Spring 2022 First Impressions – Thermae Romae Novae

Streaming: Netflix

Episodes: 11

Source: Manga

Episode Summary: Lucius Modestus is the son and grandson of architects specializing in the design and construction of bathhouses. Because his father died on the job, Lucius is treated with a soft hand by his grandfather, which runs counter to the standards of what it means to be a Roman man. When Titus, the local bully, hassles Lucius at the nearby bathhouse (which was built by Lucius’ late father) and insults the building’s construction, Lucius vows to follow in his family’s footsteps and become a thermae architect.

Years later after completing his education in Athens, Lucius returns to Rome to make good on his promise to himself. There he meets Titus, a more mature family man, who apologizes for his past behavior. Lucius’ life seems to be looking up. But what of the strange childhood experience he had submerging himself in the thermae’s heated bath and resurfacing in a totally foreign place?

Impressions: Anime re-makes seems to be perpetually en vogue, and while the push to call “re do” on an adaptation that had obvious issues in the first place is understandable, I don’t always find it necessary. Thermae Romae received an adaptation several years ago in the form of animated shorts. While I personally really enjoyed the limited flash animation style of these episodes, which riffed on the material in a fast-paced, goofy manner, I can see why an adaptation that plays things straighter might have a certain appeal to those who aren’t all-in on what were essentially brief motion comics rather than fully-animated episodes.

The longer episodes afford the story several luxuries, including a full portrayal of Lucius’ backstory and the reasons why he became an architect with a very specialized focus. It also offers a portrayal of his family life, including his relationship with his mother, which by virtue of the setting and subject matter isn’t possible when focused simply on the bathhouse setting or Lucius’ inadvertent travels to the future. Having said that, I think it bears mentioning that the main draw of this story, at least for many, is the obvious ways in which Roman and Japanese bathing cultures mirror one-another and the innovations that Lucius draws from his time-traveling – a mechanic that is barely introduced in this episode.

This episode touches on some other subjects not confined to baths or architecture, including the limited nature of masculinity as defined by Roman ideals. Lucius is something of a gentle soul, and though his transition from childhood to adulthood does allow him some of the physical strength he once lacked, it’s clear that its his confidence and assuredness of his life goals are what eventually earns him the respect of his former tormenter.

Pros: The episode ends with a short segment starring original manga author Mari Yamazaki, who travels to a hot spring bath and participates in the staff’s traditional water cooling process (using large paddles to toss the water and allow it to cool without diluting it). While sometimes these sorts of travelogue segments can get a little bit self-indulgent, Yamazaki is a charming host and seems to be having a lot of fun. She even creates a new sketch to celebrate the moment.

Cons: While I get that this is likely to provide the Rome segments an air of history, the use of muddied brown colors (or some kind of coloring effect) over most of the animation isn’t appealing.

Though I enjoy the fact that this adaptation goes much deeper than the previous one, I wish the first episode had at least a bit more of the time-travel mechanic. I guess that’s one of many reasons to check out the rest of the series!

Content Warnings: Mild bullying. Toxic masculinity. Nudity – Netflix rates this show TV-MA due to nudity, but it’s completely non-sexual, contextual nudity, so take that as you will.

Would I Watch More? – Having read some of the manga many years ago, I know how charming the story itself is, so I definitely plan to watch more. I like the original adaptation of the source material, but it was brief and definitely more focused on the humor, so it’s nice to have another interpretation to experience.