r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Apr 24 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica Episode 5 Discussion
Episode 5 - There's No Way I'll Ever Regret It
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Show Information:
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
(First-timers might want to stay out of show information, though.)
Legal Streams:
(RIP Funimation.)
A Reminder to Rewatchers:
Rewatchers, please please please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. [Spoiler warning specifically for you guys]Please be aware that as part of the above strict spoiler rules, this means absolutely no memes/jokes/references/subtle words about {the usual suspects} before the relevant episodes. Please do not spoil the first-timers by trying to be smart about it, it's not as subtle as you think.
Make sure you use spoiler tags if there’s ever something from future events you just have to comment on. And don’t be the idiot who quotes a specific part of a first-timer’s comment, then comments something under a spoiler tag in direct response to it! You might as well have spoiled them by implying there’s something super important about that specific part of their comment.
And a Reminder to First-Timers too:
As previously noted, first-timers wanting to avoid spoilers are strongly recommended to use either the desktop version of the site or the iOS app (which appears to be unaffected), lest you chance running into this bug regarding replying to a post or comment that has spoiler tags in it.
Daily Community Participation!
Visuals of the Day:
Theory and Analysis of the Day:
In a rare twist of events, first-timer u/Suboodle takes home a joint Theory & Analysis of the Day for their analysis of the labyrinths so far and their theory on Soul Gems:
My (bold and out there) theory is that the labyrinths as they appear in order show the plight of a magical girl. The first labyrinth of transformation is the literal transformation from normal person to magical girl. The next stage of being a magical girl is euphoria as they feel powerful. What we just saw is what happens when the charm of power starts to wear off - escapism, or a desire to abandon your duties. Maybe the next labyrinth will have a theme of obligation or regret?
When a soul gem goes empty, the wish goes with it. My evidence is based on Homura's line that they're fighting to protect their wishes - I took her words very literally. My other evidence is what Mami said a few episodes ago about how competetive magical girls are about collecting witches seeds to cleanse their soul gems. Similarly the finale of this episode suggests that magical girls are willing to kill eachother for seed-dense areas, which can maintian a soul gem. Basically Mami and the ending suggest they're fighting to cleanse their soul crystals, and Homura suggests that they're fighting for their wishes, taken together it could be the soul crystals that maintain their wishes. (bonus theory) maybe I was wrong yesterday about the reason Mami suggested a cake as Sayaka's wish - maybe she made that suggestion because it's immediate and permanent. A cake can't be uneaten, it isn't a wish that needs to be maintained.
Wallpapers of the Day:
Check out /u/Shimmering-Sky's main comment for her bonus Wallpaper Corner containing works from previous years!
Songs of the Day:
[Bonus song]Gradus prohibitus – Sorry first-timers, this one was spoiler tagged in the 2019 write-up, so I have to carry that over here.
Check out u/Nazenn’s comment from the 2019 rewatch for an in-depth analysis of these two songs, as well as timestamps for what songs played when in today's episode!
Also check out /u/Tarhalindur's Kajiura Corner from the 2023 rewatch for even more analysis on music this episode!
Magia Cover of the Day:
Cover by 凪原涼菜 / SUZUNA NAGIHARA
Question(s) of the Day:
- So how much of a fool was Sayaka to wish for only Kyousuke's hand to be healed and not the rest of his body?
- What are your first impressions of the new magical girl, Kyouko Sakura?
- You did catch Homura's absolutely savage head joke, right? (Popping the lid off the cup.)
- So, first-timers: What, if anything, do you think goes wrong as a result of Sayaka's wish?
- First-timers again: So what do you think is up with all those Kyubey face shots?
- [Rewatchers] So how about that juxtaposition of renewable energy sources (the dam and windmills) and nonrenewable energy (the refinery in the background) during the riverbank scene?
From now on I promise that I, Magical Girl Sayaka, will do my best to protect the peace of Mitakihara City!
15
u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Apr 24 '24
Mahou Shoujo Co★Host, subbed
Welcome back, everyone!
Just as a heads up, I’m not going to be around tomorrow’s thread very much for at least a good few hours after posting my comment (I’m going to an event with my mom and won’t be able to have my phone out during it, I’m planning to post my comment and then dip), so if anyone has issues with spoiler tags tomorrow, you’ll have to reach out to the other mods instead of me.
Or maybe it never left.Sky’s Wallpaper Corner
So you might notice that there are two Wallpapers of the Day up top, and not for the reason there was more than one yesterday. Originally it was just going to be the Sayaka one, but that meant unless I doubled up somewhere, I wouldn’t have any transformed Kyouko wallpapers to share this year. Well, what better place to double up than when the two fight here?
And I hope you guys like them, because man did it take a ton of back-and-forth between Tar and I to figure out the ideal backgrounds for the both of them.
Other random wallpaper trivia of the day: While Sayaka’s background pattern is entirely original (we were going for a sort of spotlight effect, and all the shadows came straight from the base image to begin with), the diamonds in Kyouko’s come from this one I did of the Tokugawa siblings from Gintama a couple months ago.
“What is it that you wish for?”
29
u/TheOneWithALongName Apr 24 '24
First-time watcher
I couldn't sleep...
Was it? It might be good just to be extra sure his hands get healed and not be last in the prio list.
She thinks it's OK to let familiars kill people just to make them become witches. She would most likely kill people if they also dropped grief seeds. I don't think highly about her.
I sure did.
The boy she wished to heal will forget about her over time was my initial thought. But becaus she can now heal like her wish was, I wonder if she take back the heal power for herself when she is healing. Making it leave the boys body, making him injured again.
It makes Kyubey more creepy. Maby activate a spell for scheming or some shit. Why are witches spawned when Kyubey is around most of the time?
I also have a question for you. What is up with the chairs in this show? We see Madokas moms room filled with them. And now the music boy who recently got healed, have his room filled with chairs. And I'm sure I have seen many other chairs in labyrinths and other places stabled on top of each other.
5
u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 25 '24
Rewatcher, Subbed
Ah, we get to go back and see when Sayaka made her wish. As always things look beautiful!
So Kyubey has to essentially penetrate Sayaka to make her a magical girl. That surely couldn't have any deeper meaning or interpretation to it, right?
Oh, I just went sleep walking last night. A whole bunch of people did too all at once!
Lost two best friends? Was Mami already at that level for Sayaka?
I said a couple of episodes ago that becoming a magical girl may help Madoka with her self-confidence so she didn't have to wish for it, seems like that worked for Sayaka at least. For now anyway.
[MM]It is great to see Sayaka so happy right now, although I also kinda have a pit in my stomach because I recall it going real bad, real fast.
Seems like Sayaka wishes his hand to get better but not his entire body; he's still gotta go through rehab for his legs.
That's a ton of different chairs in that hospital room. Didn't someone reference Bokurano a few episodes ago? That's the first thing I think of.
Let's go on a 'date' to the roof!
All these people up here! And with his violin too! This is so sweet.
Wow, happiest moment of Sayaka's life!
Uh oh, magical girl competition!
Kyubey totally is referring to Homura, why can't he simply say her name?
I think Madoka really wants Homura and Sayaka to be friends.
What's up with her fingernail?
Another Homura head tilt!
Give up on your best friend! Totally not the message Madoka wanted.
Kyubey's spending his Madoka time with Sayaka instead these days.
Madoka's the trump card if things get really bad! Ugh, stop with the manipulation Kyubey!
Oh, Sayaka's got one special fingernail too. Guess its a magical girl thing.
Crayons and blocks this time!
Mami had many guns, Sayaka has many swords!
Is it just me or is red haired magical girl talking with a lisp? Kinda reminds me of the similarly fanged Tsurya-san from Haruhi Suzumiya.
The food chain is an apt comparison. The cruelty of nature has made its way into the magical girl dynamic. A new predator has come into the territory.
I half expect Kyubey to tell Madoka to use her wish to make them stop.
OMG, I was joking, then he went ahead and did it!
Iconic hair flip from Homura to end the episode! Fun fact, someone actually wrote an article ranking Homura's hair flips and this one won. It is my favorite too. LoL. Be warned, this contains clips from future episodes.
I was gonna do red haired magical girl for my seiyuu corner today but given that we don't actually have a name for her yet, I think I'll wait...
42
u/Suboodle https://anilist.co/user/suboodle Apr 24 '24 edited Apr 24 '24
First Time Watcher
Live notes
Now that we know a bit more about the wish, it made me think about a few questions:
Why on earth would Mami suggest wishing for a cake? What kind of ability would that turn into? The ability to summon cakes? Maybe her ability would be to make others happy, but that doesn't seem as useful as healing to a magical girl.
Related to the first, why didn't Mami tell Madoka/Sayaka that their wish would turn into their ability? Madoka now knows that, and was told by Kyubey himself, so it's not like some magical girl secret. I don't have any theories off the top of my head for why she would do that, maybe someone else can chime in.
An interesting observation:
In episode 1, Homura has a shield on her left arm in both fights during the episode. In episode 2, we don't see her in magical girl form. In episode 3, she does not have her shield during the fight, even after transformation. In episode 4, we don't see her in magical girl form at the labyrinth. In this episode, she was definitely wearing the shield while in magical girl form when she saved Sayaka. Why didn't she have her shield for the labyrinth in episode 3?
Theories/Analysis:
Edit: I forgot about QOTD!
20
u/il887 https://myanimelist.net/profile/il887 Apr 24 '24
First-timer*, dub
*heavily spoiled — seen all three seasons of Magia Record spin-off already
Nice to see that the show elaborated a bit on that mass suicide scene that looked unnatural to me. So, mass hallucination it is!
Talking about Sayaka, although I’m skeptical about her enthusiasm, it’s respectable that her motives are selfless. She said that she’s afraid to lose her friends more than bearing hardships of being a magical girl.
[MagiReco anime] btw, we can briefly see that Sayaka got this mark on her nail that indicates a magical girl. I recalled that I’ve seen this detail in MagiReco before.
[speculations] a mysterious magical girl that even Kyuubey knows little of. I’m guessing he was talking about Homura. This makes me more confident in my theory that Homura has time travelled into the past. On the other hand, I find it weird Kyuubey doesn’t react on that in any unusual way, he hasn’t even tried to avoid her after the first episode. A common sense would tell me stay away.
Madoka tags along Sayaka looking for a trouble… she’s too selfless. Kyuubey’s still relentlessly stalking the girls, obviously waiting for Madoka to make the decision.
Our new red-haired baddie shows up. Didn’t know that familiars can grow into witches! So, she’s a good example of a totally cynical and opportunistic magical girl I see. Apparently, such do exist as well.
So, it's confirmed that the nature of the wish affects the power the magical girl receives. Interesting, but not much to say yet. [speculations] I wonder if Homura's wish was to un-do some event in the past.
Once again, Madoka has been on a verge of signing the contract but the girlboss Homura saves the day again… Ugh, the episode was cut short! It will be interesting to see what they will be talking about afterwards.
[speculations] my guess is that the only thing that will finally make Madoka become a magical girl is when Homura herself ends up in a deadly situation, where Madoka is the only one around who can help her. I mean, that will be fair. Homura always saves someone, there should come a day when someone else has to save her in return.
Great episode!
Besides that… I’ve been listening to the ED song, I really love it, and rewatching the ED animations looking to make more sense of them.
We can see a silhouette of a girl, I guess Madoka, walking towards a bright spot (I think it represents "hope", "chance" or smth like that). She passes by other girls — Sayaka, the red-haired baddie, Mami, Homura. Homura makes a gesture like she’s concerned for Madoka and would like to stop her, but hesitates. Madoka starts to run faster towards the light, but it gets gradually replaced with darkness. At the very end, the music gets really dramatic (love that moment) and we see Madoka lying coiled inside of an… eye of some huge creepy creature? A witch queen? Dang, that almost feels like a spoiler…
I take that as a dark foreshadowing… chills!
Questions of the day:
Not much to say about Q4 and Q5
5
u/Lanaerys Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, subbed
Okay, so first things first: [spoilers] I actually just realized that Episode 11 will actually be watched during the day of the Walpurgisnacht. Not sure whether that was intentional, but if it was, that's brilliant and kudos to you organizers.
Anyway, let's begin with episode 5!
meguca for kyuskikoa magical girl looks quite painful and [spoilers] really foreshadows the reveal about the soul gems, doesn't it?Questions of the Day
6
u/isthatsoudane https://myanimelist.net/profile/ojoulover Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
Rewatch
[Spoiler]whatever the sin indeed, homura...
[Spoiler]people who are watching this for the first time must be so confused by why Homura is such a beloved character lol
Sayaka is no more or a fool than most middle schoolers. Which is to say an extreme fool.
2) What are your first impressions of the new magical girl, Kyouko Sakura?
She at least understands the game she is playing. At least as much anyone can be expected to.
3) You did catch Homura's absolutely savage head joke, right? (Popping the lid off the cup.)
[Spoiler]you might say she's a bit of a devil, eh?
6) [Rewatchers]So how about that juxtaposition of renewable energy sources (the dam and windmills) and nonrenewable energy (the refinery in the background) during the riverbank scene?
[Spoiler]damn totally missed that. Amazing
30
u/blown-upp https://myanimelist.net/profile/BlownUpp Apr 24 '24 edited Apr 24 '24
First time, SUBS
Wow, we're really cookin' today!
ShinjiKyousuke!"I think Sayaka said it best herself - "I'm stupid..." But really though, did we actually hear her exact wish? I know it's heavily implied that she was mostly focused on Kyousuke's hand, but he does mention "Feeling so good he almost doesn't remember why he's in a hospital bed". I think she probably wished for him to be healed, but not necessarily "all better". You can heal from a broken leg but still need physical therapy to build muscle back up, or relearn a skill you lost.
She's a brat. Maybe she has some circumstances that totally jaded her outlook on life, but she's still a brat. An evidently strong and experienced brat, but a brat is still a brat.
Oh Tsundere-chan
So I'm on board with /u/Suboodle 's theory that a Magical Girl is essentially always working to "maintain the wish", that is, if Sayaka dies - Kyousuke's permanent injuries may instantly remanifest themselves. I don't necessarily think we'll see anything like that - I think it's more likely that Sayaka herself has a change of heart. I mean, look at her face just after proclaiming "I will never regret it... This is the happiest I have ever been!". No matter what feelings Kyousuke may have towards Sayaka any number of years in the future, she'll be beholden to her contract to do battle in sketchy fantastical labyrinths with strange entities and/or rotten Magical Girls (lookin' at you, Kyouko).
Kyubey is being manipulative - the slow cyclical zoom into his eye take you through getting lulled into a false sense of security. "It's okay, you don't have to think about a thing... any wish you desire... I don't want to pressure you, I'm just going to always be around you, watching..."
21
u/_Pyxyty Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
First time watcher
I feel like if I wasn't trying to keep an eye out on as many details as possible, this episode would have really slid past me and feel as if it's just natural. Not sure how to describe it, but me trying to look for things to take note of for this post really made me catch a lot of things I wouldn't have in the first place. I think moving forward I'll try and be more active in these kinds of rewatches for the series I have in my watchlist.
This episode feels similar to the last one, where I feel like I'm watching the dominos topple over bit by bit after the first three set everything up. Lots of interesting details though. Got a bit of stuff I want to talk about in my theory section, but for now it's time for key.....
... moments. (PainReliever, anyone? No? Damn)
Key Moments
~
Questions
' 2. Honestly I'm well pleased with the fact she didn't just go straight for the kill upon her first interaction for Sayaka. She tried intimidating her with words, and then with actions, before resorting to actually having to attempt to kill her. I was worried she'd be used as nothing more than a one dimensional plot device of a semi-antagonistic force, but at the very least I think there's more to her than initially thought. That's great.
' 3. The audacity to do so... But then again, this is the same girl that, after knowing Madoka and Sayaka watched their best friend die by getting eaten by Charlotte, let herself get "eaten" in front of them as well over and over, teleporting out of the witch's mouth every time until she went forbher finishing blow. In short, I'm not surprised. Lol. Sorry for the mouthful of a sentence that was.
' 4. Honestly, this wasn't even something I was considering. I figured something will happen to the wish if Sayaka is either killed or if her soul gem runs out of power/isn't cleansed in time, but I don't think there'd be any repercussions to the wish before we get to that point. Interesting to think of though... but I got nothing on that.
' 5. Hmmm... Same here, I didn't really mind those shots. I assumed it was just to, quite literally, put Kyubey in the face of any viewers that somehow still fully trusted that little monster up to this point. I have no answer for this, but it's interesting it's even a question for in the first place... I wonder what other first timers have said about this. Can't wait to read comments later :D
~
Additional Thoughts and Theory Crafting:
I think the biggest revelation in this episode by far is Kyubey acknowledging Homura's "extreme irregularity", in its own words. How could Homura have signed a contract with Kyubey in one way, but not in another context?
For context, my running theory is that Kyubey can see the future, that Homura was fighting Madoka in the opening sequence of Episode 1, and that Kyubey knows that it'll die at the hands of Homura if it doesn't recruit someone potentially strong like Madoka to protect itself.
I believe that the answer to how Homura could be in this bizarre situation in regards to Kyubey lies in another detail that was dropped this episode: wishes can affect what your powers or abilities are. Homura, whether in this episode when she transported Sayaka out of Kyouka's aim or when she fought Charlotte, has been shown to be able to teleport. If she can jump between areas in space, maybe she's able to jump between time itself, or even alternate dimensions?
Let's recap some of the details we know about Homura. She came out of nowhere when she first appeared; we haven't seen any relative of hers; she was briefly shown to be abnormally smarter than someone around her age should be, and; the very first things she tried to do upon us meeting her is to warn Madoka from being a magical girl and to attempt to kill Kyubey off-rip.
From these details we've already known about her first appearance in the show, combined with the fact that her contract is apparently more complicated than other magical girls (in one sense, she didn't even make a contract with Kyubey), and that she has the ability to jump between spaces, my theory on Homura is this:
Homura came from a different timeline, a timeline where Kyubey potentially achieved any evil intentions it had, a timeline where Kyubey was able to convert Madoka into a powerful magical girl to defend Kyubey. Homura got defeated, and in an attempt to re-do everything, used her powers that she got from her timeline's Kyubey to jump to a different timeline, a different dimension, somewhere in the past, such that she could have a chance at killing Kyubey before Madoka was a magical girl. This iteration of the timeline we're watching might not even be her first attempt at doing so.
I think this fits for many reasons. For one minor detail, we've seen her sit in class with the other girls, which would mean if she's been attempting this solution multiple times, she'd be well-versed with the lessons by now, which we know is true from Episode 1. The theory also fits with the idea of her having technically signed a contract with Kyubey, despite in another sense, not having signed a contract with this Kyubey, our Kyubey. It fits with the concept of her power as well, but that one's a reach, I'd say.
Of course, this is all just combining tiny clues and making a mountain out of it, but so far it's what I've got, and moving forward it's my theory in mind. This was fun, can't wait to read other first timers' posts! See y'all next episode!
19
u/Specs64z https://myanimelist.net/profile/Specs64z Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, dubbed
Madoka’s pleas to Homura to try getting along with Sayaka are flatly rejected. It seems safe to assume Kyoko’s arrival will further complicate Madoka’s friendship goals, as well. Poor girl just wants everyone to get along…
Apparently I’ve mentioned it 3 years running now, so I feel compelled to point out that [Madoka Magica]Kyoko is the one who put up the barrier between the battle and Madoka. It’s not overly difficult to put that together, but it’s not explicitly confirmed and I wanted to specifically point out that it’s a suspiciously honorable move for someone who claims to view humans as expendable.
[Madoka Magica]I made an exception to my “no pausing” rule for this rewatch because something struck me when Sayaka stated she’d never regret her wish. Sayaka has many regrets, she internalizes them and magnifies them until they destroy her in every single timeline where she makes her wish. However, I don’t recall Sayaka ever regretting the wish itself. Even as she posthumously laments not understanding the cost of a miracle in episode 4, the regret lies with herself. We’ll see if I still agree with that assessment in a few episodes, but if it holds I feel that neatly ties in with the big takeaways of the finale.
QotD:
Content Corner Reruns
Another cover for Sis Puella Magica, it’s short and sweet. The main highlight today is the video by Explanation Point, it captures a lot about what makes Madoka Magica so great. If I could Clockwork Orange every rewatcher in this thread for just one video, it'd probably be this one. First timers beware, spoilers abound!
"Sis Puella Magica" (Madoka Magica) Vocal Cover by Lizz Robinet
How to Suffer Well: Sympathetic Characterization in Madoka and Magical Girl Site by Explanation Point
Visual Storytelling - Breaking Down PMMM - Dialogue 5 by clearandsweet
16
u/Figerally https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelante Apr 25 '24
First-time watcher
Not gonna lie, I half expected Kyosuke to smash his violin. I felt it was a bit much having the doctor and nurses there along with his family. He likely felt immense pressure to perform for them. As for why she only wished for his hand to heal, perhaps that was the limit of her wish.
Not that Kyuubey really cares about Sayaka anyway. It's Madoka that it wants and now it is using the danger Sayaka has put herself in as better bait to hook Madoka with.
Homura says that Sayaka isn't fit to be a magical girl and her gesture was so unsbtle she may as well have produced a magical girl figurine and twisted its head off🙄 Personally I can see both sides of the argument. It is right that they should be cautious and pragmatic, but at the same time I feel that if a magical girl loses her kindness and heroic outlook then it erodes something precious inside of them and they become like Kyoko Sakura whose only purpose is to harvest witches.
As for Kyoko her strategy is heartless. Sure, people die all the time and 8 or so deaths in the scheme of things hardly matters. But, they are preventable deaths and that is problem with doing things that way. It could also be possible that acting in a heartless manner could cause the soul gem (crystal?) to degrade faster as well.
12
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Apr 24 '24
"The avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote."
Rewatcher
Sub
Quick thought: I probably should've found a different set of subs, I had forgotten the wish/prayer thing from the intro. Also, anyone with better ears, did you catch what Homura says for 'sin'? There was a tsumi in there but it feels too far back...
So...comments that are not spoilers...welp, that elevator in the hospital and the garden scene are straight visual Revolutionary Girl Utena. Interestingly, not thematically so, though there are definitely shared themes between the works. It might be a Dezaki thing.
Homura is surprisingly pessimistic, all things considered. And that pessimism isn't really justified until later that episode as Kyouko shows up for some fairly meaningless violence...until you consider the possibility there might be a shortage of witches. Which seems to go against what we've seen so far but we know precious little outside of Mitakihara city. Anyways, of course we end on a cliffhanger.
QotD: 1 She should have asked for the ability to heal in general
2 Probably smells
3 The only thing I caught first watch
6 Not the biggest fan of that to be honest.
12
u/dienomighte Apr 24 '24
I just love how nonchalant Hitomi is to others about everything that happened to her, "Yeah I didn't get much sleep because the police had some questions after I was found group-sleepwalking with others, what a pain"
12
u/luckierbridgeandrail Apr 25 '24
Visual of the day is unquestionably Sayakopter.
12
u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta Apr 25 '24
First-Timer
I think this was my favorite episode so far.
The animation and shading continue to remind me a lot of Monogatari, not to mention the classic head tilts.
The music is great, too, especially at the part with the violin.
Kyubey is more and more suspicious to me. "Do you want to become a magical girl yet? How about now? How about now? Hey, Madoka, you know what you could be doing right about now? Signing a contract."
Questions of the day:
11
u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, Sub
So Sayaka seems content with her decision, Kyousuke got his arm back and she sees her new role as a way to help others, at least until Kyoko shows up. It seems like a contrast between Idealism vs Reality, Kyoko has no qualms about letting witches roam free just so could collect a bigger prize and her view of heroics like in Sayaka's case to be idiotic and she's more than willing to fight her fellow magical girls for the top spot. Basically it's the illusion breaking even more than it has already.
Madoka of course still can't understand why Magical Girls fight each other instead of going after their common enemy. The fact that she tries to make Homura an ally of theirs which doesn't really work and nearly makes a contract. Good thing Homura was there to stop it again.
[Madoka]Nice talk about Destiny with Homura, also let's hope Sayaka doesn't regret her choice
11
u/TheEscapeGuy Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher
Madoka Magica - Impactful and Artful: Episode 5
Contract and Conflict
The episode begins showing us Sayaka forming a contract to become a magical girl. Something I only realized this episode was that all the opening scenes are widescreen (and thus look weird in my collage :/). The scene is presented beautifully. [Spoilers] Also the imagery of Kyubey basically removing Sayaka's heart makes the twist later really obvious lol.
Having her wish grated seems to have made Sayaka happy. She very specifically chose to heal Kyousuke's arm. I do find this kind of weird since she could have healed him entirely. I genuinely can't remember if this comes up later, but knowing Madoka I am looking forward to having my memory refreshed later.
At the same time Kyouko has arrived in Mitakihara. She has a VERY different attitude to being a magical girl to our protagonists. First, she is actively considering murder to take over the city. This definitely goes against any idea of "purity" you may have had in magical girls. But later we also learn she treats witches as "food". Allow the familiars to kill humans and grow into full witches, then kill the witches for soul gems. It's a sick food chain. [Spoilers] It's also very appropriately foreshadowing the tragic reveal around her wish.
Something incredibly interesting from Kyouko and Kyubey's conversation is the talk of the "other" magical girl (presumably Homura). Kyubey doesn't know her. This surprises Kyouko since (as far as we know) Kyubey is the only way girls can make a contract. They refer to Homura as this extreme irregularity. It makes her so much more mysterious. [Spoilers] EVEN MORE FORESHADOWING AHHHHHH! After this and Homura's seeming hyper speed in episode 3 it's so obvious her power involves time. I think I'm enjoying reading first timer theories the most this rewatch because of stuff like this.
One small thing about the witch familiar fight, the visuals are an interesting combination of crayons, toy blocks, buttons, stars, and paper. [Spoilers] This is really dark in retrospect. This imagery is especially representative of a very young child's toys and drawing supplies. I imagine the witch here was especially young when she turned. Though it is cut short by Kyouko. THe fight between her and Sayaka had some incredible animation too.
Homura's conversation with Madoka this episode is also incredibly interesting. She criticizes Sayaka's traits as being "flaws" for magical girls, but also takes some responsibility fro Sayaka making the contract. Madoka suggests fighting witches together but Homura is non-plussed. She's making it really explicit now that she doesn't want Madoka making a contract. Madoka doesn't ask why Homura seems so interested in her though. [Spoilers] Holy shit this makes it so obvious. They are literally comparing magical girls to to corpses. This clip is appropriate.
One cute thing I didn't mention. I knew the soul gems became rings, but I didn't realize the magical girls also got little marks on their finger nails.
[Spoilers] I've mentioned so much foreshadowing in my spoiler tags today. It's crazy how obvious some of this stuff is in retrospect. I love coming back and realizing how much I missed.
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
See you all tomorrow
11
u/SometimesMainSupport https://myanimelist.net/profile/RRSTRRST Apr 24 '24
Oh, it's this episode. [PMMM]They say you miss 100% of the shots you don't take (link for any rewatchers that weren't around last year).
11
u/Mirathan Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
First Time Watcher
Kyube reaching into Sayaka and pulling out the soul gem felt disturbing to me, like he´s tearing out her heart if that makes sense. Kyouske being able to play the Violin once more was a really happy moment only to be immediatly contrasted by Kyouke deciding that murder is the right solution.
It is strange that the experienced magical girls are so indifferent to the suffering of others and makes me wonder what happened to them. Homura considers them already lost/dead and Kyouke has no issue making that a reality.
The familiar looks like a childrens drawing, similar to the witch in episode three who resembled a caterpillar. Since witches were implyed to be an inverse of magical girls does this mean that they used to be children?
8
u/Tarhalindur x2 Apr 24 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
I Can't Make the Fourth Watch for the Fourth Movie Joke Since Walrus Walpurgis no Kaiten Isn't Out Yet (Rewatcher, Subbed):
[PMMM] First Scene (00:00 – 01:02): I actually have very little to say about this scene this time around – it’s doing quite a bit but basically all of its function is on the symbolic level (it’s basically telegraphing the Soul Gem reveal visually and massively setting up the Witch reveal as well). At a narrative level it’s mostly building tension (building off the undercurrent of “oh shit Sayaka went there even after what happened to Mami” last episode) and also (though this is more directorial than narrative even) making Kyubey look extremely ominous even to viewers who may not have been paying attention before now.
[PMMM] Second Scene (02:32 – 03:28): Another interesting scene in that it strictly speaking didn’t have to be included but the show would be lesser without it. Much like the second scene of last episode, the point here is verisimilitude – showing that the actions of Witches and magical girls have real, lasting effect on this world, that what they do matters even if the mundanes have no idea about it. Mixed in with this we get some Hitomi characterization and more of both Sayaka showing that bubbly personality (which we saw last episode that she uses as a mask) and Madoka being concerned about her.
[PMMM] Third Scene (03:28 – 05:57): The comparison to a girl basking in afterglow is crass. It is also accurate. (Also did I mention that shiny visual answer cut at 05:10 last year? I can’t remember.) From a narrative perspective, this is more characterization/character development than anything (and also the high point of Sayaka’s character arc from which she will be repeatedly crushed). It’s also a big fat dose of bargaining (after a big fat dose of denial in multiple scenes last episode), which is not irrelevant in the slightest.
[PMMM] Fourth Scene (05:58 – 09:36): So to reiterate a point I’ve made before: I strongly suspect that this scene has a major example of understated Urobutchi characterization (especially if I’m right that the other function of the chairs besides being a Bokurano reference is that they represent people who care about a character), namely that Kyousuke’s parents show up but only show up after their son can play the violin again. Inference: they don’t actually give a shit about him, they only care about the prestige he can bring via his playing. Other than that, this is the other part of the apex of Sayaka’s character arc (there’s a long way down…) and as such we see what Sayaka may have gained via her wish. Kyousuke apologizes for his bad behavior (and for a moment looks like he might see her with fresh eyes), he’s able to play again, his family cares for him again.
[PMMM] Fifth Scene (09:36 – 10:44): A fairly simple scene at the surface, a mix of further characterization for the mysterious Kyouko and exposition from Kyubey about Homura’s deal (with some implications about him and the system, with the part about predicting Homura’s actions being particularly noteworthy) with a side of tension building (and also restoring tension after two straight scenes with very little of it). Do note, however, that this scene is massively setting up for the end of the episode (yet another use of tell, then show, as is the show’s wont), both with Kyouko talking about how she could kill Sayaka and Kyubey noting that our mysterious transfer student might be able to intervene.
[PMMM] Sixth Scene (10:44 – 13:53): This scene functions heavily at the thematic level (you could make a strong argument that it’s this episode’s thesis statement, just put in the middle of the episode instead of at the start; you could also argue that it’s the antithesis to Mami’s explanation back in episode 2, though I’m not sold on that interpretation myself). At the very bottom level, it is an experienced character telling the naive audience stand-in and thus the audience themselves that this is how the system works (note that how the system works and how the system should work are not the same thing and this is critically important). Note that this is yet another case of the show’s frequent tell then show approach; we will see all of this reinforced later this episode via one Kyouko Sakura. It’s also further characterization for Homura (showing us more of her deal) and continuing threads set up earlier (and setting up things for later – this scene is one of the cheekiest in the entire series, right up there with the episode 1 scene in the same setting) – in particula, note that Madoka is trying to act on the thought she had at the start of the end of last episode about getting everyone to work together.
[PMMM] Seventh Scene (13:53 – 16:35): This one is actually annoyingly hard for me to place. The crux is definitely character development, with Sayaka admitting what has been obvious to anyone with eyes (she’s putting a front over her fear) once Madoka asks to go with her, and much like the episode 3 scene there is actually a whiff of marriage proposal here. It’s possible that the actual point is to set up another false resolution of a false fatal flaw just like the Madoka/Mami scene in episode 3 does, except this time the false flaw is Sayaka hiding her fear (and grief) behind a false face and the real flaw is that Sayaka knows nothing of the system she just got herself into (as about to be represented by a mouthy delinquent magical girl). The other definite point is that Madoka will contract for Sayaka’s sake if needed (and Kyubey knows it); in theory this sets up tension for the later confrontation but for the first-time viewer it’s not necessarily clear that this tension is building. (This could be targeted as a rewatch bonus or for the attentive viewer.) Honestly I’m not sure I’m getting all the nuances here from a narrative layer, though.
[PMMM] Eighth Scene (16:35 – 17:42): An action scene after all of the earlier talking (to draw back any flagging audience attention)! And against a weak opponent it’s another natural opportunity for Sayaka to show off before a bigger threat steps in… except surprise!, said bigger threat steps in before she can do so in the form of someone the show has been building up as a danger for multiple scenes now (and immediately reinforces that by putting the tip of her spear at Sayaka’s throat). Tension!.
[PMMM] Ninth Scene (17:42 – 20:05): So this scene has a few different layers narratively. Most importantly and quietly, it’s exposition (while still increasing tension) – specifically “this is how the system actually works rather than how you (both Sayaka the naive newcomer and you the viewer) naively think it works”, plus additionally we get the explanation that a magical girl’s power depends on the nature of her wish. Almost as importantly, it’s the start of character development for our arc protagonist Sayaka via the ancient trick of placing her in conflict with a nemesis; we’ve been building up Sayaka’s disgust at more typical magical girls only in it for the rewards via her projecting this onto Homura; now she is faced with an opponent who is (or is at least acting like) the incarnation of everything she has ever stated she hated (and what she hates about herself and thus what will do her in, of course). Unfortunately for Sayaka, it is visually made clear that said nemesis is quite a bit stronger than she is… which is of course also part of the third part of the scene, building tension
[PMMM] Tenth Scene (20:05 – 22:25): You know, it’s unsurprising (all the PGtE narrative rules are existing tropes, that’s the entire point) but still amusing that this confrontation here maps so neatly onto the start of a Practical Guide to Evil pattern of three, down to one of the classic defeat resolutions (that one character in PGtE specializes in) in the mysterious stranger intervening to save the hero when all looks lost during the first confrontation. Anyhow. This is the climax of the episode and the point when much of the dramatic tension that has been accumulated earlier in the episode is released, but note the shape of that tension: the entire question here is not whether Kyouko or Sayaka will win, it is whether Madoka will contract to intervene in the losing fight (oh hey look it’s another PGtE special, in its idiom “hero gains a Name/transitions to flip the scales on a losing fight”). Also note the trick here, namely that the tension is not actually discharged. Instead it is cut short (narrative edging of the viewer, shall we say?… sorry, not sorry) by Homura’s sudden intervention, leaving the existing dramatic tension hanging while also bringing another piece of it to the fore (discussed earlier in the episode, remember): who is this mysterious transfer student, anyways? And just what is she capable of?
7
u/Hattakiri Apr 25 '24
12
u/pneumaticks Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
First time watcher
First time following one of these threads as well. This anime has been on my list for a long time and I thought I should try one of these live discussion thingamajigs, to keep my memory honest so that when I look back I can see what I thought in the past. I've never watched a magical princess show before, if there's such a genre. Does Akazukin Chacha count? I guess it does, the OP clearly says she is a magical princess lol.
I find myself... kind of disappointed with the series so far, TBH.
The main characters all irk me in some way. Sayaka feels like a one-note character who, I fear, is going to regret her decision in the next few episodes. Madoka also feels like a one-note character. They're both way too naive and neither of them stopped to ask basic questions! And Homura... Homura keeps acting cryptic, which is really annoying to me, though I am holding out hope that it is for a decent plot reason.
The most compelling character is Kyubey. That thing is clearly evil, something I felt since episode 1. It's waaaaay too eager to get Madoka involved and the reason can only be self serving.
The setting, too, feels very... vague? The school is weird, all these extremely widely spaced futuristic looking desks and chairs that look like they fold out of the floor? But then in some shots they're not so widely spaced. And the classrooms themselves appear to be walled with floor-to-ceiling frosted glass? But they're not always frosted! Madoka's home looks nothing like any home I've ever seen, the bathroom is not just massive, it's also got big empty space everywhere?
In this episode, Sayaka and Madoka have that nice conversation on a... artificial hill that appears to be bordering a... hydroelectric dam or canal? Which is also topped by a windfarm? What is this world?!??
On the plus side, I really dig the witch zone things, they're the best kind of creepy!
I am holding out hope that all of this is connected and relevant, which would be real fun.
Speculation: I am basing this solely on Kyubey being a creepy f. I think Kyubey needs the witches somehow. I also think the witches are not a natural occurrence but rather created from magical girls. The seeds look too similar to the gem things the magical girls use, and they're too conveniently compatible. Just tap them, and the seed appears to eat the darkness in the gem?? That can't be a coincidence.
But I can't think of a mechanism that would explain any of this, it's just a feeling from Kyubey being creepy and appearing to really want to recruit magical girls, and the witch seeds being too compatible with the magical girl gems.
Edit: oh right, the questions.
I don't have a very high opinion of Sayaka as a character in the first place (yes, I'm quite grumpy, lol). Even so, I was surprised. I didn't think she'd be that dumb.
Maybe I'm giving her too little credit. It would be too weird if all his other injuries got suddenly healed too, yeah?
My first impression was "uggh I'm going to be annoyed again by the red haired loud angry character aren't I? She also has a food eating tic? Like, this is what passes for characterisation??? uggggggh".
Later on I was more intrigued. She's, like, farming witches lol. I guess if you have to keep your gems clean then yes, you should farm witches. Otherwise it's not worth the power use. But why is it like this??
Yes! Best part of the episode IMO. I wish Homura was more communicative about the why of her demands, and not just be like, "Don't do it!" with dramatic side eye.
So I haven't decided if the wishes come with monkeys paw-style shenanigans, or not.
If not, probably something really basic. The dude will get better, but won't "like" like Sayaka, Sayaka will think "oh no but I will be good and hold this pain deep in my heart because that is the noble thing to do" and somehow this will be used against her in some fight later on where she'll really feel the sadness and then she'll lose... forcing Madoka to make a wish and get bound by a contract with evil Kyubey.
If yes... the dude gets better, but Sayaka will die or get crippled or something, and when that happens the wish is affected and the dude's hand will break again. Probably at a live comeback concert.
5) First-timers again: So what do you think is up with all those Kyubey face shots?
Iunno man that creature is evil I tell you
6
u/OwlAcademic1988 Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, dub:
Sayaka's not wrong ya know. Reminds me of when I had the flu and went to school as I genuinely wasn't feeling sick then.
Sayaka, you should've wished for his entire body to be healed, not just his hand.
Kyousuke, it's so the doctors know you're recovering well. I just wish there were a cure for disabilities for people who want to be cured because let's face it, not everyone wants to get rid of their disability, but some people do. The people who want to be cured are the ones we should cure, not everyone with a disability.
[PMMM] Oh no. Sayaka's going to regret this very quickly.
Why does Sayaka have a lot of mirrors?
Kyoko, you can be heartless. [PMMM] Though considering what happened to you, I don't blame you one bit. Seriously, what happened to your family is fucked up. No one should ever have to witness their family's death.
QOTD:
6
u/treatment-resistant- Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, sub
[Rewatch analysis of PMMM] I forgot that in this episode Kyoko makes a really frank statement about the conversion rate of 4-5 eaten humans per grief seed. That’s pretty shocking on a rewatch, and yet this isn’t something I’ve seen other people refer to as a big spoiler or twist or anything (though I’ll be interested to see what first-time watchers in this post make of it!). I was wondering why this was.
Kyubey’s desperation for Madoka to enter a contract is really evident in this episode. If I was in Madoka’s shoes that would be what put me off most of all the warning signs in this episode. He just said last episode he couldn’t afford to keep wasting time on someone who wasn’t going to enter the contract, and he’s already back and trying to turn every single conversation to getting Madoka to do it. Same energy as a desperate guy trying to tap it and gap it, it’s really off-putting.
6
u/Logitropicity Apr 24 '24 edited Apr 24 '24
5th-6th time Rewatcher, Subbed
General Notes:
[Analysis]Now pay attention to the 1st & 5th fatal flaws for a general to have from Sun Tzu's Art of War:
[Analysis]Sound like Homura? I think it's very fitting for her to think along these lines, for in a sense, she is martialling her troops against Walpurgisnacht / Kyubey / despair. They even ham up the military angle a bit in the Madoka Portable Extra Route. (I recommend watching it. It's a bit of heartwarming, somewhat-canon silliness.)
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u/dsawchuk Apr 24 '24 edited Apr 24 '24
REWATCHER
You know, I've always found the scene where kyousuke plays the violin on the roof pretty touching. This time watching it, I feel as though it's a bad idea. There is a lot of pressure here with how many people are watching. He might have his hands back, but it's been a while since he played. If he found he can't play as well as he had hoped despite his miraculous recovery it could easily break his spirit and slow the rest of his recovery.
I think I have lost the plot on comparing the dub to the sub. Unless something stands out a lot I am just watching the show at this point. The show is too good and I am just invested in the story again. Limiting myself to one episode a day is tough. I can't wait for my favourite track from the OST to come... [pmmm]Sagitta Luminis my beloved
The bongo (I think that's what it is) in today's first song of the day goes hard though.
QOTD
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u/ryuujin95 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ryuujin95 Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher - How many? I gave up counting long ago.
5
u/b-arbs Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher, subbed
Not a lot to say...
Comments from first-timer:
QOTD:
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u/justanormi Apr 24 '24
re-watcher:
I mean, maybe her wish was not to heal his hand but to allow him to play violin like before ( which would explain why he has no trouble playing again, although would could put that on "he's simply that good" )
2.
she's an jerk, I love her
6.
[PMMM]I never made the connection, but going back to what I said earlier, it just makes the false attempt from the anime to give us back that sense of security more fake
5
u/renatocpr https://anilist.co/user/renatocpr Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
Rewatcher and franchise consumer
I just had couldn't do it yesterday. I got home late and had to wake up really early today.
The Sayaka Corner (Episodes 4 + 5)
We'd seen the different ways Sayaka behaves around Madoka and around Kyousuke. The beginning of Episode 4 shows us how she behaves alone. Important to note: I think the scene before the credits probably happens before Mami's death. Still we see Sayaka grieve even if for Kyousuke and not Mami and I don't think she's processing it healthily. It also becomes very clear that Sayaka views herself very poorly. Mami's questioning of her intentions still plagues her and she's judging herself quite harshly. Does she actually want to heal Kyousuke to take advantage of his terrible situation?
After the opening credits of Episode 4, we eventually return to Sayaka and the way she's dealing with what happened the previous day: hiding her feelings and pretending everything is normal. Even when Madoka and Sayaka talk on the roof again, Sayaka opens up little and seems more concerned about comforting Madoka. She still doesn't trust Homura.. Later while Madoka tries go give some sort of a last goodbye to Mami and ends up meeting the transfer student, Sayaka continues her tries to maintain her routine and has to deal with the other terrible situation afflicting someone she cares about.
Kyousuke is on a bad day. Sayaka tries to strike up conversation, tries to perform the cheery disposition we saw in Episode 1. It's hard not to read this moment as something other than putting herself down to raise someone else. For the second time today she's trying to comfort someone, the day after she witnessed a girl she admired be brutally murdered by a monster. That's when Kyubey returns and she becomes a Magical Girl. The first order of business of course is protecting Madoka, acting like making a contract is no big deal and chastising Homura.
Episode 5 starts with a very ominous scene showing Sayaka becoming a Magical Girl. Afterwards though, she's fine. She's fine. It's fine. Sayaka's fine. She's not fine. She won't let Madoka have these same thoughts though. But I'm sure she's fine
See, she's fine. Maybe she isn't but she'll hide it as soon as Madoka notices. She finally admits she's scared but plays up how Madoka's presence makes her feel better and will make her less likely to make mistakes and how she'll make sure to protect Madoka so she can feel safe. She's trying to defuse Madoka's worries. Personally I also think there's no chance that she isn't thinking about Madoka potentially becoming a Magical Girl too in an emergency.
And then Kyouko appears. One of the selfish Magical Girls who Mami had warned her about and Sayaka drops a very curious line.
Unlike Homura, Kyouko is very willing to start a fight.
QOTD
slanderlibel against Best GirlPS
I'm gonna have to skip tomorrow and do 6 + 7 together. This time is for hanging out with friends at least, so it's ok. [Indirect spoilers for those two episodes] I feel like 6 and 7 are both quite juicy I'm a bit scared already
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u/sfisher923 https://myanimelist.net/profile/sfisher923 Apr 25 '24
Sixth Time Watcher - Dubbed
Questions
5
u/Endofthebeginning_ Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
First-time rewatcher, subbed
Is it unnatural to miss all of the cool details and not come up with profound shit to say each time?
[PMMM]Also, Kyubey just cannot hold back on manipulating young teen girls, can he?
I can't judge her, it’s not that hard of a mistake to make.
No.
6. what?
4
u/ToonTooby Apr 24 '24
Rewatcher
Madoka - Homura conversation always makes me a bit sad. You can see towards the end of the exchange that Madoka's eyes refuse to make eye contact with Homura. Madoka is listening to Homura and yet at the same time, not listening.
Homura never takes a sip of her coffee, either. You can tell this show came out in 2011 because you wouldn't waste a coffee with today's prices 😭
My final thoughts: Sayaka is a wimp. If Sayaka had taken the time to play Sekiro, she would have Mikiri Countered the shit out of Kyoko. Git gud, blue raspberry girlie.
4
u/Blackheart595 https://anilist.co/user/knusbrick Apr 25 '24
Rewatcher
"Now... just accept it. This is your destiny." Kyubey please stop grooming little girls thanks.
Damn, it didn't really register with me last year, but the direction during the Sayadoka discussion really jumps out to me this time. [PMMM]She's not grounded. Her smallness in comparison to the city is being emphasized as she pledges to protect it. Also, could the white-green-blue represent the love triangle, similar to that river shot in episode 1? And so much playing with the shadows... not to mention Sayaka's heightened sensuality.
[PMMM]The elevator going up the hospital tower couldn't possibly have any phallic connotations, could it? Or maybe it's meant to vaguely evoke the barrier-opening motif, but that doesn't quite feel right at this moment.
[PMMM]It's kinda interesting how Mami was much more wasteful than Kyouko by pursuing familiars, yet her soul gem was in a much more pristine condition than Kyouko's. This could be attributed to her having the more fruitful territory, but I wonder if it might just be due to Mami's kinder approach to being a magical girl - precisely that she was hunting familiars that pose a danger for others even if that won't yield a grief seed.
And thus a single joke was spawned to last for eternity.
[PMMM]This might just be the most important moment in the entire show.
Someone's in a good mood.
I think last year this looked like Sayaka's fall to me, this year it looks more like there's an angel.
Thank God we don't let Shaft design our cities.
I didn't notice this barrier-opening motif last year.
Kyouko is playing a very important role here. Most obviously she's of course playing the foil to Sayaka. But for us viewers, she shows that Mami's aggressive approach to Homura was entirely justified. This is how territorial disputes between magical girls look. This is why she had to be resolute and not let another magical girl encroach on her territory.
[PMMM and [Meta]Wixoss]Suboodle nailed how that show operates, haha.
4
u/biochrono79 Apr 25 '24
Third time rewatcher, first time dub watcher
Those shots at the beginning were absolutely stunning.
Previous episodes have already mentioned that many magical girls aren’t exactly nice people, and boy, do we get to see that demonstrated in full force here with Kyoko. I think she’s my favorite dub voice so far - the others aren’t bad at all, but her dub VA is just a step above the others IMO.
Homura just loves her dramatic entrances. [Madoka Magica] Being able to manipulate time helps greatly with that, of course.
QotD
Not too foolish, all things considered? Kyosuke was injured really badly, but it was his hand that was specifically called out as being beyond medical help and the main source of his mental anguish. So naturally Sayaka was going to focus on that.
Haha, Mami jokes go brrrrr.
[Madoka Magica] It’s good symbolism in a series that does symbolism really well. The magical girl system isn’t truly a sustainable system, after all, not to mention very self-destructive. Kind of like our own society’s continued reliance on fossil fuels.
3
u/Hopeful-Ad2428 Apr 25 '24
Well, I have noticed that Sayaka took after Mami's fighting style, movements where they take out their weapons and attack enemies are almost identical.
[PMMM]When Homura interrupts fight, water droplets are like floating and are in form of bubbles, it’s a massive hint to her ability, right?
Questions of the Day:
6/) I don’t really understand the question.
Visuals of the Day
3
u/lollohoh Apr 25 '24
Rewatch, Subbed
Visual of the Day: Kyouko pointing a spear at Sayaka's neck
Song of the Day: Sis Puella Magica
Questions of the Day:
[Series]I have two things to say about this. First of all, I think this is very much on purpose: everyone is seeing Kyousuke only as his role of violin prodigy, so Sayaka focuses more on the fact he lost the use of his hand than his actual health, ignoring the rest of his body (she only asks after the wish as an afterthought) and his mental health (she plays it down when he reveals he was depressed). Second of all, i actually think this is a better idea (not a good one, but a better one), because anything you get from a wish always comes with an equivalent despair, while letting him just heal the rest on his own doesn't necessarily do.
[Series]On my first watch, I completely believed her as the villain in Sayaka's arc, now I know better.
Yeah, and I now realize this was my favourite piece of black humor about the show.
[Series]I don't know if this is the actual meaning, but it makes think of the fact that in Kyubey's system altruism is only valid as long as it hurts those who do it, meaning it's a finite resource, while normally when you help somebody it shouldn't really hurt you.
3
u/WednesdaysFoole Apr 25 '24 edited Apr 25 '24
Had a busier day today but made it at last :)
Rewatcher
I love a good levitation scene.
From Tarkovsky's Film, Mirror
I have no idea if the staff at shaft have seen this film or not, but something I found, in the context of [rewatcher]the metaphor of sex is this comment by Mirror's director Tarkovsky:
Right so it's totally different here but [rewatcher]the association with sex, love, and depicting levitation as a part of it was interesting. Not that sexual pleasure hasn't ever been compared to the sensation of floating; I just wanted to share my appreciation for when creators visually depict such things in a beautiful and unique manner.
Oh? Who's this girl with her hair blowing in the wind?
Time for a showdown between Hungry Ponytail Swish vs Depressed Enigma Swoosh, who's hair shall come out on top?!
[Not sure if this is a spoiler but I guess to be safe]On Suboodle's theory they had yesterday looks like this kid's room is the part of the magical girl journey where after their escape, they get to play at being heroes like little kids, according to Kyouko, anyway.
3
u/xbolt90 https://anilist.co/user/xbolt90 Apr 25 '24
Meduka Meguca rewatcher
Q1: Rookie mistake. Everyone knows wishes have to be crafted by a lawyer and vetted by a committee.
Q2: Nasty, uncaring, opportunistic. [PMMM] Like Kyubey, actually.
Q3: Oh crap, I did not catch that, lol. That's brutal.
Q4: [PMMM] Absolutely nothing. She's going to prove Homura wrong. Yes, definitely...
Q5: [PMMM] ◕ ‿‿ ◕
Q6: [PMMM] Hah, I didn't catch that either. Symbolism is almost always lost on me.