In a cour dominated by copy+paste isekai, pervy wish fulfillment (Dress-up Darling), and the closure of one of the most popular yet terrible pieces of long-form storytelling (Attack on Titan), along comes Hakozume to stand proudly against the grain.
Initially we were drawn into it by the thumbnail image of gorillas in wigs - which is not the weirdest thing anime has ever produced! - and started watching it as a lark. What we found is a character-driven slice of life that deals with real world problems of local law forces and hierarchies, while allowing both Kawai and Fuji to become fleshed-out people that begin to see each other as their own better halves - the titular 'police in a pod'.
It also stubbornly and refreshingly refuses to let any sexual tension exist between the male detectives and our heroines. In fact, one episode even deals with a detective undercover with Kawai as her boyfriend and having full-blown panic attacks over how he should be acting to fit the role while avoiding anything that could be labeled 'sexual harassment'. The gorillas in wigs image even pays off in a very appropriate and humorous moment!
A great show that has become the highlight of the week's new episodes, perfect for teenagers, especially girls. Its full of insights about self-image, motivation, insecurity and uncertainty about the future. But at a time when fantasy reigns, something that demolishes the Bechdel test this thoroughly and entertainingly is worthy of laudation.
