Quick Summary
In Listeners episode 4, “Teen Spirit,” µ (Mu) and Echo travelled to the first stop on their quest: the “prestigious” Freak Scene Academy. They’re searching for information about Jimi Stonefree. The school’s director had a personnel file on him, but she would only show it to them under one condition: they investigate the use of Teen Spirit on campus. Where is the addictive chemical — which Players on the front-line use in combat against the Earless — coming from? Who’s distributing it? Why is the student council president hitting so hard on µ? And why is the shy, diminutive young woman following Echo?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Best Moment in the Show
I’ll give Hole points for trying. Not many, but a few. Capture from the Funimation stream.
The more I read about the musical references in this show, the more I wonder how they manage to get in any action or dialogue at all! I mean, it’s packed with references! And I only caught about 10% of the on my first watch.
And that OP? That’s gotta be my favorite of the season. So many little character moments, so much kinetic motion…
I like it when a show messes with my assumptions — if I think it’s on purpose. Now, I know what you’re thinking. My assumptions are so preposterous that there’s no way an anime writer would anticipate them! Well, I have two answers for you. First, if anyone can anticipating my quirky way of thinking, it’s an anime writer, and second, some of us prefer illusion to despair. So, let’s just roll with it.
My assumption was that since µ had amnesia, she would likely be a bit innocent about things like guys trying to hit on her. Maybe she’d be inexperienced on that front? But it turns out that no, she’s pretty much in control of the situation. Like when Hole tried to make a play. Multiple times.
My favorite was when she’d just gotten done interviewing the mathematics club. First, why were they shirtless? Second, why were they partly covered in mud? And third… You know what, let’s drop it. I’m not going to figure that out.
I’m assuming there’s some clever and funny musical reference here. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it. So it you did, kindly leave a comment to push the frontier of darkness back a bit! Capture from the Funimation stream.
As she left their club building, Hole rejoined her. He seemed to be in high spirits. µ, however, was exhausted, and she angrily asked (10:58), “And where where the heck were you?”
“In search of a flower to give to the fair lady,” he said, showing her the yellow flower.
Saying they still had tons of interviews to conduct, she just turned and walked off.
I was glad to see she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself. And my assumption that she’d be a shrinking violet — well, that proves once again that what they say about the word “assume” is pretty much true. Except for the “u” part. You’re perfectly without blame. Maybe I should spell it “assme?” That doesn’t look right at all…
What did you think of the musical references? Did you see the portraits of Kiss? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!
Other Posts about This Series
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: Listeners – Episode 4 discussion
- AngryAnimeBitches: LISTENERS – Episode 4
- Random Curiosity: Listeners – 04
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Review: Listeners Episode 1: Live Forever
- Review: Listeners Episode 2: Half Man
- Review: Listeners Episode 3: You Made Me Realise
- Review: Listeners Episode 4: Teen Spirit
- Review: Listeners Episode 5: In the Embrace of the Beat / When Doves Cry
- Review: Listeners Episode 6: Special Edition: Pink Floyd References
- Review: Listeners Episode 6: Goodbye Blue Sky
- Review: Listeners Episode 7: Day of Rage/Problems
- Review: Listeners Episode 8: Real Me
- Review: Listeners Episode 9: Freedom
- Review: Listeners Episode 10: Cross Road Blues
- Review: Listeners Episode 11: I am the Resurrection
- Review: Listeners Episode 12: Hello/Goodbye
I think you are right about assuming something else is going on with Mu? Like, she just has confidence to her that must people amnesia usually don’t. Like a rock star, she knows she is the big kid and town and can get all the attention.
At the same time, I am wondering about how the amp system itself works. When Kir used Echo’s amp, it turned into an Octopus monster unlike Mu and her normal robot formation. There is something interesting going on with that which I think needs a good luck at.
Maybe I should have made episodic reviews for this show instead of me just stepping away from doing that in general.
“I am wondering about how the amp system itself works. When Kir used Echo’s amp, it turned into an Octopus monster unlike Mu and her normal robot formation. ”
Leave it to you to notice something like that!
I did a bit of reading in the Reddit thread, some someone pointed out (though I haven’t confirmed) that even though Echo’s amp produced an octopoid mech for Nir, it still didn’t have a cockpit, whereas Nir using her own amp had a cockpit. So maybe it’s a mixture of the Player and supporter’s traits?
I hope they explore the amp a bit more. That stuff’s interesting.
Yeah, I hope we learn more about this too. It’s pretty interesting stuff.