Subculture Anime Blog

The Three Laws of Robotics.

Summary:

Rikuo is still baffled at Sammy’s actions, but he is seemingly convinced that everything is normal when she begins her usual activities again. Not helping the situation, Naoko still insists that Rikuo is acting like a Dori-kei. At school later, Masaki reminds Rikuo of the three laws of robotics. He further suggests that they should check to see if Sammy is really following her usual duties, bringing the boys to the previously visited cafe once again. Rikuo is relieved after a quick look around the shop, but since Masaki reminds him that this may not be enough, the two boys go to a higher level of the cafe. Rikuo is alarmed when the young girl Chie appears behind him, but the two boys are then properly introduced to her and the older man named Shimei. After observing these two, and the couple Rina and Koji, Rikuo and Masaki recall how hard it is to tell whether people are human or robot in the cafe.

After ordering drinks, Masaki correctly guesses that Rikuo is worried about Sammy. He suggests that he wouldn’t know about such concerns, however, as he does not have a robot of his own. When Rikuo asks why, Masaki doesn’t answer. However, this makes him remember an event that happened to him as a child. When Akiko walks into the cafe, Rikuo takes the chance to ask her about what had happened earlier. Akiko simply reminds him of the rules of the cafe in response, however, and the two are then interrupted by the very active Chie. A man named Setoro meanwhile confronts Masaki about his concerns about the rules and the inside of the cafe. This conversation doesn’t last long, as he leaves soon after. Masaki attempts to follow him out, but he finds that the exit to the cafe will not open. Nagi explains that the door will not open immediately, as privacy is respected at the cafe. This doesn’t stop him from continuing to run out after a short while, however.

Sammy enters the cafe to order a usual drink, expressing her worries to Nagi. This is unknown to Rikuo, however, as he had lost his glasses earlier. While Rikuo discusses the secrets that Sammy is keeping from him with Akiko, Shimei brings up that everyone has some secrets that they will keep from others. This makes Rikuo realize that Sammy may have been doing this for his sake. Rikuo finally realizes that Nagi has been holding his glasses as well, but when he gets them back, he is shocked to find that Sammy is right in front of him. Sammy is just as shocked, running out in panic after Rikuo confirms her identity. Rikuo is of course unable to chase after her, and Nagi forces him to sit down with her afterwards. Nagi brings up that she is unsure of when Sammy first started coming to the cafe, recalling all of things she had eventually started talking to her about. Sammy had spoken about various things, including Rikuo, but it seemed like she was worried about something.

Masaki relays his negative results of his chase to Rikuo over the phone that night, and when Rikuo suggests that he will probably return to the cafe again, Masaki expresses his wish to accompany him. Rikuo takes the chance to mention how good the coffee has recently been to Sammy afterwards, but he finds it odd when she gives her usual response. Unknown to him, Sammy has put a smile on her face. Setoro reports his findings to a woman named Dr. Ashimori in the meantime, as she observes her tracking of robot movement throughout the city.

Preview: Noji and Rina.

Impression:

The Three Laws of Robotics, frequently used in popular science fiction, state that:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

I assume that these rules will be referenced and used frequently throughout the series.

So, even though there will be a ridiculous amount of first impression posts that I have to start in just a few hours, I just had to make time for this. The second episode of Eve no Jikan was just as good as the first, if not even better. Most of the characters involved with the Eve cafe were properly introduced in this episode, and judging from the preview for the next episode, I suspect that each of them will have their own major part by the end. Getting to hear even more of the large cast of notable seiyu was really great, with even actresses such as Yukana surprising me with the types of voices they are projecting. It’s really great to see that the staff isn’t just typecasting for this series. The stylish animation was just as appealing as it was during the first episode as well, and I especially love the way camera zooms are still being imitated.

As for the story itself, it obviously focused on Sammy who the episode is titled after. It was interesting to see how different (and cute) she looked in the cafe when compared to her usual appearance as Rikuo’s house. The scene where Rikuo saw her was so excellently done, and it had me rolling around my chair in excitement. I’m sure this will be the main development throughout the series, so we probably won’t have a conclusion until the end of it all. There is also the issue with Setoro that was presented in this episode, who Masaki was trying to learn more about. It is still unclear, at least to me, what his objectives are. As he had reported to Dr. Ashimori by the end, who seems like an antagonist, it could easily be considered that he is a spy. It’s too early to tell if this show plans on throwing twists at us though, so I really don’t want to assume anything major yet. Masaki also seems to have had something dealing with robots happen to him in his childhood, though we only got a small hint of this in the episode (I couldn’t even cap it). Now I can’t wait to see the third act. That is, whenever it decides to show up…