Mirai Nikki – 05 Review

Not funny? I’m sorry. =P

Episode 05 – Voice Memo

This was another solid episode for Mirai Nikki.

I can still remember how uninterested I had felt when I had seen the first couple of episodes of Mirai Nikki, but for the last 3 weeks, each episode has been better than the last. I guess by rule of majority, this show is definitely one to watch this season.

I just realized how many naked characters there were in this episode.

Review

Despite the lack of exploration about Yuno’s psychotic side (as compared to last episode), the shift in the character dynamics more than made up for in entertainment value. One can have too much of a good thing after all, so perhaps an episode that is focused on a different and “softer” side of Yuno was just what I had needed.

Although nothing about the characters was ever set in stone, this week had managed to shake things up with the evil nature of Tsubaki coming into the light. To add to that is the questionable notion of whether Minene and Kurusu are good or bad. Judging by Hirasaka’s exclamation of having saved Minene due to “righteousness” coupled with Minene questioning the agenda behind Kurusu’s actions, one can safely assume that that guy is bound to be bad news and Minene is going to turn into an unwilling-hero character. =P

I know that none of these character developments were surprisingly or out-of-the-blue since enough hints were dropped throughout the last few episodes about the characters’ questionable actions. However, I still enjoyed watching the way the dynamics in this game works and how this episode had played it out so nicely due to its well-timed pacing.

On the note of pacing, I really love the way the episode doesn’t have a dull moment in it. The pacing is just right with constant revelations coming to the front and the overall plot also moves forward in this episode with the death of 12th and 6th. At the rate the show is going, I am not too worried about the series being unable to wrap everything up in this episode.

One of the biggest things that is carrying this series for me, is the characters and their past. Every main player has an interesting personality with the exception of the Third (he pretty much died before being able to do much, so can’t blame him for it). I really liked how this series constantly leaves me disturbed and uncomfortable while watching it. The biggest selling point of this series for me is not the Battle Royal but the characters themselves. The way the 6th’s past had played out definitely made it uneasy for me to watch and although her character was killed off in this episode, and it might have been unnecessary to have spent time developing her past, I did appreciate the fact that her actions and her character was explained to us and that everything wasn’t merely written off as something of no importance. The flashback had provided a connection to the audience that made her death deliver a bigger impact on our minds. The whole concept of the seen world vs the unseen world was also another nice touch.

Yuno, the cold serial killer

Then we have the 12rh. I totally love his randomness and the way the different suspense-filled scenes were broken up with his light comical moments. I couldn’t help but laugh at the power ranger moment that he had. Although he had did quite abruptly, his death had added to Yuno’s character development by showing us that she is not a mere pyscho but has the brains to go with it too. =P Oh, and naturally, it had also showed us Yuno’s undying love for wimpy Yuki.

Now what sort of review would this be if I did not touch on our main lead Yuki?

There was a moment in the episode where I had went “Oh no…” because Yuki had decided to turn into the typical wimpy main lead by whining about being unable to save anyone. I know I know, Yuki’s wimpiness is nothing new. However, with that having been said, the fact is that although Yuki had always been a wimp, he was a character that had broken away from the generic mold by actually being totally self-centered and inconsiderate of others. Now before you start accusing me of anything, I have to say that I had panicked for only a moment. Why you ask? Because the rest of the episode had done nicely in showing us Yuki’s internal turmoil and the fact that he wasn’t a instant ‘zero to hero’ character. Yuki had his moments in the past that showed his “proactive side” when he had attacked Minene and the 3rd. However, this was the first time that he is putting his life at risk for someone other than himself. I think that this is the first time in the series where I actually love the constant internal monologue that shows us Yuki’s uncertainty and insecure nature, it definitely provides a different angle on things and an insight to the highly unnerving main character (which I enjoy teasing).

Episode Rating: 7.5/10

Overall, it was a good episode that shows us the shift in the dynamics of the characters between the “good vs bad” nature of things. Despite not being able to fangirl over Yuno’s psychotic breaks, I still enjoyed the episode and this was a surprisingly emotional episode to watch. The downside of the episode? When Yuki realises how much Yuno cares for him and decides to protect her. I can’t take that guy seriously and found that scene a hilarious to watch (for all the wrong reasons). =P

-ra

This was meant to be an impression but I kinda got long winded and chattered on. =_=”

I guess this answers the Happy End issue. =)

Question of the Day:

What do you think of how the 6th had turned out because of her past?
(I am interested in your take on her character =) )

I liked the bittersweet manner in which 6th had died – with the object that had lead to her lost of innocence playing a part in her death. I don’t really blame her for how twisted she had turned out since she felt like a person who was angry with the world and she has a relatively justifiable reason for feeling that way.