Asatte no Houkou needs no one to sing to it praises. So I will try not to.
In some ways the best thing about Asahou(?) is that there’s an element of uncertainty. The premise itself is the kind that leaves the viewer with a strong impression. We know that Shoko and Hiro were ex’s that parted on odd terms, and it’s uncertain what has transpired before and after their unfortunate parting, in respect to Shoko’s current state of mind. We also see some kind of odd sisu-con mixed with the idea that Hiro is just trying to be a father at the same time. Lastly we really don’t know what’s going on in Harada’s head, but we can guess to some success–that it is a state of adolescence arriving too early for an elementary schooler. She learns fast from her brother, in that both of them hold back when they probably shouldn’t, and they act like big babies.
I think that’s my problem, on the other hand. I suppose it’s a curse at the same time that I can’t help but to think and apply genre tropes to a show like this. Asahou gives me so much on the plate that I’ve already constructed something and set a bar, an expectation, to what the story has to achieve. And in my mind, I’m thinking if the story is masterful, it will construct a build-up and resolution superior to what I imagine. Even more masterful is when the story do that to misdirect, and later surprise its audience who thinks like I do.
But I don’t want to do that to a show, and the show deserves better. We can concede that the artistic direction and general quality to Asatte no Houkou is pretty good. We can expect drama, and we can expect some kind of heartful end involving the reversal of the fantasy-coming-true. But is that it? I am doomed to be unable to enjoy this show as a slice-of-life mood piece because it places on the plate, front and center, a dramatic plot. (Not to say Asahou is a slice of life show.) I have to care for it in abandonment of just sitting back, not caring, and enjoying the ride. It preoccupies the mind.
And when the grey matter goes on, it doesn’t stop until it’s done! Argh.
Still, I think it’s a real danger. If indeed Asahou does not play itself out to be as good as I think it can be, I will probably end up disliking the show. It’s not to say that will happen, but it’s now more likely, only because of how the first episode turns out.
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