Kita ze Inbou! - キタぜ陰謀!

[ Episode 02: Efforts and Results ]

The second episode was even more charming than the first. In this episode we get a nice sneak peak at the Hiiragi family and delve a bit more into Kagami and Tsukasa’s personality.

Kagami is definitely the one that’s always on top of things, probably even more than Miyuki. I wish I had her strength to finish all my work early during holidays but I guess I’m more like Tsukasa and Konata in that sense. I liked how we get a split screen scene of just how Kagami and Tsukasa spent their summer break. It really compares and contrasts the twins. While Kagami goes through a perfectly normal routine, Tsukasa spends all those hours in bed. Oh, how I’ve been there countless times. Even Konata’s quite amazing, though in her own way. Winging an exam, by uber-cramming the night before, that’s pretty impressive, she wasn’t that far off from Kagami’s score. I wonder what time she starts studying anyway… Speaking of their schooling, this episode also introduced Ms. Kuroi, who is Konata, Tsukasa, and Miyuki’s homeroom teacher. Interestingly enough, she seems quite young and bears a fang, like really. I dig her Kansai-ben too, even if it’s not real. Yet another surprise (or perhaps not) is Shiraishi’s first appearance within the show, though with only one line to spare and pretty unmemorable. Can’t blame Akira for rambling.

The my favorite scene in this episode is when Konata, Kagami, and Tsukasa go to the game center. Kagami’s numerous attempts at getting a Kerero Gunsou doll was just too hysterical, I just loved it. At the same time it’s very sad too. I’ve fallen victim to those things before. I think Japanese machines use very flimsy claws so it’d take a miracle to actually grab something with it, like Konata did, but then again, it’s Konata. Seeing Konata and Tsukasa play Taiko no Tatsujin was real killer too. You know you can actually play Hare Hare Yukai on there? Not just that though, even Motteke! Sailor Fuku can be played on there. It’s really fun and easy to do. I can’t say the same for Tsukasa though, but she really tried. Even more funny, Konata’s pwning at Virtua Fighter! My other favorite parts of this episode is the scene where Kagami and Tsukasa wonder just what kind of job Konata took. Aya’s slurring as a convenience store clerk made me laugh hard.

The scene where Konata and Kagami are discussing about Drama CDs was very funny to watch. Konata comments on how another one of her favorite series is getting an anime adaptation but the cast is completely different from the drama CD. As a little in-joke reference, KyoAni did the exact same thing with this series as well. I admit, even I was a bit disappointed they didn’t go with that stellar all-star cast, but you know, I’ve grown to love the entire anime cast anyways that I just really don’t care all that much. Kagami’s got that right: if it matches the character than it shouldn’t be a real bother. Emiri’s lovely voice is already music to my ears. Though I do question why most companies do that though. Maybe it is something behind the scenes… or maybe they just said “screw it, just get Hirano Aya for the main, we’ll gain more viewers that way.” That’s probably half true after all.

Another thing I can relate to is their conversation about not feeling like doing any homework once you get home. It just feels so tiring and you wanna relax once you got home from school. No one else commenting on that was quite funny. I’m certain they all know that. Moving away from the other characters, Miyuki expresses another one of her fears: dentists. Who aren’t afraid of going to the dentist? All those drills and stuff… their ideal dentistry sounds so highly unorthodox. They make it sound like a spa. You’ve got that, but you still get your teeth worked on. In the end, you’re not gonna like going to the dentist, which is what they conclude anyway.

After watching this, I learned that May sickness excuses won’t ever save you, and also that Konata can make a really unearthly face which I have no idea what it looks like, but I want to see it. It’s so adorable, Konata made the twins cry tears of burning laughter, so much that Tsukasa had to wipe them with her handkerchief. As for Lucky Channel, it was yet another chaotic segment. Akira is disgusted with Shiraishi’s acting and it’s funny how she’s frustrating a lot. Following the end of the segment comes the karaoke box, with yet another classic song from Konata. Hmm, Shiraishi’s everywhere huh. Working as a waiter too. I gotta say, the episode preview was ridiculous good. A very deep voice announcing the preview, like it’s about to exact one’s revenge for them. Yep, that kind of voice. Kagami makes a good point on money and coin exchange. I really hated getting a lot of small coin change back, especially taking the trains. I think Japan should really get rid of that 1 yen coin. The 10 yen ones are pretty much like pennies anyhow.