Shokugeki no Soma – 04
Now that’s what I call a tasty meal.
Quick heads up: I’ll probably combine the next 2 episodes into one post because I’m going to a conference to present some of my research. My flight just so happens the leave the day after Shokugeki no Soma (and Jojo) is released, and I’ll be gone for a week. Sorry about that! I’ll make it up to you guys later in May, because I’ll be going to Anime North and taking tons of photos!
Soma demands attention whenever he’s on screen. He has the skill, the reputation, the attitude, and the blinding red hair that makes heads turn when he walks into a room. That makes him a great protagonist, but it also means that he pretty much hijacks all of the screentime. The whole show has just been him solo-ing his way through every challenge without much resistance. His only misstep here was forgetting ingredients for the dorm cooking challenge, and even with that handicap he didn’t have a problem whipping up a masterpiece. At least he had the decency to admit he only scraped by, because he’d really have messed up if there were no leftovers for him to work with. But just having Soma say “maaaan, I barely made it!” when he clearly just cooked a meal good enough to be served in a Gordon Ramsey restaurant isn’t enough to make it look like he’s struggling. After 3 episodes of seeing Soma do his thing, it’s about time for a shake-up. Cue: a host of characters to challenge him (Isshiki) and steal some of the spotlight away from him (the rest of them)!
I’m not sure who’s the butt of the joke here
Let’s start with the Rest and save the Best for last. I usually go cross-eyed when they introduce a slew of characters at once and expect us to immediately like them all. Thankfully, most of them have been milling around in the background so we actually do have a bit of familiarity with them. So the welcome party works really well – although don’t ask me to recall any names without using MAL as a reference. Soma is a cool guy, but I think it’s about time we got a break from the nonstop Soma train and got to see other chefs. Megumi is an excellent contrast to Soma because she shows how hard these tests really are – something we couldn’t possibly know from just seeing Soma breeze by them without a clue. Marui (glasses guy) is the keener that’s solely there to be the infodump character, but he clearly has a lot of technical knowledge. He’s probably the polar opposite of Soma in terms of cooking specs, so I’d love to see them cook together…or study together, at least. They all have enough quirks shown that you get a feel for their character, cooking style, and what to expect when we see them tango with Soma in the kitchen. So far we’ve only really seen Soma’s cooking style, and it’s time to see how other top chefs do it. His way surely isn’t the only way!
Today’s special: sausage!
I love watching Soma cook and I’m not bored of watching him turn out amazing dishes without breaking a sweat just yet. But he’s literally the only person we’ve seen cooking this entire time, aside from brief glimpses of his dad. We see finished dishes (the veggie tempura, smoked meats etc.), but never get to see any of the other cooks showing off their knifework or secret techniques. Soma’s great, but he can’t carry the show on his own. That’s why I’m super excited for all these new faces to strut their stuff.
The real threat to Soma is Isshiki (naked apron creeper). He’s ranked 7th and he’s a 2nd year, so I don’t know if he’ll be the first of the Elite 10 that Soma will face officially. But at least Soma is finally at his first, meaningful hurdle. He can’t be perfect forever. It would be a boring story if he could just outcook everyone without having to learn anything new or struggle a bit, so this is a welcome development. Isshiki appeared at just the right time to shake things up (and shake his ass).
P.S. My screencap choices are by no means biased. It’s just your imagination. Stop imagining Isshiki in an apron!
I don’t care what that Fumio said, that fish burger sounds REALLY GROSS. Isshiki’s fish dish on the other hand looks gorgeous…I wish we knew more about what was in it so I could try and reproduce those “heavenly” flavours. For now, I made a more peasant-like dish: Soma’s losing fried rice dish from episode 1.
About Overcooled
A neuroscience graduate, black belt, and all-around nerd. You'll either find me in my lab or curled up in my rilakkuma kigurumi watching anime.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I actually tried to find canned mackerel at the store the other day…then I had the thankful “wait, what?” moment. I won’t go out an say the dish seems gross, but I don’t think I could fully endorse it. I like fresh mackerel, but I shy away from a canned variety as it just seems to oily to think about.
Fumio certainly is a handful, and she sure is something. Both back in the day, and now. Just goes to show you young folk. One day you got it, and the next day it changes.
…and that’s not nearly enough naked apron. It could have gone full fledged GoT Season One in here…
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I’m a picky eater, so I’m willing to calls ’em like I sees ’em. And canned fish just doesn’t sound tasty. Maybe Soma can pull it off, but I’d rather not. There are better things from this show to cook!
I was in so much awe when GoT showed an actual dick on TV. It’s so rare!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…plenty of T, A, D, and V to go around, they are not shy…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
He still uncannily resembles Shirou. And it looks as if Shirou is part-timing from his other show to launch his own cooking show.
Also. Mmmm. Hadaka Apr0n. Delicious meal-gao.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
If that’s the case, the personality changes as he goes between shows. In Fate, he’s a hopeless idealist. In Shokugeki no Soma, he’s a braggart.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
I believe dolphins and Rin have something to do with it.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Lumping all the ginger kids together, eh?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Help! I’ve been visually assaulted!!
There are these details you know were designed to screw the lead over. The moment Soma lost that paper on his way to finding the dorms; it didn’t take much to assume it would be something extremely important. It also shows he doesn’t read or keep track of everything coming his way and that can be to his detriment.
An oddball means of entry, personally, but since it is a culinary school, the terms of cooking to secure a room is reasonable enough considering the students are there to sharpen their skills in the first place. There was little worry about Soma making the cut but hearing Megumi’s story left me in a state of pity for her. Getting in after three months of attempts… It’s a miracle she didn’t get expelled during that period and you how she found the time to study in the process is beyond me.
The ending screamed the saying “Don’t let your mouth write a check your rear can’t cash”. It was a given shooting off his mouth at his transfer ceremony was bound to bring down heat but I didn’t expect one of the elite bosses of the school to be within a hundred yards of him. Game on, you red haired braggart!!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
You shall be converted! Although IIRC, it’s supposed to be anaaga’s job.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Blasphemy! As if that’s going to happen!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
*waits for the yaoi seraph doujins*
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Soma’s pretty sloppy with details (like losing vital instructions) but at least he’s diligent where it counts! I wonder what Megumi did during those 3 months of failure. Where did she live? I don’t know how she hasn’t been expelled yet either.
Haha haven’t heard that saying before. We’ll see what happens now that he’s being challenged by one of the elite chefs.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
My bet is Megumi stayed over at a friends’ dorm, likely in secret. Otherwise, she’d have caused red flags to go off a long time ago.
I’ve heard that saying before. It’s just that I can’t put my finger on where.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Riiiiiigght! They’re so traumatizing…. If I need therapy after this, it’s your fault.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Oh relax, the show is like 99% full of fanservice for you! If I can handle being bombarded by boobs all the time then you can take a lone booty.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Exactly! Bring on more booty!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Shake that booty!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
One alone is lethal and devastating.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Arrhh! We Pirate have found booty! Arrr! 😛
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@Di Gi Kazune:
Nonsense! I’m already on a crusade to convert 4 female writers. One of whom was previously a commentator.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Your excitement betrays your threading.
Fixed. 😛 Though this would be one I would sit out. The prebattle analysis doesn’t look promising.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Funny… The 4 female writers I mentioned are Kyokai, Karakuri, Overcooled and IreneSharda. Knowing about the anime for Seraph of the End, before they knew about it, I showed them the manga a season early to give them a taste of the story.
Why did I choose those four with the recommendation? Well, it was some research between what I already knew and what I personally had a hand in:
Kyokai is a fan of Hellsing and she’s watched Shiki.
Overcooled blogged Shiki as it was airing when it began Summer 2010.
Karakuri blogged both Diabolik Lovers and Strike the Blood (a little persuasion was given with that one) in the same season, she’s a fan of the Bloody Cross manga, I showed her the review for a manga named “Lovephobia” which she later told me she got one of the volumes, I introduced her to Trinity Blood and suggested watching Moon Phase. I’ve been meaning to ask how that is doing.
Irenesharda once told me she was into vampires since the 11th grade after a friend showed her a vampire romance book. She’s seen Hellsing and Trinity Blood, I introduced her to Shiki which was really liked and recently showed her Bloody Cross.
This is just my opinion on the subject but the one thing I think they all have in common is the like to watch blood splashing around. It truly is something of note when there are girls far more bloodthirsty than guys. You see, I’ve been a busy
batbee. By the time I’m done, they might have fangs for all I know and if they do, I’ll have done my job too well! 😀POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Convert us to what, exactly? 😉
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@IreneSharda:
After that list of reasons in the reply to Di Gi Kazune above this comment, you should have a good idea as to what. 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Yaoi. :3
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Okay, seriously, knock it off!!
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Somewhat already into that. 😛
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
That’s not surprising….
POWUH: and Athenaeum Châtelaine with 2212 comments
Seraph has my attention. However, as of currently, it has some drawbacks in terms of the main character, the cliche school/training setting, and a slightly confusing plot surrounding the vampires.
If it wishes to gain acclaim with myself and other watchers, it will have to step it up a notch. If you say that manga is that good, the anime shall have to work then to reach its heights. Right now, it is in forth place for me, after Sidonia, Arslan, Kekkai Sensen, but it’s better than Stratos. If it wants to get higher, or even just on par with those above it, it will have to prove itself.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
The training setting isn’t going to last much longer. The recent episode has shown things have begun to accelerate.
Episode 1: Chapter 1
Episode 2: Chapter 2
Episode 3: Chapter 3
Episode 4: Chapters 4 & 5
Unless I miss my guess, the next episode adapts chapters 6 & 7 with Yuu getting what he’s after in the former. If that’s the case, it’s episode 6 where they leave the city to venture out to the ruined earth.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I like Seraph so I guess you did your part, BB. It’s full of cliches but I don’t mind at all because it’s a fun ride and the weapons are cool. I think things will definitely pick up once they’re out of the school though.
P.S. I covered Shiki in 2010? I’ve been here for 5 years? Wowwww…time sure flies.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
The first pic needs more volume. Too flat. Flat is bad.
*eyes dart around and ducks behind a trash can*
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Aren’t you afraid of having your eyes gouged watching that?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…I agree with Akagami…butt then, I’m kinda flat myself.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Well, the flat comment was meant for everything (including chests). *looks around for any DFC supporters*
But at least it’s not a gif. That would be more graffic.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Graphic. For some reason my brain invented a new spelling.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Chests should be flat. Butts rounded.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I like my manbutts muscular and flat with those cute little butt dimples =w=
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Such language should be censored.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Many a men turned GAR for him at those words. Just like the day people turned GAR for Archer.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
No gifs! The episode itself was more than enough.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I agree, it just shouldn’t be giffed…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Oh my kamisama… The hotness… the…
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
My eyes!!!!
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Thanks skylion!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
Souma keeling it clASSy as always! Fanservice for guys and girls <3
Fun episode! If anything can be said of Souma is the cast of funny ass characters and I hope Megumi warms up to Souma because she simply sees him as annoying, but I suppose he has a few strikes against him for forcing her to eat his squid+peanut butter combo along with walking in on her in the bath! Poor girl...
I can't wait for the first real food battle! SOON! YES!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Poor Megumi…but all this is character building.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
He damaged the relationship before it could start off properly.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I’m glad they threw the ladies a bone here!
I actually really like Soma – probably because I have a soft spot for narcissistic characters. I want Megumi to see his better side (the side that doesn’t force-feed her squid) and become friends. He could really help her out!
SOON
POWUH: 400-499 with 489 comments
Being a culinary arts student I feel like my entire 2 years of studying has been a lie watching this anime.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Hahaha! Don’t let the anime discourage you after everything you’ve been through. Aside from that, it’s good to have you around again, Moni Chan!
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Keep plenty of plaster’s handy!
Oh, I’m kidding! As BB says, it’s good to see you around again. But, what have the past two years been like. You simply can’t drop that in here, compare it to the show and then leg it!
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
Yes! If you’re a culinary arts student then we need you here every week as a consultant!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
@Overcooled: You better strap yourself in. I just found out this show is 24 episodes long, a two cour!
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
YAAASSSSSS
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Grab your notebook as you watch every episode, then.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Isshiki bringing up his dark personality with that outfit was… confusing .-. I wasn’t sure if I should’ve laughed really hard or run crying in fear.
So, for what Isshiki said and considering next episode’s title, seems like he is a specialist on spring dishes, and that could mean that there are people who specialize on other season’s dishes as well. I can’t wait, seriously.
Now, I’m serious. With all the dorm cast introduced, I started watching the ED theme at least five times per day everyday. I can’t help but love the loli/shota versions of the cast (I seriously thought Shun was Souma there) and the whole dorm doing silly moves by the table as the traditional sounding chorus starts.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
He’s number 7 out of 10 elites. So you have to consider there’s more to the equation than just seasons.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Yeah, probably. But I’m saying he’s a specialist. He must be great in anything else as well, but he’s probably a genius with spring dishes. That’s what I think.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I wonder how foods qualify for certain categories. A lot of différent ingredients are used from time to time.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Foods are usually categorized as seasonal by their ingredients, even if the current world can have any ingredient at any time, or their serving style. Humans have a long cultural memory, and the world continues to favor certain times of the year with abundance of certain foods. So a particular ingredient will get tied to early summer if it has an early harvest. Or something will be felt as a ‘winter’ food if it is historically storable.
Likewise, food that is cooling and refreshing complements the heat of summer, while food that is warming and filling is more thought of as something for the sedentary winter.
POWUH: Meta Team and The Mad Scientist with 5525 comments
I don’t even know how I’d hold a conversation with him dressed like that…
The ED is crazy addictive! The single needs to be out right this second!
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
I don’t even know how the girls can act normally with him dressed like that.
Right? But the release date is set to June 10th D= I can’t wait!
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Are you sure it wasn’t from the food and drink? They seemed intoxicated after a while.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Well, they were drinking something suspicious, but he changed to that outfit pretty early in the party. Someone said that his naked apron becomes a recurring thing as the manga goes on and even before Souma, he must’ve done that a lot of times.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
If the girls can act normally around him when he’s dressed like that, then it means he’s done that on more than one occasion and they’ve gotten used to it. You just said the naked apron is a recurring thing so it’s probably happened before our first time seeing it.
POWUH: 600-699 with 691 comments
It’s not a mecha anime, but i’m sure i can whip out something for this
1- I still hate the OP song!
2- Time is cruel…fumio-san teached me that i have to go out in the world and live my life wildly!!!
3- I don’t like fish, but the soup sounds good…
4- Poor Megumi…
5- Ryoko is the best girl…she makes me want to become kokoa and scream “ONE-SAMA”.
6- Dat ass.
7- Isshiki-senpai is awesome…even in a naked apron