Mr. Osomatsu

Episode 16

Episode 16 is another solid entry in Mr. Osomatsu's decidedly chaotic second cour. It's also the first episode this season to utilize the two-segment format found in some of series' best installments. As we've seen in the past, this format provides stories with sufficient breathing room without giving them time to wear out their welcome.

Following a cold open that finds the feline-loving Ichimatsu working at a cat café, episode 16's first story is one of the funniest Fist of the North Star/Mad Max parodies I've ever seen. (Incidentally, working at a cat café seems like the perfect job for Ichimatsu. Too bad he'd rather be a cat than work with them.) After a worldwide nuclear war, the Earth has become a barren desert-like wasteland. Despite resources being scarce, the people who inhabit this desolate world aren't concerned with food or fuel but moisturizing lotion. Because of the relentlessly hot climate, cracked skin is abundant, causing people to start bleeding profusely at a moment's notice. To make matters worse, Professor Dekapan (who in this reality is a Mad Max-esque warlord) is hording copious amounts of lotion for himself. However, the doughy despot's empire quickly comes crumbling down when the F6, decked out in “end of the century” garb, charm his subordinates with their alluringly good looks and “aw, shucks” demeanor. Even though Dekapan eventually agrees to share his lubricant supplies with the suffering masses, everyone would rather slather the bishonen-ized Matsunos with their slippery spoils.

Like the dearly departed series premiere, this segment shows off Mr. Osomatsu's fantastic knack for parody. Lubricant taking the place of water and other essential resources in the Mad Max and Fist of the North Star-type setting is a clever idea. Looking back, I have no idea how the Fist of the North Star cast managed to protect their skin. (Shin probably had a lotion reserve the size of Dekapan's.) If only more post-apocalyptic thugs could be taken down by the power of seduction. Since everyone—man, woman, and child—is weak at the knees before the F6, this story almost seems like a piece of fanfiction penned by the Matsunos. Then again, with the possible exception of Jyushimatsu, I can't picture any of the boys willingly sharing the spotlight.

Although the second story is arguably Mr. Osomatsu's most down-to-earth piece of storytelling to date, it's also one of this season's funniest offerings. When Ichimatsu enters the boys' surprisingly well-kept bedroom to find Karamatsu snoozing on the sofa, he uses this opportunity to try on his brother's trademark shades and leather jacket. However, his game of dress-up is soon interrupted by Osomatsu, who arrives home from the pachinko parlor much earlier than expected. In an effort to hide his true identity, Ichimatsu does his best to adopt Karamatsu's cartoonish persona. Unfortunately, Osomatsu is very intent on carrying on a conversation with his “painful” sibling. (Seriously, he's never paid this much attention to Karamatsu before.) As the bit wears on, Ichimatsu's attempts to cover his tracks grow progressively more overblown, culminating in him (falsely) confessing his affections for his eldest brother.

Even with only half the sextuplets present, this story manages to amuse from start to finish. Comedic tension radiates off the screen each time Ichimatsu nearly gives himself away and Karamatsu comes close to waking up. Who knew the most emotionally subdued Matsuno had been suppressing a desire to try his hand at Karamatsu cosplay? (Apparently, Osomatsu is just as eager to dress up as his least favorite sibling.) Ichimatsu-as-Karamatsu's confession to Osomatsu and the incestuous misunderstanding that closes out the segment are the highlights of this funny story.

Although the latest Mr. Osomatsu lacks a unifying theme, both segments are a riot. Like other recent installments, episode 16 fluctuates between flights of fancy and slice-of-life fare without missing a beat. Regardless of your comedic sensibilities, you're sure to find something to like this week.

Rating: A

Mr. Osomatsu is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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