Not much to write about this one, Ataru and Lum go on their first date.
I should give you more as this is one of the stronger episodes so far. Like Pitter Patter Christmas Eve, it focuses on the actual relationship between Ataru & Lum. But there’s no threat here, it’s just Ataru slowing appreciating Lum a little more. And when he briefly thinks she’s gone at the end, he actually misses her. That moment will be expanded upon in a later episode that was voted the best of the series when the show originally ended.
For now though, this simple plot works because of some great writing and even better poses. There’s some really nice body language at work in this episode, particularly in the early scenes of a hot summer day in the Moroboshi house.
Lum steals Ataru’s little black book of phone numbers threatening to rip it up if he doesn’t take her on her first date. First they go to the swimming pool, until Lum electrocutes all the male swimmers who are lusting after her. Then they meet Perm and his new girlfriend and go on a double date with them roller skating. Finally Lum gives Ataru back his book, but he’s no longer in the mood for girl chasing having actually enjoyed his day out with Lum.
The song “Moonlight Coaster” makes an appearance in the series at the roller rink, unlike “Hoshizora Cycling” this doesn’t make it’s way to the credits. Can’t remember if it gets reused again or not.
EDIT: More comments because this episode is kinda lingering in my mind.
Perm’s probably the second most interesting Stormtrooper to Megane. He’s the only one who seems to have some kind of life, but yet is both still obsessed with Lum and a little afraid of Megane. Ataru asks what would happen if Megane found out he was actually on a date in this episode. I don’t recall the other two getting this much personality, but I could be wrong on that.
I’m curious if this is actually based on a manga story or is an original work for the anime. Taking Beautiful Dreamer as Oshii’s ideal vision for the series, this is a lot closer in tone than anything except the aforementioned Pitter Patter Christmas Eve.
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Hiroyuki Hoshiyama returns with this episode (last seen on episode 17). Little unsure on Kanzaki Mitsugi as they seem to only be credited on UY and no other anime. Possible pseudonym? It’s certainly what’s on the credits in the show and not just a wiki mistake.
Screenplay: Hiroyuki Hoshiyama
Storyboard: Kanzaki Mitsugi
Director: Mamoru Oshii
Animation Director: Hayao Nobe