Otogizoushi: Episode 23

I concede, episode twenty-three is not all that bad. It’s the two-thirds of the ep that basically sucks. One-third can be called competent or decent but I’m too bummed out to even care. There are bits and pieces of funny moments and flashes of better writing especially towards the end.

My constant and biggest complaint is lack of believability between the group’s protectiveness to Hikaru. With the exception of Tsuna, it’s hard to believe that Sadamitsu, Kintarou, and Urabe will risk their life for her. Granted, they share the bond of friendship but the series did not even try to explore this weak area.

Let’s see. In the Heian arc, Hikaru unknowingly given Sadamitsu a second chance to earn his honor back so his pledge to protect ‘Raikou’ is truly hard earned. Urabe’s attachment to the group stemmed from the journey they’ve taken and the willing acceptance of Hikaru amidst the suspicions cast on her. On the outset, Tsuna already ascertained his role as a protector. Kintarou…eh…well, he basically just popped in and annoyed people in both arcs. Anyhow, three out of four of them established their reasons for defending their *leader*.

If the writers even bothered to lay down foundations why Sadamitsu, Urabe, and Kintarou are risking their lives for Hikaru instead of relying on the characters’ supposed instinctive feeling towards her, episodes twenty-two and twenty-three would’ve been powerful and solid chapters. At least, that’s how I see it.