Random Sampling: Futakoi Alternative
Ah… Twins
Critical info:
- Vintage: 2005
- No. of episodes: 13
- Episodes sampled: 6 & 7
- Notable personnel: not really
- Origin: Sequel to Futakoi
- Themes: Detectives, action, twins, harem?
Futakoi Alternative is one of those series I missed the first time because it was in one of those “dark periods” where I wasn’t watching much anime. This particular sample, of a series that is on some level about a guy who takes over his dead father’s detective agency which is located in a strange world full of twins (I think), reveals the two flaws in my random sampling system.
First, I’m always tempted to hit the middle episodes, where you’ll often see a change of direction in the series. TheBigN talked about this series in particular having a major one. And, if I find that I really enjoy the episode(s), I’ve probably run into serious spoilers for the time when I start it over and watch for real.
I’m not too sure about the spoilers, but I did really like these couple episodes, and I could sense the directional change (toward the serious) without having too much knowledge of what was going on. Other than that, there seems to be a lot of madcap action and, dare I say, zaniness to be enjoyed in Futakoi Alternative. Plus Rentarou smokes a cigarette in one drag, it’s pretty boss.
From a passing glance at the blogs, including Kabitzin’s posts on the subject, it looks like the series has its merits and its fans. And from the mix of action, laughs, and soapiness I saw, I do believe that I’m going to give it a shot.
This is the bestest harem show EVAR!
You picked two good episodes, but I am afraid you might have spoiled yourself a bit. FA alternates between very fast and very slow action, so that is something to bear in mind. It also fluctuates a lot between zany humor and serious melancholy, but the mix is delicious like a mix of chocolates.
Episodes you have covered are too good. Interesting job!
Episode 1 is one of the best first episodes I’ve ever seen in anime, just to let you know my opinion. And Futakoi Alternative holds a little soft spot in my heart.
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