Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl
Synopsis
Makoto Niwa meticulously tallies the amount of positive and negative youthful experiences he engages in as if to grade his own life. When his parents go overseas, he moves to a new town to live with his aunt, welcoming the change and ready for a fresh start. However, as ordinary as he had imagined his adolescence to be, he could never have taken the existence of an enigmatic long-lost cousin into account. Upon moving into his aunt's house, he discovers the cousin he never knew about: Erio Touwa. Despite being Makoto's age, she couldn't be more different: Erio chooses to wrap herself in a futon all day rather than to go to school. She even claims to be an alien, and with a speech pattern and personality to back it up, any chance of Makoto's dreamt-of normal life is instantly tossed out the window. As he meets a string of other eccentric girls in town, Makoto must face the possibility of seeing his youth points in the red. However, he might be surprised by how thrilling an abnormal youth can be. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with many appreciating the show's unique art style and quirky characters, while others find the plot lacking and the eccentricities overbearing. The show's handling of supernatural elements is a point of contention. Ultimately, enjoyment hinges on appreciation for the show's unconventional approach and character-driven narrative.
Strengths
- Visually appealing art style and animation, especially from Studio Shaft.
- Unique and quirky characters contribute to the show's charm.
- Enjoyable blend of comedy and exploration of deeper themes like trauma and personal growth.
Weaknesses
- Plot can feel unfocused and lacking a clear direction.
- Reliance on eccentricities can overshadow the story.
- The supernatural elements are not well-integrated and can feel ridiculous.