Tatami Galaxy -- Tomihiko Morimi

Experiencing the show

Episodic Review

My overall experience with the show was a bit fluctuating. I started watching the show during a long long travel and found it difficult to catch up with the subtitles for the first 2 episodes, but it grew on me quickly, so no problem faced because of that. The first 3 episodes were amazing for me. I loved the repetitive premise of the show which added a sense of humor unparalleled to any other show because the show is self-aware as well. Things got a bit flimsy for episodes 4 and 5, and I honestly was a bit bored for the next 3 episodes because of the overall theme of the arc, I didn’t seem to relate with the main protagonist much (which seems like a primary theme of the show). Thing to be noted is I wasn’t bored of the repetitive structure but the overall plot of that arc (episodes 6, 7 and 8). The show took a completely different turn from episode 9 and the pay-off of episode 10 and 11 was amazing. Everything was tied up together neatly despite feeling impossible to do so.

Overall Review

Overall the show was a entertaining watch for the most parts. The characters feel very innocent and stakes are never high yet the characters take all actions seriously which adds to the humor of the show. The plot is okayish. I strongly believe that there was a huge scope of improvement here. But again I realise that plot isn’t the main point of the show anyway. Which brings me to the visuals. I absolutely loved the visuals and the occasional switch to real footage for a few frames. The animation of the show is definitely one of the highlights of the show and has to be applauded. It was the animation that still had me gripped during the times when I felt bored of the premise.

The theme it revolves around

For me, Tatami Galaxy displayed characteristics more of an abstract piece of art. By this I mean that the theme of the show is what it is trying to communicate and not the plot. Tatami Galaxy according to me, revolves arounds how the different choices we make affect us in the long run and that our choices may not really affect our nature all that much. It also dwells into trying to get the most of the present moment and grabbing opportunities to change the status quo. Even though this theme is a bit overused, the show still managed to keep itself distinct due to it’s distinct art style and unique way of storytelling. I overall loved the premise of the show and won’t mind watching the same formulaic episodes again sheerly because of how they are presented.

The thoughts I had during and after completing it

Okay so I’ll be lying if I said that the show’s ending didn’t hit me hard. As someone who spends most of the time in his room, I really felt attacked. The way the protagonist realises all the things he could have done and reminisces over it, I can’t say that I haven’t felt the same feelings before. I do realise that I could have been that popular kid in my music club or that person who had a close group of wing-mates in the hostel but I actively chose (and keep choosing) a life of solitude. These thoughts really made me question my actions a lot. Moreover, this show was a perfect metaphor for the shift I am about to embrace in consuming media, a very throwaway kind-of approach, not waiting for the ‘right’ moment but just grabbing the first opportunity to experience the piece of art, trying to make the most of the present moment.

Negatives

The main complaints I have of the show are that of not taking itself seriously. The show, under the mask of being aesthestic and abstract, feels stretched at times and the plot could have been tighter mid-way into the series. A show can be both high conceptual and yet make a stance for being cohesive. The author should have put in more effort into the plot and made it entertaining apart from it’s visual and narrating nature.

Final Verdict: 8/10

I would have rated it a 7.5 but the show just rounds itself off because of its marvelous theme and the hilarious moments sprinkled through out the show. Still feel that I overrated it a bit.