It’s not as though Mairimashita! Iruma-kun never surprises you. It does me, anyway. But a big part of the appeal is obviously delivering what you expect. Which is, roughly, a full-throated endorsement of the power of love and friendship and an abundance of goofballs. That, and a belief that kids should be allowed to be kids and not burdened with the expectations of adults. Either from them, or to act like them. The Japanese educational system is not exactly geared that way, so it’s healthy to be reminded that it doesn’t have to be like that.
Given that, if any show were to have a “circle of praise” it would be this one. It’s Kerori’s devi-dol trick for combating nerves (which the Misfit Class has plenty of). Basically everyone takes a turn having nice stuff said about them – what could be more Iruma-kun than that? It’s a pleasant experience for all concerned – except Kallego-sensei of course. For him the idea of saying something nice about somebody is Hell (though under the circumstances that expression doesn’t make much sense).
The main outstanding problem, of course, is what to do about Purson-kun. Naturally it falls to Iruma-kun to take it upon himself to re-establish contact. He’s correct that Purson has been silently watching them, but they need more. So he goes to the rooftop where Pixie used to give his nightly recitals and lures Purson out with a list of embarrassing secrets about him (most of which relate to him still being childlike). Even in this cast there’s obviously no one kinder or more understanding than Iruma, so when he offers his non-judgmental ear it means something.
Purson is in quite the bind here. Sure his father is in the wrong, but Purson obviously still loves his family and doesn’t want to go against them. I think we all know that in the end he’ll play his role, but it’s not going to be easy for him. As for Iruma-kun, after letting Purson unburden himself all night (the boy as ever has a lot to say) he crashes on the rooftop only to be carried home by Opera, alarmed that he never came home. And then fed what appears to be some sort of hallucinogenic energy drink Balam-sensei created, which has him in rather an interesting state of mind heading into the festival.
Speaking of the festival, the tradition is that the newest teacher is in charge – Robin-sensei. And the three judges arrive, all celebrities of the devi-tainment world. The one to watch appears to be Amduscias Poro (Koyasu Takehito), the latest in a long chain of ludicrous popinjays to grace this cast. He seems to have a vendetta for Sullivan, and a strong affection for Kallego-sensei. And a serious rage complex about the Royal One being given to someone new. Once he finds out it’s Iruma that means he has a special interest in him, especially when he finds out he’s Sullivan’s grandson.
Su…ki…ma
