We’re finally getting a look into Kaizaki before the ReLIFE program, and interestingly enough, it’s through Ryou’s moments leading up to their first confrontation. Kaizaki is Ryou’s second chance, as his first test subject didn’t produce much results. That we already knew. What we didn’t know however, is that the outcome of the first experiment may have had something to do with Ryou’s mishandling of the situation. Ryou feels somewhat responsible for what happened, as during the experiment he was torn between two approaches for supporting his test subject: hands on or hands off. He was rattled by his employer’s judgment as well, but ultimately he feels that it was his fault. Continue reading →

Taking a break from the wacky school antics, ReLIFE decides it’s time for a little change in scenery by having this episode take place almost entirely in Kaizaki’s apartment. But just before we get there, we get a glimpse into what’s on Chizuru’s mind as the cold open is a scene of her searching “heart stirring pangs” on the internet. Hilariously enough, the show’s parody search engine asks if she meant “love”. So of course I immediately googled the same thing, but sadly that’s not actually how the internet works. Most of the results were related to actual heart issues and not the budding romances of delicate young teens trying to understand their emotions. I got a good laugh out of it though, so good job Chizuru. Continue reading →

Within every episode so far, there has been a reminder that Kaizaki is old. Usually in the form of a half-baked joke, ReLIFE can’t seem to get away from just outright telling you that this guy is actually a 27 year old man that looks like a high school student. Now, considering this is the entire premise of the show, and that we’re already on episode 5, you’d think we’d be past the unsubtle explanations. Things like his actions and the way he talks should be enough to illustrate the point. I just don’t want to see the same lame joke anymore of someone acknowledging he’s like an adult only for his inner monologue to have that gut check moment of wondering if they’re on to him. No one’s on to you, Kaizaki. Now let’s move on. Continue reading →

Quite an interesting spotlight on Kariu this week, as her envy and self-loathing seem to be throwing her down a spiral of depression and eventual regret. Things got dark in episode 4, and kinda stayed that way to the very end. But before we get there, let’s address some issues. Continue reading →

Episode 2

I find it odd (and interesting) that Kaizaki so boldly approached Chizuru for the first time. It was the lunch scene; Kaizaki leaves his table of friends to go talk to Chizuru who seems to be at a loss with the cafeteria staff. She can’t get food because she didn’t bring money and she hasn’t yet obtain her special pin which constitutes as a “food pass”. Kaizaki doesn’t know this yet as he walks up to her to check. I guess he expressed a little interest in her from the previous episode, but it didn’t seem like enough to greet her out of the blue like that. Is this supposed to say something about Kaizaki’s character? Somewhere along the line he learned that approaching people, especially girls, was no big deal? And that it’s easy to be straightforward and honest with people right off the bat? I’m not understanding where his attitude comes from, considering he’s a NEET I wouldn’t expect this extroverted behavior. That being said, I like where it ended up. They had very delightful conversation and revealed more of what Chizuru is like, sparking what seems to a very promising friendship down the road. I just thought his motivations in this part were a little fuzzy and/or untold, which was strange considering the show has done a pretty good job so far of expressing what’s on Kaizaki’s mind via inner-monologues and such. Continue reading →