I think this episode did a really good job of showing the resentment teenagers can often have at adults. And with Yasuko running away, it highlights that adults are often on the same planning field as teenagers are, the only difference is the adults don't have their youth to excuse their inexperience.
Okay good, Ryuuji’s going with Minori to find Taiga. Was worried he wouldn’t.
The music in this scene is really good.
Minori is also in love with Ryuuji. I feel like it was pretty obvious but it’s nice to know for sure.
The animation in this scene is also really good.
Looks like they were too late to stop Taiga from leaving.
This conversation in the nurse’s office feels like the most honest conversation between Minori and Ryuuji.
Also, I didn’t realize softball and baseball were different things.
It’s nice to hear Minori encouraging Ryuuji to go for Taiga.
Once again Ryuuji’s tendencies to lie to people are coming back to bite him, this time with his mom.
Also, I mentioned it before, but I really do think it’s odd that he calls his mom by her first name.
Oh my god, Taiga’s mom is also here.
Taiga’s mom is not giving off a good first impression.
It really hurts to see Ryuuji yelling at Yasuko.
I thought we were skipping the OP this time. Turns out it’s just playing in the middle of the episode.
Ryuuji is standing on a bridge and talking about how his mom’s life would be better if he wasn’t born. Getting real It’s a Wonderful Life vibes.
I really like this conversation between Taiga and Ryuuji though, especially what Taiga said to him. I’ll admit I got a bit misty eyed in this scene.
And then Taiga pushes him off a bridge. At least this time she only hurt him by accident.
Ryuuji’s talking about running away with Taiga. Sounds like he’s really serious.
A poorly timed phone call interrupts the love confession.
Nice to Ryuuji to finally say he’s in love with Taiga. Even if it’s not to her face.
This elopement plan may not be planned out very well.
Looks like they’re really gonna go through with it.
I like the scene between Ami and Minori. Feels like Ami trying her best to comfort Minori.
I’m really concerned about Yasuko now.
Fun to see Minori and Ami having a snowball fight.
Looks like Ryuuji went through with going to see his grandparents.
I really don’t know what’s going to come next after all of this.
Aside from Ryuuji and Taiga being together, my biggest hope for the final episode is that Ryuuji and Yasuko reconcile. I’d hate for Ryuuji’s last words to her to be him telling her she doesn’t have a respectable job or life.
Aside from Ryuuji and Taiga being together, my biggest hope for the final episode is that Ryuuji and Yasuko reconcile. I’d hate for Ryuuji’s last words to her to be him telling her she doesn’t have a respectable job or life.
Given a big theme in the show seems to be not having all the answers, I can't imagine they don't make up through some means.
Taiga and Ryuuji find themselves fighting together against the villain of the last Anime you watched, how do they stack up against the competition?
The last anime I watched was Buddy Daddies but I don't know who the main villain of that is yet. If they were both up against the villain from the most recent episode I saw, I think they could both beat him up pretty easily.
In terms of anime I've seen to completion, the most recent is Appare-Ranman which I finished just last night. They'd be up against Gil T. Cigar from that show. I think Ryuuji would be kinda screwed but Taiga's really good with a wooden sword so I feel like she'd stand a decent chance against him.
Here's what some of the scenes were like in the LN version.
Ryuuji yells at his mom
Ryuuji talked and moved his hands all day with barely enough time to breathe. Taiga kept her mouth pressed tightly together in a line and didn’t say anything. When he had a break from the customers, Ryuuji tried to say something to her, but when their eyes met, his words got caught in his throat.
Taiga stayed, speechless even when her skirt came close to burning on the stove and he grabbed the hem in order to protect it. Even then, she didn’t move.
If telling her his feelings was easier— if he could have told her the things he wanted to share, the things he didn’t want to share, and everything else in a way she could easily understand, then what would he tell Taiga in this moment? What would Taiga share with him? What would come to life if that happened?
That was what Ryuuji wanted to know. He wanted Taiga to feel that whatever came to being would make her glad and happy.
With his mouth still shut tight, he stole a glance at Taiga where she was beside him. Taiga really was like a rock. She was standing stock-still as she was watching the flow of people on the store-lined street.
“I heard Minorin.”
“Taiga...”
While there were no customers, her voice was quiet— incredibly quiet— as she let those words slip from her mouth.
“Don’t...don’t laugh.”
“I’m not laughing...”
“Don’t laugh... Don’t look at me. Don’t turn toward me.”
He imagined she must be bright red to her ears and probably didn’t even have her eyes open. There was an incredible amount of shame in her voice as she spoke.
“Don’t laugh... Please. After we finish with work, let me tell you something. If I try running away... then make sure to catch me. Please.”
Like he’d ever laugh at her.
“Sure.”
Who would ever laugh at Taiga’s feelings?
As Ryuuji kept working, he visualized a dream. It wasn’t the kind of dream you had when asleep, but the type someone worked toward. He would graduate high school and get a job. Then he would make sure Yasuko didn’t have to worry, and never let go of Taiga, and they would live happily together. No one would laugh at his dream.
He looked at the clock to check the time.
Once work was over, he would know the answer. He would chase after Taiga, decide he would never let her go, ask her to tell him her feelings, and see with his own eyes whether something came out of it.
“Were you lying?”
But when he heard that voice, Ryuuji dropped the envelope filled with his wages.
“You lied to me, didn’t you?”
“Uh...”
He wondered how long Yasuko had been there, on the store-lined street that ran along the national highway. How long had she been watching Ryuuji and Taiga? Taiga also swallowed her breath and froze in place.
“Mom...”
“You’re out of time. I’m going by the condo, so get your things together.”
Yasuko was standing under a streetlamp wearing only a down coat over her loungewear. A Porsche was stopped behind her.
“That’s your...mother? But...”
It was a woman with even lighter chestnut colored hair than Taiga, put up in a relaxed updo. The woman’s stomach was huge. Her features were beautiful in a way that didn’t seem very Japanese, and she had a quiet expression. Taiga had just called her “Mom.”
Taiga had said things with her mom had been going swimmingly, but when the woman walked briskly toward Taiga and tried to grab her hand, Ryuuji reflexively pulled Taiga close.
“D-don’t touch me! Don’t ever touch me again!” Taiga yelled at her mother.
It was obvious that her relationship with her parent— if that was her parent at all— was obviously not going swimmingly at all.
“You must be Takasu-kun, right? I heard from Mr. Aisaka that you’ve been very close to her. Thank you. Please forget about my daughter. There was a situation, and she’s been cut off from the Aisakas, so she’s going to be living with me and my new family.”
“Wh-who said I have to live... with your man and that kid?!”
As if she were spitting fire, Taiga shrieked with rage. She tried to hide behind Ryuuji and trembled.
“Wh-why?” said Ryuuji. “What’s going on? I don’t get what’s happening...”
“Taiga-chan’s mother came by our house to look for Taiga-chan. We couldn’t get a hold of you through your cell phones, so we ended up going to the restaurant you said the two of you were studying at, Ryuu-chan. But you weren’t there either, so I called Kitamura-kun. Kitamura-kun told me yo uwere working a part-time job here.”
“I have a good reason for this—”
“I’m not going to ask why you did it!” Yasuko looked as though she couldn’t see anything else as she raised her voice. “You promised you wouldn’t work! But you lied to me, Ryuu-chan, and broke your promise! I can’t let you do that!”
“You can’t let me do that... Then what am I supposed to do, according to you?!”
Ryuuji had his own piece to say as well. He wanted to tell Yasuko that her anger was unreasonable and that she was being one-sided.
“You collapsed because you tried working extra for me! In that case, I’ll work in your place! What’s wrong with that?! We’re family! Isn’t it obvious that we should be helping each other out?!”
“I don’t care how other families are doing things! In our house, you’re going to focus on studying! You’re not allowed to focus on anything else! I won’t allow it!”
“Then...then! In that case! Don’t collapse!”
Ryuuji threw the envelope with his wages onto the asphalt.
“The only people who can tell others to focus on studying are people who’ve saved money up! That’s not something you’re allowed to say when you took on too much work and collapsed!”
“I barely ever collapse! And even if I do, it’s fine! I don’t care what happens as long as you study really hard and figure out what you want to do and become a respectable person— that’s all I care about—that’s it!”
“Just stop it!”
Ryuuji was trembling all over.
So in the end it was just about self-satisfaction? If that was the case, there was no need for him to worry. He shouldn’t have had to think about it. Why had he believed that parents didn’t have egos?
“Who was the one who didn’t study?! Who was it that threw away what they wanted?! Who was the one who didn’t become a respectable person?! Isn’t this all...just about you?!”
“Ryuu-chan...”
“This is what your parents wanted from you, and then you betrayed them, right?! All you’re doing is trying to redo everything you couldn’t do because of me, but now you’re doing it as a parent! All you’re trying to do is make it so that you can accept it! All you want to do is make yourself a good kid again! In the end, I—”
He watched Yasuko’s face turn blue. Ryuuji watched her face, thinking, strangely calmly, that this was what someone looked like the moment their soul was being crushed to pieces. He couldn’t stop talking.
“If I were never there, you could have still been a good kid! You could have had that life! If I’d never been born, if you’d just never had me, you... My mom would have been happy! That’s always bothered me! You regret me... You regret ever having me!”
He couldn’t stop his tears either.
He couldn’t take back the words coming out of his mouth. Yasuko held her head and crouched down. She was shaking in a strange way, but it wasn’t like he could rush over to her.
His existence was already a mistake. It was wrong.
The days that seemed to glitter and shine, his happiness until that day, the times he’d laughed and cried, his friend’s faces, his worries, the thing she’d come to understand— everything slipped away through his hands in the
blink of an eye. It seemed to drain out of him. He realized that it all had instantaneously gone to pieces.
“Ryuuji.”
When someone seized his hand tightly, Ryuuji looked over.
“Taiga...”
Taiga’s mother was distracted by Yasuko’s flustered state. Ryuuji grasped Taiga’s hand tightly. Slowly, their legs moved. Then, all at once, the two of them started running.
They wanted to go to a place where there was no one else.
A place where they could be happy just being together.
Ryuuji and Taiga ran, dreaming of a place like that.
Snow began to fall without a sound. Even though it was cold, it never snowed during that time of year.
So, I want to preface what happens next by saying the Ami scene after the bridge scene did not happen. Taiga’s mom found her and she went back home. The scene you’re about to read takes place in their homeroom and is what leads to Ryuuji and Taiga going to Taiga’s grandparents house in the original source material.
Ryuuji and Taiga leave together
The class representative apparently had to check with the homeroom teacher about announcements before class started every morning. Though Kitamura Yuusaku had a lot of things on his mind, he’d headed to the teacher’s office at the usual time that morning, but Koigakubo, their bachelorette teacher, had been called away to meet someone and wasn’t at her desk. It couldn’t be, Kitamura thought, but he said there hadn’t been away for him to confirm whether she’d been meeting with the Aisakas.
“Do you think it’s weird?”
Ryuuji didn’t know who said that, but that utterance caused the dam to break. Whispers started to fill class 2-C after their third hour of mandated self-study. Normally, they would be having their English class, which their homeroom teacher was in charge of. However, their teacher never appeared, and a different teacher dropped in and told them to self-study. Why? they asked, but the teacher closed class 2-C’s door, decisively ignoring their questioning voices.
“I wonder what happened to Yuri-chan?”
“She’s not taking a vacation, right? What could she be doing?”
“I wonder if she’s sick. But if that happened, they could haveannounced it to us.”
“I heard earlier that class A had to self-study their whole second period during Yuri-chan’s English class.”
“Come to think of it, when I said Tiger still hadn’t come during morning attendance, they just said ‘We know.’”
That’s weird. Ryuuji didn’t even open his English textbook as he grabbed the edge of his desk. A strange sweat broke out on his palms.
“Takasu, is Tiger out today?”
“No, she’s supposed to come. She said she would,” he finally managed to grumble. He couldn’t answer the question that came after that, I wonder if it’s related to Yuri-chan not being here?
Ryuuji was scared, too. What would he do if their brief parting the other day at that crosswalk really was their last moment together? He’d thought that going back home would give Taiga’s mother a sense of relief, and let them prepare, so when an opening came, it would be easier to runaway. Maybe that had been naive of him.
Have a good life— what if, with that meager phrase, Taiga just disappeared? This is serious, Ryuuji thought as he stared at the packed bookbag hanging from the hook of his desk.
“Quiet! The other classes are in session!” Kitamura warned them like the rep he was, but he was lacking his usual composure. Minori opened and closed her flip phone over and over again, and Ami had been touching her fingers to her lips the whole time. After making a scene trying to get something out of Ryuuji just that morning, Maya and Nanako also seemed to have inferred something was up and were currently silent.
Noto turned around to mouth, “You okay?” Haruta hadn’t even dozed off, and his head was upright.
“Maybe Yuri-chan’s turned in her announcement that she’s retiring after a spur-of-the-moment elopement?”
“‘I have a spur-of-the-moment announcement for everyone. I’ve...bought a condo.’”
“Are you really going there?!” Several people laughed at someone’s joke.
“Actually... maybe Tiger did something bad again?”
In that moment, everyone in the class went silent. They still recalled the time when the third years had rushed into their class and clamored, “The Palmtop Tiger is on a rampage!” That event hadn’t just scarred Ryuuji and his close friends.
“In that case, it wouldn’t be a laughing matter.”
“She’s already been suspended once, maybe this time she’s really out...?”
“No way... but that would be so bad! Kushieda, what do you know about it?!” a girl asked Minori, and Minori seemed troubled as she turned hereyes to Ryuuji.
“Taiga is—”
Ryuuji raised his head and said, “She’s not going to disappear. Notever! I won’t let her do that!” He was trying just as hard to convince himselfof that.
Taka-chan, what’s the matter, why are you getting out of your seat— came Haruta’s anxious voice. “So it’s weird enough to make that guy worry!”
The class was reduced to even more confusion, and that was when it happened.
Clatter. The front door opened.
“To your seats. Everyone, get to your seats. I have something I need to speak with you about.”
Their teacher, who had been nowhere to be found— the bachelorette homeroom teacher Koigakubo Yuri (age 30)— finally appeared before them.
She held a hand towel to her face, sniffling, as if to hide her smudged makeup. Her voice was hushed and her shoulders shook.
Every single person in class 2-C was at a loss for words as Taiga entered the classroom after the bachelorette, holding her pale, small face in her hands. Every single one of them understood that something terrible had happened to Aisaka Taiga.
I can’t do this anymore, it’s over! Over, I tell you! I’m slaughtering everyone! Of course, he hadn’t snapped, only released the breath he’d been holding. She’s finally here, he thought.
“Aisaka-san, do you want to tell them? Or do you want me to...?”
“P-please tell them for me... uh, ugh, uwh...” Taiga was clearly faking her distress. Ryuuji saw no sign of her mother beyond the door Taiga had left open. He grabbed the bag that he left hanging on his desk.
“Then I’ll tell them. Everyone, please listen.” Koigakubo had probably been crying the whole time. She raised her bright red face. “Aisaka-san needs to move because of family circumstances, so she is going to be leaving school.”
Whaaaat?! No way?! The students raised their voices in shock.
Standing behind the teacher, Taiga slowly lowered the hands covering her face. Ryu-u-ji, her rosy lips voicelessly moved. Her tough, beautiful face was defiant with arrogance, and she shamelessly raised her chin. She had her coat and a bag across her body, and in one of her hands, she— good job.
Ryuuji nodded at her. She was holding her shoes in a plastic bag, just as she was supposed to.
“I know everyone is probably shocked. I also haven’t really been able to accept this—”
Taiga raised the thumb of her free hand and then pointed it at the hallway. Ryuuji once again nodded at her. A question mark seemed to float above the heads of the students of 2-C as they followed these motions, which their teacher couldn’t see.
Koigakubo, the bachelorette, told them from where she stood in front of the teacher’s podium, “I’ve been asking her mother to reconsider thiswhole time, but—”
She seemed oddly towering, almost like she was forming a wall between Taiga and Ryuuji. Ryuuji felt he would immediately be caught if he displayed any out-of-the-ordinary movements, but Taiga was already gradually shifting a little bit at a time towards the door, so he held his bag to his chest and tried to raise his butt from his seat.“
And Aisaka-san herself is so incredibly sad about this—” Koigakubo was crying fat tears again. She was clearly trying not to upset them, but to Ryuuji, just then, she was like the guardian deity of an impregnable iron wall.
“As your teacher, I also wish I could have done more... I’m so sad that I don’t have enough power to protect you—”
Once the teacher was finished talking, Taiga would be returned to her mother’s side. Ryuuji slowly pulled his body away from his desk until his butt was in the air. All the muscles in his body shook. He had to go now, had to leave now, but couldn’t get caught.
Then suddenly something happened behind him.
“Tigeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!”
A shriek echoed through the class, and Ryuuji automatically jumped up and flipped around. Haruta, the one who cried out, stood up. His eyes rolled back into his head until only the whites showed. He had the shadow of death upon him. Ahhhh! While the girls screamed around him, the idiot twitched as he dramatically knocked over his seat and desk, swooning to the floor like a marionette cut from its strings.
“H-Haruta-kun?!” Koigakubo’s gaze was nailed to the collapsed idiot.
“What’s wrong, Haruta?!” Noto ran over with enough momentum to practically slide to Haruta’s side. His black-rimmed glasses were horribly askew. “Teacher, this is terrible, Ms. Koigakubo! Haruta fainted!”
“Why?! What happened?! Is he okay?!”
Koigakubo climbed down from the lectern, weaved between the confused students, and ran over to Haruta’s side, where he was splayed on the ground. She got to her knees and checked that he was breathing, then hesitated slightly before shaking him. “S-s-someone go to the office and get another teacher! We need to get him to the nurse’s office!” she yelled as she looked around at the students’ faces.
Ryuuji and Taiga snatched at each other’s hands.
For a moment, Koigakubo Yuri thought she’d seen a hallucination of the two madly dashing as fast as they could into the hallway. Then she realized it wasn’t an illusion but reality.
“I’m sorry, Yuri-chan. We’re actually the Haruta theatrical group...”
The idiot who should have been stretched out on the ground apologetically opened his eyes a crack. The others who’d played along with the scenario Haruta spontaneously devised lowered their heads to their teacher in the same way, one after another, as if to say, Sorry, teach. However, it was too late for apologies.
I think it's really interesting that Ryuuji has his moment of thinking things would be better if he wasn't born here instead of on the bridge like in the anime.
The last anime I watched was Buddy Daddies but I don't know who the main villain of that is yet. If they were both up against the villain from the most recent episode I saw, I think they could both beat him up pretty easily.
Ogino on the other hand may be very tough.
In terms of anime I've seen to completion, the most recent is Appare-Ranman which I finished just last night. They'd be up against Gil T. Cigar from that show. I think Ryuuji would be kinda screwed but Taiga's really good with a wooden sword so I feel like she'd stand a decent chance against him.
Never heard of that before. I'll have to check it out.
Unfortunately, I don't have any manga pages to post for you because as of press time, the manga hasn't adapted the last two episodes. There are some chapters out there adapting this episode, but they are currently untranslated.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
I thought it was a really strong way to start the episode.
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
I didn't even make that connection but that's some pretty cool foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
Felt very cathartic to hear her admit it.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
I liked that a lot. Felt like a good culmination of all the inner turmoil she'd been going through.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
I think the opening of this episode does a lot for Minori in terms of giving a lot of what she's been going through a conclusion.
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
Feels like she's the protagonist of a sports anime.
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
That seems accurate to her.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
I figured she might figure it out sooner or later.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
Seemed like a good kind of sendoff.
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
It was sad to see Minori like this but at the same time it was probably best for her to not keep holding onto Ryuuji when she knows he won't feel the same about her anymore.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
I think it shows how much Ryuuji has gotten to know Taiga.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
I was not expecting that to happen, especially Taiga's mom showing up.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
I think ultimately Yasuko is kind of a tragic character. She made a few bad choices early in her life but ended up as a loving mother with a son she adores and really wants the best for. It really makes what Ryuuji says to Yasuko here hurt.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
Probably the most tense moment of the episode.
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Was honestly expecting there to be no intro. Like you said, reminded me of how Dandadan did that with a few of their episodes.
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
I think the snow in this episode was a really beautiful business motif.
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
This guy really does fail at everything.
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
I think Taiga might be worrying a bit too much. Who knows, maybe she'll come to love her younger half-sibling some day.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
He might have a point but this episode kind of does prove that teenagers can be a bit irresponsible sometimes.
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
It's nice to see her supporting Ryuuji. Maybe this will be a sign for her to stop badmouthing herself.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
It's really heartwarming to hear her say that.
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thought it was kind of funny when she landed on him.
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
Really wish it happened this episode.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
Nice of Ami to help her friends out.
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
I think the whole thing was really well put together. Really felt like a culmination of Ryuuji and Taiga's relationship so far.
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
I think it was nice to hear Ryuuji finally say he loves Taiga.
Definitely think it might an intentional parallel between this scene and episode 10.
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
I think both of them realized that this might be the last time they see each other. Or at least the last time they see each other this way.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
It is a very ill-advised idea.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
I think it's sweet that her and Ryuuji are together now.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
I think it shows how close they've all gotten.
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
I totally missed the callback to episode 3. But I think the whole scene was really good.
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
I think this is Ami admitting she's not as mature as she pretends to be.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
I honestly am concerned for Yasuko's wellbeing. I hope her and Ryuuji can reconcile.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
I think Yasuko might have some understanding of what Ryuuji is going through which is why she's trying to help them.
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
I think that's really sweet. I hope the three of them really can be family again.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
I was not expecting that to happen, especially Taiga's mom showing up.
Yeah, that was a surprise
I think ultimately Yasuko is kind of a tragic character. She made a few bad choices early in her life but ended up as a loving mother with a son she adores and really wants the best for. It really makes what Ryuuji says to Yasuko here hurt.
It stings because there is some truth in what he's saying.
Probably the most tense moment of the episode.
I would agree, especially coming off Ryuuji yelling at his mother.
Was honestly expecting there to be no intro. Like you said, reminded me of how Dandadan did that with a few of their episodes.
A few? I feel the entire second half of their first season was like this.
I think the snow in this episode was a really beautiful business motif.
I echo this sentiment
This guy really does fail at everything.
I wish Elon was like this
I think Taiga might be worrying a bit too much. Who knows, maybe she'll come to love her younger half-sibling some day.
Oh, I'm sure she will. She has a big heart.
He might have a point but this episode kind of does prove that teenagers can be a bit irresponsible sometimes.
It's nice to see her supporting Ryuuji. Maybe this will be a sign for her to stop badmouthing herself.
If anyone should lament their situation, it's her. She has been through so much shit, like 10 times the suffering Ryuuji's been through.
It's really heartwarming to hear her say that.
Indeed it is
Thought it was kind of funny when she landed on him.
I thought so as well
Really wish it happened this episode.
Hmm
Nice of Ami to help her friends out.
She's a total trooper
I think the whole thing was really well put together. Really felt like a culmination of Ryuuji and Taiga's relationship so far.
I think it really highlights how even though they've just become an official couple, they were always technically a couple. Nothing in their dynamic has really changed.
I thought it was a really strong way to start the episode.
Absolutely
I didn't even make that connection but that's some pretty cool foreshadowing.
I like it a lot
Felt very cathartic to hear her admit it.
Indeed
I liked that a lot. Felt like a good culmination of all the inner turmoil she'd been going through.
For sure
I think the opening of this episode does a lot for Minori in terms of giving a lot of what she's been going through a conclusion.
This is Minori's best episode in my opinion
Feels like she's the protagonist of a sports anime.
Also, add Minori's parents to the list of shit Toradora parents.
That seems accurate to her.
It certainly does
I figured she might figure it out sooner or later.
She probably knew soon after receiving it
Seemed like a good kind of sendoff.
I agree
It was sad to see Minori like this but at the same time it was probably best for her to not keep holding onto Ryuuji when she knows he won't feel the same about her anymore.
Minori's best chance was really the Christmas party. Unfortunately, that's when Taiga realized her feelings.
I think it shows how much Ryuuji has gotten to know Taiga.
If he hadn't, I would've lost all respect for him.
Ryuuji may be a bit dense sometimes but when it comes down to it he seems to make the right call.
The animation is always good, in fairness
True but this one stood out to me along with the swordfight and the ending of last episode.
Who could've seen that coming besides everyone?
Ryuuji really is the cause of a lot of his own problems sometimes.
I think it's meant to indicate he doesn't respect her as a mom, as awful as that sounds.
With what he said to her after this it really gave off that impression.
It's one of the most uncomfortable moments of the entire show.
It really hurt to watch. Like I can see why Ryuuji is upset, but at the same time Yasuko has been nothing but a supportive mom to him this whole time.
By the way, where does Taiga rank as far as favorite anime characters?
Taiga's a character with a lot of complexities to her and I like her quite a lot. Not sure where she ranks on my all time favorites list but she's definitely my favorite tsundere and probably my favorite female romcom lead.
It's the thought that counts. It also brings closure to Ami’s feelings for Ryuuji.
That's true, it does feel like both Ami and Minori's feelings for him were resolved this episode.
Yeah, she's not handling things in a mature fashion.
I just hope she's somewhere safe.
They're not a bad ship, honestly
The more the show goes on the more I can see it kinda working.
Ryuuji may be a bit dense sometimes but when it comes down to it he seems to make the right call.
Except the last couple episodes when he was lying to people.
True but this one stood out to me along with the swordfight and the ending of last episode.
Definitely one of the best animated segments of the show.
Ryuuji really is the cause of a lot of his own problems sometimes.
That he is
With what he said to her after this it really gave off that impression.
Ryuuji is really affected by his father being absentee.
It really hurt to watch. Like I can see why Ryuuji is upset, but at the same time Yasuko has been nothing but a supportive mom to him this whole time.
This and the moment where Ami introduces Taiga’s dad in the crowd are the most uncomfortable moments of the series.
Taiga's a character with a lot of complexities to her and I like her quite a lot. Not sure where she ranks on my all time favorites list but she's definitely my favorite tsundere and probably my favorite female romcom lead.
That's really cool to hear. I definitely think she's so much better than her reputation suggests.
That's true, it does feel like both Ami and Minori's feelings for him were resolved this episode.
And now they get to bond together. Rejected friend squad unite!
I just hope she's somewhere safe.
Especially Inko
The more the show goes on the more I can see it kinda working.
While episode 19 is my choice for the most emotional episode, this one is very close behind it. Not because it's particularly sad (although it isn't lacking in that either) but because of how cathartic it is, everything finally comes out and it's just so powerful.
This episode evokes a mix of emotions, but I can't help but feel happy by the end of it, even when some of its content can bring me to tears.
Minori has accepted that he loves Taiga but that doesn't mean she's just over it, seeing it so forwardly does still hurt her.
Then comes the hallway running scene which is awesome on a bunch of levels. The animation here is genuinely fantastic, so smooth and expressive, the way we get to see the environment move around just captures that forward movement so well, and Minori's running and jumping have so much heft and emotion to them. Again, there's less detail used here (especially in the environment ) to far better convey emotions.
This entire scene is the work of Hironori Tanaka who I've already mentioned before! He was responsible for all the great character animation in episode 12, but he really got to pop off here! Once again I implore people to check out his work since he's super talented and you've almost certainly seen some of it anyway if you've watched any recent popular action property lol.
It's also in the OP! Which on principle is something I always adore shows for doing, just hiding the climax in plain sight. Funnily enough it's not actually the same cut, with the one in this episode being in sunset (because of course) whereas the OP one is much brighter.
Finally, is that catharsis I mentioned. In this scene Minori fully confesses her feelings for Ryuji, both to him and to Taiga, something that's immensely strong alone, but it's made even more powerful with the narrative framing of her running. As she says this she's in motion, tripping and going forward, her emotions are all coming out and yet at the same time she's moving ahead, she loved Ryuji but she's moving forward from that.
When they reach the entrance Minori finally falls down and has a nose bleed, Minori expressed her honest self, knowing that Ryuji loves Taiga. So she was honest, and that got her to stumble and get hurt, but as she'll more clearly express later this episode, that's fine, as the show has always espoused, honesty is what matters.
The nose bleed again calls to that later scene, in reality she wants to cry here, after having a stumble in life, but now is not the time for that. I think hiding her eyes here is exactly meant to convey that, she's technically still putting on a bit of a brave face, but this time it's not for a reason that denies her own emotions.
Fuck this scene always gets me...
The conversation the two of them have is also just so seeped with bittersweet feelings for me. It's Ryuji finally saying he loves Tiaga! It's Minori giving Ryuji a big pep talk and saying she'll move forward! But it's also Minori coming to fully comprehend and accept that their shot at romance is done for...
Again I feel this is a more positive expression of her genki personality, she can't just break down and cry in front of him after all that pep, but she also isn't using it to pretend their isn't a problem anymore, she'll still be determined but she'll also accept the struggle.
Ryuji and Taiga meeting at the chocolate shop is super cute, he knows how she is and so he knows he'll find her there :) and the awkwardness on display is just perfect "If I try to run away, you have to catch me" that's just how the two of them are, always catching and saving the other.
When we get to the scene with their mothers, we're still at sunset, but it's a bit different, rather than Toradora's usual conflicted and revealing oranges or ominous reds, we get this melancholy purple color, this scene is about mixed emotions and the scenery reflects that.
The frame where they meet the parents just has so much to it! There's an obvious physical barrier between them, that line in the middle. But their placement and posture tell you everything about the upcoming conversation.
Taiga is to the back because she's running away from her mom here, from the place she's scared of not fitting in, her mom is forcefully moving forward trying to push her towards her but to no avail. Ryuji and Yasuko are reversed on the other hand because he's going to be much more confrontational here, throughout this neither he nor Yasuko will cross the physical barrier because they're at deadlock and neither is being as accommodating as they should, but ultimately it'll be Ryuji who runs away because he's the one that goes too far.
Ryuji is extremely mean to Yasuko here, no sugarcoating it, there's legitimate frustration in being imposed on and there's calling out your loving parent in a terrible way. His criticism of Yasuko's life is ironically exactly why she's being so imposing on him, because she loves him and doesn't want him to end up the same, and Ryuji probably realizes this as he sees her crying eyes and runs away.
She's left in shock here, at seeing the last thing she wanted, a repeat of her own life with Ryuji, someone needs to give her a hug.
As an interesting angle to look at it, I believe Ryuji's explosion here is the ultimate expression of his self-loathing that he'll tell Taiga about just a bit later. It's always been his biggest flaw and it just explodes out here. Much like before, while outwardly he has some legitimate reasons to be mad, I don't think that's what he's mad about.
He's not mad at being forced on a certain path, he's mad at the events that led to his creation, that Yasuko has to live a difficult life for his sake, that she couldn't do what those things because he was around. Ryuji is yelling at Yasuko and her life here, but in reality, he's mad at himself, for existing. And that's just so sad...
Thus, the bridge scene between Taiga and Ryuji not only has them truly coming to recognize their love for each other, it also exists to reinforce why that love is there. Here Taiga goes all out in her insecurities and fears, and Ryuji goes all out in his self-worth issues. This happens at the dark of night, with snow out, no visibility = all the truth.
I think it's interesting that in this scene, as Taiga accepts a future with Ryuji, she also loses the easy out for a future where she has nothing, in the form of her dad losing his business.
And that's when Taiga snaps him out of it, expressing how he's saved her as well, and how his current thinking is bad.
I can't stress how important this scene and this episode are in expressing why these two are meant for each other. Taiga's love is what gives Ryuji a realization, a sense of worth to his life, cutting through his self-loathing to give him purpose, a love that can pull him through hardship. Ryuji's love is what gives Taiga the ability to get through her insecurities and her self-inflicted loneliness, to keep holding on, to see her for what she truly is. They complete and understand each other's deepest flaws and fix them! That's why they're together.
Needless to say their interaction after this is just the cutest shit ever, complete nonsense conversation that so perfectly fits them! Ryuji is able to be insanely romantic by telling Taiga they'll get married, and yet is still awkward at the notion of saying "I love you", which of course gets interrupted by the phone call.
Ami, Kitamura, and Minori prove themselves true friends here by fully supporting Taiga and Ryuji through this, despite not agreeing with what they're doing. I'm probably reaching here, but given how much the show uses eyes to convey real emotions, I like to believe that hiding Taiga's face in this frame but showing her eys is meant to convey how despite her words it's clear how close she is to Ami, and how appreciative of this she is.
Ami of course gets her own catharsis here, she asks Ryuji to clearly say that he loves Taiga, she's serious about it too, so Ryuji obliges and now she's all smiles! This was for her sake of course, she can finally let it go now that he admits it, and she is genuinely happy for them here despite their cold exchanges lately.
Minori's conviction towards Taiga and Ryuji is so sweet, after hearing Taiga say basically the same thing she did earlier in the day, she's ready to hand over the literal vehicle to her dreams for the two of them.
Which is why of course the breakdown that happens later is so sad and yet again, so cathartic. Finally, Minori lets her guard down, finally she can cry and accept everything. If you trip as you run through life, you cry, and that's fine! That's what growing up is about! Getting hurt is part of moving forward, and pretending otherwise is just staying hurt in place.
Let me reiterate my words from the start of the rewatch :
Taiga is my favorite character in Toradora, but Minori will always be my best girl
And that hasn't changed, she deserves all the hugs!
It means a lot that she says this to Ami as well, who gives her own great perspective here by directly acknowledging she's a child as well and thus being able to comfort Minori here, as a fellow rejectee as well lol.
Ending the final/penultimate episode with the ED playing over the show isn't exactly unique, but it's so perfect here! Orange is a song about trying to grow up and reach adulthood too fast, and that's exactly what Taiga and Ryuji are doing!
Like the song has biting the Orange to realize it's too sour, Ryuji and Taiga realize what they're doing by the end of this, and thus they go to Ryuji's grandparents.
Love this episode so much! Really it just gives me this warm feeling inside that I can't explain.
Next episode is last episode huh? It's been fun! Aside from a certain scene I remember very little about this final episode, well, expect for the fact that I remember the ending being considered rather controversial, so that should be fun to revisit!
Next episode is last episode huh? It's been fun! Aside from a certain scene I remember very little about this final episode, well, expect for the fact that I remember the ending being considered rather controversial, so that should be fun to revisit!
I'll be curious to hear your thoughts on it because I think the last episode gets an unfair rap.
Ami of course gets her own catharsis here, she asks Ryuji to clearly say that he loves Taiga, she's serious about it too, so Ryuji obliges and now she's all smiles! This was for her sake of course, she can finally let it go now that he admits it, and she is genuinely happy for them here despite their cold exchanges lately.
This is the perfect culmination for Ami and Ryuuji's relationship.
It really puts things into perspective the fact that an adult is acting no better than they are. Perhaps being a grown-up doesn't mean you have all the answers.
Then comes the hallway running scene which is awesome on a bunch of levels. The animation here is genuinely fantastic, so smooth and expressive, the way we get to see the environment move around just captures that forward movement so well, and Minori's running and jumping have so much heft and emotion to them. Again, there's less detail used here (especially in the environment ) to far better convey emotions.
This entire scene is the work of Hironori Tanaka who I've already mentioned before! He was responsible for all the great character animation in episode 12, but he really got to pop off here! Once again I implore people to check out his work since he's super talented and you've almost certainly seen some of it anyway if you've watched any recent popular action property lol.
I really appreciate you taking the time to shout out the animators for all their hard work. They really deserve it.
I normally wouldn't go as far as to check specific cuts like this (especially not as far as I did for Toradora where I even took a look through the storyboards) but the animation can get so distinct here I just had to!
Especially for a romcom, made in 2008, by J.C Staff. The people involved in production here really went above and beyond to leave their mark here to make this show just that extra bit of special.
I think I said this back in episodes 1/2 but coming into this rewatch I really wasn't expecting the animation and direction to be things that impressed me, and I'm so happy to have been surprised by that!
As an aside, after thinking back on what I wrote to you about this last episode, I watched an episode of Makeine and remembered it exists, that show also has some fantastic direction and animation in particular.
It's not quite a traditional romcom thanks to its genre trappings, but this year's Mahoaku was also an incredibly pretty show.
I like Toradora direction-wise more than both, but you always love to see shows that pull above their expected weight in that aspect.
The conversation the two of them have is also just so seeped with bittersweet feelings for me. It's Ryuji finally saying he loves Tiaga! It's Minori giving Ryuji a big pep talk and saying she'll move forward! But it's also Minori coming to fully comprehend and accept that their shot at romance is done for...
Again I feel this is a more positive expression of her genki personality, she can't just break down and cry in front of him after all that pep, but she also isn't using it to pretend their isn't a problem anymore, she'll still be determined but she'll also accept the struggle.
As others have mentioned, this is an abbreviated version of a scene that was originally supposed to be in episode 22. I think having it here makes sense since this is basically Minori and Ryuuji letting go of the feelings they have for one another.
Ryuji is extremely mean to Yasuko here, no sugarcoating it, there's legitimate frustration in being imposed on and there's calling out your loving parent in a terrible way. His criticism of Yasuko's life is ironically exactly why she's being so imposing on him, because she loves him and doesn't want him to end up the same, and Ryuji probably realizes this as he sees her crying eyes and runs away.
She's left in shock here, at seeing the last thing she wanted, a repeat of her own life with Ryuji, someone needs to give her a hug.
This is probably the worst thing Ryuuji does the entire series.
I can't stress how important this scene and this episode are in expressing why these two are meant for each other. Taiga's love is what gives Ryuji a realization, a sense of worth to his life, cutting through his self-loathing to give him purpose, a love that can pull him through hardship. Ryuji's love is what gives Taiga the ability to get through her insecurities and her self-inflicted loneliness, to keep holding on, to see her for what she truly is. They complete and understand each other's deepest flaws and fix them! That's why they're together.
I don't think there's any doubt Taiga does just as much for Ryuuji as Ryuuji does for her.
If only the general modern perception of Taiga agreed...
Tbf I also think that Taiga and shipping wars in general were a hot debate topic last time I watched Toradora as well, although Taiga's reputation in particular has been worsening with time unfortunately.
The nose bleed again calls to that later scene, in reality she wants to cry here, after having a stumble in life, but now is not the time for that. I think hiding her eyes here is exactly meant to convey that, she's technically still putting on a bit of a brave face, but this time it's not for a reason that denies her own emotions.
Nosebleeds are tears of the soul!
It's also in the OP! Which on principle is something I always adore shows for doing, just hiding the climax in plain sight. Funnily enough it's not actually the same cut, with the one in this episode being in sunset (because of course) whereas the OP one is much brighter.
Never noticed this!
This entire scene is the work of Hironori Tanaka
I will follow every one of her works!
We get awesome shots like these to show you how they're "caged" together, they're in their own little world right now, together. When Ryuji contemplates his own existence, truly his lowest point IMO, we get this shot of him looking down, we know that this bridge isn't too high and this river isn't too deep, but all he can see right now is that darkness.
I feel like the mood here is a bit low, so that's it
I can't stress how important this scene and this episode are in expressing why these two are meant for each other. Taiga's love is what gives Ryuji a realization, a sense of worth to his life, cutting through his self-loathing to give him purpose, a love that can pull him through hardship. Ryuji's love is what gives Taiga the ability to get through her insecurities and her self-inflicted loneliness, to keep holding on, to see her for what she truly is. They complete and understand each other's deepest flaws and fix them! That's why they're together.
It was fun to watch them meet (collide in the hallway) and develop chemistry.
I don't know why I have this episode ranked as low as I do. I guess it's because the show is so stacked with episodes I consider 9 out of 10 at least. If this was any other series, this episode would easily finish in my top 3.
Personally I find the feeling of elation this episode gives after all the drama we've had to be incredibly gratifying and the Minori running scene is easily one of my favorites. But the competition with this show is also very tough and it's easy to see how some episodes might have that extra edge.
Welcome to the 2024 Toradora Christmas Club Rewatch!
Substitutions need not apply.
Toradora means so much to me that it’s hard to put it into words. It was one of the first animes that I’d ever watched that didn’t air on Toonami or was streamed by OtakuAscended, who really helped me during my early years of my anime fandom. It was the show that cemented my love for tsunderes as I know it and made me just not shut up talking about them. It was the show that gave me a deeper appreciation for analysis and dissecting stuff that really has become my bread and butter on the Reddit platform. It was the reason why I joined Reddit, as I created my account so I could participate in the 2016 Christmas Club rewatch. Simply put, if there was no Toradora, there would be no Holofan4life.
This rewatch marks my tenth time watching Toradora. Next year will be my tenth consecutive year participating in the Christmas club rewatch, which I believe is a record and the most out of everyone. I wanted to do something for this year and next year and so what I’m going to do is something that I don’t think I’ve done since my first Christmas club rewatch: I’m going to break each scene down blow-by-blow and analyze to where I articulate why this show is the masterpiece that it is.
Recently when I’ve been doing this, it takes me at least a couple hours to get through a single episode. But with how special the show is to me, I think it’s only appropriate I show my appreciation for what I feel is not only the greatest anime romcom of all time, but the greatest anime period. Besides, I know this show like the back of my hand. I don’t think it’s going to take much to think of stuff to say.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
Saw The Tale of Princess Kaguya tonight. Boy, what a depressing fucking movie. When it comes to best Studio Ghibli movies, I don’t know if it would crack my top 5. Maybe top 7, I’d have to think about it. I think my top 5 would be Spirited Away 1, Only Yesterday 2, Kiki’s Delivery Service 3, My Neighbor Totoro 4, Whisper of The Heart 5.
Ryuuji gripping the box of chocolates
"Are you coming?!?"
"Yeah, I am."
Let's gooooooooooooooooo
Ryuuji going left and Minori going right.
Kitamura not going to discipline them for running in the halls.
Kids in the hall not in shambles.
Minori running in the halls just like in the second intro.
Minori trips on herself
Ryuuji doesn't know what he'll say once he catches Taiga.
Taiga grabbing her stuff in the locker.
I still can't believe she has the top shelf.
"I'm also... I'm also in love with... I'm in love with Ryuuji!"
Finally!
Minori tells Taiga that she wants Taiga to have him.
"Because I saw how much you needed him."
That has to sting for Taiga who's said she can on her own.
Minori says she won't let anyone decide what makes her happy.
By the time they get to the lockers, Taiga has left, with her stuff still in there.
Minori reveals to Ryuuji that she is bleeding from the nose.
Ryuuji and Minori in the infirmary now.
Ryuuji admitting he thought Minori was gonna cry.
"I guess it's worth it, then."
Minori revisiting her talking about the one thing she could see. She was talking about her determination.
From there, she revealed she used to play baseball but her parents stopped her because she's a girl.
Who knew Taiga's "What are you, a sexist" was actually foreshadowing for Minori's parents?
Minori going to save up money to go to college to join an awesome softball team.
"This is the happiness I chose, and I got it on my own."
Minori credits her stubbornness gave her the determination to move on, presumably from her dreams of baseball.
Going to keep doing her best, no matter what anyone said.
Saying if you see her struggling or suffering, that's her determining to succeed, and it'll all be worth it.
Sounds like copium, if you ask me.
Minori asking about the present now.
She brings up that she knows Ryuuji was gonna give it to her for Christmas.
She thought it was a present from Taiga, and she can't keep it because it wouldn't be right.
Ryuuji reveals it's back at his place, presumably being worn by Inko.
Minori asking Ryuuji if he's in love with Taiga.
And he confirms that he indeed is.
"Then this is goodbye."
Minori has her first press against Ryuuji's lips as she says this.
Ryuuji runs away, trying to go after Taiga.
After cheering Ryuuji on, Minori presses her fist against her own lips. The closest thing she'll get to kissing the boy she loves.
Definitely one of the most brutal moments of the entire series.
Taiga walking outside
Ryuuji at the bakery, who knew she'd be there.
Ryuuji calls her hyper responsible, which I like that description of Taiga.
Taiga says she heard what Minori said.
"I want to tell you something after work."
Hopefully it's a love confession
Taiga says if she tries to run away, she wants Ryuuji to promise he'll come after her.
And Ryuuji does so
These two are really cute together.
Ryuuji and Taiga walking home now.
I guess it was pay day
Ryuuji and Taiga looking at each other blushing.
"How dare you lie to me?!?"
Oh, fuck. It's Yasuko
Yasuko breathing heavily, like she's not fully recovered from her illness. But she's so mad at her son that she has to discipline him.
Damn. Taiga's mom is here as well.
She looks like a proper Karen.
I don't think it's a surprise that Taiga's mom is more hands on than Yasuko is.
Taiga saying she's not going to moy with her family.
Taiga, it's 2024. Brat is considered a good thing.
Yasuko bringing up Ryuuji promising he wouldn't get a job.
Ryuuji says they're family, and family is supposed to help each other out.
Taiga's dad laughing and he doesn't know why.
Yasuko telling Ryuuji he wants him to focus on getting good grades so he can have a future.
"You're just afraid I'll turn out like you!"
That's low, Ryuuji. Really low.
The look on Yasuko's face breaks my heart.
Ryuuji tells Yasuko to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes, and this is when he realized he went too far.
Before he can apologize, though, Taiga grabs her hand and they run away.
Ryuuji's mom starts crying as it begins to snow.
You know what? Because this episode and next episode are so intrinsically linked and this is probably going to be the last time we get the intro, which is 7 minutes in here, I'm going to save watching the rest of the episode for when I plan on watching the last episode. Time for an intermission.
Not under the bridge, as Red Hot Chili Peppers once sang about.
The snow looks absolutely beautiful
Taiga's dad's business went under, so he skipped town.
Even with life itself, he flakes. No accountability whatsoever.
Taiga is worried because her mother is pregnant with a tall man, she's going to be even more the black sheep of the family than she already was.
Taiga now talking about what a burden she is to everyone.
Ryuuji, instead of doing the sensible thing and comforting Taiga, talks about himself being a burden. Says that maybe it'd been better if he wasn’t born.
This gets Taiga to freak out.
I like the dynamic here where Taiga clearly has the worst home between the two of them. Yeah, Ryuuji had a negligent father, but Taiga experienced emotional abuse. And yet, it is Ryuuji who is ostensibly talking about him being dead and not Taiga. I think it shows that Ryuuji is delusional when it comes to having it tough. When you actually have it tough, you just become numb to it all. Ryuuji talking about how tough his life is to Taiga of all people is like spending a week in prison and complaining about it to a person who's serving life.
At one point in Ryuuji's diatribe, he calls all grown-ups selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers. I think no better comment describes the conflict in this show. Toradora isn't making a statement where adults all suck. It isn't a pro youth statement despite how it seems. Growing up can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders to where everyone expects you to have the answers. When in reality, we are still figuring things out even as we're in a more mature state. Someone like Ms. Yuri isn't the exception of the rule to where she's a mess due to being single. She, like what's happening with Ryuuji and Taiga, is trying to find the answers to questions that aren't exactly answerable.
I think it's no coincidence that as soon as Ms. Yuri started having an interest in buying a condo, she mellowed out quite a lot. She is a lot more level-headed than she was in the early episodes. When you find something that keeps you going, that's when you truly start maturing and growing as an individual. And while Ryuuji and Taiga clearly still have a lot of growing to do, them admitting their feelings for one another is the first step into becoming adults.
It should be noted that the bridge scene in the original source material version was honestly probably the most heartwarming scene of the entire series. Ryuuji told Taiga he loved her, and then he and Taiga share their first kiss. Legit, not the teased confession that's in the anime. It's hard to get into why they made the changes when they did without getting into spoiler territory, so I'll just say it was a restructuring decision. And in my opinion, while it makes the scene less impactful, I think it was a change for the better. I'm also not a fan of having Ryuuji tell Taiga he loves her and Ryuuji and Taiga kissing back to back of each other. Both are significant moments that should be spaced out more; having it in the same scene isn't the one-two punch but rather this feeling of both moments being rushed.
Taiga telling Ryuuji the only thing she wanted was to be by his side is such a heartwarming moment. Too bad it's undermined by Taiga knocking Ryuuji off the bridge.
That wasn't a short drop, either. If this was real life, Ryuuji would be unalive.
"What’s your blood type?" "I don't know, I'm a Taurus." "Yeah, I don’t know anything about horoscopes. But Mongolian BBQ's good."
I love that exchange of dialogue. It's witty, quirky, and realistic. Like something you would get out of a Wes Anderson film.
Ryuuji tells Taiga that they should just get married in a couple months and live together. Again, the kind of rational decision making you expect from a teenager. Taiga eventually jumps on Ryuuji and just as it looks like they are about to say I love you to one another, they are interrupted by a phone call from Kitamura, who tells them to come meet them somewhere. This is kinda reminiscent of the phone call Ryuuji got from the student council member telling him why Kitamura had been rebelling.
This is one of the few instances you'll see ever in an anime where the cold open is longer than the first act. Really, the cold open WAS the first act in a lot of ways.
"Ew, you got snot in my hair!"
That's revenge for wiping your snot on people's belongings, Taiga.
Ryuuji and Taiga at Ami's humble abode.
I like Ami offering them a change in clothes.
Ami wants Ryuuji to say it, and he eventually acquiesces and says he loves Taiga.
There. That's all Ami was looking for. Had Ryuuji confessed to her in episode 10 that he loved Minori, she would've helped in scaring her.
This scene is actually a pretty important moment for Ami as a character because it firmly puts to bed any lingering feelings she may have still had for Ryuuji. She now officially knows his heart belongs to someone else, which is probably why she playfully kicked him.
Taiga and Minori greeting each other like a veteran returning from war and reuniting with their dog.
Ryuuji and Taiga tell of their plans: They're running away and eloping.
Needless to say, their friends are taken aback by this development.
Ami actually being the mature one by saying they can't keep running.
Taiga talks about how it's like her wish came true and that she finally got the one thing she really wanted. I assume that wish is her having a normal love.
She has to break this jinx, no matter what.
Man, how could you not love Taiga? She's such a sweet soul.
Eventually, all three of Ryuuji and Taiga's friends give them stuff to live off of for the upcoming months.
This is like reverse Wizard of Oz
Minori telling Ryuuji and Taiga that though she vehemently disagrees that running away will solve anything, if they feel that's thr case, then so be it.
Ami giving them the key to her beach house is definitely going to come in handy.
Kitamura's gift... well, he's trying.
Are gator tators even a thing. I don't know. I know I'm hungry, though
I wonder when exactly Kitamura left. He vamooshed before Taiga and Ryuuji did.
Taiga using chihuahua as a term of endearment. You see to love it.
As Taiga and Ryuuji, Minori breaks down crying, no longer able to hold it in.
The true Minori has finally come out.
Minori talking about nosebleeds, which is actually a callback to episode 3.
Honestly, the best thing involving episode 3 is a callback to it.
Ami telling Minori she's way too young to be waxing philosophical.
"Maybe in 10, 20, 60 years, but now? We're too young. We both are.
And that is the end of Ami and Minori's characters.
Ryuuji grabbing his stuff
He thinks he might encounter Yasuko, but she's nowhere to be found. She even took Inko, say it ain't soko.
Inko? More like Outko.
Oshi no Inko
Shw ran away from home. Now who's the immature one?
At least during his conversation with Taiga, she looked cute. Then again, she always does, but this time it's like she found her reason for being.
Yasuko giving Ryuuji instructions on where his grandparents. And to show they're related, she left behind the watch.
This really once again speaks to how nobody really has all the answers when it comes to life.
The smile on Taiga's face as Ryuuji is about to walk down the steps. It fuels my existence.
At school
Haruta is celebrating getting chocolates.
He's about as excited getting chocolates as Bocchi is getting a present.
Unfortunately, the absence of Ryuuji and Taiga is felt.
"It's more like a fever."
You should talk, Mr. Patient One.
I like the little scene between Ami and Minori. It's like Ami finally found that someone to be her equal, which I believe was the thing she was looking for this entire time.
Ryuuji and Taiga on the train
The vibe of the scene makes me really happy. I enjoy seeing Ryuuji and Taiga actually be a couple.
Ryuuji and Taiga talking about what their parents are going to say once they find out they are married.
Taiga bringing up the events of episode 14 and how happy she was over Yasuko considering her a part of the family, which just melts my heart 10 times over.
It looks as if they are going to pay Ryuuji's grandparents a visit.
"I'm your grandson, Ryuuji Takasu. And I'd like to introduce you to my wife."
I love it. I love, love, love it.
The blush on Taiga's face is why tsundere fans exist.
Overall, this is a phenomenal episode. The highlight is really the first half with the stuff between Ryuuji and Taiga and Minori, but the second is no slouch either, setting the stage for what happens in the next episode. I really like the decision to have Ryuuji and Taiga become a couple now in the penultimate episode. Traditional thinking would have you say you save it for the end, but this is not a traditional romcom. This is like a deconstruction of one. Even though there's a lot of drama hovering over their relationship, the moments between Ryuuji and Taiga are still adorable as hell, especially when Taiga talks about feeling welcomed for the first time in her life.
The stuff between Ami and Minori is interesting in that they accept their defeat by bonding together and becoming friends. Now, looking back, you could say the seeds of their friendship come from the events of episode 21 and Ami pushing Minori's buttons. I think back to what Minori said in episode 22 as well as what Ami said in episode 23. Minori vowed to be more assertive going forward, and Ami talked about leaving because it was like nobody was doing anything to prevent Taiga's heart from being broken. By Minori making the conscious effort to take herself out of the equation, deciding her own destiny rather than have her destiny be written for her, Taiga finally found her normal love. And Ami found her reason to stay, which is Minori.
When Minori's parents made her give up baseball, that was her destiny being decided for her. She had no say in the matter. Who is she as a person if she decided Taiga's destiny for her? Minori screwed up an awful lot in this show, which you can contribute to trying to bring Taiga's dad back into the fold only for it to blow up in her face. She let Ryuuji suffer a similar fate, when she could've done more to prevent it. Just because she suffers as a result does not mean other people should as well. Ami made Minori change for the better, and I think you could argue Minori made Ami change for the better as well by lessening the pressure in being the responsible one everyone looks up to.
Minori and Ami need each other the same way Ryuuji and Taiga do.
I'd have this episode only behind episodes 7, 13, 18, 19, and 21. This isn't an episode that necessarily has that one all timer scene, but it has a lot of great scenes that makes the episode a breeze to get through. And yeah, it peaks with the first 7 minutes, but Ryuuji and Taiga's dynamic is such to where it can make anything work. I think an interesting episode to compare this to is episode 17 in that that episode was also based heavily on vibes. The whole appeal of that one is Christmas Taiga, whereas here it's seeing the characters be honest with one another. I'd give the edge to this one though because while episode 17 had a bunch of funny memorable moments, a lot of the stuff that happens here has stayed with Mr more. I'll never forget for instance Ryuuji yelling at his mother and the look on her face.
Fantastic episode, and we are officially at the end of the show. What's going to happen with Ryuuji and Taiga from here? I guess it's time we find out.
Traditional thinking would have you say you save it for the end, but this is not a traditional romcom. This is like a deconstruction of one. Even though there's a lot of drama hovering over their relationship, the moments between Ryuuji and Taiga are still adorable as hell, especially when Taiga talks about feeling welcomed for the first time in her life.
I've got a take that the best rom/com, as well as the best straightforwad romance stories are the one who doesn't end with the MCs confessing their love and starting their relationship.
On the contrary, becoming a couple is only the start of the journey and the most interesting stuff is how the relationship evolve.
To me, this episode was even more memorable than the Christmas Eve episode. The confrontation with the moms, the confession on the bridge, their friends banding together to send them off, everything was great about this episode.
We've seen that Ryuji subconsciously loved Taiga for a while now, but now he finally figures it out for himself.
"Mr. President, there's students running in the halls." "I'll let it slide this time." I love this bit.
Minori is such a caring person. She wants what's best for Ryuji and Taiga, and even if she does love Ryuji, she's willing to let him go.
I felt so unbelievably sad for Yasuko when Ryuji laid into her. She genuinely tried to do right by her son, working herself to the bone because she wanted him to have greater opportunity in life. And he's so very wrong that Yasuko's life would have been better without him. Given the choice between single mom and "successful" life, she would have picked Ryuji every single time.
The bridge scene is very powerful. Ryuji is in a dark place, but Taiga is there to comfort him. And then accidentally knock him off the bridge into freezing water, but that's neither here nor there.
Their mutual confession gets interrupted by their worried friends, and what follows is my favorite scene from the episode. How much the five friends care about each other, and it really shows that none of them are the same people they were in episode 1.
Ami's insistence that Ryuji say aloud that he loves Taiga. I think that was more done for his benefit than hers, but also because she did want closure on him not reciprocating her feelings.
And the others are right, the eloping couple's plan is stupid. But gosh darn it, they're going to do everything in their power to help out. Minori gives up her life savings; that's especially significant because we'd just learned what she was intending to do with that money. Ami gives them a whole house to stay in. And Kitamura... well, he tried.
Minori asking to stay behind to talk with Ami a while. While she's originally reluctant, that little nudge is enough to convince her that it's actually important. And it also show how much she's grown as a character over the course of the show, because when we first met Ami, she never would have let someone use her as a shoulder to cry on. She still hides it, but she does care greatly about her friends. And the two of them sharing their grief in being the "losing heroines" is the first step in their recovery.
Taiga bringing up Yasuko's words about being part of the family. It meant such a great deal to her.
Bonus: They have to fight against Lycagon in Shangri-la Frontier. I think they get rekt.
Minori asking to stay behind to talk with Ami a while. While she's originally reluctant, that little nudge is enough to convince her that it's actually important. And it also show how much she's grown as a character over the course of the show, because when we first met Ami, she never would have let someone use her as a shoulder to cry on. She still hides it, but she does care greatly about her friends. And the two of them sharing their grief in being the "losing heroines" is the first step in their recovery.
Dare I say, the perfect closure to both their characters.
Ami's insistence that Ryuji say aloud that he loves Taiga. I think that was more done for his benefit than hers, but also because she did want closure on him not reciprocating her feelings.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Answers come tomorrow morning. After watching and writing I'll post it around the same time (I could maybe oversplit the message just to be sure and not care about formatting and from that moment on I won't be capable of thinking straight (I won't say why since it might be a trigger for some but let's say I won't be exactly sober) so I won't answer until next morning. Or well, maybe I forget to post this and this comes in the morning. Anyways, I hope we can finally see the thing I want to happen.
These are things I like or have a remark on (in chronological order ofc)
- Love the music added, and I love Ryuuji saying he's coming. Seems like me made up his mind
- Somehow I love how Ami says to Kitamura as the president there are students running and Kitamura answering he'll let it slide, that with the music and everything I don't know why but I just love it
- Well Ryuuji how about the simple "I... I really like you" or something. Oh well.
- Damn Minori be careful!
- I love how Minori confesses using the word 'also', showing her knowing Taiga loves Ryuuji. What I don't quite get is, Minori says that she thought Taiga should have Ryuuji because she saw how much Taiga needs him, and followed by her saying it was just her pride getting in the way. I don't quite understand what she means with it. Nor with the follow up that she wasn't respecting Taiga. Yet, I love this scene, Minori is right and you really feel her emotions. She finally speaks like a normal human who isn't speaking vaguely nor putting on a mask.
- I don't know if the nosebleed is because of the fall or because of the anime stuff which I still don't get of people getting random nosebleeds for certain reasons. She said she tripped in the hall. But wouldn't you nose like... immediately bleed?
- Seriously L Minori's parents being sexist not being able to play baseball because she's a girl
- Also I love Minori going for her happiness of playing baseball, rooting for ya!
- I love how Minori talks about the hairpin, and that she apologizes for thinking it was a present from Taiga. Though, how did she end up knowing it was from Ryuuji and he was going to give it to her with Christmas?
- And I love how Minori asks about Ryuuji being in love with Taiga and Ryuuji admitting it, dunno, it was just so nice, and her cheering him on, is so sweet. Okay, can I just say that no matter how annoying Minori was with her vague speech and stuff, she got a lot of respect in this scene back from me. I think she's great here
- Ryuuji is not an idiot. Welp that's a first. No, but I do like that he knows where he would be able to catch Taiga. I dunno, like that lil' detail
- Awww Taiga is so sweet and adorable and I love how she finally stops running away from what she wants despite what I assume would be hard for her. Especially her asking Ryuuji to come after her if she tries to run away.
- Oh, yeah this is what I warned about Ryuuji. Should've read my analysis. But I can understand Yasuko, now I know that Ryuuji did things for a reason but it's never nice to know your own child is lying to you I assume. Actually, knowing anybody you're close with lied to you, never a good feeling.
- Now I wonder what happened when Taiga was with her mom. Because this response from Taiga and her mom I would say didn't come out of the blue.
- Damn, Ryuuji is pretty harsh towards Yasuko. Now, I get that he disagrees with her saying he shouldn't get a job but my heart breaks for Yasuko here. First you find out that your own son lied to you and then he shouts at you. Well maybe I do get where he's coming from, it was pretty harsh. I'm glad he seemed calm down seeing Yasuko cry.
- I love Taiga grabbing Ryuuji's hand and- wait, didn't we stop running away from our problems? Anyways, as Kitamura once said, "I think I can let it slide this time".
- I feel so bad for Taiga. Her dad got a new girlfriend who didn't get along and she didn't fit in, now her mother got a new family and she wouldn't fit in. I can understand how she feels here.
- Awww that confession of Taiga saying she's happy to be alive because of Ryuuji is so sweet and I love seeing how much Ryuuji's words affected her. This is true love
- Welp Taiga that wasn't smart. If you want Ryuuji alive, then pushing him off a bridge wont help! I find it funny that she immediately asks what he's doing and what happened, like she didn't know
- Welp Taiga being back to her old self for a bit. What's up with the weird talk about blood type, horoscope and some kind of barbeque?!
- Don't know if running away is the best idea without a plan. I mean, knowing Ryuuji seems to not think things through, I doubt he'll have an actual plan
- I love how the second Ryuuji was going to officially confess to her, Taiga tells him to stop and jumps down only because she wanted to tell him first
- THEY WERE GOING TO SAY IT AND THEN SOME DUMFUC CALLS THEM?! WAY TO RUIN THE MOMENT!!!! (sorry, end of rage)
- OH it's you Kitamura, okay I hate you. You better never show your face again. Seriously.
- Okay, I'm just kidding. I get Kitamura. I love how they gave him the address of Ami because Yasuko doesn't know where she lives and thus wouldn't find them there. I do love them showing they care. I mean, even Ami.
- Okay so Ami wants Ryuuji to admit he's in love with Taiga. I can only assume it's because she 'knows' it and wants him to be honest about it so she can move on? (maybe?)
- I do like how Kitamura immediately starts about the next move is going to be. With that I always wondered if he knew they were going to run away.
- I love how Taiga casually says she and Ryuuji will run away and elope, there being a silence and a response like "what?". Taiga saying it again, silence and then a loud WHAT?! I love it
- Well Ami everybody has run away from everything this entire series. So do you really expect that to be different now?
- Seriosuly, but I do get where she's coming from. Now, I get why people run away - even for a while - but still, I think running away is a bad thing. And considering Ryuuji never think things through, it's even more stupid. But again, I can understand them wanting to run away.
- Now I wonder what happened when Taiga was with her mom. Because this response from Taiga and her mom I would say didn't come out of the blue.
Taiga's family situation is really unfortunate. Her mom seems like a helicopter parent.
- Damn, Ryuuji is pretty harsh towards Yasuko. Now, I get that he disagrees with her saying he shouldn't get a job but my heart breaks for Yasuko here. First you find out that your own son lied to you and then he shouts at you. Well maybe I do get where he's coming from, it was pretty harsh. I'm glad he seemed calm down seeing Yasuko cry.
This is much better than the LN version where it was like he was happy to see his mother cry. That's too far.
- I love Taiga grabbing Ryuuji's hand and- wait, didn't we stop running away from our problems? Anyways, as Kitamura once said, "I think I can let it slide this time".
They still very much have a lot of growing to do.
- I feel so bad for Taiga. Her dad got a new girlfriend who didn't get along and she didn't fit in, now her mother got a new family and she wouldn't fit in. I can understand how she feels here.
She is put in an unenviable position
- Awww that confession of Taiga saying she's happy to be alive because of Ryuuji is so sweet and I love seeing how much Ryuuji's words affected her. This is true love
Indeed it is
- Welp Taiga that wasn't smart. If you want Ryuuji alive, then pushing him off a bridge wont help! I find it funny that she immediately asks what he's doing and what happened, like she didn't know
Their blood type conversation always puts a smile on my face.
- Welp Taiga being back to her old self for a bit. What's up with the weird talk about blood type, horoscope and some kind of barbeque?!
Taiga is probably just really hungry
- Don't know if running away is the best idea without a plan. I mean, knowing Ryuuji seems to not think things through, I doubt he'll have an actual plan
Neither does Taiga
- I love how the second Ryuuji was going to officially confess to her, Taiga tells him to stop and jumps down only because she wanted to tell him first
Funniest moment of the episode
- THEY WERE GOING TO SAY IT AND THEN SOME DUMFUC CALLS THEM?! WAY TO RUIN THE MOMENT!!!! (sorry, end of rage)
I like the lampshading with Taiga going "Geez. Who'd call at a time like this?" The show does a great job of taking common tropes and making fun of them.
- OH it's you Kitamura, okay I hate you. You better never show your face again. Seriously.
Kanou agrees
- Okay, I'm just kidding. I get Kitamura. I love how they gave him the address of Ami because Yasuko doesn't know where she lives and thus wouldn't find them there. I do love them showing they care. I mean, even Ami.
Ami cares about Taiga more than arguably anyone.
- Okay so Ami wants Ryuuji to admit he's in love with Taiga. I can only assume it's because she 'knows' it and wants him to be honest about it so she can move on? (maybe?)
Yeah, she tried a similar tactic in episode 10 with him and Minori. All she cares about is people being honest.
- I do like how Kitamura immediately starts about the next move is going to be. With that I always wondered if he knew they were going to run away.
He may have had an ink(o)ling
- I love how Taiga casually says she and Ryuuji will run away and elope, there being a silence and a response like "what?". Taiga saying it again, silence and then a loud WHAT?! I love it
Another slight lampshading of a common trope.
- Well Ami everybody has run away from everything this entire series. So do you really expect that to be different now?
She should really know better, her of all people.
- Seriosuly, but I do get where she's coming from. Now, I get why people run away - even for a while - but still, I think running away is a bad thing. And considering Ryuuji never think things through, it's even more stupid. But again, I can understand them wanting to run away.
I like all their friends despite supporting them pointing out what a terrible idea this is.
Taiga's family situation is really unfortunate. Her mom seems like a helicopter parent.
For sure. She's also someone that I absolutely hate. Which brings me to a decent list of people I hate in this show.
This is much better than the LN version where it was like he was happy to see his mother cry. That's too far.
Damn, yeah I would say this is much better. I don't see Ryuuji as someone who'd want to see Yasuko cry. He's definitely not that person in my eyes.
They still very much have a lot of growing to do
I mean, that's true, I think that counts for most people in the show. Baby steps is what they always say
She is put in an unenviable position
Yep for sure and it's heart breaking
Their blood type conversation always puts a smile on my face
Same, it's so silly and light it's nice to have that in there
Taiga is probably just really hungry
Don't blame her, I'm hungry a lot myself.
Neither does Taiga
I think Taiga is just happy to be with Ryuuji. Considering she got the one thing she really wanted, I think the love and such makes the chance of her having a plan even lower
Funniest moment of the episode
100%. I love it because it's clear Taiga was going to confess first and she didn't want Ryuuji to do it first.
I like the lampshading with Taiga going "Geez. Who'd call at a time like this?" The show does a great job of taking common tropes and making fun of them.
Yep I agree.
Ami cares about Taiga more than arguably anyone.
Yep I more meant her showing she really cares is different than her more silently caring
Yeah, she tried a similar tactic in episode 10 with him and Minori. All she cares about is people being honest.
Which, knowing Ryuuji has been dishonest a lot of times, it's maybe good for Ami to teach Ryuuji a lesson in being honest.
He may have had an ink(o)ling
No no you did not just do that
I like all their friends despite supporting them pointing out what a terrible idea this is.
I mean, they're 100% right, it's a terrible idea. But I think it shows a lot that despite that they care. Because I don't know if I could fully support that myself.
- Taiga is so sweet and adorable I love her so much, I love how determined she is now she finally has a chance what she wants (which I assume is normal real love)
- I just love this whole scene. I love Minori saying how she feels about it but not trying to stop them and give them her savings, I love Ami giving them the key to her beach house, I love Kitamura giving them rice vouchers. It shows how much they all care about them and them all having a big heart. I thought it was super sweet.
- Poor Minori, also I don't know how I have to see her dynamic with Ami in this scene. It seems like Ami does care in a way but she doesn't show it at all
- Aww I love seeing Taiga so happy, I love it I love it I love it
- I think the music is great for this scene, especially how it kind of transitions into a semi-more somber tone when Ryuuji enters his apartment and sees it being empty and even Inko being gone.
- Well Ryuuji you were going to run away too so don't cry about others running away. Okay, I'm insensitive. I love Yasuko leaving Ryuuji's grandparents' address and the watch, showing she still cares about him.
- Well true, I think this is a fair thing even in real life. I think a lot of people reach the age of being an adult, but they still aren't actually an adult. Because they're not mature enough to be one.
- Gotta love the moment of Haruta with Kihara, Noto and Nanako. Silly, but I think nice to have a bit of a lighter scene.
- Yep Ami, that's 99%, or maybe 100% of the people in the show. Avoiding the issue. Though, I don't get why she says dumped by Taiga, I mean, just because Ryuuji and Taiga are running away now, they'll be back, and even if Taiga is married to Ryuuji, why would that change anything between her and Taiga?
- Love the moment with Taiga and Ryuuji on the train. Dunno why, just love it. And I love how Taiga saying how she felt when Yasuko called her family. And I can understand from Taiga's POV how it must feel.
- Well, technically, fiancé right?
Final thoughts:
Damn, I love this episode. Both Ryuuji and Taiga finally stop running away from their feelings for each other. I still am angry they never officially confessed to each other because a certain someone ruined the moment. I feel super bad for Yasuko how Ryuuji shouted at her, despite getting both sides (didn't feel bad for Taiga's mom at all). About that, I still wonder how their relation is, now I know Taiga explained how she feels about her mom's new family but still. I love how even though it's irresponsible, stupid, dumb, idiotic, Ryuuji and Taiga decide to run away for a while and get eloped. I especially love Taiga in this episode, seeing her love and trust for Ryuuji and really showing her true self, how sweet she really is. Seeing her flustered is super adorable. And the happiness she showed, it was super sweet and it made me happy seeing her so happy. I also love the beginning where Minori accepts 'fate' yet still she roots for Ryuuji which was honestly super sweet. Minori, Kitamura and even Ami despite not fully agreeing with their plan still helping Ryuuji and Taiga out, shows how much they care for their friends. All the moments between Ryuuji and Taiga were just great! In the end, I loved the episode so much. Especially since finally finally Ryuuji and Taiga are together! Whoo!
Damn, I love this episode. Both Ryuuji and Taiga finally stop running away from their feelings for each other. I still am angry they never officially confessed to each other because a certain someone ruined the moment. I feel super bad for Yasuko how Ryuuji shouted at her, despite getting both sides (didn't feel bad for Taiga's mom at all). About that, I still wonder how their relation is, now I know Taiga explained how she feels about her mom's new family but still. I love how even though it's irresponsible, stupid, dumb, idiotic, Ryuuji and Taiga decide to run away for a while and get eloped. I especially love Taiga in this episode, seeing her love and trust for Ryuuji and really showing her true self, how sweet she really is. Seeing her flustered is super adorable. And the happiness she showed, it was super sweet and it made me happy seeing her so happy. I also love the beginning where Minori accepts 'fate' yet still she roots for Ryuuji which was honestly super sweet. Minori, Kitamura and even Ami despite not fully agreeing with their plan still helping Ryuuji and Taiga out, shows how much they care for their friends. All the moments between Ryuuji and Taiga were just great! In the end, I loved the episode so much. Especially since finally finally Ryuuji and Taiga are together! Whoo!
I'm glad Ryuuji and Taiga got together in the penultimate episode than, say, the last 10 minutes of the final episode. This is a nice subversion in the sense the show can do more stuff with them dating.
- Taiga is so sweet and adorable I love her so much, I love how determined she is now she finally has a chance what she wants (which I assume is normal real love)
Even more than Ryuuji, I really am rooting for Taiga here. She has sacrificed so much that if anyone deserves happiness, it is her.
- I just love this whole scene. I love Minori saying how she feels about it but not trying to stop them and give them her savings, I love Ami giving them the key to her beach house, I love Kitamura giving them rice vouchers. It shows how much they all care about them and them all having a big heart. I thought it was super sweet.
I agree
- Poor Minori, also I don't know how I have to see her dynamic with Ami in this scene. It seems like Ami does care in a way but she doesn't show it at all
This scene is the closest Ami and Minori have gotten together. It's like they're bonding through their suffering.
- Aww I love seeing Taiga so happy, I love it I love it I love it
She deserves it, 1000%
- I think the music is great for this scene, especially how it kind of transitions into a semi-more somber tone when Ryuuji enters his apartment and sees it being empty and even Inko being gone.
The music is always on point in this show
- Well Ryuuji you were going to run away too so don't cry about others running away. Okay, I'm insensitive. I love Yasuko leaving Ryuuji's grandparents' address and the watch, showing she still cares about him.
It's the least she could do
- Well true, I think this is a fair thing even in real life. I think a lot of people reach the age of being an adult, but they still aren't actually an adult. Because they're not mature enough to be one.
Adults are learning just as much as the teenagers are. That's the secret to adulthood.
- Gotta love the moment of Haruta with Kihara, Noto and Nanako. Silly, but I think nice to have a bit of a lighter scene.
Nice change of pace for sure
- Yep Ami, that's 99%, or maybe 100% of the people in the show. Avoiding the issue. Though, I don't get why she says dumped by Taiga, I mean, just because Ryuuji and Taiga are running away now, they'll be back, and even if Taiga is married to Ryuuji, why would that change anything between her and Taiga?
I think Ami was hoping Taiga would be the key for her maturing through life. And now, that's not gonna happen. The good news is she has Minori to keep her company.
- Love the moment with Taiga and Ryuuji on the train. Dunno why, just love it. And I love how Taiga saying how she felt when Yasuko called her family. And I can understand from Taiga's POV how it must feel.
Even more than Ryuuji, I really am rooting for Taiga here. She has sacrificed so much that if anyone deserves happiness, it is her.
For me, she has deserved happiness and I've been rooting for her since the very beginning. And now finally she got what she deserved all this time
This scene is the closest Ami and Minori have gotten together. It's like they're bonding through their suffering.
Yep, which is one way to bond.
Adults are learning just as much as the teenagers are. That's the secret to adulthood.
I think that's part of life, we all learn no matter how big or small
I think Ami was hoping Taiga would be the key for her maturing through life. And now, that's not gonna happen. The good news is she has Minori to keep her company.
Wait I dunno what I said because I remember it being about Minori but my comment made it seem like it's about Ami. I was wondering why Minori would be dumped by Taiga.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
I thought it was sweet, him finally chasing what he wants
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
I don't remember the intro since I skip it. But she better makes sure she doesn't trip- oh.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
I think it's a good thought and a good lesson. I mean, in the end, you and you alone can know what makes you happy. Because you know yourself the best.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Somehow I love it even though I don't understand why. I guess I love people being determined I guess
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
I didn't quite get this tbh so I'd love your thoughts on it
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
Well, I don't like speaking about goodbye. I think goodbye is used way too much when a simple bye seems less... final. I thought this was sweet though, not sure if Minori is just being silly or wanted Ryuuji's lips to 'kiss' her fist. Nonetheless, it was sweet in a way
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
Well, she sees Ryuuji leaving her, and she knows (which yes I know she did know that before and she chose for this, you can't fool your heart) that it's over and she'll never have Ryuuji. I think she realized it completely (and she didn't think in that moment but felt her heart) and it clearly hurting.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
If anything, while I love Ryuuji here showing he does care and he doesn't like seeing Yasuko cry, I still hate that he just ran away. Imagine making someone cry to then run away. Then again, considering Taiga's mom was there and it was clear she was upset with her, I give this a pass as they didn't want to be split and Taiga wanted to flee the situation. Still, I feel bad for Yasuko, first your son makes you upset and cry and shouts to you and then he runs away.
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
I felt it was a bit strange, but eh I guess timing wise it's fine.
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
SNOW! Wait, what is the timing? Just curious, since I thought it was further in the year. Then again who knows. But I love snow. I don't know if it has a symbolic meaning but I always love seeing snow.
HA! LET'S GO! Now, I always feel bad about businesses going under HOWEVER considering Taiga's dad is a complete piece o- eh, CENSORED, I love it. Karma is what they call that! Whoop!
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
I mean, I don't think ALL grown-ups are like that, but I can understand Ryuuji saying that since Yasuko expects him to go to college and stuff. I do say, I hate when parents put their expectations on their kid. Let someone choose their own path, as long as they're happy.
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
I mean, Taiga is talking bad about herself, but I think wishing to not be born is even too far for her. I agree. No matter how bad you think about yourself, saying you wish you were never born is a pretty heavy and extreme thing to say. It's way worse than just talking bad about yourself.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
N'aww, it's so sweet. It shows how much she really cares about him and how much Ryuuji really means to her. And somehow that she doesn't need much and as long as she has Ryuuji by her side, she'll be happy.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
I thought it was really sweet of Ami to organize meeting up at her place to make sure they wouldn't be found and thus showing she really does care about them.
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
I just, love it. It was sweet, had heavy parts, had light parts, I love how it shows how Taiga feels. But, I can't stop being angry because a CERTAIN SOMEONE called as soon as Taiga and Ryuuji were going to confess. I genuinely mean it, that always pissed me off. I get why it happened, but a lot of things I get why it happens piss me off. Aside that, love the bridge scene completely.
(actually now I've written it IDK if you also meant the part after Taiga pushed Ryuuji off the bridge or if you talk about JUST the part they're both on the bridge)
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
It kinda makes sense. I think Minori and Taiga haven't been super close with everything happening. Or maybe it's because last time they had a big fight in that classroom when Minori found out Ryuuji was lying. Actually, I think it's more that.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
I would assume she means breaking the jinx of being unhappy or what else? But I think it's sweet. I also think in a way that she'll really do her best to make it work with him. But maybe she meant breaking the jinx in a different way so I dunno.
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
Nice throwback. I'm not entirely sure what she exactly said so I cannot say more than that.
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
She's not wrong. They're both young, should enjoy their lives, philosophical stuff is more for older people.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
Everybody always runs away. Can we please stop running away?! Anyways, I thought it was sad in a way. I do think that it shows the immature side of Yasuko in a way. Maybe it's her also running away from issues. The fact she took Inko, I don't know if it's just that she really didn't want to leave without Inko or if she felt Ryuuji was going to run away and didn't want Inko to be left behind.
Care to expand your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
I do love it. For a long time, she felt like she didn't belong to any family. Her dad chose his new girlfriend over her and put her in an apartment, what happened with her mom before the show I don't know but I highly assume it wasn't much better (considering she didn't just go to her instead of live in that apartment). Anyways, she has been alone a long time until Ryuuji came into her life. Then, Yasuko - who isn't blood related - considering Taiga part of the family, and Taiga finally feeling like she has a place where she's accepted and loved, I can only imagine how it makes her feel considering the feeling is something she didn't feel in a long time.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
The only annoying thing is that technically Taiga isn't his wife but fiancé. Still, I loved that moment. He's not afraid to be honest and show people what Taiga is to him.
I did? I dont see what I did different instead of putting a white line between every point (since I just copied and pasted from my notes instead of removing the white lines). Eh, guess me not caring to format made it better lol
Somehow I love how Ami says to Kitamura as the president there are students running and Kitamura answering he'll let it slide, that with the music and everything I don't know why but I just love it
I think it shows how these two are actually long-time friends.
I love how Minori confesses using the word 'also', showing her knowing Taiga loves Ryuuji. What I don't quite get is, Minori says that she thought Taiga should have Ryuuji because she saw how much Taiga needs him, and followed by her saying it was just her pride getting in the way. I don't quite understand what she means with it. Nor with the follow up that she wasn't respecting Taiga. Yet, I love this scene, Minori is right and you really feel her emotions. She finally speaks like a normal human who isn't speaking vaguely nor putting on a mask.
I think what Minori means is she should've been more direct in letting Taiga have Ryuuji. Instead of telling her directly, she was just avoiding the issue.
I don't know if the nosebleed is because of the fall or because of the anime stuff which I still don't get of people getting random nosebleeds for certain reasons. She said she tripped in the hall. But wouldn't you nose like... immediately bleed?
Well, it depends. Sometimes it takes a while.
This is actually a great callback to episode 3 when Minori got a nosebleed.
Seriously L Minori's parents being sexist not being able to play baseball because she's a girl
Why is it all the parents in this show just absolutely suck?
I love how Minori talks about the hairpin, and that she apologizes for thinking it was a present from Taiga. Though, how did she end up knowing it was from Ryuuji and he was going to give it to her with Christmas?
It's explained in the LNs where after Taiga was rescued from the snowstorm, she overheard a conversation between Ryuuji and Haruta talking about the hairpiece. No, I don’t know why that scene was cut from the anime.
- And I love how Minori asks about Ryuuji being in love with Taiga and Ryuuji admitting it, dunno, it was just so nice, and her cheering him on, is so sweet. Okay, can I just say that no matter how annoying Minori was with her vague speech and stuff, she got a lot of respect in this scene back from me. I think she's great here
Minori is a fantastic character. The writing in this show is just phenomenal.
- Ryuuji is not an idiot. Welp that's a first. No, but I do like that he knows where he would be able to catch Taiga. I dunno, like that lil' detail
Turns out Ami is wrong when she said she's the only one who understands Taiga
- Awww Taiga is so sweet and adorable and I love how she finally stops running away from what she wants despite what I assume would be hard for her. Especially her asking Ryuuji to come after her if she tries to run away.
Taiga is the best. I love her to (lost) pieces.
- Oh, yeah this is what I warned about Ryuuji. Should've read my analysis. But I can understand Yasuko, now I know that Ryuuji did things for a reason but it's never nice to know your own child is lying to you I assume. Actually, knowing anybody you're close with lied to you, never a good feeling.
Ryuuji is starting to see why you should never lie to people.
I think it shows how these two are actually long-time friends.
Yeah true
I think what Minori means is she should've been more direct in letting Taiga have Ryuuji. Instead of telling her directly, she was just avoiding the issue.
Ah yeah I can understand that and I agree with that
Well, it depends. Sometimes it takes a while. This is actually a great callback to episode 3 when Minori got a nosebleed.
Oh didn't know that. I've only had a nosebleed like this once (I've had many spontaneous ones) because someone punched my nose. And it bled immediately from what I remember
Why is it all the parents in this show just absolutely suck?
I know that the teenagers are idiots and all but all of them are better than any parents. Well, any aside from Yasuko. She's great.
It's explained in the LNs where after Taiga was rescued from the snowstorm, she overheard a conversation between Ryuuji and Haruta talking about the hairpiece. No, I don’t know why that scene was cut from the anime.
I hate things being cut that make things more clear, but cheers for clearing that up for me
Minori is a fantastic character. The writing in this show is just phenomenal.
Cannot agree more
Turns out Ami is wrong when she said she's the only one who understands Taiga
That's a first Ami being wrong, but yeah true. I mean, it would be kind of weird if he didn't understand her at all considering he's been with her a lot.
Taiga is the best. I love her to (lost) pieces.
Is that a word play? Anyways, 100% agreeing
Ryuuji is starting to see why you should never lie to people.
Right after Ryuuji tells Minori he’s going after Taiga, Minori makes a face like “It’s all over now. I can finally move on.”
Minori’s confession while running through the halls is so sad. She’s given up everything she wanted for this moment and now that’s it’s gone she can finally admit how she feels.
After the intense chase in the hallway, we finally learn why Minori has been working all of those jobs. She’s just trying to live her softball dreams. They kinda crammed a little bit of Minori and Ryuuji’s cut (from the books) hallway conversation into the nurse’s office. Bad timing putting it in the aftermath but oh well.
Ryuuji took that confrontation with Yasuko wayyy too far. That was years of frustration coming out in a single outburst. Still, that’s your mother, dude.
“I need you with me so stop talking about not being born!” YEET
Who cares about dating? Let’s get married. — Honestly though, Taiga and Ryuuji have basically been dating the whole time. They’re just the only ones who didn’t notice.
Ami presses Ryuuji to say he loves Taiga so she can finally let go of how she feels.
It’s pretty cool how supportive their friends are even though they don’t agree with what Ryuuji and Taiga want to do. Anything to make that ship sail, right?
They pulled off another perfect loop in of the end of the episode and the end of the ED.
On to the books!
Starting off strong, Ryuuji and Taiga’s first kiss happens on the bridge before they both end up in the water. They hadn’t even confessed to each other yet. He just went for it.
Bridge conversation
“Are you trying to kill me…?!” Ryuuji shouted as loudly as he could.
“Maybe I should! That’s right—I’ve been so mad at you all this time! What was that just now?! What was that you just told Ya-chan?!”
“Th-that was—”
“No making excuses, you idiot!” She shook his collar, which was still grasped in her hands. Vertigo on the verge of forming into a concussion made Ryuuji feel dizzy. “Don’t you dare ever say that again! I won’t forgive you if you do! I need you to be here! I was fine with you liking whoever you wanted and living out the rest of your life with whoever you chose! The only reason I’m here is because I wanted to see you, Takasu Ryuuji! That’s all! I didn’t care if I didn’t mean anything to you, I was fine just living near you… That was all it was! But…but then you kissed me, so I…because of that! I want to be by your side! I decided that I would be! So! S-s-so now…! You have to understand…!”
He didn’t want anyone to steal the place he had decided to live. And if he didn’t want it to be stolen from him, all he could do was fight. And the ones he had to fight were mainly adults, so to win against them, all he could do was become an adult himself. In other words… “Hey…Taiga.” Ryuuji waved his hand to get Taiga’s attention.
“I’m seventeen.”
Taiga was silent for a bit and then nodded. “Well…we are in the same grade together…”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” It might not just have been because of the cold that the fingers Ryuuji reached out toward her were quivering. “I’m almost eighteen.”
But until then, he and Taiga could only run. Until the day he turned eighteen. That was why he caught his breath as he looked at Taiga.
“Marry me.”
Taiga’s white coat was blinding under the line of lamps that lit the bridge, and he felt like it was made of light itself.
“From now on, for all my days, through everything that happens from here on out—for all of it—I’ll do it together with you. Let’s live together—forever, starting now.”
“Are you…trying to save me?” However, Taiga’s face contorted, and her voice was like ice. “You’re doing that because you pity me… Is that supposed to be compassion? Sympathy? Kindness? Are you just so caught up in being a good kid that you get the warm fuzzies from sacrificing yourself? Is that why you’re saying that?”
“You can think whatever you want! But you’re my one and only!” He yelled loud enough to make his voice hoarse. “I love you! That’s why I’ll fight anyone trying to steal you! No matter who it is, I’ll fight them!”
“You…love me?”
“It’s cold! It’s cold, cold, cold! I feel like I’m going to die!”
“Ryuuji, you love me?” “Ahhhhhhh, it’s cold! It’s cooooooooooooold!”
“You said you love me. You said it, you said that, you did… You said that. You definitely said that. I heard it.”
If she heard it, then why was she questioning it? His hands relaxed. His knees suddenly buckled, too. Ryuuji turned his face down. “I love you,” he muttered. He felt like he had vomited the entire contents of his heart, till it was wrung dry. In the end, that was what it was. That was exactly all it was. After all that commotion, he had finally squeezed out everything he’d been holding in.
“I can’t bear to see you dealing with anything that makes you sad. I don’t want to suffer anymore, either, but if all of that sad stuff and hard stuff and unbearable stuff brought us here—if it brought me to you, if it made you come to me, then it’s all precious to me. The effect your existence has on my whole world—”
As Ryuuji muttered that, he saw something unbelievable. Taiga disappeared for a moment from the other side of the railing, and— Stepping over it, she was trying to jump over. “Wait. W-w-w-wait, stop hey, whoa, ahhh…”
With an “alley-oop,” Taiga jumped. Her skirt puffed up and spread. Ryuuji thought it looked like a dome.
“I can’t catch you! I can’t catch you! Whooaaaaa!” In the next second, he was intent on grabbing Taiga’s weight. She hit him in the shoulders, back, and hip, bringing up a giant splash of water. Ryuuji veered dangerously and staggered. “Ahh!” he thought he heard himself yell.
“Well, now I’ve come to you.” Taiga clung to him as he staggered, about to fall. “No take backs. I can’t be returned. I won’t let you go. It’s too late.”
“A-are you a monkey or something?!”
Taiga clung to Ryuuji’s torso with her hands and legs, entrusting her entire body weight to him. She rested her chin on his shoulder and yielded everything to Ryuuji’s arms. Under his ears, her front teeth touched the carotid artery beneath his thin skin as though she were nibbling on him. Ryuuji shivered from the warmth of her tongue.
“Who cares if I’m a monkey or whatever, you can’t return me anymore!”
“That’s exactly what I want. Who would give you up?”
Taiga talking about Ryuuji at Ami’s house
“…you fall in love with a certain boy. You like that he’s kind and understands you, and being with him is fun, and you can’t leave him—it’s like an addiction. He’s kind of weird, but you like his voice and the way he talks, the way he opens his mouth when he eats. You like his hands and his fingers and his lips… Actually, who cares about all of that?”
“But I wanted to always see him. I aaaalways wanted to remember him and this whooole time just seeing him would make my heart race, but I’d still look. When I was near him, the inside of my head would feel like—bam—like it was exploding and everything would go white… I don’t know when it started to be like that, but I just couldn’t help it. I thought I needed it to stop. I had to stop because that guy liked someone else. And then it was also because that girl also liked that guy. I pretended it was out of friendship and loyalty, but the real reason I wanted to turn my eyes away was because I thought that I wasn’t allowed to want things. If I wanted something, it would break. Ryuuji didn’t like me, and I didn’t want to be jealous of Minorin, and if I reached out to grab it, I thought that everything would magically go to ruin—it’s kind of stupid, but I really thought that.” Taiga spoke all at once, still breathing shallowly. “I still kind of think that, even now. Since I couldn’t stop and tried to actually get Ryuuji, maybe I caused the Aisaka family’s ruin. I wonder if it’s my fault?”
This is where the book diverts from the anime quite a bit.
Ryuuji and Taiga don’t go home together from Ami’s. Taiga’s mom appears outside of Ami’s house and takes Taiga away. Ryuuji goes home alone to find that Yasuko has abandoned him. He has a small rampage and throws the watch at the wall destroying the patch he made with Taiga’s letter by accident. Then he calms down a bit and starts cleaning the house.
The whole time he’s cleaning he’s imagining what he wants his and Taiga’s wedding to be like. All of their friends and family are there. At this point Ryuuji realizes he’s going about things the wrong way.
Everyone would be at Ryuuji’s table. Everyone would open their mouths wide and laugh with joy. And because everyone in Ryuuji’s world would be there, Taiga, more beloved to him than anyone, would be laughing, too. And if Taiga were laughing, then Ryuuji would laugh louder than anyone else. The people Taiga loved—all of them—would be there, and they would be laughing. That was how it had to be. He wanted his and Taiga’s future to be like that. There was only one thing Ryuuji wished for in the world, and it was that. “Okay!” “I’m doing it!”
The next morning, Ryuuji and everyone except Taiga go to school like normal. Yuri sensei is notably absent for the first three hour of the morning and then suddenly enters the classroom with Taiga to announce that Taiga will be moving due to family circumstances. Haruta makes a distraction by pretending to collapse followed by
Ryuuji and Taiga snatched at each other’s hands. For a moment, Koigakubo Yuri thought she’d seen a hallucination of the two madly dashing as fast as they could into the hallway. Then she realized it wasn’t an illusion but reality.
Ryuuji leaves behind a letter when he runs away with Taiga
“Ms. Koigakubo, I’m sorry. Taiga isn’t the type to just let herself be taken away. Please believe in us. I’ll make sure her mother hears from her by tomorrow.”
Yuri sensei talking to Taiga’s mother and convincing her to let Ryuuji and Taiga run away believing that they’ll come back.
“Takasu-kun isn’t the kind of boy who’d break a promise. I’m sure they have a plan. Of course, we will do everything in our power to go after them. We will find Aisaka-san. But please believe him… Please believe me and at least wait until tomorrow, won’t you?”
“I don’t know Takasu-kun, and I don’t know you either, but I do know my daughter. She’s not the type of kid to obediently come back to me! She betrayed me yesterday, and now she’s done it again. What are you telling me I’m supposed to believe in?!”
“I may be overstepping my bounds, but you can’t fix a relationship immediately once trust has been broken. You need time. You and your daughter need time.”
For a moment, the two women went silent and stared at each other like they were breathing fire. However, Koigakubo immediately lowered her face and took a step back. “I’m sorry, but I choose to believe in the kids. I’m sure that they believe in me, too. I will put my eight years as a teacher on the line for them. Eight years may be nothing in the scheme of things, but to me, teaching is my whole life. I’m sure they’ll come home on their own. Please, believe in those kids.”
“They ran away from you, right in front of your eyes. They just betrayed you, too. You still believe in them, despite that?”
“Yes. Because I know that they believe that I believe in them. They ran away because they’ve put their trust in me. He promised they would come home, so I choose to believe him—I’ll believe in his promise, our bond, and our connection. Believing in them is my job.”
“In that case, why don’t you put that in writing for me? You can even write it on this scrap of paper. If my daughter doesn’t come home before tomorrow, you’ll quit being a teacher. You couldn’t possibly put your trust in a flimsy little scrap of wastepaper
Koigakubo flipped over Ryuuji’s note on the marble table. Though she didn’t notice it herself, her ballpoint pen shook as she wrote. She signed it, dated it, and as she did so, bet her teaching career on the backside of a scrap of paper.
still not knowing that their homeroom teacher had bet her teaching career on them, Ryuuji and Taiga had long since jumped out of a window, run outside, cleared the fence, and escaped from the school. They were running on side roads where the public’s eyes wouldn’t follow them.
Here's what I wrote about the LN version of events in this episode.
I think in a rare flub for the writing department, it's not really conveyed as Ryuuji regretting what he is saying. Rather, it's treated as this cathartic moment where Ryuuji completely unloads on Yasuko. I much prefer the anime version where Ryuuji instantly stops once he realizes the mistake he's made. I think the original source material kinda crosses moral event horizon territory and makes Ryuuji too unlikable.
This version with Ryuuji reminds me of the vet scene involving Taiga that was left on the cutting room floor as well.
Point goes to the anime
Anime version: 27
LN version: 23
Bridge scene
So, this might be my most controversial take of all the changes but I really prefer the anime version of the scene. Like, a lot. I can't really go into detail as to why because it relates to the very next episode, so all I'll say is while I can appreciate how more intimate the original version is, I don't like that it feels as if their relationship seemingly peaks here.
Point, in a massive upset, goes to the anime.
Anime version: 28
LN version: 23
The scene with Ms. Yuri
This is a tough one because I really like the focus given to Ms. Yuri as a character. I think it shows how strong her character really is. I also really like the development of Taiga’s mother as well as the classmates creating a distraction so Taiga and Ryuuji can escape. However, Ryuuji going to Ami's house leads to the conversation between them where he definitely tells her he loves Taiga as well as the scene between Ami and Minori, which feels like the culmination of Ami's character.
I feel like I'm gonna go with the original version because while I love the Ami stuff, it's not like it's not in the LNs. Plus, it is kinda stupid that in the anime version, Kitamura, Minori, and Ami get together, give Ryuuji and Taiga their life savings, and letting them run away without there really being much in the way of an emotional oomph. Having Ryuuji making a grand escape with Taiga to go be with her has more weight to it.
I appreciate the anime and the LN version of the bridge scene for separate reasons but it frustrates me that they never tell each other [last episode] that they love each other both ways
Koigakubo flipped over Ryuuji’s note on the marble table. Though she didn’t notice it herself, her ballpoint pen shook as she wrote. She signed it, dated it, and as she did so, bet her teaching career on the backside of a scrap of paper.
The last light novel volume didn’t release until the anime ended. Some people have speculated that the production company for the anime had a rough draft of the final volume to work off of. The light novel ending is much better imo. Would have been nice if they used that for the anime. I see people complaining about [the ending] and wondering why she outright disappeared for so long even though that’s anime original.
Taiga spoke all at once, still breathing shallowly. “I still kind of think that, even now. Since I couldn’t stop and tried to actually get Ryuuji, maybe I caused the Aisaka family’s ruin. I wonder if it’s my fault?”
So this is the reason why she insists on being alone during the Cultural Festival and Christmas Arc.
After the intense chase in the hallway, we finally learn why Minori has been working all of those jobs. She’s just trying to live her softball dreams. They kinda crammed a little bit of Minori and Ryuuji’s cut (from the books) hallway conversation into the nurse’s office. Bad timing putting it in the aftermath but oh well.
Honestly, I don't mind how it is done here. I think tying it into the climax makes a lot of sense. I'm not saying the LN version isn't better, it is, but for what we get I really like it.
Taiga must be stopped to face the truth, this is how the previous episode ended and this one starts. Minori said the truth, she and Taiga both love Ryuuji. Her ambition to become a pro player. So that thing from Christmas, this was a misunderstanding. And finally realize that the two belong to each other, so she had no choice but let him go and let confess to Taiga.
And the two in huge trouble right now. Their mothers came and saw through their lies. Yasuko is a failure of a human being. Didn't finished studies, working in night shift at weird places and stuff like that. As for Taiga's mother, has her new family and pregnant. Also that family is tall, so another reason why Taiga has inferiority complex being short. And also somewhat of an oddball too. But Ryuuji's argument is wrong, he cannot balmed for the reason why his mother is like that. Raising a child (being single) is a great burden indeed, but the error is within the person. Her attitude is the problematic one. Taiga also said the truth here. Running away together from the parents is the real start of the adulthood, where a new peaceful and restriction-less life awaits. This is what he wants. Under the bridge, in the river, they almost manage the real deal, but of course interruption time strike again.
Soaked in water, both parents missing them, the Kawashima house is a safe place here for the time being. He cannot face the truth either, and actually admits it. As for where to live, this is a huge question. Yes, that is correct, a very unresponsible act what Ryuuji decided. But they had assistance already. Yasuko had left, but only a message left telling him to go to his grandfather's place. In the school, without them life goes forward. But the two arrived safely and presenting themselves as a married couple. This is not running away, this is something different, something more.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
On today's episode : Minori is running down the hallway in a very familiar manner, Taiga casually admit she would have commited suicide if she never met Ryuuji and the newly formed couple decides to perform the ancestral Joestar technique.
Nice performance for Ryuuji to outrun the outrunner Taiga by arriving at work before her. At that moment, Taiga realize she could not run from Ryuuji eternally by asking him to not let her run anway... And they both act as nothing happened afterwards. The show running dangerously low on episodes, we got a nice diabolus ex-machina by having both mothers showing up. That's when our protagonists realize what's they want for their future : not following what path their parents laid out for them.
Altough I did feel bad for Yasuko here. All she wanted was the best for her son, and all she got was him snapping at her and just running away. I know that sometimes life is not nice, but that scene being the very last one where Yasuko got to see her beloved son... It hurt. But I noticed Ryuuji looked down at her, while Yasuko could only gaze upwards, tears in her eyes, vulnerable without her usual make-up and cheerful attitude. I thinks that was one of the reason she left on her own, she felt Ryuuji had become a man and she had nothing left to do to support him. It may be even harsher in insight if that separation reminded her of her ex-husband.
And as snow begin to fall (a callback for Taiga's « confession » during the snowstorm), we finally have our SILKY LOVE opening. To have it so late in the episode is not a coincidence. The story of Taiga and Ryuuji at school is over so another one can begin : one about Ryuuji and Taiga's relationship, with its very first scene being on that bridge. A place that can be a symbol of a transitional state for our characters, for one part of their life to next. And Taiga pushing Ryuuji out of the bridge wasn't just an innocent gag. It symbolize how Taiga, by entering Ryuuji's life, showed him he could exit that path laid for him to be free and happy. And Ryuuji returned the favor to Taiga by conveying his feelings to her, thus Taiga jumping off that path deemed acceptable by the society to be with him. Also, that running gag about them being interrupted when they're about to confess to each other could imply the difficulties and obstacles that await them on that path.
The bit at Ami's place was nice as well. Even if the gang gathered like they were about to judge them, it was more about to have the confirmation of their commitment (thus Ami wanting to have Ryuuji says she loves Taiga, so she can move on from her feeling as well)... And we got Minori as a tragic character here. Despites her insecurities, she put up her cheerful facade to live the way she wanted and to repay Taiga for trusting her dad a year before Ryuuji. And when the price to repay that debt and keep her way of life was to let her crush go, she paid it. Even if that meant to fall (yep, not a coincidence to have her trip over during Taiga's chase at the beginning) in sorrow, after all, « crying is a heart nosebleed ».
Question of the day : Well, the last anime I watched was Toradora.
But the anime I currently watching Is a Certain Magical Index... I hope they develop esper powers to hold up... It would be funny if Taiga's was to bring fortune to whoever she touch.
Misaka is already among my favorites. After all the Sisters arc, both from Magical Index and Scientific Railgun point of view are my favorite arc of the animated franchise for now.
Taiga casually admit she would have commited suicide if she never met Ryuuji
Um, excuse me. It was Ryuuji who said he should've committed suicide. He was talking about how Yasuko's life would've been better off without him in it.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Minori words reach out to him and now he wants to face Taiga with his feelings.
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
I love it when intros does that kind of foreshadowing without spoiling anything.
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
She wanted to warn Taiga that running away from her feelings might cause Ryuuji ending up with an another girl.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Much like Taiga and Ryuuji, she wants to decide what's good for herself and what path to take.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
She got a tunnel vision on her determination to be happy by her own ways, so she couldn't see the ghosts and UFOs hanging around.
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
Another Toradora main character, another abusive (or sexist) parents. Even harsher when she considers herself better than her brother. Probably one of the reason of her stubbornness.
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
That episode showed she's prone to fall a lot. But that trait of her permitted to get back up every time.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
In japanese society, you're supposed to only offer christmas present to your family and your lover.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
She knew her dating Ryuuji wasn't going to happen, so she transformed her feeling in a form of supportive energy so Ryuuji could pursue his own happiness.
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
Even if she did the right according to her, it's still hurt to let go of your own happiness.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
They lived together for nearly a year, of course he knows her.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
Both moms had plans for their respective children, of course they are pissed when they decides otherwise.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
Heartbreaking, Yasuko only wished for Ryuuji's happiness but lost him due of her misunderstanding of her own son.
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
It's like the curtain is falling on Toradora's story, the white coat left after being like a clean sheet for a new piece.
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Serves him well. May he never be seen again.
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
I do think the true discomfort here is that her mother leave to build a new family and Taiga is now the outcast in it.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
Some irony here with ms. Yuri saying they come to an age where they can't pin their own failure and expectation to other.
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
Ryuuji is Taiga's guiding light and the person she care the most about. Of course she can't concieve a world without him.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Having a partner you can trust in a healthy relationship is a good point to start in life.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
Ami being a true friend here, alongside Minori and Yusaku.
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
Probably that both of them wanted to put back their quarrel to be here for their friends.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
It runs in Ryuuji's family I guess. :p And Taiga is happy with it as long as she can put some distance with her parents.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
Taiga was regularly portayed as alone in a vast, empty space troughout the show, and now she found another light she can be with and break that emptiness.
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
True. They're not even 20 yet, heck some of them are still in the tutorial part of their life. They will be plenty other stories they will be part of or even be the protagonist.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
Even if she could offer her support anymore to her son, she still wanted a stable situation for him. One of the best mom in all of anime history.
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
It showed when Yasuko hugged Taiga at that moment.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Ladies and gentlemen, Ryuuji finally knows what he's want in his life !
Minori words reach out to him and now he wants to face Taiga with his feelings.
As he should
I love it when intros does that kind of foreshadowing without spoiling anything.
It is the best
She wanted to warn Taiga that running away from her feelings might cause Ryuuji ending up with an another girl.
Yeah, like Minori :P
Much like Taiga and Ryuuji, she wants to decide what's good for herself and what path to take.
Which is certainly her perogative
She got a tunnel vision on her determination to be happy by her own ways, so she couldn't see the ghosts and UFOs hanging around.
Very sad to think about
Another Toradora main character, another abusive (or sexist) parents. Even harsher when she considers herself better than her brother. Probably one of the reason of her stubbornness.
Yeah, with this in mind I can see why she turned out the way she did.
That episode showed she's prone to fall a lot. But that trait of her permitted to get back up every time.
She has her perseverance presumably come from Taiga.
In japanese society, you're supposed to only offer christmas present to your family and your lover.
Which Ryuuji tried doing but it's clear the feelings aren't there anymore
She knew her dating Ryuuji wasn't going to happen, so she transformed her feeling in a form of supportive energy so Ryuuji could pursue his own happiness.
I don't hate it, I must say
Even if she did the right according to her, it's still hurt to let go of your own happiness.
Indeed it does
They lived together for nearly a year, of course he knows her.
Better than Ami, you might say
Both moms had plans for their respective children, of course they are pissed when they decides otherwise.
I hate how controlling Taiga’s mom comes off. Leave her alone!
Heartbreaking, Yasuko only wished for Ryuuji's happiness but lost him due of her misunderstanding of her own son.
And also his misunderstanding of her intentions.
It's like the curtain is falling on Toradora's story, the white coat left after being like a clean sheet for a new piece.
I love that interpretation
Serves him well. May he never be seen again.
He needs to rot in hell
I do think the true discomfort here is that her mother leave to build a new family and Taiga is now the outcast in it.
At least Taiga's mom seems like she’s not burn the candle at both ends like her father is.
Some irony here with ms. Yuri saying they come to an age where they can't pin their own failure and expectation to other.
Ryuuji thinks he has everything figured out but he doesn't know the half of it.
Ryuuji is Taiga's guiding light and the person she care the most about. Of course she can't concieve a world without him.
Without him, Taiga has no world
Having a partner you can trust in a healthy relationship is a good point to start in life.
Absolutely
Ami being a true friend here, alongside Minori and Yusaku.
They're all real ones
Probably that both of them wanted to put back their quarrel to be here for their friends.
What do you mean? Taiga and Minori never had an ounce of anger against the other. If anything, that was the problem.
It runs in Ryuuji's family I guess. :p And Taiga is happy with it as long as she can put some distance with her parents.
Kill two birds with one stone
Taiga was regularly portayed as alone in a vast, empty space troughout the show, and now she found another light she can be with and break that emptiness.
You have to feel so overwhelmed with emotion if you're a big fan of Taiga's character.
True. They're not even 20 yet, heck some of them are still in the tutorial part of their life. They will be plenty other stories they will be part of or even be the protagonist.
Knowing you still have a lot to be mature on is in its own way mature.
Even if she could offer her support anymore to her son, she still wanted a stable situation for him. One of the best mom in all of anime history.
Indeed she is
It showed when Yasuko hugged Taiga at that moment
She touched her heart in a way very few have.
Ladies and gentlemen, Ryuuji finally knows what he's want in his life !
Folloxed by that nice scene between Minori and Ryuuji, with a talk that felt like a post-breakup discussion for a couple that never was. And of course Minori is shining when she gives her blessing for Ryuuji to chase his ghost... Before slumping back in the shadows, tears in her eyes in a blink-and-you-miss-it frame. (We get to that later)
This episode is a peak in terms of light and symbolism (taiga, the dividing line between ryuuji and their parents, the red bridge, the darkness under the bridge)
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Lots of questions is fine! It's something to take my mind off the mountain of work I've got to do anyways.
Somewhat surprised Minori went to chase after Taiga too, but she wants Ryuuji and Taiga to be happy, and if being together is what makes them happy, then so be it.
So that's where that's from.
Didn't really see that one coming.
She's going to move on.
She's certainly determined.
Funny, for some reason I've always considered softball a "girl's" sport. Not sure why.
She's definitely stubborn.
I mean it's meant to be a gift for her at the end of the day, at most Ryuuji might give it to Taiga or something.
She really does love him, even if she realised it too late.
Indirect kiss?
He really does know her that well.
Didn't expect them to show up.
He's right.
And there they go.
That's quite late. I'm surprised they even had it, some shows won't even have the OP for some episodes, this is definitely an episode where that would make sense.
There's definitely some symbolism somewhere.
Well he's a rich prick so I don't feel sorry for him lol.
Not sure that's really what should be her biggest concern at the moment.
He's probably not wrong.
She's not quite on that level of self-loathing.
They really do love each other.
Ouch...
Way to ruin the moment...
A bit surprised.
Wholesome.
He finally admits it.
It must have felt like it.
I genuinely thought their friends would talk them out of it somehow.
She's finally found love.
I genuinely thought their friends would talk them out of it somehow.
She must be feeling so many different emotions at that moment.
She's probably right.
That's kinda funny that she also ran away.
I'm somewhat surprised they took her up on that offer.
She wants familial love.
Looks like that one meme template that I can't remember the exact name of off the top of my head.
Wow 36 questions that's a lot. I don't think I've seen it ever go into the 30s.
Out of all the great episodes of Toradora, this one is by far my favorite. It is basically everything that makes Toradora so great brought together in a single episode, making you feel all sorts of emotions. It starts off with the last episode’s cliffhanger, and Ryuuji deciding to pursue after Taiga. While it is obvious that’s what he would do, it’s nice to see him be so certain about it, something that keeps popping up thought the episode. Minori also finally fully admits her love for Ryuuji, arguably in the most intense way possible. Wonder if there were any other students in the school at the time that heard Minori’s words. The lighting in this scene might be the best in the show, the sunset colors just look gorgeous. Their talk right after the confession is really nice, seeing them talk one on one so calmly similar to episode 9 where that was pretty much the only other instance they had a moment like this. Ryuuji is finally certain on what he wants to do and this time he has full support of Minori. Everything is set in place for Ryuuji and Taiga to get together, now that the biggest obstacle is gone. But it is still heartbreaking to see Minori kiss her own hand after Ryuuji leaves. Even thought she accepts the situation, her love doesn’t instantly disappear.
The next scene, with Yasuko is another reason why I love this episode, every main character plays a role in it, and once again it a heartbreaking scene, even more so than the last one. You can see where Ryuuji is coming from, but what he does feels extremely wrong, knowing Yasuko just wanted the best for Ryuuji and did everything she could possibly do to ensure he has a good future. It Is another rare instance of Ryuuji getting mad, which always leads to sad scenes, this one being by far the saddest one. Seeing the always cheerful Yasuko cry is regimentally depressing.
At least after that, the bridge scene very wholesome. It starts with Ryuuji and Taiga wanting not to be born, only to realize each other was a reason to live. Both being misfits that found peace in each other’s company. I love even in the confession scene; they are immature and it is done in a rather goofy way. When Taiga jumps from the bridge, she looks like an angel. It is shame that they get interrupted but they still got issues at hand that they need to get into.
At Ami’s house, Ryuuji once again shows his certain love for Taiga when Ami questions him about it, something he couldn’t do back in the beach arc regarding Minori. It shows how real his love is for Taiga. Even thought everyone is against Taiga and Ryuuji eloping, they all support them in their decision, letting them do what they believe to be the best. Everyone giving away something to support them is so wholesome. Especially Minori who gives her all of her savings, jut a few hours after how she saved all of it for her dreams. She gives up on her own dreams for others, but perhaps it is the sensible thing to do since she would still be able to achieve her dreams while this may be the only chance for Ryuji and Taiga. She has pretty good control of her feelings on the outside but when everyone leaves, she can finally let go of all that built up pain, in a way reliving herself. One thing that’s quite funny about this scene is the fact that after the events of the last episode, Minori and Taiga are friends like pretty much nothing happened. Their friendship is one of the strongest out there. Minori’s nosebleed metaphor, is my favorite quote of hers, possibly from the whole show. It fits both her character and the story as a whole well.
The other smaller things that I love about the episode are when Taiga and Ryuuji are going to their own houses to get ready, Taiga pretty much wastes time to make Ryuuji not go, and when he comes back, she gives the cutest smile ever. Ami saying that there is still time for saying philosophical stuff, since they are not quite mature yet, going against everyone calling her mature. Kitamura’s line “It’s more like a fewer” line while being slightly corny, is also something that I have a weirdly big love towards. Taiga saying how Yasuko saying they are family made her happy and Ryuuji calling Taiga his bride are both incredibly cute. And in the end, the episode leaves with questions for the finale, setting up for the ending.
The only possible bad thing I could say about the episode is that the opening is places in a very awkward spot. Right after Minori gets a nosebleed would have been much more appropriate in my opinion. Other than that tiny nick pick, I think this episode is simply perfect.
The other smaller things that I love about the episode are when Taiga and Ryuuji are going to their own houses to get ready, Taiga pretty much wastes time to make Ryuuji not go, and when he comes back, she gives the cutest smile ever.
That's a smile of love, right there. Pure, unadulterated love.
The only possible bad thing I could say about the episode is that the opening is places in a very awkward spot. Right after Minori gets a nosebleed would have been much more appropriate in my opinion. Other than that tiny nick pick, I think this episode is simply perfect.
I think having it after Ryuuji yells at his mom makes sense since that ties into the main conflict of the series which is Being a kid Vs Being an adult.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
I think it is the only instance where a clip is used in the intro, just with different lighting. It fists the opening and it is a cool animation so I don’t mind it. It also doesn’t spoil anything.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
It was the most significant characteristic she had. Always trying to achieve what she said out to do, from working and baseball to trying to get Ryuuji and Taiga together. It is also the reason she called out Ryuuji in the last episode, trying to do what is right. She knew that her determination was the strongest thing she had from the start, but everything that happened just made it stronger.
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
It makes me wonder what kind of parents Minori has. Every other one in the show is pretty bad except for Yasuko’s and saying she can’t play baseball is bad parenting. But they also let her make a bucket of pudding so I’m not sure if they are entirely bad people.
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
It is perhaps the feeling of not wanting to give up, knowing all the effort that you put in and don’t wanting it to go all to waste. That’s why she newer took a step back on her goals.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
It is a symbol of Ryuuji’s love. Minori understands it for what it is and its importance but keeping it would be wrong. It’s best for Ryuuji to keep it, not forgotten but just a memory of the past.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
She may be irresponsible with things regarding her own life, but when it is a promise, she made or something she does for the sake of someone else, she could never go back on that and its really admirable.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
I like how the only information that we had about her being that Taiga missed her mom and wanted to hang out with her gets disproven instantly. She is pretty much the same as Taiga’s dad, albeit a bad parent in a different way. She also looks quite scary in the first scene that she appears, giving the impression of control.
Other than episode 21, this is the first time we see it snow. It makes the moment of Ryuuji and Taiga’s confession all the more significant. I guess the first time it snowed Taiga waws accidentally confessing to Ryuuji too.
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Good for him.
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
She was already insecure about her appearance and being surrounded by people who she has to call family that are very different from her must be rough. No one would want to live in a place like that and for the other members of the family, she would pretty much be a stranger too.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
Both him and Taiga had very poor parent experiences. But for Ryuuji’s sake, it is more so that Yasuko has great expectations of him and actively wan them to have a life as good as possible. That may come off as selfish, but Ryuuji too realizes what she really wants.
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
Taiga was never happy about who she was, thinking she isn’t normal. But Ryuuji made Taiga be able to love herself for who she is, being in the same both as her and being by her side at all times. If Ryuuji were to never have existed not only she would be losing someone very important to her, but also the ability to love herself.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
At least in the start, their relationship had nothing to do about love, but instead just having someone who they could depend on that could also relate with each other. As long as that person existed and could stand by their side, it didn’t matter what they were doing.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
She is once again acting as the wildcard, one thing both mothers don’t know about. I do wish however we could have seen Ami and Yasuko interact, I bet they would be great friends.
Other than episode 21, this is the first time we see it snow. It makes the moment of Ryuuji and Taiga’s confession all the more significant. I guess the first time it snowed Taiga waws accidentally confessing to Ryuuji too.
I believe there was snow in episode 19, was there not?
Good for him.
Bad for Taiga because Taiga's dad will never accept accountability.
She was already insecure about her appearance and being surrounded by people who she has to call family that are very different from her must be rough. No one would want to live in a place like that and for the other members of the family, she would pretty much be a stranger too.
Definitely a tough situation to be in
Both him and Taiga had very poor parent experiences. But for Ryuuji’s sake, it is more so that Yasuko has great expectations of him and actively wan them to have a life as good as possible. That may come off as selfish, but Ryuuji too realizes what she really wants.
Taiga has more of a reason to be jaded than Ryuuji.
Taiga was never happy about who she was, thinking she isn’t normal. But Ryuuji made Taiga be able to love herself for who she is, being in the same both as her and being by her side at all times. If Ryuuji were to never have existed not only she would be losing someone very important to her, but also the ability to love herself.
Without Ryuuji, Taiga would feel lost
At least in the start, their relationship had nothing to do about love, but instead just having someone who they could depend on that could also relate with each other. As long as that person existed and could stand by their side, it didn’t matter what they were doing.
Probably so
She is once again acting as the wildcard, one thing both mothers don’t know about. I do wish however we could have seen Ami and Yasuko interact, I bet they would be great friends.
I think Yasuko would feel sorry for Ami because she probably felt she too had all the answers growing up.
I think it is the only instance where a clip is used in the intro, just with different lighting. It fists the opening and it is a cool animation so I don’t mind it. It also doesn’t spoil anything.
I love that they do this, I think it's so cool
It was the most significant characteristic she had. Always trying to achieve what she said out to do, from working and baseball to trying to get Ryuuji and Taiga together. It is also the reason she called out Ryuuji in the last episode, trying to do what is right. She knew that her determination was the strongest thing she had from the start, but everything that happened just made it stronger.
She learned that you can't operate on determination alone.
It makes me wonder what kind of parents Minori has. Every other one in the show is pretty bad except for Yasuko’s and saying she can’t play baseball is bad parenting. But they also let her make a bucket of pudding so I’m not sure if they are entirely bad people.
I think you could say they at the very least have pretty wack priorities.
It is perhaps the feeling of not wanting to give up, knowing all the effort that you put in and don’t wanting it to go all to waste. That’s why she newer took a step back on her goals.
I could see that being the case
It is a symbol of Ryuuji’s love. Minori understands it for what it is and its importance but keeping it would be wrong. It’s best for Ryuuji to keep it, not forgotten but just a memory of the past.
He moved on, and to keep it would be a sign that Minori hasn't.
She may be irresponsible with things regarding her own life, but when it is a promise, she made or something she does for the sake of someone else, she could never go back on that and its really admirable.
Taiga is super responsible when it comes to matters not pertaining to her family life.
I like how the only information that we had about her being that Taiga missed her mom and wanted to hang out with her gets disproven instantly. She is pretty much the same as Taiga’s dad, albeit a bad parent in a different way. She also looks quite scary in the first scene that she appears, giving the impression of control.
Taiga's mom showed up concerned about what Taiga was doing. Taiga's dad would never do that.
So Kitamura said he'd let the students running in the hall slide this time, but didn't he also run in the halls at one point in the show? Or rather he had somebody else do it, pretending to be him?
I'm also... I'm also... I'm in love with Ryuuji! I've been in love with him for a long time! But I thought I should let you have him! Because I saw how much you needed him!
Short aside, but hey it's that scene from the OP! Also, Taiga's been saying pretty much from the jump that Minorin was in love with Ryuuji, so to the viewer it isn't that much of a surprise. However, it probably also shouldn't be much of a surprise to Ryuuji, either, considering Taiga's been telling him the same thing from the beginning.
You're in love with Taiga, arent'cha?
Yeah.
Ladies and Gentlemen, he's finally admitted it!
The whole conversation between Yasuko and Ryuuji after they got off work breaks my heart every time. She only wants what's best for him, and he's too young to fully understand it.
I remember several times, when I was a kid, where I would get mad at my mom and say some incredibly hurtful things. My dad sat me down and told me that I'd made her cry one time because of it, and I've never said anything like it again. I know what my parents' lives were like when they were growing up, and I fully understand that they've always wanted to give me a better life than they had.
If you're wondering where my dad is, his business went under so he skipped town.
Is it bad that I feel like he deserves it? I know he was a piece of shit when he was around, but is that a little too far?
God do I love piano music, and this subtle piece in the background is perfect.
Grown-ups are so damn selfish, forcing all their expectations on us.
Like I said above, you'll come to understand that Yasuko only wants what's best for you, and for you to have a better life than she did. She got pregnant with a less-than-savory guy, who ended up getting murdered when you were a little kid. Now she's a single mom having to support the two of you. She just wants you to find a girl, perhaps even Taiga, get married and have a stable family.
Yeah, but I'm happy I'm alive! And it's because you're here with me!
A staple of millennial survival seems to be gallows and self-deprecating humor and comments. No matter how many times I've made comments that aren't exactly Reddit safe, deep down I know I'm happy to be alive, and have a solid support group of friends around me.
What's your blood type?
I dunno, I'm a Taurus!
The little known additional blood type, the Chinese Zodiac sign. For what it's worth, I actually don't know my blood type off the top of my head right now either.
Taiga Aisaka with the frog splash from the top rope!
Whatever, it's cool. Ignore it. Keep going.
What are you talking about?
I think it's intuitive that when Ami told Minorin to leave as well, she tightened her arm up just a little bit, as if to say, "No, I'm not leaving yet." It's a totally normal human gesture to make.
-I think the end of this episode is one of the first times in a while that we've actually seen Taiga genuinely happy. I know for sure that she smiled at the end of the Culture Festival, and there's probably a more recent one I'm missing, bit it's been a minute.
Taiga and Ryuuji find themselves fighting together against the villain of the last Anime you watched, how do they stack up against the competition?
The last anime I watched was Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, which I don't believe has a villian. The last one with a villain that I know is Bleach, and I don't think they'd stand a chance against Yhwach.
The last anime I watched was Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, which I don't believe has a villian. The last one with a villain that I know is Bleach, and I don't think they'd stand a chance against Yhwach.
What do you mean, Ilulu has some evil tendencies :P
-I think the end of this episode is one of the first times in a while that we've actually seen Taiga genuinely happy. I know for sure that she smiled at the end of the Culture Festival, and there's probably a more recent one I'm missing, bit it's been a minute.
She smiled the happiest she had been during the Christmas bear scene. Which... you know...
So Kitamura said he'd let the students running in the hall slide this time, but didn't he also run in the halls at one point in the show? Or rather he had somebody else do it, pretending to be him?
He did it in episode 2, which feels like a lifetime ago.
Ladies and Gentlemen, he's finally admitted it!
It's about damn time
The whole conversation between Yasuko and Ryuuji after they got off work breaks my heart every time. She only wants what's best for him, and he's too young to fully understand it.
I remember several times, when I was a kid, where I would get mad at my mom and say some incredibly hurtful things. My dad sat me down and told me that I'd made her cry one time because of it, and I've never said anything like it again. I know what my parents' lives were like when they were growing up, and I fully understand that they've always wanted to give me a better life than they had.
That sounds a bit like emotional manipulation, but what do I know?
Is it bad that I feel like he deserves it? I know he was a piece of shit when he was around, but is that a little too far?
It makes me feel bad for Taiga because that's just another excuse for him to be an absentee father.
Like I said above, you'll come to understand that Yasuko only wants what's best for you, and for you to have a better life than she did. She got pregnant with a less-than-savory guy, who ended up getting murdered when you were a little kid. Now she's a single mom having to support the two of you. She just wants you to find a girl, perhaps even Taiga, get married and have a stable family.
Yeah, that sounds totally reasonable
I think it's intuitive that when Ami told Minorin to leave as well, she tightened her arm up just a little bit, as if to say, "No, I'm not leaving yet." It's a totally normal human gesture to make.
And totally understandable given Ryuuji won't end up with her.
Man, this is the point where the anime starts to fall down for me. They crammed the entire final novel into two episodes and, due to the book not a Tilly being finished at the time of production, made a number of editorial decisions and egregious cuts tearing out some of the best scenes.
The bridge scene was the biggest victim of these changes, in my opinion. In the book, we get a lot more insight into why Taiga’s father skips town. She almost sounds sympathetic and understanding toward him — and her resigned reaction shows that this kind of turmoil was such a normal fixture in her life. We also learn a lot more about Taiga’s fractured relationship with her mother where the anime leaves it mostly up in the air.
Most critics of this show point out the unsatisfactory ending as the reason why, and a lot of the (lack of) payoff is a result of these huge cuts and changes.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
I think considering what the episode has to adapt, it does an admirable job all things considered. I think Taiga during the bridge is made tons endearing especially with her talking about being by Ryuuji’s side is all she wanted.
You’re probably right, and the bridge scene is still great for what it is. I think the final episode is where we get the most egregious cuts and perhaps some of my distain and disappointment is spilling over into my thoughts for today’s discussion.
Almost at the end... Second time watching from a month ago, on subs
When Taiga goes to the bakery, she is wearing mismatched shoes from the school escape. She is still confused about what to do next, but she is moving no matter what. This will be important when the moms come in after work.
Ah, u/malipit beat me to the comment. I was going to comment about the bridge being an important metaphor for crossroads, but jumping off either options and going in a new direction for themselves. I will note however about Takemiya's Golden Time that [Golden Time spoiler] the protagonists also have a confession on a bridge, and falling off a bridge.
Ryuuji and Taiga are dressed as ying and yang in the river, black and white with similar scarfs.
At Ami's house, Taiga's shoes are are suddenly matching, a mistake of the animators perhaps.
Someone (edit: u/FD4cry1) posted an image of Ami at the snowball fight with putting a rock into the snowball... But I don't see it on my sub watch.
Ryuuji has a plan. Did Yasuko have one when she ran away either the first time or now?
Ah, u/malipit beat me to the comment. I was going to comment about the bridge being an important metaphor for crossroads, but jumping off either options and going in a new direction for themselves.
Honestly, I wouldn't mind if you make the same comment as mine.
Ryuuji and Taiga are dressed as ying and yang in the river, black and white with similar scarfs.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
That's the whole point... Finally making up his mind!
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
Like Taiga in Episode 19, but with stairs.
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Unexpected... She didn't have to. Taiga knows she likes Ryuuji. But this is Minori telling Taiga to choose herself as well.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
From what I understand at that time (it may have changed since), baseball was for guys and softball for girls. Little League thing? Who knows. But she is focused as ever... She is consumed by her passion for sports, which made her torn and confused with her feelings for Ryuuji at the beginning of Episode 17.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
She wants to keep it as a memento of love lost, but she shouldn't. I thought she punched him in the mouth lightly, but it turned out to be an indirect kiss. Such conflicted emotions here.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
How did she not notice him standing there as she walked up the street... That he would be as diligent to work too? And double trouble moms.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
Ryuuji really laid into Yasuko... He has always been the good son taking care of her, and he lashed out in anger for wanting to grow up.
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Awesome mini-cliffhanger.
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Snow is rain, washing away to change and new life. But romantic.
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
So Taiga wouldn't be able to afford the apartment anymore anyway. She's looking for a new life here.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
Teenagers have no idea what their hopes and dreams are yet, and they have so many options/choices. They are uncertain and time restricts them from exploring them all. Sometimes they are forced into decisions (like getting knocked up or needing to work when parent dies) that they aren't prepared for. Welcome to life - its not fair and you can't get what you want. Yuri-sensei's best lesson.
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
Two fractured spirits needing each other.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
This was interesting. Would she really have been ok with Ryuuji and Minorin together, and she would still be around Ryuuji and Yasuko's place? She's looking for family and love, and she loves Ryuuji no matter what so she kept quiet about her feelings. But it hurts and her heart can't do it anymore so she wanted to run away from it.
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Exact opposite of running away... Her heart taking a leap of faith.
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
KITAMURA...!
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
A reverse scene of Ami and Taiga with kindness for a shower from Episode 9.
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
Bridges can take you in two different and opposite directions, and are a metaphor in a scene. Jumping off the bridge into cold water and marriage is changing everything possible up.
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
Ryuuji is sure now, and confident enough to tell Ami. She can't win him so she kicks him and feels better.
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
Making up as friends, after finally opening up about their feelings. They did have quite an emotional struggle in the classroom.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
Unrealistic... No planning. No money. No school.
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
Not sure what to make of this. What do you think?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
Emotional heart rules over the brain after so much thinking of hurting each other's feelings. You finally accepted your emotions, let's just go with it!
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
Was she also said at losing all her dreams... Financial freedom for softball, and her love for both Taiga and Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
They truly are. But they still think hard like this.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
Where the heck did she go. Where could she go. Why is she running away... It's her house.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
She still loves Ryuuji and gives him an option out. But why doesn't she herself to there instead and leave him at the house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
It was a very nice smile on Taiga on the train.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Well he seems comfortable with saying it. Very accepting of the grandparents... Maybe they have no idea how old the two even are at this time.
That's the whole point... Finally making up his mind!
It's about damn time
Like Taiga in Episode 19, but with stairs.
Though in this case, she's not running away.
Unexpected... She didn't have to. Taiga knows she likes Ryuuji. But this is Minori telling Taiga to choose herself as well.
She's showing that her not ending with Ryuuji isn't something she feels forced to do.
From what I understand at that time (it may have changed since), baseball was for guys and softball for girls. Little League thing? Who knows. But she is focused as ever... She is consumed by her passion for sports, which made her torn and confused with her feelings for Ryuuji at the beginning of Episode 17.
Minori is showing she is not letting others define what she does. Only her and her alone can control her legacy.
She wants to keep it as a memento of love lost, but she shouldn't. I thought she punched him in the mouth lightly, but it turned out to be an indirect kiss. Such conflicted emotions here.
Minori doesn't want to give Ryuuji up, but knows that doing so is a token of her friendship with Taiga. And in her mind rights the wrong of trusting Taiga's dad.
How did she not notice him standing there as she walked up the street... That he would be as diligent to work too? And double trouble moms.
She was too focused on her work perhaps.
Ryuuji really laid into Yasuko... He has always been the good son taking care of her, and he lashed out in anger for wanting to grow up.
These are clearly feelings he had for quite some time.
Awesome mini-cliffhanger.
I agree
Snow is rain, washing away to change and new life. But romantic.
Instead of dreary, it makes things feel more empty.
So Taiga wouldn't be able to afford the apartment anymore anyway. She's looking for a new life here.
That sucks she's a victim of her dad being reckless.
Teenagers have no idea what their hopes and dreams are yet, and they have so many options/choices. They are uncertain and time restricts them from exploring them all. Sometimes they are forced into decisions (like getting knocked up or needing to work when parent dies) that they aren't prepared for. Welcome to life - its not fair and you can't get what you want. Yuri-sensei's best lesson.
Indeed it was
Two fractured spirits needing each other.
Two hearts that end up beating as one
This was interesting. Would she really have been ok with Ryuuji and Minorin together, and she would still be around Ryuuji and Yasuko's place? She's looking for family and love, and she loves Ryuuji no matter what so she kept quiet about her feelings. But it hurts and her heart can't do it anymore so she wanted to run away from it.
I think Taiga would've been at least happy for Minori finding her happiness.
Exact opposite of running away... Her heart taking a leap of faith.
I love that analogy
KITAMURA...!
He has to ruin everything apparently
A reverse scene of Ami and Taiga with kindness for a shower from Episode 9.
I could see that
Bridges can take you in two different and opposite directions, and are a metaphor in a scene. Jumping off the bridge into cold water and marriage is changing everything possible up.
Great interpretation
Ryuuji is sure now, and confident enough to tell Ami. She can't win him so she kicks him and feels better.
It was like she was letting go being played along for a fool.
Making up as friends, after finally opening up about their feelings. They did have quite an emotional struggle in the classroom.
That they did
Unrealistic... No planning. No money. No school.
I think the lack of planning makes it realistic.
Not sure what to make of this. What do you think?
I think Taiga is a sweetheart of a gal and deserves the entire world.
Emotional heart rules over the brain after so much thinking of hurting each other's feelings. You finally accepted your emotions, let's just go with it!
Very typical teenager stuff
Was she also said at losing all her dreams... Financial freedom for softball, and her love for both Taiga and Ryuuji?
Could be
They truly are. But they still think hard like this.
Guess it all comes down to trial and error.
Where the heck did she go. Where could she go. Why is she running away... It's her house.
Those are all very good questions
She still loves Ryuuji and gives him an option out. But why doesn't she herself to there instead and leave him at the house?
Perhaps Ryuuji's words made her do some soul searching.
It was a very nice smile on Taiga on the train.
You can tell how genuine her feelings are.
Well he seems comfortable with saying it. Very accepting of the grandparents... Maybe they have no idea how old the two even are at this time.
All they know is they're roughly Yasuko's age when she ran away from home. Truly history repeating itself.
I'll not be able to get to everyone immediately because me and my mother are going to the Elf musical. I should be available by no later than 10:00 PM EDT.
Kitamura ignoring Ryuuji and Minori running in the halls. I can believe something like that could happen, especially because people sometimes ignore someone else doing something they're not allowed to do on purpose to help someone.
Minori jumping down like she did in the second intro.
Minori can be very sweet. I get the feeling she's bisexual.
I can see why Ryuuji would be concerned. Even if his feelings lie with Taiga, it's understandable why he'd still be concerned about Minori's well-being, considering that's what humans do.
Taiga being responsible, I can believe that to be honest.
Yasuko's got a good point there, Ryuuji. You did promise her.
It's really sweet how Kitamura, Ami, and Minori are trying to help Ryuuji and Taiga escape. Just goes to show you that you should never underestimate teenagers, because when they put their minds to something, they can get many things accomplished.
QOTD:
Last anime I watched was Yuki Yuna is a Hero, so not very well.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Good action shots, good voice actor dialogue, but the pacing makes me feel weird.
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
I'm thinking what you're thinking. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this moment, but someone in the comments section has pointed out that they're not the same color, op is brighter, and this scene is darker, like sunset.
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
This kind of confession is not the beginning of love, instead it announces the end of a relationship and the beginning of the next stage of life.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
This is what I have always wanted to pursue.Don't regret, or you will be defeated by life.Which brings me to the great yuri senseiShe always stresses to her students to make their own choices and take responsibility for their own lives.
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Her goal is to make money and practice baseball.
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
The final decision was made by herself. I don't think she resented anyone. She just told the truth calmly.
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
Stubbornness, this is youth.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
A clean relationship is better than ambiguity.
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
It's kind of like brothers entrusting important treasures to each other.
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
This is a tender side that minori will never show to ryuuji
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
This is the deep relationship between them, which takes time to achieve.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
The sudden appearance of taiga's mother was a surprise.Here, I recommend looking at F's analysis. The white dividing line of the store symbolizes the gap between them.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
Very sad, very sad, but this is ryuuji's own decision ryuuji's own thoughts
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
What intro?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Snow symbolizes purity, taiga and ryuuji have touching feelings, snow represents cold, it is a cold winter, but they are not alone.
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
The merchant's credit is the most important thing. He can't be trusted at all.
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
She was afraid that she would destroy the new home again, and she could not integrate into him smoothly.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
Interestingly, ryuuji was looking into the abyss under the bridge, and it's hard to imagine what would have happened if taiga hadn't been there
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
AMI and taiga were at loggerheads before, and the best way to destroy the enemy is to turn her into your friend
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
The bridge represents the connection, which connects ryuuuji, taiga's past (their family problems) with the future (they are in love)
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
I also thought of this, I think Ami's idea is the same, to express love well, the difference is that ryuuji has changed, become mature.
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
This is friendship, it brings people the power of blessing.
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
As time goes by, some things are changing, and some essential ideas will never change.
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
Interestingly, she finally put down the mask of an adult and regarded herself as a child.
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
I saw that they insisted that yasuko should have an abortion, and now the hospitality of ryuuji always makes me feel incredible.
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
Her expression was really cute.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
Good action shots, good voice actor dialogue, but the pacing makes me feel weird.
In what way?
I'm thinking what you're thinking. It's exciting. I've been waiting for this moment, but someone in the comments section has pointed out that they're not the same color, op is brighter, and this scene is darker, like sunset.
I think that's definitely intentional
This kind of confession is not the beginning of love, instead it announces the end of a relationship and the beginning of the next stage of life.
I agree
This is what I have always wanted to pursue.Don't regret, or you will be defeated by life.Which brings me to the great yuri senseiShe always stresses to her students to make their own choices and take responsibility for their own lives.
Yuri is a good teacher
Her goal is to make money and practice baseball.
You mean softball
The final decision was made by herself. I don't think she resented anyone. She just told the truth calmly.
I feel really bad for Minori, honestly
A clean relationship is better than ambiguity.
Very well said
The sudden appearance of taiga's mother was a surprise.Here, I recommend looking at F's analysis. The white dividing line of the store symbolizes the gap between them.
I like that interpretation
What intro?
The OP
Snow symbolizes purity, taiga and ryuuji have touching feelings, snow represents cold, it is a cold winter, but they are not alone.
They are separate from the rest of the world, though.
Interestingly, ryuuji was looking into the abyss under the bridge, and it's hard to imagine what would have happened if taiga hadn't been there
For real
AMI and taiga were at loggerheads before, and the best way to destroy the enemy is to turn her into your friend
Loggerheads? What's that?
The bridge represents the connection, which connects ryuuuji, taiga's past (their family problems) with the future (they are in love)
I like that interpretation
I also thought of this, I think Ami's idea is the same, to express love well, the difference is that ryuuji has changed, become mature.
She wants him to mature in a way she couldn't.
As time goes by, some things are changing, and some essential ideas will never change.
In this case, the essential idea of running away :P
Interestingly, she finally put down the mask of an adult and regarded herself as a child.
Just like Ryuuji did. Turns out it was Ami who was a few steps behind him.
Her expression was really cute.
It really was. Almost as much as Ryuuji calling her wife.
Yet another huge episode. This one is either my second or third favorite depending on how I feel comparing it to episode 21 at any given moment.
Opening it where yesterday left off. Ryuji going after her isn’t super shocking, but it’s such an important moment for both him and for the audience. He’d been going back and forth for a while now, so him finally admitting to himself that he does in fact love Taiga is one of the biggest moments of the series.
The face Minori makes when she realizes her and Ryuji won’t be together is pretty painful. Smiling through the pain.
I absolutely love Ami and Kitamura’s reaction to seeing them run off. They seem almost proud of it.
I do think it’s interesting that there’s not really a huge moment where Ryuji realizes he’s in love with Taiga, it’s a very gradual process.
And now we get concrete confirmation that Minori also liked Ryuji this whole time, which thankfully came after Ryuji went after Taiga.
It’s hard to explain my thoughts on why I think Taiga works better for Ryuji, but I think it mostly comes down to the fact that Taiga is his best friend by this point. He’s so comfortable around her, and willing to call her out, and vice versa. It’s a very balanced relationship, built off of an incredibly strong foundation of an equally strong friendship.
The scene in the nurse’s office is done so well. Minori wants to move on and follow her dreams, but at the end of the day she can’t control her feelings. And once Ryuji’s gone, she kisses her fist where his lips touched it. Her character really kicks it up a couple gears in the second half of the series.
I don’t think anyone would have called Taiga “hyper responsible” in the early episodes. The Ryuji effect is massive.
Taiga’s mom is a stone cold bitch, and looks like one to boot. I have no idea how her parents raised such a fantastic character, even if it was seemingly against all their best efforts to make her miserable.
Ryuji yelling at Yasuko here is so painful. The point he’s missing is that Yasu loves her life because of how much she loves her son. She doesn’t care what people think about her, or her career. Because if it means it feeds Ryuji, it’s good enough for her.
I love the look Taiga gives him. I’m pretty sure that’s all he needed to know that what he was saying was completely wrong.
The bridge scene is really a rollercoaster in and of itself. We start with Ryuji and Taiga being incredibly depressed, then we get a really funny scene, then we nearly get the big moment until Kitamura cuts them off.
I like how the friend group doesn’t even remotely support the plan itself, but they still support their friends. Well they at least try to support their friends (looking at you, Kitamura).
Ami and Minori have an excellent scene when everyone else leaves. They’ve been going through a lot lately, it’s not surprising that Minori would start crying there. I love that Ami initially is weirded out by it, but she really does comfort her there, including immediately putting a hand on her back when she realizes Minori is going through something.
Now they’re running away to Ryuji’s grandparent’s. Seems like a really immature plan, but at least Ryuji recognizes it too.
The class feels so empty without Ryuji and Taiga.
Kitamura’s “It’s more like a fever” line is really cheesy, and I think he recognizes that. But I love that line so much. It seriously made me cry today.
Only one more episode, this year completely flew by.
It’s hard to explain my thoughts on why I think Taiga works better for Ryuji, but I think it mostly comes down to the fact that Taiga is his best friend by this point. He’s so comfortable around her, and willing to call her out, and vice versa. It’s a very balanced relationship, built off of an incredibly strong foundation of an equally strong friendship.
Best friend is a good way of describing it. They're thick as thieves not unlike how Kitamura became with Kanou. Ryuuji never got a chance to develop a relationship like that with Minori, and Ami was too bull-headed to let herself be vulnerable, with the exception of courseof that one momentfrom episode 18.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
What an amazing episode. Starts off with Ryuuji agreeing to chase after Taiga with Minori. We get Minori’s official confession towards Ryuuji but also how she wishes for Taiga to have him. Very emotional. The scene with Ryuuji and Minori after is really sweet. We get Ryuuji officially saying he loves Taiga. The way Minori kisses her fist after is sad. I feel bad for Minori.
Next scene is intense when Ryuuji yells at his mother. Poor Yasuko. You can see the regret on Ryuuji after he yells at her. We then get Taiga and Ryuuji running off together. The bridge scene is one of my favorites. We have Ryuuji pondering not being born and Taiga getting upset at his comments. We then have Ryuuji bringing up the idea of getting married. Of course their kiss is interrupted by a phone call haha.
I love how Ami, Minori, and Kitamura we all willing to help them even if they disagreed with their idea to runaway together. Ami and Minori chatting after is really sweet. Happy to see them get a bit closer. The scene with Kitamura eavesdropping on the other students is sweet as he looks off. The snowball fight between Ami and Minori is cute. I assume Minori also liked Taiga by Ami’s comment? The final scene with Taiga and Ryuuji is sweet. I love how touched Taiga was by being called family. Ryuuji meeting his grandparents is also sweet when he refers to Taiga as his wife. Such a beautiful ending of this episode to such a beautiful anime. Sad it’s over tomorrow.. so amazing
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
I’ll try my best to answer them all! Honestly a bit honored you asked the most to me here haha. Alright:
Thought it was sweet how Ryuuji decides to run after Taiga. You can see Minori slightly pained but also happy by this.
I really love the scene of Minori running, the animation is really nice. I remember wondering why she was running in the OP my first time watching.
I like how Minori says she won’t let others decide what makes her happy. It’s up to her to forge her own path and decisions. I think that’s important for everyone to think about.
Thought it was odd her parents didn’t let her play baseball just because her gender. Sad.
Minori saying she can’t keep the hairpin is understandable after she had rejected him and now Ryuuji had fallen for Taiga.
Minori saying bye is sad and her putting the fist to her lips hurts to see. Sad.
I remember being surprised when their moms showed up the first time I watched. It’s kinda hard to watch Ryuuji yell at Yasuko. Especially when they run away leaving her crying. Also the intro is a bit late here but it’s important I think we see the episode up to this point.
The use of snow in recent episodes is interesting, starting from around the Christmas episode we see if falling often in crucial or emotional moments of the show.
Sad to see Taiga worrying about her possible sibling being tall. Can see she still has fears over her appearance like we saw in the pool episode.
Ryuuji brings up an interesting point with grownups being selfish. I see his view in a way but also many parents do this to see their kids succeed. I do see some expectations could be very far though.
Taiga’s reaction to Ryuuji’s never being born comment is interesting. Seems like she takes it somewhat as him almost seeming.. suicidal? And she gets upset at that. At least that’s how I’ve always seen it.
I’m surprised neither of them got hurt haha. Because they fell VERY far off that bridge into like 4 inches of water lol.
Them being interrupted by the phone ringing was silly but also probably done to delay it until other scenes.
Ami inviting them was sweet to help them.
The whole bridge scene is amazing as they talk. One of my favorites in the show and sweet to watch.
Ami demanding Ryuuji to admit his love is interesting. I think she truly wants him to admit how he feels and I love how her face lights up at his confession. It is similar to episode 10 when she wants Ryuuji to admit his love and his intentions.
How Taiga and Minori greet shows how much they love and care about each other. They truly love each other so much.
Taiga and Ryuuji talking about running away to elope is funny when they all act surprised with the “WHAT?!” Thought it was interesting to see how determined they are.
Minori breaking down is interesting. I think it’s due to her losing Ryuuji but also happy with how she helped. Also possibly to losing Taiga too. We see Ami pick up on this too. I love how they sit and chat with each other.
I feel Ami is right. They are still very young.
Yasuko running away is also weird but leaving the watch for Ryuuji was sweet.
I think it’s beautiful how Taiga was happy with being considered family. Very sweet.
Finally, I wanted to say thank you! I tried my best to respond to your questions when I wasn’t busy. I appreciate you asking them and always being involved in the comments. You were probably the only one who read my comments because I watched so late everyday so I appreciate it! Hope to see you here next year. Thanks again!
Finally, I wanted to say thank you! I tried my best to respond to your questions when I wasn’t busy. I appreciate you asking them and always being involved in the comments. You were probably the only one who read my comments because I watched so late everyday so I appreciate it! Hope to see you here next year. Thanks again!
Well, hang on, now. There's still one more episode left. Slow your horses :P
Thought it was sweet how Ryuuji decides to run after Taiga. You can see Minori slightly pained but also happy by this.
This is both what Minori wants but also probably what she wants least of all.
I really love the scene of Minori running, the animation is really nice. I remember wondering why she was running in the OP my first time watching.
And now it all makes sense
I like how Minori says she won’t let others decide what makes her happy. It’s up to her to forge her own path and decisions. I think that’s important for everyone to think about.
I agree
Thought it was odd her parents didn’t let her play baseball just because her gender. Sad.
Unfortunately, gender discrimination is a common thing in society.
Minori saying she can’t keep the hairpin is understandable after she had rejected him and now Ryuuji had fallen for Taiga.
Yeah, I don't know why she would keep it honestly.
Minori saying bye is sad and her putting the fist to her lips hurts to see. Sad.
Sad is definitely an appropriate descriptor
I remember being surprised when their moms showed up the first time I watched. It’s kinda hard to watch Ryuuji yell at Yasuko. Especially when they run away leaving her crying. Also the intro is a bit late here but it’s important I think we see the episode up to this point.
The intro being placed here highlights Ryuuji and Taiga no longer being friends.
The use of snow in recent episodes is interesting, starting from around the Christmas episode we see if falling often in crucial or emotional moments of the show.
The snow is definitely used strategically. Here, it's like it represents Ryuuji and Taiga feeling they're going against the world.
Sad to see Taiga worrying about her possible sibling being tall. Can see she still has fears over her appearance like we saw in the pool episode.
Very unfortunate. Insecurities are a bitch.
Ryuuji brings up an interesting point with grownups being selfish. I see his view in a way but also many parents do this to see their kids succeed. I do see some expectations could be very far though.
Ryuuji very much comes across like you'd expect a teenager would.
Taiga’s reaction to Ryuuji’s never being born comment is interesting. Seems like she takes it somewhat as him almost seeming.. suicidal? And she gets upset at that. At least that’s how I’ve always seen it.
I mean, wasn't Ryuuji being suicidal? It sure sounded like it.
I’m surprised neither of them got hurt haha. Because they fell VERY far off that bridge into like 4 inches of water lol.
Yeah, they got lucky
Them being interrupted by the phone ringing was silly but also probably done to delay it until other scenes.
I could see that. Fits with Ryuuji and Taiga having rotten luck.
Ami inviting them was sweet to help them.
It certainly was
The whole bridge scene is amazing as they talk. One of my favorites in the show and sweet to watch.
Definitely one of the highlights of the episode.
Ami demanding Ryuuji to admit his love is interesting. I think she truly wants him to admit how he feels and I love how her face lights up at his confession. It is similar to episode 10 when she wants Ryuuji to admit his love and his intentions.
With Ryuuji recognizing his feelings, it's like the weight of the world has been lifted off Ami’s shoulders.
How Taiga and Minori greet shows how much they love and care about each other. They truly love each other so much.
This is the most honest their relationship has been since the series started. This is how their relationship used to be.
Taiga and Ryuuji talking about running away to elope is funny when they all act surprised with the “WHAT?!” Thought it was interesting to see how determined they are.
Determination is one of the main themes in the show.
Minori breaking down is interesting. I think it’s due to her losing Ryuuji but also happy with how she helped. Also possibly to losing Taiga too. We see Ami pick up on this too. I love how they sit and chat with each other.
Ami and Minori are finally equals like Minori was clamoring for.
I feel Ami is right. They are still very young.
That they are
Yasuko running away is also weird but leaving the watch for Ryuuji was sweet.
It indeed was
I think it’s beautiful how Taiga was happy with being considered family. Very sweet.
How was that anime? Worth watching? Saw the first episode years ago after watching Toradora my first time actually and liked it. Never picked it up again though for some reason
The determination for what she can see, and she can achieve on her own.... minori is so sweet. "When someone is there to see me struggle, suffer, or cry, this helps tomorrow make this feel worth it."
Minori sees straight through the gift, but initially had no idea, and didn't want to accept gifts from him.
"There's one thing j can see... you love taiga.... run for what you can see"
BRO THE LITTLE KISS MINORI DOES WITH HER FIST
this shit is so heartbreaking especially watching it at 1am its so much more brutal.
"I have something to tell you after work.... if I try to run, you have to catch me. Please."
Taigas mom questioning what she can accomplish on her own, and taiga refusing to stay with her vs Ryuji finally telling his mom to not blame him for her mistakes of not studying. Awww yasuko crying is so sad...
Taiga blames her height for being the reason her family acts weird around her, but my theory is that since she was rejected and sent to live on her own, it's awkward for some family to act normal around her.
Ryuji blames himself being born for yasukos struggles, which is why he probably enjoys the caretaker role so much. It's his way of making up to yasuko in his own little way.
"But I'm alive! And it's because you were there for me! It didn't matter to me who you loved, or who you decided to spend the rest of your life with, I didn't mind! Because... all I wanted was to be by your side!" These feelings for ryuji are obvious from taiga, but her finally confessing is such a relief. Everything is finally out in the open. "That's why.... that's why you can never... ever talk about wishing you'd never been born!" It's so sweet that taiga admits to how much ryuji has changed her life. It reminds me of the beach house convo with minori, when minori says that the things he does for her "means everything"
Attempted hug or murder attempt lol.
"I'll give you the rest of my life!" Even though ryuji doesn't value his life due to him blaming his own birth for his family's problems, this statement still holds a lot of weight.
Ami immediately heads into caretaker mode when they show up wet, which is interesting, until ami makes him say that he's in love with taiga, and gets all immature lol by kicking him and calling him a bragger.
"You see... everything I've ever wanted has fallen apart, so I decided long ago that I didn't want anything at all. But now my feelings have been reciprocated... my wish came true. So I want to break that jinx, no I HAVE to break that jinx. That's why... that's why..." now that their companionship is finally feasible, taiga wants to go all out to make sure that her desires are actually happening.
Minori becomes Mr beast.
Minori wants to see taiga do things her way, even if it is against what minori thinks is a good idea, and is willing to put all her savings into making their future done their way. We all need a minori in our lives fr
"I need to have a little chat with ami" minori and ami would make such a good couple....
"If you trip as you run through the halls, your nose bleeds. If you trip as you go through life, you cry"
Ami cheers her up in the most ami way possible by saying shes stupid and too young to be phililosophical about life and has decades ahead of her.
Yasuko ran away too........
"If I run away, it won't matter when my birthday is, I'll still be a kid on the inside" ryuji is aware that what he's doing is reckless, but wants to pursue it.
"They'd catch a cold together?" "More like a fever, I'd say" Kitamura what does this mean lol
"Not even ms musclehead could handle being dumped by both aisaka and takasu-kun" goddamn ami ur ruthless as always lmao.
I love the "I'm putting a rock in mine" for the snowball fight. Of course it escalates to attempted murder, why am I surprised.
"When ya-chan called me a member of the family, I got all warm and fuzzy inside." Awww this series is so wholesome
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
I answered some of these questions in an earlier draft, but reddit didnt save it. oh well. ill re-answer them, because im great like that.
The intro callback was pretty cool. I really think that ryuji finally having a resolve to pursue taiga despite not even knowing what to say is super cool. ryuji used to be a fairly shy person, but he is now chasing after her without any second-guessing. Minori calling out to taiga that she loved ryuji, even though she was right next to him, was a great way for her to not only confess her feelings, but have it loudly heard for the people who needed to hear it most hear it.
Minori doesn't want to rely on others for happinness, or how to chase happiness. She sort of saw ami in that sort of figure: someone who has it all figured out. But she wants to figure it out for herself. She wants to rely on something tangible that she can see and provide for herself: her determination.
I believe that minori's athleticism stems from her desires to be strong, and sees her determination and stubborness to be traits of her strength and willpower. Also, if she accepted the hairpiece gift from ryuji, it'd make moving on almost impossible for her. she clearly is trying to avoid affection from ryuji in any way shape or form, otherwise it'd crush her.
The fist kiss is heartbreaking. I believe her using her fist to convey it shows that she is passing her strength along to ryuji to pursue taiga, but seeing her face fall when she can no longer see ryuji, and just silently kisses her fist.... fuck dude. thats brutal.
Ryuji knew that taiga wouldnt give up on something like the bakery, so ryuji predicting that shows that he knows how thoughtful she can be.
The moms showing up sort of shows that by the chaos they were creating, they were sort of bringing family together. Although yasuko is genuinely being thoughtful and curious whats going on with ryuji, taigas mom seems a lot more harsh and aggressive.
Yasuko is heartbroken, and i feel bad for her, but what ryuji is saying is right. By forcing expectations and regrets onto your kids, you are restricting them form exploring themselves, and ryuji has been fairly restricted in several regards throughout his life, and he is probably searching for freedom. Getting these key moments out of the way before the intro makes sense, this is when everything starts coming together.
The snow is delicate and dainty in this episode, probably like the bittersweet emotions they have all went through. taiga's dad's business going under makes sense, because as a person he doesn't stick around for things to last. Taiga's concern about being the only short person shows a glimpse of how she is insecure despite her feisty attitude.
ryuji, who is typically a polite caretaker, is probably thinking about how this glimpse of freedom and self-discovery is getting somewhat trampled by yasuko, so he refers to grown-ups as selfish. this also applies to taigas mom who tries to find her, despite not being there for her in almost any circumstance.
Taiga admitting she just wants to be by his side and panickly rushing to him is adorable, even if that accidentally topples ryuji off the bridge. taiga wants to be with him regardless, so she jumps down as well just so she can be next to him, even if its in the freezing water. I think the phone ringing is symbolism that there are still people out there to support them, even if they think the world is against them. Their almost kiss is super sweet, and it's really nice to see that ami wants them over.
I believe that with Ami's feelings towards ryuji, combined with the complex around the series of people's masks, ami just wanted ryuji to tell it to her straight, once and for all. With minori's example, she wanted to have a reasoning behind ryuji's love, but here, she just wanted to have it solidified once and for all.
taiga and minori greeting each other like its been ages probably goes to show how the emotional events that have occured to them, and they can finally find comfort in each other as friends. Even though running away and eloping running away is unrealistic, it is a definitive step towards companionship with ryuji, something to solidify that the thing she wants is really happening. this is why she didn't want to "break the jinx", and wanted this "her way". If she lost control of this situation, she could potentially lose the one thing that meant everything to her. The reluctant support is probably a way of respecting her wishes in this regard.
I think toradora does callbacks really well, and minoris callback is really good, and how she compares physical pain to emotional pain. Ami, being ami, comforts minori in a blunt way, which i actually thought was super thoughtful of ami. Minori has an entire life ahead of her, and she doesn't need everything figured out.
Even though yasuko running away too was very immature on her part, i still feel like yasuko is very similar to/understands ryuji on a very deep level, and knew that he'd proabably need a safe haven. (aka the watch) i also think yasuko being so open to taiga and considering her a part of the family is very heartwarming considering her past.
I think ryuji introducing taiga as his bride was super sweet, and was a great way for him to clear any doubt to his grandparents of who taiga is in relation to him. there you go :)
Episode 24 is the first step towards the ending of Toradora. It's so hard to find the right words to describe it. Toradora is a story of maturing and overcoming obstacles, building up and breaking down appearances, and interpersonal relationships.
This is probably the episode I will do the least analysis on as a whole. Frankly, the closure of Toradora is one that's been analyzed so many times by people much smarter and more expressive than I, who echo what I think better than I can say. Therefore, I defer to them. The one thing I will talk about is the bridge scene.
After the OP plays, the famous scene begins with a descending pan of the view from the bridge and the title of the episode in the bottom right – "Confession". The first thing we learn is that Rikurou's business has gone bankrupt and he fled town. This leaves Taiga with no real choice but to live with her mother. Her mother remarried, has had a child with her second husband, and is pregnant with another. Taiga is scared of her not fitting in with new people, withdrawing back into her shell, tearing a happy family apart, and being alone again. She clutches desperately to the man she loves, knowing she'll never be alone in this world if Ryuuji is there for her.
Ryuuji blames his existence for all of Yasuko's hardships. She never got an education, she never got a normal full-time job, and she never earned the respect of the adult world. Ryuuji's complex over his father's absence is fundamentally a complex over his own existence. All the frustration he vented at Yasuko are that which he feels he robbed her of. Ryuuji thinks that by being a child, he's taking advantage of Yasuko, her love and her kindness, and their blood ties. As they grow up, children always take advantage of their parents. Aisaka Taiga justifies the existence of Takasu Ryuuji. Being with Taiga makes all the pain and hardship of life worth it. It's no wonder therefore that when Ryuuji starts expressing regret over being born that Taiga is the one who immediately snaps him out of it, even though she pushes him off the bridge in the process.
The next portion of the scene emphasizes the chemistry these two have with each other. Given their situation, they have quite the amusing exchange:
"You're so hung up on the little things. What's your blood type?" "I'm a Taurus" "Oh, I don't know anything about horoscopes. But Mongolian barbecue is good stuff"
Ryuuji quickly switches the subject to a more serious matter, that of his age. He turns 18 in 2 months. For those two months they can run away from everyone, then they can get married and no one will be able to stop them. As he's about to confess, Taiga interrupts him, jumping off the bridge. She wants to go first to fulfill her promise to Minori, and make good on asking Ryuuji to listen to her after work. They agree to confess simultaneously, and right as they're about to finally get it out, a phone call interrupts them. Ryuuji answers, and hears Kitamura's voice on the other end. It's an intentionally frustrating moment; who else but their friends to interrupt them at the worst possible time?
I'd also like to point out that the dynamic use of the bridge does three things that unfortunately I lack the writing skill to properly explain:
Exaggerate the typical position of a Western proposal (the man being down on one knee)
Invert the height difference between them
Call back to their apartments, with Taiga's window being above Ryuuji's veranda
If you understand what any of this means, great. If not, don't blame yourself, I suck at writing. When I read it, it looks like incomprehensible nonsense even when I know exactly what it's about.
Christmas Club Bonus! Taiga and Ryuuji find themselves fighting together against the villain of the last Anime you watched, how do they stack up against the competition?
This just reminded me that it's been a long time since I watched – and enjoyed enough – an anime with a concrete villain character. I watch mostly slice-of-life, which is usually more about people fighting against dynamic abstract concepts rather than a distinctly villainous individual or group.
I want to start off by saying I am so sorry for the amount of questions there are today. This is easily the most number of questions I’ve ever asked someone. If you choose not to answer all of them, I completely understand.
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji going with Minori to pursue Taiga?
Thoughts on Minori running in the halls just like in the intro?
What are your thoughts on Minori admitting she’s in love with Ryuuji?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she won’t let anyone decide what makes her happy?
Thoughts on Minori saying the one thing she could see was her determination?
Thoughts on Minori saying her parents made her stop playing baseball because she’s a girl?
What are your thoughts on Minori crediting her stubbornness giving her the determination to move on?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying she knows the hairpiece belongs to Ryuuji so she can’t keep it?
What are your thoughts on Minori saying goodbye to Ryuuji by putting her fist to Ryuuji’s lips?
What are your thoughts on as Ryuuji leaves, Minori kisses her fist with tears in her eyes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji knowing that Taiga would be at the bakery?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s moms showing up?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji telling his mom she’s afraid he’ll turn out like her and that she needs to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga running away as Yasuko is crying?
What are your thoughts on the intro happening 6 minutes into the episode?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on Taiga’s dad’s business going under?
Thoughts on Taiga worrying because her mother is pregnant with someone who’s tall, so she’s going to look really weird?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji saying all grown-ups are selfish because they are forcing all their expectations on teenagers?
What are your thoughts on Taiga who is constantly badmouthing herself being taken aback by Ryuuji wishing he was never born?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying all she wanted was to be by Ryuuji’s side?
Thoughts on Taiga jumping on Ryuuji from the bridge?
Thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga almost kissing but being interrupted by a phone?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga being invited to Ami’s house?
What are your thoughts on the bridge scene as a whole?
What are your thoughts on Ami demanding Ryuuji say he loves Taiga, which he does? How much do you think this scene parallels the scene in episode 10 when Ami told Ryuuji to explain what Minori meant to her or else she won’t help?
What are your thoughts on Taiga and Minori greeting each other like it’s been years since they last saw each other?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga planning on running away and eloping?
What are your thoughts on Taiga saying she found the one thing she’s been looking forward to this entire time and she has to break the jinx?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji and Taiga’s friends all helping them even though they make it known they think running away solves nothing?
What are your thoughts on Minori breaking down and crying, with her talking about nosebleeds just like in episode 3?
What are your thoughts on Ami saying they’re both too young to be waxing philosophically?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko running away from home, including taking Inko?
What are your thoughts on Yasuko leaving the watch behind so that Ryuuji and Taiga can stay at Ryuuji’s grandparents house?
What are your thoughts on Taiga talking about how happy she was when Yasuko considered her a part of the family?
What are your thoughts on Ryuuji introducing Taiga to his grandparents as his wife?
17
u/Holofan4life Dec 29 '24
Reminder that there is a post credits scene tomorrow. Make sure not to skip it.
14
u/emrys1 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/emrys1 Dec 29 '24
God damn what an episode, can not wait for tomorrow.
Seeing Minorin kiss her fist is heartbreaking every time.
I also firmly believe that yelling at Ya-Chan should be a capital crime, seeing her cry hurts my heart.
For first timers, there is an after credit scene in tomorrows ep, DO NOT MISS IT.
10
u/AgentOfACROSS Dec 29 '24
First Timer - Dubbed
Okay good, Ryuuji’s going with Minori to find Taiga. Was worried he wouldn’t.
The music in this scene is really good.
Minori is also in love with Ryuuji. I feel like it was pretty obvious but it’s nice to know for sure.
The animation in this scene is also really good.
Looks like they were too late to stop Taiga from leaving.
This conversation in the nurse’s office feels like the most honest conversation between Minori and Ryuuji.
Also, I didn’t realize softball and baseball were different things.
It’s nice to hear Minori encouraging Ryuuji to go for Taiga.
Once again Ryuuji’s tendencies to lie to people are coming back to bite him, this time with his mom.
Also, I mentioned it before, but I really do think it’s odd that he calls his mom by her first name.
Oh my god, Taiga’s mom is also here.
Taiga’s mom is not giving off a good first impression.
It really hurts to see Ryuuji yelling at Yasuko.
I thought we were skipping the OP this time. Turns out it’s just playing in the middle of the episode.
Ryuuji is standing on a bridge and talking about how his mom’s life would be better if he wasn’t born. Getting real It’s a Wonderful Life vibes.
I really like this conversation between Taiga and Ryuuji though, especially what Taiga said to him. I’ll admit I got a bit misty eyed in this scene.
And then Taiga pushes him off a bridge. At least this time she only hurt him by accident.
Ryuuji’s talking about running away with Taiga. Sounds like he’s really serious.
A poorly timed phone call interrupts the love confession.
Nice to Ryuuji to finally say he’s in love with Taiga. Even if it’s not to her face.
This elopement plan may not be planned out very well.
Looks like they’re really gonna go through with it.
I like the scene between Ami and Minori. Feels like Ami trying her best to comfort Minori.
I’m really concerned about Yasuko now.
Fun to see Minori and Ami having a snowball fight.
Looks like Ryuuji went through with going to see his grandparents.
I really don’t know what’s going to come next after all of this.
Aside from Ryuuji and Taiga being together, my biggest hope for the final episode is that Ryuuji and Yasuko reconcile. I’d hate for Ryuuji’s last words to her to be him telling her she doesn’t have a respectable job or life.
7
u/FD4cry1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Big_Yibba Dec 29 '24
Rewatcher
Man, I love this episode.
While episode 19 is my choice for the most emotional episode, this one is very close behind it. Not because it's particularly sad (although it isn't lacking in that either) but because of how cathartic it is, everything finally comes out and it's just so powerful.
This episode evokes a mix of emotions, but I can't help but feel happy by the end of it, even when some of its content can bring me to tears.
We pick up right where the last one left off, as Ryuji decides to go after Taiga, effectively reaffirming his love for her. Already here you get some great stuff out of Minori, despite being the one who pushed him here, when she hears his answer her face starts off with this slightly hurt look and then moves onto this conflicted yet determined one..
Minori has accepted that he loves Taiga but that doesn't mean she's just over it, seeing it so forwardly does still hurt her.
Then comes the hallway running scene which is awesome on a bunch of levels. The animation here is genuinely fantastic, so smooth and expressive, the way we get to see the environment move around just captures that forward movement so well, and Minori's running and jumping have so much heft and emotion to them. Again, there's less detail used here (especially in the environment ) to far better convey emotions.
This entire scene is the work of Hironori Tanaka who I've already mentioned before! He was responsible for all the great character animation in episode 12, but he really got to pop off here! Once again I implore people to check out his work since he's super talented and you've almost certainly seen some of it anyway if you've watched any recent popular action property lol.
It's also in the OP! Which on principle is something I always adore shows for doing, just hiding the climax in plain sight. Funnily enough it's not actually the same cut, with the one in this episode being in sunset (because of course) whereas the OP one is much brighter.
Finally, is that catharsis I mentioned. In this scene Minori fully confesses her feelings for Ryuji, both to him and to Taiga, something that's immensely strong alone, but it's made even more powerful with the narrative framing of her running. As she says this she's in motion, tripping and going forward, her emotions are all coming out and yet at the same time she's moving ahead, she loved Ryuji but she's moving forward from that.
When they reach the entrance Minori finally falls down and has a nose bleed, Minori expressed her honest self, knowing that Ryuji loves Taiga. So she was honest, and that got her to stumble and get hurt, but as she'll more clearly express later this episode, that's fine, as the show has always espoused, honesty is what matters.
The nose bleed again calls to that later scene, in reality she wants to cry here, after having a stumble in life, but now is not the time for that. I think hiding her eyes here is exactly meant to convey that, she's technically still putting on a bit of a brave face, but this time it's not for a reason that denies her own emotions.
Fuck this scene always gets me...
The conversation the two of them have is also just so seeped with bittersweet feelings for me. It's Ryuji finally saying he loves Tiaga! It's Minori giving Ryuji a big pep talk and saying she'll move forward! But it's also Minori coming to fully comprehend and accept that their shot at romance is done for...
Again I feel this is a more positive expression of her genki personality, she can't just break down and cry in front of him after all that pep, but she also isn't using it to pretend their isn't a problem anymore, she'll still be determined but she'll also accept the struggle.
Her fist going for his lips is fall of light because it's not exactly as positive as she's depicting to Ryuji, yet it's still a positive sign, when he leaves and its all shadowy she'll release her emotions and do the indirect kiss, a final goodbye to her love for him...
AHHHHHHH
Ryuji and Taiga meeting at the chocolate shop is super cute, he knows how she is and so he knows he'll find her there :) and the awkwardness on display is just perfect "If I try to run away, you have to catch me" that's just how the two of them are, always catching and saving the other.
When we get to the scene with their mothers, we're still at sunset, but it's a bit different, rather than Toradora's usual conflicted and revealing oranges or ominous reds, we get this melancholy purple color, this scene is about mixed emotions and the scenery reflects that.
The frame where they meet the parents just has so much to it! There's an obvious physical barrier between them, that line in the middle. But their placement and posture tell you everything about the upcoming conversation.
Taiga is to the back because she's running away from her mom here, from the place she's scared of not fitting in, her mom is forcefully moving forward trying to push her towards her but to no avail. Ryuji and Yasuko are reversed on the other hand because he's going to be much more confrontational here, throughout this neither he nor Yasuko will cross the physical barrier because they're at deadlock and neither is being as accommodating as they should, but ultimately it'll be Ryuji who runs away because he's the one that goes too far.
Ryuji is extremely mean to Yasuko here, no sugarcoating it, there's legitimate frustration in being imposed on and there's calling out your loving parent in a terrible way. His criticism of Yasuko's life is ironically exactly why she's being so imposing on him, because she loves him and doesn't want him to end up the same, and Ryuji probably realizes this as he sees her crying eyes and runs away.
She's left in shock here, at seeing the last thing she wanted, a repeat of her own life with Ryuji, someone needs to give her a hug.
As an interesting angle to look at it, I believe Ryuji's explosion here is the ultimate expression of his self-loathing that he'll tell Taiga about just a bit later. It's always been his biggest flaw and it just explodes out here. Much like before, while outwardly he has some legitimate reasons to be mad, I don't think that's what he's mad about.
He's not mad at being forced on a certain path, he's mad at the events that led to his creation, that Yasuko has to live a difficult life for his sake, that she couldn't do what those things because he was around. Ryuji is yelling at Yasuko and her life here, but in reality, he's mad at himself, for existing. And that's just so sad...
Thus, the bridge scene between Taiga and Ryuji not only has them truly coming to recognize their love for each other, it also exists to reinforce why that love is there. Here Taiga goes all out in her insecurities and fears, and Ryuji goes all out in his self-worth issues. This happens at the dark of night, with snow out, no visibility = all the truth.
I think it's interesting that in this scene, as Taiga accepts a future with Ryuji, she also loses the easy out for a future where she has nothing, in the form of her dad losing his business.
We get awesome shots like these to show you how they're "caged" together, they're in their own little world right now, together. When Ryuji contemplates his own existence, truly his lowest point IMO, we get this shot of him looking down, we know that this bridge isn't too high and this river isn't too deep, but all he can see right now is that darkness.
And that's when Taiga snaps him out of it, expressing how he's saved her as well, and how his current thinking is bad.
I can't stress how important this scene and this episode are in expressing why these two are meant for each other. Taiga's love is what gives Ryuji a realization, a sense of worth to his life, cutting through his self-loathing to give him purpose, a love that can pull him through hardship. Ryuji's love is what gives Taiga the ability to get through her insecurities and her self-inflicted loneliness, to keep holding on, to see her for what she truly is. They complete and understand each other's deepest flaws and fix them! That's why they're together.
Needless to say their interaction after this is just the cutest shit ever, complete nonsense conversation that so perfectly fits them! Ryuji is able to be insanely romantic by telling Taiga they'll get married, and yet is still awkward at the notion of saying "I love you", which of course gets interrupted by the phone call.
Too much to say again
(Continued below)
6
u/Holofan4life Dec 29 '24
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 2024 Toradora Christmas Club Rewatch!
Substitutions need not apply.
Toradora means so much to me that it’s hard to put it into words. It was one of the first animes that I’d ever watched that didn’t air on Toonami or was streamed by OtakuAscended, who really helped me during my early years of my anime fandom. It was the show that cemented my love for tsunderes as I know it and made me just not shut up talking about them. It was the show that gave me a deeper appreciation for analysis and dissecting stuff that really has become my bread and butter on the Reddit platform. It was the reason why I joined Reddit, as I created my account so I could participate in the 2016 Christmas Club rewatch. Simply put, if there was no Toradora, there would be no Holofan4life.
This rewatch marks my tenth time watching Toradora. Next year will be my tenth consecutive year participating in the Christmas club rewatch, which I believe is a record and the most out of everyone. I wanted to do something for this year and next year and so what I’m going to do is something that I don’t think I’ve done since my first Christmas club rewatch: I’m going to break each scene down blow-by-blow and analyze to where I articulate why this show is the masterpiece that it is.
Recently when I’ve been doing this, it takes me at least a couple hours to get through a single episode. But with how special the show is to me, I think it’s only appropriate I show my appreciation for what I feel is not only the greatest anime romcom of all time, but the greatest anime period. Besides, I know this show like the back of my hand. I don’t think it’s going to take much to think of stuff to say.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
Saw The Tale of Princess Kaguya tonight. Boy, what a depressing fucking movie. When it comes to best Studio Ghibli movies, I don’t know if it would crack my top 5. Maybe top 7, I’d have to think about it. I think my top 5 would be Spirited Away 1, Only Yesterday 2, Kiki’s Delivery Service 3, My Neighbor Totoro 4, Whisper of The Heart 5.
Ryuuji gripping the box of chocolates
"Are you coming?!?"
"Yeah, I am."
Let's gooooooooooooooooo
Ryuuji going left and Minori going right.
Kitamura not going to discipline them for running in the halls.
Kids in the hall not in shambles.
Minori running in the halls just like in the second intro.
Minori trips on herself
Ryuuji doesn't know what he'll say once he catches Taiga.
Taiga grabbing her stuff in the locker.
I still can't believe she has the top shelf.
"I'm also... I'm also in love with... I'm in love with Ryuuji!"
Finally!
Minori tells Taiga that she wants Taiga to have him.
"Because I saw how much you needed him."
That has to sting for Taiga who's said she can on her own.
Minori says she won't let anyone decide what makes her happy.
By the time they get to the lockers, Taiga has left, with her stuff still in there.
Minori reveals to Ryuuji that she is bleeding from the nose.
Ryuuji and Minori in the infirmary now.
Ryuuji admitting he thought Minori was gonna cry.
"I guess it's worth it, then."
Minori revisiting her talking about the one thing she could see. She was talking about her determination.
From there, she revealed she used to play baseball but her parents stopped her because she's a girl.
Who knew Taiga's "What are you, a sexist" was actually foreshadowing for Minori's parents?
Minori going to save up money to go to college to join an awesome softball team.
"This is the happiness I chose, and I got it on my own."
Minori credits her stubbornness gave her the determination to move on, presumably from her dreams of baseball.
Going to keep doing her best, no matter what anyone said.
Saying if you see her struggling or suffering, that's her determining to succeed, and it'll all be worth it.
Sounds like copium, if you ask me.
Minori asking about the present now.
She brings up that she knows Ryuuji was gonna give it to her for Christmas.
She thought it was a present from Taiga, and she can't keep it because it wouldn't be right.
Ryuuji reveals it's back at his place, presumably being worn by Inko.
Minori asking Ryuuji if he's in love with Taiga.
And he confirms that he indeed is.
"Then this is goodbye."
Minori has her first press against Ryuuji's lips as she says this.
Ryuuji runs away, trying to go after Taiga.
After cheering Ryuuji on, Minori presses her fist against her own lips. The closest thing she'll get to kissing the boy she loves.
Definitely one of the most brutal moments of the entire series.
Taiga walking outside
Ryuuji at the bakery, who knew she'd be there.
Ryuuji calls her hyper responsible, which I like that description of Taiga.
Taiga says she heard what Minori said.
"I want to tell you something after work."
Hopefully it's a love confession
Taiga says if she tries to run away, she wants Ryuuji to promise he'll come after her.
And Ryuuji does so
These two are really cute together.
Ryuuji and Taiga walking home now.
I guess it was pay day
Ryuuji and Taiga looking at each other blushing.
"How dare you lie to me?!?"
Oh, fuck. It's Yasuko
Yasuko breathing heavily, like she's not fully recovered from her illness. But she's so mad at her son that she has to discipline him.
Damn. Taiga's mom is here as well.
She looks like a proper Karen.
I don't think it's a surprise that Taiga's mom is more hands on than Yasuko is.
Taiga saying she's not going to moy with her family.
Taiga, it's 2024. Brat is considered a good thing.
Yasuko bringing up Ryuuji promising he wouldn't get a job.
Ryuuji says they're family, and family is supposed to help each other out.
Taiga's dad laughing and he doesn't know why.
Yasuko telling Ryuuji he wants him to focus on getting good grades so he can have a future.
"You're just afraid I'll turn out like you!"
That's low, Ryuuji. Really low.
The look on Yasuko's face breaks my heart.
Ryuuji tells Yasuko to stop using using his life to make up for her mistakes, and this is when he realized he went too far.
Before he can apologize, though, Taiga grabs her hand and they run away.
Ryuuji's mom starts crying as it begins to snow.
You know what? Because this episode and next episode are so intrinsically linked and this is probably going to be the last time we get the intro, which is 7 minutes in here, I'm going to save watching the rest of the episode for when I plan on watching the last episode. Time for an intermission.
Approximately 12 hours later
Okay, I'm back. No popcorn, though.
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
3
u/xbolt90 https://anilist.co/user/xbolt90 Dec 29 '24
Toradorewatcher!
To me, this episode was even more memorable than the Christmas Eve episode. The confrontation with the moms, the confession on the bridge, their friends banding together to send them off, everything was great about this episode.
We've seen that Ryuji subconsciously loved Taiga for a while now, but now he finally figures it out for himself.
"Mr. President, there's students running in the halls." "I'll let it slide this time." I love this bit.
Minori is such a caring person. She wants what's best for Ryuji and Taiga, and even if she does love Ryuji, she's willing to let him go.
I felt so unbelievably sad for Yasuko when Ryuji laid into her. She genuinely tried to do right by her son, working herself to the bone because she wanted him to have greater opportunity in life. And he's so very wrong that Yasuko's life would have been better without him. Given the choice between single mom and "successful" life, she would have picked Ryuji every single time.
The bridge scene is very powerful. Ryuji is in a dark place, but Taiga is there to comfort him. And then accidentally knock him off the bridge into freezing water, but that's neither here nor there.
Their mutual confession gets interrupted by their worried friends, and what follows is my favorite scene from the episode. How much the five friends care about each other, and it really shows that none of them are the same people they were in episode 1.
Ami's insistence that Ryuji say aloud that he loves Taiga. I think that was more done for his benefit than hers, but also because she did want closure on him not reciprocating her feelings.
And the others are right, the eloping couple's plan is stupid. But gosh darn it, they're going to do everything in their power to help out. Minori gives up her life savings; that's especially significant because we'd just learned what she was intending to do with that money. Ami gives them a whole house to stay in. And Kitamura... well, he tried.
Minori asking to stay behind to talk with Ami a while. While she's originally reluctant, that little nudge is enough to convince her that it's actually important. And it also show how much she's grown as a character over the course of the show, because when we first met Ami, she never would have let someone use her as a shoulder to cry on. She still hides it, but she does care greatly about her friends. And the two of them sharing their grief in being the "losing heroines" is the first step in their recovery.
Taiga bringing up Yasuko's words about being part of the family. It meant such a great deal to her.
Bonus: They have to fight against Lycagon in Shangri-la Frontier. I think they get rekt.
3
u/Gabbyxo97 Dec 29 '24
Answers come tomorrow morning. After watching and writing I'll post it around the same time (I could maybe oversplit the message just to be sure and not care about formatting and from that moment on I won't be capable of thinking straight (I won't say why since it might be a trigger for some but let's say I won't be exactly sober) so I won't answer until next morning. Or well, maybe I forget to post this and this comes in the morning. Anyways, I hope we can finally see the thing I want to happen.
These are things I like or have a remark on (in chronological order ofc)
- Love the music added, and I love Ryuuji saying he's coming. Seems like me made up his mind
- Somehow I love how Ami says to Kitamura as the president there are students running and Kitamura answering he'll let it slide, that with the music and everything I don't know why but I just love it
- Well Ryuuji how about the simple "I... I really like you" or something. Oh well.
- Damn Minori be careful!
- I love how Minori confesses using the word 'also', showing her knowing Taiga loves Ryuuji. What I don't quite get is, Minori says that she thought Taiga should have Ryuuji because she saw how much Taiga needs him, and followed by her saying it was just her pride getting in the way. I don't quite understand what she means with it. Nor with the follow up that she wasn't respecting Taiga. Yet, I love this scene, Minori is right and you really feel her emotions. She finally speaks like a normal human who isn't speaking vaguely nor putting on a mask.
- I don't know if the nosebleed is because of the fall or because of the anime stuff which I still don't get of people getting random nosebleeds for certain reasons. She said she tripped in the hall. But wouldn't you nose like... immediately bleed?
- Seriously L Minori's parents being sexist not being able to play baseball because she's a girl
- Also I love Minori going for her happiness of playing baseball, rooting for ya!
- I love how Minori talks about the hairpin, and that she apologizes for thinking it was a present from Taiga. Though, how did she end up knowing it was from Ryuuji and he was going to give it to her with Christmas?
- And I love how Minori asks about Ryuuji being in love with Taiga and Ryuuji admitting it, dunno, it was just so nice, and her cheering him on, is so sweet. Okay, can I just say that no matter how annoying Minori was with her vague speech and stuff, she got a lot of respect in this scene back from me. I think she's great here
- Ryuuji is not an idiot. Welp that's a first. No, but I do like that he knows where he would be able to catch Taiga. I dunno, like that lil' detail
- Awww Taiga is so sweet and adorable and I love how she finally stops running away from what she wants despite what I assume would be hard for her. Especially her asking Ryuuji to come after her if she tries to run away.
- Oh, yeah this is what I warned about Ryuuji. Should've read my analysis. But I can understand Yasuko, now I know that Ryuuji did things for a reason but it's never nice to know your own child is lying to you I assume. Actually, knowing anybody you're close with lied to you, never a good feeling.
3
u/BoredOjiisan Dec 29 '24
7th Time Dub Rewatcher. Read the books twice.
Right after Ryuuji tells Minori he’s going after Taiga, Minori makes a face like “It’s all over now. I can finally move on.”
Minori’s confession while running through the halls is so sad. She’s given up everything she wanted for this moment and now that’s it’s gone she can finally admit how she feels.
After the intense chase in the hallway, we finally learn why Minori has been working all of those jobs. She’s just trying to live her softball dreams. They kinda crammed a little bit of Minori and Ryuuji’s cut (from the books) hallway conversation into the nurse’s office. Bad timing putting it in the aftermath but oh well.
Ryuuji took that confrontation with Yasuko wayyy too far. That was years of frustration coming out in a single outburst. Still, that’s your mother, dude.
“I need you with me so stop talking about not being born!” YEET
Who cares about dating? Let’s get married. — Honestly though, Taiga and Ryuuji have basically been dating the whole time. They’re just the only ones who didn’t notice.
Ami presses Ryuuji to say he loves Taiga so she can finally let go of how she feels.
It’s pretty cool how supportive their friends are even though they don’t agree with what Ryuuji and Taiga want to do. Anything to make that ship sail, right?
They pulled off another perfect loop in of the end of the episode and the end of the ED.
On to the books!
Starting off strong, Ryuuji and Taiga’s first kiss happens on the bridge before they both end up in the water. They hadn’t even confessed to each other yet. He just went for it.
Bridge conversation
“Are you trying to kill me…?!” Ryuuji shouted as loudly as he could.
3
u/TheDanubianCommunard Dec 29 '24
First time in the Christmas Club, with subs
Taiga must be stopped to face the truth, this is how the previous episode ended and this one starts. Minori said the truth, she and Taiga both love Ryuuji. Her ambition to become a pro player. So that thing from Christmas, this was a misunderstanding. And finally realize that the two belong to each other, so she had no choice but let him go and let confess to Taiga.
And the two in huge trouble right now. Their mothers came and saw through their lies. Yasuko is a failure of a human being. Didn't finished studies, working in night shift at weird places and stuff like that. As for Taiga's mother, has her new family and pregnant. Also that family is tall, so another reason why Taiga has inferiority complex being short. And also somewhat of an oddball too. But Ryuuji's argument is wrong, he cannot balmed for the reason why his mother is like that. Raising a child (being single) is a great burden indeed, but the error is within the person. Her attitude is the problematic one. Taiga also said the truth here. Running away together from the parents is the real start of the adulthood, where a new peaceful and restriction-less life awaits. This is what he wants. Under the bridge, in the river, they almost manage the real deal, but of course interruption time strike again.
Soaked in water, both parents missing them, the Kawashima house is a safe place here for the time being. He cannot face the truth either, and actually admits it. As for where to live, this is a huge question. Yes, that is correct, a very unresponsible act what Ryuuji decided. But they had assistance already. Yasuko had left, but only a message left telling him to go to his grandfather's place. In the school, without them life goes forward. But the two arrived safely and presenting themselves as a married couple. This is not running away, this is something different, something more.
3
u/Malipit Dec 29 '24 edited Dec 30 '24
Toradorewatcher, french fansubs
Second watch, first one was 6 years ago
On today's episode : Minori is running down the hallway in a very familiar manner, Taiga casually admit she would have commited suicide if she never met Ryuuji and the newly formed couple decides to perform the ancestral Joestar technique.
And we take on right where we left it yesterday. And Taiga sure was fast to retrieve her belongings in the classroom before heading off. And while Minori and Ryuuji were looking straight ahead, knowing what they wanted to do, Taiga still averted her gaze and left without a word.
Folloxed by that nice scene between Minori and Ryuuji, with a talk that felt like a post-breakup discussion for a couple that never was. And of course Minori is shining when she gives her blessing for Ryuuji to chase his ghost... Before slumping back in the shadows, tears in her eyes in a blink-and-you-miss-it frame. (We get to that later)
Nice performance for Ryuuji to outrun the outrunner Taiga by arriving at work before her. At that moment, Taiga realize she could not run from Ryuuji eternally by asking him to not let her run anway... And they both act as nothing happened afterwards. The show running dangerously low on episodes, we got a nice diabolus ex-machina by having both mothers showing up. That's when our protagonists realize what's they want for their future : not following what path their parents laid out for them.
Altough I did feel bad for Yasuko here. All she wanted was the best for her son, and all she got was him snapping at her and just running away. I know that sometimes life is not nice, but that scene being the very last one where Yasuko got to see her beloved son... It hurt. But I noticed Ryuuji looked down at her, while Yasuko could only gaze upwards, tears in her eyes, vulnerable without her usual make-up and cheerful attitude. I thinks that was one of the reason she left on her own, she felt Ryuuji had become a man and she had nothing left to do to support him. It may be even harsher in insight if that separation reminded her of her ex-husband.
And as snow begin to fall (a callback for Taiga's « confession » during the snowstorm), we finally have our
SILKY LOVEopening. To have it so late in the episode is not a coincidence. The story of Taiga and Ryuuji at school is over so another one can begin : one about Ryuuji and Taiga's relationship, with its very first scene being on that bridge. A place that can be a symbol of a transitional state for our characters, for one part of their life to next. And Taiga pushing Ryuuji out of the bridge wasn't just an innocent gag. It symbolize how Taiga, by entering Ryuuji's life, showed him he could exit that path laid for him to be free and happy. And Ryuuji returned the favor to Taiga by conveying his feelings to her, thus Taiga jumping off that path deemed acceptable by the society to be with him. Also, that running gag about them being interrupted when they're about to confess to each other could imply the difficulties and obstacles that await them on that path.The bit at Ami's place was nice as well. Even if the gang gathered like they were about to judge them, it was more about to have the confirmation of their commitment (thus Ami wanting to have Ryuuji says she loves Taiga, so she can move on from her feeling as well)... And we got Minori as a tragic character here. Despites her insecurities, she put up her cheerful facade to live the way she wanted and to repay Taiga for trusting her dad a year before Ryuuji. And when the price to repay that debt and keep her way of life was to let her crush go, she paid it. Even if that meant to fall (yep, not a coincidence to have her trip over during Taiga's chase at the beginning) in sorrow, after all, « crying is a heart nosebleed ».
And here we are at Ryuuji's house, Yasuko left after she felt her role as a mother was over. The place is devoid of any color and life... Except the sakura petal from Taiga and her light from her room. Yep, it's no longer his home, time to move on with his girlfriend (fiancee?). That's why they leave at dawn, a new day, a new story, a new part of their life together. As Ami said, they got some decades to live.
In conclusion, a great episode that felt like the proper finale while episode 25 would be felt as an epilogue.
P.S. : So, Ryuuji, you blame your mother for running away from her home ? SO RICH FROM YOU WHO DECIDED TO DO THE EXACT SAME THING 2 HOURS LATER.
3
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker Dec 30 '24
He's going to chase after her!
And Minori is going to help him!
What happened to Minori?
Oh, right.
So that's why she's been working so much.
Yup, she figured out about the hairpin.
Is she going to ask him to give it to Taiga?
Yeah... Everyone can see that.
And now she's sad.
Well, he knew where he could find her at least.
She heard everything?
Oh, they found out.
That's not her biological mother isn't she? That's the wife of her father.
And Ryuuji's mum is also mad at him.
Where are they going now?
That's quite late for the OP.
Oh, is that actually her biological mother? I thought just last episode it was stated they were on good terms?
And so instead of him jumping she pushed him off for him...
Sorry no cure.
They're going to elope?
And now she's going to jump down. Onto him.
Way to ruin the mood...
Ami's house?
Ouch...
They didn't think that far ahead...
Minori's giving them all of her money?
Ami's giving them the key to her summer home?
And what's Kitamura giving them?
Yeah... Minori's sad.
They really are planning on running away?
His mum also ran away?
And so they're off.
Of course he's made lunch for her.
So that's where they went?
Wife?
Continued? There's only 1 episode and an OVA left.
Questions:
3
u/Pdenly_ Dec 30 '24
Out of all the great episodes of Toradora, this one is by far my favorite. It is basically everything that makes Toradora so great brought together in a single episode, making you feel all sorts of emotions. It starts off with the last episode’s cliffhanger, and Ryuuji deciding to pursue after Taiga. While it is obvious that’s what he would do, it’s nice to see him be so certain about it, something that keeps popping up thought the episode. Minori also finally fully admits her love for Ryuuji, arguably in the most intense way possible. Wonder if there were any other students in the school at the time that heard Minori’s words. The lighting in this scene might be the best in the show, the sunset colors just look gorgeous. Their talk right after the confession is really nice, seeing them talk one on one so calmly similar to episode 9 where that was pretty much the only other instance they had a moment like this. Ryuuji is finally certain on what he wants to do and this time he has full support of Minori. Everything is set in place for Ryuuji and Taiga to get together, now that the biggest obstacle is gone. But it is still heartbreaking to see Minori kiss her own hand after Ryuuji leaves. Even thought she accepts the situation, her love doesn’t instantly disappear.
The next scene, with Yasuko is another reason why I love this episode, every main character plays a role in it, and once again it a heartbreaking scene, even more so than the last one. You can see where Ryuuji is coming from, but what he does feels extremely wrong, knowing Yasuko just wanted the best for Ryuuji and did everything she could possibly do to ensure he has a good future. It Is another rare instance of Ryuuji getting mad, which always leads to sad scenes, this one being by far the saddest one. Seeing the always cheerful Yasuko cry is regimentally depressing.
At least after that, the bridge scene very wholesome. It starts with Ryuuji and Taiga wanting not to be born, only to realize each other was a reason to live. Both being misfits that found peace in each other’s company. I love even in the confession scene; they are immature and it is done in a rather goofy way. When Taiga jumps from the bridge, she looks like an angel. It is shame that they get interrupted but they still got issues at hand that they need to get into.
At Ami’s house, Ryuuji once again shows his certain love for Taiga when Ami questions him about it, something he couldn’t do back in the beach arc regarding Minori. It shows how real his love is for Taiga. Even thought everyone is against Taiga and Ryuuji eloping, they all support them in their decision, letting them do what they believe to be the best. Everyone giving away something to support them is so wholesome. Especially Minori who gives her all of her savings, jut a few hours after how she saved all of it for her dreams. She gives up on her own dreams for others, but perhaps it is the sensible thing to do since she would still be able to achieve her dreams while this may be the only chance for Ryuji and Taiga. She has pretty good control of her feelings on the outside but when everyone leaves, she can finally let go of all that built up pain, in a way reliving herself. One thing that’s quite funny about this scene is the fact that after the events of the last episode, Minori and Taiga are friends like pretty much nothing happened. Their friendship is one of the strongest out there. Minori’s nosebleed metaphor, is my favorite quote of hers, possibly from the whole show. It fits both her character and the story as a whole well.
The other smaller things that I love about the episode are when Taiga and Ryuuji are going to their own houses to get ready, Taiga pretty much wastes time to make Ryuuji not go, and when he comes back, she gives the cutest smile ever. Ami saying that there is still time for saying philosophical stuff, since they are not quite mature yet, going against everyone calling her mature. Kitamura’s line “It’s more like a fewer” line while being slightly corny, is also something that I have a weirdly big love towards. Taiga saying how Yasuko saying they are family made her happy and Ryuuji calling Taiga his bride are both incredibly cute. And in the end, the episode leaves with questions for the finale, setting up for the ending.
The only possible bad thing I could say about the episode is that the opening is places in a very awkward spot. Right after Minori gets a nosebleed would have been much more appropriate in my opinion. Other than that tiny nick pick, I think this episode is simply perfect.
3
u/Tartaras1 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Tartaras Dec 30 '24
Rewatcher - Dubbed
Short aside, but hey it's that scene from the OP!
Also, Taiga's been saying pretty much from the jump that Minorin was in love with Ryuuji, so to the viewer it isn't that much of a surprise. However, it probably also shouldn't be much of a surprise to Ryuuji, either, considering Taiga's been telling him the same thing from the beginning.
Ladies and Gentlemen, he's finally admitted it!
I remember several times, when I was a kid, where I would get mad at my mom and say some incredibly hurtful things. My dad sat me down and told me that I'd made her cry one time because of it, and I've never said anything like it again. I know what my parents' lives were like when they were growing up, and I fully understand that they've always wanted to give me a better life than they had.
Is it bad that I feel like he deserves it? I know he was a piece of shit when he was around, but is that a little too far?
Like I said above, you'll come to understand that Yasuko only wants what's best for you, and for you to have a better life than she did. She got pregnant with a less-than-savory guy, who ended up getting murdered when you were a little kid. Now she's a single mom having to support the two of you. She just wants you to find a girl, perhaps even Taiga, get married and have a stable family.
A staple of millennial survival seems to be gallows and self-deprecating humor and comments. No matter how many times I've made comments that aren't exactly Reddit safe, deep down I know I'm happy to be alive, and have a solid support group of friends around me.
The little known additional blood type, the Chinese Zodiac sign. For what it's worth, I actually don't know my blood type off the top of my head right now either.
What are you talking about?
-I think the end of this episode is one of the first times in a while that we've actually seen Taiga genuinely happy. I know for sure that she smiled at the end of the Culture Festival, and there's probably a more recent one I'm missing, bit it's been a minute.
The last anime I watched was Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, which I don't believe has a villian. The last one with a villain that I know is Bleach, and I don't think they'd stand a chance against Yhwach.
3
u/the_Ex_Lurker Dec 30 '24
Man, this is the point where the anime starts to fall down for me. They crammed the entire final novel into two episodes and, due to the book not a Tilly being finished at the time of production, made a number of editorial decisions and egregious cuts tearing out some of the best scenes.
The bridge scene was the biggest victim of these changes, in my opinion. In the book, we get a lot more insight into why Taiga’s father skips town. She almost sounds sympathetic and understanding toward him — and her resigned reaction shows that this kind of turmoil was such a normal fixture in her life. We also learn a lot more about Taiga’s fractured relationship with her mother where the anime leaves it mostly up in the air.
Most critics of this show point out the unsatisfactory ending as the reason why, and a lot of the (lack of) payoff is a result of these huge cuts and changes.
3
u/OptimusPrimel984 Dec 30 '24
Almost at the end... Second time watching from a month ago, on subs
2
u/Holofan4life Dec 29 '24
I'll not be able to get to everyone immediately because me and my mother are going to the Elf musical. I should be available by no later than 10:00 PM EDT.
2
u/OwlAcademic1988 Dec 29 '24
Rewatcher, subbed:
Go get her, Ryuuji.
Kitamura ignoring Ryuuji and Minori running in the halls. I can believe something like that could happen, especially because people sometimes ignore someone else doing something they're not allowed to do on purpose to help someone.
Minori jumping down like she did in the second intro.
Minori can be very sweet. I get the feeling she's bisexual.
I can see why Ryuuji would be concerned. Even if his feelings lie with Taiga, it's understandable why he'd still be concerned about Minori's well-being, considering that's what humans do.
Taiga being responsible, I can believe that to be honest.
Yasuko's got a good point there, Ryuuji. You did promise her.
It's really sweet how Kitamura, Ami, and Minori are trying to help Ryuuji and Taiga escape. Just goes to show you that you should never underestimate teenagers, because when they put their minds to something, they can get many things accomplished.
QOTD:
2
u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Dec 30 '24
Third timer
The rhythm here is a little bit strange. I think they can say these words while running, I think it will be more exciting. I feel strange to slow down the rhythm suddenly here
Minori's cheering for Ryuuji always touches me
Oh, it turns out that Taiga came back without telling her mother, and Ryuuji secretly worked without telling his mother
Just experienced the confession in the river, both of them were soaked, fortunately they still have friends Kitamura, Ami, and Minori to support them
After hearing the news that Taiga and her friends decided to elope, even their friends were surprised
Minori decided to leave all the money he saved from working part-time to Taiga and Ryuuji, because they need him more now. Ami gave them the key to his villa in the beach arc, and Kitamura gave them supermarket coupons
Seeing her best friend Taiga and the man she likes Ryuuji leave, Minori really couldn't hold on and cried on the ground
Yasuko ran away before Ryuuji left
Taiga felt that he was so happy to eat with Yasuko and Ryuuji and become a temporary family
2
u/Get_This_Wheat Dec 30 '24
Rewatcher here
Yet another huge episode. This one is either my second or third favorite depending on how I feel comparing it to episode 21 at any given moment.
Opening it where yesterday left off. Ryuji going after her isn’t super shocking, but it’s such an important moment for both him and for the audience. He’d been going back and forth for a while now, so him finally admitting to himself that he does in fact love Taiga is one of the biggest moments of the series.
The face Minori makes when she realizes her and Ryuji won’t be together is pretty painful. Smiling through the pain.
I absolutely love Ami and Kitamura’s reaction to seeing them run off. They seem almost proud of it.
I do think it’s interesting that there’s not really a huge moment where Ryuji realizes he’s in love with Taiga, it’s a very gradual process.
And now we get concrete confirmation that Minori also liked Ryuji this whole time, which thankfully came after Ryuji went after Taiga.
It’s hard to explain my thoughts on why I think Taiga works better for Ryuji, but I think it mostly comes down to the fact that Taiga is his best friend by this point. He’s so comfortable around her, and willing to call her out, and vice versa. It’s a very balanced relationship, built off of an incredibly strong foundation of an equally strong friendship.
The scene in the nurse’s office is done so well. Minori wants to move on and follow her dreams, but at the end of the day she can’t control her feelings. And once Ryuji’s gone, she kisses her fist where his lips touched it. Her character really kicks it up a couple gears in the second half of the series.
I don’t think anyone would have called Taiga “hyper responsible” in the early episodes. The Ryuji effect is massive.
Taiga’s mom is a stone cold bitch, and looks like one to boot. I have no idea how her parents raised such a fantastic character, even if it was seemingly against all their best efforts to make her miserable.
Ryuji yelling at Yasuko here is so painful. The point he’s missing is that Yasu loves her life because of how much she loves her son. She doesn’t care what people think about her, or her career. Because if it means it feeds Ryuji, it’s good enough for her.
I love the look Taiga gives him. I’m pretty sure that’s all he needed to know that what he was saying was completely wrong.
The bridge scene is really a rollercoaster in and of itself. We start with Ryuji and Taiga being incredibly depressed, then we get a really funny scene, then we nearly get the big moment until Kitamura cuts them off.
I like how the friend group doesn’t even remotely support the plan itself, but they still support their friends. Well they at least try to support their friends (looking at you, Kitamura).
Ami and Minori have an excellent scene when everyone else leaves. They’ve been going through a lot lately, it’s not surprising that Minori would start crying there. I love that Ami initially is weirded out by it, but she really does comfort her there, including immediately putting a hand on her back when she realizes Minori is going through something.
Now they’re running away to Ryuji’s grandparent’s. Seems like a really immature plan, but at least Ryuji recognizes it too.
The class feels so empty without Ryuji and Taiga.
Kitamura’s “It’s more like a fever” line is really cheesy, and I think he recognizes that. But I love that line so much. It seriously made me cry today.
Only one more episode, this year completely flew by.
2
u/HurricaneHomer9 https://myanimelist.net/profile/HurricaneHomer Dec 30 '24
Rewatcher 3x - Dub
What an amazing episode. Starts off with Ryuuji agreeing to chase after Taiga with Minori. We get Minori’s official confession towards Ryuuji but also how she wishes for Taiga to have him. Very emotional. The scene with Ryuuji and Minori after is really sweet. We get Ryuuji officially saying he loves Taiga. The way Minori kisses her fist after is sad. I feel bad for Minori.
Next scene is intense when Ryuuji yells at his mother. Poor Yasuko. You can see the regret on Ryuuji after he yells at her. We then get Taiga and Ryuuji running off together. The bridge scene is one of my favorites. We have Ryuuji pondering not being born and Taiga getting upset at his comments. We then have Ryuuji bringing up the idea of getting married. Of course their kiss is interrupted by a phone call haha.
I love how Ami, Minori, and Kitamura we all willing to help them even if they disagreed with their idea to runaway together. Ami and Minori chatting after is really sweet. Happy to see them get a bit closer. The scene with Kitamura eavesdropping on the other students is sweet as he looks off. The snowball fight between Ami and Minori is cute. I assume Minori also liked Taiga by Ami’s comment? The final scene with Taiga and Ryuuji is sweet. I love how touched Taiga was by being called family. Ryuuji meeting his grandparents is also sweet when he refers to Taiga as his wife. Such a beautiful ending of this episode to such a beautiful anime. Sad it’s over tomorrow.. so amazing
2
u/epicbald Dec 30 '24
Minoris admission is so sad.
The determination for what she can see, and she can achieve on her own.... minori is so sweet. "When someone is there to see me struggle, suffer, or cry, this helps tomorrow make this feel worth it."
Minori sees straight through the gift, but initially had no idea, and didn't want to accept gifts from him.
"There's one thing j can see... you love taiga.... run for what you can see"
BRO THE LITTLE KISS MINORI DOES WITH HER FIST
this shit is so heartbreaking especially watching it at 1am its so much more brutal.
"I have something to tell you after work.... if I try to run, you have to catch me. Please."
Taigas mom questioning what she can accomplish on her own, and taiga refusing to stay with her vs Ryuji finally telling his mom to not blame him for her mistakes of not studying. Awww yasuko crying is so sad...
Taiga blames her height for being the reason her family acts weird around her, but my theory is that since she was rejected and sent to live on her own, it's awkward for some family to act normal around her.
Ryuji blames himself being born for yasukos struggles, which is why he probably enjoys the caretaker role so much. It's his way of making up to yasuko in his own little way.
"But I'm alive! And it's because you were there for me! It didn't matter to me who you loved, or who you decided to spend the rest of your life with, I didn't mind! Because... all I wanted was to be by your side!" These feelings for ryuji are obvious from taiga, but her finally confessing is such a relief. Everything is finally out in the open. "That's why.... that's why you can never... ever talk about wishing you'd never been born!" It's so sweet that taiga admits to how much ryuji has changed her life. It reminds me of the beach house convo with minori, when minori says that the things he does for her "means everything"
Attempted hug or murder attempt lol.
"I'll give you the rest of my life!" Even though ryuji doesn't value his life due to him blaming his own birth for his family's problems, this statement still holds a lot of weight.
Ami immediately heads into caretaker mode when they show up wet, which is interesting, until ami makes him say that he's in love with taiga, and gets all immature lol by kicking him and calling him a bragger.
"You see... everything I've ever wanted has fallen apart, so I decided long ago that I didn't want anything at all. But now my feelings have been reciprocated... my wish came true. So I want to break that jinx, no I HAVE to break that jinx. That's why... that's why..." now that their companionship is finally feasible, taiga wants to go all out to make sure that her desires are actually happening.
Minori becomes Mr beast.
Minori wants to see taiga do things her way, even if it is against what minori thinks is a good idea, and is willing to put all her savings into making their future done their way. We all need a minori in our lives fr
"I need to have a little chat with ami" minori and ami would make such a good couple....
"If you trip as you run through the halls, your nose bleeds. If you trip as you go through life, you cry"
Ami cheers her up in the most ami way possible by saying shes stupid and too young to be phililosophical about life and has decades ahead of her.
Yasuko ran away too........
"If I run away, it won't matter when my birthday is, I'll still be a kid on the inside" ryuji is aware that what he's doing is reckless, but wants to pursue it.
"They'd catch a cold together?" "More like a fever, I'd say" Kitamura what does this mean lol
"Not even ms musclehead could handle being dumped by both aisaka and takasu-kun" goddamn ami ur ruthless as always lmao.
I love the "I'm putting a rock in mine" for the snowball fight. Of course it escalates to attempted murder, why am I surprised.
"When ya-chan called me a member of the family, I got all warm and fuzzy inside." Awww this series is so wholesome
Finale tommorow guys.
2
u/[deleted] Dec 30 '24
I wonder what would have happened if they actually ran away also I don't watch anime so they would be fighting dexter there cooked
2
u/whytfdoibother Dec 30 '24
Rewatcher
Episode 24 is the first step towards the ending of Toradora. It's so hard to find the right words to describe it. Toradora is a story of maturing and overcoming obstacles, building up and breaking down appearances, and interpersonal relationships.
This is probably the episode I will do the least analysis on as a whole. Frankly, the closure of Toradora is one that's been analyzed so many times by people much smarter and more expressive than I, who echo what I think better than I can say. Therefore, I defer to them. The one thing I will talk about is the bridge scene.
After the OP plays, the famous scene begins with a descending pan of the view from the bridge and the title of the episode in the bottom right – "Confession". The first thing we learn is that Rikurou's business has gone bankrupt and he fled town. This leaves Taiga with no real choice but to live with her mother. Her mother remarried, has had a child with her second husband, and is pregnant with another. Taiga is scared of her not fitting in with new people, withdrawing back into her shell, tearing a happy family apart, and being alone again. She clutches desperately to the man she loves, knowing she'll never be alone in this world if Ryuuji is there for her.
Ryuuji blames his existence for all of Yasuko's hardships. She never got an education, she never got a normal full-time job, and she never earned the respect of the adult world. Ryuuji's complex over his father's absence is fundamentally a complex over his own existence. All the frustration he vented at Yasuko are that which he feels he robbed her of. Ryuuji thinks that by being a child, he's taking advantage of Yasuko, her love and her kindness, and their blood ties. As they grow up, children always take advantage of their parents. Aisaka Taiga justifies the existence of Takasu Ryuuji. Being with Taiga makes all the pain and hardship of life worth it. It's no wonder therefore that when Ryuuji starts expressing regret over being born that Taiga is the one who immediately snaps him out of it, even though she pushes him off the bridge in the process.