How Aggretsuko Fell From Grace

Ngl i always kind of hated how Haida calls Aggretsuko a chicken because she was so deeply traumatized after being assaulted

If there is anything modern animation has taught me, it's that love triangles are a death knell for any series.

We can only handle "Retsuko decides to go back to her shitty office job" & "Haida ignores other girls to chase after (uninterested) Retsuko" so many times

I’m surprised you didn’t mention how Retusko’s coworkers essentially forced Haida and Retsuko to ask each other out

To me it fell from Grace the moment they kept pushing for Haida to pursue Retsuko when it’s stated over and over again she isn’t into him!

THANK YOU for bringing up how Anai faces no consequences for harassing and bullying his coworkers.

Man, i was so confused as to why they changed Anai's character so much from the base animated shorts to the series. He was much more likeable in the former, and was, as far as i recall, the only character that standed up for Retsuko in the OG shorts, albeit while also slightly, unintentionally insulting her cuz he's awkward like that.

As someone currently struggling with a real life Haida (a.k.a. workplace crush) I sympathize with Retsuko a lot, because the crush and the feelings around it don’t give me any room to actually know the guy. He is so hellbent on going out with me that we don’t even talk. Every time I try to have a normal discussion he just goes quiet and stares at me, like his attention is behind a pay wall of romantic exchange. Like this man is literally upset with me because he can’t take no for an answer. If he would step back and try to befriend me, maybe I’d find a lot of things in common with him and end up liking him, but his behavior makes me not look forward to going to work (he’s also my neighbor, go figure).

For the section on Anai, I know he seems completely over the top and unrealistic, but I lived this. I had a roommate EXACTLY like this, down to the insane lawyer-like harassing emails for any little thing. So, because of this experience that part of the series was scarily relatable....including the part about lack of consequences or apologies from the harasser because people like that honestly believe they are sticking up for themselves and not, you know, bat shit crazy

What’s kinda hilarious is the Haida had better chemistry with the extras Inui, tadano, and homura

Five seasons one Christmas special clearly the writers were burnt out by season four so I can’t blame them for making a bad season of an ultimately great show. Here’s hoping it ends on a high note

Haida really should've gotten with Inui. It would've been a happy development for that part of his character and solidify his role as Retsuko's best friend, instead of on/off simping love interest.

"Nobody gives a care about the fate of labor as long as they can get their instant gratification."

Kind of wild that people who hate Haida and people like you who liked him both hate this season equally as much for opposite reasons It really failed to satisfy anyone on any side of the fandom

I haven't seen season 4, because I lost interest after season 3. And I did so for one reason: Inui. Inui was that rare "false love interest" who was not only actually good, but BETTER than the character to whom sees supposed to be a false lead. Her genuinely sweet, supportive and wholesome relationship to Haida was so good, it honestly made me question WHY he continued to pursue Retsuko. Especially once it's pointed out (more than once if I recall) that Retsuko goes out her way not to include him and Fenniko on what's troubling her even when they ask. And have never had a real talk. Also, the endgame of the idol arc was... Really dark. I mean, the show got dark before, but it just felt way out there for this show. If you've seen it, you know what I mean.

We've been taught to overwork since the industrial era. It's been beaten into people's head that people think it's supposed to be the norm. Then, we talk about mental health and avoid the problem that starts at work. My father was screwed by his job, which I work at alongside him. He is the type who will work fourteen hours a day, all week, then work week ends. It sounds crazy, but I grew up with the man. He was screwed over and still tells me that I don't want to be seen as lazy even though no matter how hard he worked.... They wanted more.

i rewatch aggretsko regularly. it is a comfort show....i forgot there was a season 4. I just restart the series after haida and restko sing at each other. oops.

Honestly, I was kinda surprised with your commentary on S3. I wasn’t a big fan of the pop idol and sorta creepy Haida stuff, but that’s not what rubbed me the wrong way in S3. It was the way in which Haida “tough loved” Retsuko, forcing her to come out IMMEDIATELY, and without at least pacing her from the trauma she’s faced. Reason why is because, long story short, I was raised in a very “suck it up buttercup” kinda way. With how vehemently I object to tough love, you got me to change my perspective on it. I see myself in Retsuko more than ever and, honestly, I don’t know if the slow and steady approach would’ve actually helped Retsuko. You’re right, she would’ve dug her hole further, and further, and further… if not for Haida reaching out to her, letting her spill everything she suppressed, and be told “it’s ok, I’m here for you” in her ugliest moment. All I can say is, beautifully done 👏❤️‍🩹

The last thing I enjoyed with Aggretsuko was the creepy fans introduction. The one with the hand holding tickets. That was straight up terrifying and so well delivered.

It fell from grace after season two. There's some solid good relatable stuff afterwards, like Retsuko blowing all her money on a video game, accidentally getting into a car accident, Haida hunting for a job, etc. However, it gets lost halfway through the season. Season 3 had her become an idol, season 4 had corporate espionage, and season 5 had Retsuko running for office. It was like they kept trying to one-up the previous season and it just got annoying. I'm happy it's over, though, cause it was obvious it was running outta steam.