ReLife Episode One begins by introducing us to the main
character who bears a visual similarity to the protagonist from Bokura wa Minna
Kawaisou. This guy is 27, which is immediately different from most anime
protagonists, and it’s shown that he has a seriously hard time getting or
holding down a job, to the point where his parents are currently financially
aiding him. Randomly, pops up Walker Yumasaki from Durarara AKA Yoake Ryou and
sets in motion the main plot: the protag, named Kaizaki Arata, will take a pill
to look like a high schooler again with all living expenses paid as part of a
project and a job will be offered to him after the year ends should he succeed
with said project.
First off, the premise of this show was quite interesting to
me. After hearing of a protagonist who was not yet another regular high school
boy, I was ecstatic. But after finishing the synopsis off, I was disappointed
and couldn’t help but feel like it was just gonna be a regular show.
For the most part, I’m not wrong. The animation is very
standard, and the general aesthetic does remind me quite a bit of Bokura wa
Minna Kawaisou, though extremely downplayed. That show seemed like it was
trying to go for a budgeted version of Kotonoha no Niwa, due to the gloss and
shine of most things in it. And although I thought it was a fine show, it still
didn’t stand out much to me. However, this show’s aesthetic is not ugly. I do
like the backgrounds which at times look painted, but mainly maintain a colored
pencil look to them, which I tend to love, because of the serenity the softness
of colored pencil coloring brings with it.
Still, the aesthetic will not generally make or break a show
for me, which is where we get to the writing. I thought it was just fine,
though we can already see some storylines writing themselves right off the bat.
There seem to be two possible love interests in the form of Kariu, the coughing
redhead, and Hishiro, the quiet genius. Just from glancing at the Wikipedia
page for this show and looking at past shows with similar premises, I get the
feeling that the protag will lean towards Hishiro and break her out of her
shell, as Kariu seems fine on her own, and might even grow to like Mr. Show-Off
AKA Kazumi Ouga.
Overall, though, it was fine for a first episode, though if
I have anything to say, it’s that I want a ton more exposition on the ReLife
project that Walker Yumasaki AKA Yoake Ryou is conducting. We’ve gotten hints
on what’s what, though nothing concrete, probably cause it’s the first episode.
Also, my hopes are that Kaizaki ends up romantically entangled with the
teacher, should he return to his real age. I know it’s very unlikely, but their
chemistry is great, and I personally think they’d make a great couple. Plus,
the age different between them is just right.
That was it for this episode, though. Thanks for watching,
and I’ll see y’all later.
