As outrageously improbably as the premise for this character introduction is, it's hard not to instantly like
Aoi. The truth is that I often forget that "she" is a "he", until something harshly intrudes on some poor shmoe's reality, in the show.
And the premise swiftly becomes pretty sweet when you consider the secondary characters that are brought into this week's little dramedy. The ones that count most here (
Nakajima, because of his male perspective, and the ardent admirer), come to understand and to believe that
Aoi is quite a guy, un-ironically, by how he plays the game. Even the kid brother doesn't seem particularly shaken by the way things end up playing out.
My only question, I guess, is "How the heck did that girl even know which station her old high school idol was working at?" I know, I know - suspension of disbelief and all that.
This episode, which is the first episode of the TV series proper, also marks the first use of one of my all-time favorite anime openings, "Boku de Arutameni" ("To Be Myself"), by the Flying Kids. I've constantly talked myself out of buying the group's "Best of..." compilation just for this one song, but it can't even be had through Japanese
iTunes, so...
I imagine that someday I'll give in, as I like at least one other song on the CD...either way, it's one of the few songs that, on a good day, I can almost stumble all the way through in Japanese.
The accompanying animation is so touching in its own way, as you see all of our main players getting together for a an outing and a laugh, while still remaining cheerful in the scenes that depict their daily working lives. A friend of mine describes it as the ultimate, ideal visual of people who love their work and are dedicated to those they've sworn(?) to help. Even if they mostly deal with vehicular infractions.
Their are some classic images for me here, like
Natsumi's leap over the railing,
Nakajima's late arrival to the party (and
Natsumi playful "hand as gun" response"), as well as the visual of all five of them staring out at that bridge together, near sunset. Further proof that even though our two leading ladies carry most of it, this IS an ensemble show.
Truly, this opening gives me the warm and fuzzies, hardcore.
I can take or leave the closer, "Thank you, Love".
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmie M
This one opens with the Captain & Oshou discussing a few things over tea, mainly Bokuto Precinct's reputation (Which seems to rival that of Special Vehicles Division 2-But that's another show  ) |
Haha, I never even thought about that. I do like the elegance of
Oshou's cup there, with the waves.