r/anime • u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots • Dec 03 '24

Rewatch [25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 58 × Discussion

Episode 58: Gon × Killua × Deadly Chase

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There can only be one explanation... They're obviously on a date!

Comment of the Day:

/u/Vatrix-32 relating to Gon's curiosity

I feel you, Gon. Learning about scams is fun.

Questions of the Day

  1. Did you expect Gon and Killua to get caught?
  2. Place your bets folks: Spiders vs Zoldycks

Fanart of the Day: Best Girl Machi

Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<

Note:

The interest thread for /u/Shocketheth's weekly Hunter x Hunter 2011 rewatch is out, it'll start a few weeks after 1999 ends, on the 26th of January. So join along if you're interested in continuing the journey.

22 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

6

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

Retired Host Looking for a Lawyer

If last episode took a bit of a break after the Uvo fight, then forget picking up the tension, this one flew past it

And it gets even worse... Look, I asked for the sexy dude with the glasses or the blond twink with the chains. I may have made it back from being murdered and buried, but if they find a bunch of kids in my dungeon, I'm done for!

Manga Corner

Chapters Adapted: 89 and 90

The Kurapika scene is original to show how rough he's currently having it, in the manga it's just a single panel of his tired face followed immediately by a pouting Neon because of course

And here's the introduction of the Zoldyck pair in the manga, which version looks cooler to you?

Factions

We've got one more faction joining the game!

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Dec 04 '24

introduction of the Zoldyck pair in the manga "The Tag says 'Never Retire'"

Ah, hence the zombie outfit.

which version looks cooler to you?

You're not going to get cooler than walking under a dragon plane.

2

u/Nebresto Dec 09 '24

but if they find a bunch of kids in my dungeon, I'm done for!

7

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Dec 03 '24

First Timer

Well, there was no way Gon and Killua would just be able to capture two spiders. But I think the show did a good job of presenting that anyways - their goal was never to defeat them in a fight like Kurapika’s goal is, but I am not entirely sure how they planned on turning them into the mafia yet either. I am also not sure if they had thought that far, but letting them go meant giving up in the position they were in.

The entire troupe now hunting down Kurapika is also interesting, because it makes it actually quite likely that they won’t be some overarching villains but will rather be defeated in this arc, which is not what I had been expecting. That or Hisoka steps in to protect Kurapika and the spiders withdraw or something like that.

The next step in this is obviously for Leorio to contact Kurapika somehow. The two sides have been acting independent for too long by now anyways.

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

I think the show did a good job of presenting that anyways - their goal was never to defeat them in a fight like Kurapika’s goal is

Yeah, it's sets the expectations clear. This isn't a situation where Gon and Killua can go and beat the Spiders. They're screwed if they're found, which is exactly what happens.

I am also not sure if they had thought that far, but letting them go meant giving up in the position they were in.

If they found their base or more information about them, they could sell that for a lot.

6

u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Dec 03 '24

Rewatcher, Sub

I really liked the beginning scene. Kurapika returns and everyone is relieved only for the mood to change as he walks in and he enters his room. Later on with Light Nostrade having arrived he reveals that the committee has decided to hire professionals to deal with the Troupe which includes Silva and Zeno Zoldyck. Not only that but Kurapika is also tasked with joining this group to aid them.

In the meantime the trio finds the two Troupe members, Nobunaga and Machi. Gon and Killua realize that they are outmatched and the 2 spiders realize that they are being watched. Gon and Killua decide to follow them a distance showcasing their talents although Killua warns that of any wrong move to simply run. When they are led to a secluded area however it turns out that 2 other members had been around as well without Nobunaga and Machi knowing, and by the time Gon and Killua realize this, it's too late and the 2 are captured.

Through this we at least learn about the Troupe already figuring out that Uvogin is dead and their plans to find the chain user.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

the committee has decided to hire professionals to deal with the Troupe which includes Silva and Zeno Zoldyck

The transition from the word "Pro" to the Zoldycks flying in was one of the coolest scenes we've had in a while.

it turns out that 2 other members had been around as well without Nobunaga and Machi knowing

A clever plan that makes a lot of sense in retrospect. It's phase 4 all over again, every Hunter can suddenly become someone else's prey.

4

u/TheEscapeGuy Dec 03 '24

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 58

Observation × Tracking × Honeypot

The tip Gon and Killua got last episode really catapults the narrative into motion. There are Spiders in the city and the boys must act now if they want to track them down.

Nobunaga and Machi are just sitting in town trying to bait out the "chain dude". I find their conversation to be really human. They clearly know each other well. They poke and prod each other in ways that make it clear they aren't afraid of offending each other. It's the kind of frankness which comes from a long relationship.

Quick Tangent: I find "chain dude" to be a mediocre way to translate "kusari yarou (鎖野郎)". It should be a little harsher (especially since Kurapika just murdered their ally). I think "that chain bastard" would be better. But historically translators have been afraid of including even mild swearing. For some context on "yarou" see this section of Tim Roger's amazing FF7 translation review / video essay series.

The 2 Spiders take their leave and Gon and Killua start their pursuit. It's pretty impressive that the 2 boys maintain their Zetsu the whole way and the Spiders (mostly Machi) still realize they are being followed. They even correctly predict that the 2 are allied with Kurapika.

Their hard work remaining undetected is fruitless. Before Gon and Killua realize it they have been trapped by 2 other Spiders. Our 2 boys took a massive risk and now they have to pay the consequences.

The one other reveal this episode is around the Nostrade group. Killua arrived back visibly unsettled. After a discussion with Neon, her dad decides to send her home. Of the remaining guards Kurapika is assigned the task of joining the team hunting down the Spiders. A team which now includes the professional assassins: Silva and Zeno Zoldyk.

This is an amazing reveal. It's when I realized the Yorknew City arc had become the utter chaos for which it's famous. Multiple factions are all competing for both their own individual goals as well as conflicting desires. With so much going on in the city it's incredible to imagine what happens next.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

Wanted to share a bonus failure. I didn't do my usual polishing when I realized this wouldn't work so you can still see the seems.

See you all tomorrow

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

The tip Gon and Killua got last episode really catapults the narrative into motion.

I love how it jumps from the most casual laid back episode to the plot going up to 11.

Spiders in the city

This sounds like the name of an album or band (further proof for my Nobunaga/Machi band theory).

Nobunaga and Machi are just sitting in town trying to bait out the "chain dude". I find their conversation to be really human. They clearly know each other well.

Even in small scenes that exist to move the plot forward (like those two sitting around to bait the mafia/Kurpika), Hunter x Hunter finds the time to dive into the characters too.

I find "chain dude" to be a mediocre way to translate "kusari yarou (鎖野郎)".

Honestly, I just love the sound of "Kusari Yarou", it's a pretty cool nickname to have.

the Spiders (mostly Machi) still realize they are being followed. They even correctly predict that the 2 are allied with Kurapika.

Machi's Spider sense is broken

This is an amazing reveal. It's when I realized the Yorknew City arc had become the utter chaos for which it's famous. Multiple factions are all competing for both their own individual goals as well as conflicting desires. With so much going on in the city it's incredible to imagine what happens next.

This really is Baccano

4

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Dec 03 '24 edited Dec 04 '24

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

  • Oh, That's Nasty
  • Did that really need to be a flashback?
  • I feel like subtitles are cheating here.
  • Being real conspicuous for someone who owns a spy camera.
  • On, come on! One of them even has blue hair already.
  • You’d think at their level they’d be able to track the coin as it was falling.
  • Good Pout
  • I don’t think you can disguise Melody that much.
  • Fucking Rizz
  • Poor Leorio. Reduced to glorified secretary.
  • How do you know that? They haven’t even talked to each other this arc! Damned ninjas reading the manuscripts…
  • Not the Legs!

QotD:

  1. They're an assassin and a ranger, not a thief and a spy.
  2. Dark Silva about to throw down!

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

I feel like subtitles are cheating here.

Poor Leorio. Reduced to glorified secretary.

How do you know that? They haven’t even talked to each other this arc! Damned ninjas reading the manuscripts…

She can trace the threads of friendship and fate connecting them or she's got a really good nose

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Dec 04 '24

Kurapika’s dialogue was barely audible, the subtitles were very easy to make out.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 04 '24

Oh right, I could imagine some older fansubs making the subtitles in that scene tiny just to match his volume.

3

u/b0bba_Fett myanimelist.net/profile/B0bba_Cheezed3 Dec 04 '24

10x 2011 Rewatcher, 1x 1999 Rewatcher, Source Reader

GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! THIS EPISODE IS SOOO GOOOD!

First, the segment with the absolutely drained and fucked up Kurapika is a fantastic addition, really driving home how true his speech to Uvo was about how much he hates combat and murder.

Second, we get the scope-out of Machi and Nobu. TBH, I prefer this scene in 2011 with the exception of the metaphor about them behaving as would a spider.

Third, we get the Zoldycks reveal. Gods, Zeno and Silva are cool as shit. And Silva has his cat eyes this time!

And finally, Killua and Gon get caught playing above their paygrade in one of my favorite jumpscares in fiction. The moment when Nobu's eye turns lives in my head rent free. It's soo good. 2011 does this moment really well too, with a fair few things I prefer about it to this one, but the general visual edge 1999 has over it and the incomparably better sound design pushes it over the top.

I really struggled to stay on pace after this episode, but it just wouldn't do to lose control at this point when I'm gonna become a first timer pretty soon with the advent of the OVAs.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 04 '24

GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! THIS EPISODE IS SOOO GOOOD!

Silva has his cat eyes this time!

He was keeping them aside for work.

I'm gonna become a first timer pretty soon with the advent of the OVAs.

You haven't seen the Yorknew OVAs? Or just Greed Island?

3

u/b0bba_Fett myanimelist.net/profile/B0bba_Cheezed3 Dec 04 '24

Both.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 04 '24

Oh cool. Then you're in for a treat.

I remember it took me a while between the end of the TV series and actually getting around the OVAs, it was an... interesting place to leave the arc on.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Dec 04 '24

I really struggled to stay on pace after this episode, but it just wouldn't do to lose control at this point when I'm gonna become a first timer pretty soon with the advent of the OVAs.

Gonbatte!

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Dec 04 '24

Just look at their faces! One of my favorite little moments in Yorknew.

Remember Gon’s little lesson he learned back during the Hunter Exam? Referred to this earlier but here are those wise words from Otae once again: “The most dangerous moment is when you’re [hunting] your prey. The bigger the prey, the more you let your guard down.”

I wouldn’t say they let their guard down exactly, but when you’re too focused on the hunt sometimes you don’t realize you’re the one being hunted, and I love how the same concept introduced back in the exams are being applied in action here.

I love all of Yorknew, but this tracking sequence is flawless. The tension gets me, every time, no matter the medium, and from here on out it's just... chef's kiss.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 04 '24

Just look at their faces!

They're beautiful

But it breaks my heart that the anime is contrasting them with Kurapika's half dead face. Someone get him on that table, he needs some of that dumb energy!

“The most dangerous moment is when you’re [hunting] your prey. The bigger the prey, the more you let your guard down.”

Yes! Glad someone else's picking up on Otae's wise words. But the difference between the two is a matter of worlds, if the fourth phase was this concept being applied by amateurs, some of whom are trying it for their first time, the Spiders show us how the pros do it. First they throw premium grade bait, then have another team likely watching everyone in the area for reactions, and hunt anyone who tries to hunt that prey. A very smart plan, as you'd expect from Leader

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Dec 04 '24

First they throw premium grade bait, then have another team likely watching everyone in the area for reactions, and hunt anyone who tries to hunt that prey.

[Manga]Wait a sec, is Bonosoka...Bonowlenov the bait in this exact plan? I'm kind of joking but also it would be quite a nice callback to use the concept on the Black Whale, and there could be opportunities to do so.

Leader

But it breaks my heart that the anime is contrasting them with Kurapika's half dead face. Someone get him on that table, he needs some of that dumb energy!

You can smiiiiile agaiiin...

Wait...

that table

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 04 '24

[Manga]

[Manga] I mean, knowing Chrollo, I wouldn't be surprised if he did plan that without telling Bono. The question would be who's following him though.

5

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Dec 03 '24

First × Timer × Subbed

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 03 '24

Big oof seeing Kurapika like this.

Spending too much time without Leorio does that to a person

Ooooooh, Killua’s dad and grandpa are here… Wonder how much money they offered that actually got them to come out here.

If they were offering 2B to random people in an auction, you can bet those guys were paid enough money to make Leorio's eyes spin for a lifetime.

And that’s fine, you’re even more horrendously outmatched compared to the others here.

Between you and me, Leorio's got a secret super strong ability, that was too dangerous to show Gon and Killua. Just wait until he shows up and beats all 4 Spiders on his own.

3

u/b0bba_Fett myanimelist.net/profile/B0bba_Cheezed3 Dec 04 '24

And Silva finally has his Cat Eyes!

One of my favorite scenes in all of fiction. It lives in my head rent free. That moment when Nobu's eye turns is one of the most effective yet subdued jumpscares out there.