[DreamSword]

Episode 35: Cursed Woman and Savior Woman

That's right, the infamous manhole cover from Zi-O got its start here.

I think this is the first toku I've seen that not only acknowledges the existence of polygamy, but has its main character partake in it.

While the thing that kicks off the events of the episode is Akira getting hired to deliver an experimental drug to a laboratory, the main meat of the episode is a combo of a chase episode and showcasing just how far Akira's' womanizing goes.

And while there's certainly laughs to be had with just how over the top the entire scenario is, it's simultaneously a look into how Akira's' behavior affects those around him, and as a result the episode gives a surprisingly even-handed view of Akira having multiple girlfriends.

The key to it all is consent. Akira is honest with each girl he woos that he's dating multiple women. Some are fine with it, some aren't. Just as some see it as no big deal while others think it's immoral. The show doesn't take a definitive side, and to me that signals that it doesn't expect to the viewer to swing a certain way either. If you're fine with it great, if not, also valid.

And that sort of neutrality can be rather tough to pull off, especially in a more light-hearted context. So I gotta give credit where it's due. This isn't an amazing episode by any stretch, but it was certainly an interesting and decently fun one.