Not even Gankutsuou is a match for Swagamoto.

The universe of Sakamoto desu ga? continues to expand, with new characters being drawn into his orbit as if by Sakamoto-kun’s massive gravitational pull. And when you add Nakata Jouji to the cast, you know you’re punching in the heavyweight class.  Nakata plays Kakuta, the gym (and health sciences – natch) teacher who sees it as his mission to bring the unflappable Sakamoto down a few pegs (in the tradition of great gym teachers since time immemorial).  A few of this week’s highlights:

• Sakamoto blowing bubbles so extreme he can float away in one. Don’t shut yourself off, Sakamoto-kun!
• Sakamoto getting himself in trouble (in coolest fashion, of course) just so he can help a starving sparrow.  Even Kakuta-sensei’s ire melts a little at that.
• Lest you think any creature too humble for Sakamoto’s limitless Buddha-like compassion, even a slug in the lettuce ends up with a spa day and a trip to freedom.  You didn’t think he’d actually kill the thing, did you?
• “CooKing Boy”
• The orangutan/angel portrait.  Eye of the beholder, indeed – and which was her “inner face”?
• I wonder if recent tragic events in Japan made that “Don’t try this at home” disclaimer necessary?
• Herding fish.  For Sakamoto, all is possible.
• The whole “tunnel to Brazil” thing – but especially Acchan’s idea of a Brazilian paradise was.  Girls, soccer and coffee – carnivale!
• As for an onsen in the schoolyard, that seems more likely at Tanaka-kun’s school…