Unnamed Memory – Episode 05 Review

「無名の感情」 (Mumei no Kanjou)
“Unnamed Emotion”

I mentioned it before but it’s proving quite interesting having the combination of Unnamed Memory and Spice and Wolf going at it this spring. Both are thematically similar, both feature a good deal of related character chemistry and organic development, yet as the latter jaunts down the garden path and takes its time to smell the roses, the former seems eager to reach the end. No idea what that end entails, but I do know it’s starting to cause problems.

While the pacing troubles for Unnamed Memory have been a running theme in other circles I haven’t really felt the impact until now. Whether from personal bias or strength of Tinasha’s and Oscar’s verbal (and increasingly physical) sparring there was always enough to tide over things, but the rapidity of this “arc” has left a bad taste. A good chunk of it for me comes down to Miralys and her role, who effectively went from cameo to minor boss to soulless husk in nary the span of forty minutes, all without much in the way of explaining who exactly she is. The breakneck pacing and rapid-fire dropping of names, faces, and events made it quite difficult keeping track of what’s going on, particularly with Unnamed Memory’s continued insistence of teasing the big secret without so much as a thread to latch onto (though the keen-eared might have overheard a name being given to the face). The result is a lot of the current battles and scheming losing impact and wearing away at the aspects which do make Unnamed Memory still a fun watch for the most part. The hope I still keep up is that whatever it’s rushing towards can make up the difference for what we’re currently receiving.

Part of that cautious optimism comes from, as mentioned, the interactions between Tinasha and Oscar and their slow movement into legitimate relationship. Pacing problems aside it’s a pretty major shift compared to other romance anime when the male MC effectively takes the lead, makes his intentions fully known, and spares little effort when it comes to the teasing and flirting. Oscar’s confidence here and Tinasha’s own pride really help to keep the associated scenes fun, and while the accompanying misunderstanding fuelled drama didn’t rise to the same level (again, can probably chalk up to rushing), dinner demands and perplexed lap plants are enough to keep the chuckles coming.

No idea if they will still keep coming of course, but I’ve invested enough right now to remain curious seeing just where Unnamed Memory intends on taking this ride.

Preview