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In Episode 17 of My Dress-Up Darling (Kisekoi), fans were taken aback by a chaotic, yet heartwarming sequence that included a 800 million yen puppet show and Kitagawa’s unforgettably bizarre lunchbox. The episode was a rollercoaster ride that left fans simultaneously laughing and scratching their heads. From the absurdity of the puppet drama to the sweetness of Kitagawa’s lunchbox, this episode blended multiple genres and broke the expectations of a typical slice-of-life romance.
The most shocking element of this episode was the puppet show, which became the focal point of online discussions. Kitagawa’s creation was so over-the-top, it almost seemed like a parody of dramatic theatrical performances. The 800 million yen production value wasn’t meant to be taken literally but was a clever commentary on the exaggerated melodrama often seen in anime. It featured intense lighting, exaggerated expressions, and a story that bordered on the absurd. Fans joked that the Kisekoi team had blown an entire season’s budget on a single bento-based puppet show.
The puppet drama, which Kitagawa presents in an incredibly creative manner, parodied the dramatic tropes often used in romance or fantasy anime. By using a homemade bento to create the puppets and their accessories, Kitagawa added a personal touch that made the ridiculousness of the scene feel incredibly genuine. The decision to place this absurd show in an episode known for its romance was a clever way to subvert expectations and provide a delightful, comedic break.
Kitagawa’s homemade lunchbox was undoubtedly the star of this episode. The mishmash of flavors, uncoordinated portions, and strange design made it clear that Kitagawa had poured her heart into it—despite her apparent lack of culinary skills. The lunchbox scenes, which play out as dramatically as a high-budget film trailer, captured the essence of Kitagawa’s character: messy but lovable, and determined to show her feelings in her own unique way.
The reactions from fans were immediate and filled with memes and humorous comparisons. Fans flooded Reddit and Twitter, noting how Kitagawa’s lunch felt both absurd and endearing. One Twitter user said:
"Kitagawa truly served a masterclass in disaster with that bento. It’s like watching an art piece slowly unravel." – @AnimeFan99
Other fans pointed out how the bento scene encapsulated Kitagawa’s character arc throughout the series. She's a character who is never afraid to show her eccentricities, and that includes her sometimes imperfect attempts to connect with others. Kitagawa’s presentation was a messy but heartfelt attempt to show Gojo her affection.
The fan reactions to the episode were a mix of confusion, admiration, and laughter. Reddit threads were filled with reactions to the puppet show and the absurdity of Kitagawa’s bento. A popular Reddit comment reads:
"This episode went from shoujo romance to full-on Evangelion-level drama in like two seconds. I couldn’t stop laughing!"
Twitter users also had a field day with the episode’s dramatic swings. Some fans expressed that this kind of unpredictability was exactly why they loved Kisekoi. Others joked about how the episode’s wide tonal shifts felt like the show was constantly playing with different genres:
"Every week is too free, lol. One minute, we’re eating bento, the next minute we’re starring in a 800 million yen puppet production." – @AnimeAddict84
The internet’s reaction showcased how Kisekoi is beloved for its unpredictability, managing to mix absurd comedy with heartfelt moments. One popular meme that emerged compared the bento scene to famous anime disasters like Attack on Titan’s colossal fights and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure’s dramatic poses.
This episode was helmed by guest director Jun Nakagawa, known for his work on the zany, unpredictable episodes of Gintama and Osomatsu-san. Nakagawa’s influence on the direction was evident, with exaggerated expressions and an over-the-top visual style that contrasted sharply with the usual aesthetic of the series.
According to interviews with the anime team, Nakagawa was given full creative freedom for this episode. The idea was to "break the rhythm" of the season and add some unpredictability before things took a more serious turn. The result? An episode that both shocked and delighted viewers, leaving them eagerly awaiting the next installment.
While the episode's comedic moments were fun, they also carried emotional weight. Kitagawa’s bento disaster, for instance, was more than just slapstick comedy—it was her way of showing affection for Gojo, a tender, vulnerable moment hidden behind the humor. In a way, this mess was her way of connecting with him in her own quirky style.
The puppet show, though hilarious, also highlighted themes of performance and identity. Kitagawa's dramatic flair for creating the show-within-a-show added a layer of symbolism: she was performing for Gojo, hiding her true feelings behind a mask of exaggerated theatricality.
While fans love the unique blend of humor and romance, Episode 17 leaves the door open for future shifts in tone. Preview summaries suggest that the next few episodes may delve deeper into the emotional aspects of the series, with Kitagawa and Gojo’s relationship continuing to evolve.
The 800 million yen figure was an exaggerated production value for the puppet drama created by Kitagawa. It parodies the over-the-top drama seen in anime and was meant to be humorous.
The tonal shift was intentionally designed by the guest director to break the season's rhythm and provide a fun, unpredictable episode. The humor allowed fans to enjoy the show’s playful side before things took a more serious turn.
Kitagawa’s bento was a representation of her affection for Gojo. Despite its chaos, it was a heartfelt and personal gesture that spoke to her willingness to be herself around him.
Episode 17 of Kisekoi left a lasting impression on fans, with its outlandish humor, heartwarming moments, and wild direction. The series continues to surprise and subvert expectations, balancing humor and emotion in a way few other slice-of-life anime do. Fans are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, wondering what other surprises Kitagawa and Gojo have in store.
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