I wish they’d redeem Mirai already.
So we could move onto more meaningful and interesting storylines.
So we don’t have to gnash our teeth at her bitchiness and then do an about face when her inevitable yet predictable redemption comes near the end.
I wish they’d just make focus on Mirai for a couple episodes and then use her as an observer for other possibly more interesting situations. In other natural disasters (e.g. Katrina), we saw many compelling stories and issues raised: the lack of government preparation, class/race conflict, a serious lack of aid and resources (this episode barely touched on this with a throwaway scene where a family couldn’t eat), etc. But here we are, stuck watching the trials and tribulations of two little kids and their surrogate mother. Is this bad? Not necessarily and Tokyo is watchable for what it (currently) is, but it could be much better. It could really give us a true ground level experience–weaving multiple narratives about everyone affected by disasters. Instead, we’re stuck with a limited perspective, a story of Mirai’s gang. The most we’ve really gotten so far is “people are out for themselves, but Mari is awesome!” Or am I just expecting too much? Yes, Tokyo could end up doing everything I mentioned above, but it’s already the third episode and this is a short series (I heard 11 episodes). It’s one of the best shows this summer, but I’m still disappointed.
Moe Sucks 
“this episode barely touched on this with a throwaway scene where a family couldn’t eat”
Um, what did you expect? It’s been only a bunch of hours after the earthquake? I don’t think that those things matter yet at this point. At the moment, most people are just too busy getting home.
Anyway, I’m loving this series. It’s true that we’re only getting a limited perspective on the whole earthquake, but this way we can really sympathize with the three lead characters as they try to get home.
I was merely pointing it out. But that’s another issue. It’s moving so slowly. Three episodes and barely anything has happened. They saved Yuuki, they got on a boat.
I understand what they’re trying to do by limiting the scope. I’m saying it’s a waste. They have the opportunity to do more. Really, an earthquake hits Japan and we’ve only been treated to the story of two kids. Yawn. Especially when Mirai is so manufactured to get a response out of the viewers.
True, but then you’d run into the danger of stepping in the “been there, done that”-territory. If the series would start focusing on a large scale, resources and racial issues it’d just end up as a Spirit of the Sun ripoff.
As for Mirai being so manufactured to get a response out of the viewers… isn’t that the point of all anime characters? I mean, this anime would be pretty dull if we had a stereotypical harem lead in her position.
I doubt Spirit of the Sun exhausted every possible storyline. I’m sure Tokyo’s could come up with something, a variation that feels contemporary. Besides, being similar to Spirit of the Sun should be the least of Tokyo’s worries; we get an “earthquake devastates Tokyo” premise and it’s yet another story that centers around a shoujo. Yes, there’s also Mari and Yuuki, but you don’t think it’s a little passé to focus on yet another schoolgirl?
I’m not asking for a stereotypical harem lead and I don’t think I ever implied that. What I mean is that they’re going out of their way to make her extra bitchy that it’s kinda laughable. I don’t believe her character for an instant. I just think it’s pretty silly they’re going to such lengths to make Mirai unlikeable just so she can undergo character development. And let’s say I’m wrong–she never changes–then what a completely horrible character. Either way, she is serving as a foil to Mari’s extremely magnanimous and saint-like persona, but in a way that the contrast is so contrived.
Hardly a waste, if my enjoyment is any indication.
Mirai is a very interesting and relatable character, who forms a nice triangle of contrasts with Mari and Yuuki.
Your disappointment is your own business though, and I’m not saying you’re wrong to feel that way.
Mirai certainly brings out a lot of critisizm in others, but deep down you have to look on the other side and ask yourself how you would respond during an earthquake.
Certainly you wouldn’t be perfectly calm and trying to figure out what to do. You’ve lost everything…certainly you would be frustrated and confused. Really provokes some sympathy and understanding.
I never denied this. I merely feel Mirai’s behavior is over the top, i.e. the writers are making an example out of her, but I’m just gonna agree to disagree because there’s no point playing armchair psychology.
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