Nisemonogatari - Episode 4

Note: I couldn't choose between these two screenshots so I decided to use both

The case surrounding Deishū takes a backseat in this episode to give way for the final (?) introduction of the series. Back in Bakemonogatari, Oshino Shinobu did not speak at all, giving some viewers the impression that she actually can't. However, this theory of theirs gets shattered in this episode as Shinobu makes a surprise appearance and treats the audience to rather comedic and interesting dialogue as she chats with Koyomi while they are engaging in some body cleansing inside the Araragi household's unique and extravagant bathroom. Indeed, this episode can be considered a filler, or a spoiler for those who haven't read Kizumonogatari since it involves Shinobu, but I still enjoyed it.

On top of being entertaining, I found the conversation between Koyomi and Shinobu to also be very deep. Mentions of the supernatural, time, as well as the mystery of their past, make for slightly confusing dialogue. The way they spew words of dislike (i.e. "You'll never forgive me and I'll never forgive you") towards each other but act totally different (i.e. Refer to the scene where the two embrace in the bath) made me curious as to what their relationship was like in the past. Additionally, Shinobu refers to Koyomi as "omae-sama", where omae is usually an impolite form of "you" and sama is an honorific showing high respect, making her view of him seem vague. The camera angling and surrounding detail added to the complexity and mysteriousness of their conversation. All these things together created a marvellously crafted scene.

Overshadowed by Shinobu's appearance were a few notable things. Firstly, Tsubasa's haircut and her lack of glasses almost made me not realize it was her when she first showed up. Her drastic change in physical appearance makes Nadeko's change in hairstyle seem insignificant. Secondly, the reason the arc is called "Karen Bee" now makes sense after Shinobu's explanation on the "Flame Wreathe Bee" and how it was written somewhere that "people were stung by a bee that could not be touched and their bodies were wreathed in flames." Deishū seems to be the prominent suspect as to why Karen is currently suffering. For a comedic touch, Tsukihi going yandere over seeing Koyomi and Shinobu in the bath together was extremely amusing. I had not once thought that she was that type of character but maybe I was wrong. Anyhow, that basically sums up my thoughts on this episode. Overall, I thought it was excellent and I'm really starting to like Nisemonogatari now. I'm hoping there's going to be more plot development in the next episode, though.