Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 review: Doga Kobo perfectly blends comedy and fan service

Under the production of Doga Kobo, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 aired on July 10, 2024. The episode titled So Much For Childhood Friends exemplified Doga Kobo's production prowess, showing a fine blend of comedy and fan service, with a dash of romance.

Following a spectacular premiere on July 3, 2024, the expectations for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 were sky-high. We have to say, the production studio didn't disappoint in providing just what the fans were hoping for.

From Alya trying out gorgeous outfits in the trial to Suou Yuki's risque scene, the episode vividly captured many iconic scenes from the light novel and manga. Besides, the episode also teased a key aspect of Alya's character.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 review: Evaluating Doga Kobo's treatment of Alya, Masachika, and Yuki

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Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 showcased the heights of Doga Kobo's production, as the studio effortlessly elevated the source material with brilliant adaptation. While the events shown in the episode weren't linearly adapted, it nonetheless surpassed every expectation fans had from the series.

As an esteemed studio, Doga Kobo knew the series would benefit from a perfect coalescence of romance, humor, and fan service. Interestingly, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 saw the studio focus on combining these elements to achieve a spectacular outcome.

It wouldn't have been possible if the studio had linearly adapted the events from the manga. Hence, Doga Kobo skipped a few chapters, including a major arc, and started the adaptation from chapter 16 for episode 2. This enabled the studio to present Alya's character better and build up her chemistry with Masachika Kuze.

Alya, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Yet on closer analysis, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 chiefly focused on three elements: Yuki and Masachika's relationship, fan service, and Alya's character, including her funny side and determined self she subtly highlighted.

It was revealed that Yuki and Masachika were siblings. Undoubtedly, for anime-only viewers, it came as a shock. Nevertheless, the episode ensured that their chemistry as brother and sister had enough moments, including the famous "risque" scene from the manga.

Besides that, the narrative for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 saw Alya in a new light. She's not a high school girl with a cold shoulder. Instead, she has her own emotions, which she keeps in check.

Alya and Masachika, as seen in the episode 2 (Image via Doga Kobo)

She also craves attention from Masachika Kuze, the only boy in the school with whom she shares chemistry. Alya also wants Kuze to be her running partner in the campaign for the next Student Council president, but she doesn't know how to request him.

That's why she can't help but blurt out her actual feelings in Russian. Masachika understands everything, but he doesn't know how to respond to the girl's feelings. Undoubtedly, these moments in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 elevated Alya's character.

Yuki and Masachika, as seen in the episode (Image via Doga Kobo)

Whether it's her funny side, as seen in the Hell's Cauldron restaurant where she tries to eat a bowl of extremely spicy noodles, or her graceful side, when she tries lots of clothes in the trial, the episode perfectly summed up Alya.

However, Doga Kobo ensured with Yuki's scenes that the episode wasn't only about Alya. Suou Yuki's constant teasing of Alya and her sisterly affection for Kuze were further highlights of the episode. Undoubtedly, Doga Kobo knew what they were doing in the episode.

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 review: A detailed analysis of Doga Kobo's production and voice acting

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As mentioned earlier, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 perfectly knit several themes together to produce an episode worthy of surpassing its source material.

Even though the studio highlighted the communion of fan service and humor, it also focused on the serious aspects, including Alya's longing for a person, who truly understands her.

In this respect, the episode was perhaps more than fan service. When it comes to the production aspect, Doga Kobo added and subtracted key elements from the source material. As stated earlier, the studio skipped an entire mini-arc, which will probably be revealed in future episodes.

Masachika and Yuki shops for clothes (Image via Doga Kobo)

Yet, the adapted elements for Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian showcased the studio's animation prowess and art style. Not only the character designs, but the cinematography and the background art — everything was perfect.

Perhaps, the episode could slightly benefit from a better soundscore, but it didn't affect the episode much. Koki Uchinomiya was in charge of the episode's direction, and he executed it to perfection.

Alya in Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 (Image via Doga Kobo)

Ryota Itoh, the director, storyboarded the episode alongside Takafumi Kuwano. It has to be said that Ryota-san seamlessly organized the clustered events to make Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 shine.

Besides the production, Sumire Uesaka hit it out of the park with her spectacular voice acting. She tried her best to express Alya's inner emotions in Russian. Overall, Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 saw Doga's Kobo's consistent production and brilliant voice acting by the cast members.

Conclusion

Alya, as she appears shocked in the anime (Image via Doga Kobo)

Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian episode 2 was the continuation of Doga Kobo's outstanding adaptation. The episode truly combined the themes that give the series its signature.

It remains to be seen whether the studio will keep up with the same quality for the rest of the episodes in the series from the Summer 2024 anime line-up.