#oleamon

The episode is mostly about Hitomi’s neighbor Chihiro who has a Digimon named Algomon. According to Hitomi, she used to be a playful child, but suddenly, she stopped going outside of her house lately. She mustered up the courage to go outside because Algomon wanted to. It’s sad that Chihiro’s situation is alluding to being bullied at school. Still, it’s nice that Hitomi does have some significance, even if it’s minor, as it’s because she and Chihiro are neighbors that Chihiro and Tomoro become acquainted. This is also the most personality Hitomi has shown in the entirety of the anime so far. While I’m still not on board with the idea of Hitomi getting a Digimon, I wouldn’t mind her showing up like how she is in this episode going forth—just being Tomoro’s close friend and someone he can comfortably talk to without any romantic implications.

Algomon is an unusual Digimon as it retains its name throughout every evolution stage and it gives off some similarities to the Kuramon line. It also doesn’t talk as its form of communication is through beeps that Digimon can understand as Gekkmon can translate what it says. The way Algomon evolves into Ultimate and then becomes a form that reminds me a bit of Diaboromon really gives off final boss vibes…but we’re at Episode 31. The fact that Tomoro managed to “defeat” Algomon by himself does showcase how much the two have come since the beginning. By the way, the serene scenery that Tomoro and Gekkomon stumble upon after diving deep into Algomon’s core reminds me a lot of the Final World from Kingdom Hearts III which is hilarious because Tomoro has the same voice actor as Sora.

Like Episode 29, Episode 31 integrates Rose’s subordinates Brilliant Thorn into the story. They’re like if Team Rocket merged with Sailor Uranus and Neptune. They’re a bit eccentric as they ganged up on Chihiro but also introduced themselves to Tomoro on top of a garbage pile (or is it a pebble pile). It’s too bad that they don’t really contribute anything as they get overpowered by Algomon easily. However, I love how much chemistry they have with each other. These ladies are GAY to the point that it almost felt like I was third-wheeling them. Their partners are Toropiamon and Oleamon who seems to like to insult each other, which gives them an interesting dynamic that contrasts their Owners. I honestly can’t wait to see more of Meto and Kanon.

The best part about this episode is definitely seeing how much Tomoro has grown since episode 1. He was fighting really hard to save Chihiro and Algomon and even promised that he’ll find a way for them to be together someday, but not now. He’s really living up to Kyo’s dream. The sign of Tomoro’s growth is that he seen riding Armalizamon for the first time and remains in the same position when he evolves into Monarchlizamon.

Toropiamon is voiced by Misa Watanabe who has voiced Plesiomon in Hunters and Salamandramon in Adventure 2020. Outside of Digimon, she’s known for voicing Vivi in One Piece and Martel in Tales of Symphonia. Oleamon is voiced by Michie Tomizawa who voiced Sailor Mars in the 90’s adaptation of Sailor Moon—this is her Digimon debut. I find it interesting how Meto and Kanon’s partners are voiced by veterans while Rose’s partner is voiced by a younger actress. Chihiro is voiced by Hina Kino, who also makes her Digimon debut. She’s known for her childlike voice, which has made her voice a lot of child characters like Miri in Buddy Daddies, Acrobat Silky’s daughter in Dandadan and Lishu in The Apothecary Diaries.

I think the funniest part of the episode is how Tomoro forgot Makoto is also elementary school aged. The fanbase forgets that Makoto is 10 years old and the fact that Tomoro also forgot feels like the writers is taking a jab at the fanbase. I honestly can’t wait for next week’s episode as it’s a rare Maki-focused one. She has been one of the most mysterious characters in the story, so I can’t wait to see what her backstory is and why she knows about Digimon and why she became an information broker. Let me know your thoughts on this episode!