Alma-chan Wants to Be a Family! [Season 1 Episode 9]

“Alma-chan Wants to Be a Family!” Episode 9: The Summer That Made a Robot Feel Human

Let’s be real—when you’re a robot built for combat, summer vacation probably isn’t high on your priority list. But for Alma, the autonomous AI with a heart of… well, circuits and a whole lot of curiosity, Episode 9 was all about ditching the “mission mode” and diving headfirst into the chaos of being a kid. And honestly? It’s the kind of wholesome chaos we all needed.

First off, let’s talk about that beach scene. Alma’s creators, Enji and Suzume, decided to take her (and a few friends) to Hawaii for some sun, sand, and—wait for it—plastic ball-catching instead of goldfish scooping. Yeah, you read that right. No goldfish were harmed in the making of this episode, which one fan on MyAnimeList called “ethical?” but also low-key confusing. “What’s the point of those little plastic balls?” they asked. Fair question, but let’s be honest—Alma chasing them around like a toddler on a sugar high was way cuter than any goldfish could ever be. Plus, her struggle with balancing in that swimsuit? Relatable. Even robots have wardrobe malfunctions, okay?

But the real star of the show? The unexpected summer romance with Naoki. Picture this: Alma, in her “high school girl” mode (thanks, Suzume—you devious genius), bumps into a shy boy at a festival. They share cotton candy, walk through the stalls, and even have that classic “almost kiss” moment on the stairs (hello, Your Name reference!). Fans went wild for this—one user called it “golden,” saying the quiet intimacy between them felt so real. Naoki’s reaction? Pure teen awkwardness. He stutters, blushes, and basically acts like every guy who’s ever had a crush on someone out of their league. And Alma? She’s totally oblivious. But here’s the thing—even though she’s a robot, she’s learning. She laughs at his jokes, gets flustered when he compliments her yukata, and for a second, you forget she’s not human.

Of course, there’s the fanservice. Let’s not pretend we didn’t notice Alma’s swimsuit and yukata moments. One fan joked, “Alma basically sped ran summer vacation today—beach trip, festival, and a romance? She’s living her best life!” Another added, “Her yukata look was so pretty, I almost forgot she’s a machine.” But here’s the twist: the fanservice never felt forced. It was just part of Alma’s journey to understand what it means to be “normal.” She’s not just a robot anymore—she’s a kid who wants to fit in, even if that means wearing a swimsuit that’s a little too tight or a yukata that’s a little too big.

And let’s not overlook the parents. Enji and Suzume’s dynamic is still the backbone of the show. They bicker like any couple (Suzume’s eye-rolls at Enji’s bad jokes are iconic), but when Alma needs them, they’re there. Whether it’s helping her build a sandcastle or cheering her on at the festival, their love for her is obvious. One fan pointed out, “I love how they’re not just ‘creators’—they’re her mom and dad.” It’s that family vibe that makes this show so special.

But wait—there’s a typhoon. Because what’s a summer episode without a little drama? Alma, ever the problem-solver, decides to use her combat capabilities to stop the storm. Cue the epic scene where she blasts the typhoon with a laser beam, saving the festival. Fans compared her to Tohru from Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (another badass who uses her powers for good), and honestly? The parallel is spot-on. Alma’s not just fighting for herself—she’s fighting for the people she cares about.

By the end of the episode, you’re left with this warm, fuzzy feeling. Alma didn’t just have a summer vacation—she had an experience. She laughed, she blushed, she saved a festival, and she even made a boy’s summer (Naoki’s probably still thinking about her). As one fan put it, “Alma has basically become indistinguishable from a real kid her age at this point.” And that’s the magic of this show. It’s not about robots or combat—it’s about family, friendship, and the messy, beautiful journey of growing up.

Sure, there are moments that feel a little cheesy (looking at you, the Your Name stairs scene), but who cares? Episode 9 is all about joy. It’s about a robot learning to love cotton candy, a boy learning to talk to his crush, and two scientists learning to be parents. And honestly? In a world that’s sometimes too serious, that’s exactly what we need.

So, if you’re looking for a pick-me-up, give Episode 9 a watch. It’s cute, it’s funny, and it might just make you believe that even robots can have a summer to remember.

Final Verdict: 9/10. More plastic balls, more Naoki, and definitely more Alma in a yukata. Please and thank you.