Kei's Anime Reviews

Ai Yori Aoshi Episode 18

"Bedsharing"

I like the fact that in this genre of anime, it's so expected that every female who comes into contact with the main character will fall in love with him, that the development of these feelings can just be glossed over, and called up when necessary.

Case in point, we all know Tina is in love with Kaoru, because after all, that's what girls in these shows do. So when she starts admitting her serious feelings for Kaoru, it's no surprise, despite the fact there's been little to no reinforcement, other than a little bit of jealousy here and there.

My favorite part of this episode is the complete seriousness with which Aoi freaks out about the laundry getting wet when the rain comes down.

The episode's pretty absurd. Tina and Kaoru go to the zoo, they go on this ride where Tina ends up being dressed in a wedding gown and Kaoru gets chased by a giant ostrich. Kaoru sees Tina, feelings boil to surface, rain falls down on pair, finds refuge in love hotel. Frank admission of various feelings, blush blush.

Of course, nothing happens, because if there's one thing that the main male characters in shows like this are, it's faithful.

This episode does make you like Tina as a character a lot better though. She's not just being a disruptive, crazy drunk, and her "real" personality is a lot more appealing (plus they draw her with some cute crazy expressions this episode).

Hey, if they could make me like Tina, they must be doing something right.

Rating: A-

Posted by Kei at August 23, 2004 02:45 AM