Keep your pants on Futaro!
Our previous review mentioned how it was disappointing that the anime skipped out on stuff from the manga that should’ve been covered in the previous episode. As it turns out, it definitely was for the pacing since what was lacking in the previous episode was covered in Part 2 of the Seven Goodbyes arc. Sadly, there’s still no sign of the Labor Thanksgiving Arc. The third episode of The Quintessential Quintuplets Season 2 covered Chapters 43-45 of the manga.
Quick Recap
Here’s what you missed in the last episode:
Tension rose to boiling point as Nino and Miku got into a heated argument that quickly escalated leading Itsuki to slap Nino in the face.
Nino and Itsuki left the house refusing to settle their differences until the other one gives in and apologizes.
Futaro sees a familiar face – the girl in the photo that he met in Kyoto 5 years ago.
The full review of the previous episode can be found here. Before you proceed with this episode’s review, be warned, spoilers ahead!
Rena: Fact or Fiction?
As disappointed as we were because the anime skipped on a particular event in the manga, it redeemed itself by the inclusion of those events in this current episode. We’re pertaining to the conversation that Futaro had with Rena, the supposed girl in the photo. While we won’t dive into the actual conversation they had, we’ll dissect this particular scene as it raises some confusion for the audience.
First of all, the appearance of Rena in that particular timing kind of throws the audience off. Assuming that particular event really happened and Futaro wasn’t imagining it, it will debunk the theory that the girl in the photo is actually one of the Nakano sisters.
Second, the way Rena talks to Futaro appears inquisitive but it seems as though she’s fully aware of what is happening in his life especially with the lack of shock with everything that Futaro has said.
Third, upon witnessing that exchange, one is forced to think whether it actually happened or not. Was Rena even real at that point? Why did she appear there in the first place? Why that particular timing?
Time to grow up Nino!
While Nino continues to struggle to accept how Futaro is affecting her sisters, we saw her in a completely different light in this episode as she has now grasped the reality that each of her sisters have already developed a sense of unique personalities from each other. It also shows that Nino is finally realizing that she too needs some growing up to do.
On another note, she might have also developed a soft spot for Futaro upon hearing his sob story. Apart from apologizing for what she did in the previous episode, she even went out and said that no matter how tactless he is, she still believes that there’s still at least one girl that will fall in love with him. (Hmm, is that girl named Nino?!)
This entire sequence touches on Nino’s growth as a character as she’s the most sensitive out of the quintuplets. It takes a great deal of strength to acknowledge the fact that the world does not revolve around you and one way or another, you’d have to take a step back and adjust.
New Panties for Yotsuba
Apart from Nino, Yotsuba was also caught in a pinch. Being known as the quint who has the best set of athletic abilities, she was recruited to help the track and field team in their upcoming competition. Her personal dilemma, however, is her struggle to say no to people in need.
While being helpful is a great trait to have, it’s a completely different story when you set aside your priorities for the sake of others. That may seem admirable for most people but if you always put others first, you’ll be the one who ends up not getting anywhere.
This is the perfect time for someone to keep you in check and make sure you realize what’s happening. Thankfully she has Ichika to do that for her with a heartwarming exchange that shows an older sister’s love for her younger sibling. That and an opportunity to embarrass Yotsuba by making sure Futaro hears about her childish underwear.
There’s a lot to take in from this episode primarily because of the appearance of Rena. Quite honestly, it still doesn’t make a lot of sense. But it's also interesting to see Nino and Yotsuba being forced to grow out of their shells. We should also watch out for Nino and Miku’s encounter as that was a great closing scene worthy of praise albeit its subtlety. What’s going to happen when someone who is only starting to try and leave the nest faces off with someone who has already left?
Part 3 of The Seven Goodbyes arc of the Quintessential Quintuplets Season 2 airs on January 29, 2021 at 1:28AM (JST).
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Rena’s appearance causes confusion for the audience as the authenticity of the actual event is questionable
As Nino struggles to adjust with all the changes that’s happening, she shows a hint of growth and maturity as she tries to grow out of her own shell
A heartwarming exchange between Yotsuba and Ichika shows the audience how an older sibling looks out for the younger ones.
Nino and Miku’s encounter is one to watch out for
Official Anime Website: The Quintessential Quintuplets ∬
Official Twitter: @5Hanayome_anime
What's your take on Rena's sudden appearance? Let us know in the comments below!
