Score: C

Things really have just returned to normal with this episode. The previous episode wrapped up the Purirun drama and now things are just fine. It’s not completely status quo since Meroron is pushing to have Purirun continue live with her and apart from Uta. But that’s about it. This episode feels like it was all about just telling the audience that everything is back to normal. Even the intro had the whole group together even though Meroron is very much dragging her heels on that idea. This episode was mostly just light fun and not too much else.

Thought these two would have more moments

It’s kind of weird how Kokoro and Meroron don’t have much of a relationship beyond the slightly antagonistic one we saw in this episode. The promo materials and such really pointed towards there being something there. As if Meroron would be a fairy closely tied to Kokoro like how Purirun was for Uta. But that really didn’t manifest. At most they are similar in terms of their absolute fandoms, but that’s about it. It still feels as if Nana is the one that gets Meroron the most. She doesn’t have that many one on one interactions with her, but she does seem to understand the girl.

Just simple and silly stuff

Bit wild how we’ve kind of circled right back to the status quo. Where did the Meroron in tears while they were making that wish go!? Where did the girl that acknowledged that Uta was #1 for Purirun end up? I know her memories weren’t sealed! It really feels like someone involved with the show thought the drama was getting too serious and demanded a return to normal. Because this episode was fine. But it definitely was lacking the edge the show had been playing with.

In terms of a light episode this was fine. They took it easy and enjoyed the silliness of a random cooking competition. The episode started out with a pretty light idol competition and then kind of stuff a cooking competition into the middle. But even the merchandise competition was hardly serious. It was just a promotion run by a store and not like fans were getting combative with each other. It was just a wholesome bit of competition in this episode.

The longest fight we’ve had in a while

Even Zakkuri was pretty casual this week. We didn’t really carry on with his increasing frustrations with his boss or give him anything special to bring into a fight. His momentary tactical brilliance was sadly very momentary. Not to say that he wasn’t getting anything done in that fight. But…it does feel like the usual thing. Now that Zukyoon/Kiss are about to join the main team…their power level has dropped dramatically so not to completely overshadow their allies. This is the first fight involving these two that had the enemy last more than a couple hits. Now there’s the possibility for an actual explanation coming from Purirun’s promise being broken due to getting her memories back. But…I don’t expect the show to actually explore that idea.

I’m at a bit of a crossroads here

I’m in a tough spot with the show right now. I understand that you can’t always expect a very serious story to go on in Precure. At the same time…Precure has done serious stories just fine. This episode was very much a return to the status quo It was a light episode where nothing really important happened. Even the hints of Meroron’s character arc is more or less where the show was before Kiss and Zukyoon appeared.

It’s funny how things go. I picked this show back up during the spring season because it grabbed me with some really good character moments and entertaining stories. Now heading into Summer and the story seems to be pulling back and leaving me unsure what I’ll do. Will I stick with it through Summer and Fall? I may. But the last few episodes have introduced a level of doubt for me. I like to stick with shows when I do pick them up. But it does have to feel worth it.