Mr. Osomatsu

Episode 4

This week, Mr. Osomatsu slows things down and returns to the two-segment format introduced in its second episode. Although parody and meta-fiction have served this series well in the past, the latest installment benefits from shifting the focus to more character-driven humor. Viewers who aren't familiar with the original Osomatsu-kun have largely been left in the dark regarding this show's world and the colorful characters who inhabit it. While episode 4 may not remedy this issue entirely, it's a step in the right direction.

The first story begins with no-nonsense Choromatsu chiding his carefree brothers for their lack of interest in finding work. Since they have a roof over their heads, plenty of clothes, and enjoy three square meals a day, the other five sextuplets see no reason to enter the working world. However, when the boys' newly-introduced parents decide to split up over "creative differences" and sell the house, the brothers realize they won't be able to maintain their kidult lifestyle without financial support. Although Matsuzo, the boys' father, isn't sympathetic to their plight, their mother Matsuyo agrees to take in three of the six sextuplets, provided they can make it worth her while. To win the honor of living with Mom, the boys are put through the wringer in a makeshift group job interview. Some of the boys showcase their strong points and others (most notably Osomatsu and Ichimatsu) stress their vulnerabilities and character flaws in the hopes of winning their mother over.

It's great to finally meet the Matsuno parents, even if they're introduced to us as a couple on the brink of divorce. Still, for a one cour series, Mr. Osomatsu's beginning to look a little crowded. So far, the secondary characters haven't been given much time to shine, although since the sextuplets are so much fun, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Even so, characters like Dayon, who apparently played a larger role in earlier incarnations, seem to be little more than background decoration at this point.

The first segment is where this week's installment really shines. Choromatsu plays an excellent tsukkomi to his layabout brothers, and his straight-man routine calls to mind Shimura Shinpachi of Gintama fame. If the boys used as much cunning in actual job interviews as they used to curry favor with their mother, I doubt any of them would still be unemployed. (Side note: rolling around on the floor and whining about the tribulations of adulthood in front of a prospective employer seems incredibly cathartic. It works for Osomatsu anyway.) The Matsunos' anxieties about leaving the nest and becoming independent should be relatable to any young adult who's overstayed their welcome in their childhood home. These boys are determined to delay adulthood for as long as possible, and the dissolution of their parents' marriage is secondary to their fear of the unknown. However, given the show's continuity-lite nature, I doubt Matsuyo and Matsuzo's separation will carry over to future storylines.

In the second segment, the Matsunos are invited to the home of Totoko, their mutual crush. Each of them is expecting a long-awaited confession, but as more supporting characters and random faces arrive on the scene, it becomes apparent that Totoko has something different in mind. With the unwavering support of her business-savvy manager Choromatsu, she announces her intentions to become an idol and immediately guilts everyone into purchasing exorbitantly expensive tickets to her debut concert. Unsurprisingly, the sextuplets (begrudgingly) buy into the farce, much to the amusement of Iyami. While not quite as funny or ambitious as the story that precedes it, this storyline reminds us that we've all done stupid things in the name of love.

After sampling three different formats, I think Mr. Osomatsu is best served by this two-segment setup. The arrangement gives the jokes time to build off one another and paints a clearer picture of who these characters are. Whereas last week's episode rapidly cycled from one skit to the next, this latest installment gives viewers time to become invested in each individual narrative.

Rating: A-

Mr. Osomatsu is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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