Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube

Episode 12

So who else predicted that Tamamo Yoko wouldn't stay a mere villain character forever? I was pretty sure that he'd eventually end up begrudgingly assisting Nube to destroy the Remugyo (Big Creepy Wormy Thing) that laid its slimy eggs in all of those poor, writhing elementary school students. The show doesn't shy away from the fact that all these little kids are being used as unwilling incubators for disgusting, slithery eel-like monstrosities, sucking up their life force before hatching like something from the deepest nightmare of every nervous herpetologist. Tamamo finally has had enough of standing by on the sidelines, deciding that having an infestation of hideous abominations abroad in the city probably wouldn't be in his own best interests either.

It isn't until Nube has worn himself down, repeatedly attacking the perpetually-healing Remugyo, frantically attempting to force it to leave the safety of its fog, that Tamamo deigns to offer assistance. The fight against the child-violating monstrosity (and I'm not referring to Tamamo himself this week) requires teamwork not only between Nube and Tamamo, but the boys of the class, too. The climactic battle is taut and exciting, with some of the show's better action animation on show, Nube displaying even more supernatural badassery than usual, plus it's emotionally resonant due to how everyone works together for a common goal.

I admit I found it hilarious when the utterly inept police department showed up later, you know, after the sinister fog cloud, repeated firestorms, and child-impregnating slime beast had been dealt with, and of course, they only interviewed the two teachers without a clue what actually happened. They don't question any of the children who were almost all made to hatch unwanted parasitic offspring. It's a wonder anyone still wants to live in this city, or attend this school, considering how much otherworldly insanity it seems to attract. Are all of the adults caught in a collective delusion where everything is “fine”?

The final scene where Nube explains the secret of his powers to Tamamo is cloyingly sweet, but I'll forgive it. Despite his goofiness, clumsiness, and occasionally skewed moral compass, Nube truly loves all of the kids in his care. He's willing to move heaven and earth to protect them, including putting himself in harm's way. I think this does seem to get through to Tamamo, especially as he blushes when the girls start fawning over him again for his role in saving them. I wonder if he'll return later in a less antagonistic role? I'd welcome that, as I never found him particularly interesting as an enemy.

Finally, my wish from last week was granted – we see more of Tamamo's cute fox girl friend! Whom I now discover is called Tsuwabukimaru, and, contrary to appearances, according to the Hell Teacher Nube wiki, is actually a boy. Welp, guess I like fox boys now.

How do I tell my wife?

Rating:

Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube is currently streaming on YouTube.

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