I don't know why I rewatched this. I know the regular series is pretty tame and wholesome. I was a bit unnerved by the excessive panning and angles of Takagi and Mano in their bathing suits. Things were just too lewd for comfort. I had to temporarily stop watching due to the cringe when Takagi was sipping from her juice. As if that was just the most glorious sight in the world. Like, Takagi is a literal child -- and when she sips juice or poses in a certain way, they just insinuate she is the heavenly embodiment of beauty and perfection.
Watching two minors conversate while the camera sweeps over their bodies just doesn't feel like, what I'II call, "productive anime watching". There ARE slice-of-life ways to make me feel as if I'm not wasting my time, and I'm sure others would agree, but this OVA wasn't that.
Also, the Mano character is insufferable and annoying. No wonder Nakai wants to get away from her.
Moreover, I hate how they're supposed to be middle schoolers -- but Mano comes off like a second grader while Takagi comes off like a 23-year-old. When Takagi is talking to Mano, it feels as if there's this enormous age gap.
I DO like the franchise, but this episode is the pinnacle of one criticism I have: what tf does Takagi see in Nishikata? Don't get me wrong. I love Nishikata, and the VA does an excellent job -- his inner monologues are very funny. But from Takagi's perspective, I feel like the 'teasing' factor can't be enough. Sure, Nishikata is an easy target. But that's it! Nishikata barely talks to her. Every time Takagi tries to talk to Nishikata, he just blushes and stutters. How is that fun for her? Again, I thought the Nishikata voice actor was exceptionally good in the OVA. Very talented. But as far as the character of Nishikata goes, sometimes I just don't get why Takagi wants to hang out with him so bad. The teasing aspect might be fun/entertaining for her, but where does her love for him come from? I don't dislike Nishikata, I'm complaining about the realism. How do you expect anyone to get immersed in Takagi being down bad for a character that doesn't even try to engage with her despite her persistent attempts and advances. Sometimes it feels like Takagi is friends with a potted plant.
P.S. My criticisms come from a place of love. I really do see the potential in this series.
I really enjoyed how Nakai and Mano were the focus of the episode. Seems the mangaka thought outside of the box with this arc, and tried experimenting with conflicts and shifting the focal point. |