Mr. Osomatsu

Episode 11

This week's Mr. Osomatsu is compulsory viewing for fans of the darker side of Christmas. Episode 11's delightfully devilish take on the holiday season calls to mind American Dad's twisted Xmas specials, Michael Dougherty's Krampus, and a touch of Gremlins. The cold open, which features the sextuplets as crazed Santa-suited zombies, immediately makes it clear that this is far from your standard Christmas episode. Even before the opening credits roll, we've seen more blood, guts, and vomit than in a typical Walking Dead episode. (Gintama fans should take note that the aforementioned vomit is unpixelated.)

Like episode 3, this week's installment is a collection of seemingly disparate skits—this time with a Christmas theme. Given the sheer abundance of featured material, it's no surprise that some of these bits work better than others. Tying into the faux-horror theme of the episode, the first sketch finds Ichimatsu (still wearing his Santa costume) sneaking up on a happy couple, taking a seat beside them on a park bench, and ominously glaring at them as they continue their flirting. When the girl suggests that her boyfriend spend the night, Ichimatsu literally burns with jealousy, sending the lovebirds fleeing in terror. The boys' intense urge to get laid has been a consistent gag throughout the series, and I commend the writers for finding new ways to mine it for comedy. If not for the cartoony art style and overblown conclusion, this skit could pass for something out of Silent Night, Deadly Night.

The Matsuno siblings' desire to spend Christmas Eve with girls is a prevalent theme in many of the skits that feature them. From gifting each other Santa-girl porn to turning into love-starved zombies, the boys have girls on the brain this week. When Chibita points out that they need to work hard in order to have something to offer the ladies, they ultimately decide that a girlfriend isn't worth getting off their butts for. (Strange, since they made a small fortune in one night to impress Iyayo and Chibimi last week.) Refusing to put in any effort to get something they want is perfectly in character for the Matsunos, and their self-centeredness never ceases to amuse.

My favorite skit of the episode revisits the bishonen versions of the characters that were prominently featured in the now-unavailable series premiere. (I hope you saw it before it was pulled!) After an unsuccessful stint as a Christmas cake peddler, the bishojo version of Totoko is taken on a magical holiday adventure by the F4-esque Matsuno brothers. Todomatsu and Jyushimatsu somehow organize a planet-wide effort to create a Totoko-themed light display, muscle-bound (and shirtless) Karamatsu sends hundreds of line-dwellers packing in an effort to clear out the city's hottest restaurant, and a nude Ichimatsu happily provides a freezing Totoko with body heat. The segment culminates in Totoko joining hands with all six brothers and laying waste to every love hotel in the city.

It's interesting that life is like an otome game from Totoko's point of view, with all the sextuplets exhibiting characteristics of typical bishonen archetypes. (Yet she generally doesn't seem that interested in them romantically.) Now that we've had a chance to get to know the Matsunos, their bishonen-ized selves are even funnier. (Plus, their different hair colors make them easier to tell apart.) Some of their character traits make perfect sense, like Karamatsu being a cool tsundere guy who's a jerk on the surface. Additionally, Ichimatsu's affinity for animals makes him a great "wild boy." However, Todomatsu being shota-like (because he's a ladies' man?) and Choromatsu being an intellectual (because he has the most common sense?) aren't quite as fitting.

Virtually every supporting character gets a chance to shine this week. Despite his seemingly innocent demeanor, we learn that Hatabou spends the holidays on a massive yacht (the "Mr. FRAG") surrounded by beautiful women. Hearkening back to episode 7's "Going North," this episode features a dialogue-less skit about the bizarrely proportioned Dayon and Dekapan enjoying a fun-filled (and eventually erotic) Christmas Eve. Additionally, "Little Match Iyami" is among the funniest Little Match Girl send-ups I've ever seen.

Mr. Osomatsu may not offer up Christmastime warm fuzzies, but it certainly makes for a laugh-filled half hour. Sure, there were a few too many segments, but the cohesive theme tied them together nicely. In light of how well the Matsunos skewered Christmas, I can't wait to see their take on New Year's and other upcoming special occasions.

Rating: A-

Mr. Osomatsu is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Amy is a YA fantasy author who has loved anime for two decades.