The Pet Girl of Sakurasou initially presents itself as a promising anime, taking viewers on an engaging ride that unfortunately doesn’t stick the landing. For those drawn in by the allure of a romantic comedy, the series takes an unexpected turn, ultimately falling short and delivering a conclusion that leaves much to be desired. What starts as a genuinely enjoyable romcom gradually morphs into a drama that, for many, misses the mark.
In its initial episodes, Pet Girl of Sakurasou shines brightly. The groundwork is laid for compelling character arcs, supported by a pleasant soundtrack and a storyline that holds considerable promise. The characters themselves, and the dynamics between them, are well-crafted, providing ample reason to become invested in their journeys. However, around episode 18, a noticeable shift occurs, and the series begins to lose its way.
The protagonist, Sorata Kanda, is introduced as the supposed “normal” individual amidst the eccentric residents of Sakurasou Dorm. Yet, he embodies the archetypal clueless anime lead, lacking distinct characteristics. While attempts are made to showcase his personal growth, this development plateaus midway through the series, leaving his character somewhat stagnant in the latter half. In contrast, Mashiro Shiina, the prodigious art student with a passion for manga, stands out as a more compelling figure. Her social awkwardness and dependence on others offer a unique starting point for development, and she demonstrably evolves both socially and emotionally throughout the anime.
Ryuunosuke Akasaka, the reclusive computer genius, adds another layer of intrigue to the cast. Initially perceived as abrasive and detached, Ryuunosuke undergoes perhaps the most significant transformation of all the characters. Nanami Aoyama is initially presented as a highly admirable character – a hardworking aspiring voice actress with a long-held crush on Sorata. However, the narrative choices surrounding Nanami become a point of contention. Delving deeper would venture into spoiler territory, but suffice it to say, her motivations and actions in the latter part of the series lack coherence and believability for many viewers.
A notable highlight, often overshadowing the central romance, is the subplot between childhood friends Misaki Kamiigusa and Jin Mitaka. Their relationship arc proves to be significantly more engaging and satisfying than the primary pairing. Jin fills the role of the dependable yet somewhat distant friend to Sorata, while Misaki provides classic comedic relief. Indeed, the humor in Pet Girl of Sakurasou is initially well-executed, but, like other positive aspects, it diminishes as the series progresses.
The central issue lies in the handling of the “romance” element. The first half of the anime heavily emphasizes the burgeoning relationship between Sorata and Mashiro, skillfully building expectations for a heartwarming romantic narrative. However, this romantic trajectory is abruptly abandoned, only to be briefly revisited in the final two episodes. This abrupt shift undermines the emotional payoff, making the intended climax feel unearned and rushed. The concluding episodes adopt a predictable, almost cliché resolution reminiscent of a low-budget melodrama. Problems conveniently vanish, and the solution to all conflicts is presented as the simplistic “power of friendship.” This narrative turn feels like a betrayal of the initial premise, leaving a sense of disappointment for viewers invested in the promised romance.
Ultimately, Pet Girl of Sakurasou may still hold appeal for many anime enthusiasts. Up until the final episodes, it demonstrates genuine strengths and captivating elements. However, the impact of a poorly executed ending cannot be understated. In this case, the disappointing conclusion significantly diminishes the overall experience, overshadowing the earlier promise and leaving a lingering sense of what could have been. While the journey begins with high-flying aspirations, Pet Girl of Sakurasou ultimately suffers a noticeable fall due to its narrative missteps in the latter half.
