Mr. Osomatsu

Episode 18

This week, Mr. Osomatsu delivers quite possibly its zaniest episode to date. As we've seen in the past, this series can pull off emotional stories and step outside of its comfort zone with finesse, but wackiness for its own sake continues to be this show's strong suit. The funniest episodes have always showcased the characters at their absolute worst, and this latest installment provides the Matsunos and their friends with the perfect vehicle (pun definitely intended) for their self-centeredness, depravity, and all-around jerkiness.

Before the craziness commences, we're treated to a cold open that finds the Girlymatsu-san versions of the Matsuno brothers attending a friend's wedding reception. Not surprisingly, the girls engage in their usual bickering and regard the occasion with a mix of spite and envy. Although the boys often embody the worst aspects of horndog male stereotypes, it's not as funny when their female counterparts exhibit the cattiness and jealousy of a stereotypical melodramatic woman. There are a few laughs to be gleaned from this segment, but I can't help but feel that we're seeing a little too much Girlymatsu-san. This is the third segment to feature the feminized Matsunos since the second cour began, and the novelty of seeing the boys as girls has long since worn off. The jokes in these segments simply don't measure up to the gags featured in the regular skits. At least the girls' latest misadventure was mercifully brief. Unless the screenwriters can find something more original to do with these versions of the Matsunos, I'm fine with taking a break from them.

Shortly before the credits roll, Iyami takes a moment to address the audience. Since he was the antihero protagonist of Osomatsu-kun's late '80s revival, the faux-French swindler is none too pleased about being relegated to a supporting role in the franchise's latest incarnation. Eager to reclaim his role as series protagonist, Iyami organizes a Mario Kart-esque battle race, the winner of which will earn the coveted role of main character. It turns out that Iyami isn't the only one who wants top billing; nearly every first-rung and second-string character throws his or her hat into the ring. (Even Sanematsu, who I thought existed in a completely different reality.) As soon as the race is underway, the sextuplets waste no time in turning on one another—and even Totoko, Dekapan, and Dayon show off how bloodthirsty they truly are. However, Iyami soon gets the drop on his opponents, quickly propelling himself to first place.

Reasoning that he's the only character the show needs, Iyami uses advanced weaponry and a self-modeled satellite system to reduce his costars to ashes, taking out most of the planet in the process. Unfortunately for Iyami, Osomatsu inexplicably survives the purge, and the two of them engage in a fluidly-animated battle royale while attempting to reach the finish line. Despite both combatants pulling out all the stops, the seldom-seen and perpetually silent Hijirisawa Shonosuke pulls off a surprise victory and becomes the show's new protagonist. (Although I doubt the change will truly carry over to future episodes, the convenient absence of a post-credits preview ensures that viewers are kept in the dark.)

Everything from Mario Kart to Mad Max is parodied throughout this episode's Wacky Races-like clusterfudge. Even so, many of the funniest elements aren't parodic in nature—but just pure Mr. Osomatsu. Iyami vaporizing the Earth's inhabitants, turning into a robot, and being doggedly pursued by zombified versions of his victims doesn't even seem out of place in this show's elastic world, although these twists were definitely unexpected. This race is the perfect platform for the cast's wanton self-interest, and since meanness is such a big part of the show's humor, laughs are abundant this week. (He considers himself the "protagonist," but why is Osomatsu's name in the title, anyway? I know he's the eldest brother and the original was called Osomatsu-kun, but despite his titular status, he isn't really the protagonist.)

If you've ever wanted to see the Mr. Osomatsu characters in an all-out brawl within the heart-pounding action of an intense Mario Kart race, or if you're just a fan of the show's darker side, episode 18 should be right up your alley. The characters brought their comedic A-game this week, and many of them have never been more callous. While it's doubtful that we'll be watching Mr. Shonosuke next week, I wouldn't mind seeing the aftermath of this epic battle carry over into future installments.

Rating: A

Mr. Osomatsu is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Amy is a YA fantasy author who has loved anime for two decades.