REVIEW: ‘Cherry Magic!’ Episode 9

After the high note that Episode 8 left us with, Cherry Magic! Episode 9 pivots into a more somber affair. Ending on a cliffhanger as our main duo deals with their first major hurdle after becoming a couple, the series finds greater depth than previously explored. The introspective writing has always been a critical feature of the show and its success. The most recent installment doubles down on it with greater character insight and realistic dilemmas that two adults in a new relationship would find themselves facing.

Kiyoshi Adachi (Chiaki Kobayashi) is still reeling from his and Yuichi Kurosawa’s (Ryōta Suzuki) first kiss. The series makes a meal out of Kurosawa knowing about Adachi’s abilities to read minds through touch. Even Adachi mentions in the episode that Kurosawa is using his gift better than he can himself. These moments are sweet and flirtatious, and Kurosawa is getting a kick out of being able to fluster his boyfriend. With all the cards out on the table and no secrets withheld, it almost seemed the series would lose its narrative momentum with no potential pitfalls.

Instead, the series presents one major obstacle but handles it gracefully. Adachi’s been more confident at work, leading his boss to offer him a transfer. He was a key figure in launching the Nagasaki department. Adachi is conflicted, and it all boils down to his insecurity. Early in the episode, Kurosawa mentions his determination to show Adachi his good qualities. Kurosawa notices that Adachi constantly puts himself down and hopes to remedy it. But before he can, Adachi’s lack of self-worth rears its ugly head subtly yet impactfully.

Adachi decides to turn down the offer to go to Nagasaki. He’s concerned about leaving at the start of a new relationship. These concerns mainly revolve around the fact that he worries he’s too dense to pick up on Kurosawa’s emotions long distance, where he can’t touch and read his face or thoughts. Kurosawa learns about the offer secondhand, and it rightfully upsets him. He’s not worried about Adachi leaving him. But he’s angry because he believes it demonstrates Adachi’s distrust in him and their relationship. It’s a smart direction for the writing to go because it’s believable and causes friction without being too manufactured.

While there’s plenty to love about the romanticism and whimsy of the series, Cherry Magic! Episode 9 dives deep into flashes of relatability. It’s a crucial part of the show’s charm. Despite the premise’s heightened comedy and ridiculous nature, the series approaches its content with leveled, adult contemplation. We see this in the characters’ mutual affections and their confessions. Better still, it’s when Adachi tells Kurosawa about his powers. The series continues to avoid obvious, cliched drama for its protagonists with measured approaches to their growth together and apart.

We see this maturity in writing between the supporting characters of Masato Tsuge (Makoto Furukawa) and Minato Wataya (Gen Satō). While their burgeoning romance can sometimes appear slightly like an afterthought, Cherry Magic Episode 9 allows them to develop beyond that. Namely, in Tsuge’s ability to empathize with Wataya over their non-conforming work schedules. Neither work typical 9-5 jobs, leaving them sometimes feeling adrift next to their friends. Tsuge navigates Wataya’s current insecurities over it by drawing from his own from the past. It’s a well-crafted moment and once again bridges the fantastical with realism.

This is critical because other portions of the series continue to lack. Namely, the animation is often clumsy. This is especially true in frames where characters aren’t in immediate focus or close-up. Adachi and Kurosawa’s eyes are drawn in five different ways in a single episode. It’s much better when they’re in the foreground, with the animation consistently capturing greater details. This isn’t always distracting, but with so many heated moments in this episode, the lack of defining facial expressions stands out.

Cherry Magic! Episode 9 ends on a cliffhanger, and it’s yet another reminder of why we root for these characters. Compellingly written with strong and potent character beats, it showcases the show’s ability to be more than just romance. The love story might be the anchor, but there’s plenty still for the writing to explore as it demonstrates how we’re all trying to figure ourselves out, no matter our age or circumstances.

Cherry Magic! Episode 9 is available now on Crunchyroll.