Posted inFirst Impressions Kami-sama Dolls

Kami-sama Dolls – 07

「追憶の肖像」 (Tsuioku no Shouzou)
"Portrait of Memories"

With the opening and ending sequence taken out in favor of extra time, plus a new ending theme by Ishikawa Chiaki (Garden of Summer), this flashback episode felt like the lead up to the finale. It definitely surprised me with the way it unfolded, which was very different from what I had in mind.

Posted inFirst Impressions Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate – 20

「怨嗟断絶のアポトーシス」 (Ensa Danzetsu no Apotōshisu)
"Disruption of Apoptosis"

I’m going to resist the urge for a general “I told you so” because I’m sure that by tomorrow, the combination of microanalysis and thoughtless spoilers will have found 20 things wrong in the next few paragraphs. But for now, it feels good to know that we’ve finally reached the point I’ve felt this series has been building towards.
Posted inFirst Impressions Yuruyuri

Yuruyuri – 07

「くり済ませり」 (Kurisumaseri)
"Doing Christmas"

I'm not too sure how to translate the title for this episode, but it sure sounds like a dirty play on words for "Christmas" when the Japanese could be read as "finish and repeat". Or if you prefer, "do the deed over and over again."

Posted inBaka to Test to Shoukanjuu First Impressions

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu Ni! – 06

「僕とのぞきと男の友情っ!」 (Boku to Nozoki to Otoko no Yuujou)
"Me, Peeping, and BROTHERHOOD"

I can't recall the last time a show decided to break the fourth wall, but Baka Test's narrator definitely sounded pretty pissed this week. All jokes aside, it's beginning to feel a wee bit tedious with the collective brain power of our four three guys failing to discover their blackmailer.