The Devil Is a Part-Timer!

In this bizarre anime series, Satan is forced out of his demonic kingdom following a failed attempt to conquer the human race. Joined by his loyal general, Alciel, Satan somehow winds up in modern-day Tokyo, where he is forced to take on a feeble human persona. While Alciel agrees to be the housekeeper in their modest home, Satan (now calling himself Sadao) gets a job serving hamburgers at MgRonald, a popular fast-food franchise. Complicating matters is the arrival of Emi, who is actually fallen angel (and Satan foe) Emilia Justina. In human form, combatants Satan and Emilia naturally lack the grand powers they once enjoyed. The Devil Is a Part-Timer! is certainly built on a novel concept, but too often it seems like a single joke stretched to the fraying point, and neither Satan/Sadao nor Emilia/Emi boast distinctive personalities that would add texture to their peculiar predicaments. The animation here is mostly quotidian, with little wit or style to mirror the oddball plot. Still, the narrative angle is unique (Satan as lord of the fries), and the sly digs at both American-style fast-food franchising and the Japanese work ethic are entertaining. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2013 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, extras include audio commentaries and a behind-the-scenes featurette. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall)