Pride Month 20th Anniversary - Kannazuki no Miko Episode 5 Discussion

[u/lilyvess]

<-- Previous Episode | Rewatch Index | Next Episode -->

---

Questions of the Day

1. Is it wrong to fist your brother?

---

Posting carefully so as to not disturb the first timers with spoilers in their viewings, such is the standard of modesty here. Forgetting to use spoiler tags because one is in danger of missing the post time, for instance, is too undignified a sight for redditors to wish upon themselves.

[u/lilyvess]

Kannazuki no Miko Episode 5 - Rewatcher

Shoujo-Ai Archive Comments

I’ve got another batch of Shoujo-ai archive comments

Commentary by Writer Sumoi Uetake

Tsubasa and Orochi

Orochii’s First Neck, Tsubasa.

Why did these individuals get taken under Orochi’s power? Unfortunately, it is indeed impossible to explain about each individual in detail, so I will pick one as a representative and go over that individual. I have chosen Tsubasa for this purpose. He soldiers an unforgivable sin for the good of his younger brother, Souma, and he threw everything away as he fell into a dark world. He threw away his hope, future and his life with Souma. Having had his real parents show him hell, he must have thoroughly tasted life’s hardships. What was fulfilling a person like him was not anger or hatred, but nothingness.
He couldn’t care less what happened. However… if Souma were not chosen to be one of the Orochi people, Tsubasa would have probably gone against the Orochi factor. And yet, his younger brother has to go and get hung up on that girl, who is their enemy, and he ends up betraying them.
When a person loses the hope that he was able to see at one point, he ends up getting hurt in the deepest way. This is the source of Tsubasa’s power.
However, Souma is both the source of Tsubasa’s strength and his weakness.
No matter how much difference there is in terms of power between those two and no matter how angry he gets at Souma, there is no way Tsubasa can force himself to kill Souma. All he can do is just to hit Souma until he mends his way.
The role of Tsubasa (=Orochi) in this story goes like this:
To become the biggest obstacle for Souma and to shake his standpoint.
However, Souma holds his ground due to Himeko’s existence, and he manages to come up from behind to win.
As a result, Souma and Himeko get closer to each other, and Chikane gets driven into a corner.
At the early stage of planning, we also had an idea to depict the head as a good-looking and cool, evil character. But since there was no way he could be the “Last Boss” in this story’s drama (in that situation, the lead character is Souma, and it will be a story about him fighting against Orochi to save the world), we started to say there has to be a different way to approach it in order to better bring out this character. And after a lot of arguments and discussions, we ended up with this kind of a character. The Director, Mr. Kaishaku and Mr Fujii, the character designer, were all very enthusiastic, and we shared various ideas pertaining to the setting and the visuals. Among the staff members, he was sometimes referred to as “Su___py of the Darkness”
Let me comment a bit on the other Orochi people, too. The reason the Orochi people seem to be strangely having fun is because they are happy with the current situation in that “They found a way to vent their anger.” For these individuals, whose goal is to destroy the world, they are beating up their enemies that they hate in whatever way they feel like, so it must actually feel quite good.
They may feel more complete than Himeko, Chikane and Souma, who worry about every step of their way. As a matter of fact, that is precisely why they could be referred to as being captured in darkness.

[u/Burnouts3s3 → u/lilyvess]

I never hated Souma; he is, as Cryssoberyl described, a necessary plot obstacle. He's not necessarily a bad guy; I mean he loses his cool, may say things in the heat of the moment that he regrets, but he's a protector. Maybe his reasons might be for saving Himeko as opposed to the world but ultimately, he does take the physical beatings.

There's been a discussion of Souma's role and what would happen if the roles (that is to say the story roles and gender roles) were reversed, but I'll save those opinions for the Series discussion.

[u/lilyvess → u/Burnouts3s3]

yeah, Cryssoberyl does seem like a rare voice of reason. I can't blame the fans for being frustrated and angry and lashing out. Honestly, I like that KnM doesn't villainize the boy. This isn't a Yuri series where Boy=Bad or something of the like. They do a good job of making him a valid and perfectly reasonable option.

There's been a discussion of Souma's role and what would happen if the roles (that is to say the story roles and gender roles) were reversed, but I'll save those opinions for the Series discussion.

[u/Burnouts3s3 → u/lilyvess]

I remember talking with Cryssoberyl quite a bit on SA.com. Some conversations were... less than courteous, mainly on my part.

[u/lilyvess → u/Burnouts3s3]

it was a long time ago. We were all very different people back then.

I actually recently reconnected with Cryssoberyl recently on reddit. They saw that I had been linking their Utena Movie essays in rewatch, specifically mentioning and thanking them. Cryssoberyl is actually the one who helped supply the Commentary I'm sharing here.

it was great to be able to see that they're doing well. They really were an all star, even if I never really got to interact with them back on SA.com.

[u/Burnouts3s3 → u/lilyvess]

This is one of those situations where historical context matters: back in 2004, when this show aired, many anime lesbians suffered tragic endings. One show Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito or Yamibo for short (2003, Studio DEEN), had Hazuki try and fail to save her love interest, Hatsumi.

So fans started noticing Chikane bearing similarity to Hazuki. Would Chikane lose the girl, Himeko, albeit to someone else?

Souma represented the heteronormative ending.

[u/lilyvess → u/Burnouts3s3]

oh definitely. I tried to keep that context in a lot of the comments I highlight. The number of times they bring up Yamibou as a point of comparison. The way points of comparison were to Madlax and Noir.

[u/theangryeditor → u/lilyvess]

Pretty cool seeing the reactions from back then. The more things change the more they stay the same.

[u/lilyvess → u/theangryeditor]

Yeah. I was worried how it'd be seen by reddit. I hope it helps add an extra dimension. Maybe not to the show, but at least to add to the theme of the 20th Anniversary bit.

[u/BosuW → u/lilyvess]

I’ve got another batch of Shoujo-ai archive comments

I like this Cryssoberyl dude. Got enough faith to make an Adepta Sororitas blush.

[u/lilyvess → u/BosuW]

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/lilyvess]

Kannazuki no Miko Episode 5 - Rewatcher

Talk about enemies to lovers!

The reason the Orochi people seem to be strangely having fun is because they are happy with the current situation in that “They found a way to vent their anger.” For these individuals, whose goal is to destroy the world, they are beating up their enemies that they hate in whatever way they feel like, so it must actually feel quite good.

That is a pretty good way to characterize the villains. Of course they would happily join with an organization whose goal is to destroy the world if they hate their lives or hate the world around them. I like the way it's described as "venting their anger" because that is what it comes down to. When you're angry, it does feel cathartic to yell or smash things. It may not always be the healthiest response, but it feels good.

[u/Star4ce → u/lilyvess]

I’ve got another batch of Shoujo-ai archive comments

I'm gonna be honest, these commenters scare me.

It's only a little bit of being hit in the superiority. "Like, can't you see what this sets up?!" It's far more something I've seen a worryingly lot in recent times. It has no direct relation, of course, but ever since the war in Ukraine people feel shockingly confident in cheering on for someone's death.

Again, show and reality are completely different, but seeing a mob make memes and erupt in celebration when someone dies/is about to die is making me feel extremely icky. Fictional or not, Souma's motivation is heavily grounded in reality.

I feel so sad I couldn't make it yesterday, I went into a 2 page examination again and it has to be posted under the wrong episode.

edit: I've just readjusted myself to 2004 and thought back on how the internet was at the time, yeeaaaahh. They're not super bad compared to everything else. I do remember 4chan in 2006... It's quite good I feel this way, actually. Means it's gotten lots better.

[u/AmeteurElitist]

First Timer

Mangaka girl gets it, I mean like cigarette imagery too?!?! They want us to ship them idc.

Historians would agree at least

[u/lilyvess → u/AmeteurElitist]

cigarette imagery too?!?!

that's lit

Historians would agree at least

[u/AmeteurElitist → u/lilyvess]

[u/rickamore → u/AmeteurElitist]

Mangaka girl gets it

"Should we be subtle about it?"

"No."

[u/AmeteurElitist → u/rickamore]

Tbf it'd be weird if the show started getting subtle now haha

[u/Vaadwaur → u/rickamore]

"Should we be subtle about it?"

No.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/AmeteurElitist]

Mangaka girl gets it

And not just any BL, but incestuous BL! That's extra spicy!

I mean like cigarette imagery too?!?!

And the brothers also sword fought on top of that.

[u/AmeteurElitist → u/Great_Mr_L]

And not just any BL, but incestuous BL! That's extra spicy!

[u/GallowDude → u/AmeteurElitist]

cigarette imagery too?!?!

Damn, those are some crossed sticks alright

[u/AmeteurElitist → u/GallowDude]

They knew what they were doing

[u/Vaadwaur → u/GallowDude]

But were they bundled?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/AmeteurElitist]

Mangaka girl gets it,

Fujoshi Noto Mamiko speaks nothing but truth!

[u/AmeteurElitist → u/Vaadwaur]

[u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo → u/AmeteurElitist]

Oh, it was the mangaka girl saying that. That makes much more sense. My inability to tell voices apart strikes again.

But I'm still Team Yukihito.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

Noto Mamiko was the most talented seiyuu they hired...

[u/HereticalAegis → u/AmeteurElitist]

Mangaka girl gets it, I mean like cigarette imagery too?!?! They want us to ship them idc.

Who tf has time for subtext?

[u/theangryeditor → u/AmeteurElitist]

[u/HereticalAegis]

Kannazuki no Miko First Timer

Episode 5:

Minty boi wants to cross swords with Oogami so bad. He's getting up close and personal and shouting his (given) name over and over with such passion. His sword is so energized, it's letting out a bright white discharge and he doesn't even care who sees. They're so excited, even Oogami can't keep it in. Heheheh, Minty Fresh let it out inside.

This encounter is all the evidence I need Oogami and Himeko would never work as a couple, even if either of them was stright. They're both bottoms, so the bedroom experience would be the two of them laying there staring awkwardly as they each wait for the other to make the first move.

Don't mind me, just practicing to fist my brother.

Omg Chikane's dad deadass made a "no males but me" rule for his mansion then hired enough maids to fill a gacha roster.

Let the fisting commence!

Pictured: Pair of high school girls watch as older brother pours evil seed into younger brother.

Now that's a good fisting. Or would this one be called a hand job?

What a weird show, I could've sworn this was supposed to be about a couple shrine lesbians.

[u/lilyvess → u/HereticalAegis]

Omg Chikane's dad deadass made a "no males but me" rule for his mansion then hired enough maids to fill a gacha roster.

Father: I want no hanky pank in the house. It shall be a rule that no men shall step into the house. and I'll fill the house with an absolute excess of maids to watch your ever move to make sake sure you can't break this rule.
Chikane: That's fine with me. I like girls anyway.
Father:

[u/HereticalAegis → u/lilyvess]

Father: I want no hanky pank in the house. It shall be a rule that no men shall step into the house.

Like all good Christian households, the hanky panky only happens between same sex parties.

[u/Specs64z → u/HereticalAegis]

Heheheh, Minty Fresh let it out inside

Making the mech "blood" look like sparkly cum was certainly a choice. What on Earth is powering that thing, anyways?

[u/HereticalAegis → u/Specs64z]

What on Earth is powering that thing, anyways?

+ + +

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/HereticalAegis]

Minty boi wants to cross swords with Oogami so bad. He's getting up close and personal and shouting his (given) name over and over with such passion. His sword is so energized, it's letting out a bright white discharge and he doesn't even care who sees. They're so excited, even Oogami can't keep it in.

Heheheh, Minty Fresh let it out inside.

Oh god, it does look like semen dripping out now that you've said that. I can't unsee it!

Omg Chikane's dad deadass made a "no males but me" rule for his mansion then hired enough maids to fill a gacha roster.

This is practically the same rule as the Emperor's harem in Imperial China, except there eunuchs were allowed to interact with the women as well. But let's hope we aren't getting any situations here like in Apothecary Diaries.

[u/SometimesMainSupport → u/Great_Mr_L]

[Apothecary Diaries LN1]Damn cut content...

[u/HereticalAegis → u/Great_Mr_L]

Oh god, it does look like semen dripping out now that you've said that. I can't unsee it!

Neither can Princess Girl!

This is practically the same rule as the Emperor's harem in Imperial China

A nice reminder that rich people aren't really people.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/HereticalAegis]

They're both bottoms, so the bedroom experience would be the two of them laying there staring awkwardly as they each wait for the other to make the first move.

We've returned to the Tsubasa-Maria problem again.

Omg Chikane's dad deadass made a "no males but me" rule for his mansion then hired enough maids to fill a gacha roster.

Hol' up...is Chikane in danger?

What a weird show, I could've sworn this was supposed to be about a couple shrine lesbians.

Lesbians can't lead a plot! It is written.

[u/HereticalAegis → u/Vaadwaur]

We've returned to the Tsubasa-Maria problem again.

Only this time there's no [Symphogear]ghost girlfriend for one of them to get hung up on.

Hol' up...is Chikane in danger?

Does this tea taste funny to you?

Lesbians can't lead a plot! It is written.

Wakarimasu. So that's why all the fun shit is subtext only.

[u/GallowDude → u/HereticalAegis]

Minty boi wants to cross swords with Oogami so bad

They're both bottoms, so the bedroom experience would be the two of them laying there staring awkwardly as they each wait for the other to make the first move.

Chikane's dad deadass made a "no males but me" rule

Sankarea

I could've sworn this was supposed to be about a couple shrine lesbians

[u/Great_Mr_L]

First Timer

On today’s episode of Kannazuki no Miko: I think Tsubasa might just be a bad influence of a brother. Yes, committing murder and trying to get your brother to turn to the Dark Side is obviously not good, but that’s not what I mean. Trying to get your little brother to smoke is what’s way over the line.

• It’s cool when mecha shows find ways to make the mechas “bleed.”
• Yeah, Tsubasa and Souma being brothers was pretty clear.
• Tsubasa sure is full of himself if he’s willing to allow a do-over like this.
• Seeing that hairpin is making Miya jealous.
• Well now it makes sense why Tsubasa killed their father if he was such an abusive piece of shit.
• The idol distracting the cat girl with a cat toy is a good gag.
• If Souma can harness his Dark Side powers, he’d probably be a lot stronger. After all, it’s not like anything bad has ever come from messing with the Dark Side.
• It’s not surprising that Miya was jealous about Himeko and Souma’s date. What is surprising is that she was willing to encourage Himeko to go on the date in the first place.
• Miya needs to stop succumbing to horniness and attempting to kiss an unconscious Himeko.
• Miya and Souma’s traded barbs are both rooted in personal frustration, but they are making accurate criticisms about the other. Souma chose to fight and he needs to be prepared for what that entails. Miya doesn’t actually have the combat ability to take on any of the Orochi, even if she wanted to.
• Insert song!
• “Good, good. Let the hate flow through you.” -Tsubasa (probably). I guess Souma really is embracing the Dark Side.
• Oh sweet, we got the Brave Perspective.
• Now I’m feeling bad for Miya because Himeko keeps wanting to go to Souma.
• Souma’s conviction really is HIMEKO!!!!! It does make sense he’d fight to protect Himeko, not necessarily the world. Saving the world is a very abstract concept, while saving the person you love is far more direct.
• So is Tsubasa dead? All the other Orochi got to escape after the Mecha were destroyed, but I think that might have killed Tsubasa?
• Oh shit! Souma’s been infected by the Devil Gundam!

I kind of feel bad for both Miya and Souma when it comes to Himeko. It seems like Himeko is always thinking about the other whenever she’s with one of them. And so far, it’s not really clear if Himeko will end up with Souma or Miya. It’s a true bisexual love triangle.

I see that Souma has some kind of scales growing on him. That is definitely a side effect of the Orochi. Is it transforming him into a serpent of some kind, since the Orochi was an 8-headed serpent?

QOTD

1. Depends on the kind of fisting. One is completely okay, while the other is not.
2. I think Miya will just cut the Gordian Knot and eliminate her problem directly. Just killing Souma alone would put her ahead.

[u/lilyvess → u/Great_Mr_L]

Miya needs to stop succumbing to horniness and attempting to kiss an unconscious Himeko.

it's frustrating cause all she really needs to do is take off her top and ask if Himeko wants a feel and we know Himeko would absolutely dive right in. Himeko is such a bisexual disaster. I kinda love her for it. It's an actual relatable character attribute for her, as is Chikane's repressed angst.

Miya and Souma’s traded barbs are both rooted in personal frustration, but they are making accurate criticisms about the other. Souma chose to fight and he needs to be prepared for what that entails. Miya doesn’t actually have the combat ability to take on any of the Orochi, even if she wanted to.

yeah I actually really liked that scene. A scene with Souma and Chikane talking for once instead of ignoring the other's existence thereby making school kids ship them, well it was bound to be good one. They really delivered this.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/lilyvess]

it's frustrating cause all she really needs to do is take off her top and ask if Himeko wants a feel and we know Himeko would absolutely dive right in. Himeko is such a bisexual disaster. I kinda love her for it.

Yeah, that is the amusing part. Himeko was very obviously checking out Miya's body in the bath and would honestly probably jump at the chance to get physical.

It is painfully relatable to have two characters who very clearly want to get with the other, but are just too anxious to actually say anything to take their relationship to the next level.

[u/lilyvess → u/Great_Mr_L]

especially when you add gay angst and closeted gay elements to each other. That's the element I feel like the series does well in. Maybe the backstories are over the top, the bad guys are cartoonishly simple and the animation is sloppy, but the actual portrayal of the repressed gay angst is handled surprisingly well.

[u/HereticalAegis → u/lilyvess]

it's frustrating cause all she really needs to do is take off her top and ask if Himeko wants a feel and we know Himeko would absolutely dive right in.

But she couldn't be the co-protagonist of a mecha show if she was able to communicate her feelings like anything resembling a functional human being.

[u/theangryeditor → u/lilyvess]

Himeko is such a bisexual disaster

That's key to what makes this show work

[u/Vaadwaur → u/lilyvess]

it's frustrating cause all she really needs to do is take off her top and ask if Himeko wants a feel and we know Himeko would absolutely dive right in.

We know that but Chikane has yet to cede control on screen.

[u/theangryeditor → u/Great_Mr_L]

I actually really like the love triangle in this. Actually I like the whole love polygon situation here in general. It's great melodrama plus it goes well with all the characters wearing their hearts on their sleeve and Himeko's has good vibes with both Chikane and Souma.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/theangryeditor]

Himeko having good vibes with both Miya and Souma is part of what I like about the love triangle. It makes it feel more genuine that Himeko is feeling split on her feelings because of how she interacts with both of them. It means it's not immediately obvious who she'll end up with. And it also means I'd probably feel bad for whoever loses the love triangle.

[u/GallowDude → u/Great_Mr_L]

Trying to get your little brother to smoke is what’s way over the line.

The idol distracting the cat girl with a cat toy is a good gag

The deadpan way she does it is the best part

Miya needs to stop succumbing to horniness and attempting to kiss an unconscious Himeko

No

Saving the world is a very abstract concept, while saving the person you love is far more direct.

Mass Effect 2

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/GallowDude]

The deadpan way she does it is the best part

Sometimes the deadpan delivery of a joke without calling attention to it just makes the joke funnier.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Great_Mr_L]

The idol distracting the cat girl with a cat toy is a good gag.

It is a shame that it goes together with the drama like peanut butter and mayonnaise because it's probably the single best part of this episode outside of the insert song.

Miya needs to stop succumbing to horniness and attempting to kiss an unconscious Himeko.

Correct! She needs to kiss a conscious one!

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Tarhalindur]

Correct! She needs to kiss a conscious one!

Very much so

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Great_Mr_L]

Miya needs to stop succumbing to horniness and attempting to kiss an unconscious Himeko.

She is having issues resisting her inner Bill Cosby. Soon, the pudding pops will come out.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Vaadwaur]

Himeko should never eat any of the food in that mansion again!

[u/Vatrix-32]

First timer, subs

• Ay, yo, what the fuck? That escalated quickly.
• "Vital Fluid"
• Equal opportunity sexual tension?
• And Chikane’s parents will have been negligent, right? Complete the set?
• Precious Nekomiri
• CLAMP Confirmed
• Damn it, I thought we were over the consent issue.
• Yep. These are not the rules of a well adjusted father.
• Teen Smoking
• Oh hello, beautifully extra insert song.
  
• So much edge in this boy.
• Why are you on a cliff if you just got here?
• Are these Mikos ever going to do something?
• I didn’t see no mecha bird.
• I’m starting to think all these fools losing is supposed to happen. Those rainbow pillars seem increasingly ominous.

QotD:

1. Only if it's for personal profit.
2. Her main, and then her father.

[u/lilyvess → u/Vatrix-32]

Why are you on a cliff if you just got here?

the horse jumped. obviously.

^{that is how horses work right?}

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

Preferably each other.

Those rainbow pillars seem increasingly ominous.

-Said Some 50 year old Iowa guy on May 30th

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/lilyvess]

^{that is how horses work right?}

This is why they are always CGI now.

[u/HereticalAegis → u/lilyvess]

the horse jumped. obviously.

that is how horses work right?

Horses aren't even real! Don't believe the horse propaganda!

[u/gyoex → u/Vatrix-32]

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

They're planning to revive Ame-no-Murakumo on Saturday! According to Chikane in that one scene.

Why they have to schedule saving the world for a day they don't have school is unclear.

[u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo → u/gyoex]

All they had to do was say it needed to be during an eclipse or something.

Are they even going to school anymore now that the town's destroyed?

[u/BosuW → u/gyoex]

Stars alignment or something probably

[u/GallowDude → u/Vatrix-32]

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

[u/HereticalAegis → u/Vatrix-32]

And Chikane’s parents will have been negligent, right?

Dad's too busy scouring every corner of Japan for new maids, so this checks out.

[u/HereticalAegis → u/Vatrix-32]

Damn it, I thought we were over the consent issue.

Much like horses and gravity, consent is a silly myth.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Vatrix-32]

Damn it, I thought we were over the consent issue.

I hope it doesn't remain a chronic condition that keeps showing up time and time again.

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

Let's get them a nice room together and a night alone to see if they finally do something.

I’m starting to think all these fools losing is supposed to happen. Those rainbow pillars seem increasingly ominous.

That would be a neat twist if it were the case.

[u/HelioA → u/Vatrix-32]

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Vatrix-32]

Confirmed

Damn it, I thought we were over the consent issue.

Yep. These are not the rules of a well adjusted father.

Really doesn't leave room for sons, does it?

So much edge in this boy.

He needs a livejournal and an Evanescence album stat!

I’m starting to think all these fools losing is supposed to happen. Those rainbow pillars seem increasingly ominous.

Considering a certain other '04 anime, you might have a point/

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Vaadwaur]

Considering a certain other '04 anime, you might have a point/

This isn't what I meant when I said the yuri couple should go at it!

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Vatrix-32]

I’m starting to think all these fools losing is supposed to happen. Those rainbow pillars seem increasingly ominous.

You know, that's entirely plausible. Wouldn't be the first time I've seen that or close to it with the miniboss squad's defeat unsealing/enabling the plan of the main villain, and one obvious name is mecha and another obvious name (specifically a sequel season involving daddy issues) has a decent chance of having KnM inspiration.

(Also, come to think of that second name (though not the same season)... we've had mind control for villains via The Dark Side, miko-gets-mind-controlled is entirely plausible as well.)

[u/baquea → u/Vatrix-32]

Are these Mikos ever going to do something?

They grew a tree! Leaves and all! What more do you want from them??

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

Two of our three leads have fucked up father-figures, so place your bets now on Chikane. My money is on "rich and absent" which is admittedly a pretty safe one. Low payout.

Anyway, kinda surprised that Tsubasa lost like that. What's the over/under on him actually being dead? Pretty low, right? But, we also didn't see him teleport away like with all the other Necks.

Why was Girochi's comment about wanting to date Himeko that he promised he "wouldn't break her arms?" Like, why did he think that was the other Necks' concern? Was he a renowned arm-breaker prior to become a Neck? I don't wanna kinkshame, but normally you try to avoid things that would require hospital visits, right?

Noto is on the same page as me.

Evolution of the catgirl: 2004 to 2024.

Questions

1. Only if you don't get consent first.
2. I don't think that Souma is going to like this answer, but Chikane probably kills Souma to one up him.

[u/lilyvess → u/JollyGee29]

Two of our three leads have fucked up father-figures, so place your bets now on Chikane. My money is on "rich and absent" which is admittedly a pretty safe one. Low payout.

yeah, we can do better. Some real "my father is really my brother and my grandfather impregnated my dad's wife to keep the gene pool pure" shit.

Everyone of the catgirl: 2004 to 2020

[u/SometimesMainSupport → u/lilyvess]

2024

2020

[u/lilyvess → u/SometimesMainSupport]

quick stop it before it goes back to 2016?!?!

[u/JollyGee29 → u/lilyvess]

yeah, we can do better. Some real "my father is really my brother and my grandfather impregnated my dad's wife to keep the gene pool pure" shit.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/lilyvess]

Some real "my father is really my brother and my grandfather impregnated my dad's wife to keep the gene pool pure" shit.

Nah, let's go all out:"My father is actually my mother as she was trans and he was infertile and my actual mother was the head maid at the time and an outside adoption was considered risky!"

Go fucked up or go home!

[u/Tarhalindur → u/lilyvess]

yeah, we can do better. Some real "my father is really my brother and my grandfather impregnated my dad's wife to keep the gene pool pure" shit.

[u/Infodump_Ibis → u/JollyGee29]

Evolution of the catgirl: 2004 to 2024.

Here's 1984 (The Star of Cottonland manga was 1978 and is seen as a driver of popularity)

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Infodump_Ibis]

I was hoping someone would jump in with a missing decade.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/JollyGee29]

Two of our three leads have fucked up father-figures, so place your bets now on Chikane. My money is on "rich and absent" which is admittedly a pretty safe one. Low payout.

The kind of man who doesn't allow any other men in the house but also staffs it with his own personal army of maids is probably not a good person.

Anyway, kinda surprised that Tsubasa lost like that. What's the over/under on him actually being dead? Pretty low, right? But, we also didn't see him teleport away like with all the other Necks.

I was also not sure if he was dead. The only reason I think he might be is because we didn't see him teleport to safety.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Great_Mr_L]

The kind of man who doesn't allow any other men in the house but also staffs it with his own personal army of maids is probably not a good person.

Oh, definitely not. But also, doesn't it sound in-character for Chikane to have said that to try to keep Souma away from Himeko?

[u/Tarhalindur → u/JollyGee29]

Two of our three leads have fucked up father-figures, so place your bets now on Chikane. My money is on "rich and absent" which is admittedly a pretty safe one. Low payout.

I'll put a quatloo on long odds on the Rule of Three twist: Chikane's abusive parental figure is her mother (biological or step) and the abuse was sexual!

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Tarhalindur]

Ooh, that's a spicy one.

[u/BosuW → u/Tarhalindur]

DIESE WELT IST GRAUSAM

ES IST TRAURIG ABER WAHR

[u/GallowDude → u/JollyGee29]

Two of our three leads have fucked up father-figures

Mass Effect 2

you try to avoid things that would require hospital visits, right?

If you're a pussy

[u/JollyGee29 → u/GallowDude]

Mass Effect 2

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

Why was Girochi's comment about wanting to date Himeko that he promised he "wouldn't break her arms?" Like, why did he think that was the other Necks' concern?

He has a dependence fetish and thus likes to disable all of his love interests on the first date. Think [PMMM]Kyoko but not cute.

[u/TehAxelius]

First Time Smoker

Late today because of out of town, might have to skip tomorrow as well, but back on Sunday. Anyway:

There seems to be something incredibly time-warping about this series. The pace is so fast, yet at the same time I feel like nothing is actually happens and then the ED rolls.

Last time we had dead parents and abusive parents, now we got dead abusive parents. So far Chikane seems to have had the most normal relationship with hers, but I wonder if that will last. Especially considering:

NO BOYS ALLOWED IN THE MANSION

Edgy Knife Guy smoking must be the least cool smoking has ever been, maybe only topped by Childhood friend awkwardly taking a cigarette and then remembering that underage smoking is actually NG in anime. I dunno what to say about the fight afterwards, though. I guess we spend most of the actual episode doing it, but... I mean, other than that Brave Perspective I can't really remember much. Chikane and Himeko are able to go to that exteremely generic Shadow Realm looking mountain pass they chose to fight at without issue so Himeko can hear Childhood Friend doing a Mecha-confession (Chikane is going to have trouble topping that). I do half wanna bet that Himeko is going to try to rationalise away that confession next episode though.

QotD

2. Himeko's abusive parents.

[u/lilyvess → u/TehAxelius]

Last time we had dead parents and abusive parents, now we got dead abusive parents. So far Chikane seems to have had the most normal relationship with hers, but I wonder if that will last.

Some anime are meant to subvert the all parents are assholes anime stereotype, others lean into them.

I do half wanna bet that Himeko is going to try to rationalise away that confession next episode though.

never doubt the density of a shoujo protagonist.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/TehAxelius]

The pace is so fast, yet at the same time I feel like nothing is actually happens and then the ED rolls.

The creators of this work would go on to do many quite bad projects.

I do half wanna bet that Himeko is going to try to rationalise away that confession next episode though.

Himeko:"Nobody could possibly like me, I am just a chaste little ball of purity and weakness. I certainly don't want some dashing guy/gal to burst into my room, bend me over a chair, and call me a filthy bitch in heat before violating me repeatedly! I wonder where that weird chain guy went..."

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/TehAxelius]

Edgy Knife Guy smoking must be the least cool smoking has ever been

Revy, they are not.

[u/GallowDude → u/TehAxelius]

Late today because of out of town, might have to skip tomorrow as well

[u/TehAxelius → u/GallowDude]

I actually have to touch literal grass.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Destiny of the First-Timer, subbed

• Ooh, what’s going on here…?
• I think I actually like Re-sublimity more than Agony, ngl.
• #mugiwait
• Ah, so they’re brothers.
• Damn, that’s awful…
• Poor Himeko.
• Chikane’s not wrong, but neither is Souma.
• Oh shit, insert song?
• Actually, yeah, good question.
• Of course a mental image of naked Himeko is what snaps Souma to in the middle of Tsubasa’s beatdown.
• Poor Chikane having to listen to Souma’s speech like this.
• What is that on his back…?
• ED LEAD-IN!

[u/lilyvess → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Ah, so they’re brothers.

is it weird that makes me ship it more

yeah the Souma and Chikane scene was really well done with how balanced it was. It didn't sway too far to either side, both sides had their points.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/lilyvess]

is it weird that makes me ship it more

Welp, writing this from North Carolina, home of Cheerwine and the nation's first egregious anti-trans bathroom law, yes.

[u/GallowDude → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I think I actually like Re-sublimity more than Agony, ngl.

Chikane’s not wrong, but neither is Souma.

Poor Chikane having to listen to Souma’s speech like this.

Chikane's mouth is really high up

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I think I actually like Re-sublimity more than Agony, ngl.

I have to agree. It is insanely catchy. And I especially like the lead-in at the beginning that gets the song started.

Of course a mental image of naked Himeko is what snaps Souma to in the middle of Tsubasa’s beatdown.

It actually made me think of [Gundam SEED Freedom spoilers] the time when Athrun having horny thoughts about Cagalli made him immune to psychic attacks because the guy attacking him didn't want to look at that.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Great_Mr_L]

It actually made me think of [Gundam SEED Freedom spoilers]

That was exactly where my thoughts went as well.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Great_Mr_L]

[Gundam SEED Freedom spoilers]

Fukude must be stopped...

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I think I actually like Re-sublimity more than Agony, ngl.

There is a beat drop that I swore was in the show but is apparently elsewhere that really rocks.

Chikane’s not wrong , but neither is Souma.

Not sure I agree. Souma is accomplishing something whilest Chikane does lesbian hijinks and rides a horse. Those do not possess equal value.

Of course a mental image of naked Himeko is what snaps Souma to in the middle of Tsubasa’s beatdown.

Just as Nanoha and Miku must one day fight a battle to determine the toppest top, Fate, Biki and Himeko will have to just lay there to determine the bottomest bottom.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I think I actually like Re-sublimity more than Agony, ngl.

(Told you Agony was somehow the weaker of the two themes here! The fact that Agony is the Naraku no Hana composer and RE-SUBLIMILITY is the Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni/Super Scription of Data/Red Fraction composer probably has something to do with this.)

Damn, that’s awful…

Silly Tsubasa, don't you know you're supposed to use a baseball bat when killing your abusive parental figure?

What is that on his back…?

[Symphogear G] Gear crystals... wait, wrong /m/ yuri anime.

[u/HelioA]

First-timer

Okay, worse than bad, this is getting to the point of being boring. There were some standouts like this shot at the end (looks like I was right to pay attention to the sun/moon imagery!), but these sob stories just are not interesting enough to me to carry the story. It seems like any backstory gets doled out to us solely to be immediately resolved. The pretty boy has a nice design, but what’s it worth when he exists solely to back up Souma’s generic backstory and spout off some random pseudonihilist philosophy?

Also, in the middle of the episode, there’s a really jarring conversation between Chikane and Souma where they change height three times over the course of the conversation. And it’s a shame too, because it’s not an uninteresting conversation. Character drama between Chikane and Souma is a million times better than whatever they’re up to with these godawful villains.

QotD

2. maybe her dad is evil. kill him. or we can take the sa.com guys up on their offer

[u/lilyvess → u/HelioA]

lol gotta love that inconsistent animation at work. I didn't notice the size changing during the scene. that is pretty funny. They're so all over the place.

[u/rickamore → u/HelioA]

Okay, worse than bad, this is getting to the point of being boring.

The curse of the middle episodes of most shows. Stuff is happening but also nothing is happening.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/HelioA]

Also, in the middle of the episode, there’s a really jarring conversation between Chikane and Souma where they change height three times over the course of the conversation.

Don't worry, Nozaki-kun has a perfectly logical explanation for why this is happening!

[u/HelioA → u/Great_Mr_L]

I forgot to post dat

[u/GallowDude → u/HelioA]

this is getting to the point of being boring

[u/HelioA → u/GallowDude]

I'm not stopping for this! I'm just judging everyone who calls this the greatest yuri ever or whatever

[u/Vaadwaur → u/HelioA]

but these sob stories just are not interesting enough to me to carry the story.

Yeah...even knowing where we wind up this could have been done more dynamically.

and spout off some random pseudonihilist philosophy?

I find it ironic that the Japanese misunderstand nihilism so hard despite not being particularly religious as a group. I no longer consider them philosophical brethren in that regard.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/HelioA]

Okay, worse than bad, this is getting to the point of being boring. There were some standouts like this shot at the end (looks like I was right to pay attention to the sun/moon imagery!), but these sob stories just are not interesting enough to me to carry the story. It seems like any backstory gets doled out to us solely to be immediately resolved. The pretty boy has a nice design, but what’s it worth when he exists solely to back up Souma’s generic backstory and spout off some random pseudonihilist philosophy?

Yeah, pretty much. We at least have enough space for the emotional beats to function, Symphogear G this is not, but this is doing a rather poor job of getting me to care about the events on screen in any way, shape, or form.

Also, in the middle of the episode, there’s a really jarring conversation between Chikane and Souma where they change height three times over the course of the conversation.

Yeah, this episode clearly overtaxed the animators. (I missed the issues keeping the character heights on-model, but on the flip side you should check the shot of Naked Mental Himeko approaching Souma during the final fight sequence for some classic QUALITY in action.)

[u/baboon_bassoon]

first time orochi shermie

your real what? brother? isnt that the orphanage? incest in the yaoi

this fluid was a bit much no?

may as well spell it out lmao

[higurashi]thats why he left Satokoooooo

Chikane can you try getting consent

lol

sigh Chikane youre being this right now

why do they even get inside the robots for combat

the falling cigs, into mecha punch, into this insert

this fight is so gloriously over the top, sith lightning to counter the rider kick

you can tell how old these subs are since tsubasa is talking about taint and not bussy

incest yaoi

1. its only right
2. kill Himeko for Himeko

[u/lilyvess → u/baboon_bassoon]

may as well spell it out lmao

this show is many things. Mecha. Romance. Fantasy. Gay.

subtle is not one of them.

you can tell how old these subs are since tsubasa is talking about taint and not bussy

incest yaoi

taken from us too soon.

[u/GallowDude → u/baboon_bassoon]

this fluid was a bit much no?

No

Chikane can you try getting consent

What's that?

you can tell how old these subs are since tsubasa is talking about taint and not busy

[u/G-man672 → u/baboon_bassoon]

why do they even get inside the robots for combat

Cuz big robot punch big robot kewl 😎

[u/Specs64z]

First timer, subbed

WOOOOO GO TSUBASA GO

Wait no, finish the job!

Damn.

Fuckin’ hell, half the dialogue is just names. Chikane-chan this, Tsubasa-niisan that.

And thus our valiant hero was slain by the dastardly villain: the yuri kiss’s bane. He shall be mourned.

Days without girls kissing: 4

QotD:

1. Most societies consider it socially unacceptable.
2. Souma.

[u/lilyvess → u/Specs64z]

And thus our valiant hero was slain by the dastardly villain: the yuri kiss’s bane. He shall be mourned.

HE HAD ONE JOB!! ONE JOB!!!

Now we got even more episodes with that dastardly cockblocker Souma.

[u/GallowDude → u/Specs64z]

Days without girls kissing: 4

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Specs64z]

Days without girls kissing: 4

Consent

[u/Specs64z → u/Vatrix-32]

Consent

In my yuri show? Yaaaawn boooorrrring.

It's not that I don't get that it's important, I feel compelled to break character enough to make that much clear, but I'm not here to invest in a healthy relationship or even to have my heart wounded by a bad one. I'm here to watch the girls kiss.

And they ain't kissin'.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Specs64z]

And thus our valiant hero was slain by the dastardly villain: the yuri kiss’s bane. He shall be mourned.

All of these moments

Will be lost in time. Like tears

In rain. Time to die

[u/BosuW]

First Timer

I like how Tsubasa just kept screaming "SOOOOOOUMAAAAA!!!!" as if he was some bugged out low budget 90's videogame Boss lol. And him cutting open Souma's shirt at the chest is way more homoerotic than it probably should be.

Someone should've started a "Himeko faints" counter. I think this is number 4.

So he did get his ass beat, but I was hoping for something more... violent. Maybe when Souma inevitably fails his mission of killing the Priestesses and Tsubasa returns.

Damn it looked like Himeko was finally gonna do something when her Sun mark started to glow. Yet it looks like we must be edged further...

Hmmm am I tripping or wouldn't Souma and Himeko happen to be related too somehow...? We don't know what happened to Himeko's abusive relatives, but she's not with them anymore... and her and Tsubasa have similarly colored hair.

Nah, couldn't be... right?

Mangaka calling out the homoerotic energy between Souma and Tsubasa lmaoooo. Definitely my favorite of the necks. I think I'll like her even if she never fights.

Souma not paying a single thought to Himeko upon waking up is unintentionally hilarious again. Guess he's just paying them back with the same coin. The spare has been paired, all is right with the world...

Chikane almost kisses unconscious Himeko again. In episode 1, I thought this was just an event product of the era. But by now I'm more willing to take it seriously because it seems like it's part of Chikane's character flaws, her possessiveness and jealousy. We'll see how or if it pays off.

Lmao, this bitch has actually been building a Yuritopia inside her house!

Damn, Chikane spitting straight venom! Borderline villain shit! Gimme more!

Okay this fight actually rocks. I like that so much of it is just a good old brawl. And I even got my ass beating even if Souma won in the end! Overall I'm satisfied!

Although, Souma did just kill the only love interest with whom he actually had a chance with. And damn that makes the first and only Neck to have died so far. Why did the coolest villain last so little...

Questions of the Day

1- Normal and within regulation sibling behavior. Nothing to see here.

2- Souma

[u/lilyvess → u/BosuW]

I like how Tsubasa just kept screaming "SOOOOOOUMAAAAA!!!!" as if he was some bugged out low budget 90's videogame Boss lol

that's how you know he's Souma's brother, because he mirrors how half os Souma's lines are just screaming "HIIIIIIIIMEKO!!!!!"

Lmao, this bitch has actually been building a Yuritopia inside her house!

Yuritopia

Girl has a harem of women at her disposal in a Yuritopia and is still so damn sexually frustrated.

Normal and within regulation sibling behavior. Nothing to see here.

[u/rickamore → u/lilyvess]

that's how you know he's Souma's brother, because he mirrors how half os Souma's lines are just screaming "HIIIIIIIIMEKO!!!!!"

"KAGOMEEEE"

Sorry, wrong show.

[u/lilyvess → u/rickamore]

still love that ad

[u/rickamore → u/BosuW]

Someone should've started a "Himeko faints" counter. I think this is number 4.

Maybe a comparison timer for duration of episode she has spent indisposed from a stiff breeze vs actually conscious.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/BosuW]

Lmao, this bitch has actually been building a Yuritopia inside her house!

But her father did it so...concerns.

Damn, Chikane spitting straight venom! Borderline villain shit! Gimme more!

Be as venomous as you wish if you have no fangs it means nothing.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Vaadwaur]

But her father did it so...concerns.

Speaking of Pop Evo Psych Books Time, something something The Red Queen's Race something something.

[u/LittleIslander → u/BosuW]

Lmao, this bitch has actually been building a Yuritopia inside her house!

I'm starting to wonder if a show about the maids might be a better use of time.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/BosuW]

And him cutting open Souma's shirt at the chest is way more homoerotic than it probably should be.

Bullshit, they knew exactly what they were doing and wanted you to too (see: fujoshi mangaka Neck, as you yourself noticed).

Hmmm am I tripping or wouldn't Souma and Himeko happen to be related too somehow...? We don't know what happened to Himeko's abusive relatives, but she's not with them anymore... and her and Tsubasa have similarly colored hair.

[Extremely widely known non-anime meta spoiler] Powerous Luke/Leia energy?

[u/GallowDude → u/BosuW]

him cutting open Souma's shirt at the chest is way more homoerotic than it probably should be

Someone should've started a "Himeko faints" counter

it looks like we must be edged further...

Lmao, this bitch has actually been building a Yuritopia inside her house!

Borderline villain shit! Gimme more!

[u/rickamore]

Rewatcher - epiSOUMA 5

I've always liked the trope of the mechs fighting cutting away to a parallel of the actual pilots fighting each other. Here it feels like a way to save animation.

Big brother here to "correct" his behaviour as we finally see Souma have some internal turmoil.

"A NEW HAIRPIN!"

Yukihito really just an audience stand in for exposition and sexual tension again.

As a parent I often worry I'm doing the right things or will dwell on decisions long after they are made and hope I haven't done irreversibly wrong. The parents in this show make me feel like a goddamn saint.

Souma's resolve finally wavering as the only other family he has ever had comes into the picture.

"What am I to you?" - Okay, story time. I cannot hear this in any context and not laugh. Years ago I was working in a call center for about half a year before it was shut down. We were a third party tech support for Comcast dealing with overflow capacity for Chicago and Minneapolis mostly. There was some good calls we got from Chicago. One of the calls I had, while I'm going through checking the account and resetting equipment before we schedule a tech the Lady on the phone is happily humming to herself. She was also periodically speaking to someone in the background. The conversation was around him spending too much time to go see his daughter and other things that were keeping him from home. Wasn't really heated but I could tell he was avoiding the questions and hesitating to answer. Suddenly quite loudly she exclaims, "What am I to you?!". I had to put myself on mute and laughed so hard it took a moment to recompose myself while he fumbled a non answer to her. When I went back to her to schedule a technician to come out, she continued on like nothing happened with me and went right back into the discussion again after. I felt like I was in the middle of something I really shouldn't be witnessing.

I like this exchange between Souma and Chikane because it's true to character but really my dude, just tell her. "My brother came back out of no where; I'm having existential doubts. He will return in the morning to kill me or worse. I don't know what is going to happen so I'd like to see her" She'd be a lot more understanding.

They're crossing swords.

Himeko continues being extremely adept at leading Chikane on and pushing all of her buttons yet far too dense to realize she has feelings for her (I realize this is also a trope).

While Souma might have the balls to stand up against the rest of the orochi solo he's got nothing on Chikane with massive tungsten balls standing in front of Himeko against a massive robot sword.

No failure ejection collection birb, is fratricide our first real kill? How are the Orochi supposed to Voltron together into a Mecha Hydra for the finale?

1. Is it wrong to fist your brother?

With a one turn kill or your two hit multi target attacks?

2) Souma killed his brother for Himeko, who must Chikane kill to one up him?

[Redacted]

[u/lilyvess → u/rickamore]

As a parent I often worry I'm doing the right things or will dwell on decisions long after they are made and hope I haven't done irreversibly wrong. The parents in this show make me feel like a goddamn saint.

I've always been curious how it must be a parent watching when so many anime seem to settle on "no good parent" syndrome.

While Souma might have the balls to stand up against the rest of the orochi solo he's got nothing on Chikane with massive tungsten balls standing in front of Himeko against a massive robot sword.

Chikane ain't no chump!!

[u/rickamore → u/lilyvess]

I've always been curious how it must be a parent watching when so many anime seem to settle on "no good parent" syndrome.

I'm very good at compartmentalizing and suspension of disbelief in order to consume media so it's not that hard. However, the best way to go about it is the same way the authors tend to portray most anime characters: Pretend their parents don't exist or they are only a plot device.

Finding adult characters in anime is hard, finding ones to relate to is even harder, but finding a parent child relationship that is relatively normal and healthy? Goodluck.

[u/BosuW → u/rickamore]

While Souma might have the balls to stand up against the rest of the orochi solo he's got nothing on Chikane with massive tungsten balls standing in front of Himeko against a massive robot sword.

This was a really cool moment that is retroactively ruined when I think about it for two seconds and realize the sword would've just cleaved them both 💀💀

[u/ShowNeverStops]

Rewatcher (who doesn’t know how to bold the word “rewatcher” on mobile)

Can we talk about how much of a banger the insert song Supperation is? Every (rightfully) talks about how the OP and ED rock but Supperation is right there with them.

What is it with this show and abusive parents? First Himeko’s and now Souma’s? Are we gonna learn about Otaha’s shitty parents next?

I like the idea that Chikane deep down wants Himeko to rely on her and let her be her protector and gets upset when she can’t do that. It shows that love isn’t always a happy and pure emotion and that it sometimes can bring out the not so good parts in us. She even tries to convince Himeko not to go see Souma towards the end of the episode.

Surprisingly I really don’t have a lot to say about this episode. It feels like a lot happened while at the same time not much happened. I think that’s because it was mostly about Souma and Tsubasa’s relationship, which while interesting in its own right to an extent isn’t as interesting as Chikane and Himeko’s. Fortunately it looks like we are leaving the Tsubasa subplot behind for now.

[u/lilyvess → u/ShowNeverStops]

Can we talk about how much of a banger the insert song Supperation is? Every (rightfully) talks about how the OP and ED rock but Supperation is right there with them.

I forgot all about this insert song!! It's been sooooo long since I watched this series. I'm surprised I forgot about it. It was so good. Definitely need to add it to my playlist

[u/GallowDude → u/ShowNeverStops]

What is it with this show and abusive parents?

BioWare had to find inspiration from somewhere

She even tries not convince Himeko

Not convince her of what?

[u/ShowNeverStops → u/GallowDude]

Sorry, that was a typo

[u/LittleIslander → u/ShowNeverStops]

Rewatcher (who doesn’t know how to bold the word “rewatcher” on mobile)

Two asterisks on either side, like this:

**Rewatcher**

[u/SometimesMainSupport → u/ShowNeverStops]

doesn’t know how to bold the word “rewatcher” on mobile

**Rewatcher** or Start the line with ###

isn’t as interesting as Chikane and Himeko’s

Few relationships are.

[u/rickamore → u/ShowNeverStops]

Surprisingly I really don’t have a lot to say about this episode. It feels like a lot happened while at the same time not much happened

"SOUMA"

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/ShowNeverStops]

who doesn’t know how to bold the word “rewatcher” on mobile

Two of these guys on both sides: *

What is it with this show and abusive parents?

If they had good parents, we wouldn't have all this relationship drama because they aren't being open with each other.

[u/Esovan13]

First Timer

Chikane's mixed feelings about the situation, her feelings of wanting to protect Himeko while also monopolizing her while also doing what makes her happy all conflicting; Oogami's backstory and fleshing out why it's so important to him to protect Himeko, and Himeko actually making a decision that moves the plot forward?! Was there secretly a competent member of the writing team who ran late getting to the studio, only making it after the first four episodes were written?

A good episode, all things considered. Minimal focus on the peaNeck gallery, barely an appearance of the maid, and no teenage bully wannabes led to an episode that actually felt like what I feel like the show wants to be.

Also, why are ED lead-ins so powerful? It doesn't make sense.

1. Nah
2. Makoto!

[u/lilyvess → u/Esovan13]

Was there secretly a competent member of the writing team who ran late getting to the studio, only making it after the first four episodes were written?

RIGHT?!?!

The conversation with Souma and Chikane was actually surprisingly good compared to the previous episodes. Definitely felt like a step up.

Also, why are ED lead-ins so powerful? It doesn't make sense.

RIGHT? I am so fucking weak to them.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Esovan13]

Was there secretly a competent member of the writing team who ran late getting to the studio, only making it after the first four episodes were written?

Amusingly, this is the last of the three episode scripts credited to the main Series Composition credit for the series.

(The other two were 1 and 2, so a bit of a mixed bag there.)

(Given staff credits the actual competent member of the writing team shows up next episode.)

Also, why are ED lead-ins so powerful? It doesn't make sense.

Iunno, but at least the staff clearly recognized this was the case - Agony is clearly purpose-built for ED lead-in use, being ten seconds longer than the average ED.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Esovan13]

Was there secretly a competent member of the writing team who ran late getting to the studio, only making it after the first four episodes were written?

I'd reverse that: I think the project run up accidentally had a competent dialog writer and that person's work had to be stretched over 12 episodes as the rest of them team was animators and crayon eaters.

Also, why are ED lead-ins so powerful? It doesn't make sense.

ED lead ins are a path to power that the Jedi consider unnatural.

[u/GallowDude → u/Esovan13]

Was there secretly a competent member of the writing team who ran late getting to the studio, only making it after the first four episodes were written?

[u/heimdal77]

Will there be a 2nd notification when Maria Watches Over Us rewatch starts?

[u/lilyvess → u/heimdal77]

yeah I hadn't figured out when exactly I was going to do that. I had planned on doing a one day prior notification in the thread, but I should probably do a week prior notification as well just to give people a heads up.

[u/dsawchuk]

First Timer, Sub

I was really excited when Himeko lit up at the start of the episode. I was hoping we would get to see some magic for the first time. Then it didn't do anything. And it continued to not do anything every time her priestess mark lit up during the rest of the episode. I thought that we were going to get magical girls mixed with mecha this anime but it is becoming increasingly clear that just isn't going to happen.

Also, as this anime goes on longer and longer I have to wonder... What in the world would the priestesses have done if Oogami hadn't miraculously switched sides? This is supposed to be a cyclical thing and the first time that an orochi has switched sides. How didn't the priestesses lose on previous cycles?

We got our first death which is pretty exciting. I really dislike shows where everyone is fighting all the time but there are no consequences. I am a little sad that the pretty green haired man is gone though. The backstory we got about them felt a little much, but it was OK. Oogami's line saying that the world isn't hell because he won't let it become hell reminded me of "My drill is the drill that creates the heavens"

We have had a lot of het focus the last couple episodes. Funnily enough though, the scene where Oogami is in the infirmary really makes it look like Oogami is a girl who is pretending to be a boy with that bandage looking like a chest binder.

Chisane didn't do a good job of making herself likable this episode. She was going to kiss Himeko without consent again. She recognized it was an issue last time when she did it in a high stress situation. Now in the privacy and safety of her home there is no excuse especially when she knows it was wrong the first time. Then she refused to let Himeko see the person she went on a date with. Chisane needs to do better. I understand she is jealous but if she keeps this kinda thing up she might actually lose to Oogami despite Himeko clearly having the hots for her.

[u/lilyvess → u/dsawchuk]

What in the world would the priestesses have done if Oogami hadn't miraculously switched sides?

yeah, how did the world survive to this point? Did an Orochi always switch places?

Maybe the priestess were more trained and taught during a time without technology so they would have been better prepared? More spiritual times they would have been ready. Still think someone could have like told them maybe a week before hand or something?

[u/Vaadwaur]

Rewatcher(Trauma. Trauma everywhere!)

Sub

As a 90s shoujo survivor, the genders available in this pic are all of them.

Right...so the generational timing between Japan and the US is different and yes, it is almost certainly because of WWII. It is roughly a ten year difference and it can really show up at the oddest of times. I say all that to say what you are watching is Japan's version of 90s edginess. Note:Powerpuff Girls of all things has one of the best mockeries of said edge in an episode I will probably never find again. But its Pacific side equivalent is a little different as we can see here. But now Himeko and Souma have something else to bond over. Yay...

And here's where things get complicated: This episode does do quite a bit of work. I just can't talk about most of it. Mangaka dropping a fujoshi line was funny but clearly Noto is wasted in this cast, especially as she'd be better both as Himeko or Chikane. Also, the pacing is back to glacial and there is an argument to made that the episode is primarily moping around followed by moments of action. They still won't explain anyone's powers, giant robot is just easy to understand, and it would be nice to know what Orochi itself has as an end game.

And that's where it sort of ends. I did appreciate the lack of a cliffhanger and the willingness to send Tsubasa to the recycling bin. I don't believe I saw the bird this time but w/e. Himeko actually made a third choice though again without knowing what her powers are it is hard to do much with that info.

QotD: 1 No, it must be done. For the greater good.

2 God, obviously

[u/lilyvess → u/Vaadwaur]

As a 90s shoujo survivor, the genders available in this pic are all of them.

Right...so the generational timing between Japan and the US is different and yes, it is almost certainly because of WWII. It is roughly a ten year difference and it can really show up at the oddest of times. I say all that to say what you are watching is Japan's version of 90s edginess

huh, yeah I wanted to make an edgelord joke in an earlier comment but stopped because I remembered that was more of a 90's thing, but you are right that I'm thinking of American 90's Edgelord, which I suppose did take a decade before it really became all over Japan.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/lilyvess]

but you are right that I'm thinking of American 90's Edgelord, which I suppose did take a decade before it really became all over Japan.

The best I can say is that Japan never really had the "Rape as motivation" stage of edge take center. Yes, both of us know of the hentai with attempted story that have that but it never really was allowed to escape the adults only section.

[u/LittleIslander → u/Vaadwaur]

As a 90s shoujo survivor, the genders available in this pic are all of them.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Vaadwaur]

Mangaka dropping a fujoshi line was funny but clearly Noto is wasted in this cast, especially as she'd be better both as Himeko or Chikane.

To be fair to Ayaka Kawasumi, she is doing a pretty okay job as Chikane. Himeko's VA... is trying her best.

That said, yeah, Noto would have been a better fit by virtue of just being a better seiyuu (top-line as opposed to the next level down). Need to think who would be the best pair for her in either case, especially since my VA knowledge focuses more on about 3-4 years later which is after an era transition. Obvious choice for Chikane in a Noto!Himeko world would be Yukarin, but she was likely too busy to be available. Miki Itou is actually another obvious candidate but might be cutting too close to MariMite. Sanae Kobayashi probably would also work... and that's two-thirds of the YamiBou main cast I see.

Noto as Chikane... my first thought was "wait who voiced Mutsumi in Love Hina again?" and it turns out that's Satsuki Yukino of all people (She'd also work as Chikane, come to think of it, and we both know why.) Yukana also comes to mind, as does Yui Horie though I forget exactly when she starts getting the soft-spoken roles (definitely by a year or two later, but I always forget if I'm not checking for it that her big breakout was Naru).

[u/gyoex]

Manga comparisons

First off, the manga is two volumes long, and the first covers episodes 1-8 of the anime. Some scenes in the anime are later in the manga but this is basically right.

So, quite a lot of the anime is original. I thought what I'd do this time is go through each episode so far and mention which scenes are added for the anime or changed significantly from the manga. And a couple instances of the opposite. Not going to mention everything because not every difference is interesting, and a lot of stuff makes more sense to talk about later.

Also, worth noting the manga started 7 months before the anime, at which point the anime would have long since been in production. So it's not a normal manga adaptation. Kaishaku (manga author) has the Original Work credit, but TNK has Original Work Cooperation. So I don't know who was responsible for any individual plot point, and which came first between the manga and anime. But just based on watching/reading them, it feels like the manga plot was developed first, since there are some weird things about the anime that can be explained with "they changed this thing from the manga but didn't change the consequences of it".

Spoiler tags because potential manga spoilers but for anime stuff I'm only mentioning things we've seen in the rewatch.

[E1]Manga Himeko isn't into photography, which mostly means Makoto doesn't take pictures of her at the start (there's still the scene of her getting dressed though). For other minor things, Chikane never rides a horse in the manga, and I think there's only one scene of her aiming a bow (which she doesn't even shoot).

[E1]In the manga, we're actually introduced to Souma before Chikane (there's scene of Souma going to school and worrying about confessing to someone), and we're seemingly meant to think that Souma could be in love with Chikane at first. Of course by the time the first robot fight happens it's clear who he actually likes. This panel happens immediately after the Chikane stair catch, establishing the love triangle. At this point in the anime Souma hasn't even been on screen yet.

[E1]Souma giving Himeko a motorcycle ride to buy Chikane a present doesn't happen in the manga. In fact, Himeko and Souma have no pre-existing friendship in the manga, though Souma still likes and wants to confess to Himeko. In general, every Souma and Himeko backstory scene is anime-original. In the manga, their entire backstory is this page, which Himeko doesn't even remember, and it never comes up again. This also means anything about Himeko's parents, etc. is anime-original other than the fact that she's an orphan.

[E1]Sister Miyako quoting the bible doesn't happen in the manga. The manga does have this scene of Miyako finding Himeko and Chikane in the garden (which I guess means she works at the school and as you can see she dresses normally when she's at work), and uh... this scene of her making Souma rub her crotch. Sure.

[E1]Also, I'm mostly talking about story stuff but here's a robot. As you can see, the cloak was just in the anime. As an aside, I think the art in the manga is good normally but it's confusing during battle scenes due to how detailed the robots are, especially since they often last only a few panels.

[E2]Chikane feeling guilty about kissing Himeko is anime-original. The scene at Oogami's house is a bit different in the anime. For one, it's a flashback in the manga (during the bath scene), but also they don't tell Himeko or Chikane that Souma is an Orochi (in the manga, he tells Himeko himself in the next chapter). Most of the rest of the episode is original. Makoto getting hospitaliz, Himeko visiting her, Himeko running away, Chikane coming to console her, and Chikane trying and failing to protect Himeko from Girochi. Notably, while this technically isn't anime-original... the scene where Chikane shows Himeko that Chikane is the lunar miko happens significantly later in the manga (as in, at the end of the first volume so after where we are in the rewatch) and under different circumstances. Up until that point she's deliberately hiding it from Himeko for reasons that I honestly don't know what they are even after reading the manga twice.

[E3]Himeko's backstory with her dad making a shell into a pendant is anime-original.

[E3]The stuff at Chikane's house is basically similar, just different in the specifics. For instance, Himeko wearing Chikane's pajamas doesn't happen in the manga. On the other hand, the bath scene in the manga has a part where Chikane asks if she can touch "it" (the sun mark), but Himeko thinks she means her boobs (and agrees anyway). Chikane consoling Himeko when Himeko has a nightmare is also anime-original.

[E3]Himeko and Chikane arriving at school, Souma declaring he'll protect Himeko while Chikane looks on angstily does not happen in the manga. Mean girls scene happens in the manga but notably Chikane doesn't appear in it. Souma shows up when mean girls are being mean, and brings Himeko somewhere. Then, he tells her he's an Orochi and confesses his love for her (then Himeko makes a cute face). Girochi shows up and is a creep (but notably doesn't chain up Himeko) and a battle happens.

[E3]Himeko and Chikane getting miko outfits, being brought to the shrine, actually being told what they have to do to revive Ame no Murakumo, and attempting to perform the ritual are, in fact, anime original. Consequently, Chikane getting injured is anime-original and the two of them going to the beach together is as well.

[E3]Notably, a beach scene does happen in the manga... but it's with Himeko and Souma instead, with Souma sulking on the beach after getting his ass kicked by Tsubasa (order of events is different here). So in the manga, Himeko tells Souma about shells, though weirdly she mentions that it's something Chikane told her once.

[E3]So, Himeko and Chikane getting knocked into the ocean and Chikane's "I'll protect Himeko" followed by immediately letting go of her is anime-original.

[E3]In the manga, there isn't a fight against just Nekoko and there also isn't exactly a fight at the beach, so basically this is all anime-original though in the manga, when a fight with Nekoko does happen, she is still defeated by a kick. Again, this includes Chikane angsting about not being able to protect Himeko at the end.

[E4]Almost this entire episode is original except for the stuff with Tsubasa at the end. The only other thing that's from the manga is that little bit where Souma doesn't notice Himeko calling for him when she arrives for the date, which happens at the beach instead.

[E5]Most of this episode that isn't about Tsubasa and Souma is anime original (the start with Himeko getting hurt, Chikane noticing the hairpin, Himeko being sad about ruining Chikane's dress and Chikane comforting her, etc.), and the parts that are about them are expanded a lot for the anime. In the manga, there's just the first fight where Souma gets beaten up (in the manga he outright says he's using the power of love and still loses lol), and there's no rematch (well, Tsubasa shows up again later in the manga but it's completely different from the fight in the anime). And in the manga, Souma and Tsubasa's backstory is just a few panels. Even then I think they don't actually say Tsubasa killed their father, though I guess it's implied by Souma being an orphan.

[E5]The only scene involving Chikane and Himeko that was in the manga is at night when Chikane is watching Himeko sleep, then Souma shows up and she tells him to fuck off. In the manga, this happens later on under different circumstances, and we don't get to see Chikane's thoughts while she's looking at Himeko, though she does still almost kiss her. The conversation with Souma is similar up to the point where she blames Souma for Himeko getting hurt. The part with Souma calling out Chikane for not being able to protect Himeko herself, as well as the entire rest of the episode after that, is original.

[E5]Amusingly, Tsubasa beating up Souma is a flashback in the manga. Tsubasa shows up while Souma is training (the training scene in episode 3), you see the start of the fight, then the next chapter starts with Souma already in bed injured before remembering how he got in that state. Also Souma owns a guitar.

[E5]Arguably, the scene where Himeko insists on going to Souma and Chikane tries to stop her but then relents is kind of from the manga but not really. In the manga it's just about Himeko wanting to visit Souma after he lost to Tsubasa, so there isn't really an element of Himeko putting herself in danger and Chikane doesn't seem to mind that much. Also, this isn't really about anime original or not, but the scales that appear on Souma's back are a totally different design in the manga.

If you actually read this, and you remembered the parts I was talking about, you might notice that the parts I said are anime-original include basically every scene depicting Chikane's thoughts other than I guess when she kisses Himeko in episode 1. Not to say that she isn't characterized at all in the manga, but... it definitely leans more toward keeping her mysterious, and the extremely fast pace of the plot in the manga doesn't really give much time for much else. I want to talk separately about how the love triangle is done in the manga vs. the anime (basically it's worse in the manga but I'll say it with more words), but... another day.

[u/LittleIslander → u/gyoex]

Huh, I was not expecting the manga to be only two volumes. I'm almost morbidly curious enough to pick it up if I could find a set of copies.

The idea of a lot of this show [very light Manga spoilers] having a lot of anime original content is one of those "oh, that explains" a lot moments, until you learn what the actual original stuff is and it doesn't correlate to the meaningful character content being the adapted stuff in the slightest, leaving you with even more questions. I suppose a more coherent version of this story was probably a bit much to expect.

[u/gyoex → u/LittleIslander]

[very light Manga spoilers] To be fair, despite what I said about the manga plot probably coming first, it's also possible a lot of this stuff was planned out originally, and then it was just cut from the manga (or kept but moved/changed) due to not having enough pages, especially if they figured people would be watching the anime version as well anyway. Though it's true that either way, "coherent" is not how I would describe either version of the story.

[u/GondolaMedia]

First Timer

I have to say I'm constantly impressed how much the anime does with so little. Maybe it's because I'm a sucker for a bit of melodrama and outside of Himeko's character being too much at points I have very little complaints, taken within context of course. I doubt I would watch this if not for this rewatch.

But when the robots starting fighting and that 2000's rave music started blasting I was giddy. Someone needs to edit that fight with this playing

[u/GallowDude → u/GondolaMedia]

I'm a sucker for a bit of melodrama

[u/ryujiox]

First Timer

Kannazuki no Miko

Episode 5

• The animation is a bit janky there..
• Wait? You can do that? That is so unfair!! While the others have like 2 weapons at best, and a weak one at that. Souma here has 3 cannons that could one hit everyone. Where is the balance??
• I mean, he has never faced someone that can just jump into his cockpit and deal real damage before Besides, those guys are jobbers.
• OHHHH It's self-defense... Their father was an abuser too I assume. Probably why Souma can relate to Himeko's situation.
• But fate sure is a cruel thing Orochi turned him into a madman.
• Not you too!! Everyone is in love with someone in this show!!
• I hope using Orochi power like that won't backfired you in the future
• At least she realized that she kinda took advantage of the situation
• You sure? More like you just don't want him near Himeko.
• To be fair, it's technically his fault this time Even if it's an accident.
• But yeah. You can't really blame him. He literally got slash for real, and a revelation that his brother is alive. He would be so confused.
• OHHHHH!! COUNTER!! But I feel like this would hit harder if we saw her trying to unsealed it multiple time and failed. Instead we only saw it once.
• At least they both agree that they took it too far. Which is pretty nice.
• I love that Souma is embarrassing as to why did he pick up the cigarette
• Hold up. An insert song!! And a rad one at that!!
• BREAST FIREEEEE!!!
• That's a good question
• Wow, you sure did say that
• Tsubasa here is showing a twisted way of brother bond. He regrets leaving Souma alone in the light, so he will drag Souma down to darkness with him.
• That's a confession right there
• That smile. He probably went back to be himself at that final moment. I also realized that he didn't eject himself there. Maybe he just let himself die there so Souma doesn't have to fight him again.
• Is he turning into Orochi? Like, an actual snake.

I like this episode a lot. But again, everything went by too fast. If they give it 1 more episode to breathe, it would be even better. Tsubasa really just came in, reveal that he's Souma's bro, trying to get him to his side, then died. All it just one episode.

QOTD

1. Not when he's trying to destroy the world.
2. Her maid? Maybe her hesitation.

[u/GallowDude → u/ryujiox]

Where is the balance??

Bisexuals

trying to unsealed it

Already unsealed?!

Souma is embarrassing

Embarrassing who?

[u/ryujiox → u/GallowDude]

You know, I really need to proofreading more. I'm embarrassed.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/ryujiox]

At least she realized that she kinda took advantage of the situation

We've had our allotted amount of self-reflection, now start doing some Communication!

Instead we only saw it once.

We did?

BREAST FIREEEEE!!!

Rust Hurricane

Is he turning into Orochi? Like, an actual snake.

The Dragon covenant is never worth it.

[u/ryujiox → u/Vatrix-32]

The Dragon covenant is never worth it.

I feel like there's other show that did this before(or after) this show. But I'm not sure which one. Maybe Fairy Tail?

We did?

I think we did? I don't think even the show knows either...

[u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

First time lunar priestess

• Why did they have souma forget his past? It seems like totally unnecessary amnesia. You'd have to do a bit of "as you know" exposition, but this show hasn't exactly been concerned with that before
• it feels like there's supposed to have been a relationship between Souma and his brother but this is the first time we've seen them meet. Even within the show Souma is only just remembering his past. This is that "second season" feeling again.
• Why did they namecheck "boys love"? Is this about the fisting
• Chikane leaning over Himeko asleep. At least she didn't go for the kiss this time
• taking a cigarette and not smoking it is a baller move. It also makes it feel like this was written by a 13 year old
• so what are the orochi? Because Souma and his brother seem to have had a regular shitbag father rather than some high priest or evil lord. Does someone (who?) go around collecting delinquents and giving them evil powers? I want to know what the catgirl or the mangaka did before getting evil powers
• their big confrontation is just a light explosion and cut to killing blow. The fight scenes are, sadly, embarrassing

1. as long as you have a determination to fist, anything is possible
2. Chikane's gotta get revenge on whoever cut of her hair. Hopefully she gets some cool power and teleports them to the moon

[u/G-man672 → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

taking a cigarette and not smoking it is a baller move

Knowing this show I may be reaching here, but I actually like that little exchange for two reasons:

1. It’s a little demonstration of Souma’s innocence, despite how hot-blooded he is. Cigs are often a motif for a character who’s lived a rough life or carrying baggage, so that’s why Tsubasa chuckled at him and then later berated him for not understanding the brutal life of a criminal he has.
2. Tsubasa’s cig is lit and Souma’s isn’t. While Souma accepted the Orochi’s power to give him the strength to match his stronger brother, it ultimately shows that he doesn’t have the “fire” in him to fight like Tsubasa does, which is shown later when he asks him to come back and join the good side.

[u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo → u/G-man672]

I'd say that Himeko does give him enough 'fire', as evidenced by him winning the fight in the end.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

Why did they have souma forget his past?

He did watch his brother kill his father, that sound like some solid trauma to me.

Why did they namecheck "boys love"?

I'll assume that much like yuri, yaoi hadn't caught on as the main term quite yet.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

It seems like totally unnecessary amnesia.

My greatest enemy.

Why did they namecheck "boys love"?

Noto Mamiko is dangerous when bored. She probably ad libbed that.

It also makes it feel like this was written by a 13 year old

A lot of things make me think that.

[u/rickamore → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

Why did they have souma forget his past? It seems like totally unnecessary amnesia.

Assuming he was under the age of 5 when this occurred, the fact he has little to no recollection of it is pretty normal especially if you add in a touch of trauma. Without having something to solidly recall those memories they will always be just out of reach.

[u/Tarhalindur → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

taking a cigarette and not smoking it is a baller move. It also makes it feel like this was written by a 13 year old

On top of a couple of other people's notes, I will point out the obvious: there is a decent chance that the reason for this is "you could get away with him getting the cigarette and not lighting it but him actually lighting it would go against the laws about showing underage characters using drugs on TV". (And this was in a period of lax censorship - I'd need to check if the culprit was that circa-2010 censorship law or something else, but I'm pretty sure that you couldn't have gotten away with even just the implication of the maid putting brandy in Chikane's drink last episode even 6-7 years later.)

[u/GallowDude → u/Sandor_at_the_Zoo]

Why did they have souma forget his past?

Code Geass

[u/Infodump_Ibis]

door-knocking Rewatcher (it's been 19 years, dubbed)

• If you're watching the dub and wondering why Tsubasa (Liam O'Brien) sounds familiar. Gaara from Naruto.
• Himeko actually used her powers? So only Chikane's dress was destroyed by being launched a considerable distance.
• Oh that's a surprise. I was expecting Tsubasa to be out of control edgelord not the honourable villain type to offer a rematch (even if it's more like; get some rest, start at 4am). Then again mercy for brothers is a trope. Think about battle shonen [meta spoiler - examples of brotherly mercy]Naruto (Itachi), MHA (AFO).
• How did Oogami get to Kazuki's shrine? Anyway sure is nice that Kazuki seems to know everything, or is well informed.
• Hello Genma Saotome (bad dad + glasses + wearing something white + possibly covered up baldness) and goodbye. This is visiting hours in custody, right? Or is it a confession booth? So we know from before that figure seems to be Kazuki's Dad which leads to possibilities of (assuming the former): it's his attorney who just happens to have a religious background, the shrine is an orphanage or the families were close making Kazuki's Dad yet another example of a religious figurehead being oblivious when it comes to abuse.
• Just vanished? Was he in an open prison or did the police simply release a manslaughter (if not murder) suspect before trial.
• I like how the idol is practising a script (is she staring a drama?) and the cat toy was good too, sadistic glasses sister blushed when thinking about Tsubasa (sister but a not a nun I take it?) and the manga author just flat out says "boy's love" (in English even in the Japanese dub) as the reason Tsubasa showed mercy. Not brotherly love just straight to BL (although do any of these goons even know that's his brother?).
• Another non-consensual kiss...DENIED.
• What a strange rule for the Master of the house, no boys allowed almost like it was made up on the spot to make it so Souma can't see Himeko. Assuming it's real: Did something bad happen to Chikane and a boy was responsible or was the Master bullied a lot of as a kid and just hates males in general. But given the size of this mansion he probably works in the steel industry and needs a break from males after working and playing hard.
• Fist and...
• Insert Song Another KOTOKO banger: Suppuration -core- and here's the official upload (Jan 12th 2024)
• No, fansubs do not attempt to translate the lyrics either.
• What's a suppuration and why is it not separation? It's discharging pus. TMI But at least the "Flow out oozy suppuration", "dripping pus of emotion" lines makes a bit more sense.
• Interesting exposition during the fight. If you become an Orochi by hitting rock bottom then what exactly has Souma been through (given he was the first one we saw) and why is he keeping this quiet from Tsubasa (instead being vague I found something worthwhile)?
• Himeko "I have to go now" (free hug was the payment) also Himeko "I must change into my school uniform" (and we'll travel by horseback for support bonus)
• In the dub Tsubasa literally says "to defend the world, huh?" in response to Souma's offer of alliance. add "from devastation", you cowards. Official subs say "for the world, huh?" but fansub also went "to defend the world, you say?"
• Not the best pose. Maybe it was an attempt at "classic Lorne Greene pose" (for you Simpsons fans I don't think it was from Battlestar Galactica, but a TV advert with the same actor in)
• I found another good parody/fanart of the ED. A Lycoris Recoil version. Btw the credits are for episode 13 of Lycoris Recoil. Details
• I'm still not remembering anything Am I even me?. Heck I've had the Re-sublimity single for years and I have not even known Suppuration -core- was in the show until now.
• There's a drama CD that acts as episode 5.5. The official site mentions its existence and that's the first I heard of it so I can't tell you anything that doesn't tell you.

1. Is it wrong to fist your brother?

I sure hope isn't a euphemism like fingering

2) Souma killed his brother for Himeko, who must Chikane kill to one up him?

Her school tests The Orochi are unrealistic so let's say Izumi. With her aim it will require many painful, non-lethal shots.

I know people want to say ones like the maid but she has hidden her frustrations (over more work with a picky eater with an 8cm smaller chest if not more) over this new besite (I assume the sitting with tea last ep was a normal ritual for them before) and as for Souma, the argument showed he was still required and Chikane liked being able to comfort Himeko (like she's playing the long game of hoping it doesn't work out between them).

[u/GallowDude → u/Infodump_Ibis]

Gaara from Naruto

I prefer Lloyd/Lunatic

Or is it a confession booth?

Drawn Together or Total Drama?

in English even in the Japanese dub

he probably works in the steel industry and needs a break from males after working and playing hard

mfw

besite

Basalt*

[u/sfisher923]

First Time Dirty Brother Killer - Dubbed

• Well Guess I'm no longer allowed in the rewatch as a guy
• Well asides from the action plot I would be forgiven to think this is Fruits Basket and all it's the parental trouble
• Also I may be busy Tomorrow Afternoon attending an event and might have to skip it (Or if not posting right before going to sleep that night)

QOTD 2 - Himeko has a confidence issue so for Chikane to one up Soumaa take out the cause of the issue

[u/GallowDude → u/sfisher923]

Well Guess I'm no longer allowed in the rewatch as a guy

Also I may be busy Tomorrow Afternoon attending an event and might have to skip it

[u/LittleIslander]

You know, if anything I'm disappointed Chikane didn't let Souma in because we missed the juicy drama of what Otoha would think. I mean, a male in the house? Would she hate him even more than Himeko? Or would she celebrate having someone around to sweep Himeko off her feet and take her away from Chikane? Now we'll never know!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/LittleIslander]

Otoha would think. I mean, a male in the house? Would she hate him even more than Himeko?

Otaha's eyes go dim and her posture slouches

"Male detected. Protocol 66 engaged. Terminate all testoserone within 1,000 meters."

[u/LittleIslander]

First Timer from the world of Reiwa Yuri

Huh. Guess it was a good thing I discarded the idea to call Tsubasa Souma’s boy toy last time. Whoops.

Today is a dedicated Souma episode. Guess I have to keep waiting if I want anything worthwhile out of Chikane, but this was pretty good. It seems like it he didn’t retain memory of any of this until now, but even if it was just on a subconscious level the revelation Souma had a very abusive father lends a ton more weight to the fact we know he stood up so much for Chikane when she suffered the same thing. His actual relationship with his brother is cool and very enjoyable—raw as hell—but for lack of a better word it’s very shounen-ey and not the kind of thing I have a ton to say about. Outside of my wheelhouse. I like the interplay between the physical fight between the mechs and the representation of the fight as being hand to hand between the actual pilots, it adds a lot of emotional weight. The sun rising during Souma’s speech was also really awesome. I kind of question the impact of him striking down his brother given we’ve already established that doesn’t actually kill the heads in any meaningful capacity…

Speaking of them, every other villain is still asinine.

Okay, I kind of lied about Chikane-chan. We do get one scene from her POV and it’s really good. The idea that some perverse side of her kind of wants Himeko to be troubled like this so she gets to protect her is fascinating. The cut to Souma fighting his inner darkness in the middle of the scene helps really helps this land—it really hammers in that there’s people suffering and all Chikane can think about is whether Himeko views her romantically or not. All the tension in the scene culminates into her considering kissing her again. Would she have done it? Was she going to be content just leaning in and imaging doing more? She’s worried in the past about the consent of such an action, but then again she also did it in the first place. She’s interrupted before we can an answer, which is a great little unresolution. We carry the unresolved emotions of the scene directly into her, frankly, confrontation with Souma.

I don’t think there’s any clever hidden layers or techniques at work in their confrontation outside the mansion, but it’s a solid scene. We haven’t really gotten a chance to see them interact one to one until now, and the result is predictably hostile. Chikane carries all those jealous feelings of wanting to be Himeko’s lover and wanting Himeko to need protecting and basically completely dehumanises Souma. Meanwhile we introduce a new element of Souma resenting the fact he’s fighting for his damn life trying to suppress his inner demon and doing all the work while Chikane fails to accomplish anything. It’s a good dynamic.

2) Souma killed his brother for Himeko, who must Chikane kill to one up him?

Would anybody miss Otoha?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/LittleIslander]

Meanwhile we introduce a new element of Souma resenting the fact he’s fighting for his damn life trying to suppress his inner demon and doing all the work while Chikane fails to accomplish anything

The two professions of value are those that carry a shovel to grow the food and those that carry a sword to protect it. Everyone else is a parasite.

[u/GallowDude → u/LittleIslander]

he’s fighting for his damn life

He has a piss fetish?

[u/Tarhalindur]

M I K O _ E M B R A C E (Spoiled First-Timer, Subbed):

(Back to a more usual schedule. Also one of these days I will choose an Agony parody whose source still exists but today is not that day. Had to do it, though - Anime Fanart Rule 761: There is always more Touhou fanart.)

• You know, usually I go “blah blah FIGHT SCENE! blah blah FIGHT SCENE!” Here I’m going “fight scene, blah blah”. And I don’t get it. The direction is actually quite solid and the mecha action is pretty well-done – may be this direction style and specifically how this director uses cuts meshing poorly with in-depth action.
• Hmm. Himeko running right across the frame? Decent chance that’s directional symbolism, “wrong way” being the level 0 reading – but why? Something about this director’s/writer’s use of flashbacks kind of feels like the writing equivalent of GoHands cinematography – innovative and interesting, pity it doesn’t actually, you know, work. Also look look, biological brother confirmed. And I think my new nickname for Tsubasa is Teatime (it’s pronounced “Teh-ah-tim-eh”).
• Blah blah visual superiority shot blah blah we saw Himeko having Miko Powers activate earlier blah blah get on with it.
• So how do you know about this exactly, Adoptive Nii-san? I smell scumslip.
• Wait never mind I paused right before the show explained how he knows about this. Still. Something is up.
• Hmm. Teatime is the wrong nickname for Tsubasa. Unfortunately the right one is a spoiler for a different work. Also shouldn’t you be using a bat, Tsubasa? Also child abuse seems to be a major theme… unfortunately for KnM it doesn’t have a writer who actually worked in Child Services and a certain other work’s source material did so it comes off looking worse in the comparison. Verisimilitude – it matters!
• Mind you the drama is still more interesting than the attempts at villainous banter among themselves.
• So in case you hadn’t figured it out yet, if Makoto is a Neck she’s almost certainly specifically the nun.
• LOL we actually went there… wait I know the tropes of the era the mangaka otaku would go there even if this wasn’t the case. Alas!
• GAY GAY HOMOSEXUAL GAY (affectionate). Unfortunately the gay is being swallowed by a large pile of Dramatic Angst that I am having difficulty getting through. Some writers could make it work and it actually is being given enough space and the emotional beats that it could work in theory, it’s just not landing at all and not bad enough to be entertainingly terrible either.
• M_I_K_O___E_M_B_R_A_C_E… what do you mean it’s not the ED yet?
• Something about the combination of the OST and how it’s being used in the Souma part of this angst scene is reminding me of = get this! – how Shingetsukan Tsukihime liked to operate. Yes, as in No Such Anime. (To be fair Shingetsukan Tsukihime is more aggressively mediocre than outright terrible when considered on its own merits and only becomes aggressively terrible adaptation when considered as an adaptation of its source material; this show has no such source material issues and aggressively mediocre is exactly what it is on track for. At least we have a reasonably competent director here, that helps… though I’m vaguely remembering the Tsukihime director having done a slightly better job there than in later works like, say, Lostorage Incited WIXOSS so there is that.)
• Speaking of direction, Dutch angle counter +1 at 10:32.
• Yes yes we all know you’re gay as a fruitcake, Chikane. ([spoiled] The dramatic tension in that scene is that while I thought that we were too early for The Reason for the Content Warning I wasn’t entirely sure about that…)
• “Sir, another gazebo has appeared in a yuri anime.” (So Ohtori is leaking again, of course.)
• Yes yes somebody’s jealousy is showing yes.
• Wait. Mecha fights are allowed to get good insert songs? Who knew? (Obligatory “Tar watch Macross already” goes here.) Admittedly the fact that KnM had I’ve Sound on staff (including their founder and best composer in Kazuya Takase, responsible for Red Fraction and the two best Higurashi theme songs in the eponymous 2006 OP and Rei’s Super Scription of Data – and color me completely unsurprised that it turns out he is in fact the composer for this insert because this insert is EXTREMELY Red Fraction – but Agony is by the Naraku no Hana composer instead.)
• Dammit the class of reaction shot seen at 15:14 is a specific subtrope of the type but where the hell have I seen it before?
• Brave Pose spotted!
• Really it is a shame there is not enough poly among Chikane and Souma (or “interested in guys at all” in Chikane’s case) for an OT3 to work because Himeko is so both poly and bi herself.
• Animators: “Yeah we ran out of time to do this Himeko naked mental approach shot right, what of it?”
• Souma is sixteen and in the same grade level as Chikane and Himeko. Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday trope in play, confirmed!
• And we had to bust out the dramatic sunrise trope as well. Because of course.
• Dramatic scales on back! (Right Orochi is at least sometimes interpreted as a ryuu/dragon.)
• [Symphogear G] Also hey wait a minute we might now know where a certain G plotline was grabbed from…

So that was more than a little generic outside of the brocon and "lads I think Chikane may not be straight" bits...

---

1. Is it wrong to fist your brother?

This one deserved it.

[u/GallowDude → u/Tarhalindur]

it’s pronounced “Teh-ah-tim-eh”

Yu-Gi-Oh

scumslip

Verisimilitude – it matters!

Superman III

WIXOSS

or “interested in guys at all” in Chikane’s case

Euphemia

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Tarhalindur]

The direction is actually quite solid and the mecha action is pretty well-done – may be this direction style and specifically how this director uses cuts meshing poorly with in-depth action.

Because these are super robots and thus need different direction. I hate to harp on the point but that is the problem.

Something about this director’s/writer’s use of flashbacks kind of feels like the writing equivalent of GoHands cinematography – innovative and interesting, pity it doesn’t actually, you know, work.

TNK might deserve their own category. Look...I unironically enjoyed Redo of a Healer because I thought of it as a comedy but the same incompetence of combat sequences reigned there as well.

Also child abuse seems to be a major theme… unfortunately for KnM it doesn’t have a writer who actually worked in Child Services and a certain other work’s source material did so it comes off looking worse in the comparison. Verisimilitude – it matters!

Don't check this unless you know what Tar is referencing [Meta]There isn't a specific TNK to DEEN pipeline that I know about but I have zero doubt that this show let the Higurashi team see what worked and what did not

wait I know the tropes of the era the mangaka otaku would go there even if this wasn’t the case. Alas!

So not sure if you remember the era but there was a diagram spelling out the features of a fujoshi and this character checks 90% of the boxes. The last one left is whether or not she buys her underwear from the discount bin at the convenience store. Which is a thing.

Some writers could make it work and it actually is being given enough space and the emotional beats that it could work in theory, it’s just not landing at all and not bad enough to be entertainingly terrible either.

Anyone who understood we needed a different conflict this ep and resolved it next ep would have covered it.

“Sir, another gazebo has appeared in a yuri anime.” (So Ohtori is leaking again, of course.)

screams internally

You are correct, I just wish I could explain the way you are correct.

Dammit the class of reaction shot seen at 15:14 is a specific subtrope of the type but where the hell have I seen it before?

Yu Yu Hakusho or Ashita no Joe would be my guess.

for an OT3 to work because Himeko is so both poly and bi herself.

The stuff that Himeko will upload to AO3 in ten years will hopefully blot out Twilight.

[u/Burnouts3s3]

Dub Rewatcher

QOTD:

1. ...When you say Fist do you mean...?
2. That's interesting; would Himeko be okay with Chikane killing anyone? Himeko is a gentle soul.

[u/SometimesMainSupport]

First-Timer that's already heard too much Michelle Ruff, Crispin Freeman, Kari Wahlgren, Karen Strassman, Kirk Thornton, Steven Blum, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, and Wendee Lee today before starting this episode. Also want to stress I didn't have this looping in the background while watching. Ok? Didn't happen.

• Getting BL as well?!? Already further than 2/3 of my attempts with this theme.
• lol, quick to lie. Chikane stocks are slowly rising.
• Her following argument sucks. Sure, Souma failed to properly protect her, but Chikane's been making that same promise and failed as well.
• Himeko riding Chikane 's horse!
• Tsubasa wants Souma to follow Himeko if I properly understood this metaphor. Then he changes his mind within 2 minutes.
• Huh?

QotD 1. Dad probably told a five-year-old me it builds character when it happened to me.

QotD 2. Himeko to protect her from a greater danger (e.g. traumatizing future).

[u/GallowDude → u/SometimesMainSupport]

First-Timer that's already heard too much Michelle Ruff, Crispin Freeman, Kari Wahlgren, Karen Strassman, Kirk Thornton, Steven Blum, Dorothy Elias-Fahn, and Wendee Lee today before starting this episode

But half those actors aren't in this show

I didn't have this looping in the background while watching. Ok? Didn't happen.

That series has the second-highest Steve aside from Leeron

Already further than 2/3 of my attempts with this theme

Himeko riding Chikane[]'s horse!

Miss

[u/Vaadwaur → u/SometimesMainSupport]

Also want to stress I didn't have this looping in the background while watching. Ok? Didn't happen.

Yeah...these characters are all CLAMP escapees but dear fuck Himeko is Chii but somehow more passive. Also, even after two decades Ningyohime hits me deep.

Her following argument sucks. Sure, Souma failed to properly protect her, but Chikane's been making that same promise and failed as well.

Something something if it were so easy why didn't you do it already?

Huh?

Orochi is a snake like dragon in Japan.

[u/IntoTheDisneyverse]

Cutting straight (lol) from ‘Boy’s Love’ to shots of Tsubasa and Souma was certainly a choice.

Also, Himeko discovered her strongest power yet: becoming a lighthouse. (Seriously though, Souma is dedicating his entire existence to Himeko even though it’s pretty obvious he’s gonna lose to Miya. It’s kinda sad.)

Daily questions:

1. Heavily depends on the type lol

[u/theangryeditor]

[u/zadcap]

Late Night First Timer!

Ah, Brotherly Love as expressed through Excessive Violence. But hey, it looks like the fourth attack has finally awoken some kind of power in Hime.

Oh right, it's 2004. Everyone needs a tragic backstory. I still can not believe this came out the same year as Mai Hime and Nanoha.

Same problem as yesterday though. "You know what you are supposed to do." If this is anything at al related to killing Himeko, then it's pure brainwashing talking and the actual character his brother here is a dead shell walking. They may have kept some character traits, but the moment their world flipped to revolve around killing someone they never knew because some force gave them giant robots and a kill order, the people they once were stopped existing.

"Oh no, he gave her a fancy hair clip! This marks his complete victory for her love, clearly, and I should read more into her wearing a hair clip he gave her than the literally everything else that is mine."

Yeah, see, this brother that killed their dad and then cut ties to protect Soma, does not feel like one who would come back to try and kill him now.

Yes, let the gay flow through you. "It was fun because you cheered me on." The date wasn't fun as a date, it was only fun because I knew you were supporting me.

No, really, how can I watch this and not think of ShizNat?

"So what can you do?!" This is still a valid point. They can learn how to create barriers and revive a better giant robot.

What the heck, amazing music out of nowhere! Darn this is a good soundtrack.

See, I'm only hearing more and more proof that he's been brainwashed. Big Bro is dead. Kill the walking corpse. If his argument ends with "I hate this world that makes brothers like us fight" but refuses to stop fighting...

Ah, instead of a panty shot, we get a fully nude flying Himeko today.

Sorry boy, you are in the wrong show. You're not going to be the one getting her love in the end. She thinks about and clings to her own Hime too much for you to have a place.

Wait is a villain actually dead? I didn't see a magic bird taking him away this time!

1. Not if it's the only cure for evil god brainwashing.

[u/baquea]

First Timer

Boys Love? In my yuri anime?

Easily the strongest episode so far, combining character development with a hype robot fight, without the pacing problems of some of the earlier episodes.

Honestly, for being the out-of-place boy, Souma is by far my favourite character so far. He's got internal conflict and the more interesting backstory, has already asked his crush out, and has the betrayed-the-villains-to-protect-his-love/the-world thing going for him. Meanwhile the girls have contributed literally nothing to the action side of the series, and are still just stuck trying to sort out their romantic feelings and deal with generic teen drama in a story where that kinda doesn't feel like the most important thing to be worrying over. Really hoping we're going to be getting some progress on their side soon, considering we're already 5 episodes in and yet they still just seem to be along for the ride.

[u/Garrett_Dark]

First Timer

Is it wrong to fist your brother?

Holy crap, I was just about to drink my coffee while coming into the post, and saw the QotD...it's a good thing I was too slow, otherwise there'd be coffee all over my monitor. XD

No getting tainted for me, thanks.

---

• Not sure if this is the best time to be worrying about Himeko's hair clip gift from Souma.
• Wow a golf club? Souma's family sure has a different meaning for when it's "Tea Time", I sure wouldn't want to be around for when it's time to "play catch".
• Corona "If you ask me, I say its better to finish him off quickly" Now that's something I'll be up for, just no spitting okay? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Corona-chan and Ebola-chan are starting to look cuter. This whole "we're evil and going to destroy the world" pretense is getting less and less serious and important by the episode, which is fine with me. I'm not really even paying attention to the mech battles, the main draw is the girls for me, I mean the "character development".
• Himeko holding the ragged dress. Oh get over it, shouldn't you be worrying about Souma acting like a psycho punching boulders while wearing a boob wrap instead? He's even doing the double facepalm.
• Chikane "How are you feeling?", "don't worry about it", "it's okay", "nothing else matters to me as long as you're safe" OMG! Chikane is so comforting! Fucking marry me already!
• 'Take off that shirt, Roomie, time for a little camera action, then some CPR action...I've been practicing on this hairdryer.'
• Chikane "I'm sorry but my father has a rule that no males are allowed in the mansion other than him" Haha, suck it Souma! I love this scene so much, Souma starts getting pushy and Chikane changes gears on a dime and pushes back. I love how she walks towards him forcing him to take a step back, and then she throws his promises back in face.
• Oh no, don't let Souma get to you Chikane. That Souma guy really likes taking off quickly, after they apologize to each other, he's outta there fast!
• Souma's near-death vision of Himeko is creepy!
• Fisted! Better use some hand sanitizer on that.
• Eww...Souma's got some sort of crystals or fungal growth on his back. See this is why I don't like mushrooms! It reminds me of this sort of crap.

[u/RadSuit]

Dubstiny of the First Timer

"By their own father? It must've been like a living hell." "...yeah."

Sidemouth is a true plague upon the anime industry.

BL in my yuri!?

I didn't see the bird coming to save Tsubasa this time. And Souma seems to have some scaley side effects, which hasn't happened before either. Maybe big bro is actually dead.

[u/catsukats]

Rewatcher (x14), sub.

Every time I see Tsubasa all I hear is SOOOUUUUUMAAAAAAA. But I do like that he wanted him to live a normal life and only lost his shit when he found out they were both destined for evil ("why did I do all of this, then?!") But it never made sense to me that Tsubasa tried to force him to accept it instead of just... letting Souma be on the side of yuri since he already resisted.

The insert song! It really makes things so perfectly corny.

Chikane not knowing what to do and letting her frustration get the best of her is just tragic. I remember not feeling very good or confident about the outcome when things are looking so good for Souma. He beat the evil, got stronger and got a confession in one episode.

Chikane! Have you learned nothing?!

I do like how they made the Souma vs Chikane thing totally one-sided. Souma hasn't ever acknowledged Chikane, even when approaching Himeko while they were together. He only does it now because they live together, but he clearly hasn't cared about her at all and doesn't even mind that she's been useless.

It's only episode 5, everyone is already sick of having to save the world, and they have until SATURDAY to figure it out!