My friend the deer Nokotan quickly established itself as a series that teeters on the edge of genius and madness. The first three episodes were a whirlwind of surreal humor and bizarre situations, drawing in a niche audience while others were left wondering what the hell they had just watched. Beyond its sheer weirdness, this high-flying storytelling act shatters the absurdity of a deliberately archetypal high school drama, helping the anime stand out from a crowded class of similar and increasingly derivative school anime.

In My friend the deer Nokotan In episode 4, “Deer Club Under Siege,” the anime ups the ante by revealing the student council. Torako, the ever-pressured president, navigates the murky waters of the political players who make up her cabinet, namely Neko Nekoyamada, Kinu Tanukikaji, and Chiharu Tsubameya. Each of these council members has their own agendas that don’t always have the student body in mind. Episode 4 places more emphasis on power dynamics and Torako’s evolving role in the story. This cements his reputation as a school icon while finally setting the stage for some real conflict and continued, evolving character dynamics.

My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 4 Reveals Whispering Campaign Within the Council

The Student Council is sort of the school’s Illuminati.

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The student council occupies a central place in My friend the deer Nokotan Episode 4. They are introduced as a shadowy cabal of girls behind the school’s activities. However, even at this level, there is a clear line of power. Torako is the president, Neko Nekoyamada is the vice president, Kinu Tanukikaji is the secretary, and Chiharu Tsubameya is the council accountant. Despite their individual power, Neko, Kinu, and Chiharu are all technically Torako’s subordinates. As always, while Torako means them no harm, she is especially kind and understanding towards them. However, this news, which was first teased in the final moments of episode 3 “Bashame, the New Student”, remain determined to bring down the delinquent turned school superstar.

The presence of the council clarifies Torako’s place in the prefecture hierarchy better than any other plot element in previous episodes. Through their eyes, it not only becomes clear that Torako is generally either admired or envied, but it is also evident that Torako’s character rehabilitation has worked. She is a bona fide celebrity within her school and is seen as a revered leader by her peers. It’s a hilarious idea that is also very true in high school life. The person the other students are jealous of is almost always extremely insecure, and Torako, as the audience knows, is no exception to this rule.

The student council compliments my deer friend Nokotan’s strange but endearing humor

Torako struggles to stay united and keep the deer club together

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Episode 4 brilliantly rolls out the student council, bringing a new mix of partying and comedic flavor to inject some fun and tension into the series. Neko’s rebellious side and desire to eject Torako from the council add a problem worth keeping an eye on in the future. Meanwhile, Kinu’s over-the-top apologies and Chiharu’s silent but loving presence round out this trio of newcomers. They perfectly complement Torako’s straight man routine, both collectively and individually. Every interaction keeps Torako – and the audience – on their toes with new energies to deal with, as each new character brings their own brand of humor and chaos to the table.

Torako barely tries to hide her stress, revealing herself openly in this episode as she witnesses the Deer Club’s strangeness evolve. Nokotan, the unpredictable deer girl, always has her antics up her sleeve, defying Torako’s expectations every time. Her interaction with Chiharu, who shows up at the club in need of a morale boost, particularly stands out. The sight of Chiharu having deer biscuits thrown at her and then being fed a tuft of grass by Nokotan is both surreal and hilarious. It’s a perfect encapsulation of My friend the deer Nokotan ability to mix ridicule with genuine charm. Chiharu appreciates this odd gesture, but Torako only gets stressed out at the sight of it, which Nokotan tries to appease by describing her actions as “basic (deer) hospitality”.

My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 4 Reveals Characters’ Hidden Animal Motifs and Themes

A recurring gag becomes a possible clue to the anime’s larger story

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My friend the deer Nokotan The introduction of the student council in episode 4 adds layers of intrigue not only by infusing a power struggle into its narrative, but also by complementing a theme of animal-inspired names. This seemingly playful choice could be more than just a whimsical touch; it could hint at deeper narrative or thematic elements woven into the story. For example, each of the council members bears the Japanese name of a certain animal. Their personalities also reflect their namesakes in both subtle and explicit ways. Namely:

• Torako (Tiger): As the student council president, Torako’s name is reminiscent of the tiger, a symbol of strength and leadership. This fits her role as a powerful yet compassionate figure in the school hierarchy. The tiger motif may reflect her dominant position and complex, sometimes fierce personality.
• Neko Nekoyamada (Cat): The vice president’s name means “cat”, an animal often associated with independence and curiosity. Neko’s rebellious attitude and desire to remove Torako from the council could be symbolized by the cat’s aloof attitude and tendency to act on its own terms.
• Kinu Tanukikaji (Japanese raccoon dog): Known for their playful and sometimes mischievous behavior, Japanese raccoon dogs (or tanuki) may reflect Kinu’s overly apologetic and extreme reactions. This choice may highlight his propensity for exaggerated responses and his difficulty balancing his emotions.
• Chiharu Tsubameya (Barn Swallow): The barn swallow, a bird known for its migratory nature, could symbolize Chiharu’s quiet but observant role within the council. Her silent behavior could be indicative of the swallow’s adaptability and keen observational skills.

The constant use of animal themes among the council members could serve several purposes. On the one hand, it could be a fun and imaginative way to delve deeper into the characters’ identities, giving viewers a playful clue as to each character’s traits and roles. On the other hand, This choice could hint at a more elaborate narrative element. For example, could these animals represent archetypes that will play a role in larger plots or conflicts? Is there symbolic meaning behind their interactions and individual struggles? Is the use of animal-human hybrids more than just a wacky premise for a quirky comedy?

In the context of My friend the deer Nokotanwhich feeds on its surreal and offbeat humor, These animal names could well be an artistic choice that enriches the world-building and character dynamics of the series, or really nothing at all. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see if these animal motifs are explored further or if they remain nothing more than a quirky but appropriate detail.

My Deer Friend Nokotan Episode 4 Gets High Marks for Absurdity

Storage Room Mayhem and the song Deer Cracker stand out

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The events of Episode 4 come to a head when Torako and Kinu find themselves locked in a storage room. The affair quickly turns into an emotional spectacle, showcasing Kinu’s wild and panicked imagination. His anxious fantasies about their dark fate and ghostly redemption provide a stark and hysterical contrast to Torako’s unflappable demeanor. Kinu’s elaborate distress—complete with visions of their spectral selves—turns a self-proclaimed cliché situation into a memorable comedic moment for the series. The scene cleverly twists the typical “stuck together” trope, highlighting My friend the deer Nokotanhis ability to inject a touch of new humor into familiar scenarios.

The real gem of the episode, however, is Nokotan’s song titled Deer Cracker. This moment of pure, unadulterated whimsy features Nokotan performing a heartfelt song dedicated to a lonely cracker, rendered here in the style of karaoke music videos. The song’s lyrics, which describe the cracker’s painful existence with melodramatic longing, are both absurd and strangely touching. The emotional weight of a cracker’s predicament, expressed with such earnestness, is a striking example of the show’s ability to find humor in the most unlikely places. It’s a scene that illustrates My friend the deer Nokotanhis talent for mixing the bizarre with the strangely profound.

Together, these moments elevate My friend the deer Nokotan Episode 4, “Deer Club Under Siege” reaches new comedic heights. The storage room shenanigans and the deer biscuit ballad are more than just isolated slapstick incidents; they are among the highest and most exhilarating comedic achievements of the 2024 summer anime season. Between these ingenious displays and the promise of the new cast introduced, this anime keeps chugging along.

My Deer Friend Nokotan is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

My Friend the Deer Nokotan — Episode 4 “The Deer Club Under Siege”

Koshi Torako has fooled everyone. Her classmates see her as a bright student, unaware of her past as a secret delinquent. But her quaint new school life is thrown into chaos when she runs into Shikanoko Noko, a girl with deer antlers! Chaos seems to follow this strange, doe-eyed girl.

Release date

July 7, 2024

Creator(s)

Oshioshio

Casting

Megumi Han, Saki Fujita, Rui Tanabe, Fuka Izumi, Yurika Kubo, Rio Tsuchiya, Chinatsu Akasaki, Kôsuke Toriumi

Seasons

1

Benefits

• The euphoria caused by The Deer Cracker Song.
• The new players add a fresh new dynamic to the existing cast.

The inconvenients

• Neko gets the short stick despite being portrayed as a villain.