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Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary – Episode 7 Review: A Dull Mystery or a Hidden Gem?

If you’ve been following Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary, you might have mixed feelings about Episode 7. The show, produced by Lapin Track and airing since July 2024, follows Jougorou Kobato and Yuki Osanai, two high schoolers determined to live ordinary lives—despite their knack for solving mysteries. Episode 7, titled “The Cryptic Note and the Abduction,” dives into another case, but does it hold up to fans’ expectations? Let’s break it down.

The Plot: A Forced Mystery?

The episode kicks off with Kobato receiving a cryptic note from his friend Kengo, hinting at a drug-related mystery. Meanwhile, Osanai is excited about the upcoming Sanyadori Festival, particularly the candy apples from Muramatsuya. But things take a turn when Osanai is seemingly abducted, with a ransom demand of 5 million yen. Kobato, despite his vow to stay ordinary, can’t resist diving into the case.

Fans on MyAnimeList had mixed reactions. Some found the mystery contrived, like @MenchiK1, who called the note “the dumbest” and speculated that Osanai orchestrated the whole thing as a game for Kobato. Others, like @SparkyBob, pointed out the dated feel of the plot, with landline phones and fax machines making an appearance in 2024. The episode’s pacing also drew criticism, with @HOOfan_1 noting that the mystery felt “overcomplicated” for no real payoff.

Character Dynamics: Married Couple Vibes

One thing fans unanimously agree on? Kobato and Osanai’s relationship is… weird. Their pact to “become ordinary” feels more like a marriage than a friendship. @SparkyBob joked, “For a detective, you’re the only one who hasn’t figured out you’re in a relationship.” The dynamic is both charming and frustrating—Osanai’s clinginess and Kobato’s obliviousness make for entertaining banter, but it also feels like the show is dragging out their romantic tension unnecessarily.

Kengo, Kobato’s persistent friend, continues to divide opinions. Some find him annoying (“He imposes himself on others,” says @HOOfan_1), while others appreciate his role in pushing Kobato out of his comfort zone. In Episode 7, Kengo’s involvement in the drug case adds some much-needed energy, but his character still lacks depth.

Visuals and Tone: Style Over Substance?

The show’s art style and cinematography are undeniably polished, but some fans feel it’s wasted on a lackluster story. @MenchiK1 compared it to Sonny Boy, calling it “pretentious” with forced mysteriousness. The jump cuts and surreal sequences, like Osanai’s purple eyes lingering in the background, add flair but don’t always serve the plot.

On the other hand, the festival scenes are vibrant, and the Reggae Festival backdrop (which many missed, according to @marklebid) adds a quirky touch. The episode’s climax, with Kobato and Kengo confronting the kidnappers, is visually engaging—though @HOOfan_1 pointed out the absurdity of Osanai dressing as a “pot-smoking hippy” without explanation.

Fan Theories and Future Episodes

The biggest debate revolves around Osanai’s abduction. Was it real, or did she stage it? @MenchiK1 and @HOOfan_1 think it’s a setup to catch the drug ring, while others find the twist lazy. The voice-changer call to Kobato’s landline (“Why would the kidnappers do that?” asks @MenchiK1) adds to the confusion. If the show is building toward a bigger reveal, it needs to pick up the pace—many fans are already losing patience.

Episode 8’s preview hints at a confrontation at the Nanbu Gymnasium, with Osanai’s kidnappers revealed as high school girls in a drug ring. Will this arc redeem the show, or is it too late? @SparkyBob hopes for more depth, while @HOOfan_1 jokes about Osanai’s revenge tactics: “Revenge is a dish best served cold… probably with Carolina Reaper parfaits.”

Final Verdict: Ordinary to a Fault?

Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary has potential, but Episode 7 feels like a missed opportunity. The mystery is convoluted, the characters are hit-or-miss, and the pacing drags. Yet, there’s something oddly compelling about Kobato and Osanai’s dynamic—if the show leans into their chemistry and tightens its storytelling, it could win back skeptical fans.

For now, though, it’s a slow burn that might not be worth the wait for everyone. As @MenchiK1 put it: “This is a mystery show? But it’s… so dull.” If you’re here for the vibes, stick around. If you want gripping mysteries, you might want to look elsewhere.

Rating: 6/10 – Decent, but needs to step up its game.

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What did you think of Episode 7? Let’s discuss in the comments!