Anime Review:
Hyouge Mono Episode 6
What this is about: Watching all of the anime shows so you don’t have to! For more information about me and my reviews, click here for details on what I am reviewing.
Series Premise: Hyouge Mono is a televised weekly anime series started in April 2011, based on the prize-winning manga series by Yoshihiro Yamada. Set in sixteenth century Japan, Furuta Sasuke is conflicted by his loyalty to his master, and his undying appreciation of tea.
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Episode Summary: While viewing a grand new palace, Furuta realizes that his opportunity to advance and become a lord is quickly slipping away, and sees the upcoming battles as his last chance to ingratiate himself to his master. Trumping up some fake treasures, he manages to fool one group of military commanders; but when it comes to the much tougher General Nishima, the stakes are much higher. Even though the last messenger returned with his nose cut off, Furuta offers himself as the next messenger to convince Nishima to surrender. Will his trick of the counterfeit masterpieces work one more time?
My Impressions: Alright, we largely get away from the political intrigue and machinations between Senno and Akechi and Nobunaga, and return back to what really makes Hyouge Mono shine: Sasuga Furuta himself. As his master consolidates his grasp on power, Furuta realizes the window of opportunity to rise from a “mere” governor to a lord is fast coming to a close. He’s not interested in rising in the ranks because he is power-hungry…but because that would afford him the opportunity to get his hands on so many more treasures and priceless riches, of course! Insanely jealous of his old friend who is doing better than him, Furuta charges in to take the tough and dangerous assignments no one else will touch.
Assuming his furtive switching out of the tea stirrer was a success (as far as he knows, that is), he concocts a grander scheme with even more brazen counterfeit artifacts. He soon learns that he may be able to fool a country bumpkin military man (as in his first encounter), and sweet-talks his way past the inexperienced rookie willing to run off with was is for all intents and purposes a polished turd. But as he climbs the tower to meet with the opposing general on his most dangerous mission yet, he is confronted with a lady warrior with a discerning eye. Luckily he has something *else* she wants, heh.
It seems Furuta’s insatiable appetite for the finer things in life may be the death of him yet, but as he fumbles his way through history it’s fun to watch as he recovers from one situation after another, always landing on his feet despite himself, and always with the most over-the-top facial expressions the world of anime can provide. How he will come out on top after the end of this episode, that’s a tough one; but that’s what makes waiting for the next episode that much more intriguing.
The verdict: 
- My earlier reviews:
- Info resources:
- If you like this series, then you might also like: Well, nothing. Because I can’t think of anything else like this. Oh wait, I know! How about Black Adder?
Sampling of Online Reviews:
- “It’s fascinating to watch the verbal dance as they pursue their ends, the conversations where what’s said is always different from what’s meant. Any student of the Sengoku era knows how this will end historically, but it certainly adds an interesting element wondering how the fictional Sosuke – a pawn who believes himself a king – will end up.” – Lost in America
- “It was great to see the return of Hyouge Mono. The political intrigues are swirling, and the tea is being poured.” – Abandoned Factory
- “I just love this series’ wit. It’s either really subtle, or hilariously overblown. This episode was especially good at getting Sasuke to comine his love for beautiful things with his duty as a messenger. His facial expressions in the second half were priceless again.” – Star Crossed Anime Blog
You don’t actually tell us what the conclusion of this episode is! Now I have to watch it :(
I think Thermae Romae might be a lot like Hyouge Mono; but I haven’t watched that yet, so I’m only judging it on the basis of its premise. Are you going to be watching that next (this) season?
Also, is Furuta really what makes Hyouge Mono shine? How so? He’s a shallow fool with obvious desires and bizarre facial expressions. Is it actually because of the contrast of his shallowness in a sea of deep people?
tl;dr: god this comment felt pretentious sorry
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