Otogizoushi: Episode 17

Huh? Did Otogi somehow morphed into a boxing anime? For a moment there, I was half-expecting Ippo to jump inside the ring and start beating the pulp out of his opponent. Kidding aside, I actually enjoyed this episode. Should I hide now? (^_^)

At first, I thought this Sadamitsu-centric episode completely ignored the ongoing thread of the storyline. A second look made me realized the emphasis given on the possibility of moving through time. The haunting in Tokyo Dome was in fact a scene years ago repeating itself until certain conditions were fulfilled. Sadamitsu was meant to watch his own father’s match two deacades ago. His words of confidence during the fight directly influenced his father’s spirit. Of course, this type of situation inevitably would encourage the ‘what came first, the chicken or egg’ line of questioning. But for the purpose of the title, it pointed to probable answers on the arc’s perplexing direction.

Aside from the evidence pertaining to the ‘gaps in time’, I appreciated the focus on the Sadamitsu-Kintarou relationship. True to their Heian counterparts, the contemporary pair had nothing but affirmation on their strengthened brotherhood.

Maybe I’m in an unusually good mood today because basing on the commentaries I’ve read regarding the episode, it’s not as well-received as the previous ones yet it still retained my interest. BTW, we have two consecutive installments without any Sai-sightings. At least, the succeeding one seems to have plenty of him to satisfy his hordes of fangirls. Meh, included.