So this was an EPIC production and would definetely say this is a MASTERPIECE. The only reason I can't say it's a 10, is because of the format and the fact that I'm too biased for it. Uramichi Onī-san came as a mayor surprise this season. It has everything, being primarily a comedy, slice of life, psychological anime it can easily be so much more: purely a psychological drama if we focus on Uramichi's life, a josē romance if we focus on Utano's life, a sport anime if we go to Uramichi, Kumatani and Usahara's education. Althought I have to say, this anime is not for everybody, no matter how good it is, because we don't all have the same type of humor, so it's a shame not everybody can enjoy this jewel produced by Studio Blanc.
ABOUT THE STORY:
So here I have to put that little bit of criticism: The thing is, there's so much potential wasted because of the format it's presented in. It's pretty common to have ~6min shorts in comedy anime instead of a full +20min linear episode, but this kind of story can totally be told in the longer scheme and still be as funny. The characters allow it, the setting allows it, the interactions allow it; so it's frustrating they didn't juice this plot as much as they should've.
ABOUT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
● URAMICHI OMOTA: One of the best protagonists I've seen in a long time. Likeable, relatable, unintentionally funny every time. Makes you wonder about every aspect of his life and about everything that goes around in his head. He clearly suffers from depression in some capacity due to his abusive father, but it's not too harsh on his present to really drown him with existential dread. He is the kind of character you just want to hug forever.
● UTANO TADANO: the poor woman embodies the tragedy of being in the idol industry. It happens everytime in every girl group that with their 30's comes disbandment, contract termination, even retirement to some. Unlike solo artists, idol groups come with an expiration date and that's devastating for most of them as they grow old. She constantly feels trapped in a place and in relationships she really doesn't want to be in.
● MITSUO KUMATANI: having one of the many punny names, he comes to be the character that keeps the plot grounded in the slice of life genre. Pure of heart, expressionless yet caring 100% of the time.
● TOBIKICHI USAHARA: He was one of my favorites because his the character that seems pretty dumb and predictable but is actually a really well thought out character. He is just too innocent in a way in which he just can't read people that well and always assumes the best of them.
● IKETERU DAGA: he definitely suffers from ADHD. That's about it.
ABOUT THE OPENING SEQUENCE: 「ABC TAISŌ」
The "ABC EXCERCISE" is a genius introduction to the anime. Playing around with the children's show concept and turning it into a mature comedy right off the bat. There's not too much to analyze, you should just chill and flow along with the song.
ABOUT THE ENDING SEQUENCE: 「DREAM ON」
This pretty chill pop song starts by actually describing what the anime is about, like if the creator or creators just told us, the viewers, what they wanted to do in the first place. It then rounds up by giving the message that "you're never too old to dream" and that at the end of the day no matter if we're dreaming or not let's enjoy it, and push throught during the hard times.
