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Episode 4 Review: Navigating the Absurd World of Dead Account
The latest episode of Dead Account thrusts viewers deeper into a wild world where cell phone demons wreak havoc, and humor appears to sprout from self-awareness. Episode 4, subtitled “The Worst Trio Possible,” showcases our trio of protagonists: Soji, Kiyomi, and Kasubata. As they battle outlandish threats in rather mundane settings, this episode raises the stakes on what it means to be “terminally online,” making it both entertaining and cringe-worthy.
The Attempt at Humor: A Double-Edged Sword
In this latest outing, we see the characters grappling with the bizarre nature of their online personas while embodying tropes often associated with the shonen genre. However, the humor largely misses the mark. Most jokes revolve around the notion of self-awareness, where characters accept their roles as some of the less savory individuals on the Internet, yet the delivery often feels forced.
A Lack of Comic Relief
The attempts at humor mostly boil down to one-liners that feel akin to stale memes, leaving audiences wondering if the writing team truly understands Internet culture. For instance, Soji’s penchant for flame-baiting serves as an adequate setup, but the execution is limp. The backdrop—a Best Buy surrounded by cell phone demons—moists a perfect setting for slapstick gags. Yet, the humor hardly takes advantage of its absurd premise.
Kiyomi: The Terminally Online Fan
Kiyomi takes the cake when it comes to embodying online fervor. Sporting a “Parasocial Pistol,” her attachment to her “oshi” (favorite character) blurs the line between fandom and obsession. The joke about her weapon shooting goo adds comedic tragedy but lacks deeper implications. Is this what it means to engage with digital culture? This flat characterization makes it hard for viewers to relate, or find humor, which is a missed opportunity for a show focused on online interactions.
Drama in Demonic Encounters
Navigating the chaotic world filled with demons, viewers are treated to a somewhat disjointed experience. The episode culminates in a bizarre confrontation with a demon steeped in slang and online rhetoric. Lines like “Who are you calling uggo? I’m totes apologetic”—while attempting to represent the cringe atmosphere of online interactions—feel out of touch.
A Struggle for Originality
The demon’s appearance and behavior paint a picture reminiscent of past characters from other shows. Audiences might find similarities in character designs or fight choreography that evoke the style of previous popular works, detracting from the uniqueness of Dead Account. This recycling of ideas leads to a feeling of dread—shouldn’t creative storytelling pave the way for new memorable characters and plot dynamics?
The Soundtrack: A Mixed Bag
On a more positive note, the accompanying music, although less impactful than before, has started to grow on listeners. The opening theme features catchy guitar riffs that—while not groundbreaking—provide enough energy to keep the viewer engaged through the more challenging moments of the episode.
Reflecting on Character Dynamics
The interplay between Kasubata, Soji, and Kiyomi continues to be a focal point. Kasubata’s calm demeanor is an intriguing contrast to the erratic behaviors of his companions. His line, “Plenty of people have given up after their first mission broke them,” resonates deeply, capturing the essence of an anime that finds itself amid balancing chaos and character development.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Watching?
While Dead Account grapples with delivering both humor and engaging content, this episode may divide viewers. The humor, at moments, feels tired, while the absurdity of the situation begs for better comedic execution. For fans who have stuck around thus far, episode four may just prove to be another hurdle in their journey through Dead Account. Yet, if the show can capitalize on the insanity of its concept and deepen character development, future episodes may still yield treasures worth following.
Ultimately, whether you’re enjoying this wild ride or waiting eagerly for improvements, one thing is certain: navigating the world of Dead Account is anything but boring.
Dead Account is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
