This episode is slower paced than the previous two though funnily enough, it is actually the longest special out of the three. In this episode, Rin and Nadeshiko do a last-minute trip before their spring break ends. The destination this time is a lesser-known campsite around Lake Inaga. I’ve noticed that all three of these specials are throwbacks to older scenarios in the story that didn’t really happen in Season 3. The first one feels like an homage to the post-credit clubroom antics. The second one takes things back to basic as it features Rin in a solo her trip. This last one features Rin and Nadeshiko camping together again.
I feel like it’s been forever since it’s just these two having a blast. It certainly didn’t happen throughout Season 3. Rin and Nadeshiko’s first trip had Ayano and their second trip involved the other three main characters. I didn’t mind it too much, to be fair. Ayano was a great addition to the mix and it’s always great seeing the main five together. That said, it was very nostalgic seeing these two carry an episode on their own. Their chemistry remains as perfect as it’s always been.
The comedy picks up midway through the episode. There’s a very funny moment where Nadeshiko is bicycling down some hills at a dangerously high speed. I don’t know if it’s intentional but it reminds me of Rin and Ayano’s struggles with the road during the first arc of the season. Even though I know these girls will be safe, it still cracks me up how this show will occasionally put them in peril. As an icing on the cake, this scene is immediately followed up by Nadeshiko and Rin realizing that the former went in the complete opposite direction than she was supposed to, making her little dance with death amusingly pointless. Also funny is the dinner scene, where the two snack on some baked apple dessert tortilla. I love that Rin warns Nadeshiko about taking a big bite on the dessert, only to then do the same a few seconds later.
After dinner, the two lounge near the campfire. Nadeshiko talks to Rin about checking out a campsite where they could experience the Diamond Fuji phenomenon during New Year’s, having recalled Chiaki and Aoi’s attempt back in Season 2, earlier in the episode. I’m curious if Laid-Back Camp will actually follow up on this. Probably not since this is a special and possibly semi-canon at best. I guess I wouldn’t know anytime soon anyway since in-universe, New Year’s is a ways away. Still, it’d be cool to see all five main characters hanging out for New Year’s.
On that note, Season 3 is completely over. Earlier this month, Season 4 got officially announced. I still think that isn’t happening anytime soon but at least I don’t have to worry about whether or not we’ll get a fourth season at all. I’m happy to know that the anime will continue and I of course plan on covering Season 4 when it airs.
Watch Laid-Back Camp on Crunchyroll
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