[DreamSword]

Smile Pretty Cure!

I won't lie, I'm sort of struggling to think about how to about this one.

It's ironic, too, because by design, Smile Precure is a very simple and straightforward show designed to make its audience feel good.

And the reason for that is that it aired during the same year as Kamen Rider Fourze, with both shows having their design philosophies in response to the earthquake that rocked Japan at the time.

Now, while that in itself is a decent starting angle, as my thoughts continue to dive deeper, I find myself essentially repeating alot of what I said about Healin' Good, which took a similar approach to its storytelling due to the COVID-19 Pandemic taking place at the time.

So, to sum that up: While Smile can certainly leave you wanting more, I think it overall works. Sure, the show could definitely dive deeper into certain aspects like the backstories of the Bad End Generals, which is really sad and definitely worth examining, the show itself is so fun and its characters so likable that I find it hard to hold too much against it in that regard.

You could also make the argument that it makes the few times the show does peak a bit deeper or darker all the more impactful. My personal favorite example being with Yayoi, the Yellow Cure for the season, and the episode wherein she deals with the lingering feelings and memories she has of her dad who passed away when she was very young. That episode was all around wonderful in the way it was done, with its stark contrast to the rest of the show being one aspect as to why.

But unfortunately it also means that, outside of maybe talking about specific episodes or moments at length, there's no real way for me to go super deep into this show with a one-off post. It just is what it is: Fun, charming, and comforting. There's nothing at all wrong with that, obviously. But outside of just the general idea of holding onto hope and happiness, Smile doesn't exactly have alot in terms of an overarching plot or theme, you know?

I could see alot of people taking that as a big negative, but frankly, I don't. Is this show the best TV you'll ever see, or one of the best seasons of Precure besides? I mean, no, probably not. Atleast not for me. But I don't regret watching it and it's alot of fun from start to finish. Thus, I'd say that it's worth watching, and honestly probably works as a solid gateway show into the franchise(another thing I said about HG, natch). While the Saban dub has its issues, I can see why this show was chosen as the one to get dubbed.

Overall, I give this season of Pretty Cure a 4/6. Great fun, but nothing mind-blowing.