Arakawa under the Bridge 7: to live is to reach out

Ric-sensei senses the arrival of the banchou.

In episode 7 of Arakawa under the Bridge, a lesson in common sense is taught, and P-ko’s love for the mayor is revealed.

Another beautiful and philosophical opening: as Nino describes the adventure of life, we are shown images of a whale leaping towards the sky, and reflections in the whale’s eye, of birds, a rocket, and Nino.

Eyes, it seems everyone's got 'em.

Ric-sensei opens his school under the bridge, where he attempts to teach the locals about common sense. They don’t really pick up on the idea, so he tries science, which does manage to capture the attention of the twins and Nino, until the banchou, Stella, shows up. Still he manages to engage even her for a while, which shows that Ric is learning how to handle the residents of under bridge, at least a little.

Afterward, Ric tries to help out P-ko with her garden. Her clumsy ways make this difficult, of course. In the course of things P-ko opens up and tells Ric of her love for the mayor. Ric is disbelieving at first, but P-ko is adamant, saying, “Even if he has no common sense, he lives an unwavering life.” This seems to stun Ric; it questions the value of that, into which he had placed so much faith. This realization seems to have come not a moment too soon, as Ric is spotted by someone from the bridge who seems intent on bringing him back to his old life.

P-ko's love for a youkai refuses to be bound by common sense.

This show continues to balance the silliness with more significant themes, as Ric learns some important life lessons from his new friends under the bridge. The appearance of people from his father’s company seems destined to inject drama into the mix, as his old way of living can’t possibly co-exist with his new life with Nino.