[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei 8 and 9
That wild op theme and off-the-wall imagery is a constant reminder that this show is still worth following, even if it’s lost a bit of its edge as the series progresses. First up here is the episode dedicated to the class rep Kagero Usui - the one who is always overshadowed. Itoshiki’s rant on the subject of forgotten personalities was as always melodramatic but not without its truths: I was aware that the famous Curie name applied to both the husband and wife who made such important discoveries in science; nevertheless, the point is proved to me because I didn’t know about their Nobel Prize-winning children either.
Of course, Kafuka’s on hand to point out the metaphorical cloud’s silver lining, which marks a much-needed return for her optimistic contributions; the way in which her personality contrasts with Itoshiki-sensei was one of the best aspects of the early episodes so I was glad to see it return. Even shadows have an important part to play in life, although I’m not sure that Usui would agree!
He who is overshadowed
The Criticism Training that follows makes a neat use of wordplay, which results in the said training being taken by the fire officer. If he had made some references to his own job as well as doing the criticising thing it might have been funnier; not that I can think of a way in which that could have been worked into it. *shrugs* oh well, it was still pretty good. Additionally, the episode feels less like two separate halves because Usui’s predicament crops up towards the end too - avoiding the fractured nature of the eps that cover two separate characters and situations. Rest assured Usui, this really was your episode!
Dig the background details: yer mum.
The ninth ep didn’t work nearly as well, although it did improve after the rest of the class started pointing out the mistakes they made (invariably referencing their respective quirks and defining characteristics). The highlight here was one ‘mistake’ who actually turns out to be Itoshiki’s nephew…still, it had me wondering at first! Adding another character is often a good sign so I hope to see more of him in later episodes.
Who’s that boy?
Overall the humour seems to be losing momentum a bit, which is not surprising really. The novelty value is bound to drop over time but if noting else the show’s own distinctive (and really quite beautiful) artwork and playful use of references crammed in left, right and centre are enough to sustain it through the comedic dry spells; we can all be saved from the depths of true despair though now that the second season is planned.
And, just to round things off, a bit of current affairs
Posted on November 14th, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
In many ways, the slow pace that this is being fansubbed has probably made SZS that much fresher every time a new episode pops out. I think it’s great, whatever, but I wonder if I would have been less impressed if it was promptly translated like the Clannads and Gundams of this world.
Still, the announcement of a second season is excellent news.