What is it: A show about a 30 year old worker who returns home to for his grandfather's funeral, only to find out that he had an illegitimate child. Upon seeing the child's situation, the man decides to take her in. Based on the manga by Yumi Unita, eleven episodes were produced by Production I.G in 2011.
Why it is special: A story about a man who takes in a young girl only to find the hardships of raising a child alone. While the plot maybe nothing to write home about, it is simply pleasant through the whole show. Usagi Drop ran in Fuji TV's noitaminA block, which has produced a number of notable series.
Plus One:
The cuteness: Everything about this show oozes cute. For some this maybe a deterrent, but it worked with the context of the story. The show is mainly through the eyes of Daikichi and Rin, both of who are experiencing things for the first time, giving a sense of freshness to everything.
The freshness: As mentioned earlier, everything seems to be as if it is experienced for the first time. One could point to other shows and show how Usagi Drop took them, but it does it in a way that makes it feel like when you were 6 and the whole world was opening up to you.
The chemistry: I have to give mention to Rin, simply because of how she is. A show basing itself on a single father-daughter combo can only work if there is chemistry. Daikichi and Rin really work as a couple. It is apparent that Daikichi is working his hardest to become the best parent-like figure for Rin and Rin tries to help him when he stumbles. Had Rin been like most normal 6 year olds, it would have become unbearable to watch because how annoying children can be.
Minus One:
Masako: Masako is the mother of Rin. Basically she abandons Rin in order to keep being a mangaka. Usagi Drop would probably have not been the same had Masako been a likeable character but she is still terrible. While she does show some redeeming features later in the show, she is really unlikeable from any standpoint.
No sequel: This show is probably not going to see a sequel and quite frankly I am glad. While I would love to see more, reading how the manga went and ended it is much better that it ended where it did. Without really spoiling anything, the manga takes the dynamics that it had built and basically tries to play with it.
All for one:
Usagi Drop is a very well done anime. While it is nothing great, it leaves the viewer feeling pleasant at the end of each episode. Despite being a good anime, it is probably something only those that are well matured can fully appreciate. Understanding the hardships of having to juggle a job and being a single parent is definitely something younger children will comprehend. Usagi Drop probably won't make any top lists in the long run but it is a show worth noting for its upbeat attitude.
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