REVIEW: ‘Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious To My Charms’ Episode 1

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 from Synergy SP introduces viewers to Mona Kawai (Yû Serizawa, Birdie Wing: Golf Girl’s Story), a young girl who has known nothing but the adoring affection of all those around her. But now, a new student named Medaka Kuroiwa (Ryota Iwasaki, The First Slam Dunk) has arrived at her school and seems impervious to her charms. Unwilling to accept someone could be unmoved by her beauty and charisma, Mona is determined to win Medaka over.

An unforeseen plot twist can be a story’s greatest narrative construct. Bringing in a fresh idea that the audience isn’t prepared for can make a story incredibly memorable. Entire movies have been built on that one perfectly executed moment. However, once in a great while, a twist comes along that takes a compelling situation and makes it less than it was. Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 suffers from such a moment.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 Sets Up Mona’s “Queen Bee” Energy.

An insightful montage of Mona as she grows up opens the episode. Even before she left the hospital when she was born, it seemed everyone was basking in her beauty. There is a clip of her childhood where she cannot play tag as no one is willing to run from her; instead, they beg to be the one she touches. These moments craft a perfect image of Mona. As one would expect, she is completely conceited and full of herself. It would be nearly impossible for her to be anything but, given the glimpses into her life that were just shared. Then, enter Medaka.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 fluidly fills the audience in on the situation between Medaka and Mona. Having arrived at Mona’s school a couple of weeks ago, Medaka has given Mona nothing but a cold shoulder whenever she tries to chat with him. This drives the self-styled “Queen Bee” toward ever-more desperate attempts to win the young man’s affection. After all, every person in her orbit adores her; how could he not?

Initially, it feels like Medaka’s disinterest is due to Mona’s obvious efforts. She is clearly trying to get his attention for selfish reasons, not due to genuine interest in him. Her conceitedness comes through in everything that she does, giving an astute person ample reason to want to keep their distance from her. This is fully reinforced when Medaka does choose to interact with Mona.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 Starts Hopeful But Dashes Itself On Narrative Rocks.

The moment Medaka responds to Mona is when the situation is genuine. The moment develops naturally, without Mona blatantly attempting to orchestrate it. This implies Medaka sees through Mona’s facade to the girl’s shallowness. After repeated incidents, it seems likely that Mona will start to realize what is going on, giving her a potentially interesting arc of self-improvement. But with only three minutes remaining in the episode, that potential dies a quick death.

The reasons for Medaka’s distance from Mona turn out to be far less interesting. In reality, he is just as taken with her as everyone else; he just has a reason to hide it. This strips the character of the interesting qualities it felt like Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 was building around him and reduces him to just another awkward guy in a teen rom-com.

With the last-minute plot change, the episode is left with little to lean on but its comedic elements. Mona’s desperate attempts to woo Medaka range from funny, if needy, to cringe-inducing. While some of her fumbles can bring laughs, the show’s eagerness to resort to the teenager flashing her panties and chest to get her target’s attention frequently falls short of its comedic goals.

When the episode isn’t leaning on its lead’s underwear, many moments do manage to shine. The animation delivers Mona’s self-absorbed personality with all the ridiculousness it deserves. When awkward and embarrassing moments play out, the shyness and inexperience of youth take center stage in ways that can make you feel, even for Mona.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 has a hopeful start, only to dash itself on some narrative rocks as the episode closes. While it delivers some charm and a few chuckles, a lot simply doesn’t land, ultimately creating something far less than what it nearly was.

Medaka Kuroiwa Is Impervious to My Charms Episode 1 is streaming on Crucnhyroll.