Atri: My Dear Moments – Season 1 Episode 4 Recap & Review

 Crabs and Electricity are Important

Episode 4 of Atri: My Dear Moments begins with Natsuki, Ryuuji, and the others heading somewhere via boat. Ryuuji’s unsure if Natsuki’s plans will go off without a hitch, but Natsuki remains optimistic. Eventually, they all arrive at their destination. Natsuki uses his submarine to travel to the intersection of Kannan-mae. He reports his discoveries to Minamo and the others. 

Minamo and the others are stationed on the boat while Natsuki and Atri explore underwater territories. Eventually, Natsuki finds Ryuuji’s family’s Precision Machinery Company. Natsuki asks Atri to search for the resin in the warehouse. Atri and Natsuki return to the surface. They collected crabs, a tray to make a specific dish, and the resin.

Then, Atri and the others return to the school and hold a barbecue. Minamo tells Atri this reminds her of a cultural festival. She suggests they have a cultural festival in the distant future. Then, Ririka tells Minamo, Atri, and the others that Natsuki and Ryuuji are arguing about the windmill’s blueprints. Ririka, Atri, and Minamo break up the fight. 

Natsuki tells the girls everything will be fine. Ryuuji argues Natsuki’s plans won’t work. Natsuki shares a few words with Ryuuji to get him on board. He asks the girls to leave him and Ryuuji alone so they can complete their meeting. Later, Minamo visits Natsuki at his home. Natsuki thanks Minamo for giving him clothes for Atri to wear. 

Minamo tells Natsuki that Atri doesn’t feel like a Humanoid (robot). Natsuki understands and wonders if they should treat Humanoids as humans or robots. Then, Atri calls out to Natsuki and Minamo. Natsuki and Minamo enter Natsuki’s home. He’s not happy with the pajamas Minamo gave to Atri. Atri teases Natsuki about her clothes and Minamo promises to get Atri proper attire.

Before Minamo leaves, Catherine arrives and takes Minamo hostage. She threatens to end Minamo’s life and wants to abandon her deal with Natsuki. Catherine confirms she needs more money. Before Natsuki gives Catherine ownership over Atri, Atri punches Catherine. Catherine departs and Natsuki pats Atri on the head for her actions.

Minamo spots Catherine’s wallet on the ground and opens it up. Catherine’s wallet contains her Grade School Teacher License. Minamo, Atri, and Natsuki head to the school. Minamo confirms Catherine’s real name is Hanako. As such, we’ll be calling her Hanako. 

Minamo says Hanako was a teacher at this school. She says Hanako trembled when she held Minamo hostage. Eventually, our trio regroups with Ryuuji. Ryuuji says everything looks great but they’ll need to gather materials at an abandoned hardware store. Natsuki tells the others they should search for a better motor and some batteries. He’s optimistic they can gather a new motor.

However, Natsuki is unsure about the batteries. Natsuki and his friends search their town for batteries. Unfortunately, their battery search efforts lead nowhere. Natsuki and the others visit a merchant to purchase some batteries. The merchant doesn’t give them a proper price and he warns them other merchants won’t offer great deals either. 

Before Natsuki, Minamo, and Atri depart, the merchant notices Atri. The merchant offers to trade Natsuki great loot for Atri since someone wants her. Natsuki looks through a document that highlights different androids. The merchant elaborates more on Atri’s situation, arguing Humanoid collectors may want her because she’s rare. 

Natsuki refuses to trade with the merchant. He goes for a walk with Minamo and Atri. Natsuki ponders Atri’s design and tells Minamo he’ll use his submarine’s battery if they can’t find a spare one. Atri stops Natsuki and Minamo. She wants Natsuki to sell her so they can gather batteries. Natsuki refuses to sell Atri or use Atri’s battery for their current mission.

The episode ends with Natsuki walking away from the situation. 

The Episode Review

At last, Catherine made a proper return in the narrative. However, Catherine might be in a pickle considering her actions in this week’s episode. Moreover, it’s interesting that she used to be a former teacher at this school. It’ll make viewers wonder what led her down the terrible path she’s embarking on currently. Additionally, this chapter features heartfelt bonding segments between Natsuki, Atri, and the others. 

The previous chapters wonderfully established Minamo, Ririka, and Ryuuji’s characters. On that note, it was nice seeing Ryuuji and Natsuki discuss the school’s electricity dilemma. However, it would’ve been great if this anime included one more episode to develop their relationship to this point. Lastly, Atri’s actions and the lore surrounding her Humanoid origins will pique audiences’ curiosity. 

From her discontinued status to breaking laws, fans may have enough evidence to piece together what made Atri special to Nonko. Additionally, Atri’s act of self-sacrifice was charming to see. Natsuki’s refusal to sell her felt genuine, too.

All in all, this was a great episode of the anime. It updates fans on our protagonist’s electricity debacle, intel about Catherine’s past, and some breadcrumbs about Atri’s special qualities.

Hopefully, Natsuki and his friends can gather the materials they want without a hassle.