Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie Episode 12 Review - The Christmas Date Finale

gamerant.com:

For a series that was widely marketed and promising an extremely charismatic and likable titular character, Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie didn't quite do its source material justice. The series couldn't work its way out of the corner that sensationalist marketing strategies and big-swing changes to the original story have led it to.

As a finale, the twelfth episode of Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie does what the series has always done – aimed high. A Christmas episode as a finale or climax tells the audience that they're in for a world of romance, drama or even both. The series, while aiming high, seems to only be able to remain in a safe and comfortable spot, not quite in the realm of melodrama, but also not fully committing to the romance invoked by the very concept of a Christmas date.

Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie Episode 11 Review — Not Just a Cutie

In the previous episode, we see Shikimori and her brother go to the mall because she needs to get a new outfit for an upcoming, highly-anticipated date with Izumi. Since the cultural and athletics festival, the two haven't gotten enough time alone. It is finally Christmas, and the amusement park bustles with a vibrant energy. Shikimori meets Izumi, wearing a coat over the same outfit we see her in at the end of episode 11. After Izumi swoons over Shikimori's clothing choices, the date begins. Perhaps as a nod to Izumi's quirkiness, the date begins where it would normally end – the gift shop.

At the gift shop, Izumi gets attached to a frog-eyes headband that comes with a crown on top; an on-the-nose reference to Izumi's position in the series as Shikimori's unlikely prince. The small piece of headgear seems to highlight an important aspect of Izumi's character – he's not quite