If it seems like a while since we’ve talked about Mairimashita! Iruma-kun, that’s because it was on break for a week. This ep came out super late too, for some reason. It does fill a pretty unique niche in any schedule, so it’s definitely missed when it’s gone. If any series were ever a master of tone, it’s this one. It pushes irreverence to the limit and always seems to know just what that limit is. It manages to have a certain bite but never crosses over into meanness. Seriousness occasionally yes, but not meanness.
As for the Dem-Doll Games, this is just Iruma-kun at its most silly and endearing. Basically this is a spoof of the Kohaku Uta Gassen, the absolutely eponymous New Year’s Eve music “contest” it seems like most of Japan is glued to every year (yeah, a kotatsu is a traditional viewing spot). As soon as we got the montage of characters settling down in front of the TV (Iruma should have known his admonishments would have the adverse effect) I knew we were getting a spit take, and I figured it would probably be Sullivan who delivered it.
One of the big highlights here is Ameri’s abject embarrassment. The funny thing is, if we’re honest she’s way more out of her comfort zone here than the Boku duo – despite Lindy’s protestations. Once she learns who Kerori is, though, her seitoukai president gene kicks in and Ameri declares that she’ll take one for the team, literally. Fortunately for her the Dem-Doll games really are a sporting event – at least in theory. And that gives her a huge advantage because she’s basically a hyper-fit Amazon training junkie and isn’t remotely concerned about being cute (or able to be) in the way her competitors are obsessed with.
As Clara settles in at the Asmodeus house, where Mom calls her “Baby-chan” (she brought osechi) Lindy takes the field for his first event. And given that it’s some sort of tail-pulling wrestling thing, Lead figures he’s gone to Heaven straight from Hell. Unfortunately for him his first opponent is Beeber, but Lindy makes fast work of him. But he can’t catch a break, the next is a dude too. By this time Kellego-sensei has turned to booze to try and stave off the nightmares, but you suspect it won’t be enough.
As for Irumi-chan, he soon gets his chance – the “Spinny Spinny Shooting Game“. Whatever the hell that is it has targets, so you figure Iruma’s archery training will come in useful – though he seems to be relying on Ali-san for an advantage (unfairly?). That takes us to not one but two sukima omakes, but don’t stop watching there – it’s Eiko who takes the preview, and she delivers a doozy. Complete with a haiku.
Su…ki…ma
One…more…time
