REVIEW: ‘Skip And Loafer’ Episode 2 — “Fidgeting and Wandering”

Skip and Loafer Episode 2 delights in small moments of compassion, anchored by a leading character whose charm stems from her inability not to be herself. The premiere episode of this adaptation was no fluke, with “Fidgeting and Wandering” delivering an equally charismatic character study in a slice-of-life anime that’s bound to become one of spring’s highlights. Directed and storyboarded by Yuriko Abe and written by Tomoko Shinozuka, “Fidgeting and Wandering” finds beauty in the interactions between characters and a greater understanding of what causes them to gravitate towards one another. 

In another series, Mitsumi (Tomoyo Kurosawa) faces a tougher time in high school due to her fish-out-of-water personality and unconscious confidence in spite of that. She’s a teenager, so there’s certainly no absence of awkward moments and social stumbles, as we’ve already witnessed in both episodes. Between last week’s eagerness to prove herself leading to her getting lost on the way to her first day to this week’s ill-timed joke while introducing herself, Mitsumi is still figuring out her way in both a much bigger community as well as how she fits into the social ecosystem of high school. Part of what makes her so refreshing though is that, so far at least, none of her missteps have been attributed to a flaw in personality, but more to her naivete, something that’s already managed to find her a few admirers. 

Her personality directly contrasts Shima (Akinori Egosh) is yet another nice twist in a series that could’ve succumbed to easy tropes and character archetypes. While Shima possesses the cool boy attitude, popular already amongst his peers, Skip and Loafer Episode 2 reveals that all is not what it seems in his laid-back appearance. A few moments hint at this, most apparent when he loses an ounce of his friendliness when he tells of a member of the drama club for hounding him when it’s clear he has no interest in joining or in revealing his ties to acting. 

The most poignant moment though, and one that again highlights the differences between Mitsumi and Shima and why they make for excellent foils for one another, is when the former reflects that despite his carefree attitude, Shima “sometimes seems a little sad.” Simple and to the point, it’s a melancholy beat that focuses on the heart of the story beyond Mitsumi being ignorant of city culture. While out-of-her-depth moments are humorous (especially her all too sincere karaoke performance), she can sense Shima’s insecurities that serve the story best. Mitsumi is so upfront and herself despite floundering, willing to learn and adapt but not change herself or her goals, while popular Shima is guarded. 

Early as it is into the series, the manga written and illustrated by Misaki Takamatsu is beloved, and Skip and Loafer Episode 2 demonstrates why with these excellent character beats and scenes that don’t feel the need to succumb to conflict for the sake of easy drama. A scene early on best exemplifies the tone of the series, as Mitsumi and her Aunt Nao (Mitsuki Saiga)  travel together in their morning commute. Due to the bigotry of onlookers, we learn that her Aunt is a trans woman. Rather than acknowledge the commuter’s cruelty, the show chooses gentleness instead, as Mitsumi grabs her Aunt’s hand amidst the chatter to continue their own conversation. 

The soft and faded animation style and subdued lines, along with the evocative score from composer Takatsugu Wakabayashi combine to build an atmosphere oozing with teenage nostalgia and palpable warmth. It may not dazzle through its kinetic action, such as a show like Demon Slayer, or even possess the same zippy energy as other P.A. Works series Buddy Daddies, but the artistry is perfectly suited to the story and renders its own personality. 

A soothing balm of a show whose charm should be bottled and sold, Skip and Loafer Episode 2 proves that it’s a season highlight. Between the dreamlike animation and expressive character design to a narrative that’s patient but engaging, the series adapted by Kotomi Deai is a must-watch. 

Skip and Loafer Episode 2 is available to stream on Crunchyroll. 

Allyson Johnson

Allyson Johnson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.