I know, I gotta stop making this a habit. This is the will of bad luck. 

—-

Heading straight for the final stretch, I feel that what these two episodes accomplished is something a little more than just random. Given how episode nine generally felt haphazard and somewhat lazy, episode ten decided to kick it up a notch and try to conclude the series with a more powerful theme, namely the wonders of friendship. Yeah, I know I sometimes make fun of the friendship thing time and time again but in Binbougami ga!, it seems like the right road to take because of how different Ichiko is from Momiji in more than one little way. And whether they know it or not, those differences are what brings them closer together no matter how little they want to admit their subtle and quiet fondness for one another. 

Episode nine contains more of the funniness that is expected of Binbougami ga! It’s the typical hilarity that comes up from little content and fills up time with relative ease, except for the cooking half when a second misfortune goddess, Kuroyuri, dies of horrid cooking. I don’t get why she even tried to eat something that had been screaming out in agony but she is just another unfortunate victim of Ichiko’s awesome luck. Besides that minor blemish, it would be most of the things you’d expect from this series, and for all the One Piece and Prince of Tennis fans, the cameo and over-exaggerated focus is a welcome add-in to the conveyor belt of parodies. And the thing about girls not being able to cook (or cook the right food) somehow doesn’t get old, though I do suggest that everyone do learn to cook — it’s a great skill to have. 

Episode ten, I thought, kills all the funny buzz. It feels like it contained much more story and backbone agendas than strings of jokes, insults and parodies. Even as the so-called Toilet God shows up, I couldn’t get myself to laugh. Is there supposed to be some kind of fascination with a giant lump of poo? Really though, I couldn’t see the humor element playing a major role as much of what happens deal with Ichiko’s double-edged sword circumstances. As consistency proved thus far, everyone who has been on her good side has suffered. This episode proves that anything can feel the side effects of her amazing fortune. 

However, there is a bailout to all this. Apparently, anyone can turn into a god. I don’t know if that is supposed to be the random occurrence of the episode but the darn cat turns into a beckoning goddess, which leads to Ichiko not really getting it. To be honest, that could be just me feeling somewhat dismayed after nine strong episodes of seeing her struggle with those she connect with. The only bright spot I can agree to is that it shows that Momiji cares for Ichiko in her own way. It’s quite roundabout but point proven — friendship doesn’t always have a direct line to resolving difficult matters. 

To me, it’s anyone’s guess as to how Binbougami ga! will end. If all plays out well, Ichiko and Momiji can see eye-to-eye without needing to kill one another in a malicious manner. I still expect some insults thrown around for good measure but I think we can agree that they will get closer and even respect one another. I am not sure what the bathhouse episode will attempt but if it means Keita gets another go with Ichiko and perhaps even get Ranmaru more active again, then I can envision some of the usual comedic scenes popping up to check off the must-dos of the genre. 

Episode nine and ten were totally different in delivery but the transition has been made for the last few episodes: lesser of the random stuff and more of the real deal involving Ichiko’s fortunes. 

GO Rating: 3/5

Dragon Ball Z shout-outs will never cease, huh?