Sorairo Utility wasn’t quite an unexpected finish since I do have some fondness for the OVA pilot from a few years back, but I was surprised by the parts of the show that I ended up gravitating towards. With a decent handful of Trigger veterans at the helm, this series excelled at keeping my attention mostly locked-in for a topic that I typically have no interest in whatsoever. Whether it’s zany comedy antics, uplifting drive and inspiration, chill slice of life vibes, or brief yet titillating moments of fan service, there’s more than enough variety of entertainment here to keep my eye on the ballfor each episode. I deeply appreciated the more subdued methods of characterization and character development, opting for emotional arcs that still resonate strongly, but also to read the room and never get too volatile for the otherwise calm and inviting atmosphere.
Of course, what really sold me on sticking through this one was its shockingly solid production. There’s not a lot about it that’s hugely explosive or impacting, outside of a few comedic cuts of Minami doing her best Mako impression, but the sheer level of solid competency on display cannot be understated. Crisp and attractive character designs, a strong sense for shot composition and color design, and the occasional burst of energetic animation make for a pleasantly engaging visual experience all around. My only major complaint is Miyu Takagi’s performance as Minami feeling a bit artificial and stilted for a good chunk of the early episodes, though she does seem to gradually find her voice as the series marches on. While it still hits a few boring snags here and there, it’s nice to find a relaxing, yet engaging series to mellow your mood every once in a while.