Danganronpa: Kibo no Gakuen to Zetsubo no Kokosei - 5

When the first murder has happened, case is solved, and the situation cools down, any mystery begins to lose its appeal, and interest. What other way is better than rinse, and repeating the cycle? That's right, another murder has happened, though that isn't very surprising considering this is a murder mystery anime. Some people say the novelty is beginning to wear off, though I'd reply 'Seriously, what did you expect?'. Everything about this anime screams out a formulaic cycle, considering how similar to Phoenix Wright it is (Objection!). Firstly the fact it's based off a game (which will have fixed mechanics), then there's the murder mystery running throughout the show (there's going to be more than one murder). Looking up ahead, I admit I'm also expecting some great twist, since there must be some underlying reason why this game got animated over all the other ones out there. Well, enough ranting, and onto the review!

RIP Chirio Fujisaka, who was perfect, other than being a trap

No doubt, Fujisaki Chihiro's death came as a blow to the characters, who finally believed they'd been purged of their inner demons. Evidently not, seeing as yet another murder of immoral conviction has taken place, bringing us onto the second classroom trial. This one went by too fast for my appreciation, and the revelations weren't all too interesting at all, not to mention the end of the trial was rather anti-climactic. For a mystery narrative blitzing all the way, Danganronpa does help to bring your attention to the key points of ongoing discussion; the slight errs in logic that might've otherwise been missed at the fast pace Danganronpa carries its exposition. Those who were paying attention to the seiyuu list might’ve had their suspicions validated when the male-voiced Fujisaki indeed turn out to be a trap. And few would've guessed (I certainly didn't) that it was Mondo Oowada who was the killer had it not been for the slip of his tongue, even if he was exposed by the cheapest mystery cliche out there.

After the cat came out of the box, Mondo confesses, and gives himself up in an admirable, and honourable fashion. However, I didn't give a second thought to honour, only how stupidly the trial ended. Now, I don't usually come across as being obnoxious, but here you are, and these are my opinions straight up.

That led up to the best part of the episode in my opinion. Now, I'm not quite so savage as the Ancient Romans of yore, but Oowada's execution was a sight to see (even if Kuwata's was more dramatic). A key aspect I enjoy about Danganronpa is it's unique art-style, and stylization tendencies, and Oowada's execution demonstrated the best of both worlds. When Ishimaru's convictions are betrayed by Oowada, Monobear gleefully tortures him with the fact until he completely breaks down. Danganronpa appeals to the majority, because of it's sadistic gladiator reminiscent disposition, and completely deconstructs the character, as we see they're helpless to do anything except to play along.

For those who watched right to the end, we were left with a dangling clue. Monobear, seemingly having a monologue, is in fact talking with a second, mysterious character. Now, either Monobear is insane, but which crazy bear would setup everything for a second person, and pretend to hold an imaginary conversation (well, I guess it's possible). But in my opinion, there’s a possible collaborator amidst the remaining students, and this person will be our 16th Student. There's nothing left to do, but continue watching. Until next time!

Now I know what I want for tea (That's some heavy butter)