Appmon 42 review

[davetheanalyzer]

This was more hilarious than I expected from the previews and that’s to the episode’s benefit.

Eri deciding she would resign from Appliyama 470 after Leviathan itself decides to openly become the first AI CEO is sad but understandable. Not only her conscience wouldn’t allow her to work with someone who hurt humans and Appmon alike and plans to dominate humanity, she would be in great personal danger working within the belly of the beast. The decision is tough for her to leave the group that meant so much to her and drives Dokamon to tears but she believes she can continue being an Idol in some capacity. The wider media of course merely sees this as a fascinating development in the world of technology and I think only the Appli Drivers and maybe a few other people know the true danger this open move signifies.

Rei’s infiltration with Eri of L Corp was pretty smart, since he already did it once before and has to come in with a disguise. What starts tying him up hilariously is that he isn’t used to the schmoozing and politeness required to keep cover. Does he just not care about social etiquette or has he been alone with few human interaction so long that he he’s rusty. Whatever the case, his interactions with Erena and Alice were hilarious. The latter pair seem friendly but they know their worth enough they aren’t going to take rudeness from a manager. Rei not caring and correcting that the greeting “good morning” was accurate at that time and then struggling to remain polite throughout was very amusing. I love that the subtitles shrunk in time with how quietly Rei said good morning.

It was nice to see Rei help Eri’s manager Anezaki with some system problems and him embarrassed at her calling him a genius. The Choo-choo jelly routine was also amusing and makes me wonder if that kind of food is sponsoring Appmon. In-universe, I suspect that he has eaten normal food before but searching for Hajime means he depends on the jellies so much. Him having to be the Happy Jumping Mouse mascot made me wonder about the health and safety legalities of putting a rando in a costume. It was funny, especially with Hackmon knowing what the special jump is, but Erena’s interesting point about performers having to put personal feelings aside to make their fans happy makes an interesting connection with how Rei had to put some of his own feelings aside to make Hajime happy.

Eri and the others’ appreciation of him jumping and going all squeaky voice seemed to have an effect. After passing all the security robots (Are their action functions known to the L Corp staff and/or the wider world or not?) and being guided by opening and closing doors, he and Hackmon along with the boy Appli Drivers find themselves among a Sleepmon pack who’re more aggressive than their sleepy appearances imply. After being overwhelmed, I can understand why some of the other Appli Drivers want to retreat but I can also understand why Rei refuses to leave. A third L Corp infiltration might be impossible. Stuck in a corner, I liked that Rei’s solution was to Jumping Happy Mouse and kick the Virusmon, and that Hackmon seemed to instantly know the action he was going to do. It was inspired by the memory of making Hajime smile with food and the action makes the Hajime Sleepmon laugh. Their reunion was sweet.

Though I agree with Haru that it just seemed too easy. There were the security robots and the Virusmon and Sleepmon, but Leviathan all but led Rei and Hackmon to him and Hajime Sleepmon drifting away seemed little more than perfunctory. Not to mention the “Task Complete” This is all part of Leviathan’s plan, since Hajime plays a special role, but I’m at a loss for what that role is.

Other stuff: Yuujin says things two times that lead to Rei glancing at him. I’m not sure if it’s just annoyance or he has suspicions. I hope Yuujin’s mind control eyes will be answered soon. Eri not joining her friends was a bit distracting but understandable since she had Idol duties and couldn’t act too openly under Leviathan’s eye. A bit off-putting but since she has done much good story stuff already, I can let it slide. A bit.

Next episode is about awakening Hajime Sleepmon with Appmon Championship shenanigans, where the extra Appmon will get back their due, Rei smiles, and Leviathan goes Difmtwk? Whatever the silliness, I suspect there’ll be some shocks.