Team Alme Productions Podcasts

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA episode 8 - "Message in Rouge" In this important episode, Ayukawa confronts some of her long-held biases and the male sex is redeemed by an unlikely savior: Kasuga Kyosuke! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studios - we will send you free swag and you’ll get access to a library of bonus…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA episode 7 - "An Unexpected Situation" For once it's not Kasuga behaving oafish and stammering out excuses and seeming like a weirdo! Instead, his cousin Akane lets her mouth write a check that her butt can't cash in an effort to conform to heteronormative standards - all to impress a vapid pair of h…

Today Jason is (finally) analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA 6 - "Stage of Love = Heart on Fire! A Star is Born" Kasuga is actually kinda cool in this episode! He saves the day in the nick of time, plus Yukari & Shuu get to end their appearances in the series on a hopeful note. Plus, Jason talks about the meaning of all the reflection imagery seen i…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA episode 5 - "Stage of Love = Heart on Fire! Spring is for Idols" Kasuga is a dope, but it seems that even still he's preferable to a shallow womanizing pop idol, even if the latter is tremendously famous and handsome and wealthy... Kasuga & Hayakawa live out their Freaky Friday Fantasy today! Please…

Today Jason analyzes Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 46 - "One Snow-White Night! Two Alone in a Gondola" Kazuya meddles (what's new), Kasuga falls for it, like a bonehead (what's new), and we get a nice example of how editing in film provides the audience with information, builds suspense, and subverts audience expectation for the purpose of comedy…

In today's episode, Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 45 - "Hikaru Passes Away - And Then There Were None" Is this just one great big meaningless fake-out dream episode? Or is his dream an allegory with some meaning relevant to the themes of Orange Road as we draw near the end? Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studios…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 44 - "The Taste of Love? Kyosuke's Hellish Valentine" It's a silly confection of an episode, but still a little heartfelt - perfect for Valentine's Day! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studio - we will send you free swag and you’ll have access to an ever-growing library of bonu…

Today Jason analyzes Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 43 - "Heartbroken Hikaru! Follow Her to Winter Beach" If you wanted to know what Orange Road would be like if it were directed by a French New Wave auteur, this episode is the best answer you're gonna get... Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studios - we will send you free swag and y…

Today Jason is discussing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 42 - "Such a Popular Madoka! Kyosuke Finally Confesses His Feelings" It's an interesting episode today as Orange Road gets as close as it ever will to exploring themes of gender identity and sexual orientation. And poor Yusaku doesn't even appear - it would have been the perfect episode for …

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 41 - "Immobilized Madoka! Kyosuke's Mysterious Watch" Kasuga “serves” up (tennis episode = tennis pun) some epic blunders in today's episode, which contains themes of the passage of time and clinging to the current moment despite the transient nature of the present... Please consider supporti…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 40 - "First Dream of the New Year! Kaiju Jingoro Strikes Back" In what ways is this narrative a reflection of the way things in the Orange Road narrative are, and a reflection of the way the characters might wish for things to be? This episode presents an experimental narrative that reflects …

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 39 - "Hypnotizing Madoka! Kyosuke's Risky New Year" Kasuga manages to subdue his rapacious impulses and Ayukawa is acting SUPER couple-ish with Kasuga, even before pretending that he successfully hypnotized her! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studios for free merch, bonus cont…

In today's bonus episode Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA 1 - "White Lovers" In what ways is this episode relatively more adult than the tv episodes? Is that why it was released as an OVA? And how quickly would you move past an attempt on your life by a vengeful spirit and get back to your vacation after experiencing paranormal phenomena…

Today Jason analyzes Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 38 - "Kyosuke Timetrips! The Third Christmas" This episode beats Groundhog Day to the punch with themes of fate and repeating cycles until you get things right in what amounts to a very solid Christmas entry in the pantheon of 80s television! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studio!…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 37 - "Heroic Orange Legend! Madoka's Duel in a Blizzard" Gender inversions, skateboard duels, and sharpened metal guitar picks in Ayukawa's garter make this one of the most 80s television episodes of all time! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studio - we send free merch to all s…

This week Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 36 - "Adios Kyosuke! Paranormal Powers Caught on Video" This episode contains a very nice moment between Kasuga and Ayukawa, and Kasuga isn't a complete moron in this episode either! Plus a live performance by Wada Kanako, so press play! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Stud…

In today's episode, Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 35 - "Perverted with a Camera! Robot Kyo-chan" Increasingly we are asking ourselves: how is Kasuga getting away with this sh*t?! Flagrant power use in full view of nearly every character, panty thievery, and even borderline assault on his hands this week, and he's gonna try to s…

In today's episode Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 34 - "Roots Panic! Madoka in the Mysterious Homeland" The art is spotty, Kasuga is being a weirdo, how the hell does Yuusaku keep inviting himself to these things, Ayukawa doesn't know what "cute" means, and Jason gives you an Orange Mystery cover so hit play! Please consider bec…

This week Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 33 - "Mystical Madoka! The Mushroom of 120% Truthfulness" Hikaru is becoming consciously aware that there is something between Ayukawa and Kasuga, Ayukawa experiences some residual guilt over her feelings for Kasuga, Kasuga doesn't have a clue, and a horse saves everyone's asses! Press pl…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 32 - "Will My Birthday Come Twice!? Time Runner Kyosuke" In a lot of ways, this is an insane episode that is a little difficult to reconcile with the remainder of the show. But its weirdness isn't all bad - this episode is chock-full of power-related shenanigans after the past few were fairly…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 31 - "Madoka and Yuusaku! The Marching Song of Runaway Youths" They want us to believe that Yuusaku is suddenly after Ayukawa, THEN they want us to believe that Ayukawa is gonna kill herself? This is too crazy to believe, what is even going on here?! Please consider becoming a patron of Team …

In this episode Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 30 - "A Tender Little Story! Kurumi's First Love - Chapter Hell" Kurumi has a crush, and that is somehow more terrifying than her usual demeanor! Kasuga has a stroke during his voiceover, and did Ayukawa really kiss that guy?!? Please consider supporting Team Alme Studios on Patreon…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 29 - "Don't Cry Jingoro! The Heat of Young Love" Is this the craziest mess of an Orange Road episode to date? If you can think of crazier than dedicating an entire episode to a story of the Kasugas' pet cat going though puberty, we're all ears... Please consider supporting Team Alme Studios o…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 28 - "Dangerous Decision! Manami-chan's Big Adventure" Kasuga is simultaneously the world's worst brother AND the world's best brother in the same afternoon, Ayukawa is a supporting character, and Kurumi is still the Devil. Please consider supporting Team Alme on Patreon - we send free merch …

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 27 - "Marked Woman Madoka! Kyosuke Proving He's a Man" Kyosuke is worried that some sukeban are after Ayukawa... Will Kasuga defend her with his life? Or will he outsource his ass-whoopin'? Please support Team Alme on Patreon - we send merch to all tiers and have a ton of bonus content and li…

Today Jason analyzes Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 26 - "Kyosuke's Become a Kid! Getting Super Close to Madoka" Precisely how terrible is Kazuya's advice? (It's pretty bad, even for a 5 year old.) But the real question is "who the hell is gonna listen to his advice?" (Kasuga-kun is.) Play this episode, it's gonna be awesome! Please consider becom…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 25 - "Dangerous Self-Hypnosis! Kasuga-kun Changed" Who enjoys our brash new Kasuga? We learn that Ayukawa doesn't. Also, what does Kasuga's transformation say about his subconscious? Hit play and let me tell you all about it! Thanks to J Pizzle Fo Shizzle for the production assistance! Please…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 24 - "Introducing Kazuya! Be Careful Around the 'Panic Kid'" Why introduce a fairly important character this late in the game? Does Kazuya fulfill a particular purpose that the other secondary characters don't? Also, how does this episode hurt Hikaru's characterization? Press play and find ou…

Today Jason is discussing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 23 - "Kyosuke and Madoka in a Big Fight! A 3-Legged Race of Love" Despite some hyperbolic, unrealistic animation, this is a fairly realistic depiction of a dispute in a relationship. For good measure, the filmmakers sprinkle in a fantasy involving Kasuga abusing his would-be girlfriend! Plea…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 22 - "An Adult Relationship?! Madoka Secretly Returns Home in the Morning" What legendary bop is introduced as an insert song in this episode? Why is everyone keeping a secret from Kasuga? And what bomb will Jason drop on you in today's outro music?! Tune in to find out! Please consider suppo…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road OVA episode 2 - "Hawaiian Suspense." How is this episode unlike any other episode of Kimagure Orange Road? In what ways does this episode owe a debt to the oeuvre of Alfred Hitchcock? What the hell does "oeuvre" mean and how do you even say that?! Please consider supporting Team Alme on Patreon - I will…

Today Jason will be analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 20 - "Kyosuke in a Pinch! Sweet Nothings at the Wuthering Heights" Kasuga as a people-pleaser is front and center in this episode, as he lies about not having someone he likes, while Kurumi awaits the Thunder Demon, and Komatsu & Hatta manage to keep a secret for once! Join the Patreon f…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 20 - "Hikaru Witnesses! The Camp is Full of Danger" How does Kasuga outshine his more handsome, charming, and charismatic sempai? It's easy when the sempai acts like a turd because he's always had his good looks to rely on! Plus, effective use of simple editing technique in this very Hikaru-c…

In today's podcast, Jason will be analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 19: "An Experience for Two! An Island of Forbidden Love" We'll talk about the use of visual metaphors and mise en scéne in this episode, as well as gender roles and Kasuga's blood sugars! Please consider supporting Team Alme on Patreon! I send free merch to every tier, and …

In today's podcast, Jason will be analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 18: "Madoka's Challenge! The Haunted Beach's Big Wave Legend" What is Ayukawa's kryptonite? Isn't she supposed to be invulnerable? What does Kasuga do right in this episode? Will he ever get the credit, or will everyone just thank some lady's dead boyfriend for saving the d…

In today's bonus episode, Jason will be discussing Kimagure Orange Road OVA 4 - "Hurricane! Akane the Shapechanging Girl" In what ways does Kasuga seem to have grown and matured? Does Ayukawa have a bit of a drinking problem? How long should you know someone before you smell their hair? The answers to these questions await you! Please consider supp…

In today's episode, Jason analyzes Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 17: "The Summer Temptation - A Double Date Out of the Blue." This episode provides some excellent examples of a filmmaking technique called the "Kuleshov Effect," as well as some fire audio tracks. Plus some minor inconsistencies in Kasuga's characterization and Ayukawa acts like an…

It’s that time in the TV series that it’s starting to make sense to start working in the OVA! So we will start with an analysis of Kimagure Orange Road OVA episode 3: “I Was a Cat; I Was a Fish.” This might have come out after the TV series ended, but the Kasugas are still morons. We also get to see some more of Hikaru’s manipulations of Ayukawa, a…

In today's episode Jason will be analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 16: "Well, Do You Believe it or Not? Madoka Saw a UFO" We get another example of "Kasuga Logic," more than one reference to American cinema, and we will clearly see evidence that Ayukawa relishes the physical abuse Kasuga suffers... Please consider becoming a patron of Team …

In today's episode, Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 15: "Madoka's Ultimate Decision! Putting a Period to the Love Triangle" After teasing Ayukawa and Kasuga's breakup last week, the filmmakers are back with a "no, really, this time!" It's a great episode anyway which provides some really wonderful depth and nuance to Ayukawa's re…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 14: "A Foreboding Dream! Madoka & Kyosuke Breaking Up At Last!" We'll explore a fuzzy, unreliable tool known as "Kasuga Logic" as we talk about the ways in which his buffoonery lands just right! Additionally, we'll explore how this episode presents a positive depiction of female interaction (…

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 13: "Everyone's Looking! Hikaru-chan's Super Transformation" Why did Hikaru wanna dress like an Mtv VJ of that era? What was Ayukawa's angle in this episode? What epic insert music will we hear today? Tap “Play” in to find out! Please consider becoming a patron of Team Alme Studios! We send f…

Today Jason is taking a deep dive into Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 12: "Study Abroad in America! Goodbye Madoka" Jason highlights aspects of Kasuga that make him a great match for Ayukawa, whether or not Ayukawa really planned to stay in Japan all along, and which epic early 80's adult-contemporary soft-rock band influenced the composer Sagisu …

Today Jason is analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 11: "Don't Ring the Wedding Bell!" How plausible is it that a strong-willed, independent woman like Ayukawa is going to be a teenage bride? This is the 1980's after all, women don't often get married that young anymore! Also: what classic US film is heavily referenced in this episode? And who…

Today Jason is discussing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 10: "A Foreboding Dream!? Hikaru-chan is Dying" How does Ayukawa reveal bits of her true feelings about Kasuga? How does Hikaru reveal her tendency toward manipulation? And finally, what insane evidence will Jason claim as proof of his theory that Yuusaku is covertly in love with Kasuga? Pre…

Today we are discussing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 9: "Kurumi-chan, I'll Teach You How to Date!" Jason discusses at length the sexism underpinning the characters as well as perhaps the narrative itself, as well as a hot take regarding why Manami and Kurumi eat so voraciously... Tweet us! Peep our Insta! Please consider supporting Team Alme Stu…

In today's episode we are analyzing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 8: "You're Smiling! A "Shutter Chance" at the Beach" How is Kasuga feeling about Hikaru? What deeper undercurrents of sexism might Komatsu & Hatta's antics belie? Also, why can't Takashi find a 20+ year old woman to model for him?? Press play to hear the answers! Please consider be…

Today we take a deep dive into Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 7! Is Ayukawa sometimes a little socially awkward, like Kasuga (only cuter)? What's this fountain scene everyone's always talking about? Just how much of a lightweight is Kasuga when it comes to alcohol? These topics and more, in today's Abcb Café! Please consider supporting Team Alme S…

Today I'm analyzing episode 6 of the Kimagure Orange Road tv series: "That Kid is My Rival - the Midterm Exam of Love." Come for the insightful analysis of Kasuga's character, Yuusaku's TRUE, SECRET desires, and Ayukawa's budding fondness for Kasuga, but stick around for the true tales of shocking encounters with mannequins of Colonel Sanders! Plea…

Today Jason is discussing Kimagure Orange Road tv episode 5! What creative techniques did the animators use to enhance comedic impact and to express the inner conflict of the characters? How do the visual cues in the animation of exteriors enhance the narrative development of Kasuga and Ayukawa's relationship? What excellent music is gonna SLAP thi…