September 16, 2004
Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi Episode 4
"Phantoms"
Taeko and Mayu are my least favorite characters in the cast. Mayu, because she seems so superfluous to everything else that goes on, and Taeko, because I can't stand the stereotypical, clumsy anime female character.
Just my luck then that this episode is a Taeko episode. Tina thinks there's some sort of monster loose in the mansion, and the gang decides they need to investigate it, with demon hunter Taeko in the lead. Obviously there's no monster, and the whole episode is something of a metaphor for Taeko's relationship with Kaoru. Of course, it's really pointless, because Taeko (once again) refuses to do anything about her feelings for Kaoru (she gets interrupted, like every other time). But what's the point, anyways? It's not like Taeko is going to steal Kaoru away from Aoi.
There's also some very artifical stuff done to separate Kaoru and Taeko from the rest of the gang during their hunt, as the rest of the group runs away for no real reason other than to supply the two with an alone moment.
The second season of Ai Yori Aoshi has been a real disappointment.
Rating: C
Posted by Kei at September 16, 2004 11:05 PM