We're four weeks out from the end of the Spring season, and unfortunately I can't see any of the currently airing shows within striking distance of "masterpiece" status. While there are many shows that have been fun in their own right, I'm not seeing any narrative arcs shaping up that will culminate into a grand eye-watering finale. That being said, I've been wrong in the past and I'd love to be prove wrong here. The most memorable episode this week was, perhaps, the extremely cringe walking scene at the end of The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio. I think that one caused me physical pain to watch.

Figure 1 Girls Band Cry, Episode 8

Nina confessing her love for Momoka after their (multiple) fights.

Episode 8 of Girls Band Cry starts with a flashback of Momoka and her old band, Diamond Dust, discussing dropping out of school to create their first album. After the OP, Nina's band mates chastise her for announcing she's dropping out on stage. Momoka tells Nina she shouldn't drop out of school, and Nina tells her to stop running from her problems. Later that night, we learn Mine-san gave Nina one of her old guitars, and Subaru tells Momoka Nina's isn't completely disconnected from reality—their band is growing in popularity.

The next day, Nina tries to start learning guitar on her own (to marginal success), and tells her father to stop sending her money. She applies to work at Rupa and Tomo's restaurant. Momoka arrives and asks to speak with her, and they both drive to a Diamond Dust concert. Momoka explains that few artists produce what they love. Instead, they have to produce what sells. Momoka tells Nina that's what she loved about her original singing—she sang what she loved, not what was popular. Nina explains her goal is to share her music with the world, and tells her she's not her excuse to run away. The other members of Diamond Dust arrive after finishing their concert and tell Momoka they're looking forward to hearing her new band. As Momoka and Nina drive away, Nina tells Momoka she loves her, and Momoka begins to cry.

Figure 2 Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night, Episode 8

Yoru, Kano, Kiui, and Mei stay overnight in an aquarium themed love hotel to plan out their live show.

Episode 8 of Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night starts with Kano proposing a live concert to commemorate their 1-year band anniversary. They plan out hide their faces by wearing masks which, because the band was founded on Halloween, is fitting. A week later Kano proposes a sleepover to plan everything out, and Mei looks up hotels for them all to stay at, and inadvertently (intentionally?) picks an aquarium themed love-hotel room. While there, they discuss outfit and possible venues, and the next day they announce their concert on their livestream. Kano asks fans to bring blue glow sticks and blue umbrellas.

After picking a venue, Kiui informs Kano that her identity has leaked: "Former failed idol is making music anonymously in a group of four high school girls". The venue calls them and tells them they have to cancel the gig due to several anonymous threats. They beg the venue to let the concert continue, and Mei offers to compensate the venue for any damages. Kiui proposes a livestream concert, and two months later that's exactly what they do. At the concert, Kiui projects fanart one the walls and ceiling of an empty venue. And, while hiding their faces and bodies in the shadows of the stage lights, they play. At the end of the episode, Hayakawa Production's president, Yukine Hayakawa, Kano's mom, contacts Yoru and asks to commission some artwork for Sunflower Dolls.

Figure 3 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so [..] Magical Ability, Episode 8

A demoniacally possessed Jade betrays his old friends.

Episode 8 of I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability starts with the Assassin's Guild learning that Jade, their leader, is back and they can go live with him. They ask Lloyd to teleport them to Lordost to meet up with Jade, and Lloyd tags along to learn more about Jade's teleportation magic. In a flashback, we see Jade created a cloak that hides Ren's poisonous mana and allows her to stay with the Guild. He also confesses he's a noble of the house of Lordost, and sought them out as allies to stop a war. However, he's decided to deal with Lordost himself, and leaves. They arrive in the forest outside Lordost, and Ren makes them dinner (which looks like slop, but apparently tastes good).

Lloyd falls asleep, and the guild scouts Lordost's manor, and are welcomed to a large party they find in progress. They meet Jade who explains he's now lord and able to control his teleportation magic. However, after a brief pause, Jade immediately forces them to bow down, forgets Ren's name, and tells the other party members, who are in fact demons themselves, to kill them. Grim is also attacked and warns Lloyd the Guild is in danger. Jade explains he's Guisarme, the Catastrophe of the Netherworld. Jade is dead and he stole his body and his teleportation ability. Guisarme explains how he carried out a months long psychic attack to steal Jade's body, and now he plans to steal theirs. Guisarme notices the spell on Ren and demands to know who cast it, and just then Lloyd appears and strikes down all of the demons at the party, responding it was he who placed the spell.

Figure 4 Monster #8, Episode 7

Ichikawa and Iharu fight against another humanoid Kaijuu.

I'm beginning to feel a bit bad as I watch Monster #8 every week because I know it's an adaptation of an ongoing manga, hence we're not going to get a satisfying ending. Or really any ending at all. Oh well. Anyways, Episode 7 begins with the swarm of Yonju (smaller monsters) breaking out of the Honju (larger monster's) corpse. Ichikawa runs into another humanoid Kaijuu, the same one from the exam, and it immediately attacks him and Iharu. Ichikawa tells Iharu to flee and call for backup while he holds off the Kaijuu. Right when Ichikawa is about to be killed, Iharu reappears and saves him—he can't call in for help. They're either going to fight together or die together.

Iharu is able to freeze him in place while Ichikawa unleashes his maximum combat power, but it's ineffective. Ichikawa is hit multiple times and begins to bleed out. Back at command, the vice captain is informed that they've lost contact with Ichikawa and Iharu, and Shinomiya tells Kafka "he's here". When the Kaijuu is about to kill Iharu, Kafka appears and strikes him, knocking his head off. Kafka t hen proceeds to beat the crap out of the Kaijuu, exposing its core, but when he does other members of The Demon Defense Force spot him and call it in: Kaijuu No. 8 (Kafka) has been spotted, and the other Kaijuu, heavily wounded, retreats. However, Vice-Captain Hoshina makes contact with No. 8 and begins to attack him as the credits roll.

Figure 5 Whisper Me a Love Song, Episode 7

Yori asks to speak with Miki at her place that night.

Episode 7 of Whisper Me a Love Song begins with Miki telling Himari to take good care of Yori for her, and Himari and Yori both walk home together holding hands. The next day Himari tells Momoka-senpai she got a girlfriend. Himari asks Momoka who she likes, but she refuses to say. Momoka's bandmates, Hajime and Shiho arrive and introduce themselves to Himari (much to Himari's surprise). Momoka and Himari ask Shiho to help with the upcoming cultural festival, and after some insistence she agrees. Yori continues to practice for their upcoming audition, and they all warn each other Shiho will mock them if they mess up.

Yori invites Miki over to her place, and that evening she asks about Shiho. Miki explains Shiho was sort of a loner in the light music club and she invited her to her own band, and that's how they formed SSGirls. But it didn't really work out, and they were never that good. They were all playing for fun. But Shiho wasn't. She was serious. She told her bandmates they weren't improving and she quit. At SSGirl's audition they animators probably spend at or around $22 dollars for the whole performance, and afterwards Momoka and Shiho's band perform... with honestly a better song (Himari agrees). Shiho asks Miki if she sang better than her love, Yori, and the credits roll.

Figure 6 WIND BREAKER, Episode 8

Sakura and Togame fight on stage.

Every recent episode of WIND BREAKER I can think of has been the exhibition match between Bofurin and Shishitoren. And I ain't complaining too much. Anyways, Episode 8 continues the fight between Sakura and Kame, with Sakura realizing Kame is no longer taking the fight seriously—he's no longer trying to win. Kame explains this a place for the strong, not a place for scumbags. After a long period of reflection, Kame says he wants to head to the mountains, and Sakura tells him to stand and fight. Kame regains his resolve, introduces himself as Togame, and begins to fight with renewed strength. Together, Sakura and Togame have a brutal fight... smiling and laughing the entire time, while the audience watches in amazement. At the end of the fight, Togame realizes that he should have fought Choji, and intentionally lets Sakura land the final strike. Togame tells him there's no justice to be won here, and Choji immediately strikes him. Sakura tries punch Choji, but Umemiya intervenes, telling him this is his fight. Sakura and Togame leave the stage, and Umemiya asks Choji if he felt anything from the previous fight. He did not, and Umemiya tells him that's a shame.

Choji says that if he can defeat Umemiya, he'll take all of Bofurin, and immediately attacks him. Umemiya tells him he still doesn't get it, and tells him he won't lose.

Figure 7 THE NEW GATE, Episode 7

Schnee and Tiera (both white-haired elves, which is a plus) reunited with Shin.

We learn right at the start of Episode 7 of THE NEW GATE that the bandits that attacked Shin and crew at the end of episode 6 were, for whatever reason, connected to the church. Regardless, Nakk's wagon makes it safety to Bayreun, and after arriving they decide to buy their own wagon for the remainder of their journey. Shin picks one out, then decides to get a monster instead of a horse to pull it. Schnee contacts Shin and tells her she'll tame a monster for him, and arrive to Bayreun within a day. That evening Tiera and Shin pick out and inn, or more aptly a luxury hotel, to stay in for the night. The next morning, Shin modifies the wagon they purchased for a more comfortable ride. Schnee arrives with a(n outrageously powerful) tamed monster to pull their wagon. Speaking with Yuzuha, the monster says "You can count on me".

Shin, Schnee, Tiera, and Yuzuha leave in for Farnid in the wagon pulled by Shimmer. Speaking through Yuzuha, Shimmer explains that long ago Tiera saved Shimmer when he was a puppy, and Schnee transfers ownership of Shimmer to Tiera. The next day they run into two adventurers, Girart's grand children, who take them to Girart. Girart, upon seeing Shin, says he didn't think he'd see is master again.

Figure 8 Astro Note, Episode 8

Takumi kisses Aoi in order to extract the Hubby squid spy.

Astro Note Episode 8 begins with the PAIN of Aoi watching Takumi slip away from her (and further towards Mira). Speaking through a wall, Aoi tells Naosuke that she desperately gets Takumi to look her way. Meanwhile, Ren threatens to rat out Naosuke as not being a "real" dog to some of his friends. Takumi tells Naosuke to dog "dog-like" things like playing fetch to convince him otherwise. Mira explains that Naosuke no pet, he's actually a bodyguard—her bodyguard for life. Teruko, along with multiple other tenants of Astro Lodge, simultaneously report their keys are missing, and Takumi warns that it may be a Hubby spy. Takumi and Mira hatch a trap to place a new key under observation. The hubby spy (Squid) appears and they chase it all over the house as a Typhon moves it. They lose power and Naosuke tells Takumi to keep Mira safe while he searches for the spy. However, a series tragedies befall Takumi, and he begins to suspect he's the target. Aoi, possessed by a Hubby, begins to attack Takumi for not remembering her and she then attacks Aoi, too. Takumi breaks her possession by kissing her and sucking out the Hubby. The Hubby escapes, however, and Mira feels weird after witnessing Takumi kiss Aoi.

Figure 9 An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride, Episode 9

Barbatos teleports to Zagan's castle with Chastille, who has recently been poisoned.

Episode 9 of An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride starts right where Episode 8 left off, with Zagan (and Barbatos) being approached by Raphael Hyurandell. Zagan, instead of fighting him, invites him to drink. Raphael asks if Chastille was a threat when he fought he, and he explains she was reasonably strong. Realizing the connection between Zagan and Chastille, Raphael leaves with the intent to kill her, but Zagan him not to hurt Chastille. Back at home, Zagan vows to get revenge on whoever killed For's parents. Barbatos arrives (via teleportation) and delivers and an unconscious Chastille, who has been poisoned. For, realizing Chastille is an Angelic Knight, tries to attack her, but Zagan explains she'll need to save her revenge for the one who actually killed her parents.

Later, Chastille awakens and Zagan explains she was poisoned, and saved by Nephy. Chastille explains her last memories were of a man named Orobas, and later that evening she drank poisoned tea. Chastille asks Zagan to stay by her side for the rest of the night, and he agrees. The next morning Chastille, like Nephy, is forced to dress in a maid outfit and complete house work. Zagan explains For doesn't like her because she wields a Sacred Sword. For the next two weeks, For constantly bullies Chastille, and Zagan again tells For this behavior isn't appropriate. After asking if For would like to continue to stay, she has a nightmare of Raphael killing her parents, and the next morning For is gone.

Figure 10 Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers, Episode 7

All the girls discuss expanding their farm.

For an anime called "Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers" there certainly isn't a lot of "chillin'" going on. Flio always seems pretty busy, and the world is always very nearly ending. Anyways, Episode 7 begins with the princess continuing her search for Flio. A magic beast appears and begins tearing their field, and Byleri is able to tame it. Flio and Fenrys go on a deito in a nearby town, and a large monster (the other Hero) and witch (Damalynas, The Grand Magus of Midnight) suddenly appears and attacks the princess, but Hiya appears and intervenes to protect the princess, and Flio breaks the summon. Hiya the imprisons Damalynas. The princess, Elizabeth, approaches Flio and asks him to accompany her to the castle as the true hero, but he refuses. Back at home, Byleri asks permission to expand their property, and he says it's a great idea and they begin to expand their farm. Flio explains he'd like to open his own shop someday, Fenrys says she'll do anything for him, and then Flio offers her a wedding ring.

Figure 11 The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 9

A Black Wolf Knight who was knocked out by Alan.

Here we are. The deadest show of the season. It's just me and the webm bot over on /a/. Episode 9 of The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases starts with Henriette searching for Phillip, who left the forest and never returned. Henriette searches the town, to no avail. Alan asks to live in the elf forest due to how peaceful it is, and Percival explains the forest would decide whether or not he could stay. Shortly thereafter, the winds of the forest shift warning Percival that an unknown visitor as arrived, and he goes to investigate.

Back in Henriette's house Lizette, The Black Wolf Captain, explains she's looking for someone who vanished and their begin tearing her house apart to search for them. Percival greets the unknown guest, another Black Wolf Knight, who demands to see the criminal. The two demon children approach, and the knight immediately attacks them. Alan, Noel, Mylene, and Lise hear the attack and go to help. Noel and Mylene distract the knight, while Alan appears and saves Percival. Alan, able to see the knight's magical attacks and counter them, and defeats him in one strike. Henriette appears and explains she'll help clean things up. She also explains the blockades have been lifted, and Alan will be able to return home. Noel declines the offer to be sovereign and leaves the forest. After the credits, Henriette is taken into custody for assassinating the emperor.

Figure 12 Mysterious Disappearances, Episode 7

Shizuku receives a haircut from Tomoko shortly before she's possessed.

Episode 7 of Mysterious Disappearances starts with another gut wrenching account of childhood abuse, this time Shizuku's story of how she was neglected by her mother and had to have sleepovers with classmates in order to eat dinner. However, this wouldn't last. Her classmates started avoiding her. Until late one winter evening Tomoko took Shizuku in and fed her. After the opening, we return to where we left off in Episode 7, with Oto, Shizuku, and Sumireko hiding (in the maid cafe) from the "hong yi xiao nu hai" version of Tomoko that's after Oto for answering the door earlier. Sumireko informs Shizuku that Tomoko is dead, and Shizuku decides to see Tomoko again, even if it means death. She thanks Tomoko and opens the door and finds an empty chair on the other side. She sits in it and, as Oto and Sumireko approach, she vanishes leaving a curiosity marker behind.

Ren arrives and stops Shizuku, but they have to bring her to the station to cure her. Ren turns over a curse pair of scissors for a train ticket and plan to place the spirit that possessed Shizuku onto it, while Shizuku stays behind. Oto tells Shizuku she's sure Tomoko wanted her to live. When the train arrives, the spirit boards the train and departs. Ren explains to Sumireko that this station is designed to expel cursed objects from the world. Ren and Oto's home is at the end of the line, so they need as many cursed objects as possible to return home. At the end of the episode, Ren collapses from exhaustion, and is warned that he soon won't have the strength to get Oto home.

Figure 13 Mission: Yozakura Family, Episode 7

Taiyo fights Sui in the middle of a graveyard after trailing him all day.

Every week I watch Mission: Yozakura Family with the hopes it will finally get better. But then it never does. Episode 7 begins with Nanao requesting Taiyo's assistance extracting from a bioweapons lab he infiltrated. When Taiyo arrives, he finds multiple guards have been incapacitated, and he's approached by two other (government) spies, Sui and Oga, who are familiar with his work and praise him for his performance in the Yozakura family. Together, they continue their mission, but when they find Nanao Sui and Oga explain that she too is a threat and their mission is to eliminate him. Sui immediately attacks Taiyo, and Nanao wakes up and treats Taiyo's wounds. Later, Kyoichiro disciplines Taiyo for his failure, and tells him to defeat Sui and restore the family name.

Taiyo meets with Sui and asks for help becoming a better spy, but this is a ruse. Is actual goal is to gain intel on him, which proves difficult. But after 10 days, he manages to tail Sui all day, and finds that he ends his day polishing a gravestone. When Sui attacks, he's able to counter it.

Figure 14 Gods' Games We Play, Episode 8

Leshea and Fay begin The Sun Flower game.

Some may say this (or Dekisoko) is the worst anime of the season. But they're wrong. That would be Ars's very boring show. Anyways, Episode 8 of Gods' Games We Play begins with Fey and Leshea both announcing they have The Sun Flower (when it is likely one of them has The Poison Flower). The god swarms them with cat golems that knock out multiple team members as they run towards the pyramid. Dax gets knocked out. As Fay and Pearl approach the pyramid, we learn that Leshea has a Sand Flower, and it's Pearl and Fay with the Poison and Sun. At the base of the Pyramid, Fay is captured and throws his flower to Pearl, who assumes she has The Sun Flower. Pearl teleports and attempts to steal the god's flower, but it's actually a Poison Flower, and she is stunned. It's revealed that Pearl has two Sand Flowers, and Fay still has his. Dax surrendered his flower earlier and intentionally get removed from the game.

The god is stunned as one of his golems steal Leshea's Poison Flower, and Kelritch throws Fay atop the pyramid and he plants The Sun Flower, ending the game. The god admits defeat, and tells him he can hold on to The Sun Flower. Afterwards, Fay thanks Nel for making the bet with Dax. Fay tells Nel there's a way to get her out of retirement, and they can do it by challenging Bookmaker. They plan to wager one of Pearl's wins to reduce Nel's losses.

Figure 15 A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, Episode 8

Sara on her way to her first day of school.

Episode 8 of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics starts with Sosuke brining Sara to the chief of his old investigation agency, telling him that she's his daughter, thus making her his granddaughter. Sosuke creates a false story about how Sara was conceived when he was in high school, but lacks a proper birth certificate. Sara explains that, in fact, she's actually from another world. The chief agrees to help them create Sara's documentation. Later, Sara has a sleepover with her friend Yuna, where she explains her plan to attend school. Back at Noa's apartment, Livia makes her and Puriketsu fried grasshoppers for dinner, and they decide on "Grasshopper the Savior" as their band name. Sara and Sosuke determine her birthday, and find that she's going to elementary school instead of middle school, and he and his father walk her there on her first day.

Figure 16 Spice & Wolf, Episode 8

Lawrence speaks with Nora shortly before she goes to sleep.

Episode 8 of Spice & Wolf starts with the shepherdess (a CUTE) praying for Lawrence's and Holo's safe passage. She warns them of wolves up ahead and asks if they'd like her as a guide for safe passage, and after a brief exchange with Holo they agree to make Nora their guide for the next two days. Nora explains she wants to become a tailor, and laments how other shepherds have taken safer areas, leaving her with an area that's known to have wolves. That evening, Nora sleeps early so that she may be awake during the night to guard her sheep. The next day they arrive at Ruvinheigen and part ways. Upon entering several officials exam his cargo and seem concerned that he's carrying armor, but nevertheless let him pass. After arriving at the trading association, a messenger arrives that news from Latparron Trading in Poroson has arrived for him, and the credits roll.

Figure 17 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 16

Iroha, Komugi, and Satoru arrive home to find Mey Mey has told Iroha's parents everything.

Episode 16 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! starts with a nervous bird approaching Iroha and Komugi and training to warn them about... something, but Iroha's Mom appears and the bird isn't able to convey the urgent message. At school, Iroha, Komugi, and Mayu hear a rumor that the Mirror Stone was recently glowing. Iroha and Komugi investigate, but find nothing. Later, Iroha's parents witness Mey Mey and Komugi talking to each other in their backyard, and they say it's just like a story from the Ancient Mirror Stone. In it, a god granted the stone with a power that permitted animals to talk to humans.

The bird that tried to warn Iroha and Komugi finds Yuki who follows to a large Garugaru egg that immediately hatches. Komugi senses it, warns Iroha, transforms into a human, then leaves (Mey Mey also introduces himself). When Cure Friendly and Wonderful arrive they quickly manage to calm it down and send it back to Niko Garden. When Iroha and Komugi arrives home, they praise her for saving animals (Mey Mey explained everything) and offer their help. At the end of the episode, Mayu wishes she could be like Iroha, and the Mirror Stone begins to glow.

Figure 18 Unnamed Memory, Episode 7

Oscar and Tinasha after defeating Lanak and his mages.

I challenge you to find a "romance" anime with characters with as little chemistry as Tinasha and Oscar in Unnamed Memory because I don't think such a thing is possible. Even two characters who want to murder each other would be more interesting than the flat boring interactions these two dweebs have every week.

Anyways, Episode 7 starts with some vague expository dialogue none of which I could easily follow. Oscar learns that Tinasha is visiting Prince Reust of Tayiri and tries to speak with her, but she teleports away upon seeing him. After assembling a large army, a Cuscull mage appears and teleports them into an ambush. Lanak and his bride, Tinasha, appears and she immediately asks why they're all here. Lanak begins casting a spell that harvests power from the five nearby magical lakes, but Tinasha takes control of the spell and frees all the souls bound within the lakes by Lanak all those years ago. The mages attack Tinasha, and Oscar jumps in to defend her. The mages summon demons which Oscar fights back, and Tinasha summons the Twelve Spirits of Tuldarr to strike down all remaining enemies except Lanak. Lanak explains that Tinasha is weak, and Oscar decapitates him. Tinasha collapses and wakes up a week later. Oscar explains she's official his fiancee now—other people wanted her dead, and he explained he had to propose marriage to save her life.

Figure 19 Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included, Episode 9

Towa meets Tsurumi, who is a kappa.

Inshallah, praise be to Ganesha, we're here here again with easily the most unlikable main character in years: Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included Episode 9. It starts out with Shintaro, Noel, Tsumugi, and Lilishka all together in the Occult Research Club room talking about their performance on finals. They then meet another member of the club, Tsurumi Hisui. Lilishka asks Shintaro, Noel, and Tsumugi to join their club that way they won't fall below the five member threshold, but they decline. All of them then attend a festival. While there, Tsurumi tries to tell Shintaro something, but fails. At the end of the day he falls off a bridge while trying to "save" Lilishka, and Tsurumi jumps in to save him. Afterwards, she explains she's not used to talking to boys. A Kappa's dish appears on her head, and Shintaro learns she's a Kappa. Lilishka tells him her dad is the number one Kappa in Japan.

Figure 20 The Train to the End of the World, Episode 8

All the girls escaping Chaos's forces.

Episode 8 of The Train to the End of the World begins with the girls arriving at the Higashi Kurume stop and immediately being throw into a fit of itchiness before quickly driving away. At the next stop, they're immediately confronted with a psychic attack of extensional dread of all the previous transgressions they've committed, and again quickly flee the stop. At the "NeriAli Stop" they find that the villains have killed the hero and won, and threaten then with death, too. Chaos, their leader, arrives the girls flee to a safe house and find Su-chan, one of the heroes, who explains they may be able top bring Alice back to life. The girls disguise themselves and steal the Gravedigger's scythe and rip open Alice's and Iron Monty's grave and recover life shards, but are unable to recover them. Su-chan dies in the process. Nadeshiko dresses in Alice's clothes, and the other girls also cosplay as the remaining characters and flee. They're chased through a large graveyard and, after realizing the enemies move pursuant to the rules of Shogi, defeat them. The "king" warns them that Yoka-hime, the Witch Queen, will not treat them kindly when the arrive to Ikebukuro. The girls leave town with the knowledge that Yoka is alive.

Figure 21 As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill [...] the World, Episode 7

Ars standing in front of his father's funeral pyre, declaring himself the head of House Louvent.

As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World was the only show last week that left a terrible taste in my mouth. A show I wanted to be fun suddenly took dark and unpleasant turn, I would argue unnecessarily. With this in mind, I went into Episode 7 with incredibly low expectations. So low, in fact, that I strongly considered dropping the show, despite it being this late in the season.

Episode 7 began with Ars's father, Raven, even sicker than before, his health failing further despite his success in leading his army over the past month. Meanwhile, Ars continues to train. Lacia arrives and inquires about Ars, and Reitz explains that he and his father are unwell. Raven speaks with Rietz, Charlotte, and Rosell, and tells them he's dying—he asks them to support Ars. Raven further tells Licia that they've met before, and Licia tells Raven that she's in love with Ars. Finally, Raven asks to speak with Ars. He tells Ars to "take care of them". Raven passes away later that night, and the next day he is cremated. Ars vows to serve the town, and the town swears their loyalty to him. Ars announces he is now the master of the House of Louvent, and everyone bows to him.

Figure 22 The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio, Episode 7

Yumiko and Chika walk through town while being absconded by psychotic fans.

The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio is like Yuri is My Job! in terms of mellow drama, but with worse writing, characters, narrative, and without yuri, so everything feels worse because it is worse. Likely because I simply do not like voice actress drama period.

Episode 7 starts with Yumiko inviting Chika out for a deito (not really) to cheer her up. Chika expresses dismay and the thought of quiting voice acting, and Yumiko tells her their hiatus is not set in stone. Later, at a fan meet-and-greet, Yasumi and Yuhi both struggle to act normally, under their new "regular" personas. A girl wearing a mask shows up and expresses her great admiration for both of them, and Yasumi realizes it's Yubisaki in disguise. Later, at a cafe, they both meet with her and Yubisaki explains that she actually loves both of them, and apologizes for her previous rudeness. She further explains that she was outraged when they changed characters to their "real" personas because she was in love with the old ones—how could her two favorite personalities just vanish?

Later, Yumiko and Chika ask to film a video to their fans. Specifically, it's a video to reach out to their long time fans, apologizing for their abrupt change in personality. They then begin their "hiatus" plan, asking their fans not to talk to them when they go to a previously announced public place. The next day, they execute their "hiatus" plan and begin to walk, with Chika's mom behind them, to a train station. And although several fans express dismay (okay, it's a lot of fans), and Yubisaki has to stop someone from absconding them, they make it? This was easily the strangest thing I've seen in anime in a long time. If I was a mom and I witnessed this my daughter would be forced to stop voice acting immediately.

Other Remarks

Last night I tried to play a simple version of I See The Light (from Tangled) on the piano... and boy howdy I couldn't do it at all, lol. I'm only 2 weeks into actually playing the piano, but even this supposedly beginner piece was a bit too much for me. For now, I'll just keep following the beginner piano book I started with two weeks ago.

After months and moths of delays (this figure was probably delayed like four times—I was supposed to get it back in January, and it's currently May) I finally got my cool Sakuya figure from AmiAmi. I paid last Thursday (5/16) and it shipped last Friday (5/17) and arrived on Monday (5/20). So it was three day shipping from Japan with DHL. I've actually had even faster shipping with DHL before—one time I had two day shipping from AmiAmi, but I'm not gonna complain about three day, either!

Figure 1 Touhou Project Sakuya Izayoi

A close-up shot of the figure taken with the Noctilux at f/0.95. Just LOOK at the narrow plane of focus!
Leica M11 / Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH — ISO 80 f/0.95 1/125s.

To be honest, in terms of touhous I'm not the biggest fan Sakuya (I prefer Youmu), but the figure was so cool and had such artistic merit the moment I saw it I had to order it... and I did. It was delayed several times, but I finally got it last Monday and finally had time to take some pictures yesterday evening and make a post this morning!

Figure 1 I put the figure in my living room

I put the figure in my living room next to my Melia Antiqua figure, my telescope, and my TV. I have a few more plushes on order (from Pon no Michi) that, when they arrive later this year, I'll also put on the stand below the TV to better balance things out.
Leica M11 / Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH — ISO 1250 f/5.6 1/60s.

At the moment, though, I don't have a lot of other things on preorder from AmiAmi. I have a Frieren/Fern combination figure (which isn't that good, but the show itself was so I figure I had to order one of the first flagship figures released for it) and, of course, the Pon no Michi plushes. The characters in that show were all so great I had to get those, too. I'll put those plushes beneath my TV when they arrive later this year.

Other Remarks

The piano practice is going well. I finished a simple short version of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik last night, which proved much more difficult that I first thought it would be! I was actually worried, as it got later and later, that I wouldn't be able to get a single good play through of the song last night and I'd have to wait until tomorrow (today) to wrap it up, but fortunately I won't.

I don't think there were any major standouts this week. Perhaps this is a mid-season dip? Even normally fun shows like Monster #8 was a bit slower than one would expect, even though it was all action. Jellyfish was still fun, but I don't think we can eclipse last week's divorced idol episode. Anyways, let's get into it.

Figure 1 Girls Band Cry, Episode 7

Nina, Momoka, Subaru, Tomo, and Rupa pose for a selfie on their way to a concert.

I should give Girls Band Cry some credit—it's the only band anime (of many) that I've watched that finally convinced me to start playing the piano! It's never too late to start!

Episode 7 starts with Nina, Subaru, Tomo, and Rupa trying to sell band merchandise to raise funds. Tomo explains this is a challenge given that they don't even have a proper band name yet. After the opening, Momoka tells them an old friend is willing to help them produce a concert. The girls bicker over what to name the band but can't agree. That evening, Nina finds her mother waiting for her outside her apartment, who asks why her grades are slipping. She explains she's in a band.

On their way to their concert, Nina asks Tomo why she, like her, dropped out of school. She explains that a poor relationship with her mother, along with a general feeling that school wasn't going anywhere, lead to her dropout and form a band with Rupa, who lost her family. During rehearsal, Momoka's old friend, Mine, drops by asks for an impromptu session, and Nina is impressed by her singing. Afterwards, Momoka tells them this will be her last concert, as she doesn't have the strength to go pro. At dinner, Mine explains that the stronger you believe, the worse it feels to fail, and Momoka is afraid of failing. The next day at the concert, Nina walks out on stage alone and announced their name as "Togenashi Togeari". The girls walk out behind her and play. After the concert, Nina tells her band mates she's dropping out of school.

Figure 2 Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night, Episode 7

Kano, Kiui, and Koharu taking motorcycle lessons together.

This week's episode of Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night was delayed. Ugh. It starts with Kiui explaining that she'd like to become a middle school teacher, and while the other girls discuss their after high school plans Kano realizes she has no such plans, and becomes increasingly concerned. After the opening, Kiui and Kano go to a drivers ed school to both get motorcycle licenses. Kiui meets an older woman, Koharu, who takes a strange and unusual interest in her. Kano asks Kiui why she'd like to become a middle school teacher, and she explains she had a negative experience back then, and would like to prevent other kids from having the same. The next morning, Kiui dresses up in her school uniform to get some documents for the high school equivalency exam she'd like to take.

Back at motorcycle class, Koharu tells Kiui and Kano that she's had significant plastic surgery, including increasing her breast size. She then asks Kiui her breast size, and she refuses to share. Later, she lets Kiui and Kano touch her breasts despite realizing that, because they're underage, this is likely as crime. Kiui tells Koharu her online identity, and they both share their contact information. Later, Kano passes the practical test buy fails the written exam. She takes it again, passes it, and gets her license, rents a motorcycle, and picks up Yoru after school, and both ride off into the sunset towards the beach. While there, Yoru tells Kano her goal is to go to art school. While sitting on the beach, Kano explains she doesn't really know what she wants to do, and Yoru tells her to sing for her. They both sea a jellyfish and run along the beach. While laughing, Kano tells Yoru she got a motorcycle license to ride with Yoru behind her.

Figure 3 Whisper Me a Love Song, Episode 6

Himari telling Yori that she's in love with her.

Whisper Me a Love Song Episode 6 starts with Himari frantically looking for clothes for her deito with Yori. After the opening, Himari and Yori go to the mall and try on different clothes, with Yori liking all of Himari's choices. Yori tells Himari she wrote an original song and she'll hear it at the concert. The day of the concert, Aki attempts to confess her love for Yori, but can't find the courage. Himari leaves for the concert in a dress Yori picked out for her. At the concert, Yori's song, Sunny Spot, is a confession of love for Himari (in song form). Immediately after the song ends, Himari approaches the stage and tells Yori she found her answer: she loves her, and asks Yori to go out with her. That evening, Aki says this "happy outcome" stings. In the days that follow, Yori wonders how they relationship has changed, and Himari kisses her on the cheek. Yori decides to stay with the band and decide to audition for an upcoming festival to perform. At the end of the episode, they run into their old singer Izumi who tells them her new band is also going to audition, and tells Yori to always remember she's her replacement.

Figure 4 Monster #8, Episode 6

The new recruits ready to fight their first major Kaijuu.

Monster #8 is, perhaps, one of the few shows I look forward to on Saturdays. That's not to say it's the best show on Saturday, but perhaps it's simple plot means I can turn off my brain and just have fun with it. Who knows? Anyways, Episode 6 begins with the operation to defeat the incoming Honju (large monster) and the many smaller Yonju (smaller monsters) its spawned. Kafka, Ichikawa, and Shinomiya leave on their first mission to defeat the Yonju. They're placed at the rear, but warned they're the last line of defense. Shinomiya, of course, completely obliterates any Yonju that approach, although Ichikawa also does well, and he hopes his performance will prevent Kafka from ever having to transform. In fact, all of the first years perform very well, and the veterans are impressed with how well they perform and work together.

Kafka examines the corpse of defeated enemies and finds that the enemy's core is at the base of their neck, and they should be shot from the sides. He further explains they have reproductive organs that can further spawn even when defeated. Meanwhile, the attack on the main Honju begins and Captain Mina Ashiro defeats the building size Honju in two shots, then fires two more into the corpse to impress Kafka. Afterwards, many smaller Yoju come swarming out of its corpse. Vice captain Hoshina comments that while Shinomiya is good, Reno may also become and officer. At the end of the episode, Reno runs into a sentient Kaiju who explains that someone is destroying reproductive organs, and wonders who could possibly detected that they still worked after death.

Figure 5 An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride, Episode 8

Zagan and Nephy poise with For in her new clothes.

Episode 8 An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride begins with For giving an account of Zagan and Nephy's admittedly strange (and by that I mean CUTE!) relationship. Afterwards, Zagan and Nephy bring For to Manuela's store to buy new clothes (CUTE!). While in town, Chastille runs into Zagan, Nephy, and For, and expresses shock that they have a(n adapted) daughter now. Afterwards, they go to an old Archdemon's castle and For explains a dragon likely used to live there. While exploring, For opens a gate to a large hidden library and Zagan begins to look for any book on Archdemons. Zagan finds a book that connects the Archdemon script with the script on The Sacred Swords. Meanwhile, Raphael arrives and threatens behead Chastille for her refusal to pursue Zagan, and the Church offers to return Chastille's Sacred Sword. Barbatos meets with Zagan who asks him what happened to Valefor, and warns him Raphael is after him. Shortly thereafter, Raphael himself arrives

Figure 6 THE NEW GATE, Episode 6

Shin, Tiera, Gaien, and Tsubaki escorting Nakk's caravan.

Episode 6 of THE NEW GATE begins right where Episode 5 left off, with Shin and Tiera heading for the Adventurer's Guild. Upon arrival, Shin asks for information about Sacred Sites, but the guild won't disclose anything. He then explains he's going to Farnid, and asks if there's any jobs along the way. He learns that a wagon is leaving for Farnid and he, along with two other adventurers, have been asked to escort it. Before departing, Shin drops by the Church and speaks with Lacia and Millie, who are both well (and the Church and orphanage are safe!). Shin takes the entire Moon Sanctum and stores it in a necklace and then meets the caravan. Traveling with Gaien, Tsubaki, the caravan (led by Nakk) departs. Shortly thereafter, they're ambushed by bandits who, for whatever reason, know who they are. The bandits discuss how they'd like to rape Tsubaki, sending Shin into a bloodlust, and Tiera begins firing arrows at other bandits hiding in nearby trees. The bandits are quickly struck down, and Shin captures their leader and asks him how he knew about the caravan.

At the capital, The King is informed that The Moon Sanctum has vanished and that Schnee will arrive at the castle soon.

Figure 7 The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 8

Djinn Hiya after being defeated by Flio.

I went into Episode 6 of Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers with slightly more interest than one would expect of an isekai, if only because at the end of Episode 5 Fenrys was struck by the Djinn and we were left on a cliffhanger. The episode begins with Flio standing over Fenrys's body, who then vows to make the Djinn pay. He then reverses time, preventing the killing blow on Fenrys. He then walks up and punches the Djinn directly in the face before stomping her into the ground. As Flio begins to strangle the Djinn, she begs for her life and Fenrys intervenes to stop him. As The Princess teleports to Flio's region, the Collar of Sacrifice breaks, and back at the castle Damalynas, the Grand Magus of Midnight, and grants The Hero the power he wanted. He subsequently transforms into a monster, and he and the witch follow the teleportation circle the princess took.

The Djinn awakes and begs Flio to spare her. Fenrys tells the Djinn that she is now Flio's servant, and the Djinn swears her services to him. The Djinn warns him not to use time manipulation magic as it can lead to disparities in the timeline. Back at home, the Djinn introduces herself as Hiya. That night, Fenrys asks Flio if he had the magic to return to his own world, would he? He responds no—he'd stay with her. And then they kiss. Hiya appears to to watch, telling them it's her job to watch transcendental beings like Flio.

Figure 8 Astro Note, Episode 7

Aoi and Takumi on a deito at an insect eating festival.

Episode 7 of Astro Note begins with Aoi and Takumi's deito to the insect festival, where Aoi and Takumi start by eating scorpions. In the past, Aoi was a waitress at Takumi's restaurant and, after speaking with him on the roof, fell in love with him. Shortly thereafter, the hotel shutdown, and Aoi became homeless. Back at Astro Lodge, Mira, Naosuke, and Shoin continue to dig holes trying to find the key. Mira learns of Aoi and Takumi's deito and begins to feel jealous. They learn that Tasuke was a judge at the insect Festival's wasp-eating contest, and the winner this year would be presented with... a key. Tasuke appeared and let her stay in Astro Lodge. Shoin and Mira bump into Takumi and Aoi at the festival, and they both think they're on deitos with the other. After watching a brief live concert by Teruko who is also at the festival, the wasp eating contest begins, and Mira and Takumi both enter and win. When presented with the key, they learn it's cardboard. That evening, Aoi breaks down crying because Takumi didn't remember her.

Sad ending. I want Aoi to win. I want Mira to win too. I want everyone to be happy.

Figure 9 Mysterious Disappearances, Episode 6

Oto working at a maid cafe.

Mysterious Disappearances Episode 6 starts with Sumireko and Oto meeting Ren at the train station, who explains he's heard of the length of the girl in red clothes, which originates in Taiwan. However, the Taiwanese version never included knocking on doors in the rain. Later, Oto and Sumireko speak with Shizuku about her missing friend, Tomoko, and begin retracing her steps. When Oto speaks with Shizuku about the case, she's also coerced into working at her maid cafe (which customers enjoy). Sumireko did her own research and found that on the days when a missing person was reported, another missing person would be found, all on days when it rained. Ren explains that the knocking relates to another, different mystery from Taiwan. Sumireko calls Oto and tells her she's in danger, right as the knocking sound appears at her door again. The party responsible is Tomoko herself.

Figure 10 WIND BREAKER, Episode 7

Sakura fighting against Tame on stage in Ori.

WIND BREAKER Episode 7 starts right off the bat with Sakura and Kame getting up on stage to fight. Sakura immediately finds that Kame is a much tougher opponent than the previous three fighters, and after a difficult exchange Kame smashes Sakura's face into the ground and, after several seconds, is able to recover and land multiple blows onto Kame, saying that he won't lose, even if it kills him. He redoubles his efforts, forcing Kame on the defensive, but Kame too is able to recover and knocks Sakura to the ground again. Battered and bloody on the ground, Sakura tells him he preys on the weak, causing him to hesitate. He walks off stage then attacks the several of the fights who lost. Back on stage, Sakura realizes Kame isn't giving it his all, and asks him why he stopped fighting to win.

In a flashback, Choji recruits Kame into Shishitoren, and Kame and Choji explain that power means freedom—the most powerful is the most free. He and Choji build Shishitoren from the ground up, and Choji becomes leader. Afterwards, Choji explains that being leader isn't fun. Instead, he needs the entire team to be as strong as he is, and he immediately attacks another member of Shishitoren for losing. Kame expresses disgust, but decides to go along with it so long as "Choji keeps smiling with the guys".

Figure 11 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 15

Mey Mey and the other characters at the party in Niko Garden!

For whatever reason the current Cure Nyammy / Yuki arc is compelling enough that I'm actually mildly interested in whatever new progression we see each week. It's about equal in strength to the end of Soaring Sky Pretty Cure when we were learning about Cure Noble and Empress Undergu. Anyways, Episode 15 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! stars with Iroha bringing Mayu to Niko Garden, as Iroha explains that she found out she and Komugi are both PreCures. They offer to help Mey Mey the sheep with chores around Niko Garden. After completing various chores, several of the animals they saved throw a party for them, but it's interrupted by the appearance of a Garugaru. Meanwhile, back in Animal Town, Yuki witnessed them teleporting to Niko Garden using their magic suitcase, and the PreCures arrive to fight it. So too does Cure Nyammy. Mey Mey distracts the dear with snacks while Cure Friendly and Wonderful send it back to Niko Garden. Mey Mey tells them there's four Kirarin animals left, and they manage to make it back in time for the party!

Figure 12 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so [..] Magical Ability, Episode 7

Lloyd in the Assassin's Guild.

Episode 7 of I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability begins Lloyd confronting the assassin who appeared in his garden. The assassin uses a poison that incapacitates Lloyd. The assassin explains she's Ren the Poison Moth, and then breaks through the barrier, and flees. Lloyd then pursues her. Back at their hideout (the Assassin's Guild), Ren explains that she didn't want to assassinate a child, then Lloyd appears, the proceeds to fight members of the guild. Copying Slypha's sword abilities, the guild recognizes her style and trembles in fear, before being swiftly defeated Afterwards, they explain they can't control their powers, and Lloyd provides them a seal that lets them control their mana, and they all thank him. They then recount a story of their leader, Jade, teleports randomly, who wants the guild to be able to live in the light of day. Sylpha busts into the hideout to save him, only to find a note from Lloyd that says he's going to visit Lordost's manor with the Assassin's Guild. The note is handed to Albert, who believes Lloyd may be a hostage. Lloyd and Slypha agree that they should declare war, and the episode ends.

Figure 13 A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, Episode 7

Sara and Sosuke at a horse racing track.

Episode 7 of A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics starts with Sosuke asking Brenda for advice on how to get Sara, a someone who is not a Japanese citizen (or even a World citizen) into a Japanese school. She explains they may be able to get a new family register from the mayor After he leaves, Brenda's assistant explains Sara may be Sosuke's secret lovechild from high school. Later, Sosuke and Sara tail another infidelity target to a horse race track, and find that he's not hiding a relationship from his wife, but a mild gambling habit. While there, Sosuke and Sara place a 100 yen Trifecta bet for fun, and Sara wins. Sara then proceeds to win several more races, and their trail target approaches them and congratulates them on their winnings, explaining that he has children who play a horse racing game, and as I result he got interested in it too. Afterwards, Sosuke asks Sara if she'd like to be has actual daughter, and she responds "yes".

Figure 14 Gods' Games We Play, Episode 7

Fay, Leshea, and team about to play Mahtma II's game.

I used to call Gods' Games We Play the deadest show of the season, but I think its been eclipsed by Dekisoko which airs later on Monday. Still, this is certainly in the bottom five, or maybe even the bottom two. Episode 7 begins with Leshea buying various board games from a street vendor. Afterwards, Fay, Leshea, and Pearl are all approached by fans who saw their performance at the exhibition match and want their autograph. Nel approaches them and asks if there's any way she can help Fay, and Fay tells her to support them in their next game, right as he, Pearl, and Leshea enter a Divine Gate. Shortly thereafter, they encounter Dax and Kalritch, along with several other members who are competing in this god's game. A messenger of the god appears and give them flowers, and tells them the goal of the game is to offer The Sun Flower atop a distant alter. Other flowers, such as The Poison Flower or The Sand Flower, will not result in victory when offered. Fay then decides who gets the Sun and Poison flowers, but tells his team not to disclose who has what flowers. He explains that if they don't know, neither will the god. The god, Mahtma II, appears, and the game begins, with Fay and Leshea both saying they have The Sun Flower. At the end of the episode, Ouroboros appears, and says she's tired of waiting, and will go to the humans herself.

Figure 15 Mission: Yozakura Family, Episode 6

Spy Ayaka Kirisaki ambushing Taiyo.

Mission: Yozakura Family is a very week show. While threads on /a/ seem to claim it will get better, I don't know how long that will take. I mean, if it starts getting better in Chapter 100 of the manga, we know the anime is never getting there and, in the end, it will feel as if I've wasted my time. Episode 6 begins with Shion telling Taiyo's personal data has been stolen from their family database. On their way to school, Mutsumi and Taiyo are chased by the Manhunter Spy Ayaka Kirisaki, who confesses her love for Taiyo, and wants to kill him. Taiyo tells her he's married to Mutsumi, and further explains that Kyoichiro permitted the assassin attempt on Taiyo, while also providing her access to the family's database the previous day.

At school, Ayaka enrolls in Taiyo's class, and proceeds to literally dodge poison needs from her all day. She then hits his classmates with mind control needles and forces them to subdue Taiyo, before another assassin appears and tries to kill Ayaka. Taiyo defeats the assassin, saving Ayaka in the process. Ayaka then falls in love with Mutsumi for pushing her out of the way of the assassin's bullet. Later, Taiyo plays a video game with Shion. Taiyo learns that the game is a hacking simulation, and completing it concurrently completes a real life mission of a similar nature. They clear the game and thwart an terrorist attack on a nuclear power facility.

Figure 16 The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 8

Noel speaking with two elf children who disapprove of demons living among elves.

Okay. This is the deadest show of the season. We're lucky if the thread (that I always have to make myself) on /a/ breaks 10 replies. It's not a terrible show, to be honest. I think Fable and Blue Archive are much worse. Also, the ED is really good.

Episode 8 of The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases stars with Noel and Mylene walking through town together and drawing tons of unwanted attention. Henriette takes her to The Elven Forest, a different dimension in her mansion, and a group of elves approach her and immediately bow, recognizing her as one of the few surviving members of the royal bloodline. The sovereign's regent, Percival, approaches Noel's party and shows them to their village, where all the members recognizes her as their liege. That evening, Percival tells Alan that Henriette has helped their village immensely. She also brought demon children to the village to help them grow, which has sown discord about elves opposed to the idea. That night, Noel wonders what she should do, and questions why she's even traveling with Alan to begin with. Alan asks Henriette why she's harboring demon children with elves, and she explains that while demons themselves are bad, a demon's child is not. The next day, Henriette tells Noel it's okay to turn down the offer to be a monarch. Back in town, Henriette speaks to the elf child that insulted the demon children, and after she leaves he's ambushed by Oswald who asks for a way to the Elven forest.

Figure 17 The Train to the End of the World, Episode 7

All the girls speaking to the Zombie Queen who is, in fact, human.

Episode 7 of The Train to the End of the World starts with the girls searching for Shizuru, who has been kidnapped by zombies. Akari explains that they can blend in with the zombies by acting like zombies, and proceeds to distract them with a tinfoil brain. The follow a horde of zombies to a mountain top shrine, and find Shizuru and Pochi. The Zombie Queen finds her friends at the shrine, and tests them to see if they're really zombies, but they fail. She then commands all the zombies to attack, and Shizuru, Akari, Reimi, and Nadeko begin to fight back, but the zombies quickly recover. To counter it, Akari begins to quite an erotic novel which causes the zombies to explode. We're then treated to a flashback where the zombie Queen is able to counter zombies herself because she, herself, is erotic. Everyone makes it back to the train. As the train begins to advance, all the girls begin to sing an erotic song, causing many of the remaining zombies to explode, but not all of them. Shizuru realizes the Queen probably really isn't a zombie, and confront her. She explains she had to pretend to be a Zombie Queen because zombies would follow her regardless. Forcing them to follow her and move prevented them from getting moldy and dying. They ask her to come with them on the train, but she refuses, deciding to stay with their zombie horde. They depart, and she warns them that Ikebukuro has its own queen, and she is dangerous. 14 stops until Ikebukuro.

Figure 18 Spice & Wolf, Episode 7

Lawrence meets a shepherdess while traveling north.

Well, with Episode 7 of Spice & Wolf we're finally out of book one of the light novel. The anime adaption was not good... which is worrisome because book one was one of the stronger ones, in my opinion. The episode starts with Lawrence and Holo on their way to the next town, Poroson. After arriving, they drop by the Latparron Trading Company to sell pepper, but the buyer uses a non-leveled table to tilt the scale, which Holo points out by spilling water on it. Lawrence offers to look the other way if he's able to get twice the value (on credit) in armor, which he plans to sell further north for the upcoming Winter campaign. Holo asks Lawrence for additional purchases, and promises to pay him back before they reach their destination in the far north. After departing Poroson, they encounter a group of merchants on the road to Ruvinheigen who warns they of danger ahead. Lawrence and Holo take a detour that may have wolves, and encounter a shepherdess on their path.

Figure 19 The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio, Episode 6

Yasumi and Yuhi take another bath together?

Episode 6 of The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio starts with Yasumi's and Yuhi's "redemption" radio tour, starting with Yubusaki, who despises both of them and hates having them on their show. Later, their writer Asaka warns them that they can't pretend to be themselves, they have to actually be themselves in their radio shows. Afterwards, Yuhi's mom arrives at her agency, and she brings Yumiko and her dad. She explains only stalkers have determined where she lives (providing evidence) and requests she stop voice acting for her own safety. Her mother gives an ultimatum: tell your fans where you'll be, but tell them "Whatever you do don't show up lol". If anyone does, Yumiko and Yuhi should both quit voice acting for their safety. Later, while they're both naked in a bath, Yasumi lets Yuhi touch her breasts to feel better (what?). Yasumi's mom speaks with Chika's mom and tells her she feels the same way (i.e., fearing for Yumiko's safety and wants her to quit), and further explains that she supports her insane ultimatum, and they agree to do it.

Man this show is bad. I don't really care about voice actresses at all, so having a show dedicating to them and their drama is miserable. Maybe it's because this specific show is written so poorly—who knows?

Figure 20 Unnamed Memory, Episode 6

Lanak takes Tinasha away from Oscar.

I think the only reason I'm watching Untamed Memory at this point is because Tinasha is mildly cute. And that's all she is. Her personality is garbage. Oscar's personality is nothing. The story is nonexistent. Episode 6 starts with Tinasha placing a curse over Oscar to counteract the curse that's already on him. Tinasha and Oscar attend King Kevin's (his father's) ball, and Tinasha sees him leaving early with the princess of a nearby kingdom. A man named Lanak arrives, greeting Tinasha as "Aeti", and tells Tinasha she will become the Queen of Cuscull, and they both teleport away. Lucrezia arrives and explains Tinasha has been searching for Lanak for ages, and Oscar vows to murder him and take her back. In a flashback Lanak repeatedly stabs Tinasha while healers keep her alive in order to extra her magical power, but the power grows uncontrollably and destroys the entire Kingdom of Tuldarr. A letter arrives from Cuscull demanding their unconditional surrender, and King Kevin asks Oscar to kill Tinasha, but he refuses, explaining that she may be innocent. The King tells him he will become King, and he accepts the throne.

Figure 21 As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill [...] the World, Episode 6

Ars left in the rain and mud after witnessing his father execute a prisoner in front of him.

Episode 6 of As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World begins with Ars at age 11 being informed his father is ill and dying. Later, Ars and his father receive word the governor of Missian was assassinated, and war will likely soon follow in the ensuing power vacuum. Ars, Rietz, and Charlotte arrive at Canarre and meet with other regional lords, the head of which is Lumeire. He explains that in the ensuing war they will support Couran. After the meeting, he meets Hammond Pleide, Licia's father, who tells Ars to look after his daughter. Back at home, Ars and Rietz continue to train, and Ars struggles with the thought of leading actual battles. Ars receives word that Seitz is invading and he tells everyone he will lead the troops. Ars's father, however, will not allow his son go into battle. To prove this, he executes a prisoner in front of Ars, who recoils in disgust. He father tells him if he cannot handle death, he cannot lead a battle. Lord Raven then leaves with his soldiers, as Ars is left crying in the mud.

What a truly terrible episode. This was one of the few shows of the entire season (so far) that left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Not because it took itself seriously, but because it was what, I imagined, was a comedy show that took itself far too seriously.

Figure 22 Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included, Episode 8

Lilishka revealing her true vampire form in Shintaro's apartment.

Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included Episode 8 starts with Shintaro learning, of course, that Lilishka is not a real vampire and merely a chuuni. Lilishka takes Shintaro to her workplace, a maid cafe, but he of course refuses and leaves. That night, Shintaro awakens to a real vampire trying to suck his blood. It's Lilishka, who is a Japanese vampire who wishes she was a European vampire. She explains she can quench her thirst for blood by potentially drinking other red liquids. The next day Shintaro and Towa find Lilishka missing, and wonder if the sunlight turned her to ash, only to find her at school. Her real name is Kagami Sayuri. After school, he meets her at the Occult Research Club, and Lilishka asks Shintaro to be her servant, but he declines. Noel and Tsumugi follow him and find out Lilishka is a vampire, and they all agree to be friends.

Other Remarks

Piano practice is going well. I just finished a simply version of Ode to Joy last night. I also started playing with my new Diabolo (just for fun) and bought another trainer from Squid Industries. Maybe I can use it at school next year. Two weeks left until summer. Oh, and AmiAmi finally shipped that Touhou figure I ordered a year ago. It'll go next to my television. I'll post images of it when it arrives.

Well, we've done it. Late last night we finally finished In Search of Lost Time Vol. II, Within a Budding Grove by Marcel Proust. I'd say it was a monumental effort on my part, but it didn't quite feel like it given that I read it slowly shortly before going to sleep over the course of several months. Still, 730 pages of dense French literature is something I'd argue few people have the patience to get through. Especially when it's Proust.

Despite it's lengthy 730 page length, the principle narrative of Within a Budding Grove is very easy to understand. It starts with the narrator and his family at dinner with Ambassador Norpois (a friend of the narrator's father). He sees the Berma play he's been dying to see for ages, but finds Berma to be a weaker actor than her peers (perhaps because her peers don't have a reputation, and instead they have to try much harder). He then becomes friends with the Swanns, and spends a lot of time getting to know Madame Swann and subsequently falls into, then out of, love with her daughter Gilberte. Afterwards, he and his grandmother go to the picturesque seaside town of Balbec, France, and stay there over the summer. Initially, the narrator hates it there (he can't fall asleep in his hotel room). But after meeting many memorable people such as Madame de Villeparisis, becoming friends with Robert de Saint Loup and, of course, becoming friends with Albertine and her band of friends, he decides he enjoys his experience. At the end of the season, he and his grandmother are some of the last people to leave. The narrator, mildly melancholy, reflects on his inability to experience everything at Balbec, and decides he will come back later—to the same room, in the same hotel, and experience it again.

Figure 1 An AI generated anime girl in Balbec, France.

Unlike In Search of Lost Time Vol. I, Swann's Way, Within a Budding Grove had an incredibly coherent and understandable narrative structure. I think the only time I was ever confused when reading it was during the first part of the novel when Madame Swann was talking with Madame Verdurin at her house, but because of Swann's Way I thought they were at Verdurin's house, leading to a very confusing situation where it seemed, for a moment, like Madame Verdurin was about to leave her own house for the evening. Compounding this mild confusion was the general nature in which Proust writes, where Proust will rarely "set the scene", if you will. For example, instead of saying "So-and-so walked into the room and began to talk", instead that person will just begin talking to everyone immediately, without introduction and you, the reader, are left wondering if you missed a paragraph where that character was introduced (you didn't). But to be honest, this is fairly minor. And if you got through Swann's way which had this writing style coupled with a non-linear narrative structure you could easily get through Within a Budding Grove which as a linear one (and fewer characters).

The narrator falling into then out of love with Gilberte greatly parallels Swann falling into then out of love with his wife Odette. The narrator, however, unlike Swann, did not make the same mistakes. When he realized Gilberte didn't love him, when he saw Gilberte out one evening with another man, he immediately renounced his love for her and, in fact, did everything he could to ignore her. Even when Gilberte invited him over again, he steadfastly refused. Swann, by contrast, very much stuck with Odette, even when direct evidence of her prior infidelity was presented to him.

Figure 2 An AI generated anime girl watching what I can only presume is a Berma play.

The narrator spends a lot of time saying kind things about Madame Swann. How how brilliant she is. About her fashion sense. About her taste in interior design. About her general "refinement". But, to me, I could never agree with the narrator. Despite 100's of pages of glowing praise of Odette... I just could never like that woman. She's trash. Her "refinement" comes off as disingenuous and affected. Her "class" comes off less as graceful humility but attention seeking behavior designed to convince you she has graceful humility. Her many extramarital are, of course, greatly impune her character. Put simply, my feelings for Madame Swann are the opposite of whatever the narrator had to say about her, and I hope we don't have to hear more about her in future volumes. She's vapid uninteresting woman desperate for our attention. Let's not give it to her.

Like Vol. I I did reimagined portions of this from the perspective of Shizuma Hanazono from Strawberry Panic as I read it. It's common for me, in all media really, when I encounter portions of a story I don't like to immediately reimagined a similar story with changes in my head. In Within a Budding Grove, my reimagined version had the narrator as a woman whose strongly rejected by Gilberte when she makes an advance (an advance which robs all previous acts of affection of their innocence). In my head, I imagine this rejection as very powerful, such that when Gilberte tries to invite Shizuma over again, she refuses due to her extreme prejudice. I also imagined a similar situation happens near the end of the novel between Shizuma and Albertine in Albertine's hotel room.

Memorable Quotes (Passages)

Throughout the book I periodically took note of quotes and passages I found particularly interesting. I'll list some below, and if I ever make a Part II to this review I'll list some more. Most of these are from the second half of the book, after the narrator arrives at the picturesque sea-side town of Balbec.

We notice flaws in other people but not ourselves or close friends:
"Besides it seems that our attention, always attracted by what is characteristic of ourself, notices that more than anything else in other people. One short-sighted man says of another: "But he can scarcely open his eyes!"; a consumptive has his doubts as to the pulmonary integrity of the most robust; an unwashed man speaks only of the baths that other people do not take; an evil-smelling man insists that other people smell; a cuckold sees cuckolds everywhere, a light woman light women, a snob snobs. Then, too, every vice, like every profession, requires and trains a special knowledge which we are never loath to display. The invert detects and denounces inverts; the tailor asked out to dine, before he has begun to talk to you, has passed judgment on the cloth of your coat, which his fingers are itching to feel, and if after a few words of conversation you were to ask a dentist what he really thought of you, he would tell you how many of your teeth wanted filling. To him nothing appears more important, nor more absurd to you who have noticed his own. And it is not only when we speak of ourselves that we imagine other people to be blind; we behave as though they were. On every one of us there is a special god in attendance who hides from him or promises him the concealment from other people of his defect, just as he stops the eyes and nostrils of people who do not wash to the streaks of dirt which they carry in their ears and the smell of sweat which emanates from their armpits, and assures them that they can with impunity carry both of these about a world that will notice nothing."

Robert Saint-Loup complains about high-society people:
"I would kill them with less compunction than I would kill a dog, which is at least a well-behaved beast, and loyal and faithful. There are men who deserve the guillotine if you like, far more than poor wretches who have been led into crime by poverty and by the cruelty of the rich."

The narrator discusses the careless nature of Albertine and friends:
"They had, for whatever did not form part of their group, no affectation of contempt; their genuine contempt was sufficient."

The narrator imagining meeting Albertine and friends:
"But to strip our pleasures of imagination is to reduce them to their own dimensions, that is to say to nothing."

The narrator reflecting on evenings in the Rivebelle restaurant:
"For just as it is not the desire to become famous but the habit of being laborious that enables us to produce a finished work, so it is not the activity of the present moment but wise reflexions from the past that help us to safeguard the future. But if already, before this point, on my arrival at Rivebelle, I had flung irretrievably away from me those crutches of reason and self-control which help our infirmity to follow the right road, if I now found myself the victim of a sort of moral ataxy, the alcohol that I had drunk, by unduly straining my nerves, gave to the minutes as they came a quality, a charm which did not have the result of leaving me more ready, or indeed more resolute to inhibit them, prevent their coming; for while it made me prefer them a thousand times to anything else in my life, my exaltation made me isolate them from everything else; I was confined to the present, as heroes are or drunkards; eclipsed for the moment, my past no longer projected before me that shadow of itself which we call our future; placing the goal of my life no longer in the realisation of the dreams of that past, but in the felicity of the present moment, I could see nothing now of what lay beyond it. So that, by a contradiction which, however, was only apparent, it was at the very moment in which I was tasting an unfamiliar pleasure, feeling that my life might yet be happy, in which it should have become more precious in my sight; it was at this very moment that, delivered from the anxieties which my life had hitherto contrived to suggest to me, I unhesitatingly abandoned it to the chance of an accident. "

There are more, but these should suffice for now. If I bothered to make a note, it was interesting, at least to me!

Other Remarks

I officially started learning the piano on Sunday! I also practiced some more yesterday! It's really fun. I'm looking forward seeing how much I can improve if I actually dedicate time every day to it. A little over a year ago I started learning calligraphy (thinking I never could learn it) and, with full-blown determination, I learned it. So too I think can do this with the piano. I mean, if I practice every day, like really serious practice, I'm sure in a year or two or five or ten I could be pretty good!

Figure 3 An AI generated anime girl playing the piano (is she even looking at the sheet music?).

I may buy a small synth, too, to make it easier to practice upstairs. I ordered a digital metronome as well. Please wish me luck! I know I can do it!

By far and away the best show of this week was Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night. It's rare to see a single isolated episode with so much soul, but this week's episode had it. And, while the yuri-themed banned anime are fun, Monster #8 is also a bit of a standout every week (perhaps because of how ridiculous it is). Although, the band animes themselves are making me want to go down and learn my piano (I will try over the summer!). Anyways, let's get into it.

Figure 1 Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night, Episode 6

Miiko eating lunch with her daughter, Ariel, and posting about it to her fans.

Oh boy. Here we are. The both expected and surprise yuri show of the season, Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night. Episode 6 begins with Kiui informing Mei, Kano, and Yoru they got a DM asking for a commissioned song from Miiko, the idol's show who they crashed on Halloween back in Episode 1. When they meet her in person, Miiko explains she's a 31-year-old idol about to be dropped by her agency if they can't come up with a song for her to go viral. They follow her around for the day while she makes fake social media posts, and at the evening they drop by her apartment and met her daughter, Ariel (WHAT!?), and Kano is impressed that Miiko is a single mom raising a child trying to make it as an idol. Later, Kano explains to Yoru that her relationship with her mother is nothing like that. The relationship between her and her mother was more of a business partnership. Yoru asks about their kiss earlier, and Kano insists that it was just a spur of the moment thing.

The next day, at the restaurant where Kano works, Ariel explains that she likes her Mom's idol profession, as it helped her become more outgoing and learn how to talk to her classmates. Although Ariel's classmates call her Mom's behavior strange, Mei explains that it isn't. The next day, Ariel leaves for a shrine in clothes her mother made for her, and several of her classmates ridicule her for it. Her classmates then post rude comments on her Mom's video, and her Mom leaves to find her daughter, and JELEE is forced to take her place on stage. Miiko gets her daughter and brings her to her back to her gig, and before playing a song tells her fans the truth, that she's a thirty-one year old divorced idol with a child, and then plays her set. After the credits, they learn that the video Kiui made to promote Miiko is very popular, and so too are their songs. Absolutely amazing episode. So much soul.

Figure 2 Girls Band Cry, Episode 6

Nina and Subaru ask Momoka if Rupa and Tomo can join the band.

Here we are again. Machine translated French-to-English subs of Girls Band Cry. Episode 6 begins with Rupa and Tomo composing songs in their apartment. Rupa and Tomo compose some songs, while Rupa encourages Tomo to join Nina, Subaru, and Momoka. After the opening, Subaru, Nina, and Momoka go to a sauna. While there, Nina reads internet feedback about their concert, which is mainly about Momoka being a former member of Diamond Dust. Momoka explains not to worry, and just continue playing. They don't need to compete with Diamond Dust. Nina, however, still remains concerned about the number of followers their band has, and believes they need more if they want to go pro she explains she has nothing to prove. Back at the restaurant where Rupa and Tomo work, Tomo and Rupa introduce themselves as musicians, and over lunch they explain they'd like to make music with them. Back and Tomo and Rupa's apartment, Tomo explains its her dream to play in the Budokan (a large stadium), but Subaru is unsure Momoka would want that.

Later, Subaru and Nina play some of Rupa and Tomo's sample music, which she finds good, and they agree to play together on Saturday. Subaru explains Momoka likely enjoys making music, but has lost the drive to go all out. During rehearsal the next day, Rupa and Tomo play very well, and Nina asks Momoka if Tomo and Rupa can join the band. Subaru proposes playing at a festival, one headlined by Diamond Dust.

Figure 3 Astro Note, Episode 6

Mira, Naosuke, and Takumi listen to Adara (Mira's Mom's) transmission.

Episode 6 of Astro Note begins with Mira's Mom's Adara video letter, which explains that, as a child, she (Adara) ran away from Planet Wid to avoid a political marriage and fled to Earth. Arriving at Earth during a World War II bombing run on Japan, she met her father Tasuke after she emerged from the wreckage of her crash-landed ship, and he subsequently nursed her back to health. But soldiers from Wid hunted her down and threated to destroy Earth if she didn't return to Wid. However, before departing she left the Key back on Earth so that she could one day return. She then tells Mira that her real father is Tasuke Shimotakaido. A hubby appears and steals the in-progress transmission, but not before Adara that the key is somewhere in the yard outside Astro Lodge.

Afterwards, Naosuke tells Takumi no one will believe him if he tells them what happened, and he walks around laughing like a madman. Mira and Shoin attempt to learn more about Tasuke, to which all of his past friends and acquaintances only have positive things to say about him. Shoin tells Mira that he did not, in fact, lead a pitiful life. The next day, Takumi's breakfast is lacking again, and Mira visits him in his room to talk about it, but he has little to say. Back at Astro Lodge, Mira and Naosuke start digging up the yard in search of the key. Naosuke entices Aoi to take Takumi on a deito to an Insect Festival where they'll... eat bugs together?

Figure 4 An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride, Episode 7

Zagan, Nephy, and their lovely dragon daughteru Valefor.

We're back—another week with my lovely white-haired elf wife Nephy. Or, perhaps, another week with Chastille who, at the start of Episode 7 of An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride, relinquishes her Sacred Sword due to her refusal to fight Zagan. The head priest tells her the Dread Angelic Knight Raphael Hyurandell, another sacred sword wielder, is on his way, likely to purge her as an apostate. Back at Zagan's castle, Valefor the Apparition arrives during Zagan's lunch with Nephy, and vows to slay Zagan and steal his Archdemon title. He is, however, promptly defeated, and it's revealed that it's just a small girl in disguise. After she (Valefor) wakes up, Zagan realizes she's a dragon. He then commands her to assist Nephy for one (1) week.

Valefor tells Nephy to call her "For", and she explains she's afraid of Zagan due to his immense power. Nephy explains that she's not afraid of Zagan because he treats her kindly, and doesn't wield power without reason. And Zagan continues to research what happened with the demon summoned at the end of Episode 6. Zagan decides to take For to investigate a former Archdemon's castle for clues.

Figure 5 Monster #8, Episode 5

Kafka accidentally blurts out Captain Mina Ashiro's first name at the induction ceremony.

Episode 5 of Monster #8 begins with Kafka and Ichikawa receiving their examination results: they both passed, but Kafka is recruited only as a cadet (and for comedic effect). At their induction ceremony Kafka arrives late, and Shinomiya leads the oath for the class. Shinomiya demands to speak with Kafka after the ceremony, and he explains that he ate Kaiju and can now turn into one. Shinomiya tells Kafka he won't turn him in. Ichikawa excels and training, while Kafka barely improves (eventually reaching 1%). Kafka later explains to his platoon members that he's Captain Mina Ashiro's childhood friend, much to their surprise. Vice Captain Haruichi speaks with Kafka, and tells him he'll never take his spot next to Captain Ashiro. An alarm sounds, and it's time for Kafka's first mission.

Figure 6 THE NEW GATE, Episode 5

Shin, Schnee, Tiera, and Yuzuha discussing their plans at The Moon Sanctum.

THE NEW GATE, second only to Dekisoko, are easily the deadest shows of the season on /a/ (and likely elsewhere). It is my understand that this quite an old isekai, dating back to the Familiar of Zero era. However, for whatever reason this age gives it a slight advantage in that it doesn't feel as generic as modern isekais which significantly increases its watchability. Anyways, Episode 5 begins with the continued investigation of the weapon Shin left on the ground at the end of the previous battle. They decide to investigate the Moon Sanctum later, as that is where he is likely to be. Wil asks Shin why Schnee is now following him around, and he explains he's a high human and Schnee's master. Lacia awakens and is equally impressed that Schnee is present. Wil takes Lacia back to the Church, and Shin and Schnee return to Moon Sanctum.

Back at the Moon Sanctum, Schnee introduces Shin to Tiera as the owner of The Moon Sanctum. Shin also introduces Yuzuha, and over dinner, Schnee explains Shin's other support characters are spread out over the world doing different things. That night, Shin awakens to Schnee in bed with him. The next morning, he awakens to Yuzuha, now as a human, in bed with him. He asks Yuzuha why she was trapped in the shrine, and she explains there was a natural disaster that she tried to stop. Schnee tells Shin she'd like him to meet Girart, an old follower of his who, at his age, is nearing death. Schnee asks Tiera to travel with them, and Shin informs him he'll be able to move the shop as they travel. He then forges some items that the shop can sell. Afterwards Tiera and Shin leave the Moon Sanctum and head for the adventurer's guild.

Figure 7 Whisper Me a Love Song, Episode 5

Himari speaking with all of Yori's band members after delivering cookies.

Whisper Me a Love Song is a bit of a mixed bag. Of late the cuteness of the first two episodes are gone, and Himari acting like an indecisive blob is a big annoying. Episode 6 begins right where Episode 5 left off, with Aki telling Himari that she loves Yori. She goes on to explain that Himari's indecisiveness makes her stomach churn, and the thought that she'd reject Yori's love unthinkable. She goes on to explain that they're third years and they'll soon graduate. Neither she nor Yori have the time. the next day, at cooking club, Momoka-senpai asks Himari about her relationship troubles, and Momoka explains that the person she'd want to cook for is the person she wants to fall in love with. She meets Yori and the way out of school and asks to walk home with her. Momoka-senpai catches up with her and hands her her phone, causing Yori to feel a twinge of jealousy.

Yori tells Himari she's happy she's giving her feelings such careful thought, and tells her to tell her how she feels after their next concert. That night, she writes the lyrics to a song that will sweep Himari off her feet. During rehearsal, Aki laments how obvious Yori's love for Himari is, to the point where it hurts that Himari refuses to even answer. Still, she apologizes to Himari shortly thereafter, and Himari tells her she'll give Yori her answer after the concert. Himari drops by rehearsal to deliver cookies, and also feels a twinge of jealousy watching how friendly Yori and Aki are. Himari and Yori agree to go on another deito to buy clothes for the concert. At the end of the episode, we see Momoka-senpai giving cookies to the girl she loves, Hajime-chan.

Figure 8 Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers, Episode 5

Fenrys sacrifices herself to save Flio from the djinn.

Episode 2 of Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers begins with The Dark Army's invasion of the Human's domain (something which began at the end of Episode 4, but I completely thought wouldn't actually happen). The Dark One withdraws his forces in order to avoid being hit by the human's purification spell. The spell incapacitates the mages who cast it, including the king, and his daughter is forced to take the lead in the interim. She immediately dismisses the their current hero and summons The Oracle. Back at Flio's house, he and the girls wonder how they can begin to make money, and Flio and Rys go on a deito, where they spend the day in town and Flio buys her a brooch.

Meanwhile, the dismissed hero, in a lust for power, sets Hiya, the djinn of light and darkness, free. In return, he's granted three wishes. Speaking with The Oracle, the princess asks how to save the kingdom. While speaking, the djinn places a curse on life of the princess and, the hero, and all those around her, that will claim their lives should the wish be granted. The Oracle tells them they have to find Flio, and the Princess goes to him herself to plea for his assistance. However, the Djinn arrives first and attempts to kill Flio, but Rys jumps in the way to save him, wounding herself so gravely that Flio can't heal her. Flio stands up and tells Hiya she'll pay.

Figure 9 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so [..] Magical Ability, Episode 6

Alieze kisses Lloyd upon seeing him in her tower.

Episode 6 of I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability begins with Lloyd discussing with Sylpha how to train his newly acquired Bearwolf, Shiro, and they both agree they may be able to speak with Princess Alieze, her older sister, in her garden tower for help. Alieze herself has a Lesser Fenrir under her command, a more complicated magic beast, and Lloyd asks how to train them. To which she responds "Love".. If you can love any monster, you can train any monster. Lloyd realizes that she can share mana with animals to issue orders, and then he does the same, to great effect.

Afterwards, Albert introduces Lloyd to Dian, one of his older brothers who is a blacksmith, who does not believe Lloyd was able to exchange a sword. To prove him wrong, he enchants a sword in front of him, and Dian th en asks him work with him to create a Spellbound sword. After several failed attempts, Lloyd realizes he needs purer mana essence from dead monsters to forge the sword. Lloyd and Sylpha go to the adventurer's guild and Lloyd registers with an A-rank in magic. We also learn that Sylpha is the former legendary "Silver Blader", who tore through hundreds of dungeons and demons, achieving A rank, then vanished. Tao appears, herself and A-Rank, and gets them into a dungeon. Tao, Sylpha, and Lloyd clear various dungeons to get the materials for the enchant. At the end of the episode, Lloyd notices a member of the assassin's guild in his castle garden.

Figure 10 Mysterious Disappearances, Episode 5

Oto out in the rain at night, chasing the wondering spirit.

Episode 5 of Mysterious Disappearances starts with Sumireko and Oto on their way to school, again. At lunch, Sumireko notices Nodoka-chan watching anime on a tablet, and after school all of Oto's friends bring Sumireko to the roof to gossip about what color underwear various girls (and teachers) are wearing at school. After school, they drop by Mari's (family's) bathhouse and run into Uname-sensei there. Mari, at the front desk, tries to watch them undress, but fails. After the bath, Uname-sensei offers to treat Oto and Sumireko to dinner at her place, and they agree. After dinner and due to poor weather, Uname-sensei insists they all stay over at her place for the night, and she pushes the futons together so they sleep right next to each other. During the night, Oto awakens to knocking at the door, and someone is trying to break into their apartment. When she looks outside, there's footprints in the water, and she gets attacked by someone who calls Oto a monster.

We then see a cellphone video of Tomoko opening the door in the rain to a "child in red" and the video ends. We learn that a child in red attack Tomoko a year ago, and the girl who attacked Oto has been searching, every time is rains, for a girl in red. They call Adashino, who believes he understands the situation and promises to return soon.

Figure 11 WIND BREAKER, Episode 6

Hiragi standing above a defeated Sako.

The fights Episode 5 of WIND BREAKER were pretty good, so I went into Episode 6 with above-average expectations. It starts with Hiragi stepping up against Sako, who puts up a much better fight than expected, eventually landing a strong kick on Hiragi, knocking him down. In a flashback, we see Sako as a child getting beat up, and Hiragi stepping into save him. Afterwards, he asks Hiragi to teach him how to fight. In the present, Hiragi apologizes that he couldn't meet Sako's expectations of taking the top spot at Furin, and then lands a kick on Sako that finishes the fight. Hiragi carries him off stage. Hiragi warns the next fighter not to remove Sako's jacket yet—not before his next fight.

Figure 12 Gods' Games We Play, Episode 6

Pearl plays her final card to win the game.

Episode 6 of Gods' Games We Play begins right where Episode 5 left off, with a show match of Sugoroku (whatever that is) of Fay and Pearl vs. Dax and Kalritch. After an incredibly convoluted and vague explanation of how the game works, they pick their classes and get started. And, much like Liar Liar, I can't even explain the game or how it progressed because it was all so unnecessarily complicated. All I can say is that Fay tried to rush to the end of the game while Dax tried to remove their life points. Pearl falls to 1 life point, but is saved by Fay during the second turn. During the third turn, Pearl's life points are again reduced to 0, but she is again saved by Fay before Dax lands the killing blow. At the end of their turn, Pearl casts a "Save then die" card that allows her to use remaining cards push out additional turns, at the cost of taking lethal damage once her turns are exhausted. She launches an attack on Dax, but it's redirected to Kalritch. Regardless, Pearl's final card activates allowing her draw the legendary card "Heartache" from Fay, deflecting the lethal damage she receives to Dax, ending her turn and winning the game.

Figure 13 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 14

Iroha and Mayu have a sleepover (with Komugi and Yuki).

Episode 14 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins, again, with Mayu in search of Yuki, only to find that she's hiding under her bed, very sick. Mayu quickly brings Yuki to Iroha's veterinarian clinic and asks for help. Iroha's mom explains she's just really tired. Iroha, noticing how worried Mayu is, asks her to stay the night. A Garugaru hatches as the sun is rising the next day. While Iroha and Komugi sneak out, Mayu hears Komugi talking, and Iroha tells Mayu she'll have to explain later. Mayu follows them, leaving Yuki behind, and watches both Komugi and Iroha transforming into Pretty Cures to find a Garugaru Rooster. Satoru arrives and explains the details to Mayu. The rooster's sonic attack hits Komugi and incapacitates her, and Mayu rushes in to save them. Friendly and Wonderful use barriers to reflect the rooster's sonic attack and send it back to Niko Garden. Afterwards, Komugi tells Mayu to become PreCures like them, but she, of course, refuses. Mayu arrives back at home, and Iroha and Komugi wonder where Cure Nyammy was that day. The episode ends with a shot of Yuki looking pissed.

Figure 14 Mission: Yozakura Family, Episode 5

Taiyo gives Mutsumi a atop a Ferris wheel at the end of the day.

Episode 5 of Mission: Yozakura Family begins with Taiyo being approached by a police officer, Seiji Hotokeyama, who asks him to get in his car. Back at the police station, he's presented evidence of him attacking other people and blowing up his school. The officer explains there's no way Taiyo could have done all of this, and asks who he's working worth. He refuses to to talk, and the officer attacks him. Kyoichiro appears and tells Seiji that Taiyo is part of the Yozakura family now. Back at school, Kyoichiro appears to teach Taiyo's class, and begins training. He forces the class to sleep using sleeping gas and Mutsumi to dawn a gas mask to avoid the attack. Taiyo then has to dodge attacks while half asleep.

Later, Hotokeyama calls Taiyo and tells him it's time for a mission. Taiyo arrives at an amusement park and is tasked with finding a couple with illicit guns. Mutsumi arrives and offers to help. They follow around various people at the park looking for signs of suspicious activity, and find a couple fighting draw guns and start shooting at each other. Using his taser, he stops both of them and they both get arrested. At sunset, Taiyo and Mutsumi ride the Ferris wheel together. Mutsumi explains that she'd like to live happily ever after, and Taiyo hands her a rose he bought earlier, but was damaged in a gunfight.

Figure 15 As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill [...] the World, Episode 5

Licia asking Ars what types of girls he likes.

Episode 5 of As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World begins with Ars's father falling ill. Internal strife is slowly leading to a civil war, and Ars asks to go to battle, but his father says he's too young for that. Instead, he should consider getting married and securing his bloodline. He's given a letter from his future wife (which is the first he learns about it), and his Fiance, Licia Pleide, comes to visit. Ars finds that has high diplomacy and ambition, and assumes she's there for nefarious purposes (although her kind behavior with everyone immediately makes him question this initial assumption).

Ars shows Licia around the town, and she breaks up a fight between two townsfolk using her diplomatic skills. Licia asks Ars what type of girls that he likes, and he responds he likes girls that speak their mind and hide nothing from him. That night, she asks a similar question: what about her does Ars distrust? Ars explains that he can see people's latent talents, and as such he believes her behavior is entirely calculated. Licia tells her she wants to marry him, and later feels pleased that she was honest with him. At the end of the episode, Ars decides he wants to marry Licia, too.

Figure 16 The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio, Episode 5

Yumiko "sexually harassing" Yuhi by forcing her to change clothes in school.

Episode 5 of The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio starts with Yasumi's agent, Kagasaki, scolding her for destroying her "pure idol" public image. Later, she apologizes to the president of her company, too, who merely pretends to scold her, but only because her agent requested it. After their meeting, Yasumi meets Mekurun, another idol who tells her Yuhi is as "good as dead" now that people know who she really is, and further explains it's ridicules to say (or even imply) how voice actresses and idols act differ from their real life personalities.

A few weeks later, High School Radio's listeners are up now that Yumiko and Yuhi are acting acting normally. Their school also has photographers camped outside it, to a point where Yumiko and Chika have to wear disguises to enter and leave school (as someone who works at a school, I refuse to believe this would ever actually happen). After school, they both meet with their agents at a nearby coffee shop, who explain it's best they work together by further selling their real personalities on several upcoming events and radio shows. Otome, another voice actress, is going to help them with their shows. They learn one of their shows will be Mekurun's show.

Figure 17 A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, Episode 6

A failed knight, a cult leader, and a sex worker form a band.

A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics Episode 6 began with Noa hunting down her "savior" Livia, who is still homeless under a bridge. Livia explains that she's no savior, and Noa asks her for a fully body scan of her to create a statue, to which she agrees. Back at Noa's apartment Livia strips naked for a 3d scan of her body. Afterwards, Noa offers to let Livia stay at her apartment, to which she agrees. Later, she meets Puriketsu at a public bath who explains that she's a mooch. Back at Puriketsu's apartment, she tries to play a guitar to order to compensate for the band members she just lost. She also leans that Noa also plays the piano. Livia advances quickly at the guitar (by practicing 15 hours a day), much to the amazement of Puriketsu. Back at Noa's place, Puriketsu shows her a song she wrote, and Noa informs her it's bad. They both ask Noa to help write songs, and she shows her some of her work, which is all designed to recruit people into her cult. Afterwards, all three of them agree to form a band.

Figure 18 The Train to the End of the World, Episode 6

Shizuru meets Kuroki Mito, the head of the zombie horde.

Inshallah, peace be upon Ganesha, this show may be a bit too weird—it truly is the Flip Flappers of our generation. Episode 6 of The Train to the End of the World starts with a brief discussion of what they should name their train. After the opening, Pochi (the dog) is sick and starts throwing up. Shizuru explains that Yoka may have gone to Ikebukuro because they had a fight, notably one where she put down Yoka's dreams, leading to her running away from Agano. After her friends telling her she was in the wrong, Shizuru leaves the train and Pochi follows her. After walking aimlessly through the night, Shizuru decides to return to the train, but realizes she is lost. She is ambushed by Zombies, and Pochi goes missing. A girl appears and captures Shizuru and takes her away.

The next day the girls begin to look for her, and they run into the Black Leopard caravan from Episode 1. From the caravan, they learn that Ikebukuro is even worse off than Agano. The caravan driver warns them off zombies. Meanwhile, Shizuru meets Kuroki, the Queen of the zombies. Pochi shows up, too. The girls then leave, with the goal of rescuing Shizuru from the zombies.

Figure 19 Spice & Wolf, Episode 6

Lawrence meets Holo at the conclusion of the silver coin deal.

We continue the silver coin plot in Episode 6 of Spice & Wolf. Holo and Lawrence are being pursued through the sewers (also why is this show so dark)? The pursuers catch up, and one of them stabs Lawrence, who shortly collapses due to his injuries. Holo carries Lawrence to an old well, but they get cornered. Yarei approaches among the mob and asks her to hand Holo over, but he refuses. Yarei gives the order to kill Lawrence but take Holo alive. Holo then sucks blood out of Lawrence's wound and transforms into her wolf form and attacks the mob as they flee. Lawrence recoils in fear upon seeing this form, forcing Holo to leave. Lawrence regains consciousness back at the trading company. The head of the company informs him Holo stood over his body until they came to rescue him, then left. The head of the training company informs him the contract went through, and tells him he'll receive 120 silver coins profit, which was far lower than expected. A competing trading company offers 1000 silver coins for the contract, and Lawrence asks for a portion of his reward in pepper (I don't understand this part?). Lawrence receives an invoice for products he didn't order, and he realizes it was placed by Holo. Down at the dock, he meets Holo, who tells him he cannot have him traveling north to collect a debt.

Figure 20 Unnamed Memory, Episode 5

Tinasha under the impressing she's about to get rape-corrected by Oscar.

Unnamed Memory is a show about nothing. Which is strange, because if you watch the show it would appear, superficially, that something is happening. It's impressive, actually, to construct multiple 22 minute episodes where characters are talking and interacting, but nothing meaningful happens.

Episode 5 starts with Tinasha having recurrent bad dream, and the King informs Oscar his future wife will likely be a maid who works at the castle who natively has high magic resistance, named Miralys. Tinasha continues to attempt to break the curse on Oscar. Tinasha believes Miralys is hiding something, and Oscar witnesses a ploy by Tinasha where she pretends to cheat on him. Afterwards, she seals her magical power and drags her to a bed to "scare" her, but she's able to resist (seriously what was this sequence?). Later, Oscar announces to the royal court that he's only interested in Tinasha, which upsets Miralys, who begins to attack Tinasha, injuring her.

Oscar steps in to assist her fight, and Tinasha tells Oscar she'd like to take her alive to determine why she's after Oscar. Miralys gets captured by Tinasha, then promptly commits suicide. Afterwards, Oscar was learned after an item in the castle's treasury, something his mother bought, but he's unsure if it's use. At the end of the episode, Tinasha hopes that the darkness of her past never reach Oscar.

Figure 21 The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 7

Henriette, Lise, and Noel lamenting how Alan constantly gets into trouble.

In what is easily the deadest show of the season, we end Monday with The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 7. We begin with Alan being given a pile of requests from the Guild, all of which he has hitherto ignored, along with various tasks from Lise, Noel, and Mylene. The next day, Alan, Lise, Noel, and Mylene start their journey. While crossing a mountain range, then encounter a package of sand wolves which Alan promptly defeats. After arriving at a border town, Alan bumps into Henriette, and old friend of Alan who warns him of The Black Wolf knights are on the move. Henriette leaves, and Alan chases after her. He asks her how she ended up in this world as well, and she dodges the question.

Alan hears and explosion and, upon traveling towards the source, witnesses a man die from a demon attack. A knight approaches him and asks him why he killed the man, and he explains that he didn't do it. When the knight tries to apprehend him, Mylene appears and makes him invisible and shuttles him away to the sewers, where he meets Lisa, Noel, and Henriette. Henriette hides them all in her house for the time being. Henriette then goes on to explain that the Emperor was assassinated a year ago, and as such they don't want to get into trouble for the time being. That night, Alan asks Henriette how long she's been watching him, and she again dodges the question. Later, Henriette reflects on how she reincarnated in this world to ensure that, at least in one life, Alan would be happy.

Figure 22 Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included, Episode 7

Ugh. Here we are. Episode 7 of Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included. It starts with Mari-chan, Shintaro's Aunt and the owner of the apartment he lives in (who apparently writes manga for a living), dropping by Shintaro's apartment. It's her birthday, and nobody wished her happy birthday the entire day (so she brought her own birthday cake!). Towa introduces herself, and Mari inquires as to Shintaro's personal life. As the evening grows late, Mari insists on walking Towa home, after which she walks nowhere and flies back to Shintaro's apartment, and overhears Mari telling Shintaro she's staying the night. Kida, Mari's editor arrives, and wishes her a happy birthday. After the closing credits, Shintaro bumps into a Chuuni girl who asks for help fleeing two men who are trying to return a book. She claims to be a vampire.

Other Remarks

I officially retired my old Falcon Northwest Tiki from 2014. It made it 10 years, but it finally failed. I spent hours trying to fix it, but even after checking each component it appears that the motherboard has failed, and obviously it's not worth replacing the motherboard in a computer that is a decade old. I'll throw it in the trash on Sunday (I already removed the SSD, obviously). So long, Tiki. You made it through most of college, my first year teaching, and the entire pandemic. So long, and good night.

I finally developed and scanned my first roll of black and white film from start to finish... and I boy I did basically everything wrong in the process!

A lot supplies went into making everything happen, but the core camera equipment was a Leica MA, Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 black and white film, and a Sekonic L-398A lightmeter. All analogue! No batteries required! I developed with a Samigon stainless steel developing tank using a Hewes 35mm Stainless Steel Developing Reel. And the developer was Kodak D-76, prepared from stock... by me (I'm pretty sure I didn't mix everything at exactly the right temperature). There were some other small things, of course, but that's the basics.

Figure 1 My shrine to Lilith flanked by two book cases.

There's a lot of noise in the image, making it hard to read the titles on the spine of nearby books.
Leica MA / Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH — Kodak Tri-X 400

My first (practice) roll was taken around the house and in my backyard over the course of about a week. The setup was simple. Use the Sekonic L-398A, take a shot or two, then move on. Unfortunately, I made a terrible mistake when I failed to rewind the film completely before opening the bottom roll, and I flashed the film losing the last five or so exposures. I'm glad I didn't lose all of them!

Figure 2 A portion of my backyard deck.

This one is a bit better... if you don't zoom in and see the harsh film grain.
Leica MA / Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH — Kodak Tri-X 400

I really struggled to get the film out of the roll and on the developing spool in the dark, and just as well I don't think I dumped enough developer in the tank when I developed it. These failures led to all my images being really grainy, far more so than I think they're supposed to be (you can check the sample images yourself). I'm also not entirely certain I mixed the Kodak developer at the right temperature. When I dumped the developer in the water, the water began to cool down before I was able to mix all of it into a single homogeneous solution, so I'm not sure how much an effect that had (but given the grain in the final results I'm going to guess it wasn't positive).

Figure 3 Another portion of my backyard deck.

I don't know why I took this. Ag, who am I kidding, I do, it was just a practice roll.
Leica MA / Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH — Kodak Tri-X 400

I then scanned the negatives with the Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai Film Scanner, a fairly pricey dedicated 35mm Film Scanner (I considered a few other options, but this one seemed to be the best for the price). Still, I've already started another roll and we'll see if we can do a bit better on our second attempt! I'll also do a bit more experimenting with the large digital lightmeter I bought, too, for perhaps better results? I also need to move quickly because apparently the developer I created stock only lasts about two months? What a terrible deal! I may have to make a smaller amount next time, perhaps half, and way out half the developer.

Other Remarks

I spent more time memorizing Tarot cards today. I've now gone through all Major Arcana and Cups. There's still a long way to go, but I'm making progress!

I dropped another show this week: The Fable. I really tried to like it (and thought I would), but the show itself is just so bad and the characters are just so weak I could never get into it. The stoic assassin character literally has no depth, weakness, or anything. If the show aired on a weekday, maybe I could watch it at school. But on Saturday where there's already tons of shows it's just not worth the time. Anyways, we had some standouts this week, notably Astro Note! Let's get into it.

Figure 1 Astro Note, Episode 5

Mira and Takumi moments away from being teleported to planet Wid.

Here we are. Episode 5 of Astro Note, and another week with my lovely alien wife Mira. We begin with, much to everyones surprise, a subpar breakfast from Takumi who is busy hanging dried squid in the yard cackling like a mad man. After breakfast, failed idol Matsubara-san approaches Takumi and tries to set him up with a friend from work, but he explains that he's not interested. Takumi leaves and Mira asks him about breakfast, and Takumi tells himself Mira only likes the breakfasts he makes, not him. Later that day at lunch, Mira tells Shoin how great Takumi's breakfasts are and invites him over. Back at home, Naosuke tells Aoi that Takumi loves girls with short hair, and later that evening Aoi begins to cut it off.

That evening over dinner, Tomihiro expresses concern that his son Ren is looking at inappropriate magazines, but Takumi says that seems unlikely, instead explaining that he may just like a girl in his class. They break into his room and find the magazine, and it's just a clothing magazine. On his way to the bathroom, Ren encounters a squid and begins to chase it. During a strange encounter, Ren explains he wanted to try wearing a skirt, but his father strongly disapproves, fearing the ridicule he will receive from doing it. Mira says he should be able to wear one, if only at home, as she wants Astro Lodge to be a place where people will feel accepted.

The next day, Takumi is approached by Aoi, now with short hair and, in trying to flee an old spinster, actually runs to a love hotel, or so he thought. In actuality, the love hotel was Shoin's house. Shoin asks to drop by for breakfast, and Takumi agrees. At the end of the episode, Naosuke tells Mira about the Squid attack but she's despondent. Takumi enters her room to ask her if she's a widow, and suddenly gets transfered to Mira's home planet. What an absolutely crazy episode. Definitely fun. This is way stronger than I expected.

Figure 2 Monster #8, Episode 4

Ichikawa and Kafka rescue Shinomiya at the conclusion of the test.

Monster #8, much like Solo Leveling last season, while not particularly good is still nevertheless entertaining, far more than one would expect. It may just be it's time-tested structure of "weak tries to become strong", but whatever. Episode 4 begins with Kafka standing up on his broken leg and continuing the test. Ichikawa tells him he'll back him up, to the end. Ichikawa proceeds to carry him on his back for the remainder of the test. Meanwhile, Shinomiya thrashes the test, killing monsters left and right refusing anyone's help, completing the final stage of the exam. However, her skill is so great that the test ended so quickly no one failed. Shinomiya looks up to the sky, and asks her father if she's perfect, before a monster appears from the mist and attacks her.

All of the defeated monsters start getting up. The one that attacked Shinomiya begins to speak, and strikes Shinomiya again. Ashiro immediately orders the evacuation of all testers, and moves in to kill the remaining Kaiju herself. Before Shinomiya is killed by a resurrected Kaiju, Kafka appears to save her, at the cost of revealing his Kaiju powers himself. He tells her he'll explain later (and asks for her to keep it a secret), as the remaining testers continue to evacuate. The examinees detect Kafka's presence as the most powerful Kaiju in history. Kafka defeats the Kaiju in one punch, and tells Kafka to transform back. Ashiro arrives only to find the Kaiju completely obliterated. Ashiro agrees that there was no way Shinomiya could have done this.

Back in the hospital, Kafka and Shinomiya begin to recover. Ashiro appears and thanks Kafka for helping rescue Shinomiya. Hoshina speaks to Shinomiya in the hospital and inquires about the Honju she defeated, and after some hesitation she explains that she's the one who defeated it. The Kaiju that could speak appears at the end of the episode appears, and transforms back into a human himself. He's a member of the team that helps clean up dead Kaiju.

Figure 3 Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night, Episode 5

Kano kisses Mahiru on the cheek after she tells her she loves her singing.

At the start of Episode 5 of Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night we learn JELEE's most recent song went viral not because it was good, but because it was "cursed". Mahiru uploaded the wrong file by mistake. The next day the view count on their song passes 80,000, and Mahiru decides to attempt an animated video next, but upon reading rude comments about her drawings she begins to worry. Kano visits Mahiru at her home and asks her if something is wrong, and Mahiru explains that she feels too "ordinary" for the rest of the band members. Kano is an former ace Idol. Kiui is a popular vtuber. Mei is from an elite family of musicians and attending a prestigious music school. But Mahiru is just a regular high school girl.

Kano tells her she's wrong. That she really loves her art, and were it not for her drawings she wouldn't be singing, she'd have never met Kiui and Mei, and the band wouldn't even exist as it does now. Still, Mahiru feels bad that a more talented artist drew her work. The next day they do a livestream where they talk to fans, and the famous artist Kuroppu who drew JELEE is in the chatroom. Other people in the chatroom says Kuroppu should draw for the videos sometime, and this greatly upsets Mahiru. Kano senses she's still upsets and takes her to an aquarium (now we know this is officially a yuri show now, by the way). Kano tells her fans that her goal is to get enough followers, and to make enough money, to have a Jellyfish aquarium in Shibuya.

That evening, Mahiru sees more fanart from Kuroppu, getting more views than hers, and she further spirals into despair. Not wanting to be left behind, she continues to draw through the night. The next morning, back at her Jellyfish Mural, she signs her name and continues studying art. She sends her new illustration to Kano, who loves it. They post another song on YouTube which is also a hit. Later, Mahiru, Kano, Mei, and Kiui go to a shrine for new years, and Mahiru prays to become a better artist. Mahiru tells Kano she likes her singing (and she blushes), and thanks her for giving her a chance to draw again, then Kano kisses her on the cheek.

Figure 4 Whisper Me a Love Song, Episode 4

Himari eats treats prepared by Momoka-senpai, the sole member of cooking club.

Whisper Me a Love Song Episode 4 begins with Yori explaining to her new band members that Himari will go out with her if she can convince her to fall in love with her. After virtually no hesitation, they let her join. After the opening she tells Himari she's back in the band, which means they have to practice after school, so they can't meet in the roof anymore. Instead, she proposes they eat lunch together. They next day Yori practices with her band. Meanwhile, Himari doesn't know what to do after school now that she can't meet with Yori, and decides to join the cooking club, and imagines the great treats she'll create for Yori. She tells Yori she joined the cooking club with Momoka-senpai, which makes Yori jealous, to the point where she bombs at practice next day. After practice, Akari speaks with her and explains her feelings of jealousy. Momoka-senpai seems to mildly question her relationship with Himari as well. While at Miki's house, Akari arrives and asks Himari about her feelings for Yori. She then tells Himari that she's romantically in love with Yori, and she doesn't appreciate Himari's indecisiveness. She tells her to stop messing with Yori and give Yori over to her.

Figure 5 THE NEW GATE, Episode 4

Schnee meeting Shin for the first time in 500 years.

Episode 4 of THE NEW GATE starts with Schnee continuing to clear nearby undead, while Shin and Wil continue to power level Lacia who, shortly after learning Purify, encounter a powerful undead monster, a level 804 Skullface Lord. It's so strong that even Shin hesitates upon seeing it. And it, along with hordes of undead, surround them. Shin tells Wil and Lacia to retreat while he takes care of the remaining enemies. Schnee arrives and immediately hugs Shin, and Shin responds "tadaima". Together they quickly defeat the remaining enemies. After the battle, Shin explains what happened to him 500 years ago. Shin asks her to stop calling him "Master", and instead call him "Shin". Shin tells Schnee that, if he can find a way to return home, then he will.

As the sun rises, Schnee asks who Yuzuha is, and Shin introduces them as an Elementail that, we learn can also talk. Shin advises it against speaking out loud. Shin and Schnee catch up to Wil and Lacia and return to town. Meanwhile, back at the site of the battle, Lady Rionne arrives to investigate what's left. They find one of Shin's weapons, and they believe they know the Blacksmith who created, a high human (Shin).

Figure 6 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so [..] Magical Ability, Episode 5

Tao lying unconscious after being saved by Lloyd.

Episode 5 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability begins right as Slypha is about to execute Pazuzu, but Pazuzu released a cloud of Miasma that greatly weakens her and incapacitates almost everyone else. Tao is able to regain her senses and assist Slypha, but the monsters they've defeated regenerate, and attempts to enslave Tao, but fails. Lloyd, however, is able to completely resist Pazuzu's miasma. He then uses his magic to break Pazuzu's control over all his beasts, and they begin to attack Pazuzu. Grim warns Lloyd that a demon has never been killed by magic, by Lloyd speculates that this may be because insufficient magical strength has been used. Lloyd then unleashes his entire reserve of mana and captures him, the proceeds to unleash his most powerful spells on Pazuzu, turning him to ash. Back at the castle, the king questions who Robert and Tao are, both heroes who assisted them in slaying the demon. Given Lloyd's performance, Albert recommends Lloyd be considered for royal succession, but he declines. Albert explains he has even greater ambitions than becoming a king.

This show would be much better if the man character was a girl. Alas, it is not.

Figure 7 Girls Band Cry, Episode 5

Nina, Momoka, and Subaru at the end of their second live performance.

I was warned ahead of time that the machine translated French to English subtitles for this week's episode of Girl's Band Cry were particularly bad and, as a consequence, it would be, like it always is regardless, prudent to wait for SobsPlease. Alas, I did not. I simply could not wait. And the moment Episode 5's machine translated subs dropped I downloaded them and started watching (alas, I had to because I also had a piano tuning scheduled for Friday evening, and I did not want to miss another day of Calligraphy practice whereby I'd be too busy watching anime).

Anyways, Episode 5 starts with Momoka explaining the band needs a bass player. After the opening, Nina, Momoka, and Subaru drop by a concert venue, Serbian Nights, and set up a 20 minute set. The next day, Nina tries to hand out tickets at school, but fails. Back at the restaurant from Episode 1, the two girls discuss how if they fail to sell the tickets, they'll have to make up the difference out of pocket. The two girls working at the restaurant take a ticket, and back at the venue, Nina is told that Momoka's previous band, Diamond Dust, was asked to play more conventional music, but Momoka refused. Later, Nina and Subaru show up to Diamond Dust's sold out concert and, upon seeing the new lead singer, has a flashback where the lead singer of the band was one of her old friends from school.

That evening at dinner, Nina further complains about Diamond Dust, and Momoka explains the sometimes bands change. In another flashback, we see Nina back in high school jamming it to Diamond Dust's old work. Momoka explains that the band was supposed to stay together until the end, but she left on her own. The other members begged her to stay, but she refused. She's at fault. After dinner, Nina and Subaru have to drag an intoxicated Momoka home. Lat that evening, Subaru tells Nina to choose her stage outfit. Later at their small concert venue, they sell to a sold out crowd because the host advertised Momoka as a former member of Diamond Dust. Nina steels her resolve and the band plays as the credits roll. Overall, not the best episode (I didn't really understand the Nina drama), but that may be because I watched machine translated subs.

Figure 8 Mysterious Disappearances, Episode 4

Oto having dinner with Sumireko.

Episode 4 of Mysterious Disappearances starts with Uname-sensei showing up to the bookstore and thanking Adashino and Sumireko. After the opening, Adashino tells Oto to prepare for a sleepover. Adashino will be away for a while, and needs someone to look after Oto. He's leaving to get treated following his injuries from Uname-sensei in the previous episode. Back at Sumireko's apartment, a black cat quickly runs in before she closes the door, and shortly thereafter Oto arrives, and Sumireko and Oto clean Sumireko's apartment. Afterwards, they go to a public bath. Meanwhile, Adashino finds multiple "!" signs and follows them and meets a man who examines his eyes. The next day, Sumireko and Oto prepared to go to school together.

Figure 9 An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride, Episode 6

Zagan, an Archdemon, wondering how to love his elf bride.

Here we are. Halfway through my lovely white-haired Elf wife's show, An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride. Episode 6 begins with Zagan confronting Barbatos who, upon seeing that he hurt Nephy, breaks his arms and knees, then breaks Nephy's chains. When a wounded Barbatos tries to attack him again, Zagan is able to counter his spell and cancel its cast. Zagan goes on to explain that this "counterspell" technique is the same one he used to kill Barbatos's previous master. Zagan then tells Barbatos his Archdemon name, The Sorcerer Slayer, and Barbatos proceeds to beg for his life. Zagan explains he's not going to kill him, as he's not a threat.

However, Barbatos's casting circle begins to summon a "True Demon" even without Nephy as a sacrifice. When Zagan faces the demon, a Shadow due to imperfect summoning, he realizes he won't be able to defeat it. But, contrary to expectations, the shadow doesn't want to fight. Instead, it bows to him and tells him he's at his service. Zagan immediately orders it to leave. The cave they're in begins to collapse, and they all subsequently flee. Afterwards, Nephy explains that she'd like to remain by Zagan's side. Zagan responds that he'll protect her, and tells her not to call him "Master", and tells her they'll be together until death. Nephy asks to have the collar put back on her as a sign of her devotion to him, and Zagan asks himself how will be love his elf bride? At the end of his episode, Chastille tells the Cardinal that Zagan is innocent and she refuses to hunt him. As a result, the Cardinal dismisses her.

Figure 10 Wonderful Pretty Cure!, Episode 13

Cure Friendly and Wonderful begging Cure Nyammy not to flee so they can learn more about her.

Episode 13 of Wonderful Pretty Cure! begins, of course, with Komugi proposing a search for Cure Nyammy in the hopes that another Cure can help save Niko Garden. Iroha, however, expresses concerns given Cure Nyammy's propensity towards violence when dealing with Gyarugyarus. After the opening Mayu, speaking with Yuki, expresses the desire to meet the familiar "girl in white" again. After a day of fruitless searching, Komugi picks up the trial on Mayu's Yuki-inspired makeup compact. As such, they show up to the Pretty Holic Store to continue their search, but find nothing. Back at the mirror stone, Mayu has a vision that leads her to believe the blonde girl and the girl in white are the same. A gyarugyaru appears, and again Cure Nyammy jumps in to save Mayu. Immediately thereafter, Iroha and Komugi also arrive and transform into Cure Friendly and Cure Wonderful, but before they can talk to her she grabs Mayu and flees the scene.

Mayu thanks Cure Nyammy for saving her. Cure Friendly and Wonderful are losing their battle against the Gyarugyaru, and Nyammy reappears. Cure Friendly and Wonderful ask to be Nyammy's friend, but she again flees the scene. Cure Wonderful is able to rip down a tree (what), stop the Gyarugyaru, and send it back to Niko Garden. Back at home, Mayu tells Yuki what happened, and explains she hopes to meet Cure Nyammy again.

Figure 11 Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers, Episode 4

Flio, Rys, and Ghozal eat breakfast shortly after Ghozal arrives.

Well, in terms of views we know that Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers is the most popular. That opening almost feels like an MKUltra psyop (I kid, of course). Anyways, Episode 4 starts with Balirossa being approached by "Ghozal", a stranger who tells her to pass a message to Rys: "I'd like to discuss our past over tea". Ghozal, however, is "The Dark One", Gholl, who arrives the next day and asks Flio to join the Dark Army, but he refuses. Just as well, he's not willing to side with humans either, himself unfamiliar with the reason between Humans and Demons. The next morning, Balirossa finds Ghozal eating breakfast with Flio and Rys, continues to try to speak with her.

Back at the King's castle, a spy reports a suspicious demon is frequently visiting Flio's home. The king, enraged, believes Flio has joined forces with The Dark Army. The King dispatches the Great Hero and an army of soldiers to "convince" him. Back at home, Rys asks Flio if it was right to turn down the King's request, and he explains he'd prefer not to fight people. The Hero and the soldiers arrive, and tell Flio to join them or be killed for associating with The Dark Army. Flio explains he's not joining either The King's or the Dark Army, and tells them to leave. The Hero further threatens him, and he decides to simply leave instead of picking fights. He teleports everything, his house, his crops, his his friends, away. Ghozal arrives to notice everything is missing and blames the soldiers, and decides to launch an all out attack on the Kingdom in revenge. Meanwhile, Flio and company arrive at a location very far from the capital.

Figure 12 The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases, Episode 6

Lise joins Noel and Mylene and, of course, Alan, for their next adventure.

Episode 6 of The Banished Former Hero Lives as He Pleases begins with one of the demons explaining how they mean to incite humans to give up their own gifts. Princess Lise appears with Alan, explaining how the her assassination attempt was real—she was attacked by the very sorcerous life forms summoned before them. The townsfolk quickly disperse and Brett attacks Alan, but is quickly defeated by Alan. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Mylene defeat one of the demons, and Noel appears with a trove of weapons to aid in defeat the remain demons rampaging through the city. The fight between Craig and Akira continue, and Craig recounts how his gift, which allows him to see the future, forced him to witness his wife's death many times before she died. He gift permitted her to birth a hero, but her child, Alan, was a failure.

Alan appears to assist Akira. During the fight, Alan witnesses Craig's despair, the amount of love he showered upon his mother, and how it ignored it by refusing to get involved in family matters. Alan realizes that running from his pain is the same as being trapped in anger, thanks his father, then delivers the fatal blow, ending his father's anguish. Alan's father's final words are for his wife, Mariel. Afterwards, Alan is granted the title of Duke, but he declines. Afterwards, Noel, Mylene, Alan, and Lise decide to go to Granholm (Lise abandoned Beatrice!?). At the end of the episode, we see an unknown princess wondering why Alan reincarnated at this point.

Figure 13 The Train to the End of the World, Episode 5

Shizuru tackling Reimi to stop her rampage against the town.

In keeping with tradition, Episode 5 of The Train to the End of the World began with another flashback of Shizuru, Yoko, Nadeshiko, Reimi, and Akari as school girls before the 7G incident that warped reality. After the opening, Shizuru and Reimi awaken tied to the rotors of a small helicopter. A group of small army men arrive and they explain they're form Agano, and they're here for medical assistance, looking for "The Doctor". The army men decide to execute the girls in order to ensure news of their town does not reach the outside world. Back at the train, Akari's condition deteriorates. A townsfolk frees Reimi and Shizuru, and they learn the Boss has captured the doctor. The townsfolk explains that the boss seized control of the town after the 7G incident, and is keeping people slaves to keep the infrastructure running.

Back at the train, they receive another Morse code message explaining Zenjiro's previous message regarding a doctor was incorrect. At night, they arrive at the airbase to save Makoto sensei (the doctor) and they encounter The Boss. Reimi and the Doctor escape, but Shizuru is hit but a tranquilizing missile and incapacitated. Back at the train, the doctor explains she's not a doctor, just a scientist, but still tries to help. She's worked on 7G, and explains she may be able to reverse the 7G effect by feeding him a mushroom. The scientist explains that Zenjiro sacrificed himself to save her, and in a flashback we see him being captured and having his skull drilled through with a power drill. Back at the base, Shizuru wakes up and Reimi busts into to save her, recovering the mushrooms in the process. Akira eats them, but to little effect. Reimi rips out pages from her favorite book and forces her to eat them, causing Akari to regain her recover. The girls board the train and leave.

Figure 14 As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill [...] the World, Episode 4

Ars recruiting Rosell for his ingenuity skills.

Episode 4 of As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World starts with a three year time skip (completely unexpected) and we learn that Charlotte now has massive honkers, and is also a powerful mage turning the tide of battles. We also learn Ars now has little brothers, twins. After the opening, scouts a pair of brothers, Gatos and Marcus, hunting in a nearby in the forest. While there, he learns of a third brother, Rosell, who is treated as an outcast but has high Ingenuity, and Ars recruits him as well. Upon returning, Rosell reads as many books as he can until he collapses from exhaustion. In order to prove Rosell's ingenuity, Ars asks him to hunt animals using traps, which he does, and catches many wild boars, to the amazement of his peers. However, Rosell still believes he lacks his father's approval, as he believes he's responsible for his mother's (and her dad's husband's) death. But this isn't true. In reality, his father was upset because he missed is latent talent, and only focused on what he couldn't do. He asks his brothers to support Rosell unlike him. The next morning the three brothers leave with Ars, and Rosell tells his father that he'd never hate him.

Figure 15 Mission: Yozakura Family, Episode 4

Mutsumi capturing Kengo who is attempting to hide as Taiyo.

At the start of Episode 4 of Mission: Yozakura Family, Shinzo recovers counterfeit currency printing plates, and learns there's someone else behind the plates pulling the strings. The next day after school, Mutsumi sorts through paperwork and speaks with Kengo regarding his failure to complete it properly, but he flees. After a brief weird game of hide and seek, they catch him. Afterwards, they get an urgent call from Shinzo who is surrounded and out of ammunition, and Taiyo is sent to deliver him supplies. After incapacitating several guards, Taiyo draws the gun (a taser) and uses to to incapacitate a final guard and reach Shinzo. While escaping, Taiyo is shot in the leg and begins to bleed out. Shinzo is able to rescue him and carry him home.

Figure 16 The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio, Episode 4

Yui's father explaining that Yui got her role due to her acting ability and not due to nepotism.

While there are very many bad shows every season, few I would classify as "disappointing". To receive that classification I would need to have a reasonable expectation a show will be good (rare) only to realize that it's trash. The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio is one such show. A show that, I thought, would be really interesting (or, at the very least, yuri), but is not, in fact, interesting (nor is it yuri).

Anyways, Episode 4 starts with Yumiko being confronted at school by a fan who knows who Yuihime is, along with the associated scandal of her allegedly having an affair with the director of an upcoming anime for a leading role. In fact, the entire school knows who they are. A student confronts Yuhi, the one who wrote the article, at school, and livestreams the encounter, shouting to the entire class that she slept with the director. Yumiko asks him to stop, then Yuihime punches him in the face then flees. Yumiko catches up and apologizes. Yuhi explains that, regardless of the truth, her career is over, she'll always be the "newbie voice actress who slept with the director", and she decides to quit voice acting. Afterwards, Yumiko calls her agent and explains that her voice acting career may be ending today, then hangs up.

She calls Asaka and sets up livestream, one which receives a lot of views due to the drama. In the show, she reveals her true identity, along with the truth about her friendship with Yuhi, and goes on to explain how Yuihime is innocent. She explains how, due to their abuse, Yuihime is going to quit voice acting. Yuihime appears, along with her father, Kamishiro, who explains that Yui is her daughter. He explains he wanted to keep their connection a secret, lest fans believe she got the role due to nepotism. He provides audio tapes of other actresses who applied, and showed that the entire staff voted Yuihime as the best for the role. The livestream ends with 51,000 concurrent viewers. Afterwards, the punk who filmed Yui earlier gets doxxed. At the end of the episode, Yumiko and Yui decide to continue High School Radio, this time using their true identities.

Figure 17 WIND BREAKER, Episode 5

Suo's fight on the stage of Shishitoren.

Episode 5 of WIND BREAKER begins with the guys being lead to Shishitoren's hideout, "Ori", a dilapidated theater, for their tournament match. Sugishita is the first up, and he wins in a single hit, much to the amazement of Choji. Suo is compliments Sakura on his ability to "back it up" and steps up for Round 2, and toys with his opponent, constantly dodging attacks, making his opponent look weak and ineffective. After toying with his opponent, Shishitoren students begin to shout ridicule his poor performance, and Suo encourages him to imagine the ridicule he'll face at the end of his poor display. However, Kame steps in and asks him to stop this humiliation ritual. Suo leaves the stage, imparting the wisdom that, now, at least he learned empathy.

Figure 18 Gods' Games We Play, Episode 5

Nel failing her final game a few months before meeting Fay and company.

Episode 5 of Gods' Games We Play begins with Fay, Leshea, and Pearl being told that they'll have to wait about a month before entering another Divine Gate and challenge a new god. In the interim, it's proposed they go on tour and compete against other Apostles, both active and retired, as a display of skill. Arriving at Sacred Spring City, they meet Nel Reckless, who asks to be Fay's "subordinate", but they ignore her request and flee. Arriving a the Mal-ra branch of The Arcane Court and meet Dax, their representative, who tries to recruit him. But Fay declines. That evening, Fay discusses Nel's performance and, despite having three wins and three losses, finds her performance exceptional. Nel arrives at their hotel room (pretending to be room service), and she herself flees upon being discovered. She runs into Dax, who ridicules her for her defeat, and claims she had bad luck with a bad team. Dax attempts to recruit her as well, and conditions her recruitment upon the tour match tomorrow, conditional on Fay's victory. The next morning, Nel tells Fay he has to win. One game will be chosen at random and they will compete in the stadium. The random game is Sugoroku.

Figure 19 Unnamed Memory, Episode 4

Tinasha practices dueling against Oscar.

Unnamed Memory isn't bad... it's just boring. All of the characters, the story (not that there really is one) is just so bland and uninspired I can't help but feel bad for the poor South-east Asian interns to whom the production of this series has been outsourced to. Anyways, the episode starts with Oscar challenging Tinasha to a sparing match (one where she can use magic), and she wins using a combination of magic and close quarters combat. A convey from Cuscull arrives wishing to speak with Tinasha, but Oscar refuses. Lucrezia arrives and has tea with Tinasha, and explains that it's a mistake to teach him how to fight witches, and Tinasha reflects on how she'd like to have someone kill her if something goes wrong. Over tea, Oscar informs her the guest, calling her Lady Aeti, wants her to come to Cuscull and train their mages, but she refuses and sends the man away. The man decides to find a way to separate Tinasha and Oscar, and posses a nearby woman to get her to attack Tinasha. The attack fails.

Back at Tinasha's tower, Oscar and Tinasha continue to spar. Oscar continues to lose. Heroes show up at her tower and fight Oscar, and he wins. Tinasha learns there are 200 mages gathered in Cuscull, enough to start a war. They also learn that General Ettard (who is this guy) has just passed away due to poor health (some guy who trained Oscar as a kid?). At the end of the episode, the random maid from Oscar's palace kills the priest who asked to speak with Tinasha earlier. Man this was some more terrible writing. Thanks, I guess.

Figure 20 Spice & Wolf, Episode 5

Holo and Lawrence leaving the carriage that rescued them.

The Spice & Wolf remake is bad. Simple as. The pacing is bad. The artwork is bad. I read the LNs and even I'm struggling to follow the story right now. In fact, I couldn't explain it at all. Also, the entire show is so dark I can barely see anything. Still, the opening is good and the OST itself is strong. Maybe that's the only reason to watch it. The music? Anyways, Episode 5 begins with the proposal that The Medio Trading company, harboring a captured Holo, should be reported to the Church. After a complex exchange I hardly understand despite reading the LNs, Lawrence proposes a plan of kidnapping Holo himself and running in circles until Milone can make a deal with the king, which should take about two days. As morning breaks, Lawrence travels through the sewers and, with the ringing of the morning market bells, Holo drops down into the sewers and he, along with a stranger, flee. Holo, however, is furious that Lawrence didn't save her properly (lol what?). Holo tells Lawrence Yarei was among the men who captured her, who ridiculed her and told her she'd be turned into the church. At the end of the episode, Medio and The Church search for Holo in the sewers.

Figure 21 A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics, Episode 5

Sara tells Livia that she is working for a reseller (resellers are bad).

I don't know if A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics is the worst show of the season, but for whatever reason it just has a combination of themes that, for whatever reason, I find annoying. And, for whatever reason, I can't precisely pinpoint what these themes are. But so too do we sometimes have a guy instinct we're being watched, when I watch this anime I have a guy instinct it's terrible. Worse than other shows.

Anyways, Episode 5 begins with Livia meeting Asumi, the compensated dating girl from Episode 2, in a public bathhouse. She explains she's currently a runaway doing part time work and searching for an apartment. Afterwards, Asumi learns that her band is breaking up. No one listening to them or watching their videos, explaining that they're broke and lack talent. Later, Sosuke and Sara are a karaoke bar and Sara begins to sing, much to the amusement of all the patrons. Asumi, who also happens to be there, steps up and sings, and everyone applauses her excellent performance. Meanwhile, Livia is offered another job where she'll straw purchase items to later be scalped (is this really that common in Japan). On her way home, she runs in Sara who learns that she's still homeless. Livia explains her job, and Sara and Sosuke express dissatisfaction with her working with a reseller.

Figure 22 Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included, Episode 6

Towa hugs Shiu shortly before she returns to heaven.

Every week I ask myself, "Why am I still watching this show?" and every week I ultimately have to accept that I don't have an answer. Episode 6 of Studio Apartment, Good Lighting, Angel Included begins with Shiu-chan, another angel falling from heaven and appearing on Shintaro's balcony, and wants to take Towa home, and away from Shintaro's "dump" of an apartment. But Shintaro and Towa refuse, with Towa explaining that she "likes him because he's nice to me", and Shiu flees to the roof. Shintaro and Towa follow her, and Towa hugs Shiu, and shortly thereafter she gets sent back to heaven. Afterwards, Shintaro tells Towa he'll practice walking outside with her (this is so garbage it physically hurts). After teaching her how to walk around the neighborhood, Shintaro teaches her how to take a train, and later they ride a swan boat. At the end of the episode, Shintaro apologizes on behalf of... humanity... for being so dangerous (this writing is so garbage it's unreal).

Other Remarks

I had my piano tuned today, and I think over the summer I will actually bother to start playing it (to think I've had it for a year and never played it). I also scanned my first roll of developed film today, but I'll make a separate post tomorrow with some pictures.

It was an absolute pain in the but to get USPS to deliver these god damn Tarot cards. They cleared through Chicago customs earlier this week (not that you would know because there was never a departure scan) and showed up yesterday at my house... while I was at work. And, wouldn't you know it, the package required a signature. I think the absolute dumbest thing ever invented by human kind is "Signature Confirmation Required", and anyone who thinks it's a good idea to deliver a package at 1:00 PM when everyone is at work and get confused when there's no one there to sign for it may actually have worms in their brain.

Yesterday, I went to the post office after work to pick it up, but after waiting 45 minutes in a line full of down's syndrome boomers who can't print off a shipping label themselves, I got dismissed by a retarded worker who, in less than 10 seconds, looked at my tracking number and told me to come back tomorrow. When I told her the USPS truck was back, please get my package, she walked away. I feel like this epitomizes dealing with government agencies. Precision engineered incompetence coupled with zero accountability for failure.

Worse yet, the next day after school when I drove down the post office again and waited another 30 minutes, they told me they had no idea where the package was and I had to leave. After getting home, I called and they told me "Oh, we found it", and I had to spend another 30 minutes driving there, storming up to the front desk, and telling the woman there "Ma'am, it's definitely on a shelf back there, I just spoke with the supervisor over the phone". She went back there and handed it be in under 15 seconds. Three visits. A phone call. Hours of my life wasted to pick up a package that was there the entire time.

Figure 1 Bana's Tarot Cards (Holographic Version)

The holographic versions of the cards. They're so cool I'll definitely buy a second set!
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Anyways, I got the set and opened it last night and WOW these are easily the prettiest Tarot cards I have ever seen. They're so pretty I'm most certainly going to buy several more sets sometime next month (after summer begins, that way I'll be available at home to sign for the package myself and I won't have to go through this nightmare again—although who am I kidding I'm sure sometime in the future I'll have another USPS package delivered and I will have to through this nightmare again).

The artwork is stunning. The holographic versions are amazing (I like how the holographic versions don't say the names of the cards in English at the bottom!). When I was leafing through the guidebook, it was just as gorgeous! I'll spend more time memorizing cards (I've already got the Major Arcana down), and this weekend, should time permit.

Other Remarks

My Sekonic L-508 light meter came in, too! I'd have made a post about it the day it arrived, but I was too busy handling all that USPS nonsense earlier this week. Plus, I have a piano tuning appointment after work today. I won't have much to do myself, but it's always a bit awkward with someone else working while you're in your house!