This isn't the first time this model has succeeded. In 2013, both Oregairu and WataMote garnished immense popularity by using a character the audience could relate to, through teen angst and depression respectively. And as much as I'd like to lump Himouto! Umaru-chan in with those two, it feels different. It's not some one-off attempt at being relatable, but a series that wants to tell a story through the eyes of its audience. And I completely hated it until I came to that strange realization.
While beautiful and endearingly polite on the outside, the titular Umaru turns to a horrible blob of laziness as soon as she arrives home. She lives with her older brother, Taihei, who thankfully brings no themes of incest to the table. As Taihei's a strict and punctual businessman, the two don't exactly get along. All that happens between the two from there on does nothing but highlight Umaru's much-needed flaws (bad behaviour ahoy), but also makes you feel pretty sorry for her older brother. His patiently putting up with her and loving her regardless is what ends up turning the theme on its head—it's a critique of the consumer as much as it is a critique of Umaru, even though the characters are too one-note to allow it to work. With all of this trickery going on, the entire premise is much more suited to a drama than the mangaka may realize. Since a better option is available, it becomes pretty disappointing to see the conventional slice of life comedy route being taken every step of the way.
Aside from the aforementioned two, the entire cast is fairly unremarkable. You've got your shy oppai twintail girl, the energetic rival, and the mysterious tsundere who has a crush on Umaru. Taihei also has two coworkers, who unknowingly happen to be related to two of Umaru's friends (sigh). Moreover, we don't get to know very much about these characters beyond their basic stereotypes. Everyone's certainly able to provide a few laughs along the way, though it always seems like a distraction from the real matter of familial tension. The team behind the anime seems to have a quota to fill for uninteresting or typical scenes, so you never get more than a five-minute glimpse at the better material. It's a sadistic game, and the way it's dragged out is extremely frustrating. In the last episode, about four of five prior misunderstandings or lies are perpetuated. Not only does this keep the plot from progressing, but the frustration is furthered when the final scene alludes to the lack of development in Umaru. As I've said before, joking about such a serious problem instead of combatting it is a dire mistake.
Complaints about the literary portion aside, it's probably the best-looking show of the Summer 2015 season. Dogakobo is clearly proud to prove that you don't need detailed cuts or any exotic art direction to make something look great, only nice colours and consistently smooth animation. If one thing were to set the mismatched anime aside from its competition, this would be it. Have you not already seen it, I'd advise you to look up the OP for the show. Aside from the catchy nature of the song itself, it's a fantastic showcase of what I'm talking about.
So even though I wouldn't recommend the anime, you can't exactly go wrong with it. It's inconsistent in a lot of places and somewhat hard to actually wrap your head around, but you'll be sure to get a few giggles and a grand treat for the eye. Lest I forget, Sylphynford is a total cutie. If you end up having a little more fun with it than I did, you have my envy.
