Psh, who still uses the internet?
- In Gatchaman Crowds last week, Hajime started living with the other members of the team. She also befriended the MESS as an alternative to fighting it.
- Summary of this week’s Gatchaman Crowds: Now that the MESS has been introduced to the Hajime and has released all of its prisoners from its grasp, the Gatchamen try to understand its motives and origin. Just then, Rui Ninomiya, the mysterious man behind the GALAX network, reveals his boredom of Japan and his wish to make it more interesting using his network. Cut to Hajime and Sugane going to school with the MESS. After they arrive, it’s revealed on the GALAX that a shipment of milk arriving at the school has been spoiled. The students then try to frantically get the attention of the staff to alarm them of the problem. This pertains to the students running around, distracting the teachers, and using the intercom to warn everyone who doesn’t know. Once that’s over, we see a helicopter accidentally fly into a ropeway support pillar and has trapped the passengers of a cable car with no means of escape. Then, the mysterious pink-haired woman takes on the shape of a school-age boy and stabs some random pedestrians under his guise.
There’s no real reason for this picture; my stream froze here for a while and I thought it looked goofy.
- My Take: I like how crazy this anime is. Scratch that; I love how crazy this anime is. Especially this episode, which was extremely frantic. I’ve just accepted the carefree attitude of Hajime and how all around her are passive to her outlandish behavior. In fact, the personalities of everyone around her clash so perfectly. Everyone is a archetype in this show, I know, I know; but their interactions are just so interesting and natural. Also, am I the only one who loves O.D and wants to see more of him? Oh please writers, do something with O.D!
- This episode is mainly a slight explanation of the mysterious GALAX network. Apparently it is run and maintained by a young man named Rui, who likes to go around town in women’s clothing while wearing wigs. Maybe it’s to conceal his identity (I sort of hope so), but maybe he’s just an adventurous individual. I do have a particular fondness of his character at this point, though. I like how we don’t know if he’s a “good guy” or a “bad guy”. He seems to be a good person since his network, which he takes obvious pride in, helps numerous people. He also states his fondness for people to be individuals, and says that those who don’t see everyone as an individual are his enemies. However, he states that he’s “bored” with the world he lives in. Many times in the past, I’ve seen shows where somebody with this much power starts out on the side of good, but gets bored and starts using their surroundings as their playthings. I just wonder how this character is going to develop. Part of me wants him to be good and part of me wants him to turn bad. There are limitless possibilities on both sides!
The plight of the hipster.
- Sometimes, I don’t know whether this anime is trying to be serious or a comedy. I get that Gatchaman Crowds contains elements of both, but I’m not sure which one is primary. Sure, the plot is serious in tone, however the antics of the team (especially our lead protagonist) are all quite hilarious. The surreal tone that has been present in these 3 episodes surprisingly compliments both the serious sides and the humorous sides of the series. Maybe it’s going to be more humor-based until later when a real conflict arises, much like Planetes (but without so much pacing).
- The “milk crisis” was great. I unquestionably loved it. Not only was it a simple representation of the power of the GALAX, but it reminded me of a Simpsons episode which I consider to be one of the best in the series. This was also a great conflict because it was absolutely hysterical. Just seeing how dedicated these kids were to helping out their schoolmates was borderline insane, and it felt as if it were a part of some sort of action-thriller show. I won’t give it away if anyone reading this hasn’t seen the episode, but what Sugane is forced into doing in this situation is absolutely priceless.
That might be considered schizophrenia…
- I might have reached the point where I struggle to find new things to say about this show. It seems every week, I’m just stating that I like it more and more. I guess that’s all I have for this episode. I’ll close by saying that if you aren’t watching this anime, you’re missing out on some good, surreal, abstract entertainment!
