REVIEW: ‘Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend On The Bean Counter’ Episode 3 — “I Got A Manager”

Isekai Office Worker Episode 3, “I Got A Manager,” sees Kondou (Kent Itou, Mashle: Magic and Muscles) and Indolark (Tomoaki Maeno, Octopath Traveler 0) continuing to spend a lot of time together, as the latter still distrusts his patient’s commitment to his health. However, Kondou may not be the only one who could stand to change. 

 Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 introduces a pair of significant new themes. These themes feel like they may be just what the series needs to add some meat to its narrative bones. These added elements are a great move for the series, as none of the key cast members bring enough personality to carry it through sheer charisma. 

The first new concept that Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 begins to explore concerns addiction. Despite his near-fatal encounter with the nutritional tonics, Kondou sneaks off to get more. An internal monologue reveals that he just can’t forget the feeling of “liberation” the tonics brought him. 

Addiction is one of the issues taking root in Isekai Office Worker Episode 3.

This additional element to Kondou’s situation adds a new layer to the man’s struggles. It creates an immediate problem, one that the workaholic feels ill-suited to address. How it explores and moves to resolve the situation will be interesting to see, giving the series its first real narrative hook.

The second new avenue explored in Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 comes from Indolark. After a heated discussion with Kondou, Indolark begins to question his own work ethic. While it is clear that Kondou does too much and isn’t willing to properly delegate to his subordinates, perhaps Indolark isn’t attentive enough?

Further highlighting the differences between the two leads is Indolark’s reaction to this revelation. While Kondou struggles with any attempt to address his unhealthy habits, Indolark immediately explores the possibility that his attitude towards his work has been flawed. Though when one looks at the two characters, it’s easy to understand why one can change so much better than the other. 

Indolark enters a new era of self-reflection, wondering whether his work ethic is good enough.

We have seen repeatedly that Kondou doesn’t have a strong sense of self-worth. By his own admission, he reduces his entire value to his work output. Therefore, he struggles to take any action that may inhibit that output, lest his worth as a person diminish. 

By contrast, Indolark seems very self-confident. He’s a powerful mage and a man who has accomplished a lot despite his relatively young age. When presented with a flaw, he can view it objectively. This is enabled by his knowledge that even if something about him needs to change, that doesn’t devalue everything he does. Rather, it just reminds him there is still room to grow. 

This contrast in personalities continues to highlight how different the duo are. But because Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 highlights it, there is also a clear demonstration of how their opposite natures can aid each other. If both can move to a middle ground, they could learn a lot from each other.

The final element that Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 introduces to showcase the changes occurring in its star duo is the first direct indication of feelings developing between the pair. When Indolark learns that Kondou is not typically attracted to individuals younger than him, the generally collected commander becomes clearly flustered. Later, he asks one of his subordinates why someone might feel this way. 

Contrasting personalities keep things interesting and highlight how differences can also help.

The ball is officially rolling for the romance angle of this series now feels perfectly timed. The most pertinent elements of the other world have been established, we’ve gotten to know both Kondou and Indolark, and the pair are already beginning to have an impact on each other. Seeding a growing affection now feels like it has plenty of time to develop as the current issues facing the pair are addressed. 

All of these story additions are extremely welcome, as the series’ character side continues to wane. While both Kondou and Indolark become somewhat more intellectually interesting, they come no closer to being engaging from the personality side in this episode. The often dry interactions leave a lot to be desired in the character department, leaving the narrative to give compelling reasons to keep tuning in.

Isekai Office Worker Episode 3 continues to address the original issues that brought its leading pair together, while also introducing new elements that aim to strengthen the series’s story. Hopefully, these additional elements will provide engaging reasons to keep watching, as the show’s personality remains less than top-notch. 

Isekai Office Worker: The Other World’s Books Depend On The Bean Counter Episode 3 is streaming now on Crunchyroll. 

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