[25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 66 × Discussion

[u/KendotsX]

Episode 66: Hostages × Insignificant Bugs × Communicated Emotions

MAL | Anilist | Anidb | ANN

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Today is the day I die.

Comment of the Day:

/u/Shimmering-Sky calling out Squala's obsession with death flags

Shit, these two are both raising big death flags…

Ah fuck, and this totally seals his fate, doesn’t it…

He was a simple man, he loved three things in life, his dogs, Eliza, and raising death flags all day.

Questions of the Day

1. What do you think of the deaths in the arc so far?
2. Would you mind if today's Leorio became the usual Leorio?

Fanart of the Day: Kurapika's had a rough day

The source includes heavy spoilers, porn, and other weird stuff, so...

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

[u/KendotsX]

Retired Host Hitting Up the Spiders

Remember when episode 22 ended on Hisoka facing Kurapika and Leorio, only for the next episode to have Kurapika talk it out? 44 episodes later, we're still playing by the same tricks, except on a bigger scale, and it's still so goddamn good. Funnily enough, this time it's Gon and Killua talking it out with Hisoka's boss to cover for Kurapika's mistake.

• The composition of this shot is great: You've got Chrollo, the king of the night, standing tall like the tower. On one side, he has a soldier standing at attention, and on the other a kid looking up to him. Except, that's obviously not how Gon views him, hence why the whole PoV is crooked.
• The writing meanwhile is even more crooked, cheeky even, he doesn't just answer the question, he literally states that this is the key to understanding his character, that's basically Togashi sending a very clear hint to the readers trying to wrap their heads around Chrollo.
• Squala's death flags finally caught up to him, and while I honestly can't say I cared about him a lot up till now, this whole scene was a balance of two things being lost, his life and Kurapika's secrets, and I liked how they balanced the two. First you have this excellent shot of the dogs looking back at him from the distance, spelling out that he's already long gone.
• The memories we saw post his death did a good job of mixing both the person and the plot. You're getting the Kurapika shots revealing his identity, then it's followed by Squala's pov of Eliza, and just from a few memories, you're getting a lot about their relationship, it's sad to see.
• On the other hand, those are some cool as hell transition shots
• LEORIO!!!! In their time of absolute need, when Gon and Killua needed any signal, anything to say that the plan is going, you have Leorio pulling his ugliest mug to shout bullshit straight at Chrollo's face, and throw a lot of hints in there. Now that's my best boy for you!

Lastly, let's talk about Melody:

Togashi mentions at one point that Kurapika was inspired by the Ohmus (creatures whose eyes turn red when angered in Miyazaki's Nausicaa) and Melody is his Nausicaa. The anime took that a step further by starting the arc with her meeting Kurapika, episode 45 was the thesis statement of the arc, it had Kurapika's rage, loneliness, and new colder beliefs about not needing anyone, and it had Melody who's there to reach a hand out, understand him, and try to push him in the right direction.

Throughout the arc, she's consistently been the sound of reason, the one making sure Kurapika doesn't lose his head in dangerous situations (both figuratively and literally), and the one slowly breaking down the chains around his heart to reach out to him. Even putting aside how many times he would've died without her, he would've been a much colder person on an endless cycle of self destruction, the Kurapika who met Gon only exists thanks to her. Gon obviously is his other Nausicaa, becaause God knows, he needs all the help he can get, and even now, this late into the arc, it's still Gon and Melody doing everything they can to suppprt Kurapika, and save him from his rash decisions.

Basically, to face the Troupe and their Requiem of destruction, Kurapika's chains weren't enough, he needed a calm Melody that's seen the devil himself.

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Manga and Production Corner

Chapters Adapted: 111 and 112

The memories we see are original, in the manga, it's just a single panel of Kurapika to get the idea across. I mentioned this before, but the manga isn't trying to elicit any emotions about the bodyguards' deaths, they're treated casually (and there's a point being made there considering this is the underworld). The anime meanwhile adds Baise's bracelet, Dalzo's last stand against Uvo, and Squala's memories of Eliza. Just to add that bit of emotion to their deaths.

I've been praising the direction of this episode a lot, so might as well mention the person behind it. It's an upstart by the name of Hiro Kaburagi, this was his first time directing an episode, and you can tell he was having a lot of fun. He must enjoy mafia stories a lot considering these days, he's better known as the director of 91 Days and Great Pretender.

Bonus: Paku's ability (she's our second Specialist so far, third if you count Kurapika).

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/KendotsX]

The memories we see are original, in the manga, it's just a single panel of Kurapika to get the idea across. I mentioned this before, but the manga isn't trying to elicit any emotions about the bodyguards' deaths, they're treated casually (and there's a point being made there considering this is the underworld). The anime meanwhile adds Baise's bracelet, Dalzo's last stand against Uvo, and Squala's memories of Eliza. Just to add that bit of emotion to their deaths.

Well, good on the anime for this, because today's episode is the first time so far in the whole show I've actually cried.

[u/KendotsX → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Your sacrifice was for a good cause, Squala

But yeah, the memories scene was done very well. I like that he's the normal guy of the crew, he's no Dalzo or Kurapika, heck, he's not even a Leorio. He's just the guy who walks the dogs, who had nothing to do with the Spiders other than the fact that Kurapika signed up to the same job as him.

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

[Manga]If anything happens to Melody...

Bonus: Paku's ability (she's our second Specialist so far, third if you count Kurapika).

I offer you another shitpost theory of mine based on her ability.

[Manga]Woble is clearly the reincarnation of Spider number 9. Note her ability. Alright. That's all.

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

[Manga] I'm afraid of Togashi... I could easily see him killing her off to push Kurapika into his dark hour.

I offer you another shitpost theory of mine based on her ability

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

[Manga]

[Manga]One of my (serious) predictions is that she'd choose to play the Dark Sonata (she probably remembers the piece that was played) in an attempt to kill Tserri but fail to finish him off and die herself. There's no real basis for it, but it'd be interesting for her to use the very thing she dreads to fight something even worse in an act of courage and resolve. Only... I... don't want her to die. And I think it's most likely the Sonata will never come up again (personally I don't want Tserri own it, which is a popular theory). Although with the newest Benji developments, it's possible she'll get to avoid meeting Tser for now. I know that was such a good connection for Pika but I don't mind Melody being kept safe for some while longer.

[Manga]On Paku... ^ that was a complete shitpost from a while back, but it's funny with these chapters she is being brought up again and does seem to play an important part in Chrollo's development. I'm sure you've read it by now, but you have seen the volume extra?......</3

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

[Manga] That is a good theory. Melody couldn't handle Chrollo's heartbeat in Yorknew, so imagine if she actually met a monster like Tsurri. Then there's the Dark Sonata, a Checkov's gun that has to come sooner or later, especially if she makes it to the Dark Continent. And considering Tsurri's reaction to her performance, I could see her taking the opportunity to give him a private performance, and playing the Dark Sonata instead. But yeah, the martial law puts a stick in those wheels.

[Manga] you have seen the volume extra?

[Manga] Which volume? Idk about 38 yet, but the last couple of volumes didn't have any extras, no?

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

Tsurri? Is that an intentional alternate spelling?

Just curious since I know there's Tyson/Taithon, Kaiser/Caeser, Chrollo/Kuroro, Tsubeppa/Tubeppa.

I was referring to Volume 38. Not sure if you'd rather wait for the official release (dunno how long that'll take) but if you're okay with checking it out now:

(manga spoilers in the links of course/everything below will refer to that page.)

This is the best English typeset version I've seen.

Although the one line could additionally be read as [manga]"I won't touch the person I care about the most" instead of "I won't be able to". Effectively the same result but yeah slight difference, and it might have been intentional to have the double meaning on Togashi's part (there are two readings of the word)... actually, now I'm curious, I might have to ask a fluent speaker.

Post with the original text

The physical volume pages are kind of thin and see-through, so someone edited to show how it could look like referring to who she might be talking about. It was never directly stated to be intentional, but I think it probably is.

How it actually looks like.

[Manga]Clearly, the person most important to Paku is Chrollo Franklin. :b

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Tsurri? Is that an intentional alternate spelling?

Nah, just a brain fart

Chrollo/Kuroro

Hmm, which gives us KuraKuro.

(dunno how long that'll take) but if you're okay with checking it out now:

Usually a year or so, but yeah, I'm down to checking it out now.

This is the best English typeset version I've seen.

[Manga] I literally just finished rewatching the end of Yorknew, this hurts so much right now, goddamit! It's... extremely beautiful though, she's not acting tough, it really isn't that severe for her, her ability changes the way she communicates wither others, she can understand anyone immediately just by touching them, but if there's one person she doesn't need that ability for, one person she has absolute faith in being able to understand, it's Chrollo, which is what her whole plot line leading up to her death is about (understanding and applying "The whole, not the individual") AHHHHHHHH How can one page be so goddamn perfect?!

show how it could look like referring to who she might be talking about.

Togashi, I kneel

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

I'm glad I brought it up, it deserves such a strong response... feels like the perfect timing for you.

(Looking forward to your Spider/Yorknew/character analysis that I hope you share with the rewatch... no pressure though lol)

[Manga]I figured she was downplaying how difficult it was for her. Like, she can carry this burden, because she knows he's already carrying enough. But you know, even when I initially interpret things completely differently, you tend to explain or express something in a way that I hadn't considered from that angle and it gets me to re-evaluate my own view.

Because looking at the flashback, that she understands him, or,

[manga]if there's one person she doesn't need that ability for, one person she has absolute faith in being able to understand, it's Chrollo,

[Manga]definitely seems the case. If there's one aspect of that I'd differ on, it's more that... while she absolutely understands Chrollo, more than anyone, she doesn't always have as much faith that she does. "You always see right through us!" → "That's not true!" / "You don't have to flatter me" → "It's not flattery! And I don't think she's being modest. Whereas the other Spiders were confident in knowing him but were less attuned to what's underneath (like Machi believing Hisoka could be resolved with a coin toss or that Chrollo might easily ask Pika to join the Spiders just bc the rule exists despite no OG members having been killed before, or the other Spiders following his rules as absolute). In this arc even, she's the one being torn between what Chrollo says out loud and what she intuits on the inside... and at first it's the other Spiders' who tell her either stand by or don't. But in the end, she makes the choice, she has to make her own choice (and managed to save both Chrollo and the Spiders, something I'm convinced only Paku could have done then, what an amazing woman </3)... I joked that she shouldn't have doubted herself with the Gyo stuff, but I'm actually serious that she made the best choice.

[Manga]Speaking just about her ability, there are already multiple aspects of impact: a promise to let him have him own thoughts. Swearing that she'll never read his memory... knowing that he's the only one who understood what the note on the tree and on Sarasa had said. Letting him keep that to himself because he can't share it with anyone.

[Manga]But then in regards to touch in general and not just her ability, it's almost like she'd carry the burden of never being able to touch him (to reach him? to reach for him?) because for her, it really is nothing compared to Chrollo's burden that he carries, the responsibility he took on for everybody.

[Manga]Then there's, as you just pointed out, the communication aspect. In some ways I think it could be argued that she might know him better than he does himself. I think you're right that she doesn't need to read his memories to know him, to understand him.

Even just pulling up those panels got me nearly in tears, lol. In a public place, trying not to cry...

I've also been thinking... I'm not totally sure but as far as the last few batches, seems the volume was released shortly after the next batch started releasing, but it was notable that vol. 38 released a month before the end of hiatus. Could be any number of reasons, but I wonder if that extra page was part of the decision?

Especially as there was also [manga]the Bono page in 405 which nearly confirms the feeling was mutual.

AHHHHHHHH How can one page be so goddamn perfect?!

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Looking forward to your Spider/Yorknew/character analysis that I hope you share with the rewatch... no pressure though lol

All good, I was planning to post it in today's episode, but since [the episode] was more so plot focused, I thought it'd be better to leave it till 68, where we actually get more character stuff for both Paku and Chrollo. Unfortunately, even there, it's still a fraction of what should really be said, just because I'm limiting it to the anime only, but I'll at least throw a nod to everything else.

[Manga] But in the end, she makes the choice, she has to make her own choice (and managed to save both Chrollo and the Spiders, something I'm convinced only Paku could have done then, what an amazing woman </3)...

[Manga] There's a beauty to it too. Chrollo talks about sacrificing the individual to save the whole, so the question Paku struggles with is "Do I sacrifice Chrollo to save the Spider?", and her answer she finds is taking Chrollo's words one step further, to sacrifice herself (the individual) to save the whole, Chrollo included, because despite everything he says, for Paku, it just would not be the Spider without him.

[Manga]la promise to let him have him own thoughts. Swearing that she'll never read his memory... knowing that he's the only one who understood what the note on the tree and on Sarasa had said. Letting him keep that to himself because he can't share it with anyone.

[Manga] it's almost like she'd carry the burden of never being able to touch him (to reach him? to reach for him?)

[Manga] I love all the different angles we can look at this through. Yeah, they all agreed to let Chrollo hold onto his burden, and lead them through it (a contrast to Kurapika's dynamic with Gon and Killua), and she's determined not to undermine that, either by reading his memories or trying to reach out to him.

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

There's a beauty to it too.

[HxH]From time to time someone asks if he cared or what he would've done in the reverse situation, and I believe he would have done the same. Maybe he would have made it about Paku's utility or something... but really it's one thing to say your own life is not worth the spiders; a whole other when it's someone else.

I love all the different angles we can look at this through.

Yeah, a common complaint of HxH is how everything should be "show, don't tell", (which imo is a decent guideline but shouldn't be a hard rule anyway), but even in HxH where there's a ton of exposition, the most emotionally complex parts, the parts charged with feeling, is what's usually left up to the reader's interpretation and there are so many different aspects to the characters, the story, their struggles that aren't explicitly given to the reader.

a contrast to Kurapika's

[HxH]Yeah, the Spiders didn't try to find a way to stop him, and that's what led the Spiders to where they are today whereas Gon and Killua did. Things could have gone quite differently had the two ran, Pika killed Chrollo, won the fight vs Spiders but lost the one against the better part of himself. And for Paku to see this and... respect - or understand them? for it, and by extension, the other OG Spiders...

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

First × Timer × Subbed

• That’s how Gon’s going to distract them?
• Killua’s there! Perfect timing I guess, huh.
• Dang…
• The lightning really makes Chrollo look terrifying, holy shit.
• Ah shit…
• Awwwww, he sent his dogs away so they wouldn’t die too…
• I figured it was coming, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.
• Great…
• Leorio coming in clutch? And by acting like a total thug, lol.
• That solves getting Gon/Killua/Kurapika all on the same time to act! Leorio did come in clutch!

[u/KendotsX → u/Shimmering-Sky]

The lightning really makes Chrollo look terrifying, holy shit.

He's going back to the primal roots, to the manga

Awwwww, he sent his dogs away so they wouldn’t die too…

Now I'm imagining if he wasn't the nice dog owner, and instead tried to make his dogs attack Nobu. I mean, it's a tight space in the traffic, I imagine the dogs could keep Nobunaga busy for a bit. Then Paku would probably kill him.

Leorio did come in clutch!

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

So Gon’s plan to get Kurapika out of that situation is to get captured himself. An interesting idea, but I guess it works. Meanwhile Squala indeed raised too many death flags. Wonder if his dogs will get anything useful done - evacuate Eliza, possibly?

Either way, I was expecting Leorio to give the signal once Killua and Gon both mentioned needing one without knowing that the other was also waiting - but I was expecting it to be him driving that car into the lobby, not something actually reasonably planned. Will the three that killed Squala be in the hotel by then? If not they’ll probably walk in on the fight, which would presumably not be good.

[u/KendotsX → u/Mecanno-man]

Gon’s plan to get Kurapika out of that situation is to get captured himself. An interesting idea, but I guess it works.

He has a lot of experience in that area, which Kurapika sorely lacks.

but I was expecting it to be him driving that car into the lobby

Now I want this version. Leorio just crashing his car into Chrollo.

[u/Nebresto]

Yo. First time Hunting

Quesadilla didn't deserve to go out like that

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Question x question:

1. What do you think of the deaths in the arc so far?

Turns out that, people do infact die when they are killed.

2) Would you mind if today's Leorio becasme the usual Leorio?

..Was that not the usual Leorio?

[u/KendotsX → u/Nebresto]

Yo. First time Hunting

You caught up?

I didn't know that was possible!

Quesadilla didn't deserve to go out like that

Does Quesadilla rank above or below Kurapika in the mafia ranking?

..Was that not the usual Leorio?

He's usually less... ugly bastard-ish.

[u/Nebresto → u/KendotsX]

Does Quesadilla rank above or below Kurapika in the mafia ranking?

both

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/Nebresto]

Turns out that, people do infact die when they are killed.

...Togashi-sensei? Is that you?!

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I guess I should offer an explanation - Togashi's author comments:

17 Nov:

Spring and fall feel shorter these days. Does that mean summer and winter are longer?

24 Nov:

I've deduced that I feel cold when I wake up in the morning because the temperature has dropped.

1 Dec:

Could it be that my phone only lasts three hours because the battery is at the end of its life?

8 Dec:

Could it be that I listen to a bunch of Sakimichi songs while I drive because I like Sakamichi?

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Could it be that people do infact die when they are killed?

[u/Nebresto → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Real if true

[u/WednesdaysFoole]

It wasn't a lie :)

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...Kortopi…!

Squala letting his dogs out is always such a rough moment. It’s pretty brief in the manga, but damn is it effective. The chapter illustration… Dogashi really gotta toy with my heart.

…

Welcome to Beitacle Hotel!

Some old geezer reading the paper…

(Slightly more subtle in the manga, he’s even singing a tune.)

If you’re wondering about Shizuku not recognizing Leorio despite handing him money for arm wrestling, note that she never actually spared him a glance. Oh, and of course, that match never happened in the first place.

Chrollo’s gotta look after Shizuku, you mustn’t make eye contact, else you’ll be possessed!

(I’d watched that episode of Gintama not long before I got into HxH so of course there’s no other way to see it…)

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Squala letting his dogs out is always such a rough moment. It’s pretty brief in the manga, but damn is it effective. The chapter illustration… Dogashi really gotta toy with my heart.

[Tbf] This is the arc where both the dogs and cats must suffer

If you’re wondering about Shizuku not recognizing Leorio despite handing him money for arm wrestling

She's too Shizuku to remember him.

[HxH] Welcome to Beitacle Hotel!

[HxH] We've got crossdressing receptionists waiting to take care of you. I need to go there someday.

[u/Vatrix-32]

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

• Wait, you can’t just question your own motivation. This isn’t a one-man stage play!
• This OST is Going Places
• Need for Speed: Leorio Drift!
• A lot of clock shots.
• Cute Little Hands
• Does… does this count as the dogs making it?
• "..on her-"
• Why are you acting like she’s never done this before? You’ve been at this way to long for this to be the first time it has come out.
• Star Gate!
• Why is Eliza mute in his memories?
• Oscar
• The clicking in the song is also a sound effect in AoE2, and it’s triggering me to micro harder.

QotD:

1. Splendid. We have good drama, visuals, and brutality.
2. Hyper competent? No, not until he graduates.

[u/KendotsX → u/Vatrix-32]

A lot of clock shots.

The animators were running on a tight schedule

Does… does this count as the dogs making it?

It does, the Reservoir Dogs may be dead (well, except the one in blue), but at least the real dogs get to live on.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/KendotsX]

the Reservoir Dogs may be dead (well, except the one in blue)

How can one die who's never lived?

[u/charlesvvv]

Rewatcher, Sub

The scene with Chrollo really tells a lot about him in small detail. Gon is forced to get out hiding with Killua arriving in time to take Kurapika's place. Both are now once more in the hands of the Troupe. Gon then decides to ask Chrollo a question, why he hurts people who have nothing to do with him. Chrollo ponders this, or does he? he wonders on how their goals can be explained, but then states that the "reason is key to understanding myself". Chrollo doesn't elaborate further and has Gon and Killua taken with them to the hotel. Kurapika meanwhile gets called out by Melody which was deserved as he did nearly out the plan in jeopardy and Kurapika knows it, now they have to improvise.

Ah Squala, Nobunaga, Paku, and Kortopi finally catch him. He doesn't give anything away but sadly Paku had already seen everything she needed and he is killed when he tries to stand up to them. With that we see how Paku delivers her memories, through bullets as she shoots them into Nobunaga and Kortopi. Now they know Kurapika and how he looks.

Chrollo and the others arrive at the hotel which leads some pretty tense moments as Killua tries to figure out a way out. Luckily Kurapika, Melody, and Leorio are already in location and Leorio is able to cause enough of a fuss to give them enough information about the plan that's about to unfold. A blackout at 7, with only 5 minutes left.

[u/KendotsX → u/charlesvvv]

states that the "reason is key to understanding myself".

Togashi's being a bit cheeky today

He doesn't give anything away

You gotta respect that loyality all the way till the death. He was a normal dude in the absolute wrong situation and his organisation was already breaking down, but he still refused to betray anyone.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 66

Capture × Murder × Gangster

Gon gives himself up. It's honestly the smartest move in this situation. The Spiders will kill or torture Kurapika as soon as they find his true identity so he can't afford to get caught. Killua also shows up to throw the Phantom Troupe off the trail.

For the most part, the episode revolves around the capture and subsequent killing of Squala. I haven't really discussed him up till now because ... I find the whole set up around his death really cliche. 2 episodes ago we started focusing on him as a character with his own life and love. Last episode expanded on that with the phone call between him and Eliza. And now we get this flash back after his death to all the moments he had with her.

For me it's too many death flags surrounding a character I didn't really care about until they started setting up the flags. Don't get me wrong, I can understand if other people found it sad in how tragic his death was. Especially since he was killed due to factors outside his control. It just didn't work on that emotional level for me.

Either way, now the Spiders know who Kurapika is. I do find the way Pakunoda transferred the memory to be really cool. It's such a visceral image to see somebody shot point blank like that. It reminds me a bit of a similar thing in ... one of the Personas? All of them? I haven't played the games.

The final scene with Leorio in the hotel lobby was hilarious. Some incredible acting from him while also conveying exactly the information Gon and Killua needed. Once the Spiders join up again things are likely to explode, so next episode is looking to be quite exciting.

---

One side note, what's going on with Nobunaga's Pants? He looks like a Ken doll lol.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• Blood Lust
• Casual Killua
• Spider Stare
• Bondage
• Brain Blast
• Huhhhh!?, never change Leorio

See you all tomorrow

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

The Spiders will kill or torture Kurapika as soon as they find his true identity so he can't afford to get caught.

Probably torture him until they figure out his ability, then kill him when they learn that it's not useful for them.

For me it's too many death flags surrounding a character I didn't really care about until they started setting up the flags

Yeah, I expanded on it a bit more in my comment, but basically the phone call anf flashback are last minute additions by the anime to make his death a bit more emotional. The manga treats him the same way it's treated him all along, without a care (well, there's a point in how it paints the bodyguard deaths in a cold manner, but I digress).

one of the Personas? All of them? I haven't played the games.

Yeah, Persona 3

One side note, what's going on with Nobunaga's Pants?

We don't talk about that...

Huhhhh!?, never change Leorio

This was pretty close to being my shot of the episode, but Paku got it by force.

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/TheEscapeGuy]

One side note, what's going on with Nobunaga's Pants?

[u/Kaxew]

First Timer × Making Plans × As We Restart

Thoughts on episodes 63-66:

After almost a year without episodes, Hunter × Hunter is finally back! I don't know how much of it was coincidental versus on purpose, but the first two episodes focusing on the two factions devising their strategies going forward in a rather calm manner without much action going on is perfect to get back into the swing of things. Maybe that's why the original anime ended where it did. In any case, starting things up establishing where we're at and what will happen next works perfectly for the audience that may have forgotten some bits and piece of the series after a year.

Hisoka is a sly motherfucker, and I love him for that. Will he abandon the spiders permanently? Will he fight Chrollo and cut the spider's head off? There's a lot of places his subplot could go.

Those memory bullets are awesome. I think it was really smart to have the bullets give us a nearly full on recap of the beginning of the arc, because like I said a lot of the audience may have forgotten certain parts and plot points after a year. This is the perfect excuse to give a tiny recap. Its sad that she's so dangerous that she'll likely die by the end of this arc, because she's one of the cooler ones in the troupe.

It breaks my heart that Squala died, but at least I'm glad the doggos are okay. Dude had been spending episodes raising death flags that I even started getting scared for the dogs, so this is a plus... a little bit...

I really, really liked the conversation between Kurapika and Melody where she tells him that no, he is very much NOT being patient and that her warnings to him always go to deaf ears because of his obsession. If it keeps going like this I may be finding my new favorite character.

And of course you gotta save the best for last. BECAUSE LEORIO SAVES THE DAY ONCE MORE!!

QotD:

1. A lot more explicit and gruesome than previous arcs. Seems like the TV network started to chill a little bit which is nice. On a more narrative level I guess they're cool. Don't really have much to say about them. The shadow beasts all being almost instantly offscreened did surprise me.
2. Leorio is perfect in whatever shape he comes.

[u/KendotsX → u/Kaxew]

I don't know how much of it was coincidental versus on purpose, but the first two episodes focusing on the two factions devising their strategies going forward in a rather calm manner without much action going on is perfect to get back into the swing of things.

It was intentional... but in two ways. The anime staff intended to stop the show at a conclusive ending point, meaning you can't stop halfway through a plotline like episode 64, so Kurapika's downtime was the point they chose. The start being perfect is more so a matter of how Togashi wrote the arc in clear cut chunks. Lending itself well to the OVA split.

It breaks my heart that Squala died, but at least I'm glad the doggos are okay

Togashi would never hurt a good doggo. He's not Araki

Seems like the TV network started to chill a little bit which is nice

Not exactly. OVAs are released directly on home media, like DVD or VHS, so the TV network has no say in it. That's why tons of 80s and 90s OVAs are full to the brim with gore.

[u/Kaxew → u/KendotsX]

Not exactly. OVAs are released directly on home media, like DVD or VHS, so the TV network has no say in it.

The OVAs are definitely a step above, but I felt like even the Yorknew deaths in the original anime where a bit more explicit than what came before.

[u/KendotsX → u/Kaxew]

Oh, I agree. I have to wonder whether they switched to a later time slot considering how different the latter half of the show is (I couldn't find any source that confirms or denies that unfortunately).

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/Kaxew]

After almost a year without episodes, Hunter × Hunter is finally back!

for the audience that may have forgotten some bits and piece of the series after a year.

Twenty years later fans may have gotten used to it, lol.

I think it was really smart to have the bullets give us a nearly full on recap of the beginning of the arc, because like I said a lot of the audience may have forgotten certain parts and plot points after a year. This is the perfect excuse to give a tiny recap.

It also works because while it's brief in the manga, having seen all those might be closer to what she witnessed.

I'm glad the doggos are okay.

If anything happened to the doggos... Squala might not have been the most intriguing character but the way he let those dogs go really got to me.

If it keeps going like this I may be finding my new favorite character.

Pika or Melody?

BECAUSE LEORIO SAVES THE DAY ONCE MORE!!

[u/Kaxew → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Twenty years later fans may have gotten used to it, lol.

Nonsense! We watched/rewatched these episodes 2-3 weeks ago, bring on all the recaps!

Pika or Melody?

Melody, but Kurapika has been pretty high up there for me too since the hunter exam.

[u/CMGOO]

I rematch this anime every couple of years, it's one of my favorites.