Komi-san wa, Comyushou desu – 03

「 あがり症です / 携帯電話です / 委員会決めです / 間違い電話です / 齋藤さんです」 (Agarishō Desu / Keitai Denwa Desu / Iinkai Kime Desu / Machigai Denwa Desu / Saitō-san Desu)
“It’s just stage fright / It’s just a cellphone / It’s just a student election / It’s just an accidental call / It’s just a game”

Another major milestone for Komi this week, this time demonstrating the ability to talk via phone call. No doubt this moment would’ve had fans screaming because it’s the first time we hear the oh so angelic voice of the school’s Madonna herself. In yet another episode of non-stop gags and over-the-top characters, the journey for 100 friends continues for our duo protagonists.

Another “friend” is made

Somehow, Komi managed to make another friend in this episode, though the correct term, in this case, maybe more inclined towards ‘dog’. Yet another one of Komi’s ever-loyal followers, Himiko Agari (Yukiyo Fujii) is just as awkward as Komi when it comes to interactions, except her responses are a little more…just more. Nevertheless, it was heart-warming to see Komi feel a sense of relief in that she is not alone on this journey of communication disorder.

There is no denying that the inability to communicate comes in all kinds of flavors. In fact, if you really look at things, I question whether Komi is indeed the worst communicator in the school. Sure, she may be the silent type, but at least she isn’t outright repelling like some of her wacky classmates. I know if I was in that school, I’d much rather have a written conversation with Komi than converse with someone like Agari, who seemingly can’t keep her freaky fetishes to herself.

Komi’s new flip phone

In a world where having a smartphone is practically as essential as having your pants on, Komi had never owned so much as a cell phone up until now. With her new flip phone in action, Tadano has the privilege of being Komi’s very first contact outside of family, a moment he certainly has not taken for granted. Incredibly, and certainly unexpectedly on my end, Komi was able to speak a few words on the phone before hanging up. And just as Tadano declared to the world, “her voice is so pretty!”

Komi is evidently far more comfortable with phone calls than face-to-face interaction, so already we have an avenue for her to practice the art of conversation. It would seem Komi needs to reengineer how she approaches the in-person situations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if body language becomes a factor moving forward too. Nonetheless, I suspect phone call comedy will be a repeated theme in the coming episodes.

A school of worshippers

My only concern for Komi’s new phone is the amount of spam she is likely to receive by giving out her phone number to her absolute cult-worshipping classmates who see her as nothing less than a goddess of some sort. On the other hand, Osana might be onto something with her “tough love” approach to conquering Komi’s communication disorder. However, a crazy school like this will no doubt cause some PTSD for our poor girl, because I know I’d be scarred for life.

All things considered; I think the plot is heading in a positive direction. As ridiculous as the situation is, if Komi can befriend the biggest weirdos in town, then there’s no stopping her from making friends out in the real world. As for Tadano, there’s no doubt he’s secured a friend for life in Komi, whether that develops into a romantic relationship or not. Looking forward to how things progress in the coming episodes!