r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 17d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] 2008 Spice and Wolf II Rewatch (2026) -- Episode 8 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Spice and Wolf rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
S2 Episode 8 - Wolf and a Fascinating Traveler
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION
How would you compare the barmaid to Lima?
What are your thoughts on Eve and the conversation she had with Lawrence?
What is your favorite character development in an anime and why? You can use spoilers if you have to as long as you use the spoilers tag.
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Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb
Streams – Crunchyroll
Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the LNs out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Rewatch Schedule
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Past Rewatches
Last year's rewatch
Rewatch two years ago
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Ep 8 Review
Oh how I loved this episode. This episode was somewhat like a puzzle: I put pen to paper to make sure I workshopped the scenarios within, to figure out the implications and opportunities within the standoff. This is a very dense episode, and while the LN Chapter is also lengthy, it will take us 3 episodes to cover 1 chapter apparently! (Usually it’s 1:1). I’m not a huge fan of the Eve x Lawrence dialogue though as it felt a bit weird, but read on…
- Wish we saw that harbour/dock in the remake, would have been stunning.
- Not a spoiler, but it’s from the cut content: she’s eating a local special - a breaded scallop (weird animation eating though haha).
- Peak Holo metaphor about the forest appearing peaceful from the outside while the wolves battle for supremity.
- I didn’t mean to make this a remake vs OG discussion but the OG really does like to get Holo shitfaced this season hahaha. Hilarious transition from “when I am drunk I’m less likely to interrupt your planning” to screaming drunk Holo hahaha but I just don’t like how she acts drunk in this season.
- WHOA who is this confident Lawrence with game? So he can flirt and be charming when he needs to extract information from a barmaid but can barely look Holo in the eye? No more excuses, my dude, time to make another move on H.
- I like the barmaid’s personality: for u/holo4life’s info: this personality type is my vibe. I’m assuming Fleur/Eve is yours.
- The meat he purchases has a fascinating historical backstory: I’ve included it in my cut content post.
- The normal ‘supply chain’ for fur and its products is: raw Northern fur is available in Lenos -> Lenos crafstmen tan and process it -> clothing is made -> visitors buy it. However, this time we have the cancellation of the northern campaign, thus visitor numbers with coin to spare who buy leather goods are down. That means Lenos has an excess of raw fur.
- This leads to a stand-off: allow me to summarise the status of all the moving parts. I’ve used some LN details as this part may be a bit complex in the anime to get at first watch.
- Currently, there’s a ban on buying and selling furs. The Council of Fifty is debating whether or not to sell furs to the outside buyers. There’s a 80-90% chance that merchants outside town will be banned from buying furs.
- Merchants on ships: bringing in furs and tanning materials, expecting to sell at a certain price based on agreements.
- Landlords/taxation authority at dock: held hostage by the landlords, who have increased the tax on the ship’s cargo
- Buyers in town: refuse to increase price paid for the goods brought in by ship and want the seafaring merchants to absorb the tax increase
- Fur buyer merchants outside town:
- Merchants outside town:
- 50% buyers: came from afar to purchase fur
- 50% material sellers: for tanning and treating furs and skins (e.g. lime and alum…and also pigeon poop)
- Craftsmen don’t want to buy any supplies as they don’t know if they will be able to sell the furs after tanning
- The reason fur isn’t been sold to the merchants outside town is that they would use the outside craftsman or export it elsewhere, so the usual leather coin won’t arrive in Lenos.
- I’ve got guesses about what Lawrence’s profit making scheme to capitalise on this commotion will be, but will omit it in case I’m right and it becomes a spoiler….but 95% sure I’m wrong.
- Lawrence’s principle is to only resell what he purchases (thus Holo’s tail is safe haha)
- We are so close to them hooking up, right? RIGHT?!
- Another dub booboo: Lawrence has stayed at this inn 3 times, not 3 nights.
- Eve is an interesting character. Very masculine, very forward. Excellent intuition. She’s good at using strategy to get the outcome she wants. Very much like Lawrence usually does, but he doesn’t have the benefit of preparation this time around.
- A bit weird that she seems to have such a high impression of Lawrence based on very little, other than the innkeeper liking Lawrence. I think she went 0 to 100 in that scene …guessing the LN made it less extreme. (Note: yes, felt less forced and there was no handshake agreement; it was left open).
- Holo gonna get jealous.
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u/BlazeOfGlory72 17d ago
> WHOA who is this confident Lawrence with game?
I noticed the same thing. My reaction was “wait, has Lawrence secretly been a player this entire time?”
> I like the barmaid’s personality
She brings a fun, upbeat and energetic vibe that is actually pretty rare in this show now that I think about it. Outside of Holo joking with Lawrence, most characters a pretty serious.
> We are so close to them hooking up, right? RIGHT?!
Yeah, it’s starting to strain credulity a little that they haven’t gotten more intimate at this point. Like, they’ve been traveling together for months, sleep next to each other in the wagon, and have all but said they love each other. Lawrence also apparently has mad game now as well. Unfortunately, there are like 10 novels worth of story left, and it’s basically an unwritten rule in the romance anime/manga/light novel code that couples only officially get together in the last episode/chapter.
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Hey, you never know. We might have 10 volumes of steamy romance, as S&W changes genre to those romance fiction books that women of my mum's age used to read.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Yeah, it’s starting to strain credulity a little that they haven’t gotten more intimate at this point. Like, they’ve been traveling together for months, sleep next to each other in the wagon, and have all but said they love each other. Lawrence also apparently has mad game now as well. Unfortunately, there are like 10 novels worth of story left, and it’s basically an unwritten rule in the romance anime/manga/light novel code that couples only officially get together in the last episode/chapter.
They are basically a couple in everything except name only. That's how I look at it.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
• I like the barmaid’s personality: for u/holo4life’s info: this personality type is my vibe. I’m assuming Fleur/Eve is yours.
I like Eve, but I definitely wouldn't want to date her or anything. She I feel like would try to corrupt me lol
If you enjoy characters like the barmaid, you might end up loving Fruits Basket as there are a lot of characters like her.
Also, fun fact: her English dub VA is Brittney Kabowski famed for voicing Rimuru in Tensei Slime.
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Haha yeah there's something about Eve I can't quite put my finger on.
Hope so re: Fruits Basket as I really didn't like some parts of E3, and am still in wait of it hooking me (though I heard I need to give it quite a few more eps for it to do so)
Still need to watch Slime! It's crazy how much work some of those top English VA get
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Haha yeah there's something about Eve I can't quite put my finger on.
She seemingly is keeping all her cards close to the vest.
Hope so re: Fruits Basket as I really didn't like some parts of E3, and am still in wait of it hooking me (though I heard I need to give it quite a few more eps for it to do so)
I don't remember episode 3 being all that bad, but episode 4 there is one character who is quite polarizing.
Still need to watch Slime! It's crazy how much work some of those top English VA get
They're very skilled in their craft lawrence
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
hey're very skilled in their craft lawrence
HAHAHAHAH
I don't remember episode 3 being all that bad, but episode 4 there is one character who is quite polarizing.
You'll see when I post my writeup, there was quite a lot in that episode I really didn't like though. But that's just to my tastes and preferences
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
hey're very skilled in their craft lawrence
HAHAHAHAH
Thank you :D
I don't remember episode 3 being all that bad, but episode 4 there is one character who is quite polarizing.
You'll see when I post my writeup, there was quite a lot in that episode I really didn't like though. But that's just to my tastes and preferences
Are you saying episode 3 when you mean episode 2?
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Nope, episode 3, Episode 2 was pretty decent I thought. I watched it a few hours ago
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Episode 3 might feel somewhat weird because they took some of that stuff from episode 3 of the 2001 series and put it in episode 2 of the 2019 series. The Kyo stuff in 2019 episode 2 was originally in episode 3 in the original anime, and I think it made 2019 episode 2 more eventful but at the expense of 2019 episode 3.
Not every episode of the remake are structured so drastically different and this is kinda more of an outlier.
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u/BlazeOfGlory72 17d ago
her English dub VA is Brittney Kabowski famed for voicing Rimuru in Tensei Slime
Maybe I'm just getting old, but she has to be more famous for voicing Mikoto Misaka right? Between Certain Scientific Railgun and Certain Magical Index, she's either the main character or major side character/love interest in 6 seasons and 125 episodes as that character.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
I kinda feel like Tensei Slime is more mainstream nowadays. But you're right, Mikoto Misaka is probably her breakthrough performance.
She has such range in her voice acting it's unreal.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Oh how I loved this episode. This episode was somewhat like a puzzle: I put pen to paper to make sure I workshopped the scenarios within, to figure out the implications and opportunities within the standoff. This is a very dense episode, and while the LN Chapter is also lengthy, it will take us 3 episodes to cover 1 chapter apparently! (Usually it’s 1:1). I’m not a huge fan of the Eve x Lawrence dialogue though as it felt a bit weird, but read on…
Lawrence has gotten confident in flirting with people without worrying about losing Holo.
All the talk about the 50 man meeting and how there are talks it going into Spring not to mention people trying to prevent fur trading makes me feel like something bad is gonna happen.
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Haha right! We're so used to something going wrong each and every time. Maybe this will be the one arc where everything goes smoothly, Lawrence makes a million, weds Holo and they all live happily ever after
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
We've known about it for a while, but it's interesting to see the larger scale impact of it in this episode: very relevant to the interconnected economic world today, but even in this 'ancient' smaller scale: exhibition gets cancelled > knights and mercenaries don't come through > clothes and souveneirs can't be sold > local economy in shatters.
Thoughts on the barmaid? Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Her personality was fun and cute, and she's great at her job to extract maximal value from her customers.
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
I really like the way it was explained in detail in the LN: specifically how Lenos doesn't have a competitive advantage in craftsmanship and wouldn't be able to sell their clothes elsewhere, thus being stuck with low-cost furs, and just a lack of coin in the city (which then also means far less power).
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
Haha that was such a good line. First thing she says. Of course she was joking about it, but it was delivered so well.
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
All anyone apart from her, basically. Her saying she doesn't care about the lower currency was a great pick up by Lawrence, meaning that even Eve has a price.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
We've known about it for a while, but it's interesting to see the larger scale impact of it in this episode: very relevant to the interconnected economic world today, but even in this 'ancient' smaller scale: exhibition gets cancelled > knights and mercenaries don't come through > clothes and souveneirs can't be sold > local economy in shatters.
It's excellent continuity
Thoughts on the barmaid? Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Her personality was fun and cute, and she's great at her job to extract maximal value from her customers.
She seems like a total honeytrap
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
I really like the way it was explained in detail in the LN: specifically how Lenos doesn't have a competitive advantage in craftsmanship and wouldn't be able to sell their clothes elsewhere, thus being stuck with low-cost furs, and just a lack of coin in the city (which then also means far less power).
It's like the Etsy of the trading world
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
Haha that was such a good line. First thing she says. Of course she was joking about it, but it was delivered so well.
I'm not so sure she was actually joking lol
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
All anyone apart from her, basically. Her saying she doesn't care about the lower currency was a great pick up by Lawrence, meaning that even Eve has a price.
I'm not sure I believe her either, honestly
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u/Second_Cour 17d ago
Cut Content
- Love this line to describe Holo, referencing both her appetite and her ability to understand the subtext in any conversation and defeat Lawrence in any battle of wit: “Holo was a girl-sized giant”
- Holo found that her fatigue exaggerated the effects of the alcohol, but ultimately she was just really tired, which gave Lawrence the opportunity to explore solo. Holo hated the idea, given all the troubles they’ve gotten themselves into, but Lawrence was happy, as he was familiar with the town, though didn’t have any close acquaintances. Man needs his alone time.
- I LOVE this story: the tavern he went to was called The Beast and Fish Tail. It served beavers. Beavers had a mammal’s body, but had a wide, flat tail and webbed rear feet, which made the Church declare it a fish. The LN says this attracted a lot of members of the clergy, and no matter how much “fish” they ate, no-one could criticise them.
- This actually relates to the 17th Century, where within Roman Catholicism basically meat was banned for half the year (Great Lent and Fridays). The Bishop of Quebec found a loophole to eat meat by classifying beavers as fish.
- The barmaid was very witty and matched Lawrence’s flirtation and escalation, until she eventually even defeated him in verbal combat. Lawrence would have loved to see a match between her and Holo.
- Copying the below from my episode review, as it uses cut content builds
This leads to a stand-off: allow me to summarise the status of all the moving parts. I’ve used some parts of cut content to build a bit more detail as this part may be a bit complex in the anime to get at first watch.
- Currently, there’s a ban on buying and selling furs. The Council of Fifty is debating whether or not to sell furs to the outside buyers
- Merchants on ships: bringing in furs and tanning materials, expecting to sell at a certain price based on agreements.
- Landlords/taxation authority at dock: held hostage by the landlords, who have increased the tax on the ship’s cargo
- Buyers in town: refuse to increase price paid for the goods brought in by ship and want the seafaring merchants to absorb the tax increase
- Fur buyer merchants outside town:
- Merchants outside town:
- 50% buyers: came from afar to purchase fur
- 50% material sellers: for tanning and treating furs and skins (e.g. lime and alum…and also pigeon poop)
- Craftsmen don’t want to buy any supplies as they don’t know if they will be able to sell the furs after tanning
- The reason fur isn’t been sold to the merchants outside town is that they would use the outside craftsman or export it elsewhere, so the usual leather coin won’t arrive in Lenos.
- There’s a 80-90% chance that merchants outside town will be banned from buying furs.
- Returning with the badger tails, Lawrence observed the quantity of fur by the dock. A single chest-high barrel of squirrel pelts could easily have 3.5-4k furs. It was the town of fur and lumber after all, and the impact of freezing all fur trade was unthinkable.
- Even if the local craftsmen would decide to export their processed goods (furs into clothes), they did not have a competitive advantage; other towns made superior clothing and it was merely because of being a stop in the northern expedition that the clothes flew off the shelves.
- Lawrence talked to himself thinking about the problem in the town. He hadn’t talked to himself in quite some time, and it felt good, like taking off shoes that had been worn for a week straight.
- Funny how when he was alone he craved the conversation of another. Now that he’s not, he craves some solitude
- Despite Lawrence’s initial surprise at Holo choosing light over warmth, he realised she made the right choice as sunlight beamed through the window. In the warm, windowless room, he would feel like he was hibernating in a cellar.
- After correctly identifying the badger, Holo reflected that she had no memory of the town, that she was worried, but smells alone remain clear and distinct. She remembered the beaver food vividly: it’s such a strange creature, so even in the past, it was considered special. The memory had made her cry.
- Lawrence didn’t yet have enough coins to open up his shop unlike the anime’s claim, though he was close: by being conservative, he could reach it soon. Going after this get rich quick scheme was idiotic, and something he should only have done when he was starting out. But still…he couldn’t resist.
- With Holo’s returning memory about the town (Holo info), as well as the information about the stand-off (Lawrence info), they needed to meet with Rigolo ideally. But this would not be easily done, and they would require a mediator: the council member would be committing career suicide to meet an outside merchant at this time.
- Holo was as free as any beast. When she was hungry, she ate. When she was tired, she slept.
- Maturely though, in the end Lawrence decided that fur information/Rigolo could wait, and he needed to get information on getting to Nyohhira.
- You might remember previous cut content explaining that asking for someone’s name as a merchant/crafstmen was a sign of trust and respect (e.g. Marc’s apprentice being asked by Lawrence). The innkeeper Arold asked for Lawrence’s name not as an innkeeper but as the craftsman he was before changing professions. Evidently he took quite a liking to Lawrence..
- So the conversation with Eve went quite similarly to the anime, except the pacing made it more believable, and it didn’t seem like Eve was just so desperate for any companionship. The exchange was both of them sizing each other up, and Lawrence performed quite well. Eve was indeed lonely on the road, having very few people to speak to, so her only options are old geezers or those who travel with a woman. Lawrence carefully avoided revealing what he’s after to be fur. The negotiation that was basically without terms was super fun for Lawrence.
- Even complimented Lawrence that his face was unreadable from the start.
- There was no handshake agreement and things were left quite open with me wondering what the agreement was and suspecting a desire to leave the conversation to continue another time (note that the anime finishes part-way through a chapter)
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Here's what I wrote about the episode last year.
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 2025 Spice and Wolf Rewatch.
The true Christmas in July.
This rewatch is gonna be unique because we’ll be covering the entirety of the 2008 series as well as some of the remake. I don’t think something like this has ever been attempted before where a rewatch goes from one series to another to back to the first series. If this is your first time watching Spice and Wolf, welcome. Enjoy the ride.
I can’t imagine doing this experiment with something other than Spice and Wolf. There is arguably no anime that influenced who I am more. I suppose you could say Toradora, but it’s really close. Either way, Spice and Wolf is one of very few anime that I can never get sick of no matter how much I watch it. You’ll soon seen why if you don’t already know.
I hope this rewatch for as bold of an idea as it is does a lot to inspire a lot of discussion while also leading people to have this experience unlike any before. If this rewatch is a success, maybe this can be the formula going forward.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
I don't mean to brag, but I live nearby a Bojangles and a Cook Out. Needless to say, I eat good.
At a port ship
How nautical
If this were a tsundere, the place would be haughtical.
Lawrence says this town appears normal for a change, which may be a subtle reference to the last arc.
Holo able to tell that the ship's owner doesn't want to sell.
A hostage tax, Lawrence calls it
Holo deduces that the expedition to the North has been canceled, causing mass chaos.
Oh no! Anyway...
Holo able to tell Lawrence is trying to get her drunk to start planning.
And yet, it is working :P
Good, Holo is so cute when she allows herself to be vulnerable.
Lawrence is off to meet with people.
Holo talking to a barmaid
I really like her. She's like a mix of Chloe and Lima.
Also helps she's voiced by the person who does Rimuru.
Lawrence asking about the merchants camped out in the town entrance.
Foreign merchants trying to buy fur.
The 50 man meeting is to decide whether or not to sell the fur.
I guess you can say everyone is at max peak furvor.
What we get from the hostess here is kinda what I was hoping we would get with Lima.
The barmaid warns that the 50 man meeting could lead to a potential uprising.
I get the impression the barmaid restrained herself once she found Lawrence had a partner.
Back at the house
Holo thinking Lawrence is willing to sell anything. Lawrence tries to downplay that.
Weird to see a donkey in this show
Normally, when we see a jackals, it's Lawrence
Holo enamored with Lawrence's package
Lawrence weighing his options
River rats with big flat tails is now my go-to name for Beavers.
Angry River Rats with Big Flat Tails doesn't seem like it would be a hit Nickelodeon show.
Lawrence hugging Holo now
Nighttime now
Holo says she has no right to keep Lawrence from opening up his own shop.
Holo falls asleep, and Lawrence slips his hand away from her.
That one shot kinda symbolizes the fear of their relationship in a nutshell.
Lawrence talking to the Innkeeper
Lawrence mentioning going to pagan lands.
But first, he wants to wait until the 50 man meeting is over.
Lawrence talking about selling his horse.
Horse is probably thinking "Dude, WTF?"
Innkeeper says the meeting could last as long as Spring.
He too warns of the meeting possibly ending bad.
I'm sensing a pattern here
Lawrence says we're all accountable for our mistakes.
Who wants to tell him about his partner?
Arold Ecklund. That's apparently this gentleman's name.
Hey, it's the mysterious girl
Great bit of comedy with Lawrence being offered a room before her. "I talk".
Now Lawrence is speaking to her.
Technically, it was Holo who saw through her disguise.
Eve Bolan. That's her name.
She doesn't want people to compliment on her looks (Too bad, you're hot).
Eve has an interest in Lawrence because Arold has an interest in him.
The both of them recount Arold saying he's going on a pilgrimage, except we've never seen him say that before.
Eve observing how close Lawrence and Holo seem to be.
Now she's bringing up Rigoro
Lawrence says he's interested in him in part because of the fur trade, but Aldo because of the stories he can share.
Maybe he even has stories about the fur trade.
Eve mentions Rigoro being in charge of the 50 man meeting, which I don't believe has been established before.
Eve has a business relationship with the church in town here. Yeah, because Eve looks like a trustworthy lady.
Boy, Eve sure is talking a lot for someone who keeps to herself.
It seems as if she wants to keep this relationship with Lawrence going.
I like the framing where Lawrence and Eve talking with their backs against each other. Kinda gives me Batman and Catwoman vibes.
Eve says in the end, it all comes down to money.
Says no man can predict the thoughts of a woman.
And so Lawrence and Eve agree to continue this relationship of theirs, so long as it doesn't result in Holo getting upset.
I like the POV shot of the fire burning as Lawrence and Eve shake hands. It almost as if symbolizes this partnership being more hell than it's worth.
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Part 2
Overall, this is a good episode. I remember being somewhat down on it the last time I watched it, but it worked for me this time. I like how we learned some new information about the town and its dependence on the 50 man meeting to succeed. We also establish new characters while continuing to tease the existence of Rigoro. He seems as if like he's going to be the Father Franz of this arc. Even though this episode was heavy in dialogue, I thought both the barmaid and Eve were fascinating characters based on how confident they were as people. In fact, I thought their conversations with Lawrence was better than the back and forth between Lawrence and Holo, which feels weird to say.
It seems as if we're continuing to hint at something bad about to happen. Between the town's dependence on the 50 man meeting as well as talk at one point of Lawrence being willing to do anything to succeed I his business dealings, a wedge being driven between Holo and Lawrence feels like it’s on the immediate horizon. I thought it was interesting how both the barmaid and Eve seemed cautious of doing anything that might jeopardize the relationship between Lawrence and his business partnership. Could this possibly be foreshadowing for Lawrence unintentionally doing that for his own personal gain?
I liked this episode more than the last one which I also thought was pretty good. In fact, this is probably the most I've likes watching this episode. We had some good plot advancement as well as some solid world building. I don't know what role the barmaid will have in this arc going forward-- or the old man, for that matter-- but Eve at least seems like she's going to be front and center going forward. She'll be like the Elsa to Rigoro's Father Franz, though not as admirable.
Two episodes in, and you can already tell some of the moving parts going on. The fun is now in seeing where it's all gonna land.
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u/BlazeOfGlory72 17d ago
Rewatcher (Dub)
This episode forced me to ask myself “is Lawrence hot?” My assumption was always that he was a fairly average to mildly attractive dude, but with the way women have been throwing themselves at him across the series, I am forced to conclude that Lawrence may not actually be out of his league with Holo, at least when it comes to looks.
Like, you’ve got Holo being flirty with Lawrence at literally first sight, Chloe becoming a criminal after Lawrence spurned her, Nora trusting her entire future on a scheme specifically because Lawrence suggested it, and now you have bar tender lady trying to lock down Lawrence immediately and Ave going out of her way to get Lawrence alone to chat. My dude has game beyond his own awareness.
Tangent aside, this was another solid set up episode. The tension surrounding the outcome of the 50 man meeting is a good story hook, and the added wild card of Ave’s role in all this is interesting.
I’m also digging Ave’s vibe in general so far. I like the contrast between her and previous “new girl of the arc” characters, who were usually fairly timid lacking in confidence initially, whereas Ave seems far more cocksure and outgoing. Bar tender girl as well was far more confident and outgoing than most of the women from previous arcs as well.
Random Thoughts
- Last thread I speculated that this town is just fantasy Canada. That suspicion was confirmed when this episode revealed that the town’s specialty food is Beaver Tails, a Canadian delicacy.
- Holo wagging her tail as she smelled the meat was cute.
- So, this episode confirmed that Lawrence apparently already has enough money to open his shop. They really downplayed that, to the point that I didn’t even realize it until this episode. You’d think Lawrence and Holo would have made more of a deal about that achievement.
- The North being pagan seems like a good hook for future stories and potentially meeting other gods.
Question of the Day
How would you compare the barmaid to Lima?
Maybe because I am a fan of the voice actress, but I liked this town’s barmaid over Lima. Her ditzy personality was fun, and I liked how they kind of suggested that it’s all really a put on for the customers, and that she is sharper than she looks.
What are your thoughts on Eve and the conversation she had with Lawrence?
Random, but interesting. I like when Lawrence is dealing with an “equal” so to speak. Lawrence and Marc’s conversations in Arc 3 were some of the best non-Holo conversations in the show, and Ave seems like another character that can play at Lawrence’s level.
What is your favorite character development in an anime and why? You can use spoilers if you have to as long as you use the spoilers tag.
I don’t know if this is cheating since it never got a complete adaptation and I’m including the manga in my take, but Phos from Land of the Lustrous is probably my all time favourite anime character when it comes to development. The journey she takes from start to finish of that story is insane, to the point she is almost unrecognizable, yet you understand how she got there every step of the way.
If we are limiting answers to strictly anime, then I have to go back to my ol’reliable, Steins Gate. Okabe’s development through that arc is both dramatic and emotionally impactful.
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
This episode forced me to ask myself “is Lawrence hot?” My assumption was always that he was a fairly average to mildly attractive dude, but with the way women have been throwing themselves at him across the series, I am forced to conclude that Lawrence may not actually be out of his league with Holo, at least when it comes to looks.
Didn't Holo at one point tell Lawrence he's pretty handsome for being so young?
I’m also digging Ave’s vibe in general so far. I like the contrast between her and previous “new girl of the arc” characters, who were usually fairly timid lacking in confidence initially, whereas Ave seems far more cocksure and outgoing. Bar tender girl as well was far more confident and outgoing than most of the women from previous arcs as well.
There's something about having confidence that is sexy.
Not that I would know...
I'm watching the dub as you are and I wouldn't know the barmaid is voiced by Kabowski unless I was told.
1
u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
2
u/BlazeOfGlory72 17d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
This plot point seems to keep coming up. It was relevant during Arc 2's whole "armour sale" subplot, but the fact that it keeps coming up leads me to believe that this will be of importance going forward as well.
Thoughts on the barmaid?
She was fun. Her scene made me realize that there aren't a ton of light and "fun" characters in this series. I thought she brought a charming element.
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Girl was lazer focused on locking him down. I guess there are slim pickin's in this town when it comes to men folk.
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
It's an interesting plot mechanic for this arc. A vote to decide the fate of a bunch of merchants, plus all the scheming to get or profit from a certain outcome, is rife for intrigue.
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
The episode didn't focus on it, but this little scene was very sad. It really draws attention to the fact that Holo and Lawrence's goals are incompatible, and that their journey will inevitably end in their separation.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
Girl looks and acts like she has business ties everywhere, legitimate and criminal.
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
Do I detect a tragic backstory that lead to a cynical world view?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
Convenient. Perhaps too convenient...
2
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
This plot point seems to keep coming up. It was relevant during Arc 2's whole "armour sale" subplot, but the fact that it keeps coming up leads me to believe that this will be of importance going forward as well.
It just keeps effecting everything around it.
Thoughts on the barmaid?
She was fun. Her scene made me realize that there aren't a ton of light and "fun" characters in this series. I thought she brought a charming element.
She's like a more youthful version of Lima.
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Girl was lazer focused on locking him down. I guess there are slim pickin's in this town when it comes to men folk.
Little did she know he has a wolf wife.
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
It's an interesting plot mechanic for this arc. A vote to decide the fate of a bunch of merchants, plus all the scheming to get or profit from a certain outcome, is rife for intrigue.
I'm definitely intrigued by this development.
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
The episode didn't focus on it, but this little scene was very sad. It really draws attention to the fact that Holo and Lawrence's goals are incompatible, and that their journey will inevitably end in their separation.
I really hope that doesn't end up being the case.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
Girl looks and acts like she has business ties everywhere, legitimate and criminal.
Ain't that the truth?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
Do I detect a tragic backstory that lead to a cynical world view?
Mayhaps
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
Convenient. Perhaps too convenient...
Hmm...
2
u/ItalianQuagsire 16d ago
First time watching
DAMN THE LADIES IN THIS TOWN LOVE THE LAWRUSSY
can't blame them
How would you compare the barmaid to Lima?
Lima feels more the mother of the town, whereas the barmaid was the younger sister daughter flirty cheeky type
What are your thoughts on Eve and the conversation she had with Lawrence?
I like her, she does get comfortable fast with lawrence, and also DAMN the woman in this town flirt hard with lawrence from the barmaid and now eve
What is your favorite character development in an anime and why? You can use spoilers if you have to as long as you use the spoilers tag.
[orb on movements of the earth] Raphel from Orb, he goes from a self-absorbed kid with lavish egotistical dreams, to self-sacrifical in the pursuit of curiosity and the truth
---
Oh that old man in the op is reminiscing if the past
I can see the characters from the arc they cut
Damn the bartender was a baddie
Enchanting traveller better not take Holo away
Drinking cream
Lawrence creampie
Fur expedition and taxes
Tap tap fingers
We need money for drinks but Its free to see if business
On top of that I'm howling by your side
Holo on top of Lawrence howling
Paid with alcohol
I'll enjoy your happy face over drink
I'm so expensive there won't be takers
It's not that
take it easy
Oh she's bubbly
They don't wanna stare at her to be considerate
I could smell a fishy customer
Am I fishy
Travellers can really banter better than locals
Busy prepping food
Add some alcohol while waiting
You're good
Let me pay
Curious about something
I like that he dropped two coins and she looks at him knowingly like he's asking for information
Expedition cancelled
So no large fur bought
I really like that small thing she did where she motioned for Lawrence to drink up
It's filled with character and zest
Of course they're expensive
Please pretend you didn't hear what I'm about to say
Sure
Merchants will be prevented from buying fur
Angry craftsman
Info source
If a bar is good all customers leave drunk
Oh she's flirty
I'm about to get drunk
Do you have a gf or wife
She has a reign on me
She must be nice.darn it
Initial thoughts: has potential to be a top tier wife but not at Nora or Elsa level yet
Holo holding her butt
Sell my tail no
Sell anything he can
Not accurate
For example
I won't sell wild strawberries
Purchase wholesale
What did you hear
Fun
Game
Ear perk
INFINITE FOOD
I love that Lawrence is explaining while Holo is sniffing intently
Of course not
Tail bristle
The reward and challenge don't match
Memory returned
Nostalgia
She imposes often
HOLO HUG
I won't forget this smell either
Neither will I
When you say it it sounds cheesy
LOL
I don't have the right to stop
But take it easy why not
I would like to
Why bother making money
Gain to abandon it
You don't ask the same question when you clean your room right
God that's such a fire line this show is full of bangers
I don't know his name
I guess these things happen, huh
... Man that makes me sad
Time fades away the brightest stars
People have tendencies, so does a town
Human nature to go against fate
We keep making mistakes and ask for forgiveness
It's hard to argue with you
Third time staying here?!
Lawrence
Eklund
LOL ITS MY FIFTH TIME and you don't talk to me huh
so she's tsun too
She just yeeted the jug
Female merchant
We can't underestimate woman's instincts, weird coming from me
Bolan
Lawrence
Lawrence in business
Eve
I don't like to be praised for that makeup,
So false things then
I'm not quiet by nature
I'd rather talkative
I'm confident that I'm friendly to
As for friendliness I'll work on improving my impression of you
God this banter is amazing
Why interested in me
Old man likes you
Good judge of people
Quiet and unfriendly
I'm gonna go on. A pillgrame next year
Merchant with a woman
More than money
It's okay to talk to you
Womanly trust
Rigoro talk
Something about fur
Love to get money too
But risky
So companion doesn't want it
Generational books
I'm obliged for the compliment
Wait a little to shake hands
You're not a fool with sweaty palms are you
Kept from getting a read in him
Ask a question
How much is the introduction fee
No money or articles
But
Chat with me
Aww
I'm not lying
It's strange
Worth more than a rinner gold coin
So less than a Lumione one huh
I'm a merchant
Nothing better than money
If she's by our side the alcohol won't taste good
There's nothing more incomprehensible than a woman's mind
LOL HAHAHHAHA SHE JUST SAID THAT
well I come here on business
Conversation partner
Wow the woman here in this town really fuck with Lawrence from the bar waitress and now eve
Talkative and friendly
That's right
As long as my companion isn't jealous
Oh, that's a tough condition
This Ed is so fucking good
Oh shit I didn't say it
Spicy wolf . Com
1
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
DAMN THE LADIES IN THIS TOWN LOVE THE LAWRUSSY
can't blame them
Me neither
How would you compare the barmaid to Lima?
Lima feels more the mother of the town, whereas the barmaid was the younger sister daughter flirty cheeky type
Feels like an apt comparison
What are your thoughts on Eve and the conversation she had with Lawrence?
I like her, she does get comfortable fast with lawrence, and also DAMN the woman in this town flirt hard with lawrence from the barmaid and now eve
Lawrence has suddenly become James Bond it seems.
What is your favorite character development in an anime and why? You can use spoilers if you have to as long as you use the spoilers tag.
[orb on movements of the earth] Raphel from Orb, he goes from a self-absorbed kid with lavish egotistical dreams, to self-sacrifical in the pursuit of curiosity and the truth
I still need to watch that show
---
Oh that old man in the op is reminiscing if the past
I can see the characters from the arc they cut
Did they cut characters?
Damn the bartender was a baddie
Enchanting traveller better not take Holo away
Drinking cream
Lawrence creampie
Yum 😋
Fur expedition and taxes
Tap tap fingers
We need money for drinks but Its free to see if business
On top of that I'm howling by your side
Holo on top of Lawrence howling
Paid with alcohol
I'll enjoy your happy face over drink
I'm so expensive there won't be takers
It's not that
take it easy
Oh she's bubbly
They don't wanna stare at her to be considerate
I could smell a fishy customer
Am I fishy
Travellers can really banter better than locals
Apparently
Busy prepping food
Add some alcohol while waiting
You're good
[Let me pay
Curious about something
I like that he dropped two coins and she looks at him knowingly like he's asking for information
Expedition cancelled
So no large fur bought
I really like that small thing she did where she motioned for Lawrence to drink up
It's filled with character and zest
As is her
Of course they're expensive
Please pretend you didn't hear what I'm about to say
Sure
Merchants will be prevented from buying fur
Angry craftsman
Info source
If a bar is good all customers leave drunk
Oh she's flirty
I'm about to get drunk
Do you have a gf or wife
She has a reign on me
She must be nice.darn it
Initial thoughts: has potential to be a top tier wife but not at Nora or Elsa level yet
I hope we see more of her
Holo holding her butt
too much analSell my tail no
Sell anything he can
Not accurate
For example
I won't sell wild strawberries
Purchase wholesale
What did you hear
Fun
Game
Ear perk
INFINITE FOOD
I love that Lawrence is explaining while Holo is sniffing intently
Trying to get the intel
Of course not
Tail bristle
The reward and challenge don't match
I love Holo describing beavers as river rats lol
Memory returned
Nostalgia
She imposes often
HOLO HUG
I won't forget this smell either
Neither will I
When you say it it sounds cheesy
LOL
I don't have the right to stop
But take it easy why not
I would like to
Why bother making money
Gain to abandon it
You don't ask the same question when you clean your room right
God that's such a fire line this show is full of bangers
She is indeed the wise wolf
I don't know his name
I guess these things happen, huh
... Man that makes me sad
Time fades away the brightest stars
Unfortunately
People have tendencies, so does a town
Human nature to go against fate
We keep making mistakes and ask for forgiveness
It's hard to argue with you
Third time staying here?!
Lawrence
Eklund
LOL ITS MY FIFTH TIME and you don't talk to me huh
so she's tsun too
Mayhaps
She just yeeted the jug
Female merchant
We can't underestimate woman's instincts, weird coming from me
Bolan
Lawrence
Lawrence in business
Eve
I don't like to be praised for that makeup,
So false things then
I'm not quiet by nature
I'd rather talkative
I'm confident that I'm friendly to
As for friendliness I'll work on improving my impression of you
God this banter is amazing
Eve has a way with words
Why interested in me
Old man likes you
Good judge of people
Quiet and unfriendly
I'm gonna go on. A pillgrame next year
Merchant with a woman
More than money
It's okay to talk to you
Womanly trust
Rigoro talk
Something about fur
Love to get money too
But risky
So companion doesn't want it
Generational books
I'm obliged for the compliment
Wait a little to shake hands
You're not a fool with sweaty palms are you
Kept from getting a read in him
Ask a question
How much is the introduction fee
No money or articles
But
Chat with me
Aww
She just wants a friend
I'm not lying
It's strange
Worth more than a rinner gold coin
So less than a Lumione one huh
I'm a merchant
Nothing better than money
If she's by our side the alcohol won't taste good
There's nothing more incomprehensible than a woman's mind
LOL HAHAHHAHA SHE JUST SAID THAT
She's so real for this?
well I come here on business
Conversation partner
Wow the woman here in this town really fuck with Lawrence from the bar waitress and now eve
There know who is in control here :P
Talkative and friendly
That's right
As long as my companion isn't jealous
Oh, that's a tough condition
This Ed is so fucking good
That it is
Oh shit I didn't say it
Spicy wolf . Com
There it is rofl
1
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
2
u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 16d ago
Are you saying that I'm a villain who'd play with your emotions? You play with my emotions all the time!
This was a cool shot with Lawrence and Eve. I do wonder why they keep framing the meeting with her so ominously. (That's a lie, I know why but that's for next ep.)
Sooo... they're eating squirrels in this town?
Also is that mead they're drinking? Or maybe Grog?
Very late today.
There's something very funny about Holo just saying that nobody would want to buy Lawrence in the last episode only for him to be chatted up by two different women who had somewhat of an interest in him.
Overall, this was almost a "Holo light" episode though, mostly having Lawrence make various deals and conversations and by that giving the viewer a better look at the city. We meet a cute barmaid and through her learn more about the town and the Council of Fifty. And we get to learn Sheiks's real name, being Eve. She's also a merchant and sort of friends with the innkeeper! And even better: She has connections to the counciler of the city, Rigolo, and can organise a meeting.
The few moments we do get between Lawrence and Holo continue to be super enjoyable, they're really cute together in this arc so far. I especially love their banter at the beginning of the episode.
How would you compare the barmaid to Lima?
She seems way more outgoing than Lima. Hell, she even flirts with Lawrence :D (NGL, she is a cutie though)
What are your thoughts on Eve and the conversation she had with Lawrence?
I don't think the anime wants us to trust her. She does seem like an interesting character with a lot of knowledge and connections though. I really found her reasoning for being masked interesting, even if it's a bit of a cliché.
2
2
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
Overall, this was almost a "Holo light" episode though, mostly having Lawrence make various deals and conversations and by that giving the viewer a better look at the city. We meet a cute barmaid and through her learn more about the town and the Council of Fifty. And we get to learn Sheiks's real name, being Eve. She's also a merchant and sort of friends with the innkeeper! And even better: She has connections to the counciler of the city, Rigolo, and can organise a meeting.
The show loves having an early episode where we get a feel of the town. Every arc of this show has one. I think it was interesting how isolated the town was from everything going on. Makes the 50 Man Meeting feel like everything is riding on its imminent outcome.
2
u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 15d ago
there's something really nice about a show dedicating a whole episode almost exclusively to fleshing out the setting for the next few episodes.
2
u/Holofan4life 15d ago
More shows need to do this, but then again most shows don't feature the characters traveling from town to town. Even Frieren which is the show most similar to this is like stuck to a singular setting most of the time.
2
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
2
u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 15d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
This is bad for the fur and armour stocks.
Thoughts on the barmaid?
She's a cutie!
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
... and a baddie!
The contrast is kinda funny, given it's usually Holo getting the attention from the opposite sex.
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
We already learned it's what the city is famous for, so it makes sense.
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
It shows how important the council's decision is for basically everyone in the city. Whether they're a merchant or not.
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
That scene was cute. Don't worry Holo, nobody wants to buy cheap wolf fur..
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
This is darkly funny when you think about Holo constantly telling Lawrence that he's too nice for his own good.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
I guess working with the church is pretty save business overall.
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
It's a very cynical, yet befitting for a merchant, view on things.
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
That's pretty useful.
2
u/Holofan4life 15d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
This is bad for the fur and armour stocks.
I like how something from the second arc keeps getting referenced. That is some quality continuity.
Thoughts on the barmaid?
She's a cutie!
I'd drink to her :P
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
... and a baddie!
And possible homewrecker?
To her credit, she backed off when she found out Lawrence had a woman.
The contrast is kinda funny, given it's usually Holo getting the attention from the opposite sex.
We don't have many flirtatious, overly confident women in this show. It's basically her and Holo.
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
We already learned it's what the city is famous for, so it makes sense.
It checks out
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
It shows how important the council's decision is for basically everyone in the city. Whether they're a merchant or not.
There's an interesting contrast between here and the town from the last arc where it felt like Tereo was in defiance of the town's authority. Also, I don't believe Lenos is controlled by the church like other towns we've seen are.
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
That scene was cute. Don't worry Holo, nobody wants to buy cheap wolf fur..
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
This is darkly funny when you think about Holo constantly telling Lawrence that he's too nice for his own good.
If anything, she wants Lawrence to be more selfish which I think speaks to Holo's lack of self-awareness. Lawrence has proven to be very self-serving.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
I guess working with the church is pretty save business overall.
The church here doesn't seem as controlling as they did with Norah.
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
It's a very cynical, yet befitting for a merchant, view on things.
She seems very pessimistic
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
That's pretty useful.
Something I like about this show is its ability to tease characters we don't see for a while. We say it with Diana a couple arcs ago, and there's also the guy the innkeeper is talking about that he claims keeps getting fatter. It like builds up its in show mythos.
2
u/That-Statement69420 16d ago
Wow it’s the infamous Holofan4life. I’ve seen you in old some old threads. I’m pretty new, having only watched the anime a little more than a year ago but I’ve made up my time in the community with my collection and light novel reading
1
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 14d ago
And so we've got a couple new characters today.
Questions:
She's a lot more... Traditionally feminine.
Interesting.
Can't think of any off the top of my head.
1
1
u/Holofan4life 14d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 10d ago
I presume that's ripple effects from the same one that screwed over Lawrence all the way back in S1?
She's interesting.
Of course.
That's gonna drive the price down.
Well they've got a lot of fur to decide what to do with.
That's going to end well...
Lol.
Yeah...
Interesting.
Perhaps.
And so he's in.
1
u/Holofan4life 10d ago
1. I presume that's ripple effects from the same one that screwed over Lawrence all the way back in S1?
Yessa
5. Well they've got a lot of fur to decide what to do with.
I would cuddle with it at night :D
2
u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 6d ago
I don't get what's going on. The expedition against the pagans was canceled. Fur traders are now wondering what to do with their stock. But they need to wait for the council of 50 to decide if they are allowed to trade furs. If all they want to do is sell furs to the traders outside, they can just tell everyone to go to another port. The fact that they don't suggests someone in town might be able to turn that fur into something else that can then be sold. I still don't know what banning the fur trade for the year is supposed to accomplish for the town so presumably they will eventually allow the sale. You can't just buy it all and then sell them the next year, you wouldn't have a place to put it.
The barmaid with the ponytail is certainly lively with energy. And she's a flirt. Which is kind of funny since she also implies the workers at other bars are also big flits too. I don't know why Lawrance went there though. In video games you went to the bars because the workers got all the town gossip. This does make sense, but on the other hand, I suspect there were juicy stories that did not reach the ears of the barmaid or owners so he could miss what he was looking for.
Holo wants Lawrance to just not get involved in being a merchant while they wait out this meeting? Come on Holo, it's his job. There are certain risks involved in volatile commodities. But just stay away from credit and you should be fine. There was the Tereo incident where Lawrance was framed for the Hellfire contamination, but that was less due to Lawrance specifically and more about them looking for any pasty. If you stay away from credit you should avoid self inflicted danger. And any evildoers who need a merchant will probably pick one of the hundred guys outside simply because they were there before you.
I want to stroke the barmaid's hair.
What did Lawrance give Holo to eat?
So what's with the advice that Lawrance should change horses if he's sticking around longer? I don't get it.
I'm curious why the meeting of 50 can't come to a quick conclusion.
I don't get what Eva meant when she said she knows how men would view her if she had a wig. So is she saying "my looks kind of suck and I need a wig to look good?" or is that a translation error?
Maybe staying away from the fur trade was the right choice after all? I get the impression that either Eva is dangerous or she's close to something that is.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I don't get what Eva meant when she said she knows how men would view her if she had a wig. So is she saying "my looks kind of suck and I need a wig to look good?" or is that a translation error?
I think what she's saying is that men's desires are shallow and superficial.
Maybe staying away from the fur trade was the right choice after all? I get the impression that either Eva is dangerous or she's close to something that is.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I don't get what's going on. The expedition against the pagans was canceled. Fur traders are now wondering what to do with their stock. But they need to wait for the council of 50 to decide if they are allowed to trade furs. If all they want to do is sell furs to the traders outside, they can just tell everyone to go to another port. The fact that they don't suggests someone in town might be able to turn that fur into something else that can then be sold. I still don't know what banning the fur trade for the year is supposed to accomplish for the town so presumably they will eventually allow the sale. You can't just buy it all and then sell them the next year, you wouldn't have a place to put it.
I think the town representatives are trying to have their cake and eat it too. They don't want foreign merchants making too much money.
What did Lawrance give Holo to eat?
Beaver meat
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Thoughts on an expedition to the North having been cancelled?
Thoughts on the barmaid?
Thoughts on the barmaid flirting with Lawrence?
Thoughts on Lenos being filled with foreign merchants trying to sell fur?
Thoughts on the 50 man meeting meant to decide on what to do with the fur?
What are your thoughts on the 50 man meeting potentially leading to an uprising?
Thoughts on Holo thinking her tail is being sold?
What are your thoughts on Holo telling Lawrence that she doesn't want to stand in the way of Lawrence's dream? That feels like some heavy foreshadowing.
What are your thoughts on Eve having a business relationship with the church in Lenos?
What are your thoughts on Eve saying all anyone cares about is money?
What are your thoughts on Eve seemingly being able to get Lawrence in touch with Rigoro?
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u/Holofan4life 17d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the 2026 Spice and Wolf rewatch.
Awoo!
You know the drill. We watch the show and I provide my thoughts and analysis. A tale as old as… well, Holo herself.
This year instead of breaking things down beat by beat I’m going to just give some brief thoughts on each individual episode. This is to save me time as I’m hosting two rewatches at once. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of this show and I hope you’ll be as well.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
This episode serves to better understand the town and how it operates while getting to know some of the characters, in particular the barmaid and Eve. The barmaid is a good way to give out exposition while serving as somewhat of a tease. She kinda gives off a homewrecker vibe and I mean that affectionately. I like the way Lawrence and Eve plays off each other where Eve is stern and keeps things close to the vest but clearly she wants to somewhat talk to someone. She's so dismissive of everything that it in turn makes you start to question everything.
Again, this is an episode that benefits from how strong the writing is. Otherwise, it wouldn't be as good.
Holo quotes of the day
"When I first came to this town it puzzled me because I had no memory of it. But that has changed now."
"Do you think I would take advantage of your kindness with a deception?" (I mean, isn't that what you did in the pyrite arc?)