Review: Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 5 Best in Show

Quick Summary

In Somali and the Forest Spirit episode 5, “The Wandering Birds,” Golem and Somali left the city and their friends to head deeper into the dessert. Somali complained constantly about the heat, which Golem tried to alleviate by holding a tarp over her head. When they arrived at the next city, which was nestled in the caldera of an extinct volcano, a confrontation over ice cream introduced them to the harpy Uzoi. Her traveling companion, Haitora, apologized for Uzoi’s behavior, and the the two pairs shared a meal. They got along so well that they decided to travel to the next city together. Uzoi kept giving the oblivious Somali strange looks, and Haitora seemed to be gravely ill. Is their desire to travel with Golem and Somali based on mutual interests? Or is something more sinister going on?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Best Moment in the Show

Nothing like a trip across a hot desert to help you enjoy a cold drink! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

I’m continuing to enjoy how much Somali reminds me of my kids when they were, well, kids. In this week’s episode, we get to see “kid melodrama” in all of its glory, and it was charming.

After leaving Kikiira behind, they travelled by wagon to the next city. The trip took them through more desert, and Somali complained bitterly about the heat. “I’m hot,” she complained, clinging to Golem (02:58). “The wagon makes things easy, but the heat makes it hard again…”

Based on her voice and attitude, it was like she was enduring the worst thing that could ever happen to any human anywhere. Even as Golem held a tarp over her to give her some shade and explained they had to travel during the day because of the nighttime storms (a nice touch), she complained that the water he gave her was too warm. And she wanted something cold to drink.

I can’t blame Somali for being miserable! Also, I had to wonder: does Golem’s body give off heat, or is his body ambient temperature? How does a Golem’s physiology work? Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.

It reminded me of a lot of car trips! At least Somali didn’t ask if they were there yet a hundred times.

My favorite part came when they finally arrived at the next town. The first shot was Somali gulping down a cold drink from a glass the size of her head. With a satisfied gasp, she finished and said (03:38),”Back from the brink of death!”

Golem’s comment was a perfect end-cap: “Another hyperbolic phrasing.”

Such wholesome entertainment! Though if you’ve seen the episode, there’s cause for apprehension at the end…

What did you think of Uzoi and Haitora? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!

Other Posts about This Series

Other Anime Sites

• Reddit: Somali to Mori no Kamisama – Episode 5 discussion
• I Drink and Watch Anime: Somali and The Forest Spirit Episode 5 – Desperate Times
• The Otaku Author: Somali and the Forest Spirit (Episode 5) – The Wandering Birds

This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)

• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 1: Journeying Parent and Child
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 2: Edible Herbs and the Oni’s Dwelling
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 3: The Sea at the Bottom of the Cave
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 4: The Wishing Flower and the Promise Request
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 5: The Wandering Birds
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 6: Dying Flowers Look Up at the Birds
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 7: The Footsteps that Stalk the Witches
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 8: Meetings and Bonds Paid For
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 9: Memories of Minor Days
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 10: The Infant Child and the Green Fortress
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 11: Those Who Protect and Those Who Threaten
• Somali and the Forest Spirit Episode 12: Bonded Father and Child