English Dub Review: Sakamoto Days “Bathhouse Mode”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Exhausted from their battle, the crew heads to a local bathhouse but finds it too dangerous to relax.  Later, a mysterious man arrives in search of Lu.

Our Take:
After their recent adventure saving Shin’s childhood home, you would think that the Sakamoto clan would rest easy.  Sadly, with Sakamoto’s bounty still on his head, there’s little room for relaxation.  Not even a quick trip to the local bathhouse could help the family feel at ease because another amateur hitman was hunting Sakamoto down, Yutero.  What follows is a series of comical misfortunes involving Yutero’s cover traps that are along the lines of Wile E. Coyote’s failed attempts to catch the Road Runner.  However, Shin just happened to unintentionally assume the Wile E. Coyote role, as Yutero’s booby traps have caused more pain for him than relaxation.  It’s pretty unfortunate, considering this was Shin’s first visit to the bathhouse, but it’s also quite hilarious to witness the show’s Looney Tunes-esque comedy in action.
“Bathhouse Mode” may seem like a one-off episode after the “Lab” arc based on the premise, but that only occurs during its first half.  The episode’s second half progresses the season’s overall plot by focusing solely on Lu’s personal dilemma involving her mafia family.  With Lu’s father now dead, she is now chosen by her family consigliere, Lu Wutang, to lead the clan, which she refuses.  However, Wutang isn’t giving up without a fight, or should I say gamble?  It appears that the show’s first cour might conclude with a thrilling game of luck instead of a huge battle against the Triads, which is enough to differentiate it from the structure of other action anime.  It might not sound very exciting on paper, but considering how much I’ve been enjoying the show’s balance of quirky comedy and thrilling action, I’m willing to let it slide.