Massan Spin-off (2015)

I liked it but...

This is the third asadora spin-off/special episode that I've watched after the ones for "Natsuzora" and "Mare." I'm grateful that fansubbers have translated these specials, but I can't say that any of these specials have been "must-sees." This "Massan" spin-off is probably feels the most skippable in my opinion. The "Natsuzora" was just pure fun and the "Mare" one wrapped up some storylines for major characters (though I didn't like it that much). This one, however, deals with some minor supporting characters but doesn't really do anything really...

The first episode focuses on Sumire (Hayami Akari), Massan's little sister. I was really looking forward to this actually, because I always felt that Sumire could've been a bigger character than she was. Sumire runs away to Osaka, but it takes too long for them to reveal why. It also tries too hard to avoid putting Massan and Ellie in too much of the story. Lastly, it ends with Sumire going home to become a teacher. Something we already know! I don't know. The story was nice, but ultimately does nothing for the bigger picture of the asadora.

The second episode focuses on Yoshiko (Eguchi Noriko), for some reason? You remember Massan's co-worker from the beginning part of the story, right?? Yoshiko and Ikeda elope to Hokkaido [This story is set in 1938 btw]. Massan and Ellie quickly exit the story, and it only gets worse from there. Yoshiko is married remember? So she's committing adultery. Honestly, couldn't get pass this part of the story. Hana's and Chie's husbands also use this opportunity to act like complete misogynists to their wives. This one I really don't know the point of it. The main character is a questionable choice and the messaging is just completely wrong [even if she does go back to her husband in the end].

I'd probably give Sumire's story at 7/10, and Yoshiko's a 4/10. This is yet another skippable asadora special. At the end of the day, I guess "Massan" really didn't need a "spin-off" since it's mostly perfect by itself anyway.

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