Episode 4 – Mayonaka Punch

I believed I had this present’s quantity. I believed these first three episodes had proven me all the pieces it needed to supply. Certain, there have been just a few sentimental moments to stability issues out, however aside from that, it was clear that the writing was all about straight jab jokes and right-hook slapstick. However it all turned out to be a ruse to lull us all right into a false sense of safety. Mayonnaise Punch has been hiding a southern leg haymaker this complete time – and I am simply blown away by it.

Fu’s story this week is pretty easy and acquainted, for each a vampire story and a story of doomed want, however that simplicity is what makes it work so properly. A lesser model of this episode may need tried to emphasise the tragedy or offset the unhappiness with a heap of comedic reduction. As a substitute, there are just a few jokes and humorous moments, however the path and tone are understated and quiet, which most closely fits the perpetually nervous Fu as he lastly confronts a lingering remorse from the previous. It exhibits simply how a lot vary this present has, and it does so with out feeling compelled or incongruous with what got here earlier than.

I particularly like how Masaki’s motivations change as they start their seek for Aya. At first, she simply desires Fu to sing to allow them to get some views, however by the tip, it’s clear that she has empathy for Fu’s dilemma. She is aware of what it’s like to carry your self again from what you’re keen on—to lose a relationship that meant the world to you, even in case you have been the one pulling away. Better of all, she by no means has to say it out loud—as an alternative, she communicates all of it by her actions. She breaks by to Fu, encouraging the timid vampire to hunt closure. This present excels at letting its forged act like chaotic little gremlins, nevertheless it additionally understands when to allow them to be (for lack of a extra inclusive time period) human, too.

Most of all, I recognize that Fu’s story is allowed to be unhappy, or a minimum of resolved in a bittersweet manner. She’s lived together with her regrets about Aya for thus lengthy—judging by the Legally Distinct track decisions on Aya’s mixtape, I am guessing they met within the late ’70s—that ending issues with a simple reunion would really feel slightly too sanitized. The revelation of Aya’s dying is so informal, so matter-of-fact, that it nearly appears like a fakeout. However it’s finally the appropriate alternative, one that offers Fu simply sufficient closure to embrace her singing once more however nonetheless really feel the burden of what she was operating away from. There is a melancholy to all of it that works for this story, and it is capped off superbly by Hina Yomiya giving it her all in that closing track. It is the primary video MayoPan has made that actually captures the friendship that made Masaki’s early NewTube profession so significant.

All in all, it is a unbelievable standalone episode that proves simply how large the scope of this present is. If Maynaka punch can swap so effortlessly and successfully between hilarious comedy and heartbreaking drama, it stays to be seen what’s going to come subsequent.

Additionally a shoutout to Aya’s style in music, these are some actually good, deep songs from the 70s.

Judgement:

Mayonnaise Punch is at the moment streaming on Crunchyroll.

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