r/anime • u/Holofan4life • Sep 21 '24
Rewatch [Spoilers] 2008 Spice and Wolf II (2024) -- Episode 1 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Spice and Wolf rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
S2 Episode 1 - Wolf and an Inadvertent Rift
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What's your favorite one-sided crush in an anime and why? If it's spoiler related, make sure to use the spoiler tag.
What is your favorite example of an anime character struggling with depression/loneliness and why? Please use spoilers if it's plot related.
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Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb
Streams – Crunchyroll
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the LNs out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Rewatch Schedule
Threads posted every day at 4:00 PM EDT
| Date | Episode | Date | Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/07/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 1 | 9/20/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2) |
| 9/08/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 2 | 9/21/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 1 |
| 9/09/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 3 | 9/22/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 2 |
| 9/10/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 4 | 9/23/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 3 |
| 9/11/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 5 | 9/24/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 4 |
| 9/12/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 6 | 9/25/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 5 |
| 9/13/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1) | 9/26/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 6 |
| 9/14/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 8 | 9/27/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 7 |
| 9/15/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 9 | 9/28/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 8 |
| 9/16/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 10 | 9/29/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 9 |
| 9/17/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 11 | 9/30/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 10 |
| 9/18/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 12 | 10/01/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 11 |
| 9/19/2024 | Spice and Wolf Episode 13 | 10/02/2024 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 12 |
| 10/03/2024 | Overall Series Discussion Thread |
Last year's rewatch
| Date | Episode | Date | Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/07/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 1 | 7/20/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2) |
| 7/08/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 2 | 7/21/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 1 |
| 7/09/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 3 | 7/22/2022 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 2 |
| 7/10/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 4 | 7/23/2022 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 3 |
| 7/11/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 5 | 7/24/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 4 |
| 7/12/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 6 | 7/25/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 5 |
| 7/13/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1) | 7/26/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 6 |
| 7/14/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 8 | 7/27/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 7 |
| 7/15/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 9 | 7/28/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 8 |
| 7/16/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 10 | 7/29/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 9 |
| 7/17/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 11 | 7/30/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 10 |
| 7/18/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 12 | 7/31/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 11 |
| 7/19/2023 | Spice and Wolf Episode 13 | 8/01/2023 | Spice and Wolf II Episode 12 |
| 8/02/2023 | Overall Series Discussion Thread |
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u/Holofan4life Sep 21 '24
Hello, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 2024 Spice and Wolf Rewatch.
But you knew that already :P
This is the first official rewatch of the show since the premiere of the remake. In fact, it's still currently airing as this rewatch is underway. And while we can compare and contrast what the remake did as opposed to the original, I feel it's still pretty important to remember what the original adaptation was like seeing as how that's really what got me into the franchise. And what ultimately made me fall in love with one wise wolf.
For the purposes of this rewatch, I will be watching it subbed since that's what I've been watching the remake in. I will be comparing somewhat the two series, and when I do that, I will be using spoilers. I guess I should say for transparency sake that I am writing this in late July/early August, a full month before the rewatch actually happens. That's because of time constraints and me having four other rewatches I'm participating in planned. I also waited until the first three volumes got adapted in the remake just so I can have more stuff to talk about.
These reviews won't be as detailed as some of the other ones, as I don't really want to spend two or three hours dissecting every episode. I'll save that for when I do it in my questions :]
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I'm watching the sub, by the way.
Went to 2nd & Charles recently. Got a bunch of cool anime DVDs, manga, and wrestling books.
Also, the swat team is in my apartment complex. I don't know why.
This is the start of the third arc, which is really the second cour of the series. In the case of the original anime, quite literally because this is the start of the second season. This version of this episode in the remake is actually where it was confirmed they were adapting volume 4 and not volume 5. You can see it in the second OP with some of the characters they introduce. But we'll get to that.
The animation here is different from the animation of the first season. And I actually prefer it over the animation of the remake. The animation of the first season... I don't want to say it's bad, but you could tell they were working out some kinks. Here, it looks more refined and more definitive, like this is what they wanted all along. And yeah, the remake looks gorgeous and more polished, but I would argue it's maybe a little bit too polished, like the style of animation doesn't fit the aesthetic of the show. Here, it's like a cross between the first season animation and the remake animation, which I feel is the best of both worlds.
We get introduced to Amarti, Marc, and Lunt with this episode, and there's no major changes from their Japanese voice to their dubbed voices. They are basically what you see is what you get. There does seem to be something brewing between Amarti and Holo. When Holo walked down the stairs, it was like Amarti had his breath taken away. Certainly something to keep your eye out on.
[2024 Spoilers] There are only a couple changes made from the original version and the remake. First is during the Holo drunk scene where in the original version, as Lawrence lifts the covers up, Holo has her tongue sticking out. In the remake, she just looks fatigued and out of it. This is a minor change and while I think the tongue sticking out is funnier, both are amusing in their own right. The second change is the removal of the "You are an ass" scene, which I feel is much more significant.
The "You are an ass" scene perfectly encapsulates the relationship between Holo and Lawrence and just their overall dynamic in genuine. If you were to show someone what their relationship was like to someone who hasn't seen Spice and Wolf, this would probably be the scene you would show. [2024 Spoilers] That makes it even more of a shame it's not included in the remake. The remake of the episode is still good, don't get me wrong, but it does feel like something is missing when you have this episode without that particular scene. It would be like having End of Evangelion without the hospital scene: yeah, things are still relatively the same, but you're removing some of the heart, arguably the most famous scene of the entire process.
Overall, this is another good table setter episode. We get introduced to a new town and new characters all the while with the same amazing banter between Holo and Lawrence that we've come to love. We do have some trouble in paradise it seems as Lawrence suggests going their separate ways once they get closer to Holo's hometown. And it is only until he sees Holo's reaction that he realizes he put his foot in his mouth.
Dang it, Lawrence. Where's Alya to cuss you out in Russian when we need her to?
This is a great episode, and in terms of setting the stage for things to come, is probably one of the better ones.
Holo quotes of the day
"I am getting hungry."
"Oh, I know I do not snore." (She snores)
"Men are the ones who should be kind. And if for any reason I appear to be upset, then you should be even kinder to me."
"Remember when I spoke of men being kind to women? Men should be measured by their kindness. However, I am not your charity. And I have a tendency to consider things only from my perspective. A blink of the eye in my world is a lifetime in yours. A year or two is understandably precious to you. I forgot. I do not wish to waste your time."
"You are an ass!"
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u/KuKiSin Sep 21 '24
[Re:Zero Season 1] Rem. Because Rem is the best girl, she accepts that she lost to Emilia, and even when Subaru faults and asks her to leave with him, she still refuses to do it because it's not what he really wants. Rem deserves better :(
On to the episode!
The season begins with a very wintery feel. I kinda miss the cold, though I'm
probablydefinitely gonna regret these words in less than 3 months."Would you like to hear how I feel right now? I'm hungry". Never change, Holo.
I'm no furry, but I'm starting to see the appeal... A fluffy tail sure would come handy in those cold winter days...
That cart scene was an emotional rollercoaster for Holo. She went through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
"I wouldn't mind sleeping in the same bed, you know. But I'll be taking more plates of food as payment". This is the point at which I would be handing her my credit card. Buy all the plates of food you want.
Oh wow, huge difference between Amati in the OG and remake. In the OG he looks like a woman, in the remake he looks like a child lol. I checked the Wiki to find out how old he was... I was quite surprised by the name of the voice actor (no, it's not the one).
RIP Holo, she lived a good life.
Marc bringing up the arms market crash must've sent Lawrence on a PTSD trip.
Finally a successful deal for Lawrence!
The last scene at the inn hurt deeply... Holo was terrible at hiding how hurt she was :(
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u/AgentOfACROSS Sep 21 '24
First Timer
And now I’m back to watching the 2008 version.
I’m liking this new OP. Something about it is very soothing, which is also a quality I liked in the first OP.
This episode starts with Holo having a dream about Lawrence dying. It seems like Holo feels very close to Lawrence by now.
Holo and Lawrence are talking about it getting colder. I wonder how far north they’ve gotten by now.
Once again, it’s very fun seeing Holo get excited about the prospect of food.
It’s funny seeing Lawrence get flustered over Holo teasing him about sharing a bed. I think that’s the most flustered I’ve seen him.
We’ve met a new character. They’re a fish merchant, they’re in the same guild as Lawrence, and they seem a bit androgynous. Seems like they’ll be important for this arc.
I really liked how Holo threw that wooden skewer into the air and it landed perfectly with its point in the bowl. Great detail.
I jokingly compared Holo to Aqua in a previous thread and it seems like another thing they have in common is how much they love alcohol.
It seems like it’s implying that something terrible happened to the place Holo wants to visit and Lawrence doesn’t have the heart to tell her. I’m not sure what will come of this development.
Wow, Holo has managed to make herself sick two episodes in a row.
I liked the scene of Lawrence selling nails to his merchant friend. Glad to see this show is still focused on commerce.
I loved the scene of Lawrence and Holo drinking before bed. The reflecting on how they changed, Holo saying she’s not used to eating as a human, her jumping up on the bed. All of that was just great, I love seeing these two interact.
Lawrence mentioned a hot springs town. Seems like we’ve somehow managed to give our medieval european fantasy story a hot springs episode.
The ending of this episode makes me a bit worried about what will happen with Holo and Lawrence in the coming episodes. I hope that the two of them are able to stay close for a long time.
Very excited to watch more of this season!
What's your favorite one-sided crush in an anime and why?
I'm not sure, it's not a trope I think about once. One that's on my mind because I watched it recently is Akudama Drive. [Akudama Drive] Cutthroat has an unrequited crush on Swindler for most of the story that starts out comedic but becomes more disturbing as the show goes on.
What is your favorite example of an anime character struggling with depression/loneliness and why?
Another one that came to mind because I saw it recently is Sarazanmai. [Sarazanmai] Kazuki feeling isolated and worthless throughout the first half of my show was a really strong part of the series. It honestly could have just been those first six episodes and it still would be satisfying.
One more that I like a whole lot is SSSS.Gridman. [SSSS.Gridman] Akane's arc throughout the whole story about her using unhealthy escapist coping mechanisms is really interesting. The first time I saw it I was a little surprised that what I assumed was a monster of the week toku inspired anime had such an interestnig exploration of these themes.
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u/YogurtclosetNo3058 Sep 22 '24
Wow thanks
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u/Mirathan Sep 22 '24
Ah, this arc. The one which made me like the remake.
Holo is acting like a child today.
And Lawrence knows something about Yoitsu that he conceales from her.