Shoushimin Series [Season 1 Episode 11]

Shoushimin Series Season 1 Episode 11: A Bittersweet Farewell to the Ordinary

Shoushimin Series, also known as Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary, has been a quiet yet compelling journey through the lives of Kobato and Osanai, two high school students who made a pact to live “ordinary” lives—only to find themselves entangled in mysteries and personal conflicts. Episode 11, the season finale, delivers an emotional punch that has left fans divided, excited, and hungry for more.

The Plot Unraveled

The episode picks up after the bombshell revelation that Osanai orchestrated her own kidnapping to frame her bully, Isawa. Kobato, who has been trying to uphold his moral code, confronts her about the deception, calling her a liar. Osanai, in turn, throws his own hypocrisy back at him—his so-called “ordinary” life is just as much of a lie. The tension between them reaches its peak as they decide to part ways, each acknowledging that their friendship has only made them more “unordinary.”

The finale takes an unexpected turn when both characters are introduced to potential new love interests—a move that has sparked heated debates among fans. Some see it as a natural progression, while others feel it undermines the bond between Kobato and Osanai. The episode closes with a cryptic scene: a van (possibly the one used in Osanai’s kidnapping scheme) bursting into flames, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The online discourse around this episode is as polarized as Kobato and Osanai’s final confrontation. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. The Good:
2. Many praised the emotional depth of the episode, particularly Osanai’s rare moment of vulnerability. One fan noted, “We only ever see her happy about her snacks, so seeing her sad was a gut punch.”
3. The thematic consistency of the series—questioning what it means to be “ordinary”—resonated with viewers. A Reddit user wrote, “The irony is that they’ll probably become ordinary only after breaking up.”

4. The announcement of Season 2 (slated for April 2025) softened the blow of the cliffhanger ending.

5. The Bad:

6. The sudden introduction of new love interests felt rushed to some. A MyAnimeList user vented, “They broke up even before getting together, and now Kobato has a girlfriend? What is this, a soap opera?”
7. The burning van scene left many scratching their heads. One fan joked, “Did Osanai commit arson as a farewell gift?”

8. A minority of viewers found the entire series too slow or mundane, with one bluntly stating, “Outrightly, one of the most boring anime I’ve ever seen.”

9. The Ugly (aka The Debates):

10. The morality of Osanai’s actions sparked heated discussions. Some defended her, arguing that Isawa deserved it, while others, like Kobato, condemned her for breaking the law.
11. The comparison to Hyouka (another mystery/slice-of-life series) was inevitable, with fans divided over which handled its themes better.

Final Thoughts: A Season Worth Remembering

Despite its divisive ending, Shoushimin Series has carved out a unique niche in the anime landscape. Its blend of mystery, slice-of-life, and psychological depth makes it stand out, even if it doesn’t appeal to everyone. The finale, while controversial, sets up an intriguing premise for Season 2: Can Kobato and Osanai truly become “ordinary” without each other? Or will their paths cross again in even more unpredictable ways?

For now, fans are left with a bittersweet taste—much like the desserts that symbolized Osanai’s lies—and the promise of more to come. Whether you loved it or hated it, one thing’s for sure: Shoushimin Series is anything but ordinary.

Rating: 8/10 (A flawed but fascinating finale that leaves room for growth.)

What did you think of Episode 11? Let’s discuss in the comments!