Episode 2 – “I Won’t Marry You” – May 1, 2022
Episode Summary
Nagi Umino refuses to accept his engagement to Erika Amano, mainly because he is already deeply interested in his longtime – one-sided – rival, Hiro Segawa. But since his parents won’t listen, he decides he will bring the issue up with Erika herself when she comes to his place later in the day.
When Erika arrives, her wealthy upbringing comes out as she is utterly unfamiliar with the layout and appliances of Nagi’s more modest home. Regardless, Nagi attempts to voice his objections, but Erika asks him for a favor before he can. She leads Nagi to her far more affluent abode and tells him she wishes to speak with his – or, rather, her – parents.
That night, Nagi takes Erika to his family’s restaurant. Almost instantly, Nagi’s parents swarm their biological daughter with food, conversation, and energy. Their personalities are so much that Erkia quickly runs away.
Nagi chases after her to figure out what is wrong. She tells him that she came over today to start a relationship with Nagi’s parents. She didn’t think she deserved their quick acceptance. Nagi assures her that that is simply who his parents are and that they will want to bring Erika into the family as quickly as possible.
After a second round at the restaurant, Nagi escorts Erika home when the pair run into Erika’s – a.k.a., Nagi’s – father. He leads the two to an upscale house and tells them that for the next two weeks, they will be living here together – and alone.
Episode Impressions
Oh, look, a rich girl not understanding the living standards of the working class. Isn’t that funny?
Sure, if it was ten years ago.
Despite the admittedly emotional scene of her wanting a relationship with her birth parents, I find Erika incredibly irritating. While there is still plenty of time for her to grow, she isn’t what I would call an enduring character.
Granted, Nagi is a bit on the duller side of things, but that is an entirely different problem.
In all honesty, A Couple of Cuckoos feels like a relic of a bygone area of anime. It is struggling to leave any sort of identity, an issue I do not think will get any better once this series enters its on-the-horizon harem route.
