Monday 12 September 2011

YuruYuri - Episode 11

The penultimate episode of YuruYuri begins with a blast from the past, as we take a trip down memory lane courtesy of the show's main trio of characters.

These reminiscences come as Chinatsu looks over an old photo album the girls have while they relate tales from their childhood - a surprising time when Akari was almost more interesting than she is now (note, I said almost) and Kyoko was quite the crybaby who spent most of her time hiding behind Yui who seemed to be the de facto leader of the group, and a bit of a violent one at that.  That said, her vicious streak pales into comparison with that of a young Chinatsu, who unbeknownst to all those involved had actually bullied the other trio in their dim and distant past.


If seeing Kyoko as a young crybaby was a shock, you'd best steel yourself for the second half of the episode, which sees a bang on the head completely change her personality - yes, it's that old chestnut, it's been a while since an anime comedy played with this old plot line.  Anyway, gone is the zany and energetic Kyoko, to be replaced with a serious, studious girl - an alteration which seems ideal initially, but soon becomes boring for her friends (and the viewer, I would venture).  Still, nothing a good crowbar to the noggin won't fix, right?

Personally, I think this episode of YuruYuri might just be the epitome of mediocrity, a cavalcade of all things average that dazzles in its ability not to dazzle me.  Its jokes and concepts were kind of old hat but not offensively so, and the whole thing just really meandered along in unspectacular fashion.  Yep, that's YuruYuri alright, as we head on towards the final episode of another anime comedy that's unlikely to be remembered for long.

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