Episode 5 of The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl brings a mix of danger, self-discovery, and budding romance to the forefront. Sofia, still navigating her newfound gorilla strength, finds herself in a series of unexpected situations that test her courage and force her to confront her feelings.
A Crate Escape and Soul-Searching
The episode opens with Sofia trapped in a wooden crate, a result of Carissa’s scheming, and transported to an abandoned school building. Concerned and motivated by the unusual circumstances, Sofia uses her gorilla strength to break free. However, she hesitates to return to the party, her anxiety about Alene’s reputation weighing on her. She questions whether the suspicious note that led her on this path was merely a prank, contemplating abandoning her role as a squire.
It’s at this moment of doubt that a squirrel appears at the window, reminding her of the one she encountered in the school courtyard. Opening up to the squirrel, Sofia reveals her inner thoughts and feelings, unknowingly setting the stage for a major reveal.
Danger Lurks: A Bomb Threat
Sofia’s introspection is cut short when she overhears two suspicious men, leading her to discover a hidden bomb. Driven by a sense of responsibility, she grabs the bomb and leaps out of the window, determined to get it away from the party and protect everyone.
This act of heroism, however, is met with mixed reactions from viewers. Some criticize Sofia’s subsequent actions, questioning her decision to run to a deserted area and seemingly contemplate sacrificing herself with the bomb. Others question her logic in kicking the bomb into the sky, potentially increasing the shrapnel’s range.
A Confession and a Hidden Listener
Amidst the chaos, Sofia confesses to the squirrel that she has developed feelings for Louis. Unbeknownst to her, Louis is likely listening in through the furry friend. The anime subtly hints at Louis’s connection to the Squirrel God, suggesting he might be able to communicate with squirrels or have a symbiotic relationship with them.
Louis’s reaction after the bomb incident further fuels this theory. He avoids looking at Sofia, implying that he is embarrassed or uncomfortable knowing about her feelings, especially since she is unaware that she confessed to him through a squirrel.
From Bullies to Besties? A Sudden Shift
One of the most criticized aspects of the episode is the sudden change in Carissa and her cronies. The bullies seemingly apologize and become friendly with Sofia, a development that many viewers find unconvincing and “cringe”. Some argue that this abrupt “heel-turn-face” lacks proper development and feels forced. Others suggest that Carissa’s feelings towards Sofia were hinted at in earlier episodes, making the shift less surprising.
Overall Reception: A Mix of Praise and Criticism
Episode 5 has garnered mixed reviews from viewers. Some praise the episode for its focus on Sofia’s personal growth and the budding romance with Louis. Others criticize the episode’s plot contrivances, Sofia’s questionable decision-making, and the unrealistic redemption of the bullies.
Some viewers find Sofia’s character increasingly irritating, describing her shyness as “grating”. They feel that the comedy relies too heavily on her being a “pushover,” and her actions often elicit a “cringe” response.
Despite the criticisms, some viewers remain intrigued by the series’ premise and are curious to see how the relationship between Sofia and Louis develops, as well as the unfolding bomb plot.
Key Takeaways and Fan Theories
- Louis’s Secret: The episode heavily implies that Louis is connected to the Squirrel God, possibly explaining his affinity for Sofia and his ability to “hear” her confession.
- The Bomb Plot: The revelation that the bomb plot was real suggests a more serious conflict is brewing, potentially giving Sofia and Louis something to focus on beyond their personal feelings.
- Sofia’s Character Arc: While some find Sofia’s shyness frustrating, others believe that she is slowly learning to accept her strength and use it to help others.
- Animal Powers: The series continues to explore the concept of animal blessings, with Sofia’s gorilla strength being a central element of the plot.
Final Thoughts
Episode 5 of The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl is a mixed bag. While it advances the plot and explores Sofia’s character, it also suffers from questionable writing choices and abrupt character shifts. Whether these issues will be resolved in future episodes remains to be seen.
