Ep 2. A Good, Hard-working Girl

Aggretsuko season 1 episode 2, titled "A Good, Hard-working Girl," continues to follow the life of Retsuko, an anthropomorphic red panda who works as an accountant at a trading company in Tokyo. In this episode, Retsuko's work life is once again the focal point. She is not only dealing with her overbearing boss Ton but also her colleagues constantly putting her down.

The episode opens with Retsuko's friends commenting on how she never joins them for drinks after work. They question if she is a "good girl" and Retsuko attempts to brush off their negative perception of her. However, her attempts to be a "good girl" are tested throughout the episode as she battles with the oppressive atmosphere at work.

Retsuko's life at work is further complicated by a new co-worker, Tadano, who happens to be a childhood friend. Tadano is easygoing and has an alternative approach to work, which goes against everything that Retsuko has been taught. Despite this, Tadano manages to convince Retsuko to join him for lunch, where they discuss their shared love of metal music.

As Retsuko continues to work diligently, her boss Ton imposes on her to complete a task outside of her job description. Despite her objections, Retsuko reluctantly agrees to complete it. Weeks go by, and Retsuko is increasingly bitter and overworked, to the point where she snaps at a colleague. This action results in Retsuko questioning her own capability to live up to the expectations of a "good girl" and reflects on her inner turmoil.

At this point, Retsuko's relationship with Tadano becomes more complicated. Their discussions of a different way of living become more meaningful, and Retsuko begins to consider his advice. He suggests she become self-employed and work on her own terms. Although this proposition is a drastic change from her current corporate life, Retsuko is intrigued by the possibility of being able to find inner peace.

The episode comes to a head when Retsuko presents a report she has been working on to her boss, Ton. Ton is unimpressed with her hard work and expresses disgust at how fast she is able to complete it. Retsuko is furious at his reaction and realizes that she has been working too hard to please someone who will never be satisfied.

"A Good, Hard-working Girl" showcases Retsuko's struggle to find a balance between being a good worker and following her own desires. She recognizes the oppressive atmosphere of her workplace, which is continually at odds with her inner spirit. Her realization that there are alternative paths to success, which do not require her to sacrifice her desires, sets the stage for more complex introspection and self-discovery for both her character and the show as a whole.