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When I watched the first few episodes of 2x2=Shinobuden, I was
ready to write it up as one of this seasons' classic shows.
Unfortunately, they never seemed to figure out how to build on that
strong start...
8a - Shinobu Becomes a Monster
It's cultural festival time at Kaede's school, and she needs a few
extras for the haunted house exhibit. Who better to pick than Shinobu?
Given how innately un-scary Shinobu is, just about anyone would have
been a better pick. Things get complicated when Onsokumaru gets
involved, though...
8b - Strange Plant Goes Crazy
There's a plant in the ninja school gardens that's used to improve
jumping technique - as the plant grows, you're jumping will need to get
better, goes the theory. While the Sasuke have a small plant to work
with, Shinobu somehow seems to have been landed with a 10-foot tall
alien man-eating plant. How cute - until the plant decides Onsokumaru
would make a tasty snack...
9a - Girl Takes a Bath
Hot Springs episode - and an opportunity for Onsokumaru to see the
girls naked - or so he hopes. Shinobu and co aren't about to let him
have his way so easily, though...
9b - Kaede Catches a Cold
When Kaede catches a cold, Shinobu's first in line to volunteer to look
after her Trouble is, with both Shinobu and Onsokumaru wreaking havoc
in her room, Kaede's having trouble getting the one thing she really
needs - sleep. Seeing how pampered Kaede is while she's sick give
Onsokumaru an idea, too...
10a - Ninja Enjoys Christmas
Christmas is coming, and Shinobu's holding a party at the ninja school.
Problem is, they way Shinobu describes it, it doesn't really sound like
fun - so Kaede takes it on herself to come along and show them how a
Christmas party should be done...
10b - Ninja Gets Cursed
Spring-cleaning time at the ninja school - while cleaning, Shinobu
& some of the Sasuke find a secret passage, and end up getting
lost. No sooner is she out, than she's lost in another passageway -
only thing time with Onsokumaru. With the passageways full of traps,
will they make it out in one piece..?
More of the same, again, although these episodes raised more of a
snigger with me than the previous set I watched managed to. The humour
seems to be relying more on the echhi than before, which is another
sign of the series seeming to lose its way a bit, though.
No sign yet of 'dark Shinobu', as featured in the OP sequence - I'm
now watching as much out of curiosity to see what that's all about as
anything else. Shame - after such a good start Shinobuden really seems to have run out of steam. |
