English Dub Review: A Couple of Cuckoos: “What should we do now?”

Overview: Nagi (Nicholas Andrew Louie) and Hiro (Amanda Lee) take an alternate route home as Erika (Lindsay Sheppard) and Sachi (Bryn Apprill) worry about the true nature of their relationship. 

Our Take: Hiro has grabbed hold of heart for that very reason in how she boldly pursues Umino. She very much solidifies her place in the competition for Nagi and is not shy about doing so, making her a fiery joy to watch in her endeavors. Funnily enough, a shrine visit is an excellent way to deflate Nagi’s expectations, making him go so far as to make a wish upon the deity worshiped there 

The best part of the two’s detours is how it stirs up Erika and Sachi’s true feelings for Nagi in how adorably blatant they are in downplaying his significance to her. Due to pouring rain and heavy wind, Nagi and Hiro spend the night at an inn and that is where things really heat up between them. Segawa becomes more alluring by the second in being the mischievous instigator she is in lying about their age to get a room together After some late night snacking, the classic clumsiness that befalls all boys and their potential waifu’s overtakes them. She is the magnificent seductress, wanting to be “bad” not between the sheets but with a little liquid courage instead. 

Nagi’s always been a stiff but there’s an inconsistency in how the thought of underage drinking is sacrilege, but sex is a seemingly tantalizing prospect for him that was at least worth considering in his mind. Gripes aside, the most important part lies in how it tackles the deeper aspects of her in how people’s preconceived idealistic notions can bear a great weight. Not wanting to conform to others’ narrow-minded ideas of her and being more frivolous highlights how free and outspoken shapes new dimensions around her. Also, it goes a long way in making her even more likable than she already was. Even better though is how Nagi perfectly compliments her as a love interest, relishing the entirety of who she is, from her studious model traits to those of her naughty, more rebellious aspects. It is a positively sweet moment of unconditional love for the two that continues to strengthen their relationship. 

Before long, officer buzzkill one and two aka, Erika and Sachi, intercept them disguised/cosplaying as police. This, of course, causes so much zany disarray for them in their confusion that it reintroduces Nagi’s kryptonite: bad luck. And being half nude in a room with Hiro will definitely do that, and as much as I may chuckle at how many misunderstandings are tossed on his lap, I truly feel bad for the boy, especially when it earns him two lawless slaps in the face. The car ride home acts as a satisfying resolution, illuminating how Nagi can let loose and be a bit mischievous himself, showing Hiro a new side to him, only amplifying her feelings as well as Sachi and Erika’s intrigue as to what exactly transpired between the two love birds.