After an emotional breakup with her boyfriend, red panda Retsuko closes herself off to the thought of ever being in love again—well, with an actual person anyway. Retreating into the world of VR, her virtual boyfriend showers her with praise and shows up in cute outfits, albeit for a price.
While scrambling to find other ways to earn money, Retsuko finds herself in yet another financial bind after accidentally ramming into a parked van with a rental vehicle. The owner of the van, a gruff cheetah named Hyoudou, recruits her as an accountant for an underground idol group which he manages. Retsuko soon begins to buckle under the pressure from the new job, leading to plenty of inspiration for her next death metal vent sessions.
In the midst of it all, Retsuko begins to wonder if she truly desires a colorless and uninteresting life, or if there's something waiting beyond her office desk. Will Retsuko finally come out on top, both in love and in the workplace? Or will she once again be convinced that the dull and sterile life in her office environment is the one she must lead?
Aggressive Retsuko (ONA) 3rd Season – The Rage continues!
Synopsis:
Aggressive Retsuko, also known as Aggretsuko, is back with a bang in its third season. Our favorite red panda, Retsuko, continues her journey as she navigates the turmoil and insanity of daily office life under her pig boss, Mr. Ton. While wrestling with her mundane 9-5 job, Retsuko’s uncomplicated life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself trapped by debt, forcing a new role upon her as a member of an underground idol group.
This season brilliantly delivers the reality of adulthood alongside surreal elements of an anthropomorphic animal society. It captures the ebbs and flows of corporate culture, personal life crisis, and the vices of the entertainment industry, compressing these complexities into the life of Retsuko. Life gets twisted yet interesting, as Retsuko finds herself juggling between corporate politics, her fiery stage presence, and an unforeseen romantic plot.
Review:
Aggretsuko’s third installment truly, aggressively grips you from the get-go, evolving way past its ‘office comedy’ roots into a compelling narrative that delivers a potent critique of today’s society.
The series maintains its brilliant combination of humor and despair. Without unleashing spoilers, we can confirm the jovially relatable introduction of new characters like Hyoudou, an industrious and charismatic businessman, along with the dynamic of the idol group “OTMGirls”. The interweaving connections among this ensemble, and the drama it adds to Retsuko’s life, keep you glued to the screen.
Animation and sound-wise, director Rareko and Studio Fanworks didn’t skimp on quality this season. Vibrant, expressive animation, and the unexpected musical numbers bring the story alive and resonate emotionally with viewers. Aggretsuko’s unique charm lies in delivering serious themes like introspection, relationships, and professional rivalries against a backdrop of whimsical visuals and hilarious, on-point songs.
Characters continue to be the show’s major strength. Always relatable, Retsuko’s struggles hit home for viewers, while Haida’s unrequited love adds another layer of complexity. With newfound depth given to supporting characters, like Director Gori and Kabae, it’s a treat to witness their trajectories.
Despite veering from office life, Aggretsuko doesn’t lose its biting commentary on societal issues. It subtly brings to light the pitfalls of fame, the dark side of fan culture, and the concerning extremes people can go to for the sake of ‘approval’.
Conclusion:
All considered, Aggressive Retsuko 3rd Season is a roaring triumph that successfully maintains its balance of humor, introspection, and commentary. Despite its departure from the office setting, it loses none of its charm and wit, instead adding a sense of urgency and surprise with its clever plot twists.
Chances are, if you’re a fan of the earlier seasons or a first-time viewer, you’ll have a great time journeying alongside Retsuko as she grapples with life’s harsh realities. Whether you choose to rent, buy, or stream this series, it’s guaranteed to leave you eagerly awaiting season four!
Anime Critic Rating: 8.5/10
Be the first to leave a review.