Aria the Natural: Episode 10 Commentary

The Heartwarming Town and Its People

Watching the episode to this episode, I could almost hear Aika’s voice saying, “No being acquainted with everyone in town allowed!”

This is a powerful episode for me. The way Akari goes around making friends so easily is really something to see. It’s a warm feeling to see everyone get along so well. No one’s in a rush. No one’s in a hurry. People have time to talk with one another. It’s not that, though. It’s Akari’s ability to start a conversation with anyone. It’s something I’m unable to do, and that’s one reason I like Akari so much as a character.

Even though she didn’t get her shopping done, Akari helped to make memories with the Cait Sith marionette. The puppeteer would have made memories with the one doll alone, as evidenced by Aika and Alice remember the one doll, but the girls who watched this show will have two dolls to recall.

It’s too soon to say for certain, but Akari may be one of my overall favorite characters, from any series. I typically have a favorite character from each series I watch, but if I took all of them and determined which are my top favorites, it’d be a difficult task, because so many would fall short. Actually, giving thought to favorite characters, the only one I can think of who comes out on top is Scrooge McDuck, based on the life he’s lived, and what he’s done with it. Akari Mizunashi and Scrooge McDuck. What an interesting pair to be top favorites.

Still, it’s too soon to say whether Akari will stand atop that pedestal.

As I final thought, I smiled ever time Alice said, “Aye-aye, Sir.” Somehow, it felt out of character and in character for her at he same time. She places herself in a rivalry with Aika, but when they’re interested in the same goal, she’ll follow along with enthusiasm. She’ll never be that favorite character material for me that I expected when I saw the first episode for her, but I like the direction she’s taken this series.