On to Part 2!
What I Watched: The IDOLM@STER
What I Expected: Cute girls singing & dancing…and not much more
What I Got: Confusion as to why this is so popular in Japan
Taken from the wildly successful game of the same name, this show traces the development of several young ladies as they vie to become idols. That’s it. I’m sure there will be attempts to tell the backstories of the more interesting girls, but why bother? Most will tune it to root for their favorite girl. And with so many girls to choose from, it’s not hard to pick one or two favorites. I’m not sure this will become one for the ages, but it shows real possibilities as a guilty pleasure.
Chances I’ll Keep Watching: Fair. If the drama gets too heavy, I’m out.
What I Watched: Mayo Chiki!
What I Expected: Another misunderstandings high school comedy
What I Got: A cross between MM! and Maria Holic
Traps are pretty popular in anime, as the Japanese seem to find cross-dressing absolutely hilarious. However, the reverse-trap (female disguised as male) is something of a rarity. They are usually tomboys, however Subaru the butler is slightly different. The only child of a family of butlers serving the Suzutski family, she decides to carry on the family tradition, despite her gender. She’s deadly serious about her task, and doesn’t suffer fools gladly. She’s allowed as long as her true identity is hidden. Of course, our hero discovers the secret in the most embarrassing way on her first day at school! Romance? Well, if you consider beating up and torturing the poor guy romance. Feh.
Chances I’ll Keep Watching: Fair. In for a penny, in for a pound I say!
What I Watched: Nekogami Yaoyoruzu
What I Expected: A kiddy show with lots of cat gods running around
What I Got: A pretty funny gag show aimed at adults
Gods and Demons have a different connotation in Japanese culture. They refer to spirits that watch over things. As either can be mischievous, this lends itself to gag humor. Well-acted and frenetically paced, Nekogami Yaoyoruzu is sort of a throwback to the 80s. The jokes come fast and furious, and the characters are fun to watch. If you liked Digi Charat, this is right in your wheelhouse.
Chances I’ll Keep Watching: Good. It’s funny and not really challenging – a good change of pace.
What I Watched: Uta no Prince-sama – Maji Love 1000%
What I Expected: La corda d’oro with boy band wannabes
What I Got: A predictable, yet charming show
While La corda d’oro took place in a conservatory, this takes place in a high school devoted to creating idols. It’s also a reverse-harem, however the tone is much lighter. The cast is stellar, and they really elevate the slight material to something watchable. It’s rote as hell, yet you take a liking to the characters. They’ve even thrown in some cheap drama, as an identical twin to Haruka’s idol is her classmate. Who will win the heart of our lovely maiden? Does it really matter? This has guilty pleasure written all over it.
Chances I’ll Keep Watching: Good. This looks like a palate cleanser.
What I Watched: Mawaru Penguindrum
What I Expected: Don’t know, the producers were secretive about this
What I Got: Penguin Utena
Okay, so the writer of Utena decided to unveil his new project under a cloak of secrecy. No one knew what to expect, and he really got us good! While not as flamboyant as Revolutionary Girl Utena, it shares surreal DNA with the groundbreaking series. Why penguins? Why did the magic penguin hat save the sister? What is SURVIVAL STRATEGY? All these questions will be answered (or not) in the coming weeks.
Chances I’ll Keep Watching: Fair to Good. I’m not as impressed as the blogosphere about this one, but I’ll give it a shot.
So many shows! I’ll add a part 3 next time.
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