I was not expecting such a nuanced take on makeup but I loved all of it. I love that this show manages to take a completely absurd premise and use it to deliver a monologue (verbatim) that describes such a real experience, and that’s just the first half of the episode. We end up exploring a discussion about confidence, self-determination, self-image, societal norms, and even take a detour into how self-deprecating humor can become harmful. And after all that, we have a coda with mom’s more toxic side–again, couched in her (genuine!) protectiveness and concern for Kuroe–contrasting her reaction with Minami’s.

The construction right outside the cosmetics shop is an obvious metaphor, but also used as a deft bit of worldbuilding, what with Kuroe constantly rampaging through the city now. I like it.

Minami-kun fascinates me as a character. He’s the stereotypical “perfect boyfriend”, always knowing exactly what to do and what to say, loyal and affectionate, all I can see is green flags. It would make him such a boring character, except the thing where he clearly should be noticing that his girlfriend regularly transforms into a kaiju!? Which makes him either very dumb (which is a little interesting…), or he does–must?–know Kuroe’s secret?? I think this tension is what really carries him as an interesting character.

So King Kong joins Mothra and Godzilla. Curious to see how this friend group develops.