Shiroi Suna no Aquatope – 14

「ペンギンチェイサー」 (Pengin Cheisaa)
“Penguin Chaser”

I think this was the episode that gave us a glimpse of Haebaru’s humanity. Her compassion so to speak. Where she expressed her underlying logic and rationale. She values competency over what she perceives to be a free ride off the coattails of seniors – and test Fuuka to ascertain these facts.

We all know that while she was a bit hapless at the start – with Kukuru chewing her out after giving her zero training – Haebaru actually gives Fuuka a few days to really familiarise herself with the penguins, permitting a fair chance to prepare for and pass the test. Which certainly beats throwing new people into the vicious den of Penguins. *cough* Kukuru *cough*.

If we looked past Haebaru being at odds with Kukuru, she’s clearly competent at her job and manages her juniors very well – acquiescing to Kukuru’s request despite her personal reservations, because two of her juniors in Marina and Fuuka plead her to reconsider.

Also, it’s not like her embargo on penguins came out of a selfish or childish whim to spite Kukuru. Haebaru is well aware that the penguins have been agitated by their move, and only when she trusts that the team are capable of looking after the penguins does she give way to Kukuru’s request.

While Kukuru and Haebaru might have started off on the wrong foot, to me it’s blindingly obvious they both deeply care about the sea life at Tingaara. Hopefully they will mend bridges over common grounds, as opposed to waging bitchy conflict with knock-on effects to the Aquarium.

Contrast Haebaru’s excellent leadership with Suwa’s morale destroying conduct. Kukuru overcomes all the bureaucratic red tape to finally deliver a tour – and the only thing he can do is complain that there weren’t enough people. For all her bitchy behaviour, Haebaru can be pleased. There’s just no pleasing some people, and I have to wonder how exactly Kukuru can eventually end up in Suwa’s good graces.

Part of me reckons the Dad will be the McGuffin here. Filming away the tour and his kids having a blast using his hand camera, I’m under the impression his videos will make waves on social media and encourage people to visit and try out the guided tour.

In my opinion, the aquarium has all the tools to succeed. Everyone needs to work together, and I’m confident the results will show – and that the second cour will show a gradual shift in teething pains, from growing interpersonal relationships to getting proficient at the job. Based on my observations so far, Fuuka and glasses guy will be absolutely critical in getting the two factions to see past their differences.

Anyway, that’s about everything I wanted to discuss. As always, thanks for reading this post and see you all next week!

Epilogue: