Episode 3 of “Apocalypse Hotel,” titled “A Smile Is The Ultimate Ambiance,” serves up a hearty helping of culture clash, toilet humor, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped in the show’s signature post-apocalyptic charm. The Gingarou Hotel welcomes a new group of guests who are unlike anyone Yachiyo and her robot staff have encountered before: a family of tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) fleeing turf wars and seeking refuge.
Tanuki Troubles
The episode wastes no time introducing the Procione family, a boisterous bunch of tanuki who arrive at the hotel seeking accommodation until their spaceship is repaired. From the moment they step through the doors, it’s clear that these guests are going to be a handful. The tanuki children immediately cause chaos, startling the Environmental Checker Robot and prompting it to (almost) attack them.
The episode leans heavily into the tanuki’s mischievous nature, and cultural differences quickly become a source of conflict. The Prociones have a penchant for dirt and disorder, habits that clash spectacularly with Yachiyo’s programming for pristine hospitality. The situation escalates when the cleaning robot discovers piles of poop in the hallway and the tanuki begin marking their territory inside their room.
Culture Shock and Robot Reactions
Yachiyo’s attempts to accommodate the tanuki’s unique customs lead to a series of increasingly absurd situations. The tanuki take full advantage of the hotel’s policy of accommodating guests, reveling in the mess and mayhem they create.
The clash between Yachiyo’s unwavering dedication to customer service and the tanuki’s disruptive behavior provides much of the episode’s humor. The animators clearly had fun drawing Yachiyo this week, as she cycles through a wide range of emotions, from initial elation at the return of “humanity” (or so she thinks) to utter despair at the tanuki’s antics.
A Punch and Fireworks
The breaking point comes when Yachiyo discovers the extent of the mess the tanuki have made. In a moment of uncharacteristic anger, she punches the father tanuki square in the face. This action triggers a “Mission Attack a Guest” directive, complete with a dazzling fireworks display, leaving Yachiyo and the viewers wondering about the origins of these directives and how many more might be lurking within her programming.
Finding Common Ground
Despite the initial chaos and conflict, “Apocalypse Hotel” manages to find a heartwarming message amidst the toilet humor. The tanuki, realizing the error of their ways, begin to clean the hotel, demonstrating a willingness to meet Yachiyo halfway. The episode champions mutual respect and understanding, suggesting that even the most disparate cultures can find common ground.
Lingering Mysteries and Future Prospects
Episode 3 also offers hints about the larger mysteries of “Apocalypse Hotel”. The crashed spaceship and the tanuki’s search for a safe haven raise questions about the state of the world beyond the hotel. The episode suggests that the tanuki were fleeing turf wars, and they crossed paths with a human vessel.
The growing sapling left by Nojyujarmar in the previous episode is mentioned in several reviews, which could potentially open a path between worlds or awaken something powerful. The tree’s growth might also attract more visitors to the Gingarou Hotel, leading to new encounters and challenges for Yachiyo and her staff.
The origin of Yachiyo’s directives is another intriguing question. Are these pre-programmed instructions from the hotel’s original owner, or are they something else entirely? The fireworks display suggests that there may be more to Yachiyo’s programming than meets the eye.
A Breath of Fresh Air in Anime
“Apocalypse Hotel” continues to impress with its unique blend of comedy, drama, and post-apocalyptic themes. The animation is superb, the characters are engaging, and the story is full of surprises. The series is a breath of fresh air in the anime landscape, offering a thought-provoking and entertaining experience for viewers of all backgrounds.
Highlights of Episode 3
- Culture Clash: The episode explores the challenges and humorous situations that arise when different cultures collide.
- Toilet Humor: “Apocalypse Hotel” embraces silliness with its over-the-top toilet humor, but it never loses sight of its heartwarming message.
- Yachiyo’s Emotions: The episode showcases Yachiyo’s emotional range, from joy to despair, as she navigates the tanuki’s disruptive behavior.
- Unanswered Questions: The episode raises questions about the larger mysteries of the series, including the fate of humanity and the origin of Yachiyo’s directives.
- Heartwarming Moments: Amidst the chaos, “Apocalypse Hotel” delivers moments of genuine connection and understanding.
Where to Watch
“Apocalypse Hotel” is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes released weekly. Subtitles in English and other languages are available.
Final Thoughts
“Apocalypse Hotel” Episode 3 is a delightful blend of silliness and substance. The episode’s humor is balanced by its underlying message of cultural understanding. With its engaging characters, stunning animation, and intriguing mysteries, “Apocalypse Hotel” is a must-watch anime for fans of comedy, drama, and post-apocalyptic stories. The series masterfully juggles serious subjects with lighthearted moments, making it a truly unique and rewarding viewing experience.
