Given the opening platform of Shrinryaki! Ika Musume (Squid Girl), the environmental awareness theme is surprisingly less prominent than anticipated. Rather it serves as a humorous backdrop for the series title and showcase character, an unwavering, adorable human girl shaped squid, known simply as Squid Girl. In effect, Shrinryaki! Ika-Musume is a light-hearted comedy which focuses keenly on the depiction and antics of a squid out of water. Overall, this is a genuinely funny show.
Squid Girl's appeal is in her nativity, she persistently demonstrates limited knowledge of humanity - believing the population is only 1000, and its customs - not understanding the significance of a birthday celebration, to exhibiting childlike fascination towards everyday tools such as umbrellas. Coupled with a string of weird and wonderfully squiddie powers, which present for outlandish yet destructive situations, its pretty clear that Squid Girl's original plan for world domination won't amount to much by the end of episode one. Instead we are treated to generous amounts of action, brandish under a lavish, imaginative concept. A scenario so bizarre, no one need question it.
Each episode is separated into three morsel bite size slices, steadily introducing a supporting cast of whimsical characters who reoccur throughout the series. Some good, some strenuously unspectacular. Eriko Aizawa strikes up a reluctant relationship with Squid Girl as her bothersome kid sister archetype, which feels both genuine and provides some touching moments. Whereas local stalker Sanae's unhinged, masochistic obsession with (lets face it) a squid, quickly becomes repetitive and stale. However when compared to the American scientists/three stooges team, who are just plain annoying, suddenly all is forgiven. Still, there were a few characters that when under the radar, the lifeguard, Gorō Arashiyama for example, that could have benefited from being a little more polished.
Ultimately Shrinryaki! Ika Musume wraps itself up with a substandard finale, one that just seems pointless and plumb inconsequential to the story overall, other then just reconfirming what the audience have already worked out for themselves. Nevertheless a poor ending does little to damper the undeviating levels of easy going amusement that this show specializes in. Its this lively, fresh and absolutely adorable approach that encourage the viewer to simply switch off, sit back and enjoy. 100% aquatic gold.
Rating: 7/10
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