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For any viewers tired of Voice Actor Radio…talk about all-out attempts at melodrama, this tenth episode might be a welcome reprieve. This week's entry simply introduces Yasumi and Yuhi doing a crossover episode with some of the other voice actors (and featured radio hosts) briefly seen in the series. Next up is a low-stakes seiyuu sitcom that I'm sure will please many people. It's a character-focused relationship that works as much as a sketch show as an entry in an ongoing story, and while it's light enough that I can't rate it too highly, it's solid. Certainly serves its purpose in a gentle way. half an hour of enjoyable television to start.
Half of this episode is simply an in-universe game show in which the main characters, along with the returning Otome and Mekuru, compete on stage in one of those talent competitions/variety shows that are so popular excel in this industry. At the first pass, it would be easy to think that Yasumi and Yuhi, as a duo competing against solo performers, would have some advantage. But you have to remember that they are terrible at everything. That's why I love them, though. Also, like all presentations like this, the real goal is not to see who wins but to enjoy what kind of entertainment will come from it.
The Radio Voice Actor's multi-layered character schtick means that, despite its difficulties, it's designed to make the most of fictionalizing this type of setup. For example, Mekuru's whole fangirl-turned-tsundere co-worker routine means that the personality play starts before she gets on stage with everyone. It's funny to watch Yasumi appreciate her through her sincere answer about what she knows is Mekuru's true personality combined with her still not quite up to par with her compartmentalized professionalism. that. And of course, it's interesting to see Yasumi and Yuhi put aside their differences for the chance to win a meal at a fancy barbecue restaurant.
It's all very sincere and enjoyable in a way that doesn't feel like it's completely worshiping at the feet of this industrial park's most brazen pleasures. When Otome does her fakest impression of a schoolgirl's love confession, it's especially funny because she's over 30. Sure enough, it turns out Yasumi and Yuhi's attempt to win that meaty meal was part of a sweet plan to invite Mekuru out with Otome as a thank you. But they lose to Otome anyway, and as a result, the final meal becomes an exercise in Mekuru's drinking interspersed with her foolish feelings for Otome as she struggles to separate her personalities. mine. It was an interesting but really exciting time.
This keeps the sitcom setup simple without straining Voice Actor Radio's often flagrant production values. Any major movement in the talent show is montaged, and there's not much to ask from the second half scene where the girls sit around the table grilling meat. Instead, facial expressions convey the incredible layers of effort and comedic emotion that the characters are going through in all this silliness. If you just want to have a relaxing time watching idol voice actresses fail in Whose Line Is Whatever? sketch, followed by a scene of them smashing large beer mugs while revealing their secret feelings for each other, welcome to the show.
That last paragraph provides enough meat for this entry, and it functions as an entry into the current story instead of a season-ending bonus episode. Yasumi is still having trouble with her current anime role and naturally takes the opportunity to hang out with Otome and Mekuru to ask them for some advice. The real cause of the problem turns out to be that Yasumi is hindered by her rivalry with Yuhi. Otome articulates this interesting career paradox: how wanting to surpass a talented colleague can inspire you to stronger performances, but that colleague can be a source of advice best for that endeavor. The pride that drives someone like Yasumi means she may be avoiding the opportunity to improve her skills and grow closer to Yuhi, and as Otome points out, that's a situation where Yasumi could must regret. With an important point in her upcoming performance, which is the turn Yasumi finds herself in at the end of this episode, it means that this silly little path turns out to work quite well in charting the path as well. of Voice Actor Radio through the end of its season.
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The voice actor's multifaceted radio station is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Chris' many sides include rewatching anime, playing rhythm games, and treating himself to way too many Transformers toys. You can find him posting about all of this and more above Twitter or occasionally dig deeper on the blog.
Disclosure: Kadokawa World Entertainment (KWE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, is the majority owner of Anime News Network, LLC. One or more companies mentioned in this article are members of the Kadokawa Group.