Around 40 Otoko no Isekai Tsuuhan [Season 1 Episode 12]

Episode 12 Review: Around 40 Otoko no Isekai Tsuuhan – A Chaotic Yet Entertaining Ride

Around 40 Otoko no Isekai Tsuuhan (also known as The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World) has been a wild ride from the start, blending isekai tropes with slice-of-life humor and a dash of absurdity. Episode 12, the penultimate installment of Season 1, ramps up the chaos with new characters, questionable decisions, and plenty of fan service—but does it stick the landing? Let’s dive into the madness.

Plot Summary: A Royal Mess

Kenichi, our middle-aged protagonist, finds himself entangled in royal affairs when Princess Lilith takes a sudden interest in him. The episode opens with the princess practically moving into his home, much to the dismay of his wife, Primula, and the ever-jealous Anemone. From there, things escalate quickly:

• The Princess’s Obsession: Lilith is fascinated by Kenichi’s modern gadgets and his laid-back attitude. She even offers him a “reward”—a night with her maid, Mailen, in a scene that left fans divided (more on that later).
• Anemone’s Jealousy: The catgirl’s possessiveness reaches new heights, with some viewers finding her antics hilarious and others downright uncomfortable.
• The Holy Water Incident: A bizarre subplot involving ghostly spirits and holy water adds a layer of randomness to the episode, though it does provide some laughs.

By the end, Kenichi is left juggling his growing harem while the kingdom’s political undercurrents bubble beneath the surface.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The online discourse around this episode is spicy. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. The Princess Steals the Show
   Many viewers found Lilith to be a refreshing addition. One fan on MyAnimeList praised her playful personality, calling her “the most entertaining character in weeks.” Others loved her voice actress, Hina Youmiya, who brought a mischievous charm to the role.

However, not everyone was sold. Some criticized her as “annoying” and “entitled,” especially after she essentially pimped out her maid to Kenichi.

1. The Maid Controversy
   The scene where Mailen is offered as a “reward” sparked heated debates. Some fans laughed it off as typical isekai shenanigans, while others called it “tone-deaf” and “unnecessary.” One user joked, “Kenichi went from celibate to horny master in record time.”

Manga readers clarified that nothing actually happened between Kenichi and Mailen, but the implication alone was enough to rile up the community.

1. Anemone’s Polarizing Role
   Anemone’s jealousy has been a recurring issue, and Episode 12 cranked it up to 11. Some fans found her antics hilarious (“Yandere Anemone is the best thing about this show”), while others called her “the worst character in a long time.” The recurring jokes about her crush on Kenichi—despite her young age—also drew criticism for being uncomfortable.

2. The Worldbuilding (or Lack Thereof)
   One recurring gripe is the show’s lazy worldbuilding. The multi-layered defensive walls of the capital city were mocked (“Why does this place look like a medieval Oyster card zone?”), and the sudden introduction of ghost-fighting holy water felt out of place.

Still, others argued that the absurdity is part of the charm. “This show doesn’t take itself seriously, and neither should you,” one fan wrote.

Final Thoughts: A Fun but Flawed Episode

Episode 12 of Around 40 Otoko no Isekai Tsuuhan is a mixed bag. On one hand, it delivers the chaotic, fan-service-heavy humor that fans expect. The princess’s antics and Kenichi’s awkward reactions provide plenty of laughs, and the animation remains solid.

On the other hand, the episode stumbles with its tone. The jokes about Anemone’s crush and the maid “reward” scene feel out of place in what’s otherwise a lighthearted series. The rushed pacing also leaves little room for meaningful character development.

Verdict: If you’re here for dumb, over-the-top fun, you’ll enjoy this episode. But if you were hoping for deeper storytelling or consistency, you might leave disappointed.

With only one episode left, the big question is: Can the finale tie everything together, or will it double down on the chaos? Either way, it’s been a ride.

What did you think of Episode 12? Let us know in the comments—whether you loved it, hated it, or just watched it for the memes!

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