Episode 4 – Mayonaka Punch

I thought I had a number for this show. I think the first three episodes have shown me everything they have to offer. Sure, there are a few sentimental moments to balance things out, but otherwise it’s clear that the writing is all about straight-jab carnival and right-hook slapstick. However, it turns out it was all a ruse to lull us all into a false sense of security. Yolk Medium Punch There was a South Paw haymaker hidden all along – and it blew my mind.

Fu’s story this week is very simple and familiar – whether it’s a vampire story or a doomed hag – but it’s that simplicity that makes it work so well. A smaller version of this episode might have attempted to rehash the tragedy, or offset the sadness with plenty of comedic relief. Instead, while there are a few jokes and a few funny moments, the direction and tone are allowed to be subdued and quiet—best suited to the ever-nervous Fu as she finally confronts lingering regrets from her past. It shows how much scope this show has without feeling tight or out of place with previous shows.

I especially like the change in Masaki’s motivations when searching for Aya. Initially, she just wants Av to sing so they can get some input, but eventually, it becomes clear that she sympathizes with Av’s plight. She knows what it’s like to hold yourself back from something you love—to lose a relationship that means everything to you, even if you’re the one pulling away. Best of all, she never had to say any of this out loud—rather, it was all conveyed through her actions. Does she break through Fu and encourage the timid vampire to find some closure. The show is great at making its actors act like chaotic goblins, but it also knows when to make them human too (for lack of a more inclusive term).

Most of all, I appreciate that Fu’s story is allowed to be sad─or at least resolved in a bittersweet way. She’s been living with regrets for Aya for so long – judging by the song choices on those Legally Distinct songs on Aya’s mixtape, I’m guessing they met in the late 70s – ending with a relaxed reunion Things can feel a little too clean. The revelation of Aya’s death was so haphazard, so unremarkable, that it almost seemed like a hoax. But it was ultimately the right choice—a choice that gave Fu enough closure to embrace her singing again, but still feel the weight of what she was running from. The story has a melancholic air and ends beautifully at the end Read Gong Hina Putting her all into the final number. This is the first video produced by MayoPan that truly captures the friendship that made Masaki’s initial NewTube career so rewarding.

All in all, this is a fantastic standalone episode that proves just how influential this show has been. if Menaka punch press can switch between hilarious comedy and heartbreaking drama so easily and effectively, then it’s all over.

Kudos to Aya’s musical taste as well, these are some really good deep cuts from the 70’s.

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Yolk Medium Punch Currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Disclosure: Kadokawa World Entertainment (KWE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation and the majority shareholder of Anime News Network, LLC. One or more companies mentioned in this article are part of the Kadokawa Group of Companies.