Ousama Ranking ends its first half with a bang…and a banger of a new OP. Seriously, check it out:
That is clearly my OP of the new season!
After a shaky couple of episodes early on, Ousama Ranking has been nailing the story’s pacing. It’s rare to see a show do well with introducing new faces AND expounding on known characters; I’d say more often than not, shows fall into the character creep trap. Ousama Ranking’s new villains introductions are solid and timely (I’m a little confused by Kingbo’s backstory, although I guess he’s not dead?). These are quality villains too – acting properly back-stabby instead of becoming unbelievably genteel until the story calls for some evil. Looks like spooky, pervert armor fellow is our final boss for Bojji (hopefully).
The Whiteking side-story had me in stitches. I’ve felt that Ousama Ranking’s humour wasn’t it’s strongest point, but that bit hit all the right notes. I’m all for seeing more of our big horsie boi.
The headline development here is the most unexpected ship of the season – Miranjo and Daida. Okay, it’s not really a ship (probably Miranjo and Bosse is more realistic), but it’s definitely….something. Strange that Daida doesn’t realize that Miranjo is the mirror, since it seems like most other people do (except Hilling). From the conversation outside the castle, it seems she became mirror-bound in the war (I’m not entirely sure what that is – I’m assuming the war before Bosse made his kingdom?). Also fun that Miranjo can turn into a diamond – plus she said she’s basically invincible. The plot thickens!
Ousama Ranking just continues to climb my personal rankings (that’s probably a bit on the nose, isn’t it). As we come into the second half, I’m comforted that it hasn’t fallen off – I expected this to be a show that relied heavily on animation instead of plot (One Punch Man Season 1, Fire Force, etc). Instead, we have a compelling story that keeps pulling you in deeper and deeper. I think I’ve managed upon a winner – which is especially fortunate given the rest of this season’s prospects.
Did I mention that the new OP is great?! Some JJK (or even Attack on Titan) OP vibes, with the ambient rotoscope from the Fruit’s Basket opening – I’m a fan!
