English Dub Review: Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out! “Uzaki-chan Wants to Be Number One!”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Ami and Sakaki attempt to convince Hana she’ll lose Sakurai to other women if she doesn’t confess her feelings for Sakurai. Then, Tsuki Uzaki teaches Sakurai to cook croquettes.

Our Take:
At this point, we would’ve grown tired of Ami and Sakaki forcing Sakurai and Hana into a relationship. But because of their chemistry and humorous personalities, the two “love experts” continue to be the silver linings of the show’s comedy. I haven’t complained about them yet, and it’s possible that I never will.
The episode continues where the previous one left off, with Hana appreciating the idea of her and Sakurai being a couple. Although, it would be nice if she didn’t daydream about it while taking a bath. This continues with another segment featuring Ami and Sakaki attempting to get Hana to admit her feelings for Sakurai. Their latest plan has them warning Hana about Sakurai being a ladies’ man, with Sakaki using Ami as an example.
This part of the episode truly shined in embracing the show’s absurdity and the characters’ chemistry, particularly Ami and Sakaki. They don’t get along as much as Hana and Sakurai, but they willingly cooperate when they have a common goal involving love. It’s a narrative element that doesn’t do anything outside its formula and retains its hilarity. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The episode’s second half follows up with Hana being conflicted with the thought of Sakurai charming the ladies. Obviously, it was a lie set up by Ami and Sakaki since, as we’re all aware, the girls in college wouldn’t go anywhere near Sakurai because of his appearance, let alone touch him with a 100-foot pole. However, that didn’t stop Hana from discreetly trying to win over Sakurai. Of course, it also features Tsuki misinterpreting Sakurai’s intentions once more when he asks about her first name. Like Ami and Sakaki, this small moment never fails to make me giggle.
“Uzaki-chan Wants to Be Number One” continues to progress in a healthy manner regarding the show’s consistent humor and awkwardly fun vibes. It’s repetitive for sure, but it’s never at a point where it becomes dull and painfully annoying, serving as one of the reasons for the show’s success. More importantly, it respectfully marks Hana’s true start of her quest to win Sakurai’s heart before anyone else, and I’m here for it.