narcissist.

    KoyomiKami
    Reply

  34. I might get down voted here but it distracts me that the girls look like from Nagi No Asukara. Ugh. As far as Maeda shows are concerned, this is his wackiest first episode which I think is a good thing.

    PS: Did PA Works peek on KyoAni’s joke books this time? If not for the artwork, I might have mistaken it as a Kyoto Animation show.

    samui
    Reply

  35. And I though we finally get MC that’s not idiot and know how to use his power cleverly. (keep it secret and use it to be successful in life)

    Too bad he got found out and series turn into generic highschool x-men love comedy.

    Still believe in Jun Maeda anyway. The gag parts were good too.

    Rule of Nature
    Reply

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