「白紙の子供たち」 (Hakushi no Kodomo-tachi”)
“Blank-Slate Children”

Oh Unnamed Memory, don’t give me hope. From weeks-worth of Usain Bolt levels of rushing to half-decent episode which, surprise surprise, felt pretty damn decent, we really experienced the full spectrum of adaptation strategies here. Even if the usual issues remained in spots, it’s an emphatic indication that the problems with this show remain self-inflicted over any inherent source material weakness.

The thing which arguably makes this week feel better than before is how is was more self-contained in Oscar’s and Tinasha’s relationship than any major story developments. Although we’re only really scratching the surface here much like the other story aspects (given just how much has been chopped to date), it was a very pleasant experience seeing the flirting, the satisfaction, and the all-round happiness of a couple who are increasingly comfortable and dependent on each other. Tinasha is obvious of course in opening up more and seeking intimacy where before she would’ve pushed it away (if only halfheartedly), but even Oscar saw some mellowing out in asking her reasons behind refusing marriage and pushing back against stronger moves towards it. Really shows how close these two have become – and that’s before getting to the jealous outbursts adding the cherry on top. To think what this show could’ve been with better pacing.

Such romantic fun however doesn’t completely distract from Unnamed Memory doing the usual in terms of story, since yeah it’s likely to be one of those antagonist situations again. New witch Leonora is the familiar array of teased and wholly unknown, with some tangential ties back to Tinasha, an ominous backstory, and rapid-fire developments giving little time to truly mull them over. Add in the even more ridiculous introduction of so-called demon king Travis (which almost tops how quickly Lanak was brought into plot affairs) and I can definitely understand anyone glazing over in the latter half of this episode. While I still give Unnamed Memory leeway, it’s hard not thinking we’re set for yet another rapid conclusion to the latest arc, with any potential saving grace lying more with how it further builds up Oscar and Tinasha in the process over any satisfying conclusion to the story at hand.

Going to be interesting seeing how the last couple of weeks wind up playing out.

Preview