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「友達」 (Tomodachi)
“Friends”
Although Yuutousei has largely solidified itself as the cutesy, don’t take it as seriously as you might otherwise version of Mahouka, it’s still finding a way to tickle my fancy in all the right ways. Maybe it’s the more slice-of-life emphasis (the Mahouka variety mind you), it could be the secondary cast dominance over all else. Or maybe I’m just in perpetual denial about what truly matters in shows like this. Nawh, definitely couldn’t be that.
Much as confirmed previously, the main story segments of Mahouka are going to receive little in the way of attention. Several of the key points this week for example, from the Blanche plot to incite revolt to Mayuki’s own method of subverting potential unrest were pretty quickly brushed over. Considering these points were delved into during Rettousei I’m not complaining too much, but the speed at which developments like this are dealt with is slightly annoying considering Yuutousei’s shown willingness to let its secondary cast shine. Part of it of course is that we haven’t hit the major minor character experiences yet (the Blanche attack next week will be the first real one), however it might also just be me; given my professed appreciation of all things detective trio (and what a trio it is), I dare say I can be a little miffed any time the limelight deigns to choose another.
Speaking of such choices, colour me impressed at how Miyuki has so far been handled. As mentioned right at the start Miyuki was my main concern, her personality is divisive and she heads off in only one direction (and it’s not upward). The first episode seemingly pointed towards the worst aspects of this, yet the past couple of weeks have done a fairly decent job of containing the excesses. While the brotherly love remains, Yuutousei has kept it above board for the most part, letting the more comedic aspects dominate, among other related imagery. It’s not going to convert any critics of the franchise – Mahouka is too divisive for that – but it really helps smoothen the light novel wrinkles which often plague this franchise and let its more positive, character-driven aspects come through. Such things may not last forever, but I shall certainly enjoy every minute Yuutousei decides to feature it.
Considering the stuff coming down the pipeline next, I think we have plenty of time before reaching that point.
Preview
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Young women, with more heart than sense, trapped in a dark alley, surrounded by a thuggish motorcycle gang — anywhere else this is a recipe for calamity. And then….
“Step away from the schoolgirls.”
I enjoyed how Yakumo approaches the fallen but not fully subdued bikers with a ‘Yare, yare…” and then Miyuki approaches with an “Ara, ara…”
Great line with, “That’s quite defiant of you. And a great look of terror on the biker’s face.
https://randomc.net/image/Mahouka%20Koukou%20no%20Yuutousei/Mahouka%20Koukou%20no%20Yuutousei%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2013.jpg
Prurient interests aside, what a great image that is. I think the new artists love their ice princess. A good selection for full-length.
Miyuki for me really comes into her own when you separate her from Tatsuya. That reserved and demure personality is a killer when paired with such circumstances as seen here which has me hope we can get more of it this season.
Also have to love it when a show makes it easy to grab full-length images 😛