Sparks of Tomorrow Episode 9 Review: A Missed Opportunity for Communication and Resolution
In this episode, the show's conflict could have been easily resolved with honest communication between characters. The story revolves around Kihachi and company chasing after Inako to give him the electrical catalogue, which would help keep Inako's family's brewery solvent. However, the episode's focus on Yosuke's machinations to marry Inako, despite his romantic feelings for Seiroku, is problematic and offensive. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes about queer men and validates child predation, which is unacceptable in today's media landscape.
The episode also raises questions about Yosuke's reliability. Why would anyone assume he will keep his word when he only wants to marry Inako to get the electrical catalogue? The show introduces the idea of Yosuke falling out of favor with the Mizoe family if he backs out, but this doesn't provide a strong incentive for him to honor his word. Instead, it's in his best interest to take the catalogue and still go through with the wedding.
The review highlights the lack of communication and the resulting inefficiency in resolving the conflict. If the characters had stopped and had a conversation, they could have raised money to keep the brewery solvent, which would have been a more satisfying resolution. The reviewer expresses disappointment in the show's handling of this storyline, especially given the lack of animation flair in this episode.
Rating: [Not provided in the source material]
