Akiba'S Trip The Animation

Episode 13

With all the members of Electric Mayo back in action, it's time to beat up the baddies and save Akihabara. While the rest of the team links up with the Akiba vigilantes to get rid of the government henchmen, Tamotsu and Mayo set out to deal with the real enemy. After fighting their way through a labyrinth of traps and enemies, they finally reach Mayo's villainous grandmother. Negotiation doesn't seem to be a viable option, so they solve things the old-fashioned way—with a big final battle and a whole lot of collateral property damage.

By action genre standards, this is a very by-the-book finale. Minor characters from past episodes return to support the main heroes, a few big secrets are finally revealed, and the power of friendship triumphs in explosive fashion. Akiba's Trip checks off all the usual genre boxes, which may help explain why the results are a little underwhelming. This series is a comedy about otaku culture, and coloring inside the lines has never been its strong suit. Decisions that would seem reasonable in a straightforward action show feel too cautious here, especially when compared to the more outrageous content that has defined many of this title's high points.

At least some of that willfully goofy spirit manages to come through in the smaller details. The descent into the Metrotica headquarters gives the series a chance to let its geek flag fly, starting with the video game controllers that act as the security system for the secret entrance. There's also some fun to be had watching Tamotsu and Mayo stumble through every trap in the book before beating the stuffing out of their resurrected foes. It's in these early scenes that Akiba's Trip remembers not to take itself too seriously. The results are far more entertaining than the eye-catching but predictable battle later in the episode.

There are also some attempts at emotional drama, most notably in the context of Mayo's family history. We get the big clash of ideas between generations and the inevitable references to past tragedies, but there simply isn't enough time to make them work. With a season-long storyline to wrap up, this episode can only mention these subjects briefly before moving on to the next plot point. Had Akiba's Trip spent more time developing this family conflict early in the season, it might have had more to work with here. As it stands, the only noteworthy moment is the exchange between Mayo and Tamotsu at the end of the episode. While it's nothing big, it's still nice to see their relationship take a step forward.

So what we have is a standard-issue ending seasoned lightly with the flavor of Akiba's Trip. It's technically competent, but I can't help wishing the series had gone for something less predictable. When you start with a ridiculous premise and a self-aware sense of humor, it seems like the ending should be as creative and unhinged as possible. Instead of going totally bonkers and leaving a lasting impression, Akiba's Trip plays it safe and settles for a largely ordinary conclusion.

That's been a key element of my frustration with this series throughout the season. Akiba's Trip has been an uneven ride, torn between flashes of creative energy and a reluctance to go all-in on its most appealing aspects. At its best, it's been able to poke fun at otaku culture and celebrate it at the same time. At its worst, it's been too tame and uninspired to make the most of its subject material. In a season full of clever and energetic shows, it was a pleasant but forgettable distraction.

Rating: B-

Akiba'S Trip The Animation is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.