ZeekyBoogie Reviews
Review V • MASHLE
PLOT ARMOR AND CREAM PUFFS!!!
MASHLE was introduced to me as an experience I couldn't quite tie expectations to. The premise of a muscle man immersed in a world of magic has so much range, but the humor was not what I expected.
...and I truly do mean that in the best way possible. It came at a time where I could've used a slice-of-life journey to follow.
Interestingly enough, I'd argue the series' premiere was its most defining moment. That first episode was perfectly packed with chaos, lore-dropping, funny moments, and uncanny plot armor all at once - the perfect recipe.
Conversely, later episodes tend to lack identity, but rather work as a whole within their arcs to a relatively satisfying level - it's hard not to find MASHLE's progression commendable.
However, the plot armor tied to Mash, while obviously entertaining for the sake of comedy, doesn't mesh the best with the serious approach the season takes in its second half. It's almost as if the constant expectation of victory created a lack of urgency over time as a viewer, and I didn't revel in the suspense or plot of the show as much as I would've liked.
But even with that downside, MASHLE does an excellent job with establishing its character. It has a healthy habit of introducing key faces at memorable, compelling times, assembling a cast too charming to downplay.
Finn and Dot are particularly hilarious in their own respective ways, and I enjoy the cheesy high school dynamics they provide along Mash. It wasn't at all what I expected - it's like Harry Porter crossed with anime tendencies and a dash of awkward 2000s teenage sitcom.
...I can't believe I'm writing that out, but yes, this show does get like that.
IF ANYTHING, A GREAT IP
A lot of time passed between my conclusion of this watch and the time of this review, just because life does that clingy thing where it needs me all the time.
...but I actually think that was for the better! I finished MASHLE with a strong indifference, unmoved by the season's conclusion. It still hasn't clicked with me after rewatches either, being a little too full for my liking. As stated before, that serious tone doesn't complement the series' silliness too smoothly, and it lacks the compelling conflicts that would otherwise help that approach gel.
I'm hoping the second season, when I get to it, resonates with me more and I can retrospectively appreciate this season in its entirety.
But criticisms aside, what I did notice upon sitting with it is that I adore its characters, vibe, and overall branding. I almost cherish it more as a franchise than a viewing experience, which is a weird yet interesting revelation.
I'm typing on a laptop with MASHLE stickers on it as we speak - and I may not have much intention to run this season back, but it stuck with me in that sense! Crazy how subjectivity works.
MAYBE NOT WHAT I WANTED AT HEART...BUT STILL IN THE GREEN
My expectations a couple episodes in was a lighthearted journey crossed with the occasional plot dive and tension, and MASHLE did that to start - but it never quite determined what identity it wanted. It spiraled into a poorly-paced sprint towards a reach for seriousness that just didn't match the show's personality.
It could've also done a better job of deepening the personalities and backstories of its characters, as endearing as they can be. The lack of depth often teeters on poor writing and a tone of non-memorability as well. With how much I enjoy their presences, however, this is a negotiable weakness and will hopefully be ironed out in the second season.
All in all, I still recommend MASHLE as a lower-demand, laidback experience if you're in need of a slice-of-life run. Mash at the very least is, whether for the right or wrong reasons, an incredibly memorable protagonist and the dynamics he provides are always good for a chuckle.
Plus, who can resist watching someone with an overwhelming cream puff obsession? Not me!
