Hidamari Sketch xSP - Episode 2 (Completed)

Quite frankly I've had a terrible day today - thank goodness then that a new instalment of Hidamari Sketch is 100% guaranteed to relieve stress and cure any work-related ills.

I probably don't need to mention that this second and final instalment of xSP is split into two, with the first half of the episode taking in the decidedly ordinary task of washing some curtains.  Of course, even this can somehow manage to be fun when you're part of the Hidamari Apartments gang, as it winds up involving a paddling pool and plenty of detergent, meaning bubbles aplenty and the chance to splash around whilst trying to wash the curtains in the process.  Now, if only Nazuna had relayed the day's weather forecast a little sooner...

After a brief distraction involving Yoshinoya and her determination to let all and sundry know that she in no way resembles a cow, the residents of Hidamari Apartments find themselves faced with a rare and unusual treat - a meal out, fully paid for by their landlady.  But what's the catch?  Seemingly, there is no catch, so off they all traipse for an all you can eat buffet of meat, cakes and other such goodies (including copious amounts of beer for the landlady) - although when I said there's no catch, this does depend on the result of a game of "Sushian roulette"... and the landlady having enough cash on her to actually pay the bill.

As ever, Hidamari Sketch is relaxing, uncomplicated and beautifully presented fun throughout that makes the most of its characters and their never-overbearing foibles to entertain its audience.  You could probably argue that the show's comedy isn't at its absolute sharpest in these two special episodes, but it still delivers enough laughs and funny moments to be worthwhile, and this second episode in particular worked rather well in its all you can eat restaurant setting if only thanks to the landlady shaking things up a little.  Roll on season four of the series proper!

Hidamari Sketch xSP - Episode 1

Asking me what I think about any episode of Hidamari Sketchis effectively a redundant question given my love for the series - thankfully the fact that I can't get enough of this show seems to continue to be well served, with two special episodes paving the way for a full-on fourth season next year.

As per series tradition (and after a wonderful set of opening titles), this additional episode is further split into two sub-stories.  The first of these sees the entire gang of six residents from Hidamari Apartments paying a visit to a museum/art gallery, where they try to wrap their heads around modern act and the meaning of various pieces while just hanging out and goofing off as usual.

While the second half of the episode sees Sae and Hiro having to attend classes, the other residents have some time to themselves, which sees them paying a visit to a local swimming pool - ostensibly to help Miyako practice for her part in a forthcoming school swimming meet, but it also gives Yuno in particular the chance to practice in the water in the hope of becoming less of a "hammer".  This she succeeds in with some minor degree of success, although the effort of doing so means that she doesn't get much of an opportunity to enjoy the subsequent pyjama party held by all the girls as she nods off pretty much as soon as it starts.

There really is absolutely nothing I can say about Hidamari Sketch that hasn't been said before, and as per usual this special is a blend of relaxing, satisfying slice of life fare sprinkled with a seasoning of laugh-out loud humour.  The only criticism you could perhaps have of this instalment is that it leaned a little too heavily on its CG and gimmicks from time to time, but even that can't really detract from the simple, undemanding happiness that can come from watching this series.  I genuinely can't think of a better way to relax after a hectic weekend in London.