REVIEW: ‘Komi Can’t Communicate’ Episode 14

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 14 is a Japanese Netflix Original anime directed by Ayumu Watanabe and animated by Studio OLM. This slice-of-life comedy anime is an adaptation of the popular manga series created by Tomohito Oda. The voice acting cast for the Komi Can’t Communicate consists of Aoi Koga (Love is War) as Shouko Komi, Gakuto Kajiwara (Fire Force) as Hitohito Tadano, and Rie Murakawa (Re: Zero) as Najimi Osana.

In Episode 14 Komi gets ready and dressed for school, but when she opens the front door is greeted by a typhoon. The school issues a delay instructing the students to wait at home until the storm ends. While waiting at home Komi excitedly watches the storm but gets scared when the power suddenly goes out. Thankfully a particular friend calls to check up on her and keep her company while she waits out the storm. Later that day Komi is introduced to the love game. Meanwhile Yamai Ran is up to something suspicious again as she tries to spend some time with Komi.

Aside from a new opening title sequence and song, what I found to be very cool about the opening sequence is that is a call back to the season finale. The scenes throughout the opening looks like Komi and her friends are making a student film together. The energy of it is lively and creative, and the music matches the energy perfectly.

Additionally, Episode 14 felt slightly less impactful than its predecessor, but that’s to be expected and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. All in all episode measures up to the standards that Komi Can’t Communicate has become known for. From the beautiful illustrations, quality character development moments, and humor that is what makes a  quality Komi episode—accompanied by various wholesome segments that show our beloved titular character trying her best to make new connections and friends along the way.

Speaking of humor, one of the most ironic things about Komi Can’t Communicate, to me is  Komi and Tadano’s inability to communicate their feelings for one another. For a show about characters learning how to communicate and express their feelings better,  it is funny and entertaining to see the moments where they clearly have chemistry with one another.

One moment in particular from this episode is when they are playing the love game with Najimi and Yamai. The objective of the game is for one person to say I love you to the other person, and if the other person blushes or reacts in any way emotionally then the confessor wins. While the game starts off as a way for Yamai to use a ruse to  confess her feelings to Komi to her heart’s content, things take an interesting turn when Najimi challenges Tadano to say I love you to Komi.

Although it is just a game, it is clear Tadano is nervous about playing this game with Komi. And Komi’s reaction afterwards definitely confirms she continues to have growing feelings for him as well. Although, they struggle to communicate their feelings to one another directly, even if it is just a game. Especially for Tadano, who is somewhat of a observation and communication expert. But that is just another appealing side of this show as it continues to build upon the romantic chemistry between the two characters.

Unfortunately, this episode brings my least favorite character back for a few segments, Yamai Ran.  I still don’t know how to feel about the character exactly just yet. She much like many of the other characters is an archetype. In this case she is the yandere and pervert character whose love and devotion for Komi is so strong it manifests in a obsessive and stalker behavior. However, I will say Yami comes across much better this time around compared to her first appearance.  like that the animators and writers have found a tone that works better than the first time Yamai was introduced. For example, it is humorous to see her attempts at sneaking a peek at Komi’s panties foiled at every chance.

Overall Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 14 is worth the watch for a few laughs. Complete with a beautifully crafted new opening sequence, wholesome slice-of-life segments and the developing romantic chemistry between Tadano and Komi. Additionally, I am glad to say it seems the show has found a better balance for Yamai’s character that makes her less cringe.

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 14 is streaming now on Netflix.