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Rating: 8.5/10 & 8/10

Impressions:

So I guess Gonzo probably got robbed or something, since the quality of episode 19 is just so damn appalling. Well ok, it’s appalling, but not ugly or stupid like Yoake’s quality. The main thing you’ll notice when watching episode 19 is that shadows are almost completely neglected, and the in-game scenes are actually more detailed than the real world scenes. The second is the choppiness – obviously a severe lack of frames. It felt like it was with eight or less frames per second or something…yes horrible. BUT, the actual show is actually very, very GOOD. Uh-huh, that’s right, NHK ni Youkoso is STILL getting better every episode. We get to see how screwed up everyone is in that episode, such as Iinchou’s (the class president) unlucky past, her brother’s non-existent life, as well as the complete downfall of Mouse Road. There’s no silliness and random meant-to-be-funny-but-aren’t scenes; most of it is juicy drama that I love so much! It’s nice seeing both Iinchou and her brother get their lives back at the end; some nice conclusions to two side characters, allowing Satou, Yamazaki and Misaki to retake the roles of lead characters once again. Iinchou, having finally (and accidentally) ridden herself of her brother, decides to go back to college and start her life over. Her brother, out of desperation, crawls out of his house and pleads for a job at the take-away store. After a while, he manages to overcome his hikimori ways and regains the ability to be in public.

NHK ni Youkoso reforms on its quality with episode 20, though the story doesn’t live up to the expectations gained after watching episode 19. With the end of that arc, the show ‘cools off’ with a ‘restarting’ episode, one that comes immediately after a climax and resolution. This episode focuses on Yamazaki and finally presents a new goal for him and Satou. Yamazaki’s troubling past is revealed, and it seems that he will have to return to his father’s farm after a month to take over. This means their ero game needs to be finished within that time, and if it is successful enough, Yamazaki will be able to stay and continue with his game designing career. This will probably amount to one of the climaxes in the episodes to come, which will definitely be interesting to watch. I especially like the idea of Satou succeeding at something in life. Misaki also needs to return to the fray, since she still hasn’t gained any important role (as her helping Satou has become old and routine). I’m expecting some drastic changes to occur in the upcoming episodes, since it would be kind of lame for the show to end smoothly. Completion of game, Yamazaki getting to stay, Satou succeeding in life and getting together with Misaki…all of these things could happen, but they better not happen without many expenses and obstacles in the way. I’m also quite curious to know how many people are still watching this show and haven’t dropped it yet. It’s turned out quite good actually.

Preview:

Next episode – #21
Yeah I know I’m very behind…

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