This Week in Anime [Week 38, 2021]

Date Published: Wed, 22nd September, 2021

It's the penultimate week of September and the year of 2021 is about to enter its last quarter. Fall is upon us and winter is just around the corner from October; all in all, the end of what's been yet another year dominated by the Corona-crisis is nigh. The world of anime has followed the same trend this week, with several long-standing names in the industry reaching the end of their stories and preparing for what have- and will be- tearful departures from the fans that have come to admire them so dearly. We enter this week's Rapid Rundown on a Solemn note, as we summarize what's come to be one of the most emotionally-taxing weeks in the animeverse all year long:

1. End of a Journey: Girlfriend, Girlfriend!

2. Curtains Close: Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory

3. New Beginning- Takt Op Destiny


1. End of a Journey: Girlfriend, Girlfriend!

The first season of Girlfriend, Girlfriend has ended after a 12 episode run, bringing the ever so tense climax build across the previous 2 episodes to a close with a very special moment shared between Naoya and Nagisa! (No spoilers here, don't worry!) In retrospect, we can easily call this title one of the funniest entries in anime this year, but passing off the show as nothing more than a comedy would amount to blatant injustice to a show that's built up to mean so much more!

Some big secrets are out but this has done nothing to simplify the feelings of the characters, who've come to evolve beyond mere infatuation and grown to develop multilayered personalities and opinions of each other, creating a unique dynamic that we're keen on seeing in the second season, whenever it may be released, if at all. We can't elaborate much more before spilling out some major spoilers but if we had any final thoughts on the show, it's that it doesn't take itself too seriously and achieves exactly what it aimed to do from the start, all the while drawing the viewer deeper into its story with each episode.

Those interested in checking out the show can read the synopsis as follows:
"After harboring an unrequited love for years, Naoya Mukai finally gets to date his childhood friend, Saki Saki. However, just as he tries to commit himself to this relationship, he receives an abrupt confession from Nagisa Minase. With this, a three-way affair begins between Naoya, his girlfriend, and his "other" girlfriend, as they develop a relationship that deviates from the social norm."
-from MAL Rewrite (edited for brevity)


2. Curtains Close: Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory

We recall typing about this entry's debut like it was just yesterday; it would seem that the journey's already over. Lighthearted, as all the episodes are, is a word that applies for the last episode as well. Since it's difficult to actually spoil a show of this nature, we'll risk going into some detail for this one: the episode's premise revolves around Koushi falling ill due to overexertion. Upon hearing this news, all the inhabitants set out to make his recovery easier, but two characters easily outshined the rest; no prizes for guessing they were Atena and Frey, though!

Every member of the harem got their fair share of screen time in the final episode, making fan service the obvious highlight at the end (then again, when wasn't it)! What's curious enough is the fact that- all things considered- the show remained quite tame throughout, compared to other entries like Goblin Slayer and Redo of Healer, if only due to its lack of a real supernatural premise. What we got was an honest to goodness ecchi with not much content pushing the boundaries of what defines anime- and we're better off for it!

Shortly following the airing of the final episode, creator of Mother of the Goddess' Dormitory, Ikumi Hino, expressed his gratitude through a tweet which he posted saying thank you to everyone who supported the series from the start until the end and included illustrations of Atena and Koushi, bringing this title to a close!


3. New Beginning- Takt Op Destiny

We end our weekly anime news on a good note. While several series have reached the end of their lifespan, new shows are spreading their roots: among these, perhaps the most anticipated title of all ks Takt Op Destiny. Produced by the collaborative efforts of Madhouse and MAPPA studios, this anime seems destined for greatness. A quick glance at the synopsis will also reveal some vague similarities to Vivy Fluorite Eyes' Song, an anime which ended recently and gained widespread appeal during its short 12-episode long run. You can judge these similar themes for yourself:

"In the story of the anime, one day a black meteorite fell on the world, and the world completely changed. The meteorite produced grotesque monsters called D2, which started running rampant. D2 very quickly banned all music, which was the one thing able to overcome them. But there were some people who resisted the D2. They are young women who hold the power of music, the "Musicart." These young women hold "scores" that are able to defeat the monsters. And there are also people who lead these women, the Conductor.

The anime takes place in America in the year 2047, which has fallen to ruin thanks to the D2. Takt, a Conductor, is partnered with a Musicart named Unmei. Takt yeans for music to be returned to the world, and Unmei wishes to destroy the D2. Their aim is to travel to New York."
-from MAL Rewrite

Judging by anime review trends, 2021 seems to be the year that musical anime see a near-complete reinvention in terms of the way they tell their stories, and Takt Op Destiny seems to be the lastest in a string of titles geared towards bringing forth an entirely new era of music. With studios as renowned as Madhouse and MAPPA behind the animation, we can already expect excellence. What remains to be judged is just how big an impact this title will make when it's Takt's turn to make its way out the spotlight.



That's all we have for you this week, folks! We'll catch you back in 7 days with more updates on everything that makes your weeb senses tingle with passion: same time, same place!