REVIEW: ‘Plus-Sized Elf’ Episode 2 — “The Dark Elf And The Beautiful Flower”

Plus-Sized Elf Episode 2 resumes the trajectory of the previous episode by introducing more unique characters, including more questionable camera shots, and presenting new ways to make overweight people lose weight. While the episode was entertaining in its own way, it also proves that the anime will hold on to the derivative and bland structure seen in the previous episode.

Episode 2 shows a dark elf with a wardrobe malfunction while using summoning magic. After the scene, we see the protagonist, Naoe, casually visit a local grocery store. There, he meets the same dark elf who opened the anime called Kuroeda. But their meeting is quickly interrupted by Elfuda, who comes into the store to feed her French fries addiction. She immediately notices that Kuroeda is a dark elf, and they quickly begin to argue. It is then revealed that Dark Elves and Regular Elves are at odds with each other and have a rivalry.

We also learn that Dark Elves are regarded as the evil members of the race, while regular elves are pompous, pretentious recluses. This is notably the first time we’ve gotten some major exposition and world-building details in this anime, and it’s hard not to applaud the fact that it is done entertainingly. We also learn that Elfuda, despite the progress she made in the last episode, is still as carefree and unserious about her weight loss journey, but that doesn’t change the fact that she remains as arrogant as ever.

Upon learning that Naoe is helping Elfuda lose weight, Kuroeda asks Naoe to help her lose weight as well, specifically around the glutes. He agrees and teaches her all the techniques she needs to know, such as squats, lunges, baths, and, of course, massages. She immediately starts trying them out, and the two quickly become friends.

The first half of Plus-Sized Elf Episode 2 lures viewers into a false sense of security, making us believe that the episode will mainly focus on Kuroeda. This turns out to be untrue, as much of her workout routine is wrapped up in about two minutes. Her screen time is cut down significantly by a literal black screen that cuts out exposition. Whether this is unintentional or intentionally humorous, it still makes the first half of the episode even more disappointing. This is especially because the first episode shows all the routines and exercises for Elfuda in greater detail, so the lack of inclusion this time is a shame.

However, this absence is quickly explained by introducing a new character called Kusahanada, an Alraune, a humanoid plant species. She becomes the main focus of the second half of the episode. Due to the weather and intense sunlight, the flower on her head keeps growing at an uncomfortable rate, which causes her back issues.

With a little advice from Elfuda, Naoe gives her an umbrella to block the sun and an odd brace-like device that corrects her posture. While the umbrella is as simple of a solution as you can get, the device looks like something you’d use for BDSM, which isn’t much of a surprise for a show that heavily focuses on its ecchi elements.

Kusahanada is noticeably the only character Naoe helps who isn’t trying to lose weight, at least in the traditional sense. As such, like Kuroeda, she isn’t given a lot of focus. It also doesn’t help that each episode has a short run time, holding the anime back.

However, to give credit where it’s due, Plus-Sized Elf Episode 2 creatively solves many of its issues. Naoe tailors every wellness solution to each person’s needs, taking account of their race. Kuroeda wants to lose weight in her lower half, so he recommends massages to help circulation and squats. Kusahanada needs to correct her posture, and he gives her a device to do just that. While some of these solutions are better than others, the effort is worth highlighting regardless.

It’s a shame that all the characters introduced so far are very one-dimensional and fit a generic character trope seen in most anime. Furthermore, while episode 2 gives us more detail about several races, albeit in a very shallow way, the history of how they end up in the human world and how they’ve acclimated to everything is not even mentioned. It’s safe to say it may never be, which is disappointing.

Overall, Plus-Sized Elf Episode 2 is better and worse than the previous episode in many ways. While it succeeds in giving us more interesting details about the world and introducing new characters, many important aspects were either glossed over or presented in a lackluster way, making the viewing experience feel shallow.

Plus-Sized Elf Episode 2 is streaming now on HiDive.