[Anime Review]/Freeloading with Our Home's Fox Deity

So, I've been meaning to get around to this one for quite a while now and finally just watched the series through again so I could refresh my memory a bit. This one's a bit older but I figured that it's definitely worth the mention around here since not a lot of people have found out about it since it first aired back in 2008.

Originally the series started out life as a light novel series by Jin Shibamura in 2004 and spawned seven volumes. After which it was picked up for an adaptation as a manga series in 2007. Both the light novel and manga adaptations are still ongoing and don't show many signs of stopping from what I've been able to find out there.

So, there's a little history of things and I have to say that I'm happy that an anime series came about at all. It's not exactly the typical kind of thing that gets picked up these days or really around the time it aired. That said, the series does have a slight identity problem and isn't 100% sure what to make of itself. There are some "fish out of water stories of the week" and then there's some pretty heavy and emotional stuff that can span multiple episodes mixed in. With only 24 episodes for the whole run, you can see how this is a little odd, but somehow it does work...mostly.

• Genre: Comedy/Fantasy/Supernatural
• Length: 24ep (+5 short specials under 3min each)
• Rating: 8/10
• Recommendation: An interesting entry to things and while it's not that well known, it's picking up steam in a few circles out there these days. There's a good mix of comedy, seriousness and even some longer arcs that tie things together fairly well most of the time. There's quite a few religious references in nearly every episode, which makes sense given that we're dealing with gods, oni and other deities constantly. Definitely worth a shot if you're looking for something different. 
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll

With that out of the way, let's get on with it. Shall we?

Our story revolves around Takagami family, most notably brothers Noboru and Toru and early on we find out that this family isn't exactly a normal one by any stretch. You see, it turns out that Noboru is head of the Mizuchi family and his younger brother Toru has the unfortunate affliction of having too much Yin in his blood. This makes him the target of many attacks by various spiritual beings. Apparently lots of Yin in the blood makes one a tasty snack to the gods.

After a trip to visit their grandmother out in the country, they find all this out rather quickly. To solve this? Well...the head of the Mizuchi family must unseal the family's guardian. I'm betting you can guess where this is going already...

Their guardian? Non other than the apparently very well known (and extremely lazy yet devious) kitsune that is, Kugen Tenko.Now, the reason for Kugen getting sealed away isn't entirely known and never really is fully understood, but I think it's safe to say that some very, very naughty things had been done in the past. I mean, why else would one get sealed up for a couple of centuries, right? At least I can't think of any other reasons...

It's made fairly aware that not even their grandmother or the family sentinel, Ko, are really that trusting of Kugen at all either. Though, we learn that wasn't entirely the case for the whole family. Noboru and Toru's mother, Miyako, loved Kugen and spent lots of time with the fox in it's sealed quarters. However, there's a bit of reluctancy to help in the situation on behalf of Kugen at first. It's only through learning who the boy's mother was that any kind of agreement is made to help out with their current predicament. See, it turns out that Toru is being plagued by a spirit that wants to suck the poor kid dry and the only that can help is Kugen. Tough place to be, eh?

It's after this encounter with a rather nasty spirit, that the decision is made by Toru (in a way) that his savior should stay with him and his brother. This means moving in with them in their home. That said, their grandmother is still not trusting and decides that Ko should go along as well. Not only for extra protection, but also to try and keep an eye on the mischievous fox. Again, this probably doesn't bode well for anything remaining normal for the Takami brothers...

Alright, now that we know the set up, the rest of the show pretty much follows the "fish out of water" trope for not only Kugen but also Ko. Kugen is for obvious reasons, being sealed away for over 200 years will make you a bit confused on the current world. Ko, however, she's been trained as a sentinel. Her whole life spent training and honing her skills. So, in a way, she's a lot like Kugen...both haven't the foggiest idea of what to do in a normal setting for the most part. Oh, I suppose now would be a good time to mention that Kugen can shape shift into a human form, though with a twist. They're not limited male or female forms and Kugan definitely uses this advantage in several situations. that said, the outcome isn't always what was desired either.

Not only that, but Kugen is pretty self absorbed and really only does things at either the request of Toru or Noboru...or if they feel like it. In fact it's usually one of those two that get Kugen to do anything at all when something comes about, but that's not really much of a surprise at all. You know, that whole bound by honor and sworn oaths thing. Granted, that doesn't stop the weird moments of "oh look shiny, I want that!" from happening and when it does, it's amusing as hell.

Most of the early episodes follow with this formula with a bit of "monster/problem of the week" tossed in for good measure. There's also the never ending problem of the Takagmi's being pretty much flat broke as well. I gotta say that it all works together and there are bits of the story that are important to remember as things progress as well. Throughout this we get introduced to several new characters, some of them gods...others as love interests and a whole other cast of insane characters.

It's through all this interaction that we learn that the gods of each land are pretty cut throat and don't really care much about much other than their immediate area. Of course, Kugen and pals end up causing all kinds of chaos for their local god, Ebisu. Who, it turns out is the god of commerce and he's always looking out for the bottom line. Well, mostly at least...he does care for the local shrine patrons too of course.

I have to say, there's a lot of great moments throughout the series early on and some that really reach for the "feels" button as things progress. However, it's not until the later story arc that revolves around Byakki that things get really deep with the story lines and explains a bit more of the world that our characters are a part of. The end of that arc is a pretty heart wrenching bit of work too. It's in here that the real meat of things gets reached and we see a lot more character development across the entire cast as well as some reoccurring plot points and characters for down the line.

That said, you do see quite a bit of development of the main cast that consists of the Takagmi brothers, Kugen and Ko throughout the show. They mostly don't fall backwards and seem to progress at a pretty even keel. It really does make it seem like the entire world is moving forward and not stuck in a constant circle of characters never really learning from their past actions. Even perceived villains have a tendency to grow into just more than a cliche here and there.

Towards the end of the series we do get to see a couple of characters that show up earlier in the series, mostly that of Kugen's sister/brother, which I would've liked to have seen more of in the show. Even with that, the way they handle things in the end isn't a bad way to go and I'm mostly fine with it...mostly. 

Overall, the pacing is mostly in the above average department and you never really feel overwhelmed at times (even though I know I kind of do writing this at times!) within the larger arcs like a lot of other series. Most things are explained and as long as you've been paying at least some attention, you won't end up being hopelessly lost. The fact that we're only dealing with 24 episodes doesn't hurt either. 

In the technical end of things, the animation and voice are decent enough and having to dual cast so many of the characters at times made things a bit strange but you get used to it. There a few things here and there that will have you shaking your head or looking confused by the way they did things, but in the end it should all make sense. Hopefully. At least I think it does, so that's something at least, right?

And there ya have it. I have to say that the show, even through a second run, was definitely enjoyable and I did find myself falling in love with the characters and the odd quirkiness that each of them bring to the table. It's definitely a worthy entry into anyone's home collection or even to say that you've watched it. There's definitely not enough people who have and hopefully this little review and look at the show will make ya want to do just that. If not, well...let me know in the comments and I'll try to explain things better!