Carole & Tuesday

Carole & Tuesday is a unique musical anime series that aired in 2019 on Fuji TV. This innovative series is set in a futuristic world where humans have colonized Mars, integrating advanced AI technology in daily life, including in the world of music. The series is mainly named after its two leading characters, Carole Stanley and Tuesday Simmons, whose paths cross in an intriguingly serendipitous manner, leading to an inseparable bond of friendship and shared musical dreams.

Carole is a street-wise, Mars-born woman, ambitious, talented, and equipped with a practical knowledge of the world. Struggling to make ends meet, Carole works part-time jobs while trying to pursue her passion for music. She is depicted as a charismatic pianist, infusing the spirit of the city in her music, despite facing the harsh realities of life every day.

On the other side, Tuesday is an introverted, wealthy girl hailing from a prominent political family on Mars. Despite being surrounded by opulence, she feels confined and suffocated in her gilded cage. With a heart full of music and a mind full of dreams, she decides to run away from her home, hoping to find her place in the world through the pursuit of music she loves, carrying nothing with her but a suitcase and a guitar.

Carole and Tuesday come from opposing backgrounds; yet, their love for music and the desire to create it becomes a common denominator that forms the heart of the story. Their initial encounter is nothing short of a miracle – a bolt out of the blue in the bustling city of Alba on Mars. A chance meeting on a bridge leads them to create an impromptu piece of music together, blending their styles and voices in a harmony they never knew existed. Struck by this musical connection, they decide to team up and chase their dreams of becoming musicians.

The journey of Carole & Tuesday is portrayed beautifully against the backdrop of enigmatic Mars, bringing the rich cultural diversity and futuristic elements into the narrative. The story unravels challenges both Carole and Tuesday face in their pursuit of a musical career, while also shedding light on their ideological growth. Their innocence and relentless pursuit of their dreams fuel the story’s momentum.

One of the unique aspects of this series is how it keenly integrates AI into its narrative. Music, a profoundly human endeavour known for its emotional depth, is primarily created by AI in the world portrayed in the series. In stark defiance, our heroines choose to make music the old-fashioned way – an endeavour that sets them apart and brings a fresh perspective to the music scene on Mars. Their heartfelt, human compositions breathe fresh air into an industry dominated by AI-produced rhythm and tones, which becomes one of the underlying themes of the show.

Carole & Tuesday is not just about a musical journey; it's a tale of human connection, resilience, inner growth, and the power of chasing dreams. Themes like friendship, compassion and determination are recurring throughout the series. The complexities of their different backgrounds add layers to the narrative and their interactions. It's indeed a coming-of-age story set to the rhythm of heartfelt strumming and intimate lyrics.

The series comes from the creative powerhouse of Shinichiro Watanabe, recognized for his previous iconic works Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. His capability to create deeply layered narratives that are presented with intense visuals and innovative storytelling techniques certainly comes through in Carole & Tuesday.

Carole & Tuesday is a rhythmically rich series that tugs at your heartstrings, offering a melodious journey through the lives of two young girls, their hopes, their dreams, and their music.

The series is significantly enhanced by its exceptional soundtrack, comprising various genres, right from pop to jazz, reflecting the musical journey of the protagonists. The mix of English and Japanese songs add to the richness of the diverse culture depicted in the series.

The powerful story combined with its unique music and vibrant animation make Carole & Tuesday a must-watch addition to anime fans' watch lists. The series does a commendable job of presenting a harmonious blend of music, emotion, friendship, struggles, and dreams with its profound story-telling, setting it apart in the world of anime.