Kukuru’s passion and responsibility finally come head to head in The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20, as she comes to terms with what she actually wants to be. How does this story end? Let’s find out in this review!
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 Overview
The Aquatope on White Sand is the latest anime by the Anime Studio P.A. Works, previously known for producing critically and commercially acclaimed anime like Angel Beats and Another. Toshiya Shinohara directs the series, a director whose career so far has been intrinsically linked with P.A. works, having previously directed Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara and Nagi no Asu kara for the studio before. It is an original series by P.A. works, which means it is not based on a previously existing property, such as a Manga or a Light Novel.
If you want to know how I felt about the nineteenth episode of the season, or if you want to catch up on it, check out my review of it here. This episode is also known in original Japanese as Shiroi Suna no Aquatope Episode 20.
– The Aquatope of White Sand Episode 20 Review does not contain spoilers –
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 Review- Plot and Characters
Kukuru has been struggling with her job ever since she started working at Tingaarla, as it seems like marketing is just not what she is made for. After initially thinking that this was a good decision by the director, I have now returned to my senses after seeing in The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 just how miserable it makes Kukuru. I can’t even imagine working so close to something that I love and not being allowed to interact with them, and I don’t know how Kukuru has managed so far.
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This particular episode was a cruel tale of two halves. The first half served as a reminder of how great the show used to be, with beautiful landscapes accompanied by a phenomenal soundtrack involving aquatic creatures. It was almost like the show was teasing us with hints of the past and taunting us with what it took from us. The show used to be a lovely escape to a coastal town, which drew the viewers in.
In a vicious twist of fate, the momentary glimpse of the old Aquatope was replaced by the corporate worlds of projects and presentations again. The assistant director might be good at heart, and he might want what the best for Kukuru is, but I don’t care anymore. I hate everything he stands for and what he has done to Kukuru’s psyche ever since she started this godforsaken job. However, I still loved The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20.
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While that may sound contradictory, allow me to explain. While these events might be frustrating, the direction of the ending of the episode showed that this was intentional on the writer’s part. We are supposed to feel sorry for Kukuru and her state so that we can feel the euphoria when she manages to break free. It is the calm before the storm, and I trust that things will be better for our favourite fish lover in the end.
I also liked that the show took us back to how things were at the start, even if just for a moment. We were able to realise what we had lost and pine for it even more. We finally witnessed what Kukuru was missing firsthand, and I’ll be very sad if she goes back to her life as it used to be at Tingaarla. She deserves better than to slave away at a desk for all her life, and The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 showcased it better than anything else.
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 Review- Art and Music
The start of this episode was tremendous because it was just like the glory days of The Aquatope on White Sand. For one, it was gorgeous to look at. For the first time in what seemed like ages, the characters and the audience got to look at the natural beauty of a beach, and it harkened back to the days of Gama Gama. If that wasn’t it, The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 was scored beautifully. Overall, this was the best the show has looked and sounded in forever, and I hope that the show is back in proper form.
Verdict
The Aquatope on White Sand Episode 20 would fit snugly among the show’s very best episodes, but only if the following episode fulfils the promises this one has made. It was a great outing for the show.
Click here to read the review of the next episode!