Mob Psycho 100 Reivew: Episode 3

By: ScarletteAfter two episodes adjusting to Mob Pyscho's art style and general over the top antics, getting into episode three was a pretty easy transition. Noticed that I made it half way through the episode, simply just watching and enjoying, instead of thinking "Oh god, I wish they could tone is down." And to be honest, this episode was far from toned down because some amazing things happened in it. To make a long story short: I very much enjoyed the third episode of Mob Psycho 100.We start the episode with Mob struggling as he tries to a run a lap with this new club members from the Body Improvement club. Naturally, Mob is terrible at physical activity and is on the verge of dying. Left in the ESP Club's care, we once again learn that Mob is trying to better his physical form because his school crush is just not interested in his mind's power--he needs to become popular, and physically attractive, in order to garner her attention. The ESP club tries to convince Mob otherwise; why bother improving yourself when you can simply just read girl's minds in order to figure out what they want and become popular? This concept doesn't seem to click with Mob and he insists that there is something else he can do to improve himself and his popularity without using his esper powers.Honestly, Im not sure to give Mob mad moral points for making this decision or hit my head against the desk at how dense he sometime can be.The episode moves along with Mob being whisked away by a Dimple-sama cult follower. Said cult follower noticed Mob seemed dissatisfied with his life, and knew something that could help him become happier. Mob insists, in a very monotone manner, that nothing is the matter  but the cult follower hits the nail on the head (after multiple guesses of what could trigger Mob) stating that he has love trouble, and if Mob follows her down to the super secret cult meeting, he would be instantly popular. Naturally Mob follows.This is where the episode starts to pick up and you get to see what makes Mob Pyscho 100 great as  series. There is this fantastic blend of action, character growth, and comedy that makes the episode very appealing.We learn that the cult leader, Dimple-sama is using mass hypnosis to convert his followers, however, Dimple cant hypnotize Mob because of his high physic capabilities. Dimple tries all the low blow tricks to trigger Mob, and bring down his defenses so the hypnosis works. Its during this process we get to understand Mob a little more. Due to his esper abilities, his mind tries to protect itself by shutting items that are too overwhelming for Mob to process along side with his esper powers--so, his mind turns off Mob's emotions. Little by little though, the emotions become too much to handle for Mob and he eventually hits a breaking point. Hence the 100--while at 100%, Mob has hit breaking point, and lets all hell loose. There is further character development because we understand one of the few things that really does bother Mob, and what makes his number go up at the end of each episode. Because Mob has his emotions turned off, he has always had a hard time fitting in with his class mates and peers. He doesnt find the same things funny or entertaining, he has issues sympathizing, and comes off unnatural to those around him because his does not display emotion. He is constantly told to (here's his trigger phrase) "to get a clue." At the time, it never bothers Mob much--but that rising percentage at the end of each episode is keeping track. To simply get to the point: Mob finally looses his cool. He lets go of his calm exterior because he's tired of people telling him that he'll never be liked enough because he just isnt normal, or is strange. Mob hits 100 and the only emotional we see him display is full esper rage. The animation in Mob's fight with Dimple-sama is top notch---it's scream high production value, the color is outstanding, and the animation style is just at it's best when there is action on the screen. The style in Mob Psycho 100 isnt, in my opinion, made for the "daily life" activities that we have seen so far in the series--it kinds just falls flat and feels over extended. However, the animation is very much designed for fight and action sequences, and make it a great fun to watch.The only thing that  I dont like about Mob Pyscho 100 is that there doesnt seem to be an over arching plot line. It seems that this will be a series that simply deals with Mob's daily routine, and each episode seems to have it's own villain or obstacle for Mob to conquer. Im hoping that if we dont get an over arching plot, we will get a series that continues to focus on Mob's character discovering and growth.