English Dub Season Review: Aggretsuko Season Four

Retsuko and company have returned once more for the fourth season of their revamped Netflix original series. After starting life as a collection of animated shorts on Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Aggretsuko has become a global sensation. The franchise has spanned mobile games, comic books, and merchandise. And now, the critically acclaimed animated series has reached 40 quarter-hour episodes on top of the already 100 one-minute shorts that previously existed. Not bad for a little Red Panda with some undiagnosed rage issues.

Aggretsuko holds down highly positive reception for a reason. The series is celebrated for being relatable to millennials in the workplace. Retsuko, herself, is an icon for young women for being equal parts gentle, patient, and compassionate while not taking any bullshit along her way. Meanwhile, the show puts her in modern situations and mature themes such as facing anxiety and misogyny in the workplace.

Season four takes a new approach to tell Retsuko’s story. The little red panda is not as much of the main character as she has been in previous seasons. Additionally, her story arch showcases how far she has come thanks to her previous adventures.

Truthfully, there was a significant red flag early in the season. The long-standing unrequited interest between Retsuko and Haida seemed to have finally reached a breaking point. Something the series has been leading up to for its entire span. However, like Jim and Pam from The Office, changing this will-they-won’t-they dynamic could severely impact the remainder of the series. And worst, the show puts their newfound relationship on the backburner forcing the audience to question where their relationship stood.

Thankfully, it all begins to make more sense by the end of the new 10-episode collection. This was not Retsuko’s season as much as it belonged to Haida.

The punk rock computer nerd hyena goes through a gigantic arch throughout the fourth season. It starts with his unrequited love for Retsuko reaching the breaking point. Facing his emotions is difficult enough without everybody pushing him to pull the trigger. But what happens with work next is where he is truly tested.

The Japanese trading firm in which the characters of Aggretsuko work goes through its own massive overhaul in season four. Beginning with CEO stepping down from his long-standing chair. The changing of the guard has repercussions throughout the entire company. Starting with Retsuko’s friend Kabae losing her job, followed by their department head, Director Ton. Although the most surprising shift is the character chosen to replace the accountant lead position, Haida.

Unfortunately, Haida was not chosen for the outstanding characteristics and work effort he showcases. Instead, he is manipulated as a submissive subordinate. The result is the hyena doing some questionable things that test his merit, with Retsuko uncomfortably along for the ride.

Surprisingly, the series returns to the status quo by the season’s conclusion. The severe situation is seemingly rectified through an epic karaoke/arm-wrestling battle. And despite the distance Retsuko and Haida had gone, their relationship status is still uncertain by the final credits. Thankfully, none of this is too disappointing as it leaves the series open to returning for a potential season five.

Season four was an interesting direction for the franchise. It shook many of the core dynamics, putting new themes into focus. Less was this season about equal rights or the monotony and struggle of the workplace. In place, Japanese employment laws and ethics became the focal point. The new perspective was a refreshing approach and completely unexpected. Hopefully, if the show comes back for another round, they can surprise us again with something even grander.