Shuffle!, vol. 3 anime review
Episodes: 9-11
Genre: romance, comedy, educational
Release Date: May 6, 2008
And the Shuffle! coverage continues. If you haven’t already, check out my reviews of volumes 1 and 2.
At the end of the last volume I was finding my interest in Shuffle! to be waning. Episodes 5 through 8 were interesting bits of animated relationship education, but the events of the individual episodes were rather mundane, and the sukebe insertions exceedingly juvenile, and borderline uncomfortable. However, with this volume the show has definitely regained its footing. While episodes 9 through 11 continue to up the more tawdry elements — finally entering genuine MA-rating, borderline ecchi territory — the show rescues itself from the precipice of creepy, maintaining the recognizable sweetness of the first volume and further bolstering its sense of absurd fun (think Benny Hill). And, yes, believe it or not, the series still finds time to purport worthwhile life and relationship lessons to its viewers.
So, you’re probably guessing what’s found in these episodes. First off, Summer break has hit, and the Shuffle! crew has decided to hit the beach. A series of misunderstandings arise, and Rin and Sia end up believing they’ve been abandoned on a deserted isle (don’t ask). The fallout from this incident sees Rin dodging rumors of their “upcoming” marriage once he returns safely home. This disc also sees tomboy Mayumi tending to her summer studies and working for a day as a “catastrophe waitress” (involving quite the absurd, yet funny sequence of lost undergarments), as well as a lengthy, melancholic look into the private life and romantic aspirations of teacher, Nadeshiko Benibara. Lastly, a series of Summer stresses results in Primula’s coming down with a mysterious ailment, possibly endangering her life. A wide variety of setups, to be sure, and each differs wildly in tone and emphasis. And, in similar fashion, each episode has a noticeably different narrative structure, including a pretty intriguing semi-Rashomon style setup in the Mayumi/Nadeshiko episode. While this sort of rapid cycling among emotional extremes may seem disorienting, the willingness to experiment on the part of the script-writers proves quite refreshing.
In terms of character development, this disc finally manages to flesh out two largely neglected characters. The previous discs did an admirable job making the girls (for the most part) more than cookie cutter characters, but this time out, it’s Rin and Nadeshiko’s turn to receive the bulk of character exploration. Rin himself seems to be slowly awakening to the wonders of the women that surround him, and strangely enough, allowing himself to become more than his previous vanilla persona in the process. For Nadeshiko, reasons are presented for her cold and hostile exterior. Her character’s even afforded one of this disc’s primary lessons, offering some wise words concerning the pitfalls of popularity to an inquiring admirer. Pretty cool.
And, before I wrap this up, I probably owe you something regarding the more MA elements of the show. They’re as gratuitous as before, and becoming increasingly regular. However, for the most part they don’t seem as misguided as before (ie: no more disturbing shots of Primula). And some – I’m somewhat ashamed to admit it – almost bordering on sexy. Almost. Still, I maintain that the show has more on its mind than simple titillation. Behind the increasingly ecchi harem trappings is a well intentioned, increasingly complex narrative of youthful romance. In short, Shuffle! Vol. 3 has won me over again. I’m definitely interested in seeing where it goes from here.
The DVD.
Like previous volumes of Shuffle!, the transfer is clean, the voice acting superb. This is one case where I like the English dub a bit better than the original Japanese. Other than the poster insert there are no real special features to speak of. Still, I’d recommend this disc.
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