Well we seem to have hit that “climactic middle” where a series ties up its exposition and proceeds to charge forward into the core of the story’s premise—often times in a new direction than its preface, which can propel the show towards success or actuate its demise. Fortunately, Ano Natsu choreographed this one perfectly, and its reassuring to know that my read on anime hasn’t degenerated completely as Kaori’s reasons for making a brash move at Kaito were pretty much what I had predicted.

I continue to be amazed by the success—both by the story and the flawless implementation of fresh, unadulterated enjoyment—of season frontrunner Rinne no Lagrange, and if there’s a series that could match it perfectly by the following criteria, it would be Ano Natsu de Matteru hands down. Both have undoubtedly made a name for themselves in the short span since their debut, which only attests to their achievement.

That’s three points for Kuroda Yousuke for employing yet another perfectly-timed and captivating cliffhanger. As for a solution to the “fifth wheel” dilemma, I’m beginning to believe the only way for things to end peaceably is to end the series as a harem with two boys and three girls. Why not?

Simply walking away and acting like it never happened isn’t a terrible way of escaping that awkward moment when you find out that someone likes you. It may not be a permanent solution to the problem at hand, but it’s probably the best choice when your both living under the same roof.

Ano Natsu de Matteru played a perfect hand this week in following up a heated night of drinking and games with a mellow, yet nonetheless hilarious day cast in all the right places in terms of setting. By now I have myself convinced that my knack for choosing the ‘winners from the losers’ each season on the first try is not much of a “knack” at all—I’m wrong nearly every time!

Using her alien vocabulary and impressive sempai-maturity (… and class-act sob story), Ichika has managed to make the transition from seductress to house-sitter while Nagami is off on business. And there to make sure things remain uneventful and PG-rated is the jealous and accusatory Kanna-chan.