English Dub Review: #I’m Looking for a Zombie “I’m Looking For a Hospital”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Aki and Yu set out to find a hospital to treat Natsuki’s wound.

Our Take:
So far, the series has shown that despite its lighthearted, wacky tone, the zombie apocalypse’s harsh reality is inescapable.  This was evident in the second episode, with Mikazuki spending her final moments with Aki and her group before succumbing to the infection.  Now, Natsuki takes a hit from the infected while trying to save Yu.  Three episodes in, and we already have a high-stakes casualty among one of the main characters, who, thankfully, was nearly saved from infection thanks to Aki’s quick thinking.  On the one hand, it keeps the stakes high in its seemingly “harmless” premise, with Aki and the others racing against the clock to keep Natsuki from bleeding out.  On the other hand, we could’ve at least spent a couple more episodes building attachment to these characters before reaching this crucial moment and emphasizing the anime’s emotion.
This kind of scenario may divide some viewers, depending on their expectations.  Either way, this is still a life-or-death situation that could turn the tide for the rest of the season, especially with Yu’s guilt over letting Natsuki get hurt.  Fortunately, this is another episode that works best when it focuses on the characters’ backgrounds, despite the goofy humor overshadowing its emotion.  The best case is, of course, Yu, whose background is further explored through her traumatic childhood, as she ran away from the people she once called family since Red Day, including her own mother.  This moment emphasizes that family consists of those who support, love, and always stand by you, no matter how relatable they are. Because of that, Yu has found a new family in Aki and the others.  Despite the hit-and-miss humor that derails its emotional intent, “I’m Looking For a Hospital” still makes a commendable attempt to make this misfit group more likable through their origins, especially Yu’s.