The World Is Dancing, a series that ignited with infectious passion, seems to be encountering its first significant stumble with episode 9, titled "Concealed Feelings." While previous episodes navigated minor flaws with grace, this installment has left a distinct chill, suggesting potential deeper issues within the anime's core.
A Faltering Spark
My initial sense of unease settled in during a scene where Oniyasha, Zojiro, Ishiya, and Chihara convened to strategize. This was a prime opportunity to see these characters interact as allies, brimming with expected banter. However, what struck me most was the realization of how little investment I've truly developed in them after nine full episodes. Oniyasha remains a strong anchor, but the supporting cast, crucial for enriching the narrative, appears to lack a certain distinctive spark. Chihara, while charming, feels increasingly one-note, and her recent decision to improve literacy, while positive, doesn't seem to be accelerating her character arc significantly.
Ishiya, despite his best efforts to support Oniyasha, struggles to leave a lasting impression. To be frank, without external notes, recalling his name would be a challenge. It's not a critique of the character's potential, but rather the pacing of their development within the anime's current run.
Character Concerns Deepen
It is important to acknowledge that there's still ample room for these characters to evolve and distinguish themselves, potentially in future adapted material. However, this concern about thin character development is particularly pertinent for an episode like "Concealed Feelings," which functions as a table-setting installment. Such episodes heavily rely on the strength of their ensemble and nuanced writing to be truly engaging. Unfortunately, much of the first half of this episode felt undeniably dull. This underlying sense of apathy is a growing worry, potentially threatening to overshadow the remaining episodes, regardless of their earnest intentions.
Tone Troubles and Disturbing Introductions
Compounding these issues is the introduction of Yoshimoto, a character whose portrayal is jarringly out of sync with the show's established tone. This freaky old pervert, first glimpsed weeks ago, makes a full and disturbing entrance. The broad, sleazy humor surrounding him, particularly an uncomfortable scene involving a pubescent boy's fingertips, feels profoundly misplaced. It deviates sharply from The World Is Dancing's usual sensibility, and the commitment to this unhumorous bit is perplexing. Even if the real-world historical figures of Motokiyo and Yoshimitsu had a relationship that blurred mentor and protégé lines, the anime's chosen method of depicting it feels entirely inappropriate and poorly executed within the narrative's context.
Technical Glitches and Lost Passion
The episode also suffers from another instance of botched subtitles towards its conclusion. While the missing lines from Chihara and Ishiya's new song might not be as narratively critical as the previous "Komachi at the Gravepost" incident, it remains an irritating oversight. What adds to the frustration is the irony: after previously wishing to witness Oniyasha's creative process, this episode provided just that, yet it failed to deliver the expected satisfaction. The initial episodes of The World Is Dancing pulsed with such vibrant, infectious energy. Now, as the season progresses, one can't help but wonder if the flame of this anime's captivating potential is beginning to dim, despite a significant portion of its story yet to unfold. This dip in quality in "Concealed Feelings" marks a concerning moment for a series that started with such promise.
