English Dub Review: Adachi and Shimamura “Adachi’s Question”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Adachi daydreams about meeting up with Shimamura on Christmas, but her fantasy is interrupted by a sudden Yashiro interlude. She contemplates texting Shimamura to meet up, but is unsure of how to ask about such a special day.

At school, she wonders if she’d ever say “no” to anything Shimamura asked. Even things like carrying her, or taking a nap together. Hino asks if “Dadachi” has been hitting the books, which she vaguely confirms. She attempts to ask Shimamura what she really wants, but chickens out and asks her to study together instead.

After a brief monologue, Shimamura agrees, and they head to her house.

Shimamura’s mother greets them, and is thrilled, if a bit incredulous. She even asks Adachi if she’s real, to which the shocked girl responds “I…think so?” The two of them head upstairs to study.

At Nagafuji’s house, Hino is drawing up potential mascot’s for the Nagafuji butcher shop. The only one up to snuff is doddle of Yashiro that Nagafuju says they can dub “Lil’ Croquette”. Nagafuji rewards her with a kiss on the forehead.

Hino accepts, but freaks out and headbutts Nagafuji when the latter’s mom walks in and comments how close they are. Nagafuji asks if they’re close, and Hino tries to brush it off as “just gals bein’ pals”.

Back at Shimamura’s house, they’re waiting for the kotatsu to heat up before studying. Adachi asks Shimamura what she was like as a kid, and what they’re doing for Christmas. Shimamura answers before falling asleep. Adachi contemplates a sleeping beauty moment, but ultimately is content with Shimamura cuddling into her lap for a bit.

Having noticed Adachi has been acting weird lately, Shimamura drags her to the roof in an attempt to get her to “spill the beans”, but it’s not until showing up at Shimamura’s house that Adachi finally able to voice her question.

Our Take:

So we had “Adachi Question” as episode 2, and now “Adachi’s Question” as episode 5. Not the most inventive episode title, for sure. But I suppose the plot does revolve around Adachi’s ask for Shimamura to spend Christmas with her.

The chibi moment for Adachi’s reaction to Shimamura’s assertion that they’re “the same amount of dumb” is adorably hilarious. Additionally, the visuals this episode are incredibly sparkly. Mostly due to the Christmas association, but also as a reflection of the deepening mutual affection between both of the main couples. The sky scene from the roof and the scene where Shimamura believes the fragile foundation of their relationship would shatter are particularly brilliant.

Speaking of main couples, I am also SCREAMING at Hino’s use of the phrase “just gals bein’ pals” to try to write off being “close” with Nagafuji. Just…dead.

It’s true that women’s relationships tend to be written off a close friendships. We see this is indeed the case when Nagafuji’s mom walk in her kissing Hino. Sure it was “just” a forehead kiss, but the chin grab? The lingering? C’mon now.

While in real life it’s frustrating and confusing for there to be such blurred lines between friendship and romance, in this show it makes for some exceptional portrayals of yearning.

The relationship between our two protagonists is practically a sure thing. Both Shimamura and Adachi are pretty clear about their feelings towards each other, but only to themselves. And of course, it needs to be said out loud to actually make it happen.

This seems…shockingly realistic. Oh, two lesbians who WANT to be in a relationship with each other aren’t yet? Because they won’t just SAY it?

Ok, admittedly Adachi tends to blurt out her true feelings, or at least momentary desires on occasion. But to actually move their relationship forward, they’re going to have to enter the uncharted waters of actual communication. Maybe Adachi will find a workaround by writing her thoughts. But that all remains to be seen.