REVIEW: ‘Tropical-Rouge PreCure,’ Episode 16 – “The Witch’s Trap! Laura Was Captured!”

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Last week in the tropi-cool Tropical Club, Laura and Minori had a Freaky Friday experience when they switched bodies thanks to the aqua pot! But, difficult as it was for the girls, they ultimately found a new appreciation for one another, and together, they were able to save the day with the other Pretty Cures. Now, in Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16, things are getting hairy. And based on the title, the plot will kick in hard, with Laura potentially going MIA!

Episode 16, “The Witch’s Trap! Laura Was Captured!” starts with the girls enjoying some good ol’ melon bread at the top of the mountain together. It’s a sweet start to the show, though viewers probably will notice the very suspicious title, which hints at Laura’s capture. Post-OP, however, we’re not back with the girls to see Laura get captured. Instead, we’re with the Witch of Delays.

Thus far, the Witch of Delays has been in the background. She’s popped in and out of the show but hasn’t played a major role. Well, this week, it looks like even the Witch of Delays has found some motivation. But before we get any more about her, we’re back with the girls, who are planning another adventure. The girls are snacking on ice cream in a scene, though Laura doesn’t look quite so enthusiastic. In fact, she’s quite quiet and very pensive, a major change for the chatty mermaid. When she and the aqua pot go missing, Manatsu starts to suspect that something bigger is happening. However, it looks like it’ll take all the members of the Tropical Club to find their fishy friend.

Actually, the one who finds her is Minori, and what ensues is a compelling scene. It’s made even more touching and impactful because of the events of episode 15 and their body switch. While I’ll leave this to viewers to enjoy, I will say that it definitely deepens Laura’s character and makes her a lot more complex as a lead. Moreso when Laura is back with Manatsu, who just doesn’t get what Laura’s risking and what she needs from the Pretty Cures.

In the back half of Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16, the villains get villainous when they realize a central problem: the aqua pot. If they steal it, then they prevent the Pretty Cures from taking back the motivation they steal. It’s a quick taste of what viewers can expect to see in the remainder of the episode. Speaking of the remainder, we have to talk about this episode’s biggest—and honestly, most expected—surprise.

And y’all? We get a new transformation sequence that feels really, really fun. It’s the same basic form, but a few new elements in the opening sequence freshen things up. Better yet, this is followed up by some delightful fight sequences that look good and feel good. It helps that Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16’s Zenzen Yarane-da is a tricky one!

And I know what you’re thinking: what’s better than an updated base form transformation sequence? Well, a cliffhanger, which is exactly what we get left with for Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16. It’s a good hook, too, and has me very excited for next week’s episode, especially once the plot kicks in and things start shifting in gear, giving Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16 a bit more momentum.

Last week, I critiqued the show for having one too many plotless episodes. Well, clearly, Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16 heard me and decided to up the ante and prove me wrong. While Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16, and the entire series, remains thoroughly aimed at a younger audience, don’t get it twisted. Tropical-Rouge Pretty Cure is very much a show with a message, plot, and twists. So, while I fully stand by my review from last week, I also think that Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16 is a huge step up and a return to pushing the plot forward in a fun way.

Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16 continues the goodness that is this show. But, it also shows that, as with many children’s media, there are definitely hidden depths. I wasn’t expecting such a perfect new episode, but here I am, head empty, no thoughts, just Tropical-Rouge PreCure Episode 16. I really hope that the follow-up episode next week is just as good. That said, I have a feeling that it will be, and I can’t wait to write about it!

Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure is now streaming on Crunchyroll.