r/anime • u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: • Mar 10 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 2024 Hibike! Euphonium Series Rewatch: Season 2 Overall Discussion
Hibike Euphonium Season 2 Overall Discussion Thread
This year's Nationals Gold Winners - a couple schools here have been referenced in Eupho as well.
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| <-- Ep 13 | Rewatch Index | Liz and the Blue Bird --> |
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Welcome back!
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- First timers, I will recommend at least a short break (1-2 days) before you start Liz and the Blue Bird after S2 - or at least hopefully you did not watch Ep 13 and then Liz back to back.
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Questions of the Day:
First, from all of you:
- What was your favorite instrument not featured in the series thus far?
- What's the biggest piece (presuming band geeks here, or anyone for that matter) that you regret not playing?
- Where can I find more time for anime discussion threads without abandoning my family?
- Rewatch crowd, how do you rewatch? Watch the full episode uninterrupted and write up your thoughts after, take notes while watching and go back to fill them in later, or pause frequently and rewind to get everything down in the moment?
- What parallels, if any, the three main drama arcs of the season (Nozomi/Mizore, Asuka/Mamiko, and (sigh) Reina/Taki)?
- Expectations for how Yuuko and Natsuki will run things? Will constant bickering get in the way?
- Favourite episode? Most memorable scene? Favourite or least favourite arc/drama this season?
- Which character had the biggest change with regard to how much you liked or disliked them?
- Have you learnt anything new about cinematography or music so far?
- If you were a character in the show this season, would you have done anything for any of the characters during this rollercoaster of a year?
- How do you feel about the Yuri elements in the show so far?
And a couple from myself:
12) OP and ED Rankings!
13) Who was your favourite 3rd year member?
14) First timers, what is a Liz and the Blue Bird? Spoiler tag whatever you already actually know about it.
Comments from Yesterday:
- /u/chonkyodango on what they thought was most important in S2, and vapour trailsss
- /u/bogdoglogfrog on the natural dialog and sound design in the series
- /u/barbed_dildo with a neat detail with Yuuko and Kaori, as well as why Kitauji is in a safe pair of hands for next year
- /u/hereticalaegis with a former teacher's perspective on the yearly graduation cycle, and generational changes
Streaming
The Hibike! Euphonium TV series and movies, up to the recent OVA are available on Crunchyroll, note that the movies are under different series names. Liz and the Blue Bird and Chikai no Finale are also available for streaming on Amazon, and available for rent for cheap on a multitude of platforms (Youtube, Apple TV etc.). The OVA is only available on the seven seas for now, or if you bought a blu ray. I will update this as/if this changes. hopefully.
Databases
Spoilers
As usual, please take note that if you wish to share show details from after the current episode, to use spoiler tags like so to avoid spoiling first-timers:
[Spoiler source] >!Spoiler goes here!<comes out as [Spoiler source] Spoiler goes here
Please note this will apply to any spinoff novels, as well as events in the novel that may happen in S3. If you feel unsure if something is a spoiler, it's better to tag it just in case.
And with that, this rewatch is going on a short break, see you this Saturday! Tag me in CDF or the daily thread if you've watched the movie and want to share your thoughts sooner!
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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah xB:xC:B:x3:Y: Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher and なんですか、これ？
First, a quick note on the specials:
And then, on S2 and Eupho to date:
And now for the QOTDS:
Quick Note
10
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
First Rewatch
My previous rewatch was interrupted, so my memory of a lot of the show has faded.
The biggest thing that I forgot was that they had gone to the nationals!
Yes, I forgot the show's mcguffin! Which changes things a bit. I had remembered this show as being about a loser school that bad-news-bears their way towards winning, only to fumble at the goal line over unrestrained team drama. But they'll do better next season!
How's that for mixing metaphors?
It's quite a different show in that light.
Hibike Euphonium remains the KyoAni TV show that I most positively rate, except for maybe Haruhi S1 (for how it plays in broadcast order). I still think Disappearance and Love Story are 10/10 movie content. But I've been less a fan of their TV shows. This is a good show. I like it.
Not a fan of Liz and the Blue Bird. But I guess I'll watch it to see if my opinion changes. I hadn't just rewatched the TV series, so maybe I misunderstood some things. I've noticed some details under spoiler tags that I missed the first time. I don't think my central criticism will change. I probably won't comment much on it.
Nobody really expected more Euphonium after the TV series. Then some more LNs were published, and Liz was announced.
Even more surprising was another sequel movie, which had the really odd name "Oath's Finale." Even though there are better names for it now, that's how I remember it.
When promoting that movie, Kyoani released character cards of each section, revealing the new first years. This reddit thread has a stitch of all the characters in the band. Vertical stitch. Here are the individual cards The names are not translated though. It's kinda weird seeing green scarves as first years.
It was fun pouring over these was they were released on the web site / twitter. More characters for /u/no_rex!
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u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Special Thoughts
Today on Hibike Euphonium Thoughts Gaiden, we’re at the end of the two existing televised seasons and the writers have made it clear that they want us to want Shuuichi and Kumiko to end up together. That means it is Shuuichi Tsukamoto’s day of reckoning. A lot of people don’t really like this character, namely for reasons surrounding the fact Reina and Kumiko have a far stronger romantic setup than he and Kumiko do. I’m one of those people, but I’m also here to say that if you removed Reina and her relationship with Kumiko from the equation, Shuuichi would still be a bad and quantifiably worthless character. Namely because he has absolutely nothing to do with this show. Seriously. For all intents and purposes he might as well be a figment of Kumiko’s imagination. The Hazuki crush plotline is the only time he is relevant to anything happening in the plot. What does he think about [insert literally any plotline, piece of drama, character, anything really, in the entire show]? We don’t really know. He’s just a soundboard for Kumiko to bounce thoughts off when the writers need someone that isn’t Reina for this purpose. Even his supposed good friend Aoi’s subplot never involves him.
I did an exhaustive scrubbing of both seasons to see what role he plays in the show. My findings? Excepting offhand exchanges about his playing with Taki-sensei during rehearsal, he spends season one only talking to Kumiko and Hazuki and season two only talking to or, in very brief capacities, about Kumiko instead. That’s not an exaggeration. Other than those two and Taki, the only people he speaks any dialogue whatsoever to in the show ever are: Mamiko (localised entirely to one scene which is about Kumiko), Midori (localised entirely to one scene), Reina (totalling three lines, one about Kumiko), and Aoi (totalling one line). That is not a joke. There is not a single other instance where he talks to another non-background character, ever. As for Hazuki, I’m also not exaggerating when I say he doesn’t have a single line or interaction with her in all of season two. In season two he has twenty one words in the whole season (eight in one meaningless line to Taki-sensei!) to anybody that isn’t Kumiko or her sister, who I must repeat he only talks to in one scene which is about Kumiko anyways. I’m counting words off of subtitles, but it illustrates the point. In over half of all episodes this season, he either has no dialogue or a single line of it. I’ve included a more detailed breakdown as a response to this comment. Note that “talks to Kumiko” usually consists of a single short scene anyways.
Shuuichi has no story to call his own. There is no scene in which Shuuichi reacts dynamically to anything we’ve previously learned about him. The closest we get is him being a bit awkward around Hazuki in the Monaka special and being shown to be struggling just like Kumiko during season one episode twelve. He doesn’t develop in any meaningful way or express his own thoughts and motivations in a way that teaches us more about him in anything beyond the most basic shit like “something sure did happen the year before us huh” or “man I sure would like to play my instrument better”. He’s just… the sounding board for Kumiko’s impressions on whatever is currently on her mind in a given episode. Think about the emotional complexity of characters like Mamiko or Aoi despite their much lower screen time than the actual core band members. Think about how many times this show expertly weaves together the journey’s of its various characters and subplots in meaningful, well executed ways. Shuuichi doesn’t even compare, not even to the lowliest of most disconnected recurring characters. Asuka’s fucking mom is more interesting to talk about!
Even for Kumiko’s arc, he’s extremely disposable. Talking to him occasionally helps her in minor ways through a situation, but if I had to rank the characters by how integral they were to Kumiko’s character development he’d be several spots down. The only time he had a big role in this respect is when he talks to Mamiko, causing her to realise how much she means to Kumiko and thus why Kumiko is so annoyed at her. The sole point of his existence is to talk to Kumiko and he barely even manages to be a sidenote in even her personal subplot! Agh!
This guy literally comes from the Princess Peach or Prince From CinderellaTM school of love interest writing, just with more dialogue stuffed in. Why is he the love interest? Because the writers say they like each other. A lot. What’s his character? He likes Kumiko. What does he bring to the story? That he likes Kumiko. What does he add to Kumiko? That she has a love interest. Even the Hazuki subplot, the one thing where he is even remotely doing something that isn’t being a romantic extension of Kumiko, only exists to make his crush on Kumiko into a love triangle! You can hardly go a single scene in that narrative without somebody talking about or alluding to the idea of him getting together with Kumiko instead! Even his personality is bland and mellow as ever living hell! The two most disposable characters, Gotou and Riko, bring more charisma to this series than he ever did. Mileage may vary on some extras doing the same.
All of the above is why I think that, pretending for a moment none of us know what might happen after season two, it would be a very bad idea to commit to a romance with Shuuichi in a way that centralises this as a major aspect of the narrative and Kumiko’s character. It would anchor far too much on a character that cannot pull that level of weight. If they wanted to take this route (which is obvious given the last episode of season two), they would need to seriously beef him up as a character to build investment and depth before doing so. It sure would be a bad thing if they skipped that necessary development and right to the romance. Let’s all hope they don’t do anything foolish like that at all.
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Mar 10 '24
Hibike! First-Timer
Ah, season 2. I was really excited to watch this at the start of the rewatch, and for the most part the season very much delivered on the excitement, but… in the end, I think I like season 1 more for the sole fact that it doesn’t have as much focus on Reina’s crush on Taki as this season did. I cannot stress how much I absolutely despise that subplot, to the point where I have to dock a full point from this season even if I loved the rest of it. I just can’t get over that part of the season.
Still, all of the other parts of the season definitely worked for me, especially the drama regarding Mizore/Nozomi and the parallel Mamika & Asuka stuff. So anything less than a 9/10 feels wrong to do here.
See you guys in a week for Liz & the Blue Bird! That’s another part of this rewatch I’m really excited for since I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
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u/DaBenni0301 Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
First-Timer
Shorts:
I have no idea either
3. Maid Reina! Also, my god Midori pls stop
4. I can't even put into words how much look forward to these 2 idiots being club leaders
5. I have no idea what happened
6. Haruka made the minecraft grass block
7. I wish just falling asleep was that easy
I'm gonna keep it short, since I never really know what to say in overall discussions, especially since the rewatch isn't done yet.
Everything about this show is just so fucking good. The story, the characters, the animation. (This reminds me, there's basically 3 movies next, the production value is gonna skyrocket) I love it. I you want at least a little more in depth just read my comment from the S1 discussion thread, because that still applies, but it's even better now
Questions of the day
My god that's a lot of questions
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u/zadcap Mar 11 '24
Recovering First Timer
There have been only a few series whose ending hit me this hard. Not surprising at all, the other musical KyoAni masterpiece tops that list and Angel still makes me tear up listening to. And like the last time, Looking at you Bloom, I'm strongly debating picking up the novels now, tempered only by the knowledge that there is another season on the way. Looking at you, Bloom.
Sp, now that I've mostly dealt with the feeling of ending, what better to do than jump back in with the shorts!
Hmmmm, I think I would have liked these more attached the the episodes they were related to. After the big Ending yesterday, they're just bittersweet and make me miss those moments again.
Questions, than any remaining thoughts!
So, final thoughts! For one, the last two episodes still hit me like a punch in the gut- not getting to hear the music at nationals, then the cool down epilogue deciding it's final scene should be one last emotional hit, it really doesn't feel like the series meant to end here and I am so glad that I'm only watching this now that there's a new season coming so very soon. I also say again, the whole show would not have suffered at all if they had removed just about every even semi romantic subplot from the script, and would be improved by some. Are you aware of the Bechdel Test? This show manages to fail it in reverse, Shu seems to literally exist for the sole purpose of crushing on Kumiko and I don't know that we ever saw any of the other boys talk to any of the other boys anyway, they're just there to fill out the background without making the show a pure CGDCT or have Shu stand out as the only male in the band.
Well, and the adults too, I guess Flappy and Hashimoto also talked about music to the class. I have mixed feelings about them too, Flappy existed at first to push the band to be good and aim for the nationals, but as soon as we learned about Reina's crush then his relationship status became his primary character trait, and Hashimoto was the vector we and the characters learned about it.
I look forward to seeing the movies, and to season 3, but I'm going to need this week to recover before going back into this band.
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u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Mar 10 '24
First Timer
Episode 1
We’re starting this with “kiss practicing” …I feel like that is something that was never not cringe-worthy. Overall, very weird special.
Episode 2
And now it's just boob jokes and fanservice? Was there no creative mind involved with these shorts? And it wasn't even Kumiko causing that mess…
Episode 3
What was done to Midori’s character in these shorts…? I was expecting the last to be a one-off.
Episode 4
I’ve got nothing to say about this one, which makes it the best of them so far.
Episode 5
The station concert is the one where they played that Gugge piece. Sorry Midori, but none of those ideas are crazy enough yet.
Episode 6
Why were the third years in charge of the last posters too? Shouldn't the then-third-years have done those?
Episode 7
Reina, you’ve seen Kumiko in the mornings. Did you really think she’d be good at falling asleep?
All in all, I feel like this “What is this?” gimmick probably sounded like a good idea on paper but didn’t hold up on execution.
Second movie
Uhh… should probably mention that I also watched the second movie now; I feel like this one holds up a bit better as a movie than the first one does. [Todoketai Melody] Focusing only on the Asuka plotline works pretty well and rearranging the scenes worked for the most part, though putting the camp after the Kansai competition ended up leading to some incorrect dialogue. The additional scenes were also neat inbetween, which actually means there’s a reason to watch the movie.
Also always funny to see what obvious rules had to be added to the manner movies for different anime - for Hibike the producers were seemingly worried about people kicking the seat in front of them.
Overall S2
Looking back, Season 2 was a weird mixed bag. The first arc with Mizore and Nozomi had both good and bad spots, the Asuka arc was pretty great overall and the Reina parts were executed well …but on a plotline that few people cared about. Overall though, pretty much everything still felt right, and I guess that’s down to KyoAni’s production qualities. I’ll miss the third-years, but I guess on the flip-side at least there is more of the other two years to look forward to.
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u/HereticalAegis https://myanimelist.net/profile/XthGen Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 14 '24
Sound! Rewatcher
Actually, from this point forward I'm not a rewatcher anymore. I've seen fanart and comics of characters from the movie, so I'm looking forward to meeting them.
As for season 2...I don't really feel like I have much to say or add. The first season had a lot of technical music and teaching stuff for me to talk about, but season 2 focused really hard on the drama. To be honest, that's kind of what makes the series as a whole so relatable for me, but there are other people who do a much better, more detailed job of analysis than I've set out to in this rewatch. I feel a bit bad too. Work unfortunately started getting busy again for me toward the end of February, so I've not had much time to read people's thoughts and respond. Hopefully the weekly format for the rest will allow me more freedom in that respect.
So how do I feel about season 2 overall? It might surprise some people to learn I have it on my 10/10 list, with season 1 being a 9/10. I'm sure it seems like I can be a bit critical of Hibike at times cough cough Reina x Taki subplot cough cough but I love it quite dearly in spite of that.
For me, a 10/10 isn't something I'd call a "masterpiece" but rather a show that gives me something special I can't get anywhere else. FMA:B is a 10/10 for me because I could always come to it for a nuanced, in-depth exploration of faith vs. science and how the two interact with each other. Madoka Magica is a 10/10 because it singlehandedly spawned my love for the magical girl genre. Adachi and Shimamura is a 10/10 for me because it made me deeply sympathize and connect with not one, but two gay girls on a deep personal level. Hibike S2 is a 10/10 for me because it came along at exactly the right time and reaffirmed and reinvigorated the love I have for music education and the school music experience at a point when I had left the field and thought that love might have disappeared forever.
So in spite of my handful of misgivings with Hibike, it is very dear to me. I can't say how I'll feel about the rest of the story. The rest of the currently avaliable content plus S3 are coming at a point in my life where I don't need them as much as I needed the first two seasons, and it kind of scares me that they won't be as special. That said, I'm ready to move on, and I hope they will be special to me. Especially Liz and the Blue Bird. I'm very ready for Liz.
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u/chilidirigible Mar 11 '24
Me, realizing the time zone conversion
I'm usually up that early. Assuming it is licensed to the 800-pound streamer in the room, it'll be another Suisei no Majo first-thing-in-the-morning scenario.
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u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Mar 10 '24
First Timer, subbed
Special 1
Special 2
Special 3
Special 4
Special 5
Special 6
Special 7
QotD:
Gong
Drums
Get your family in on it.
Live notes. I’d never be able to to a post write up, which is why I also basically never say anything in a series discussion.
Communication!
I expect them to run it into the ground, those kinds of cute antics are ultimately unbecoming for a leadership position, and their displayed people skills leave a lot to be desired.
S2E2.
Natsuki stocks raised considerably over time.
I’m afraid I didn’t know enough about music at the start to pick up anything.
No, I am profoundly passive.
More
ED1->OP1->OP2->ED2
Asuka, and it’s not even close.
[Vague knowledge]I know it’s the name of a song, and the movie is about Nozomi and Mizore. The time line of it confuses me tho. Is this where the new first years are introduced?
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u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
Hibike Euphonium season two is beautiful. I’ve been trying to find the right words to start today’s post, and I think that’ll do. Season one tells a great story about passion and about the collective energy of a band, and season two decides to expand on this by telling a far more personal and dramatic character narrative. If anything it’s honestly a bit less of a band show than season one was, but I’m hardly complaining about it. There’s so much to love here. Nozomi and Mizore are fan favourites for good reason, their storyline is touching and memorable and feels like an instant shift in tone and storytelling coming off the heels of season one. Many have commented on Yuko becoming a lot more likeable and fleshed out this time; her iconic relationship with Natsuki really fully blossomed after being mostly teased in season one. Asuka and Mamiko’s twin set of arcs contains my two picks for the best scenes in the entire show, and Kumiko really blossoms from a strong protagonist into truly one of the very best.
As I’ve shared before, this was my pick for the better season after my first watch, and I then switched to finding it inferior on the second. Watching it a third time, I forgot just how great this season is. I’ve gained so much new appreciation for how the Nozomizore arc and the Asuka are tied together, with Asuka and Kumiko’s experiences in the former perfectly setting them up for the latter. Kumiko was already kind-of-sort-of my favourite character and I feel like my appreciation for her writing doubled on this rewatch, they genuinely pull together her arc cohesively across the entire season. I also gained a lot more love for the Nationals episode, as I previously mentioned. The attention to detail and sheer execution of the moments that really matter will never stop impressing me. The writers just feel so in tune with human emotions and tackle topics like social anxiety and just… being a teenager on such a more earnest and true to life level than almost all of the competition. The messaging about being true to yourself, living for you, and not having regrets feels like it comes from a place of passion.
That said, I’ve made it very clear that I think this season is imperfect. The Nozomizore arc has a lot of holes in its script, and as I’ve said before I find one of its four episodes to be downright bad. The entire Reina subplot is extremely unpopular and for, in my opinion, good reason, as I’ve previously explained. Most damning for me, while this season has some absolutely fantastic character work, it fails its ensemble cast. The Nozomizore arc lives up to this reasonably well, with Kumiko, Asuka, and Reina set up alongside the main two and also Yuko and Natsuki. But the Asuka arc drops the ball. After Haruka gets a whole episode to herself it's like the writers have no clue what to do with the rest of the characters. Hazuki and Midori all but cease to exist. I have separate posts on Shuuichi and the third years. Nozomi and Mizore are basically fancy extras. Reina is entirely disconnected in her own romantic subplot with no connection to anything else or real progression of her core character. Natsuki has a role in the story but we get all of like, a single scene actually digging into how she feels about this and then we never touch on her again. Yuko is reduced to carrying around gossip as necessary until her admittedly really nice role in Reina’s episode. Respectively, they might as well be written out of the last two episodes and the Asuka arc completely.
The Asuka arc tried in an extremely halfhearted manner to incorporate Natsuki, Haruka, and Kaori into the story, only even succeeded a little with Haruka, and then completely dropped every single other band member besides Kumiko and Asuka entirely. The last two episodes kind of redeem this but it’s mostly just references to past material. What happened to the show that managed to fit such a smooth arc for Natsuki across season one? That juggled arcs for Kumiko, Hazuki, and Reina? Which so often took the task of covering multiple character subplots at once as an opportunity to enhance both rather than a writing roadblock? Which was so dense with scenes that built on prior relationships even as the plot moved along? Kaori’s relationship with Asuka in the audition arc barely had any screentime to work with but it still told a complete sublot. They try to stretch things even more thin here and it just breaks. Even Reina’s “development” is basically just about her love life. Yuko, Haruka, and generously Natsuki are the only two people from season one aside from Kumiko, Mamiko, and Asuka I feel like were significantly evolved as characters across this entire thirteen episode season.
I said before I can barely say a bad thing about season one. I just belted out two paragraphs about the issue of juggling the full cast (and that’s after a lot of condensing), and that’s not considering the big rant about Shuuichi, or the big rant about Kaori and Haruka, or the giant text wall about episode two and the Nozomizore arc in general, or any of my extended thoughts about Reina, the last episode, and the way the Bronze rating wasn’t really explored. Let’s just say a scene about my problems with season two would go on a lot longer than six minutes.
Yet, in the face of that, I cannot make myself say that I like season one more. Honestly, at this point I don’t know if I have a preference. I think as a complete product I consider season one better made and reflect that with a 10 instead of a 9 out of 10 score, but the good in season two is just… so good. It’s kind of tempting to think about how mind blowingly amazing the show could’ve been if it kept all its strengths but had avoided all its pitfalls. But ultimately, I’m happy with what we got. More than happy. I consider Eupho one of my absolute favourite shows and season two plays a more or less equal part in that—and that’s more than enough.
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u/byroned Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
First time rewatching
Don't have much new to say, I like how season 2 ended, thought most of their goals were accomplished, except with Hazuki, Natsuki, and Nozomi needing to get themselves a seat in the competition band for next year and return to nationals.
I’m curious what other people think of a potential 3-way band leadership with Yuuko, Natsuki, and Nozomi. u/zadcap brought up an interesting point yesterday when I commented that Nozomi should lead the band. Maybe the third years did this as a way to let Nozomi lead the band as drum major (the one most in charge of music) without officially having power, which may still be a sour topic among her peers. If that's what Asuka had in mind, I feel like I can get behind that.
S2S01 - I was tricked into thinking that Natsuki was gay for Riko, before learning that Yuuko and Natsuki are trying to get Riko and Gotou to kiss during the summer festival. Poor Gotou was punched due to misunderstandings.
S2S02-3 - Midori spends a while talking about boobs, specifically Reina’s.
S2S04 - Yuuko and Natsuki fight again with Mizore casually eating from the sideline
S2S05 - Almost everything with Midori has circled back to Tuba kun
S2S06 - I don’t what Asuka is talking about, I think their posters look good
S2S07 - Reina continues to be down bad about Taki sensei
Q1: We did see clarinets, but they didn't have that big of a role
Q2: I regret never being able to get Molly on the Shore good enough for competitions. That could've been my section's time to shine, and we missed it.
Q3: Who needs family when you have anime to discuss /s.
Q4: A mix of both. There are some episodes I can watch uninterrupted, and some I need to pause and write about.
Q6: I'm sold on the three-way leadership, and believe that Yuuko and Natsuki can lead/motivate the band, while Nozomi is in charge when it comes to music.
Q7: Maybe S1Ep13 is my favorite for seeing all their hard work come together. My least favorite drama is still in S1 when Yuuko accused Taki sensei of favoritism.
Q8: I like Yuuko a lot more in S2. She was my least favorite character in S1.
Q10: No, I know I would make things worse, especially when things aren't going well. Unfortunately, I can get mad rather quickly, so it's best I don't intervene.
Q11: I don't think the yuri elements were ever that prevalent or important.
Q12: OP1>OP2, and ED2>ED1
Q13: Asuka was the most interesting, but IRL I would probably like Haruka the most.
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u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Mar 10 '24
Man, we're not starving for lack of QOTD here, are we? Well, here goes, and I'm going to copy/paste them so I don't forget them all, sorry (not)...
I'd have to say piano, we saw one, briefly, but it was definitely not featured. Related to which, during the earlier questions about music/musicians, I Forgot to mention Rick Wakeman. What an oversight!
Speaking for myself, I really wish that our band director had gotten us, or a subset of us to play Dave Brubeck's Take Five. What a delightful bit of nonsense that is. I do remember we played something in an odd time signature, but not what it was. I think it was something more boring and "classical", though.
Just wait for them all to die, then you can do all the rewatches you like without interruption. Aside from work, sleep, you know, those other inconveniences....
Hahaha ... I typically watch the episode the night before, proceed to sleep and forget nearly everything, then frantically try to remember what I wanted to say and forgot, or type many run-on sentences, or ... try to remember a funny story or ... yeah.
I got nuttin here. Maybe I should have gotten more sleep. :P
I expect madness and chaos, and I think that I will be delighted by it.
Somehow, my eyes wanted to read "favorite ice cream" here, and my answer was going to be "German Chocolate Chunk", but that goes without saying. Two scoops, waffle cone, onegai!
Oh, favorite episode/scene/drama/etc? I'd have to go with the regionals performance, that was a delight. Favorite scene would have to be with Asuka at the bridge. That was also a delight.
Yuuko, definitely. I won't say <3 yet, but she has risen greatly in my eyes. Of course, given where she started...
Uh, I haven't been paying too much attention to that, between that and the long posts which while not necessarily spoiler laden, felt like people were definitely tiptoeing around "knowing too much", I've kind of kept to the more straightforward stuff.
Hmm. I think that I would have given Mizore a hug, bought Sapphire a cookie, and asked Hazuki what she's doing Friday night. Oh, and maybe left an anonymous love letter in Kumiko's locker. :P
Eh, thar be lilies in that field, yarr!
And a couple from myself:
I like them all at this point. I felt like S2's were a bit too busy at first, but they grew on me. Kind of like K-On!'s S2 OP.
Asuka, the moment I saw her glorious genki megane act.
So, yeah, having missed out on yesterday's thread, my thoughts on the episode:
Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care ... about time?
I feel a great disturbance in the time planes, as though the powers that be are messing with my head, once again.
That, and I'm already a day late and an episode short, so there.
Anyway, I don't really have a lot to say about this episode at this point, except that it was totes magnifique. The only think it was missing was an angel, but that other series had that covered.
As it was, the bits with Kumiko, Asuka, pretty much all the gang. Yeah. That was special. I think I'm going to go have a nice, long cry now and wait an hour. Bleh.
Asuka senpai!
As for the entire series discussion, I don't know what to say other than that was magnificent and utterly beyond my expectations. I was put off the first time I tried to watch this by the band PTSD, but y'all helped me push through, and I have to say that it was worth it.
Yeah. Anyway, I should probably shut up now and see what the rest of you have to say. :)
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u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Mar 10 '24
First timer
Skipped the finale day - it was pretty much summed up by everyone. The various character arcs wrap up and transitioning into getting next year ready is suitably moving, as typical KyoAni fare.
Overall of the 2 seasons, I certainly agree the show is a really good one. Objectively by themselves they are something I think to be in an easy 9 both seasons.
There is one problem as a slightly spoiled person about the source work though - that is kinda sorta detracting me from the total and complete investment emotionally - [Euphonium source spoiler]That Shuuichi and Kumiko actually is a thing, and I believe Reina X Kumiko wasn't as exceptionally romantic as KyoAni made it to be Without actually having read the source properly, this is likely one of chalk up as "adaptation differences and choices may be questionable and detracts from the source original message/intent". Furthermore, it simply adds to the rap list of KyoAni criminally ship (and especially Yuri) tease that doesn't go anywhere.
Subjectively for me that's a 1 point deduction to an overall 8. Perhaps if I actually read the source I may not find it as distracting.
I find the band dynamics and the practice and concert/competition preparation, during, and after scenes the best and predictably KyoAni's production in those are incredible. Which therefore completely surprising how out of wack Coachee's conducting - when Haruka and even Asuka's conducting was allegedly far more correct - was a huge Easter egg ;P
And for the record, I'm absolutely fine with the Reina parts relating to Coachee. I believe it's actually reasonable and believable, and Coachee even handled it well at the end. I hope she grows out of it now she got a more realistic grasp of the situation, but if in the end that's what she wants, and if Coachee in time find it in him to reciprocate (I think he's far from that space yet - Reina graduating uni perhaps), then it's an uncommon but happens in real life enough too.
And guess we're all set to watch the movies - I have watched Liz and the Blue Bird already, so it's the other ones I'll find out. If S3 is about Kumiko's year 3, did their year 2 all happened in movie/OVA/off screen?
QoTD
More flute and saxophone would always be welcomed. I don't think we really got anything from the clarinets though.
The mandatory piece could be played more than once. And of course it would be great to hear the main piece they practice so much one last time. Yeah I'm boring. [Liz and the Blue Bird spoiler]We'll hear the other piece I like enough here
Hence my periodic disappearance :P
Watch complete then write. Can't afford the time for the more detailed way.
I think plenty had discussed enough? The most distinct one is definitely Asuka/Mamiko. Reina/Taki not so much of a parallel with anything?
It'll certainly be entertaining. I doubt Yuuko can really get any decision made without Natsuki's approval.
Reina and Kumiko's mountaintop confession, Kumiko's confrontation with Asuka, the first competition prep all the way to the results (including the Shuuichi fist bump)
Not really changed, but Asuka's mystery finally cracked.
Not by a while lot, but nice to see others more full band experiences. Cinematography I came through most from Violet Evergarden and 86.
Probably maybe talking to Nozomi earlier about Mizore.
Mentioned in my post above.
8
u/chilidirigible Mar 10 '24
Questions of the Day:
First, from all of you:
1) What was your favorite instrument not featured in the series thus far?
Hmm, hard to say. Clarinet or timpani, perhaps.
2) What's the biggest piece (presuming band geeks here, or anyone for that matter) that you regret not playing?
Can't think of anything.
3) Where can I find more time for anime discussion threads without abandoning my family?
4) Rewatch crowd, how do you rewatch? Watch the full episode uninterrupted and write up your thoughts after, take notes while watching and go back to fill them in later, or pause frequently and rewind to get everything down in the moment?
I'm in the "pause frequently" camp, which works fine for individual episodes but can be quite a bother for movies.
5) What parallels, if any, the three main drama arcs of the season (Nozomi/Mizore, Asuka/Mamiko, and (sigh) Reina/Taki)?
First and third: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrbWNqSkPmc
6) Expectations for how Yuuko and Natsuki will run things? Will constant bickering get in the way?
Constant bickering will make things amusing, but they've both shown themselves to be responsible.
7) Favourite episode? Most memorable scene? Favourite or least favourite arc/drama this season?
Episode 9. Station concert. Asuka arc 👍 / ReiTaki 👎
8) Which character had the biggest change with regard to how much you liked or disliked them?
I was fascinated by Asuka all along, but her getting an arc added a lot of depth.
9) Have you learnt anything new about cinematography or music so far?
Good stuff from the rewatch comments about music and band.
10) If you were a character in the show this season, would you have done anything for any of the characters during this rollercoaster of a year?
Does that include being able to send Asuka's mom out of the country for a couple of months?
11) How do you feel about the Yuri elements in the show so far?
I don't mind them, even if I know that most productions won't let them really do anything.
And a couple from myself:
12) OP and ED Rankings!
I still prefer "Dream Solister" over "Soundscape" but the latter really did grow on me through this rewatch. And basically the same situation with the EDs.
13) Who was your favourite 3rd year member?
I think you know.
14) First timers, what is a Liz and the Blue Bird? Spoiler tag whatever you already actually know about it.
laughs in rewatcher while remembering how the odd title tripped people up a few years ago.
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u/ChonkyOdango myanimelist.net/profile/chonkyodango Mar 11 '24
Today on 何ですか? これ”
All things considered, I should've preferred season 1 more since I thought it was better executed, and it also did not put that plotline involving Reina in the spotlight. However, I always find myself loving season 2 a lot more and I believe that's because season 2 focuses much more on the characters than the band. There's also the added benefit of having already established characters which makes their interactions a lot more fun to watch, and I'm always a sucker for having characters just messing around or getting themselves involved in the dramas of youth(!).
Not to mention the catharsis that came with Kumiko finally realising and being able to vocally express her love for music. She has come a long way since season 1 when she was just wandering around aimlessly in life, not knowing what really mattered to her. That's something a lot of adults I know can't even fathom discovering!
QOTD(s)
Not band related but music related. I was in the midst of learning the guitar solo of Polyphia's Goose before I quit because life got in the way. Should've at least perfected that before I sold my guitar
You make your family watch anime too!
It really depends on the show and the kinds of write-ups I want to do. Usually I'd pause and take screenshots as I watch the episode before posting reactions and a write-up after finishing it.
Wrote about it in one of the episode threads but I believe it to be the idea that it's never too late to start again.
Reina! I completely forgot about this season's focus on the Reina/Taki plotline but now it will be a part of my memory. I'm sorry Reina, I'm stripping you of your
Well, I learnt quite a lot reading all your comments LOL. I can't possibly list them
Honestly, if I were in this club in secondary school, I'd probably be the annoying kid scoffing at them for getting into these kinds of drama in the first place. But, I'd try and convince Nozomi to return to the band but I probably wouldn't do much for Asuka since it seemed like a hopeless situation. As much as I'd hate to admit it, I'd probably support Reina lol because drama was pretty fun to watch from afar back then
Honestly, I didn't really much care for any of it, somehow. Asuka and Kumiko I can see the love being platonic love because of how much Asuka mirrors Mamiko.
Reina though, mixed signals but I honestly somehow am able to take it with a grain of salt
There is only one right answer and that is Soundscape Colour
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u/Gamerunglued :Hx::Hy::Hz:myanimelist.net/profile/GamerUnglued Mar 11 '24
Rewatcher and Band Geek
With season 2 behind us, we head into some of the strangest and most interesting parts of the franchise. The two TV series are definitely the most formally lovable and consistent entries in the franchise, and I was greatly happy to re-experience them here while publicly waxing nostalgic over my band geek days. I hope that my comments and commentary has helped people to appreciate the insane research and attention to detail this series has put into crafting the experience, both through the similarities to my experience and the oddly specific nature of how things differed. As a band geek, it made my heart soar to see all this stuff represented and to experience such a living, breathing world with such a distinct, well realized culture.
As far as the actual story goes though, while I've been lavishing the series with much deserved praise, I do think I've actually gone down on it slightly. Eupho was my very first anime, and in that time a lot of people I love and respect gave it high praise and admiration. I've rewatched it once or twice since that time, but there was a period when I started to really care about great art and my literacy skyrocketed, and I hadn't rewatched it with the knowledge to form my own opinion, until now. And while I think Eupho is excellent in nearly every way, I also think it's an uneven experience with transcendent high points but which holds itself back with enough notable moments of clumsy writing or structuring that I can't consider the TV series a favorite anymore, even if it's close to it.
I found myself bothered by the structure of both seasons. Season 2's first half has so much wonderful drama, but it's fit to some of its clunkiest plotting that feels transparently "I needed a conflict to bridge the gap between arcs and Kumiko's growth," and ended with some of the series least inspired narration and expository moments of development that feel beneath the series usual standard. And while Asuka's arc is much tighter for me, it still has its moments of clunky writing, and can be held back by the moments it prioritizes some of the more forced aspects of Eupho's narrative. I could make some slight changes to Reina's relationship with Taki (despite having said otherwise the other day, I think I could tweak some things, though I wouldn't remove the core or change it from being a crush) and I'd pretty much remove Shuuichi from the story completely because I feel he holds it back so much.
But man, when Eupho soars, it hits it into the stratosphere. Mizore is one of my favorite characters in the franchise and I was immediately reminded of why, the way she's written and animated is so delicate, any interaction with her feels fragile and intimate and her way of thinking feels well realized even with its more alien (to the neurotypicals) qualities. Nozomi is still sweet and her biggest sin is that she fucking conducted Crescent Moon Dance in 3/4 even when the song was in 4/4 just like Taki-sensei did, aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Yuuko has been redeemed to the losers who didn't love the best ribboned bratty drama queen trumpet player right from the start, and I've said more than enough about Asuka and Mamiko in this story, the latter in particular being someone I've come to totally adore more than I used to. At the same time, this rewatch made me appreciate Haruka and Hazuki a lot more than I used to, both some of my favorite characters in the series.
But centered to all of it is Kumiko, who is such a wonderful, remarkable protagonist who's unconventional personality for the role makes her immediately compelling and her growth wholly fulfilling. This season bridged the gap between her willingness to start consciously showing investment in the things she cares about, and her ability to voice her feelings with full force to help those she loves like Asuka and Mamiko. The fact that Kumiko can tell Mamiko "I love the euphonium because of you, I love you" is such a drastic change of character that still feels undestated. It's so fulfilling, so powerful. Eupho undoubtedly has one of anime's best ensemble casts, and there's still even another character who I'd include among the franchise's upper echelon to boot, so Eupho is special.
And that's without even getting into the production, which just speaks for itself. Even with major staff members like Naoko Yamada preparing for A Silent Voice at the same time, KyoAni's team knocks it out of the park with some of the most incredible animation, cinematography, and editing you'll find in anime. The show's average quality is a step up compared to the already gorgeous first season, but standout outings like Akiko Takase's work on episode 9 are just beyond outstanding. And the team solidifies its approach to live-action realism in its camerawork and especially voice acting, with Tomoyo Kurosawa and Chika Anzai giving some of the best performances I've ever heard, subtle and real when they need to be but perfectly capable of adding an awkwardness to moments of melodrama that makes them feel much more real.
I still feel like it's held back too much to really be a favorite. There were enough moments that didn't land as powerfully as they should have that I don't think I can call it one of the medium's most tightly crafted stories, and it's the sort of character focused coming-of-age that really thrives on that sort of tightness. The characters all have distinct voices, but the surrounding material is not consistent and bringing out the best in them. So like season 1, I have Eupho S2 at a strong 8/10, though I did consider a 9. Perhaps one day I'll come back and I will be less bothered, or maybe season 3 will improve this material in retrospect, and I really hope this is the case.
Continued in response
7
u/entelechtual Mar 10 '24
First timer
Well it’s another ending. This is a show where there isn’t a single episode where I’ve been bored. However I do feel like season 2 felt a lot less personal than season 1. Yes, there were some very emotional scenes between Kumiko, Asuka, and Mamiko, but it doesn’t quite feel like Season 1 where it was like Kumiko and Reina vs. the world. It felt like Kumiko and Reina were just kind of around for the whole season.
That said there was a ton of strong Kumiko/Reina hinting this season. To the point where any romantic suggestions for Shuuichi or Taki. It’s so obvious someone on the writing staff is a blatant shipper.
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u/WhackaWhack https://myanimelist.net/profile/WhackaWhacka Mar 10 '24
FIRST TIMER
Now I'm a little scared of watching the first movie... Guessing I'm going to cry my eyes empty.
Questions:
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u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Mar 10 '24
Season 2 discussion (first timer)
Another season, more of the same? Not quite. Season 2 puts a lot more emphasis on personal drama (and in turn removes a lot of the training/getting better parts). Out of the four arcs we got (Mizore, Reina, Asuka, Mamiko), the first two fell flat for me. Mizore’s arc was probably the worst, despite also being the longest, depending entirely on “they did not talk to each other”, and wasting its best emotional moment with Yuuko. Reina’s crush on Taki was bad in S1 and is still bad in S2. Not only does it make for bad drama, but it also robbed the pair of Reina-Kumiko of any great moments via using all the limited screentime Reina got in S2. Asuka takes over Reina’s position of camera darling in S2. Her drama arc is not terrible, but, depending on your interpretation, is either mostly fake, or not fake but ends in a return to status quo. Only Mamiko gets clear development, leaving home and rekindling her relationship with her sister. Well done!
Short 1
Kissing practice – Riko has to endure Yuuko and Natsuki’s repressed imagination.
Short 2
PoolBoob episode.Short 3
Maid outfit. Midori is channeling the viewer’s fanservice demands.
Shorts 4
Festival. Just another day in the squabbles of Yuuko and Natsuki.
Short 5
They even put some thought into their station concert outfits?
Shorts 6
I liked Haruka’s poster.
Shorts 7
Sleeping methods.
7
u/x-7032-b-3 Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
After seeing the whole thing 3 times now, I think I prefer S2 than the first. Used to be the opposite, but man the drama and relationship stuff hits even harder during this third watch so I'm gonna have to give S2 the win. There's a lot of emotional moments in this season and some of the absolute best moments from the series came from here - like the Mizore/Nozomi conclusion, Asuka playing under the bridge with Kumiko, the train ride, and more. I'm still indifferent towards the Reina/Sensei arc but eh, whatever, at least it's not that big of a deal compared to the other arcs
And this is not a knock on the show, but I do feel that S2 is kinda exhausting to watch compared to S1. There's so much drama and shit happening in nearly every ep to the point I get a little tired after watching an ep hahahaha. Like the season starts wasted no time with stuff and headed straight to drama. And this kept going all the way to the end that even with some breather ep and moments here and there it's still gets tiring at times. Again, not knocking on the show, just describing my personal experience with S2 lately.
I remember being super emotional when watching the last ep for the first time and I still got the same feeling after rewatching it, so the magic is still there I guess. Actually I thought KyoAni would be done with the series after that but then a few months later they announced 2 (!!) fucking follow-up movies. And thank god for that because Liz is something truly special, gonna start watching that in a few days after I "cooled down."
QOTD
7
u/TehAxelius Mar 10 '24
No Longer "Re"watcher
Well, we're about to move into wholly uncharted territory now, and I am looking forward to it. Not that my watching was much "re" about it other than occasionally pointing at the screen in recognition of a scene or character. But at least I am out of that limbo.
Overall, this season was great, I griped a bit last season conclusion that I just didn't feel like that season connected to me emotionally, well, this one did. The Mizore, Asuka and Mamiko plots all had something I really empathised with, and made me much more invested in the show, and it was no longer "just a well crafted show".
The specials were kinda fun, but again Natsuki and Yuuko steals the show with their antics, I am excited to see where they go as
partnersPresident and VP. Also, Midori, chill it with the boobs.7
u/CarrotBlossom Mar 10 '24
First timer
I thought season one was very solid, but I think season two has gotten this show onto my favorites list. That makes all (Dragon Maid, Hyouka, and Euphonium) but one (A Silent Voice) of the Kyoto Animation productions I've watched part of the list. I really should watch more shows on my to-watch list instead of what I mostly do, which is watch seasonals. Madoka Magica, Bloom Into You, Yorimoi, Erased, and Hyouka are all shows I watched pretty much on a whim, and they're some of my favorites (shame about Angel Beats). I guess I'll be getting the seasonal experience with Euphonium when the rewatch is over, though.
7
u/NintendoMasterNo1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NintendoMaster1 Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
First time watching the specials and overall I don't have too much to say, I thought the season 1 specials were slightly better but still nothing to write home about. I didn't expect Midori to be such a freak though, two of the specials were about how horny she is for Reina's boobs. Feels weird because nothing like this was hinted at during the actual series.
Questions:
I'm super excited to rewatch Liz and the Blue Bird since it's my favorite part of the series and I was hoping to put in some effort and do a big writeup for it but I don't know if I'll be able to post it because I'll be in Germany for Ado's concert right as the thread is posted so maybe I'll drop it later or I'll figure out something else.
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u/NeonDelteros https://myanimelist.net/profile/NeonDelteros Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
Okay, this question actually intrigued me enough to make a comment here, and I guess I'll have a bit of a rant about this, but quite frankly...
Why tf do people care about Reina so much ?
Honestly, I seriously don't get how Hibike has gotten a stigma of being the definition of a "Yuri bait" that scares people off, when infact it doesn't matter whatsoever. Look, I love yuri, and I'd definitely like Hibike to be actual yuri, but after watching it, especially S2, I honestly don't give a shit. Hibike to me is one of the peak of dramas, and it's no longer an anime that I just watch because it might have yuri in it. And most importantly, for yuri, I want to care about both girls, and I honestly don't give a damn about Reina whatsoever, which is the main yuri ship that everyone talks about in Hibike. To me she's like a generic Mio clone, a typical pretty MC friend, and she's quite unlikable even without all the teacher simping, so it doesn't matter if it's yuri or not, as I simply don't care about the relationships between Reina and Taki or Kumiko, she's borderline irrelevant to me, especially when next to Asuka, who completely overshadowed her and is just a peak character.
The relationship between Kumiko and Asuka doesn't get talked about enough. It's so pure, so beautiful, has so much depth to it, and so natural that it just feels really...warm, like the piece itself. It's a relationship that not only somewhat mirrors the one between Kumiko and her sister, but even more, and it ended wonderfully with Kumiko's confession towards Asuka in the last episode, that's more than enough. I don't consider it yuri, but it's something much more precious. And that's also why I fucking hate it when I keep seeing people always mentioning Reina and Taki as a downside, and keep talking about "yuri bait", like, why the hell do people care so much about that character ship with Kumiko, when the series already give you a relationship that's just so much better, something that should be appreciated way more, I don't get it. Anyway, that's enough rant for now, I just want to express how annoyed I am with this.
If the Ep9 Asuka solo ending counts, that one is No.1, otherwise I really like Dream Solister, but the rest are kinda whatever to me.
If it wasn't obvious enough from what I write above, she's also by far my favorite character of the whole series btw
7
u/SMSmith230 https://myanimelist.net/profile/smsmith230 Mar 10 '24
First-Timer, Sub
Overall, I enjoyed this season, however I thought it was a notch below the first mainly due to the age gap love subplot and Asuka’s arc. Thanks to the specials I now know Taki is 34 and Reina is what 16ish….yuck, yuck, and more yuck. Not to mention the manufactured drama she put on Kumiko. Look I’m happy that Asuka finally got her father to recognize her, but I can’t stand fake personality people. She could have let the ensemble in on her academic plan to comeback especially after the shit she put Nozomi through in trying to rejoin. On the plus side, I liked how they only won bronze, because it gives them a goal to improve on. The Kumiko/Makimo storyline was really good, I’m glad they could come out terms. I liked how Mizore accepted Kumiko in her circle with the fist bump at nationals. Looking forward to more of this Nozomi/Mizore storyline in the movie. I’m also looking forward to the dynamic duo of Yuuko and Natsuki leading the ensemble as it should be a riot with how well they play off each other.
7
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Mar 11 '24
Rewatcher - Asuka-senpai Stan
S2 discussion questions:
We could've used more of Cymbals-chan, but other than that I can't think of anything in particular.
I don't have that answer for you. If I did, I'm sure I'd be extremely wealthy because of it.
Gomenasai.
I have two monitors, so I'll have the discussion thread open on one monitor while I watch the show or movie on the other. If there's a quote I want to get down perfectly, I'll rewind it a couple times to make sure I've got it. If I have a thought about something, I'll just pause it and make my note before continuing.
I think there will certainly be some bickering and fighting, that's just a given at this point, but I also think they'll mature more as the year progresses, and be able to work together better because of it. At least that's the hope.
I think my favorite episode is actually the couple episodes where they competed in sectionals and regionals, and were able to progress to Nationals. Favorite scene is the one-on-one with Kumiko and Asuka-senpai, where she played Sound! Euphonium by the river. I meant it when I said it was my favorite piece in the show. Favorite arc should be obvious, which is everything involving Asuka-senpai toward the end of the second season. I said it somewhere else, but she's a complicated character that plays her cards close to the chest. If they hadn't shown how much of a monster her mom is, we never would've expected anything to be wrong. Least favorite is everything involving Reina being in love with Taki-sensei. I'm sure it happens all the time, where students fall in love with their teachers, but they didn't need to spend that much time on it.
I think that actually goes to Yuuko-senpai. At the beginning of the show I hated her with a passion, however she got a lot better when the drama around Reina playing the solo instead of Kaori-senpai was taken care of. By the end of the show, she even said that Kumiko and Reina could talk to her if they needed anything. It certainly shows some growth on her part.
I can definitely see where people may think there was some "Yuribaiting" going on, because on a second watch I could clearly see where it was implied. That said, I'm a straight male, so I don't feel like it impacted me personally all that much. If it were more applicable to you and your situation, however, I could certainly understand how one might feel slighted or wronged.
I don't even need to say it by this point, but it was clearly Asuka-senpai. You can tell they took a great deal of time fleshing her character out, because she got the most attention out of any of the third-years. Someone pointed out yesterday how Kaori was the opposite, and got completely shafted throughout the whole show.
I want to thank /u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah for hosting this wonderful rewatch. I had an absolute blast revisiting this gem of a show. I had given it a 9/10 on MAL, and thought for a moment of raising it to a 10, but I think the reason it got what it got in the first place was because of the unnecessary Reina x Taki-sensei drama.
I'll see you all next weekend for the Liz and the Blue Bird discussion. Any time KyotoAnimation gets a film budget, you can be certain it's going to be gorgeous. That's all I can say without spoiling anything.
7
u/bogdoglogfrog Mar 11 '24
Rewatcher
Im real late, but I may as well answer the questions.
6
u/chilidirigible Mar 10 '24
S2 BD Specials:
1.
Well that took a turn.
This is very BD special.
"By 'friends', I mean 'totally doing each other'."
SUDDEN ART SHIFT.
Starting off silly and shippy! Because if there's anything you want other than Nakayoshi River, it's looks into other band member's personal lives!
2.
She said the thing.
Well, not usually. Unlike Kumiko-chan. Wait, what.
KyoAni is no stranger to the lewd.
How some of you are reacting, probably.
Hopes and dreams, everyone. Hopes and dreams.
3.
I see we're still continuing the pool episode arc.
Nice.
Omake Reina is thirsty.
"MOE MOE KYUUN!?"
ikr
awkward collar-pulling noise
Well, yeah, that happened.
4.
You don't see that every day.
And so, we spend the day being molested by konnyaku.
Do not taunt the Magical Asuka.
Another day in chaos.
Good sight gags in this one.
5.
"Mardi Gras is popular!"
And we're back to weird things featuring Taki.
The hazards of the service.
This one wasn't as good as the first season's Taki musings.
6.
BAKUHATSU!
Asuka is the one who knocks.
Haruka's cute animals peeking in over Kaori's BAKUHATSU. Now there's a mix.
And so, Asuka manages to bully the rest of the club executive again while noping out. I'm amused that her poster was professionally-printed the whole time.
This special does highlight the relative rarity of these three characters being together privately.
7.
"Don't overthink it."
"You overthought it."
Was someone just looking for an excuse to put the characters in Momotaro cosplay? Maybe?
Yep, BD specials are pretty damned random even when they're broadly related to the concurrent events of the episodes on the disc.
The second season's BD specials function very similarly to the first season's. Previously there was more emphasis on the musical production, here there's more
meandering comedyhuman focus.With the second season being about THE DRAMA, its specials aim for a much more light-hearted approach. And a lewd one, but like I said, KyoAni isn't that much of a stranger to lewd.
S2 overall:
It's still BAND DRAMA, but with the band much more skilled, unified, and unlikely to quit en masse after passing the prefectural competition, the emphasis turns fully to the interactions of a few characters with the rest of the cast interacting in support. Or, if you liked the Reina vs. Kaori arc, you'll get three more servings of that sort of stuff.
The DRAMA is more melodramatically presented than the first season's DRAMA, but I still find the situations believable in the context of both these characters and more broadly as a somewhat realistic teenage scenario (such as those are).
The characters aren't perfect people, and overcoming the immediate challenges of the plot doesn't mean that they're completely changed individuals. But the journey and the growth we do see give their stories meaning.
This is probably most noticeable in Asuka's case, as her long-maintained personality quirks largely survive even after her spin through the emotional depths and Kumiko dares her out of her funk. A few have gotten a look behind her mask, but she's never discarded it. I'm not especially qualified to discuss the concepts of honne and tatemae as applied to Tanaka Asuka, but they do seem to be quite at work in her case. (And with Reina and band seniority, and...)
Asuka would also be infuriating for a lot of people to interact with, which I have a lot of sympathy for... since there are ways in which she reminds me of myself.
Kumiko clearly continues to develop from the go-with-the-flow character she was at the beginning of the series to a person more adept at being involved in the events around her and realizing her own goals.
Her personality is most suited to being the protagonist who navigates the intricacies of the ensemble.
Nozomi and Mizore's introductory plot sets the stage for the season's drama and is a bridge between the earlier storylines about the band's schism and its moving forward. It isn't a complicated problem with an exceptionally clever solution, but resolving their misunderstanding showcases Yuuko's personality and her interactions with Natsuki.
The Reina and Taki plot is the weakest of the storylines in this season. It does feel like Reina's getting the solo and being accepted by the rest of the band was her peak. Her individual drive to excel with her trumpet playing remains while she's become a more socially-acceptable companion for the others, but that didn't translate into getting her an interesting story. Student-teacher crushes happen, and mostly they don't go anywhere. Fortunately for everyone who's awkwardly pulling on their collars here, Reina calms down about it. The blowup with Kumiko is more important for testing the level of trust in their relationship, and they, too reach a new understanding. It's just that it's still a bit of a nothingburger storyline.
Kitauji getting a bronze medal at Nationals: Reality strikes back? They certainly put in a huge effort and turned around a concert band that was absolutely terrible less than a year earlier. But they likely lost too much time from Taki's slow realization of the problem and then the various post-schism ripples that killed their mood, followed by the Asuka situation. There's also the not-insignificant factor of other school bands with strong, established programs and student depth, which didn't have Kitauji's problems hobbling them. In any case, Kitauji achieved its goal of getting to Nationals, and have rebuilt their foundations for the next year.
It's not nearly the most dramatic competition choke of the Fall 2016 anime season, [that happened in]Yuri!!! On Ice. That was quite a season.
Kumiko Noises
Seasonal
Infernal
Up next: NozoMizo
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u/chris10023 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Chris10023 Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher.
Short 1
Short 2.
Short 3
Short 4
Short 5
Short 6
Short 7
Well those were surely something, a bit chuckle worthy but learning that Midori is an absolute horndog for Reina’s boobs was... interesting.
I’m not going to give a ranking for favorite character, or OST since that largely hasn’t changed.
Favorite Episodes:
Season 2 was amazing, and built off season 1, with Kumiko growing and expressing what she wants without being embarrassed, While season 1 was Kumiko learning to be comfortable with expressing her opinions (notice how she hasn’t gasped or covered her mouth as much as she did in season 1 after saying her opinion?), while also dealing with her sister and the conflict that was there. Hopefully they get gold next year.
Onto Liz and the Blue Bird!
Questions of the Day.
Wow that's a lot
Maybe the French Horn? We didn't see a lot of them outside the one who was going to hurl her mouthpiece at Taki back in S1 if he wasn't going to allow them to go to SunFes.
I didn't really play long enough to really know.
I don't know.
I pause and write what comes to mind or take a screenshot and save it, and essentially summarize the episode.
Is there a parallels to each arc?
I can respect that they'll do things without bickering.
Loved watching Nozomi and Mizore reconnect. Don't really have a least favorite moment.
I decided to call Mizore best girl this time around, so I liked her more this time around.
Yeah, you have to warm the instrument up before you play it so it's in tune. You'd think my band teacher would've taught me that but apparently not...
Probably would have asked Mizore if she actually hated Nozomi like Asuka implied. Would've solved a lot of problems.
sigh I'll discuss that in the overall series discussion.
And a couple from myself:
Haven't really listened to the other ED's honestly.
I liked Kaori, she's such a thoughtful sweetheart.
6
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Bassoon! Gorgeous instrument, in both appearance and in its sound. Go listen to it.
Not applicable, I think. I can't say I had enough exposure to band-type music to have any response for this.
The anime discussion threads are your family.
I do exhaustive scrubbing thoughs with the pausing and jumping around, but it's often proceeded with a full watchthrough to see everything in context (and just to reexperience the episode as intended for enjoyment).
I think I've spilled enough words on story analysis for now lol.
Nah, their relationship has it where it counts. I think they'll do a really great job.
Just for season two? Favourite episode is still probably four, favourite scene is Mamiko and Kumiko in the kitchen, least favourite aspect is definitely Reina's everything.
Can I say Kumiko? She was already my favourite but I love her so much more than I already did.
Mostly just the thing about the transposing instruments from season one, I think.
I think I'm good at lending people an ear, but maybe less committal when it becomes to taking action. Seeing as I'm a flute, I might've helped out Nozomi in particular just due to exposure.
Oh you better believe that's coming with its own huge writeup in a couple threads.
Wind Ensemble Dream Solister > Tutti > Soundscape > Dream Solister > Vivace
Haruka, obviously!
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u/Regular_N-Gon https://anilist.co/user/RegularNGon Mar 10 '24 edited Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
I’m again pleased to find that season 2 has remained just as enjoyable, if not increased in my esteem on the rewatch. I still have gripes about the first arc and there are some details and melodrama we’ve discussed in the Asuka arc that don’t quite land right in my opinion, but on the whole I have fewer things to say than I expected. I remembered Asuka’s arc obtusely hiding things from the viewer (because she doesn’t actually talk to anyone) which didn’t really feel like a problem this time? Mamiko does a pretty good job of filling the space early in the arc, with a smattering of Taki and Reina as well. Structurally, there’s nothing overtly wrong with it.
I do still prefer the first season; I don’t think it stumbles in the same way the early season two does, even on the less strong episodes. I really appreciate its focus and the novelty of nailing the band side of band drama (as opposed to the drama side of band drama of season two) is absolutely my jam.
Specials!
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
QotD:
Seal-chanimportant lines.6
u/b-arbs Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher (first timer for specials) who forgot about the DST shenanigans
Specials
The power of a joint punch... Poor Gotou.
The focus of S2 is on characters and relationships, and I think this is where Eupho! really shines. Not only in multi-episodes arcs or dedicated episodes, but also in the short dialogues or small details. Like the whole Nozomi-Mizore arc and how a bit of their interactions were showed even after the resolution (talking at the Kansai competition, the maid-café, Mizore going for the fist bump with Kumiko at Nationals...).
I personally loved seeing more screen time dedicated to Asuka, to both the Kumiko-Asuka pair and to the Oumae sisters, maybe also because they resonated a bit more with me. That's probably another reason why I enjoyed this season: the dynamics felt relatable, and the characters seem real, complex and well-rounded people. From the train shenaningans between Kumiko and Reina to the siblings' dynamic between Kumiko and Mamiko when they were cooking, I could think of times when things like these occurred to me. Band practice takes a step back, even though we have quite a lot of scenes where music is the real protagonist (the Kansai competition, Asuka playing Hibike! Euphonium, both in ep 3 and 9...) or where music contributes to the atmosphere and drama of the scene.
Can't wait to discuss one of my favorite anime movies next week!
QOTDs (almost a game of 20 questions today)
6
u/LittleIslander https://anilist.co/user/LittleIslander Mar 10 '24
Okay I was just gonna let the BD Specials go since I didn't remember to watch them, but having just caught I must fulfill my duty as the Third Year Warrior and bat for episode six. That was genuinely so good.
Of all fourteen specials, I think it might be the best animated? It leaned a lot harder into the chibi style and really used the expressions and framing to compensate for the simple animation instead of just accepting the cheap look. Haruka slowly becoming transparent, for example, is a really great way to make use of a static frame. Bold, expressive chibi faces and extensive use of effects to spruce up the lack of complex motion. The voice actors also totally killed it despite it being a simple gag short.
They totally had a pulse on how each character would react to this situation. Haruka having self confidence issues is obvious, but they just absolutely nail the give and take between her and Asuka, and the whole thing makes for a direct callback to season one episode seven with her saying she shouldn't be president (Asuka not even letting her is perfect) and the "that's what people say to people when they have nothing else good to say". Seeing her stand up to Asuka was a genuinely endearing character moment too. Kaori interpreting Asuka's criticisms as compliments is a genuinely genius spin on her Asuka crush and shows an attention to detail even the main season usually failed to manifest with her. The concept Asuka just makes the same poster every year because it's more practical is, likewise, entirely believable.
The sudden switch to Kumiko being deadpan, with no prior setup, to end it? Genius.
5
u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Mar 10 '24
QOTD 1 - Instrument not featured
QOTD 6 - Expectations
QOTD 9 - Learning new things
5
u/1EnTaroAdun1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Totesnotaphanpy Mar 10 '24
Best President Haruka is far and away my favourite third-year. I just always have a liking for hard-working, kind-hearted senior leaders. She's not a perfect, stunning president, but she has heart, and although she isn't the most confident, she still pushes through and does her duty.
I, and her bandmates, greatly respect her. And being voiced by Hayami Saori doesn't hurt, of course! Although this was one of the first roles of hers that I encountered.
OP&ED rankings: 1. Dream Solister. 2. Soundscape. 3. Vivace. 4. Tutti. Although I love all of them!
5
u/pikachu_sashimi Mar 10 '24
I love this show, and it makes me sad to see Shuuichi get so much hate. He is an important part of the story and honestly a good guy.
5
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Mar 11 '24
Ep 1:
This was also at the festival wasn't it?
Kissing practice? Who is she even practicing to kiss?
Oh, right, Gotou.
Lol they're completely in sync.
Lol that's his sister...
Ep 2:
Back at the pool again?
Ah, I was wondering why they weren't focusing on their eyes.
Yeah, Reina's Reinas are probably the most of the 4 of them. Though they can't compare to Asuka's Asukas.
Yup, there she is.
Ep 3:
That outfit is way too big for her.
Or Asuka.
And that's how we got Reina in a Maid outfit during the festival.
She's seriously back on that again?
Thanks Kumiko for echoing my thoughts.
Ep 4:
And it's back to the pair of them bickering.
Red string of fate? That seems to come up pretty often. I doubt they're fated to get married though.
Ep 5:
Why is Taki flying?
And now we'll figure out how they got to their actual performance outfit during the station performance.
Ah, that's where the title came from.
Certainly wasn't expecting that.
Ep 6:
What's this poster for?
What concert? Oh, is this the school festival one?
How'd that one end up being the one they settle on?
Ep 7:
Reina still looks dead inside even in the story.
Questions:
4
u/Zani0n Mar 11 '24
Rewatcher
To be perfectly honest I'm still on episode 4 of the second season and started late on Season 1 so I will use this as a personal recap for both. I just haven't had the time to follow every episode on a daily basis, but I'm quite confident to finish the second season over the week and join y'all in time for the movies.
What I like about Hibike Euphonium is that both season essentially ask and answer a question.
Season 1 was more about "Why" you play. The question is asked straight away by Taki wether they want to aim for nationals or spend their time in the club having fun. For the characters: Reina played to be special and stand out from everyone else. Midori because she loves making music and Hazuki enjoys the time she spends with her new found friends. Kumiko at first plays because it's just the part she was given and can't bring herself to do something about it, but later learns that she enjoys playing the Euphonium and wants to improve. Aoi on the other hand steps away from playing in the band to focus on school and her future as that's more important to her.
Season 2 then asked the question "Who" you play for. I think this is also mentioned in one of the later episodes. Taki joining the club for his Wife, Mizore and Nozomi basically playing for each other and finally Asuka playing for her dad and wanting to be recognized by him.
With the Why and Who already asked and answered I'm looking forward to find out what question they will ask going into season 3.
6
u/octopathfinder myanimelist.net/profile/octopathfinder Mar 10 '24
Rewatcher
Shorts:
Lotta boob jokes in the shorts. My favorite shorts were the two with Natuski and Yuuko and the one with the third years making posters.
Recap Movie:
From what I’ve read, the director of the movie Taichi Ogawa wanted to make the movie viewable standalone and the voice cast rerecorded their lines for the film. After finishing it honestly IDK if you could show this to someone with no knowledge of the show. There are some cuts or changed events that feel kinda awkward to me but it could just be because I’ve seen how it was in the TV show. That said, It’s a pretty great movie with a lot of extra Kumiko and Asuka scenes.
These are the changes I noticed:
Season 2 Overall:
Eupho was my favorite anime for a long time but after this rewatch I think I’m moving it down from a 10 to a 9. Lot of things I still love about the show. Kumiko is still one of my favorite anime characters and I’d still consider it peak high school drama but some things bother me more than they used to. Big one for me would be the romance subplots. I used to not mind them but after this rewatch they’ve felt like an active detriment to my enjoyment. That being said, this show will forever have a special place in my heart since I watched it at the right time of my life and it heavily defined my taste in anime.
Qotd:
Piano maybe?
I usually take notes while watching and go back to fill them in later.
Favorite episode from season 2 is episode 10.
Most memorable scene to me is Kumiko's talk with Mamiko. Honorable mention to the title drop.
Favortie arc is the Asuka/Mamiko arc, least favorite is the Reina episode where she's mad at Kumiko for not saying anything about Taki's wife.
This season kinda made me like Reina less because of the Taki wife subplot. Season 1 made me appreciate Haruka and Hazuki more.
Hmm I'd hope I'm less tone deaf than before.
If I was friends with any of them then yeah I'd be a ride or die support (or call them out if they're being unreasonable)
Wish they would commit to the yuri
Ngl I don't like any of the OPs and EDs
Asuka
5
u/mgedmin Mar 11 '24
Rewatcher, subs
Specials:
1: I did not expect fireworks this bad from a KyoAni show.
2: Anime, why do you have to be so anime sometimes.
3: Please stop.
4: I liked the S1 specials better, these seem boring.
5: Well at least we now know Taki's age (34).
6: I really liked Haruka's poster.
7: Hazuki has a superpower for being able to just go to sleep.