Anime-Gataris

Episode 8

Last week Anime-Gataris left us hanging, but it's finally time for the conclusion. There's nothing tense or surprising about this predictably happy ending, but “Arisu Can't Make Enough Money” is a charming depiction of Minoa's support from her friends, her family, and her school at large. From a clever and thoughtful idea to involve the entire school in the anime club's project to their laughably crude final product (that's still full of heart), the anime club's triumph wasn't anything monumental, but it was certainly a sweet underdog success story.

Remember when Dad went to “the sea?” Turns out he was right there volunteering at Comiket! Now, in Minoa's hour of need, her otaku dad—and supportive mom and big sister—are coming to the rescue. While Dad quotes Amuro from Mobile Suit Gundam and Kamina from Gurren Lagann to voice his support of Minoa's new hobby, Big Sis does her part as Pretty Girl A, while Mom asserts that Dad's passion for anime is awesome. To anyone whose parents and siblings rolled their eyes for years at your dumb anime hobby, it's an otaku fairy tale. I don't know why Anime-Gataris spends a portion of every intro scene focusing on Yui's charm points for fanservice—the real fanservice is all in this anime fan love and acceptance.

Backed by her supportive family, Minoa is ready to reprise her directorial role—but she's worried her friends aren't on board after they stand her up. Surprise! They were just too busy working their butts off to get the anime out on time. Once the anime's in the bag, the next step is to ensure they can fill all the seats in order to keep their club from getting shut down by the increasingly irrational student council. And what better way to do that than to share the love? They don't look at the giant stage and seats to fill as a curse, but a spotlight that ought to be shared. Just as they support one another's interests, the club members decide to give other clubs a moment in the sun with “Club Anime Talks,” where they discuss what the clubs are up to while viewing relevant anime. (My favorite fake title of the episode? The Fresh Prince of Tennis, which is hopefully a new Will and Jaden Smith co-production.) It's a hit—everyone shows up, even our Comiket pal Beibei!

Of course, the star of the show is "Space Girl Magical Robot Travels to Another World, Where She Sings and Dances, but in the End She Ascends to Heaven and the Two Are United,” the crudely drawn anime that really feels like a homemade production. Little details, like Mom unwittingly sabotaging Dad's lines, Miko's fujoshi leanings, and the Arisu cheer meter, make it really feel like something a group of teens might come up with.

Since this is basically the plot of Love Live!, the anime club takes the premise one step further with a live ending song and dance. You've seen it in the credits of every Anime-Gataris episode before, but it's given new life with the audience's cheers. It's another reflection of Anime-Gataris biggest strength—its unabashed love for its otaku viewers. It's a bit predictable, and I wouldn't even call the reveal of a new Big Bad a twist because it's so formulaic, but for anime fans craving acceptance, this episode is like a big warm hug.

Rating: B+

Anime-Gataris is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Lauren writes about geek careers at Otaku Journalist.