Lucky Star 5

Yes way it’s just as, if not more, entertaining when two girls do it, Kona-chan. Especially if it’s you and Kagami. ;) Thankfully it seems that the change in director hasn’t changed the things which I enjoy about this series – which is the interaction between the characters and their little quirks. Quite a lot of MMO terminology in this episode and I’m the other half of the audience (as said by Akira-sama) who doesn’t understand this world but the terms are pretty ubiquitous online so still had a rough idea of what they meant. Gratitude to a.f.k. for the lightning release this week.

Like its great predecessor 4koma turned anime, the all-female frontline cast doesn’t talk all that much about romance even though they are hormonally active high schoolers. I struggle to recall any BGR talk in Azumanga either – except for that little bit about Tomo’s new haircut. BGR is a big theme in the (much better than anime) Girl’s High manga which had just the right balance of mad hijinks and fan service which allowed the girls to come across as lovable losers; Towa Oshima-sensei’s autobiographical feel to it didn’t translate well into the anime either. Not that I’d want Lucky Star to turn into a BGR romantic comedy though because that’s not what it’s about. BTW it seems that Konata gets her romantic expectations from dating sims rather than the usual sources, does the method of socialization affect the content of those norms? ;)

The most powerful word in the hontou ni sou omou universe de arimasu!!!

While there’s a lot being made about Konata being an otaku-type character, I think that besides the friendship angle with her clique, Konata is also shown to be sociable and polite towards her family and elders i.e. otaku can enjoy their hobbies and be *gasp* normal people! Until we start talking about our habits in all their gory details. LOL

The little vignette about her father being able to tie the obi sash was funny due to the gender role inversion but, for me, it also highlighted the very warm and loving father-daughter relationship that Konata and her father enjoys. I can’t help but suspect how proud he’d feel looking how cute his daughter is in her yukata, big pink hair ribbon and wooden clogs (loved the sound effect of that… great memories walking in the streets of Noboribetsu).

Likewise, Konata seems to have a good relationship with her relatives like Yui-neesan. And later Yutaka who admires Konata and addresses her as ‘Oneechan’ in recognition of her independence and skill at housework. I’m guessing that Yui and Yutaka are from the mom’s side (Kobayakawa?) of the family?

The thing that immediately struck me as being odd about Konata’s online chat with Nanako was the former’s use of complete sentences and lots of kanji, in direct contrast with her homeroom teacher’s liberal use of emoticons and slang. Again, Konata and Nanako may enjoy gaming together but I think Konata always continues to respect Nanako’s status as her teacher.

Latter’s nagging about homework probably doesn’t allow her to forget either. I couldn’t game online with my professor like that… even when I’m expecting email feedback on draft work I sent, I find myself constantly avoiding checking my uni email account. And when I do, I usually spend some time sitting under my desk with my knees against my chin, sining ‘ra-ra-ruuuu~~~’ to myself. orz

What Konata can dish out, Kagami can return with equal bluntness, like in the above scene when Kagami says how happy she is not to have to see Konata’s face everyday. Of course she doesn’t really mean it – she wouldn’t be spending so much time with Konata otherwise – though there is a ring of truth to it which points to Kagami’s mean streak that is part of her tsundere appeal.

Of course Kagami’s ‘vicious nature’ provides more opportunities for another wry Konata observation! LOL

Personally I find Kagami’s dere dere nature to be *much* scarier. Like in the first episode when she thought Konata was worried about her being sick. She just seems to have totally lost touch with reality and is imposing HUGE expectations on those around her. -_-;;

Again a great showcase of Kagami tsundere. And of the Eleventh Commandment, would love to hear what the other missing four are. As well as the feeling of Nagato… (does this scene actually occur in the light novels?)

Tsukasa is not very smart but she’s so cute and good-natured that even I, with my withered black heart, can find it in me to like her as a character. Nonetheless I can completely understand Konata’s sense of defeat (and betrayal even) when someone whom you regard as your comrade in laziness (or stupidness) has done all their homework on time and to spec behind your back. *tearfully chew-pulls handkerchief from behind lamp post*

Yeah, if it’s not counted towards your final grade, why bother? Though, from the opposite point of view, because it doesn’t count towards the student’s final grade, it does make sense to let rip and drench the homework in red ink… as constructive learning-promotion feedback of course. -_-;;

The shape of the characters’ faces looked a bit different (less chin?) in this episode but am not really bothered. The characters have really grown on to me and the supporting characters like Nanako and Yui are doing just that – providing support in bringing out the quirky charms of the main characters (IMHO Konata and Kagami). Next episode is the obligatory beach episode and I hope we get the school swimsuit gag from the manga! Also looking forward to Yutaka’s arrival – because that means we’ll get to see Minami soon too.

Related posts:

1. Lucky Star OVA For me,