Nisemonogatari - Episode 9

The ponytail... gone, just like that.

Well, that's just sad. Two episodes into her arc and Tsukihi has only appeared for at most one minute in total. What's worse is that she didn't even appear in this one; there was only a single mention of her name. Compared to Bakemonogatari, I think the ratio between comedy/ecchi and dialogue is higher in Nisemonogatari. Although there was some plot development in this episode (the introduction of two new characters), the majority of it was centered on Koyomi's comedic relationship with Karen and Mayoi.

From what I could tell, the introduction of the two new characters might be a set-up for a larger event in the future. Not much is revealed about them, but it is implied that they know more than they let on, especially about Koyomi and the girls. Their destination being the cram school where Meme and Shinobu stayed at in Bakemonogatari is undoubtedly significant and makes things even more interesting. In terms of their level of threat, the two seem to be quite formidable if they were to be enemies, according to Karen and Mayoi. The character designs make me believe that they will become antagonists in the future so maybe they are the ones who Tsukihi will encounter.

For the side events that were seemingly unrelated to the plot, I was most shocked at Karen cutting off her ponytail. It's bad enough that she has turned into another Kanbaru in terms of personality, but now that she looks like her too, I'm starting to dislike Karen's character. I preferred her personality during her own arc since it was what distinguished her from the rest of the characters and made her the opposite of Tsukihi. Another thing that concerned me was Koyomi's apparent change in personality. Prior to this episode, even when he attempted to sexually harass Mayoi upon seeing her, he did so without crossing the line. However, seeing him attempt to molest, talk about chest size and propose to an elementary school girl was slightly disturbing, even though I knew it was just for laughs. Well, I guess it could've been worse if Shinobu didn't trip him when he started running, with malice in his eyes, towards an unwary Mayoi.

Usually, I miss all the references that are added into this show. However, I was surprised when I caught the two Amagami SS references used. Karen's "Nishishi" was probably a reference to Tachibana Miya's signature laugh. Later in the episode, Koyomi interpreted Mayoi biting his on his finger as an "amagami" (translated as "love bite"). Personally, I think it feels nice when you're able to catch these things since they add to the entertainment value of a show.

Lastly, Tsuhiki better get some screentime in the next episode or else I'll be really disappointed with this show.