Ousama Ranking has superb visuals every week. We’ve seen hints of what they can do with their cast, but this week two of the primary supporting characters come into their own. As everyone expected it’s…the (not-so) dead king and the stepmother?!
Let’s start with Hiling, who is rapidly climbing my character tier list. This…this is advanced tsundere. One might even say realistic. Hiling is a woman who may lack a delicate touch, but she’s not the evil stepmother we all thought. Although our introduction to her was declaring Bojji being unfit to be king (which, in all fairness, was true), we’ve seen under her harsh demeanor a heart of gold. On her background: it’s only for a split-second, but it looks like Bosse met her at a convent – that would explain some of the social difficulties. Dorsche (our viewer vehicle of the week) calls her – “…so awkward” but declares her someone worth guarding. On that note, Dorsche was clutch this episode – the best is when he grabs Queen Hiling, noting that Daida-sama’s body probably shouldn’t be opened up in the middle of the throne room. Rina Sato is spot on as Hiling’s VA, and the Queen’s overall character progression has just been handled perfectly. All the first impressions have been turned upside down, and I’m decidedly on Team Queen.
Which brings us to another first impression that’s proven false – King Bosse. The more and more we’re learning about him, the less kingly he appears. Sure, he’s got the brute strength (most of any King in rankings, apparently), but as far as clear vision of what to do, he’s a little lacking. I would say Bosse is behind on overall vision, but he’s putting his pieces in good positions: no matter the outcome, he’s going to benefit. Maybe he’s a better politician than king? I would say his talent development is off the charts too – maybe Miranjo is just a great head of HR? The relationship with Miranjo/Magic Mirror is definitely weird – the doll dancing scene was…a bit creepy. Still not 100% sure what to make of that yet.
I guess in fairness to Bosse, he was just happily dead, then found himself resurrected into the body of his kid, so maybe he’s just trying to get his bearings. (Nice job proving his identity to Hiling – I think that’s so on-character, but still a bold play: crushing wood (carbon) into a diamond with sheer strength. Is that toxic masculinity masquerading as being romantic or a suave move? You decide! Probably depends on if he was hot). Still seems like Bosse is playing both sides here, so we’ll have to watch if he’s looking out for number one or if there’s a virtuous king in there after all.
We didn’t see much of the Underworld lads this episode, but I’m happy to have court intrigue as long as it’s developed well and in a manner that isn’t complicated just to be complicated. Poor Daida though – seems like he’s going to have plenty of time to reflect on his douchery. Last week I said this would probably be a fairly enjoyable action show; this week has me thinking the ceiling might be a bit higher. Until next time!
