OK, that’s one of the all-time weird title lines I know. The explanation is that Episode 13 was (effectively) a recap – there were a few original moments but it didn’t seem to merit a post. But then it turns out that the 29th of December was apparently a double-episode, which I had absolutely no idea was the case (and I’m not sure CR did either). So this, then, is 12 and 14 – with 13 skipped. Get all that?
So, then as for Episode 12 (which I actually watched after Episode 14, which was when I found out it existed), it was a doozy. And I’m rather glad I did find out about it, not just because it was a really good episode but also arguably the most important plot mover of the season. And #14 made a lot more sense after watching it too.
Salmon and Plum make what appears to be a last-ditch effort to try and shift the sextuplets. But it’s clear when they deem their estimated value of dung beetle as too high to shoot for that it’s not going to take. That’s when things get really interesting…
- First, we get a replacement AI in Sukeroku voiced by no less than Tachiki Fumihiko. He’s a “special” AI (with a sexy voice) and he wins over all but Jyuushimatsu with his promise to hook the guys up with dates in 3 days. And when that turns into losing their virginity in 10, even he’s on-board.
- Sukeroku gives us our first real exposition on the AI – they’re part of a company called “Zubu-Zubu no Jabu-Jabu”. And he’s there because the riceballs asked to be removed from the Matsuno account for being useless.
- Soon enough though, the boys remember their loyalty and things get rather serious. And Sukeroku stealthily helps them along, as this turns into a weird journey of self-discovery both for the brothers and the onigiri.
- Ume and Sake, as it happens, are working for a demolition company in the mountains (there’s a very funny bit here with Todomatsu and names), and they’re not anxious to come back. The crux of the moment is this – if they punt because they were useless, what are the brothers (who are generally useless all the time) supposed to do?
- Sukeroku produces super sentai outfits secretly (Totty really draws the short straw here) and the rescue mission begins. And you know this is serious, because Osomatsu of all people actually busts his ass trying to free the AI (even though they don’t want to be freed).
- This explains the “NEET AI” bit from Episode 14, as this is the riceballs achieving sentience. Their self-awareness is the next step in AI evolution (which it’s hinted was Sukeroku’s aim all along) and they celebrate by going on a binge of destruction and having a smoke (e-cigarettes, natch).
- So, happy ending – except the brothers decide they’ll go with Sukeroku-sensei after all (and the riceballs prove they’ve finally mastered the “Sheeh!”). And he promises them an orgy in Roppongi…
Episode 14 is interesting, because in a sense it reminded me of an episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The skits were loosely connected in a very stream-of-consciousness Python way, and it started and ended with a fish.
- In fact, the episode starts with a rather morbid pre-open piece that casts tempura (and being carnivorous) in an altogether different light. Not terribly amusing.
- The snowball fight was again, a short skit that was mildly amusing but nothing noteworthy. The funniest bit here was the sextuplets snowball form being a selection of NPB pitchers (especially Jyuushimatsu as Rakuten Golden Eagles star hurler Alan Busenitz).
- That’s when things get interesting, as the AI move to the fore and things get very Python-esque. First of all I’m sorry for never mentioning it, but Sake and Ume are voiced by a guy! And it’s the same guy, Yamamoto Kazutomi (who’s doing a great job).
- I really like the hook that the AI have decided to stop being support AI, and become NEET AI. This effectively hoists the brothers on their own petard (and the musubi even kiss up better to their mom than they do).
- The riceballs have decided they want to become a manzai team, and enter a comedy competition for AI with the first prize being a year’s worth of electricity. And I thought that was where the sketch was going, but it deftly pivots mid-stream. Choromatsu follows the pair around and becomes entranced by their sparkle, and the rest of the ep is his trying to find his.
- This bit rivals the pizza chapter for sheer genius to me. Watching poor Jyuushimatsu twisting in the wind as he gets caught up in his brother’s lame quest is truly hilarious. I also loved the way Karamatsu – Mr. nice guy and capable – totally throws Jyuushi under the bus.
- After a string of predictably pathetic false starts, this ends totally randomly with the three of them finding their sparkle… raising a goldfish? Maybe that’s an in-joke I don’t get, but in any event the whole B-part was classic Osomatsu-san for me.
All in all this season of Osomatsu-san is seriously growing in my esteem, and it’s really twofold. First, the riceballs are a great addition to the mythology. And second, the writing is taking a meta view of the brothers and their situation in a more direct way than it ever has before. I do think the traditional supporting cast is being pretty underutilized, but the focus on the brothers and the two new regular characters are working splendidly at the moment. It’s a different sort of Osomatsu-san, but a damn good one.
Episode 12:
Episode 14:
Derrick
January 13, 2021 at 6:25 pmIf osomatsus are the focus then making new character that especially created to highlight the sextuplets is a good move rather than using old stalwart half-heartedly
Guardian Enzo
January 13, 2021 at 8:53 pmI still miss them, though. Especially Iyami.