Kokoro Connect’s second episode arrives, and the series continues in a pace unusual – one can sense the substantial developments on the horizon, however, all which transpires is actually naught but subtle and simple.
While the story and concept of Kokoro Connect could be dubbed “fascinating”, one aspect which also specifically should be recognized as such is the speed at which the plot is moving – the first episode was a settled concentration on a phenomena befalling a group of friends, yet this second episode goes into top gear. We’re shown a variety of circumstance and result – time passes, and aside from the occasional oppai highlight, it’s mainly a mixture of going about daily interactions whilst overcoming the abnormality of personality switching.
And of course, there’s also the moments of discussion and dismay – portions in which we’re shown our group of characters as they wail over whatever worries twirl in their mind as result of the instantaneous and uninvited transgression of physical container.
Essentially, the complexity of the situation is laid out – even though most of us would have been able to figure it to be complicated from the start, the series is still showcasing that to us, as well as the disorder which subsequently ensues as result of the disorientation which seemingly follows with any of these unforeseen escapades into another’s body. This is all of what makes the initial starting segment of the episode – and as it transpires, it does entertain, however one will feel that surely something else must unfold soon enough.
Indeed, something does occur not to long into the episode – a teacher is put into the spotlight as what one would first think is merely an expendable side-character, yet it turns out to be a foreshadow for another event awaiting.
Our characters have been getting cozy into the idea of switching bodies – not necessarily that they enjoy it, although they’ve not been concerned over the matter as much as silly subjects like breast sizes, amongst a collective of other hot topics unexpected. Now interceding, this is the turning point – interrupting the amusing discussions of our characters, the air turns heavier as the antagonist arrives late to the party. The teacher from earlier comes – though it’s not actually him, but some strange life form borrowing his body.
Apparently, this entity is responsible for the problem our characters currently face – having entangled them within it for reasoning all so ambiguous, and similarly, the creature is capable of bringing a close to the issue whenever it wills. As the characters learn, they can’t physically fight this being – and basically, there’s nothing they can do, or so it seems as of now.
Perhaps the variables will change at a later date – yet as it stands, our characters are still stuck in the same scenario. Nothing has changed, they’re still switching bodies sporadically – however, they now take it with less jest as they’re aware of a third party’s intervention being the source of the trouble, something which of course could mean danger, as if it doesn’t already.
Again, not so much occurs this episode – but rather, the potency is within what this episode promises for the future. It was expected at some point, and one will see it now – the cute heroine with a mole on her face is beginning to become one of those who question life and whatnot. In respect to her, one should merely keep in mind that the implications so clearly point towards a depression to come – she’s likely already of the sort on the inside, although at some point, withheld emotions will escape.
To conclude, the series goes its ever-necessary route of ridiculousness – the ending is a face off of yuri romance versus heterosexuality for the heroine with a mole. Yet in any case, comical moments aside, this series has hardly gotten started in terms of plot – the character development is the shining jewel of this series, and we’ve yet to see any more than a mere glimmer of it from afar.
Jul 14, 2012 @ 19:23 CDT
I’m enjoying this so far :)
Jul 14, 2012 @ 19:38 CDT
You are not alone.
Jul 15, 2012 @ 1:14 CDT
The one issue I’m having is keeping track of who’s who at any time. I tend to know the characters by their appearance, which is obviously an issue in a body-swap anime. Thus, I tend to get lost when people swap, and can’t tell who they are at first. This should change as the series goes on and I identify their personalities more, though…
Jul 15, 2012 @ 1:49 CDT
That’s likely expected by the staff, and part of the experience.