“Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” Season 2 Episode 6, titled “Running Away From Home, Huh?” or “Looks Like A Runaway, Huh?” depending on the translation, takes a detour from the usual antics of Aharen and Raido to focus on Aharen’s siblings. While the episode provides a glimpse into the lives of the Aharen siblings, some viewers felt that the absence of the central duo, Aharen and Raido, made this episode less impressive than usual.
A Change of Pace: The Aharen Siblings Take Center Stage
This episode marks a significant departure from the established formula of “Aharen-san wa Hakarenai,” which heavily relies on the comedic interactions between Aharen and Raido. In this episode, the spotlight shifts to Aharen’s siblings, offering a deeper look into their personalities and relationships.
Raido’s Sister’s Embarrassing Predicament
The episode possibly draws inspiration from Chapter 134, which features Raido’s sister running away from an embarrassing situation. Like her brother, she tends to overthink and jump to conclusions, even when the reality is quite harmless.
Could Aharen Be the Runaway?
Another possibility is that Aharen herself is the runaway, perhaps triggered by a minor misunderstanding. This scenario aligns with the series’ penchant for comedic situations arising from Aharen’s inscrutable nature and Raido’s overactive imagination.
A Missed Opportunity?
While the episode attempts to explore the supporting cast, some viewers felt that it fell short of expectations. Without the dynamic between Aharen and Raido, the episode lacked the usual comedic spark that defines the series. The humor, which often stems from Raido’s exaggerated interpretations of Aharen’s behavior, was noticeably absent.
The Allure of Goofiness
The series thrives on its lighthearted and silly nature, with Raido and Aharen’s antics at the forefront. These elements create an engaging experience for the audience. The series’ charm lies in how it positively portrays its characters, inviting viewers to laugh with them rather than at them.
A Few Redeeming Qualities
Despite the criticisms, the episode wasn’t entirely without merit. Eru’s attempt to learn skateboarding was a cute moment that stood out. However, even the episode’s best moments paled in comparison to the usual comedic heights of the series.
A Matter of Spacing
Following a more sincere episode, some argue that this episode’s lack of comedy further contributed to its underwhelming reception. Sincere moments work best when spaced out within the series’ predominantly goofy framework.
Final Verdict
Overall, “Aharen-san wa Hakarenai” Season 2 Episode 6 is considered a middle-of-the-road installment. While it had its moments, the absence of Aharen and Raido’s usual dynamic left a void that the Aharen siblings couldn’t quite fill. Whether Ren is exploring self-image or experimenting with self-expression, the support Reina offers is heartwarming. The episode scores a 4.3 community rating.
