I was not expecting such a nuanced take on makeup but I loved all of it. I love that this show manages to take a completely absurd premise and use it to deliver a monologue (verbatim) that describes such a real experience, and that’s just the first half of the episode. We end up exploring a discussion about confidence, self-determination, self-image, societal norms, and even take a detour into how self-deprecating humor can become harmful. And after all that, we have a coda with mom’s more toxic side–again, couched in her (genuine!) protectiveness and concern for Kuroe–contrasting her reaction with Minami’s. Just like last episode, this was the best episode so far.

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The construction right outside the cosmetics shop is an obvious metaphor, but also used as a deft bit of worldbuilding, what with Kuroe constantly rampaging through the city now. I like it.

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Minami-kun fascinates me as a character. He’s the stereotypical “perfect boyfriend”, always knowing exactly what to do and what to say, loyal and affectionate, all I can see is green flags. It would make him such a boring character, except the thing where he clearly should be noticing that his girlfriend regularly transforms into a kaiju!? Which makes him either very dumb (which is a little interesting…), or he does–must?–know Kuroe’s secret?? I think this tension is what really carries him as an interesting character.