Apocalypse Hotel: A 5 Star Concept With A 4 Star Experience

 This past Spring, the world was treated to Apocalypse Hotel. An Original Anime from CygamesPictures that was directed by Kana Shundo, with a script penned by Shigeru Murakoshi and Sotaro Wada. And to be frank, I was enthralled. The series did a remarkable job at showcasing this hotel at the end of the world. Ultimately, I think it left a mark worth noting. 

I came across Apocalypse Hotel when I was looking at the Spring Season of Anime as the Winter Season was ending. And what drew me in was the name. An "Apocalypse Hotel? I wanna know what that's about?" I didn't really need a description or trailers for viewing purposes. I wanted to just jump in and see what all the fuss was about. A method that I trust with television shows more than movies. But even then, I will just dive into any movie that mildly interests me. It builds character and insight. You can tell when something is going to careen off the edge, and when something is going to hit. And Apocalypse Hotel was a certified hit.

Each week brought a unique flavor that made every episode standout. Some weeks it was the animation. And some weeks it was entirely due to the writing. So, I have to really credit Kana Shundo for heading this ship. I think that she helped to make the ideas proposed by Shigeru Murakoshi and Sotaro Wada into something that exceeded expectations. So, before going into my favorite episodes and aspects. I am going to give a quick rundown on what Apocalypse Hotel was about. So, get out now if you want to avoid spoilers. 

In short, Apocalypse Hotel follows the Hotelier Robot (Android?), Yachiyo on an Earth devoid of humanity. The series begins in the year 2157, and spans several centuries. In that time, we see how Yachiyo and the staff at the Gingarou Hotel adapt to the new clientele. What I liked about the Gingarou Hotel staff the most was that the majority of them were robots. This was a place designed to offer a unique experience. While the idea can devolve into some dystopian hellscape. The absence of humanity allows for the beauty of nature to come forth. Eventually, more staff members come aboard in the form of Ponko, a Tanukian. Which also lead to the appearance of Tamako, Ponko's daughter, near the end. And to be honest, I think that this was the only misstep in the series. 

The staff of the Gingarou Hotel being comprised of Robotic personnel was enough. Yachiyo learning about different cultures and developing some complex emotions over the disappearance of humanity, gave Apocalypse Hotel the jump it needed. And I say this because many of the issues I have regarding the show stem from the Tanukians. Outside of the grandmother, Mujina, the family felt like they got more screen time and importance than warranted. They show up a couple of episodes in, and take over for awhile, especially with Ponko. I understand that the series wanted to establish the comedic aspect, yet many a time there was a danger in the delivery. Like, the more melancholic moments would get supplemented by some slapstick humor every now and again. Breaking up the tone of the scene and depriving the audience of a satisfying conclusion. I'll go over this aspect in more detail when I talk about one specific episode later on.  And so, without further ado. Let's talk about my three favorite episodes. 

What better way to start than with Episode 1: A True Hotel Is Always Storied. A masterclass in engagement. I knew I would stick around within the first couple of minutes, It opens with the abandonment of humanity. A viral pandemic swept through the Earth and forced the Humans out. And what was left in its wake, was everything else. The buildings, the animals, the robots, etc. Amongst the ruins stood the Gingarou Hotel. So, we're treated to a serene future without the hurdles imposed by humanity, but are also left with a bunch of their material possessions. Department stores, restaurants, you name it. For our main character Yachiyo, what else would there be to do than to wait for humanity to return? Well, you keep performing your tasks. Day in, Day out. Biding time until humanity can return, a promise that was made to the Owner when the humans left. 

I really enjoyed the tone being set here. It's the same as with the shows Opening Animation. Fun mixed with melancholy. There used to be tons of Hotelier Robots like Yachiyo at the Gingarou Hotel. But now, they've ceased to function, A lack of manufacturing and maintenance has taken a toll. If you break down or have an accident. Then death is imminent. I could watch a whole series or movie based around the mortality of Yachiyo. They're her best moments by far. And I think it made her stand out, not just as the main character, but as a character in fiction. Not to mention her commitment to the job as another positive point. Like yes, a Shampoo Hat is vital to the hotel experience. So, I dream of a more monster of the week, episodic deal for this series should they continue it. This first episode would serve as the basis for what makes Apocalypse Hotel one of the best shows of the Spring Season, as well as one of the best original shows in recent memory.

Now let's jump to Episode 9: Bookmark Today's Page in our Guests' Lives. This one comes off the previous episode where Yachiyo has to relearn how to live. She lost her lower body and hands in a Space related incident. And ultimately lost hundreds of years of time. And Episode 9 picks up with her acceptance of her new life, while dealing with Ponko's Wedding and Mujina's Funeral. A very emotionally charged episode that I think still could've worked if Ponko hadn't been in any previous episodes. This is a personal issue as I think the Tanukians are all rather expendable. And Mujina could have easily been a recurring character in previous episodes that would pop in every now and again. It's the execution and Yachiyo's commitment to engaging with cultural customs. Not to mention, this episode deals with mortality just like in the first episode. 

It is also interesting to note the idea of Death as a celebration. Mujina can't be around forever. And while death does bring out those negative emotions, it doesn't have to encapsulate the whole mood surrounding it. Smiling in the face of death is not easy, yet sometimes that is what's needed. Mujina had such minimal screentime, but the impact of her character makes the moment so much more. Obviously it is all about context. Apocalypse Hotel makes a conscious effort to show that these are requests from the guests. An important aspect of the service is to adhere to the demands as reasonably as possible. In the wake of death, we are dealt hope. A hope for a brighter future without that loved one in it. 

Enough about Tanukians, it's time to go back to solo Yachiyo in Episode 11: Wag Your Tail, but Never Wag a Shift! What's remarkable about this one was how it tied back to the first episode. It's about Yachiyo having a day off. While contemplating how to spend it, she checks into the Gingarou Hotel itself. Eventually, she becomes restless and decides to walk through the surrounding abandoned city with the goal of procuring a replacement part. What I found to be the most intriguing aspect about this episode was the lack of dialogue. Nearly twenty minutes of the run time was devoid of conversation. With the sounds of the world and peaceful tunes being the only things breaking up the silence. A bold directing decision that really cements Apocalypse Hotel as a fantastic peace of media. 

It was something that I wanted, but never thought was possible. There's a lot to be said about how Yachiyo's solo journey into the unknown feels the most human. There's a scene where she discovers a Pachinko Parlor, and proceeds to gamble until her eyes glaze over. That's peak comedy without even trying. The dopamine of getting more silver balls was enough of a thrill to suffice her needs. But the singular standout moment for me was when she discovered her replacement part. A small component that dwelled within a Robot that resembled herself. In another world, that could've been Yachiyo. So, the concept of mortality comes up once again. However, there's still more to this. Before leaving, Yachiyo fixes the position of the Robot by placing their hands over their stomach. Simulating a position that corpses have in caskets. This was also how Mujina was positioned for her funeral as well. So maybe this was why Yachiyo positioned them in this manner. She also bows before leaving as a sign of respect and gratitude. 

And that's where I think Apocalypse Hotel shined the brightest. In episodes where Yachiyo was allowed to take the wheel and guide the viewer. Like, how many pieces of media are able to carry themselves through the showcasing of their world and nothing else. It made me wish that Yachiyo was going to die at the end, but it seems like they wanted to keep the series more open in the case of massive success. 

So, my only criticisms are the overuse of the Tanukians, and Yachiyo not being allowed to continue the rest of the series as a Robot with a disability. It would've made a couple of scenes different at best. Not to mention the change actually nullified a portion of the eight episode as result of the switchback. While the animation from that episode was outstanding, the message fell flat almost immediately with the ninth episode. 

Ultimately, Apocalypse Hotel was phenomenal. I recommend it for the most part, and I hope to see more in the future. Maybe that Horsegirl and Granblue money can fund more projects like Apocalypse Hotel. A series that should be remembered for its approach and delivery. As well as for the directing work from Kana Shundo. A director that I am curious to see more from. Long live Yachiyo, and Long live the Gingarou Hotel. 

And remember to Free Palestine, Free Congo, Free Sudan, Free Venezuela and to Free Lebanon from the onslaught of their oppressors. Never stop talking about them. They think that we don't care, but we see everything. Never forget that. They are trying to suppress our voices because they matter, remember that. There may have been a ceasefire in Gaza, but Palestine still needs to be completely free.