Unnamed Memory – Episode 02 Review

「繰り返し触れられる過去」 (Kurikaeshi Furerareru Kako)
“The Past Recalled Again”

Usually it takes a few episodes before I know if I really like a show or not, but Unnamed Memory has quickly upset that expectation with how tight its opening execution has been. This one has hit all the right notes when it comes to characters, story, and animation thus far, and if it can keep going like this, I dare say it’ll be one of spring’s bigger surprises. Of course that depends on it doing so, but hey, positive thinking!

Probably the major thing making me satisfied this week was how quickly Tinasha wound up going from secret pupil disguise to fully revealing her witchy origins. Normally you know how this plays out: lots of tension in trying to hide, multiple situations testing that ability, the one character who eventually figures out the truth, and finally the grand reveal. Here however? Nonchalant magic usage (and some major foreshadowing on the implications of heavy use), a brief display of physical ability, and Tinasha not even bothering to explain away evil enemy of the week mage identifying her off the bat. Coupled with Tinasha’s rock solid, confident, and quick-witted personality and I’m quite liking the implications of where things are heading. This story is going to be about what the hag girl can do and not the drama surrounding it. Well, heh, at least mostly.

As for that doing we too got a good indication of what that will be both for Tinasha and for Oscar. Teased character Valt for example already alludes to Tinasha herself seeking out someone, while the whole sealed monster from a war long past episode plot too shows that Tinasha’s own history will eventually become a major facet of things going forward. Oscar as well hints towards the origins of his curse (or malformed blessing) with the drop about he being the youngest royal thanks to the mysterious disappearance of all his cousins. While I still believe the truth behind Oscar’s affliction specifically can be guessed given the info from before, it will be interesting seeing whether my ideas come to fruition, especially considering how Tinasha will need to factor into it and just how her involvement could affect matters. And hey, if such involvement also happens to lead to marriage all the better; those embarrassed faces will never not be chuckle-worthy.

Someone pinch me, I think I’m now looking forward to Tuesdays.

Preview