It’s Just A Joke. Plus More.
In Episode 6 of “Komi Can’t Communicate,” Komi tries to improve her communication techniques by writing down jokes for Tadano to read. Unfortunately, they’re all outdated dad jokes that don’t earn her any laughs. ..
Najimi invites Tadano, Komi, and Himiko to go out and buy clothes after school. Yamai spies on their conversation and pretends to bump into them at the mall, asking Komi what type of clothes she likes. Komi, whose mother buys all her clothes, doesn’t know.
Najimi uses this game to start a competition in which each person must choose an outfit within a 10,000 yen limit. The contestant with the highest score from the group wins. Tadano isn’t confident in his pick of a simple white dress, but everyone loves it. Komi buys it after it gets full scores across the board.
Komi enters the salon and is welcomed by Caris Maki, who tells her that she’s been coming to the salon for years and has never had a bad experience. Komi is relieved and decides to get a haircut.
Komi pretended to sleep so that she wouldn’t have to talk with Maki, the girl she likes. Maki found out and is embarrassed.
Kamiko takes over for the shampoo process and tries to start a conversation with Komi. Komi points to words on magazines to answer, making Kamiko worry about her customer service skills. Kamiko is worried that she won’t be able to provide good customer service if she can’t understand what her customers are saying. ..
Komi thanks Kamiko after she leaves, worried that she may not like her. Maki explains that salons can feel intimidating, but Komi is relieved.
The next day, Tadano notices that Komi’s hair is shorter than usual. She thinks it might be because she cut it herself the night before. She doesn’t tell anyone and goes to bed. The next night, Komi falls asleep thinking of Tadano and wakes up to find that her hair is now completely shaved.
Najimi suggests a group library session with Komi and Tadano, though Tadano suspects they have no intention of actually studying.
Senior student Gorimi is a mean old man who whacks anyone who is too loud. He has three whacks and you have to leave. Najimi almost immediately gets their first whack.
Najimi and Tadano settle into studying. Najimi gives up quickly, finding a book to read instead. They can’t control their laughter and Gorimi whacks them again. This doesn’t deter them, and they pull out a Jenga set. Komi joins the game without hesitation, but Tadano is wary of Gorimi’s hawk-like gaze.
He doesn’t want to let his team down and prods a block when Najimi accidentally topples the tower. Gorimi gives each of them a whack and carries Najimi away. Komi is glad to have had the experience of getting in trouble. ..
Komi and Najimi both do well in their classes, but Tadano’s marks are almost exactly average. ..
It’s summer vacation and both Tadano and Komi are done with their summer homework. Tadano is hesitant to invite Komi to the pool, but Komi is happy to go. Najimi invites them both to the pool, but the problem is solved.
The Episode Review
The show’s popularity is largely due to the strong chemistry between Komi and Tadano. Their scenes together are often charming and provide some quiet respite in a sea of very loud characters.
Komi has found a new friend in Tadano, who is a secure presence that makes her feel comfortable on a level that her other new friends don’t. While they still push Komi into situations where she isn’t at ease for their own personal gain, Tadano is prepared to take his cues from Komi in all their interactions. Their relationship can be summed up by Komi being able to calm her anxious spiraling enough to fall asleep by thinking of him – an adorable moment.
The lack of development in the secondary characters is a major issue at this point in the show. None of them seem to grow after their introductory episodes, and they are only there to act out their usual shticks. ..
The romantic story of two people who are forced to work together will have to start each episode.
