Episode 10 of Apocalypse Hotel has landed, and it’s a wild ride back to the show’s comedic roots! After a brief detour into sentimentality, the Gingarou finds itself embroiled in a classic farce, complete with corpse concealment, a new troublesome staff member, and aliens dropping like flies. Here’s a breakdown of all the mayhem.
A “Greedo” Situation
The episode kicks off with the arrival of a new guest who looks suspiciously like Greedo from Star Wars. Going by the name “Slurpity Slurp” (or some such), this alien is immediately shady, requesting room service only and insisting Yachiyo deny his presence if asked. He even almost gives Tamako, Ponko’s newly introduced daughter, a suspicious piece of candy. Turns out, he’s a crook, possibly a “serial bomber psycho terrorist bastard,” according to another alien detective of the same species, voiced by Kenjiro Tsuda.
However, Slurpity Slurp’s stay is cut short when he suddenly dies in his room. Yachiyo, in classic sitcom fashion, jumps to the conclusion that Ponko is responsible.
Hide the Alien, Quick!
Driven by the fear of damaging the hotel’s reputation, Yachiyo decides to cover up the death, leading to a series of increasingly ridiculous attempts to hide the body. This is where the episode truly shines, embracing the absurd with macabre slapstick reminiscent of Takashi Miike’s genre-bending films. Think It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, but with aliens and more cleaning robots.
Ponko, of course, is right there with Yachiyo, contributing to the chaos and earning another tanuki-obliterating blow from Yachiyo’s fists. The episode is filled with gags, including Ponko putting a shampoo hat on the corpse (again!), and Yachiyo’s tiny white flag that pops out of her head when verifying alibis.
Enter Tamako
Adding to the pandemonium is Ponko’s daughter, Tamako. She’s about the age Ponko was when she first arrived and is described as annoying and bratty but also adorable and a troublemaker. Tamako quickly gets involved in the shenanigans, and it’s implied she might have inadvertently killed both aliens by hugging them before they died. Some fans even theorize that the deaths resulted from a Tamako allergy.
Double Trouble, Double Burial
As if one dead alien wasn’t enough, the detective also winds up dead in the same fashion. The cause of death for both aliens remains a mystery. Did they react to something in Earth’s atmosphere, like in War of the Worlds? Was it something in the room? Or was it Tamako’s hug?
In the end, Yachiyo and Ponko bury both aliens in the same grave plot as Mujina, Ponko’s grandmother.
Other Oddities
- Fuguri’s Pottery: Ponko’s brother, Fuguri, has grown up and become a reclusive potter. His scenes feel disconnected from the main plot, leaving viewers wondering if he’s a red herring or if his pottery somehow contributed to the aliens’ demise.
- Movie References: The episode is packed with references to horror films like Psycho and The Shining, as well as visual parallels to Greedo from Star Wars.
- Candy Bombs: It’s revealed that Slurpity Slurp carried candy that’s actually a bomb. Tamako eats one, leaving viewers to wonder if it will have consequences later.
Community Reaction
Overall, “Apocalypse Hotel” Episode 10 has been well-received, with many praising its return to comedic form and its chaotic energy. Some viewers found the episode disjointed and lacking resolution, particularly regarding the cause of the aliens’ deaths and the purpose of the candy bombs. However, most agree that the episode is a fun and bizarre addition to the series.
Final Thoughts
Episode 10 of Apocalypse Hotel is a wild and hilarious ride that embraces the show’s comedic strengths. While some plot threads remain unresolved, the episode’s absurdity and memorable gags make it a standout. With only a few episodes left, it’s anyone’s guess what kind of mayhem awaits the Gingarou Hotel.
