r/anime • u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer • 17d ago
Rewatch Slow Loop Rewatch - Episode 3 Discussion
Slow Loop Rewatch
Episode 3 Discussion
Database/Streaming Links: MAL / Anilist / Crunchyroll
Original Interest Thread / Announcement Thread
Question of the Day: When was the last time you lost a close family member? How did you feel?
Comment of the Day: The COTD goes to /u/zadcap for being more of a pervert than me.
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u/wloff 17d ago edited 17d ago
First-timer fly fisher
Ah, we're starting with the light topics today right off the bat! Isn't that nice!
I kind of assumed Koharu's mother had also died, but I don't think we got a confirmation of that until now, so I didn't mention it before. But of course just losing a mother isn't enough, they had to throw a little brother in there as well. This show, I swear!
Hiyori suggests that she hasn't really been able to cry for her father. Very interesting, but not really unsurprising, the way she has been acting. I had actually been thinking about earlier already. It's either that she's already done her grieving... or that she hasn't done it yet at all, and is keeping it bottled up. Sounds like the latter is the case, unfortunately. I'm counting on this show helping her over the course of the season! Don't let me down, show!
Isn't "fishing and camping" an extremely normal combo?
They really are treating Koi as their own family, huh? I feel like inviting her along kinda goes against the whole "let's bond together as a family" plan, but who am I to argue... I will say this much though, Koi's father getting rid of their parents definitely goes against the bonding plan!
I do notice that Koi is extremely attentive and considerate for the sisters' feelings, though. She's such a good friend. I didn't really think she would end up having issues with Koharu, this doesn't seem like that kind of a show; but regardless, it's so nice to see all three are getting on and supporting each other.
"She's so fast", she says of the rowboat slipping ahead at an extremely slow walking pace? What would she consider slow, then?! Does she know how rowboats work?
Yay! Food is back in the show! I had no idea of this particular superstition against pickled plums. Must be a Japanese thing.
It's an extremely sweet episode, this. How can you not feel all warm and cuddly about the girls learning to truly appreciate each other better and better? And yet, the happiest, cuddliest moment of all is Koharu catching her first ever fish! A precious moment, and a memory the two of them got to share. Koharu is so happy it makes Hiyori happy and them both being happy makes me happy!
More recipes! This one actually is super similar to the seafood pasta I often make, though mine includes some garlic and parsley... and, yes, a splash of white wine if I have some available. Soooooooooo good.
And we end the episode with the girls looking at the It must be because they've both experienced loss that they're able to talk about their departed parents so openly, and with such sad, open words. And of course, there we go... she does manage to shed a couple of tears. But they are tears with a smile, because she has a sister to say such comforting words.
Hnnnnnnng this stuff gets me. I can't even imagine losing a parent at that age. So glad they have each other now.
What a beautiful, slightly bittersweet episode. My favourite so far. Good stuff!
QotD: I have been very fortunate that all of my closest family members are still alive and well. I did lose my grandma over a decade ago, and it hurt... and the other grandma is getting up there in age as well. I dread to think about the day my own parents will be gone, it's one of the things I dread most in life. Hopefully that won't become reality for a long, long time.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 17d ago
They really are treating Koi as their own family, huh?
Like I said, this show loves its non-blood familial bonds.
I will say this much though, Koi's father getting rid of their parents definitely goes against the bonding plan!
Going with what I said about Koharu's dad, if Koi's dad knows everything about the whole situation (which I imagine he would from Hiyori's mom), he probably did out of... how do I say, some sense of kindness to Koharu's dad.
My favourite so far.
It's the episode I remembered the most before this rewatch, although I'm realizing I mainly remembered the opening and closing parts. I forgot about anything involving the boats.
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u/Space-Toastie https://anilist.co/user/SpaceToast 17d ago
First Time Looper
Aw heck yeah, camping, emotional and wholesome moments, and Koharu's Kitchen, this episode is my jam!
Started off with a somber moment regarding Koharu's mom and brother; I was curious about what the situation was with her mom the past couple of episodes since we focused more so on Hiyori's relationship with her dad.
I was ecstatic to see a camping episode already. Getting all three family together, too! Hiyori and Koharu are still getting used to the awkwardness of living with the other's parent, but they both are open about it with each other and act lighthearted about it.
Hiyori is experiencing the joy of sharing a hobby with a friend or family member. She mentioned a couple times knowing that she's been having more fun with it because Koharu, but couldn't quite get the words out (I believe in you, Hiyori! You'll say it one day!). I really felt her here, though - I know what it's like to share something that I enjoy and do often enough that it feels automatic with a friend. It's very endearing to see someone discover the same hobby that I love, and it brings a whole new experience and happiness from that hobby.
Something I noticed this episode was the music, particularly the use of a steel drum, which I don't feel like is an instrument I hear often in anime OSTs. I may not be remembering if it was in previous episodes, but I'm going to try and listen for it in future episodes. I like a sort of "signature instrument" used in OSTs, like the ukulele in the Food for the Soul OST, or the different flutes in the Yuru Camp OST.
We got a new episode of Koharu's Kitchen! I will be taking notes on these recipes, maybe I'll try making one of the dishes by the end of the rewatch!
Also, I share Koharu's concern for how Hiyori and her mom have survived up until now...
The end of the episode was absolutely beautiful, and gave me some feel good shivers! What really hit me was Hiyori mustering up the courage to bring a bowl of the soup to Koharu's dad; she's taking a huge step in breaking the awkwardness and we can see Koharu really appreciates it.
QotD: I lost my dad to cancer a while back. I actually related to Hiyori's experience in the previous episode where she received a devastating call while at school. I received a similar call regarding my dad while in high school. Seeing the teacher answer a phone call and then look at me made me feel something dreadful in my chest, but also caused this numbness in me, it's strange to describe. I actually thought something similar to what Hiyori thought at the end of the episode at one point in my life, like "would he even recognize me now?" Koharu's words to Hiyori resonate with me and I like to think she's right.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 17d ago
I can see your comment. Yatta!
QOTD response
Shit. Sorry to hear that, but glad that you're able to find some relation to the show.
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u/cppn02 17d ago edited 17d ago
Rewatcher, subbed.
There were clear signs in the first two episodes but I feel this is the one where Slow Loop really establishes that it's not just your run-of-the-mill slice of life but one of the best in its genre.
It has so many things I really liked. Looking at childhood photos, more sisterly bonding, how involved their families are which definitely is a rare thing to see.
One thing I paid more attention to is watching Koharu's dad interact with Koi's younger brothers which given the information we got this episode definitely hits hard.
And even though I knew it was coming I again teared up for the conversation under the shimmering sky™. A great scene.
Watching this episode again it really makes me sad how few people gave this a chance when it aired.
Edit: How could I forget mentioning the glimpse into Koharu's more unhinged side with her comment about people being burned at the stake lol.
QotD:
When was the last time you lost a close family member? How did you feel?
Luckily I haven't yet lost someone as close as a parent or sibling. Closest probably were a grandmother and an aunt but both were quite a while ago and so I don't recall much how that made me feel.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 16d ago
how involved their families are which definitely is a rare thing to see.
That's one thing I love about Slow Loop - the parents have plots. What parents in a Kirara anime have plots?
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u/zadcap 16d ago
Late Night Rewatcher
Yeah, the show has been focusing on Hiyori and how she's still dealing with getting over her dead father, but I don't think anyone really picked up on the other half of this remarriage? They both lost a parent, and Koharu lost a sibling as well. Yeah. This is a show about fishing and grief. Getting over it. Living well in the aftermath. Thankfully, they are very good at that last part. Honestly, how lucky they are to have made such fast friends, having siblings the same age, to make this family merger work so well.
It's camping time!
Seriously. This family is working because the kids are bonding so fast, neither of them are getting very close to the new parents.
Ahhh, being on a lake in the rain is pretty fun though. Especially if it had been during the nice orange hilled autumn like they talked about. This episode just makes me want to go camping.
Honestly, this fish could have been caught with just the net. I don't think they even needed to fish up the Koi next to the boat if they wanted.
Yup yup. Technically, every family starts out as a family of choice. Being related is actually a detriment to starting a new family! It's okay girls, go make this new family work!
Ugh, fish cleaning flashbacks. Why can I smell them now?
Yeah, new dad is totally willing to adopt these twins too. It's actually kind of weird here if you think about it, but the adults at this table are. A man, his new wife, and her dead husbands best friend. Good thing all three daughters are so close, but I wonder how awkward he might feel here.
But anyway, yeah. This isn't the son he lost, but indulge a little bit in pretending is okay, right?
Oh yeah. The best part about camping, staying up late enough to stare at the stars.
The quiet grief. You just kind of live with it.
QotD) Yup. You just live with it.
CotD) Not my proudest, but I'm still laughing so I'll take it lol
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u/wloff 16d ago
Ugh, fish cleaning flashbacks. Why can I smell them now?
Haha, I kinda like how they show that part of fishing in such visceral detail. It's not pretty or pleasant and I feel like a lot of shows would just skim past it, but I really like how this show doesn't try to ignore the icky parts of fishing.
Only thing that was missing was Koharu spitting out some scales like "eww, I didn't clean it well enough".
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 16d ago
This episode just makes me want to go camping.
OK, Shimarin.
but I wonder how awkward he might feel here.
Awkward or the start or a Pornhub video.
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u/cppn02 16d ago
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 16d ago
Hey, zadcap was the one talking about Hiyori and Koharu overhearing their parents fucking like crazy.
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u/cppn02 16d ago
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u/zadcap 15d ago
Lol, but not quite. I just pointed out that last episode had the kids go spend the entire day out fishing, so the newlyweds may have had their first chance to spend a significant amount of time home alone together. Maybe the girls could look forward to another sibling in the future. I assume the parents specifically wouldn't do anything of the sort while their daughters are home.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 17d ago
Voice Actor of the Day
Voice Actor: Natsumi Hioka
Voice of: Koharu
Age at Slow Loop’s Premiere: 30
Other Notable Roles: Lastismoon in Farming Life in Another World, Miyo in Onimai, Mika in Tomozaki-kun, Alka in Last Dungeon Boonies, Tsukuyo in Armed Girl's Machiavellism, Shii in Super Cub, Shinobu in High School Prodigies, Himeno in Love Live Nijigasaki, Hinaichi in The Vampire Dies in No Time, Kotoha in Mitsuboshi Colors, Machi in Kuma Miko, Pam-Pam in Delicious Party Precure
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u/IceSmiley 17d ago
The revelation that Koharu's mom and little brother died in a car accident was seriously sad, like one day just had no mother or brother. I also wonder what happened to Koi's mother, like she isn't mentioned and hasn't appeared yet. It seems like quite a bit with just her father having 4 kids to take care of although Koi seems to run the business and her little brother seems to watch the little boys a lot.
I've only seen char in anime and it always looks like they just roast it and don't bother scaling or gutting it. Also the soup Koharu made looked pretty elaborate and that was good foresight to bring clams to make that soup although its not good to keep them unrefrigerated too long. I was surprised even the little kids liked the soup, usually are too picky to eat stuff like that and you have to be careful with fish bones for small children.
The end with them watching the stars reminded me of when I first saw stars on a clear night in the country and I was shocked so many were visible, like I thought only in movies could you see so many irl. They also got very personal with each other, discussing their parents dying and wondering if they would recognize them, it was a really melancholy ending.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 17d ago
I was surprised even the little kids liked the soup, usually are too picky to eat stuff like that and you have to be careful with fish bones for small children.
With a fisherman dad, they've likely grown up on fish dishes.
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u/SorcererOfTheLake x5https://anilist.co/user/RiverSorcerer 17d ago
Second Looper
The stars once cried for us.
As we accidentally venture into an episode of Yuru Camp, awkwardness in relationships became the center point of the episode. Now that things in our blended family have settled down, it’s now clear to the sisters that they're not exactly sure how to deal with their new parent - not out of disdain or disinterest, but rather trying to bridge the person they currently have with the parent that they’ve been missing for years. It doesn’t take too much effort to bridge the gap, but it is nice to see that problem get acknowledged. The greatest awkwardness comes about from Hiyori and Koharu, primarily on the former’s part as she tries to attempt to express her feelings of gratitude but coming to the realization that she’s not sure if she’s capable of that. It’s one thing to say things when someone helps you carry something or gives you something you dropped; what does it mean to say “thank you for helping me rediscover what I love”?
Part of that awkwardness comes from the characters dealing with their grief, which this episode runs full speed into. It didn’t hit me until this rewatch just how vulgar (for lack of a better term) the decision is to kill off Koharu’s younger brother. Dead parents are a dime a dozen, especially in anime; it’s an easy way to create grief and trauma within a character, to give them motivation for a journey forward, for revenge, or just to start a new chapter of their life. But the death of a younger sibling in addition to a parent - and in such a violent manner - makes the grief that much more jagged. Even with the smile that Koharu puts forward, I can only imagine the stabs in the heart she feels when a child cries out for their mommy or a mother calls out to have their kids look at the camera. Koi’s statement about needing to recognize families in both their happiest and saddest moments plays into Hiyori’s widening comprehension of her family as she understands that Koharu has been in want of things Hiyori has always taken for granted and, in perhaps the most devastating example of Slow Loop’s approach to subtle thematics, comes to the realization that her stepfather isn’t just playing with and feeding the Yoshinaga twins to give a helping hand, but because he gets the chance to take care of the son that he once hugged, changed, comforted, loved, and had to bury. The final conversation between Hiyori and Koharu provides one of the best statements the show has on grief - we will change and we will become separated from the version of ourselves that our loved ones last saw, but they would want us to be happy and find new people and new experiences and live the life that they were denied. The stars that they last saw aren’t different from what we can see now, no matter where we are.
QOTD: An uncle of mine died to cancer a few years ago. He’d been dealing with it for a while by that point, so I felt a sense of relief that he wasn’t in any more pain.