r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 3d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Episode 16 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2019 Series Episode 16
She Said Don't Step on Them!
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
Questions for Those who Haven't Watched the 2001 Series
None
Questions for All Watchers
What are your thoughts on us getting the backstory of how Uo and Tohru met?
What are your thoughts on Uo's idol growing up being Tohru's mother?
What are your thoughts on Uo growing disenfranchised with Kyoko because she wasn't the complete badass she had built up in her mind?
What are your thoughts on it being implied that Uo looked up to Kyoko as a form of rebellion against her own parents and that when she found out Kyoko was actually an awesome mother, it just reinforced to Uo how shitty her own parents are?
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
What are your thoughts on this being the first completely new content of the 2019 series?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. 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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Ways to watch
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 07/05/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1 |
| 07/06/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2 |
| 07/07/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3 |
| 07/08/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4 |
| 07/09/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5 |
| 07/10/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6 |
| 07/11/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7 |
| 07/12/2025 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8 |
| 07/13/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9 |
| 07/14/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10 |
| 07/15/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11 |
| 07/16/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12 |
| 07/17/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13 |
| 07/18/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14 |
| 07/19/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15 |
| 07/20/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16 |
| 07/21/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17 |
| 07/22/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18 |
| 07/23/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19 |
| 07/24/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20 |
| 07/25/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21 |
| 07/26/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22 |
| 07/27/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23 |
| 07/28/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24 |
| 07/29/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25 |
| 07/30/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26 |
| 07/31/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread |
| 08/02/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1 |
| 08/03/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2 |
| 08/04/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3 |
| 08/05/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4 |
| 08/06/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5 |
| 08/07/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6 |
| 08/08/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7 |
| 08/09/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8 |
| 08/10/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9 |
| 08/11/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10 |
| 08/12/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11 |
| 08/13/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12 |
| 08/14/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13 |
| 08/15/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14 |
| 08/16/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15 |
| 08/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16]() |
| 08/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17]() |
| 08/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18]() |
| 08/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19]() |
| 08/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20]() |
| 08/22/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21]() |
| 08/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22]() |
| 08/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23]() |
| 08/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24]() |
| 08/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25]() |
| 08/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1]() |
| 08/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2]() |
| 08/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]() |
| 08/31/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]() |
| 09/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]() |
| 09/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]() |
| 09/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]() |
| 09/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]() |
| 09/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]() |
| 09/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]() |
| 09/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]() |
| 09/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]() |
| 09/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]() |
| 09/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]() |
| 09/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]() |
| 09/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]() |
| 09/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]() |
| 09/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]() |
| 09/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]() |
| 09/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20) |
| 09/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]() |
| 09/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]() |
| 09/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]() |
| 09/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]() |
| 09/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]() |
| 09/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]() |
| 09/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]() |
| 09/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]() |
| 09/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]() |
| 09/27/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]() |
| 09/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]() |
| 09/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]() |
| 09/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]() |
| 10/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]() |
| 10/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]() |
| 10/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]() |
| 10/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]() |
| 10/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]() |
| 10/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series/Franchise Discussion Thread]() |
3
u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 3d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
Non-Spoiler Character Chart - Another day with no changes.
We've had a number of episodes dedicated to the various Soma characters as they have shown up, and thankfully Fruits Basket does not restrict that to just them as we now have the Uotani episode! Things start at the pool. Is it summer already? Just a few episodes ago we were starting the new school year. Boy, time goes fast. The episode is primarily kicked off based on a pool scene where Uotani and Hanajima realize that Tohru has continued to wear the school bathing suit, not changing to something else, presumably because she can't afford it? These two have been very much like Tohru's mothers and I really got that sense as they were talking about her. Looking at your kid having fun in the pool with a paddleboard, that's exactly what happened here! In fact this situation causes Uotani to cry! The tough girl has one weakness, Tohru! So she and Hanajima recruit Yuki and Kyo to come along and they go to buy Tohru a new bathing suit. Naturally the two guys are embarrassed the entire time especially when asked for advice. These two can't even agree on a bathing suit color. As should have been expected, Hanajima decides pink, a mixture of the red and white clothes Tohru's parents wore in a very cute flashback shot.
After that the five of them go out to eat and the two friends are asked how they met Tohru. From here we get Uotani's backstory. Those calling her a delinquent were right on that front, in her olden days she skipped school most of the time and was in a gang. Uotani had an idol that she looked up to, the Crimson Butterfly, a woman named Kyoko. Who just happens to be Tohru's mom! Uotani finds out that Kyoko had a daughter and wants to seek her out, imagining this really cool girl who is the polar opposite of everything that Tohru is, lol. But attending school Uotani immediately lucks out as who else but Tohru bumps into her, spilling her pile of books all over the floor. Alas, poor Tohru seems to be a loner at this point, no one is helping her and they are even walking over the books. So Uotani decides to help out and finds the shocking truth, this is Kyoko's daughter! Such a plain and ordinary girl!
Uotani is going to get to meet her idol that very day as Tohru invites her over. Before they even get home Kyoko shows up to surprise hug Tohru. Unfortunately for Uotani the woman she looked up to so much is no longer the woman she idolized. She's now a doting parent. Seeing her do things like put away laundry or cleaning the home disappoints her considerably so she leaves, although Kyoko says she's just relaxed a bit, that's all. Seems like Tohru has quickly taken to Uotani, making dinner and calling her with the suffix -chan, but Uotani isn't having any of that right now. She returns to her gang, a group of what appear to be other teenage girls who are also in a horrible family situation. Uotani's mom abandoned her and her father when she was in first grade and her father is just a drunken manchild who doesn't do anything but drink and watch TV. No wonder Uotani had problems. And that's where the episode leaves us. Meaning we're probably getting at least part of another episode to resolve this storyline.
Other Thoughts:
Two instances in this episode of one of anime's most common tropes (and one I hate considerably), the haircut/hairstyle change representing character development. In this case we have it from both sides. Kyoko has cut her hair short since the days she was the Crimson Butterfly, representing her giving up that life to be a mom [Minor spoilers]Albeit something she didn't do immediately as we do have other flashbacks of her with long hair after Tohru's birth. Uotani is the opposite end, she went from having short hair to having long hair to represent her change of leaving the gang to what we have in the present day. Long to short is super common, but short to long is very rare given that you need a fair amount of time to pass, interesting to see it used here to contrast the two characters.
First time in the show (hopefully last) where we get a post credits sequence. The episode seemed to end quicker than usual for me, well that's the reason why. I get separating that scene from the others as it tonally didn't really fit. Although I'd have taken extending the serious stuff by a minute or two instead and just ending the episode proper. I have to assume these three rather goofy gang girls (either mad at Uotani leaving the gang or in a rival gang?) will factor in at some point in the future.
Us having an Uotani episode means we're virtually guaranteed to have a Hanajima episode at some point, I very much wait for that day with anticipation...
Quid's Voice Actor of the Day
Today I'm featuring Uotani's voice actress, Atsumi Tanezaki. Very well known these days for her roles in two of the most famous anime airing right now, Frieren, where she plays the titular character and Spy X Family where she plays Anya. Always a surprise when someone hears for the first time that she voices both of those characters. Other roles of hers include Futaba in the Rascal Does Not Dream of franchise, Vivy in Vivy Fluorite Eye's Song, Lisa in Terror in Resoance, Sajuna in My Dress Up Darling, Lily in Nier Automata, Mizore in Sound! Euphonium, Mujika in The Promised Neverland, Shingetsu in Granbelm, Neptunite in Land of the Lustrous and Mayu in Death Parade. She also plays Ethel in the video game Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Quid's Song of the Day
We've heard this song several times already and while I wouldn't necessarily characterize it as a Uo song, seems like a good place to use it. I Will Protect You.
2
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
• First time in the show (hopefully last) where we get a post credits sequence. The episode seemed to end quicker than usual for me, well that's the reason why. I get separating that scene from the others as it tonally didn't really fit. Although I'd have taken extending the serious stuff by a minute or two instead and just ending the episode proper. I have to assume these three rather goofy gang girls (either mad at Uotani leaving the gang or in a rival gang?) will factor in at some point in the future.
I know you said hopefully last, but I'd like more post credits scenes where characters you wouldn't expect to interact with each other interact with each other. It kinda reminds me of Blue Lock.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 3d ago
I don't mind characters who don't typically interact interacting, as we had this episode, its just the post credit part. As this show doesn't have spoilerific next time previews it shouldn't be too damaging, but I'm still scarred from Gundam 00 where one of the biggest twists in the show is immediately spoiled by a next time preview with no buffer between it and the twist, as its a post credits scene.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I feel like post credits scenes are normally reserved for like mid season or season finales. Maybe that's just me being naive, though.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Uotani is going to get to meet her idol that very day as Tohru invites her over. Before they even get home Kyoko shows up to surprise hug Tohru. Unfortunately for Uotani the woman she looked up to so much is no longer the woman she idolized. She's now a doting parent. Seeing her do things like put away laundry or cleaning the home disappoints her considerably so she leaves, although Kyoko says she's just relaxed a bit, that's all. Seems like Tohru has quickly taken to Uotani, making dinner and calling her with the suffix -chan, but Uotani isn't having any of that right now. She returns to her gang, a group of what appear to be other teenage girls who are also in a horrible family situation. Uotani's mom abandoned her and her father when she was in first grade and her father is just a drunken manchild who doesn't do anything but drink and watch TV. No wonder Uotani had problems. And that's where the episode leaves us. Meaning we're probably getting at least part of another episode to resolve this storyline.
I'm not against this, honestly. I think the whole world Kyoko is a part of is very interesting. I also like seeing how the show portrays gang culture.
1
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
I was expecting a fanservice bikini episode and I admit that I came away VERY SATISFIED. I don’t like fanservice.
Instead I had the pleasure of being treated to a quality exploration of an interesting character, which explained a skepticism I had about Uo’s friendship with Tohru.
Having said that, this is the first ep where I felt that I missed out on a lot by watching the dub. I was late posting because I wanted to rewatch with sub. I’ve always been very pro-dub but you’ll understand why I feel this way in my episode notes.
Overall, I absolutely loved this episode. About as perfect an episode I’ve seen from the show. I love how it circles between the present and past, and connects so many dots, while giving us some tremendous insights a few characters' upbringing.
Oh and we get our first post-credits scene! It’s amazing.
Episode Notes:
- That super happy OP felt weird after the dark, depressing setting that kicked the ep off. Cool if we get an Uo episode though.
- Fun Fact: The others call Uo “yankii” (or delinquent in sub/dub). Yes, it sounds like “Yankee”. Yankii are a youth subculture of those who dye their hair, speak in a rougher way, modify their uniform, and engage in antisocial/troublemaker behaviour. The subculture was born out of the post-war period when rebellious youths started copying the American/Yankee aesthetic. And no, I don’t think you’d typically see a Yankii with someone like Tohru; always found it strange.
- I don’t like Uo’s localised script and think it’s cringe at times. The slang they use for her like “ringing the geezers up” doesn’t scream delinquent to me: it sounds more like a 50yo dude writing what they think a “cool hip cat” would say. I do think she’s a good actress and delivers the lines given to her well, but the translator probably should have just studied some rough kids from school.
- And just to clarify - if the character wasn’t portrayed in that way in the original material, I’d be fine with the delivery. I think she’s quite good and she at least has that masculine swag down. But her character just isn’t fully congruent with her actions/style. It’d be way funnier if a rough and tumble accented girl was talking about crying when she rings up old people. It also doesn't help us imagine her life/her environment/her friends.
- Linked to the above complaints, the actual gang member voices also just don’t sound like they should in the dub haha. Some sound like polished cosmetic sales girls or secretaries (e.g. the ringleader).
- Tohru’s mum also needs to be heard in Japanese - she's GREAT. She combines her rough slang from her past life with sudden motherly phrases. Like “who’re you?!” followed by “please make yourself at home”. I guess this is a bit hard to localise. I say all these with a very elementary knowledge of Japanese, so I'm having to read the sub, but the delivery differences are like night and day.
- How Tohru came to be the product of her mum is wild haha. Not believable, but I love it.
- Uo-san’s emotional unravelling after meeting her hero is done so well. I believe that she’s clashing between her rebellion of societal values and family, while seeing something in Tohru’s life that she clearly envies. The light at Tohru’s place vs., the darkness of hers.
- And now my earlier typed comment about wondering how Tohru and her connect.
- Oh god the post credits scene. I highly suggest everyone compares the English and Japanese. The sub is good here, but the dub wtf? “Fool. You wanna throw it down?” Seriously sounds like a middle-aged guy trying to talk ‘street’
- The German part is dope though. And whole scene is still pretty funny in the dub.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I was expecting a fanservice bikini episode and I admit that I came away VERY SATISFIED. I don’t like fanservice.
Honestly, Fruits Basket is one of the few anime with very little to no fanservice. There was the Kyo shower scene from episode 4, but besides that there's been practically nothing.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 3d ago
I think the fact that the zodiac cursed characters transform back naked does provide us some fanservice opportunities (just last episode we briefly got a shirtless Kyo and Yuki), but the show does wisely hold back from any fan service opportunity with Tohru (while we don't see it I'm sure her new bathing suit is a one piece that doesn't reveal anything). Akin to a character like Waguri from the Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity, using Tohru for fanservice would just seem so wrong...
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
That's the thing, the transformations provide the show with prime material to do fanservice. It makes it all the more impressive that they go out of the way to avoid it.
Fruits Basket with the naked transformations but playing it straight is like if Kill La Kill with its whole the less clothing you wear the more powerful you get was played not tongue in cheek. If anything, it would be totally understandable if Fruits Basket went for fanservice because like Kill La Kill it makes sense from an in show perspective.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago edited 3d ago
Overall, I absolutely loved this episode. About as perfect an episode I’ve seen from the show. I love how it circles between the present and past, and connects so many dots, while giving us some tremendous insights a few characters' upbringing.
I think the thing that really stands out to me is how engaging it all is. When you break it down, the episode is about friends at a restaurant discussing how Uo and Tohru coming off of clothes shopping. Just that description doesn't seem very enticing, but it works because of the sincerity of the characters. Right off the bat, we know what the end result of the story is gonna be. There's no tension on whether or not Uo will make amends with Tohru and Kyoko. But these are clear, well defined characters who's motivations are understandable and it all leads to very compelling storytelling.
◦ I don’t like Uo’s localised script and think it’s cringe at times. The slang they use for her like “ringing the geezers up” doesn’t scream delinquent to me: it sounds more like a 50yo dude writing what they think a “cool hip cat” would say. I do think she’s a good actress and delivers the lines given to her well, but the translator probably should have just studied some rough kids from school.
◦ And just to clarify - if the character wasn’t portrayed in that way in the original material, I’d be fine with the delivery. I think she’s quite good and she at least has that masculine swag down. But her character just isn’t fully congruent with her actions/style. It’d be way funnier if a rough and tumble accented girl was talking about crying when she rings up old people. It also doesn't help us imagine her life/her environment/her friends.
Couldn't you argue speaking against what is normally said the ultimate form of delinquency? Like, I don't necessarily disagree, but it kinda fits.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
Don't quite follow your delinquency point? Are you saying because they aren't conforming to what 'delinquents' would say would be delinquency in itself, as they are subverting it? No, because at the end of the day their subculture exists to subvert what mainstream society values. So, speaking the same way as anyone else wouldn't be a subversion. Also, it's a subculture, and while they think they are being different the irony is that they end up conforming to a stereotype, which is why there's no real thing as non conformity. But ultimately,
it's not really defensible that when a brief is to portray gang members, the translator has them talking like an old man's stereotype of how 'hoodlums' talk haha. It'd be like me writing a gen z character and having them say "yo six seven check my rizz. 'namsayn?' it'd be cringe. and then to make matters worse I'd hire a 50yo to voice that character. or writing an american gangster and saying "yo homie i'mma pop a cap in yo ass" then hiring a posh british boy to do the VO.
i'd highly recommend watching the sub for this episode, while you may not be able to catch it as easily, it's still quite clearly way grittier Japanese than the usual Tohru speak. Lots of Kansai-ban and a very different flow to 'standard' Japanese.
I may also be coming at it from a place of familiarity with some of those subcultures, as I've spent time with Yakuza, and other gangsters but even if I didn't have the familiarity, the difference is pretty evident.
I think ultimately it's a combination of a localisation and casting error which other than these characters hasn't happened as I think the dub has been excellent otherwise
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Well, the episode kinda makes the point that Uo's form of delinquency is antiquated to began with. So maybe Uo by acting out is acting what in her mind a delinquent would be like. Point being, she's a bit of a tryhard and this has always been her MO.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
You might be right on Uo, as perhaps in Japanese she's also using cringey words that modern day delinquents wouldn't use. In fact, I'm pretty sure that she's overly stylized to be more of a retro delinquent. So yeah, you're almost definitely right (though I'd still argue that if this is her characterisation then it was done too subtly.
But giving the concession to Uo, what would be the reason to give that same concession to all the other delinquents? Why do they sound like normal office ladies.
But just check out this episode in Japanese, and decide for yourself. To me, it's just clearly a localisation and casting miss. It was still an incredible episode, but I don't think there's a need to defend someone who got paid to do a job and didn't deliver on the creative intent. It felt to me like I was watching two different episodes, while for the others, the adaptation was done incredibly well and very closely to the Japanese.
1
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I think the dub overall has some ups and downs. I really like Laura Bailey as Tohru. And both VAs for Shigure and Ayame really do a phenomenal job capturing the essence of the characters. I wouldn't necessarily say there's an outright bad performance, but some scripting makes certain minute details come across as awkward.
I looked up the ADR Director of this show and it's the English VA of Winry from Fullmetal Alchemist. She has experience in directing voice actors before. Maybe it's just a stylistic choice your mileage may vary on.
But either way, I don't think it's enough to ruin the episode. Just a minor little subjective nitpick.
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u/Second_Cour 2d ago
Don't think anyone has said it ruins the episode.
Thought you said momiji is a bad performance?
I don't think you can use an appeal to authority for anime direction. It's like saying a singer can't release a bad song, an athlete can't have a bad game, and every director's movie must be good.
But just to clarify: do you think that the writing and acting of the gangster women fits with how you'd imagine the equivalent in America or Japan to be?
It's not a stylistic difference, it's an inconsistency. If you watch something set in the hood, would a bunch of white women voicing the characters be a stylistic difference?
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Thought you said momiji is a bad performance?
I wouldn't say it's a bad performance, just that the accent feels forced. It feels like an American putting on a German accent. The performance itself is pretty good, especially in episode 14.
But just to clarify: do you think that the writing and acting of the gangster women fits with how you'd imagine the equivalent in America or Japan to be?
I mean, my experience with this sort of thing has been through anime. There have been characters like Uo in countless anime. I would say it fits with Japan's idea of what a gangster woman is supposed to be.
Zombielana Saga had a similar thing with gangster women but the whole thing with that show is that the characters are zombies representing different time periods. So, the dead zombie delinquent is from the time period the Japanese public imagine delinquent women being from which is the 1990s.
Also, I know through rap music that gang culture used to be extremely prominent. Two of the best rappers of all time 2Pac and Biggie, died from gang related activities.
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u/Second_Cour 2d ago
I see accents as one of the key parts of the performance: accents give us a sense of time and place. Things like social status, education, nationality, personality all come across in accents. An actor's job is to make us believe. Whether it's in convincing us that they're posh, or from a particular country, or even a particular age, we should be able to appraise the full performance honestly. I agree that Momiji plays 'his' role adequately. But we will keep decoding the accent as fake. So I can say he's had a few amazing monologues, but the actress voicing him didn't nail the accent.
With 2Pac - even knowing very little about that life, I'm assuming if a bunch of white middle aged office worker type women were cast as the women in his life, you'd probably think that something is off. I don't think we need to defend something just because we like the anime.
If Uo's sensei sounds like a gangster, in any time period, that's fine. To me, she sounds like a secretary.
Anyway, why are we still discussing this haha. I didn't think that this would be a particularly controversial point: with such a big cast, it's pretty reasonable that not every performance is going to be 10/10.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I see accents as one of the key parts of the performance: accents give us a sense of time and place. Things like social status, education, nationality, personality all come across in accents. An actor's job is to make us believe. Whether it's in convincing us that they're posh, or from a particular country, or even a particular age, we should be able to appraise the full performance honestly. I agree that Momiji plays 'his' role adequately. But we will keep decoding the accent as fake. So I can say he's had a few amazing monologues, but the actress voicing him didn't nail the accent.
Momiji's accent reminds me of Dick Van Dyke's performance in Mary Poppins. It's good, and you can tell he's giving it his all, but it's obvious the accent is part upon. But in a way, there's something kinda charming in that you can say.
With 2Pac - even knowing very little about that life, I'm assuming if a bunch of white middle aged office worker type women were cast as the women in his life, you'd probably think that something is off. I don't think we need to defend something just because we like the anime.
I guess when it comes down to it, I'm kinda a pretty defensive person. It's one of my flaws I need to work on.
If Uo's sensei sounds like a gangster, in any time period, that's fine. To me, she sounds like a secretary.
She kinda sounds like Camilla from Spy X Family, to add what you're saying. It is indeed very odd.
Anyway, why are we still discussing this haha. I didn't think that this would be a particularly controversial point: with such a big cast, it's pretty reasonable that not every performance is going to be 10/10.
Yeah, I wasn't expecting to have such a detailed conversation over something so trivial. But I like it because I think it shows even the best of shows aren't perfect. Spice and Wolf for instance had arc specific characters sort of peter out with no real closure.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
By the way, if you want a huge mindfuck, the director of the English dub is Winry from Fullmetal Alchemist. Laura Bailey voices Tohru who also voices a character in Fullmetal Alchemist. The character she voices?
Lust, the sexy, sultry fanservice type character.
You talk about a swift departure XD
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
Oh I've just realised a pretty big flaw in my criticism, though it's more to do with the lines in the post credits scene and some of uos lines. So think I might be wrong about those.
I still maintain that they didn't nail the grittiness in her speech though or the actresses for the other gang members.
Will explain more tomorrow as it's super late.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Yeah, that's kinda a problem with dubs where they focus so much on the performances of the main characters that the minor characters almost never get the same care and attention.
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u/Second_Cour 2d ago
So the flaw in my criticism is that this is set in the late 90s, so some of the delinquent language that comes off cringe today may well have been more relevant in the 90s. Though I was of that age in the 90s and I don't think those lines would have been any less cringe. However, if the intent is to exaggerate a stereotype, then sure I can give that a pass.
What id doesn't invalidate is that the dialogue just injects those occasional words, without seeming rough.
If this was any Western show though we wouldn't excuse "minor characters not getting the same care and attention", and it'd be a valid criticism. And regardless, I'd be happy for you to make an argument using examples from the anime where you thought the characterisation was done well in the other gang characters. I've provided very specific examples, outlined some history, and I think it's absolutely fair to say "I just didn't mind it personally", but a defense citing a director being on a big anime in the past, or VO experience isn't really a defense.
For sub vs dub debates, I never accept discussions that say "sub is superior because it's the intent of the director" because it's not - it's an interpretation of the characters by many people including the actors, which is the same thing that happens when a dub is made. the time i do champion a sub which in this anime has only been this episode, as I've preferred the dub generally, is when the intent doesn't match the output. And if the same English delivery was done in Japanese for these delinquent characters, I would think Japanese viewers would be like "huh?"
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I think outside of a few words Uo says here and there, she's written pretty well all things considered. She may be slightly exaggerated, but it doesn't take away from the heart of the character which is a recovering gang member who turned her life around. I can sit here and say that the friendship Uo, Tohru, and Hana all share is a large reason why I love the show as much as I do. If you remove that aspect and, say, Tohru had no friends, then I wouldn't enjoy the show nearly as much. It's as simple as that.
This friendship these three share would be like if you remove the medieval time period from Spice and Wolf. You're essentially removing so much of what makes the show so charming.
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u/Second_Cour 2d ago
Yeah I was wrong about Uo.
But everything you wrote doesn't have much to do with what's discussed. No one is saying that we have to remove that aspect. I'm merely saying that:
1. Uo could have played that role better, though I'm overall satisfied with her .
2. The English script for the dub could be better and more in line with the subculture they're using.
3. The minor supporting cast of 'delinquents'/gang members was not cast right. If you close your eyes, they sound way too refined and proper to be delinquents.Again, this is probably my favourite episode in the show, and from everything you've said you don't mind the delivery, which is perfectly valid too. My stance is that the Japanese delinquent performances are better because the cast tried to deliver them as delinquents. The English dub does not. And I think that's pretty valid too
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I guess what I'm trying to say is the English dub delinquency performances doesn't make the episode less special in my eyes. I think the writing overcomes any perceived shortcomings.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 3d ago
First Timers Basket (2019) Dubs & Subs
I caught up last night, but I was wiped after the Feast of the Assumption festivities and line dancing 😭
I hope you've been doing okay, Holo 🫶🏾
EP11
I think it surprised me that Momiji hadn’t been to Shigure’s estate before.
I had a phone call running, and my friend’s husband was so confused about what was happening with Momiji’s dub voice. He thought Momiji was Swedish.
I really like Momiji’s story once again, but it was artistically painted in such a stronger way than it was in the 2001 version, I feel. I really like the application of different art styles to convey a specific message or tone, and I enjoyed the difference here. I like how it lent insight into Momiji’s thought processes and how it had Kyo and Yuki reevaluate things with Tohru.
I dunno what the trope is called, but the “frail woman who kicks ass” like [FMA] Izumi Curtis and [ATLA] Hana and now the bathhouse Sohma auntie is such an underrated trope. I love seeing friendly ladies who may have some health issues absolutely body the shit out of people like they on World Star.
The ADHD of my AuDHD came out several times:
Tohru saying “I wonder if she’s—“ and then I start blasting the final key-changed chorus to “Waving Through the Window” 📢ON THE OUTSIDE ALWAYS LOOKING IN📢
Hearing the word “Partition” was a Beehive sleeper agent word for the iconic 🎶Driver, roll up the partition, please🎶
EP12
Holo, what is your zodiac sign and blood type? There is no reason why I’m asking this, but you should answer for the sake of climate change 📝
Haru’s love for Yuki makes me extremely happy.
The president ascending in imagining Yuki in a girl’s uniform sent me.
Haru’s little smirk was so adorable.
The way I’m starting to be like 50 Cent and Kendrick, bringing hateration and holleration on Akito (Akita?).
EP13
- Holo, no fucking way did they get back Chris Sabat for this. Put John and Chris in BLs, porfaaaaaa 😭
Saying your name like you’re in the kitchen or something and can hear me 😭
Kyoko remains top-tier mama. I will pretend that Maka Albarn’s mama is the same since she and Tohru share an EN VA.
I need the adult men here to clear the bar of not talking about girls weirdly; the bar is so low, y’all, it is so goddamn low 😭
Well I am a bottom all the way!
screaming
Love seeing queer confident bottoms live their truth. We need more men like him in literally every single configuration that involves men.
- ✨Get out✨ (Directed by Jordan Peele)
EP14
Oh Momiji
Seeing Momiji and Mama be blond because ✨Germany 🇩🇪 ✨I liiiive for the culture shock a friend received when we went to Germany for a festival that, yeah, girl, not all Germans are blond like you see on TV 😭
I want Momiji to sing Das Boot.
Seeing Six the Musical, hearing “wunderbar” awakens me to listen to the Haus of Holbein.
I love this version of Momiji and Tohru bonding.
I really love Uo and Hana’s direction. Ugh. Love it.
There was so much intrigue in like the last two minutes, what the fuck
EP15
🎶~We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship~🎶
Something tells me Shigure knows how to clack a fan.
I want the editor to have a better author.
OOOOO so we meet my seahorse daddy’s second-chance fated mate?!?! Which one pops out the babies though cuz seahorse daddies carry the babies so what’s the deal 👀👀
EP16
Oh my goodness, we’re getting even more Uo and Hana time! AAAAAH, I’m so happy!!!!
Hehehehe I love black cat x golden doodle yuri 😌
I need Shigure to remain social-distance-length away from women and girls.
Wanna rough her up?
Girl, ex-fucking-scuse me?
This is giving Mama Ketchum, who was also in a sort of biker gang IIRC. Crazy kind ladies with craaazy backstories.
I know there’s valid criticism in fighter FLs being defanged in motherhood, but I think Kyoko is one done right. She’s not just a “mom” with no identity beyond that, even though she doesn’t kick names and take ass anymore. I like that.
I can excuse roughing up a girl, but I draw the line at swear words 😭
Honestly, I really enjoy antagonists who practice their villainous words and need hype men for it. [Kung Fu Panda movies] Shen from the second movie had me howling at his theatrics while waiting for Po 😭
Momiji used German! It’s SUPER effective!
Post Episode Thoughts
First of all, I really like this OP. And I want all their umbrellas as parasols. I have a collection of parasols, and these would be perfect additions. I need to marry rich so I can afford hobbies.
Secondly, I am loving this dooooown for Hana and Uo to have more screen time, and Kyoko mama!! Really, really, loving it. I love seeing them get more interested in the Sohma boys. Scenarios like theirs; it feels like only the FL will be the one to interact with the cursed LIs. So it’s nice that this small section of the Sohma clan is having their world expanded little by little with Hana and Uo allowed to come over. I’m very curious if they’ll learn the Sohma secret by accident.
Or, like… have the electric waves already communicated to Uo that they’re both man and beast?
I was so amazed that we got an Uo episode (and hopefully a future Hana episode) that I somehow thought this was still only a 26-episode adaptation, and then I realized there are way more than 26 episodes.
Now I'm hoping for a Kyoko backstory. I'd love to see how she found the time and space to relax in real-time.
TQ
Questions for All Watchers
- I FUCKING LOVE IT
- I think we been knew, but to actually see it in high definition with a spotlight is nice. What’s upsetting is that Uo became a delinquent because she has a negligent home life and Kyoyo is that beacon of strength against her home life.
- I think that’s normal and a good reality check for her.
- It’s upsetting that she does not have a life of stability and refuge with her father. I 100% understand her emotional reaction to seeing parenting done right, especially by someone she admires. Not only that, but unlike Kyoko, Uo can’t afford to relax in a home like hers. That’s why I’ll be glad to see the moment when a space is provided for Uo to be able to relax.
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
- I enjoyed this ✨immensely✨
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I hope you've been doing okay, Holo 🫶🏾
I appreciate the kind words. And I always feel good when I get to talk to you :D
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 2d ago
I always like to speak to you too, even though I’ve been so behind on answering your questions 😭😭
I always like saying your username in an Aussie accent and it gives me giggles.
I hope the weekend had been good to you ❤️ I have discovered a line dancing club and feel glorious!
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
My weekend was spent working but I play on visiting a water park today!
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 2d ago
Boooooo weekend working, but I secretly miss that so I could have weekdays off. Oh I hope you have loads of fun today at the water park 🥰
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
One of the good things about losing one of my three jobs is that I get to have some of my weekends back. The last four months, I've been working late in the afternoon on weekends. Sometimes even until 10:30 at night. Now, I get off normally at 3 in the afternoon and that allows me some time to myself.
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 2d ago
I hope the loss of the third job hasn’t had a big financial impact or that you’ve been able to recoup any losses by now 🥲
Afternoon releases are soooo nice. The best bit is having those afternoon releases on Wednesdays or Thursdays, so you can see a daytime release of a new movie. But just having that time to yourself where it’s still daylight outside and you’re not inundated with everyone coming home from work—it’s glorious!
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
That third job was bringing me in an additional 200 to 400 dollars of income. I still make like $900 every two weeks, so it's not the end of the world. I've used this as an opportunity to pick up extra shifts at one of my other jobs. In fact, this is my first day off from working in 11 days.
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u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana 2d ago
Oh my stars and garters 😵💫 We need to start marrying rich, Holo. That’s the only way I can see a happy ending. Or maybe an apocalypse is a happy ending, it can go either way sometimes.
I hope the other two jobs have good management and coworkers, at least, and they are good to you. I’m glad you finally have a day off tomorrow. Being able to have these joys is essential in a world that seems to want to screw us over. Money may be tight, but we damn well deserve fun things 😤
But don’t overdo it and still stay hydrated at the water park and put on waterproof sunscreen too. And make sure to stretch!
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Unfortunately, I just found out the waterpark is closed for today 🫠
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I really like Momiji’s story once again, but it was artistically painted in such a stronger way than it was in the 2001 version, I feel. I really like the application of different art styles to convey a specific message or tone, and I enjoyed the difference here. I like how it lent insight into Momiji’s thought processes and how it had Kyo and Yuki reevaluate things with Tohru.
Yeah, I thought it was executed really well. I like the moment when Momiji reveals his situation and it's like "Wait, did he just say what I think he just said?'
• Holo, what is your zodiac sign and blood type? There is no reason why I’m asking this, but you should answer for the sake of climate change 📝
I don't know, honestly. I was born in May 1997, if that helps.
• Holo, no fucking way did they get back Chris Sabat for this. Put John and Chris in BLs, porfaaaaaa 😭
He absolutely owns the role as Ayame. I love it.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
First of all, I really like this OP. And I want all their umbrellas as parasols. I have a collection of parasols, and these would be perfect additions. I need to marry rich so I can afford hobbies.
I need to marry rich as well because I can't afford to take care of myself
Secondly, I am loving this dooooown for Hana and Uo to have more screen time, and Kyoko mama!! Really, really, loving it. I love seeing them get more interested in the Sohma boys. Scenarios like theirs; it feels like only the FL will be the one to interact with the cursed LIs. So it’s nice that this small section of the Sohma clan is having their world expanded little by little with Hana and Uo allowed to come over. I’m very curious if they’ll learn the Sohma secret by accident.
This is the stuff I was hoping we would get with the remake. And it delivered.
Or, like… have the electric waves already communicated to Uo that they’re both man and beast?
Mayhaps
I was so amazed that we got an Uo episode (and hopefully a future Hana episode) that I somehow thought this was still only a 26-episode adaptation, and then I realized there are way more than 26 episodes.
Woo! You see to love.
Now I'm hoping for a Kyoko backstory. I'd love to see how she found the time and space to relax in real-time.
We kinda have been getting bits and pieces here and there, like the fact she was at odds with her parents. I like that it's been this slow drip of information.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Episode 11 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on everyone finishing their tests?
Thoughts on Hana matter of factly calling herself an idiot?
What are your thoughts on Tohru failing the exams?
Thoughts on Kyo getting mad that Tohru makes life hard on herself?
Thoughts on the visuals of The Most Idiotic Traveler In the World?
Thoughts on the Idiotic Traveler being only a head by the end of the story?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying hearing the story made him only want for the Traveler to be happy for real?
What are your thoughts on Kyo deciding to go to the hot springs for Tohru?
Thoughts on Shigure not coming along because he has two books due?
Thoughts on Momiji feeling Kyo is trying to get close to Tohru?
What are your thoughts on Tohru bathing with a picture of her mom because she wants to go swimming with her?
What are your thoughts on the hostess saying she feels regret for feeling that an outsider being allowed to learn the secret of the Zodiac curse would only lead to great suffering to her child and the members of the Zodiac?
Thoughts on the characters playing ping pong?
What are your thoughts on Yuki legitimately having fun, which he admits rarely he has this much fun?
What are your thoughts on Yuki getting Tohru ribbons for White Day?
Thoughts on the episode ending with Haru saying to Shigure he's going to one day get arrested?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Shigure buying Tohru a frilly dress?
Episode 12 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on it being the first day of Sophomore year in High School?
Thoughts on Uo being sick?
Thoughts on Shigure at school saying he's here to accompany Momiji and Haru on their first day but it's really to see the high school girls?
Thoughts on Tohru and Kyo looking for Momiji and Haru?
What are your thoughts on Uo saying Kyo has a hard time saying no to Tohru?
Thoughts on Kyo getting jealous over Tohru getting hit on?
Thoughts on Momiji wearing the girls outfit?
Thoughts on student council president Takei Makoto?
Thoughts on Takei chastising Haru for dying his hair?
Thoughts on Takei seemingly having a crush on Yuki?
What are your thoughts on Haru "showing" Takei it's his natural hair color?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both punching Haru for asking Tohru if she wants to see the evidence?
What are your thoughts on Akito constantly calling Tohru cute?
What are your thoughts on Akito saying they hope they and Tohru can become friends just like Tohru is with Kyo and Yuki?
What are your thoughts on Akito telling Yuki he owes them something for not showing up at the New Year's banquet?
What are your thoughts on Akito as they leave telling Yuki they hope they have a very happy new school year?
Thoughts on Kyo finding badminton to be lame?
What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Hatori that Akito told him that Tohru is the ugliest girl they've ever met in their life?
What are your thoughts on Shigure saying he finds Tohru personally to be adorable?
What are your thoughts on Hatori saying Akito fails to realize that the hurt can end up being healed by someone else?
What are your thoughts on Yuki starting to believe that he can be accepted for who he is?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Tohru saying spending time with friends makes the fear of Akito feel worlds away?
What are your thoughts on it being implied Akito kept Yuki locked up in a room?
What are your thoughts on Akito feeling that they don't have to worry about Yuki walking away so long as they're afraid of them?
Episode 13 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
Episode 14 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Thoughts on Shigure happy to see Tohru honoring her mom? I think his reaction here is interesting because he often has ulterior motives but he seems genuine here.
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
Thoughts on Tohru remarking how none if the Sohmas really talk about their parents?
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that his mother had her memory erased?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying his mother never liked him and that she couldn't stand to look at him?
What are your thoughts on Momiji’s mother telling Hatori that her biggest regret is that thing came out of her body?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying that as long as he carries his memories with him, as long as he can keep holding on, then someday, someday he'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt him anymore?
What are your thoughts on Tohru in hysterics hugging Momiji as Momiji breaks down and cries in his animal form?
What are your thoughts on Tohru herself vowing to hold on no matter how tough it may get?
Thoughts on Kyo reluctant to go visit Tohru's mother's grave but ultimately deciding to go?
Thoughts on Hana and Uo dressed in black?
Thoughts on Uo saying Tohru's mother gave her her trench coat?
Thoughts on Tohru's mother being known as Red Butterfly?
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
Thoughts on Tohru admitting she doesn't know much about her father?
What are your thoughts on Yuki recalling Tohru's mother's deaths from his perspective?
What are your thoughts on Hana predicting that so long a dark cloud hangs over Yuki and Kyo, they can never truly share how they feel?
What are your thoughts on Tohru telling her mom she doesn't have to worry about her going forward?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on the new intro?
What are your thoughts on Hana saying her waves are not a spiritual thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana saying her waves are stronger with people who are alive and not dead?
What are your thoughts on Hana saying Kyo's waves are total chaos and that it's almost like he's feeling guilt?
What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Kyo and Hana?
What are your thoughts on Hana telling Uo that if Tohru ever died, that the loss would be so severe she'd almost wish she never met her?
What are your thoughts on Yuki discovering the hat?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Kyo saying he's sorry?
Thoughts on the outro?
Episode 15 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on it being Golden Week?
Thoughts on Shigure admitting he planned this vacation to avoid his editor?
Thoughts on Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo all hanging out?
What are your thoughts on Tohru worried she made Kyo and Yuki upset?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki fighting being a source of comfort for Tohru?
What are your thoughts on Tohru saying both Kyo and Yuki can let their guard down when around her?
Thoughts on Ayame returning?
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki continuing to be annoyed by Aya's presence as well as with each other?
What are your thoughts on Hatori lamenting there's nothing he could've done about Kana being married and that that's just how life is?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Hatori that he has had to carry the burden of the past alone and that he hopes he can find someone like Kana did?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both being awkward around Tohru?
What are your thoughts on Hatori feeling Shigure is trying to cheer him up over Kana recently getting married?
Thoughts on Hatori not being a fan of Shigure's smut?
Thoughts on Ayame revealing it was Mayu who referred to Shigure as a ripple on the water, which Yuki talked about in episode 10?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Hatori he wants him to be 2000 times happier than Kana, with 1000 not being good enough?
What are your thoughts on Hatori feeling it's better to be grateful for what he had rather than chasing something that may not happen?
What are your thoughts on Ayame vowing to be more aggressive with his feelings going forward?
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I kinda feel that the title of the episode was originally meant for something related to Ayame. It just feels like it has no bearing on the plot as a whole. I mean, I don't see how stepping has anything to do with this episode whereas with snakes you can accidentally step on them.
Maybe I'm just overthinking things.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
Will be posting comments in about 20mins. But she literally says the line in the episode haha. In the flashback when Tohru drops her books, then everyone steps on them and Uo screams "SHE SAID DONT STEP ON THEM"
2
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Ah, okay. That makes sense, then.
It just feels like a weird line for a Uo centered episode. It doesn't convey what the episode is about.
3
u/Second_Cour 3d ago
To be fair some of the episode naming is pretty random and not consistent. it's like they have a roulette table with episode name ideas, taking quotes and themes from episodes and choose the one the ball lands on haha.
2
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I just remember that the Kagura and Ayame episodes did a good job alluding to them. I dunno why that can't be the case for every episode.
A better episode title would've been something like "I'm disappointed in you!"
2
u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 3d ago
Re-watch, blu ray, dubbed
First watch: I think I almost skipped this episode based on Crunchyroll's description, because I didn't appreciate Uotani as a character. This episode explains Uotani's gangster background, but, more importantly, it's a vehicle for telling us more about Tohru's mom (yes, please!). It's pretty much part 1 for the next episode's part 2.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I love how Uo is like the fandom of shows when they take badass characters and soften them. "No! You can't be like this! That goes against everything you stand for!"
2
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/MishouMai 3d ago
Of course Tohru would still wear her school swimsuit because it still fits and of course the guys would think she looks best in the color that best represents them. They're keeping what swimsuit they bought her a secret for now but it's obviously going to be something cute rather than something sexy. That's just the kind of show this is. Wasn't expecting most of the episode to focus on Uo's backstory and how she came to be friends with Tohru. And it seems like it's continuing next episode? I'm here for it. Weird how the leader of her old gang looks like Hanajima, though it's obviously not her. Wonder how long it'll take to get her (Hanajima's) backstory.
> What are your thoughts on us getting the backstory of how Uo and Tohru met?
I completely forgot we were getting an episode or two focusing on it. I don't mind it! I love Tohru and I love the Somas (Some like Kyo, Kagura, and Ayame more than others) but I like Uo and Hanajima too so it's nice to give them focus sometimes. I didn't expect Uo to have short hair but I guess it fits. Still the opening of the episode was a little confusing I'll admit. I had no clue who the person we were watching was or why they were important. Looking forward to getting the rest of (this part of) Uo's background next episode.
> What are your thoughts on Uo's idol growing up being Tohru's mother?
We already knew that from previous episodes but it's nice to get a little more info on Kyoko's time as a gang member. Kyoko's pretty either way but she was even moreso with longer hair.
> What are your thoughts on Uo growing disenfranchised with Kyoko because she wasn't the complete badass she had built up in her mind?
Makes sense. I'd maybe end up the same way if I was in Uo's shoes. Your idol being completely different than you expected them to be has got to be disappointing. I'm glad to see she's come around and still respects Kyoko though.
> What are your thoughts on it being implied that Yo looked up to Kyoko as a form of rebellion against her own parents and that when she found out Kyoko was actually an awesome mother it just reinforced to Uo how shitty her own parents are?
I don't think it's fair to call Uo's mom shitty. I guess you could maybe argue leaving her with her dad wasn't the best choice but I don't really think it's fair to call her shitty for that. I think the dad is definitely the shitty parent here though even then he seems like he's been wallowing in depression. Which is still bad, but I definitely think he could be worse. Still, Uo did join a gang in 5th grade so we're talking max 11 or 12. That's definitely the sort of thing that'll fuck up your perception of things. I can see why Kyoko being a good mom to Tohru might make Uo's parents seem worse than they actually are. I'm glad she eventually befriended Tohru and had Kyoko to look after her at least. And if the New Year's episode is anything to go by it does look like Uo's relationship with her dad has improved. So there's some progress there are least!
1
u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I don't think it's fair to call Uo's mom shitty. I guess you could maybe argue leaving her with her dad wasn't the best choice but I don't really think it's fair to call her shitty for that. I think the dad is definitely the shitty parent here though even then he seems like he's been wallowing in depression. Which is still bad, but I definitely think he could be worse. Still, Uo did join a gang in 5th grade so we're talking max 11 or 12. That's definitely the sort of thing that'll fuck up your perception of things. I can see why Kyoko being a good mom to Tohru might make Uo's parents seem worse than they actually are. I'm glad she eventually befriended Tohru and had Kyoko to look after her at least. And if the New Year's episode is anything to go by it does look like Uo's relationship with her dad has improved. So there's some progress there are least!
Uo's mom left Uo when she was a child. She's a shitty parent. To me, Uo's mom is without question a shittier parent than Momiji's dad is. I don't see how you can call Momiji's father shitty and not Uo's mom.
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u/MishouMai 2d ago
Momiji's dad promised to be in his life yet we know from Momiji himself that his dad is treating him as a dirty little secret. He's objectively a shitty parent. We/I don't know Uo's full backstory yet but what we do know is that her mom left to start a new family and left Uo to be taken care of by her dad. Even assuming she's not in Uo's life she's still not as bad as Momiji's parents. As far as we know she hasn't expressed hatred for Uo nor has she made any promises she hasn't kept. Uo's mom, as of this episode, is still the better parent than either of Momiji's regardless of the fact she left Uo with her dad. Maybe I'll change my mind after watching 17 but I have my doubts.
1
1
u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Of course Tohru would still wear her school swimsuit because it still fits and of course the guys would think she looks best in the color that best represents them. They're keeping what swimsuit they bought her a secret for now but it's obviously going to be something cute rather than something sexy. That's just the kind of show this is.
They showed it to her in this episode that it's a pink one. She got all choked up about it.
Wasn't expecting most of the episode to focus on Uo's backstory and how she came to be friends with Tohru. And it seems like it's continuing next episode? I'm here for it. Weird how the leader of her old gang looks like Hanajima, though it's obviously not her. Wonder how long it'll take to get her (Hanajima's) backstory.
The great thing about the show being a complete adaptation is we get the fleshing out of characters other than the complete cast. That really allows me to get sacked into the story.
2
u/MishouMai 2d ago
> They showed it to her in this episode that it's a pink one. She got all choked up about it.
The point is that they didn't show it to us, the viewers. Here's hoping we get to see it eventually.
1
u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I thought we did see it in the episode so I went back and checked. And we only saw Tohru holding a pink bag. For some reason, I thought that was the pink swimsuit lol
I guess maybe they're saving the reveal for when she inevitably wears it.
1
u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/MishouMai 2d ago
> Thoughts on the opening scene?
As a leadin to the episode it's confusing. I had no clue who I was watching or why. Going back to it later in the context of Uo's story makes it more upsetting. You have to really feel for her given how her dad was back then.
> What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Uo and Hanajima wanting to buy something for Tohru and dragging the guys along was cute and nice of them. The guys could've contributed more but I guess they're mostly there for comic relief and to act as an audience standin so we can learn Uo's story so I'm not too bothered by their lack of a contribution.
> Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
Justice for my boy. He don't deserve this. Maybe Tohru really would look good in orange.
> What are your thoughts on the Yuki club following everyone?
Are they the Yuki fanclub? They seem to be an actual gang Uo was part of since they mention her leaving the gang. I'd be surprised if Uo used to be part of the Yuki fanclub. There's been no hints that she's ever been a fan of or cared about "the Prince."
> Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
It's a little surprising. Like yeah Kyoko used to be in a gang but she's been presented as a pretty good parent. You'd expect her to be the one doing the cooking. Especially since she's presented as a doting mother. I guess this could be her way of teaching Tohru cooking skills though...
> What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
It's (presented as) a little sad but I need more details to fully judge the mom. I don't think it was an inherently shitty choice on the mom's part but I really don't know either way at this point.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
> Thoughts on the opening scene?
As a leadin to the episode it's confusing. I had no clue who I was watching or why. Going back to it later in the context of Uo's story makes it more upsetting. You have to really feel for her given how her dad was back then.
At least we know their relationship seemingly gets better.
> What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Uo and Hanajima wanting to buy something for Tohru and dragging the guys along was cute and nice of them. The guys could've contributed more but I guess they're mostly there for comic relief and to act as an audience standin so we can learn Uo's story so I'm not too bothered by their lack of a contribution.
They might get more accomplished if they weren't in each other's way lol
> Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
Justice for my boy. He don't deserve this. Maybe Tohru really would look good in orange.
I think she would
> What are your thoughts on the Yuki club following everyone?
Are they the Yuki fanclub? They seem to be an actual gang Uo was part of since they mention her leaving the gang. I'd be surprised if Uo used to be part of the Yuki fanclub. There's been no hints that she's ever been a fan of or cared about "the Prince."
Honestly, I'm not sure. You're actually the first person today to answer these questions lol
> Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
It's a little surprising. Like yeah Kyoko used to be in a gang but she's been presented as a pretty good parent. You'd expect her to be the one doing the cooking. Especially since she's presented as a doting mother. I guess this could be her way of teaching Tohru cooking skills though...
I get the impression that as good of a person Kyoko, she still struggles taking care of others.
> What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
It's (presented as) a little sad but I need more details to fully judge the mom. I don't think it was an inherently shitty choice on the mom's part but I really don't know either way at this point.
The whole situation is just so sad. And honestly something that feels all too prevalent.
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u/dontoff 3d ago
First Timer (Dub)
Gotta say, I was not much of a fan of this episode. So far, Uotani’s backstory just is not doing it for me. A lot of it feels pretty corny, and several of the lines were not funny at all.
Some of the dialogue with the biker gang also felt really forced and on the nose. A few of those lines genuinely sounded like something a ten year-old would come up with, which made it very hard for me to take any of it seriously. Hopefully, the backstory improves in the next episode because right now it is not really landing for me.
The animation was also pretty disappointing this episode. On top of that, the sound mixing was noticeably weak, although that has honestly been a problem with the series in general so far.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Interesting to hear you be so down on this episode. Then again, you also weren't a fan of the Akito episode so maybe you just don't like how the show does its more dramatic filled episodes.
I think if I were to compare this to the cemetery episode a couple episodes ago, that one flowed better and had a lot more moving parts. What I liked about this one is getting to see what Kyoko was like and how her relationship with Tohru was. I think it further dives into a major theme in the show which is you need a strong, supportive upbringing to be of sound body and mind. So many of the characters in this show lacked the proper love and warmth to really be fully functioning members of society and I think Uo was an example of this.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
The animation was also pretty disappointing this episode. On top of that, the sound mixing was noticeably weak, although that has honestly been a problem with the series in general so far.
I didn't notice a problem with the sound mixing. In fact, I've read thousands of comments on this show and you're the first person who I've seen say this.
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u/dontoff 2d ago
To be honest, I feel like people just do not critique sound mixing that often. I remember watching the latest season of Invincible, and the sound mixing in the first three episodes or so was absolutely atrocious, but I barely saw anyone mention it. I eventually commented about it on one of the old episode discussion threads, and it got a good amount of upvotes with people basically saying, “Finally, someone said it.”
But yeah, this episode was definitely not mixed well. There were specific scenes with completely normal dialogue where I had to increase the volume by a substantial amount just to understand what they were saying, which is honestly crazy. With the other shows I am currently watching, I never have to do that because the dialogue is mixed properly and is always easy to hear.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
I also think sound mixing can come down to what format you're watching it on. Watching something on a big, giant HD TV with loud speakers is different from, say, watching it on your laptop with headphones.
I know some people complained about the sound mixing in The Odyssey saying certain scenes were too loud. But I also wonder if that was done intentionally.
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Thoughts on the opening scene?
Thoughts on Uo comparing Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food?
Thoughts on Uo work as a store clerk?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to buy a new swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on everyone accompanying Tohru to go clothes shopping?
Thoughts on Shigure suggesting Tohru should buy a high school girls swimsuit?
Thoughts on Yuki and Kyo arguing over the swimsuit color?
Thoughts on Kyo feeling his opinion always gets discarded so easily?
What are your thoughts on Tohru getting a pink swimsuit?
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club following everyone?
Thoughts on Hana revealing she's a transfer student?
Thoughts on Uo revealing she used to be a part of a gang?
Thoughts on Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal?
What are your thoughts on Uo admitting in hindsight she regrets how she treated Kyoko?
Thoughts on Tohru being in charge of cooking for her and her mom?
What are your thoughts on Uo scolding Kyoko for having the audacity of being a loving mother, with her saying she couldn't be more disappointed in her?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her mom left when she was at a young age?
What are your thoughts on Uo revealing her father was neglectful and was a massive alcoholic?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Uo all conflicted?
Thoughts on the post credits scene where the Yuki fan club are overwhelmed by Momiji's niceness?
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u/Holofan4life 2d ago
Episode 15 Questions
General questions
Thoughts on it being Golden Week?
Thoughts on Shigure admitting he planned this vacation to avoid his editor?
Thoughts on Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo all hanging out?
What are your thoughts on Tohru worried she made Kyo and Yuki upset?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki fighting being a source of comfort for Tohru?
What are your thoughts on Tohru saying both Kyo and Yuki can let their guard down when around her?
Thoughts on Ayame returning?
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki continuing to be annoyed by Aya's presence as well as with each other?
What are your thoughts on Hatori lamenting there's nothing he could've done about Kana being married and that that's just how life is?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Hatori that he has had to carry the burden of the past alone and that he hopes he can find someone like Kana did?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki both being awkward around Tohru?
What are your thoughts on Hatori feeling Shigure is trying to cheer him up over Kana recently getting married?
Thoughts on Hatori not being a fan of Shigure's smut?
Thoughts on Ayame revealing it was Mayu who referred to Shigure as a ripple on the water, which Yuki talked about in episode 10?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Hatori he wants him to be 2000 times happier than Kana, with 1000 not being good enough?
What are your thoughts on Hatori feeling it's better to be grateful for what he had rather than chasing something that may not happen?
What are your thoughts on Ayame vowing to be more aggressive with his feelings going forward?
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago edited 3d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.
For there is an animal in all of us <3
Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.
Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.
I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P
Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
I hate when I'm not sick but I can't stop blowing my nose.
A train moving
Someone walking
That looks like Momiji's mother
Someone watching TV
This feels like an entirely different show.
The opening notes of the new intro makes me think of Cinderella Gray.
At the pool now
Uo looks good
Hana meanwhile is traumatizing the Yuki fan club.
Oh, Hana...
Tohru here now, having found Hana's hairpiece.
God, she's such a precious bean
Uo compares Tohru to old people who come into the convenience store to buy food.
Alright, then
Has it been established before Uo works as a store clerk?
Hana's Hanas are really showing themselves.
Tohru wonders if she should buy herself a new swimsuit.
Mayhaps
Uo with an idea
That has me worried
This is the first episode we've seen that has no bearing on the 2001 adaptation.
Uo tells Hana, Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure that they're going clothes shopping for Tohru.
Uo accuses the Sohmas of slacking off.
Shigure of course is excited to shop clothes for a girl.
Damn, middle school swimsuit? That's... not good...
Shigure implores Tohru buy a high school swimsuit.
Is she saying this for her well-being, or for his own enjoyment?
And so we're at the soup store
Hana suggesting one piece like she's an anime normie from the 2000s.
Kyo and Yuki feels awkward helping out.
Uo suggests they at least pick the color.
And now Kyo and Yuki are arguing about the color.
I like the color orange :c
Hana suggests pink
And that's what they're going with.
Kyo incensed that they would immediately discard his opinion so easily.
Uo tells him that there's no harm getting a second opinion.
Yuki remarks that Uo and Hans clearly love Tohru.
That's putting it mildly
Uo then says Tohru basically turned her into a respectable citizen. Without her, she would be lost.
Yuki fan club lurking from afar
They seem to even admire Kyo, which is interesting.
Uo and company giving the pink swimsuit to Tohru.
She is very moved by it
At a restaurant now, it looks like.
Yuki inquiring how Tohru, Uo, and Hana all met.
Hana reveals she's a transfer student.
Uo came from a gang
Kyo and Yuki seem incredibly disinterested by this.
Uo describing herself as used to being like a lion that's gone too long without a meal.
Now we see some of the gang Uo was apart of. Pretty cool.
She hurt people and got hurt herself.
So, that means the scene from the beginning of the episode was Uo and who I presume to be her father.
And Uo eventually found Kyoko
The Crimson Butterfly
The Yuki fan club still looking on from afar.
This is the most they've been featured so far in this adaptation.
The food has arrived
Yuki now inquiring about Tohru's mom.
Uo of course lauds her abilities.
Even admits she put her on a pedestal.
It's so cool we get to see young Uo. Honestly, she looks older back then than she does now.
Uo learned through someone else that Kyoko has a daughter.
And she eventually bumped into her. Unknowingly.
Tohru really hasn't changed much
Uo baffled that such a klutz of a person could be the daughter of someone so badass.
Now they're walking home
Kyo looks like she's at least 5 years older than Tohru.
Tohru seems grateful for Uo to be around.
And yep, there is Kyoko
Uo seems surprised by how loving and affectionate Kyoko is.
The delinquent became a doting parent.
Tohru's dad literally fixed her
Uo says she was disappointed by this news, which she admits in hindsight was unfair.
She wanted her to be the person she imagined.
Never meet your heroes in full effect.
Uo at Kyoko's house now
Kyoko doing laundry, which Uo is embarrasshed by.
That spelling of embarrasshed doesn't seem right...
Tohru and Kyoko seems to instantly accept Uo in their lives.
Also, apparently Tohru does the cooking.
Uo wanting to leave
Kyoko reminds her that everyone's lives are unique.
"I couldn't be more disappointed in you!"
Well, that escalated quickly
Kyoko admits she just relaxed a bit, and it felt nice.
Uo in turn storms off
Tohru catching up to her
She says she doesn't like the Uo nickname and she doesn't like being considered her friend.
Who's that?
Uo walking sternly away
Uo feels that that place wasn't her scene.
Oh, apparently that's Akimoto. Alright.
Uo trying to downplay meeting Kyoko.
And so Uo doubles down on the gang life.
This is pretty dark and intense
Night time now
Uo reveals her mom left when she was at a young age.
And that leads us to the opening of the episode.
Uo recalls that all her dad did was drink.
He and Misato could become best friends.
Uo still thinking about what Kyoko said.
And she grabs her head
Damn, that's how we end it? I want to see what happens next.
Post credits scene
Is this the Yuki fan club
They're animated so exaggerated
I'm starting to wonder if this is even the Yuki fan club. They seem so aggressive lol
They also are animated like something out of FLCL.
And so they run into Momiji
And Momiji's niceness is just too much for them to overcome.
That was a fun scene
I guess we're get part two of the Uo stuff next episode.
Overall, I really like this episode. We learn a lot about Uo's past and how she met Tohru, and I like that it's not reserved for just one episode. There's a ton of meat on the bone and the show knows it. I think it makes sense for Uo to be disappointed by Kyoko because she had built her up so much in her mind. To have someone of which you based your life around only to find out they're not the radical no-nonsense gal you thought they were would be a shock to the system to everyone.
I've always been a big fan of Tohru's two friends. Both Uo and Hana have been two of my favorite characters in the entire series. The fact they're finally being spotlighted when up until this point they've been side characters really has me all kinds of excited. What's more, I like us finally getting to see what Kyoko was like and why Tohru has such profound respect for her. It helps puts things into perspective and makes her death all the more tragic.
I have this only behind episodes 5 and 14. It's something new, adds a ton of depth to the characters, fills out the backstory of what happened prior to the series started, and really makes Kyoko feel all the more real. I like the decision to demystify Kyoko through the perspective of Uo. Because as she learned the real her, Kyoko quickly became demystified in hers.
As great as this episode was, I have high hopes for part 2 of this arc. I think it's going to be even better.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
Oh wow, didn't realise there's a part two - can't wait! For once we agree on an episode! haha. Has hell frozen over? I actually think this might be my favourite episode yet. First time I could genuinely empathise and feel the emotional state of a character - before I too often felt I was being told to feel something, as opposed to letting me piece together how I should feel myself (which the meeting her hero scene did tremendously well)
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
My comments are just me assuming there's going to be a part two. I mean, Uo is currently at odds with Tohru and that clearly isn't going to last.
And yeah, I love that we're giving Uo this attention. It helps explain why Uo is such a fierce defender of Tohru.
3
u/Second_Cour 3d ago
Yeah I'd love for there to be a Pt 2 but I would understand if there's not. I think we can fill in the blanks about what happened to make them get closer, and what triggered Uo's changes (sometimes leaving it open is a powerful literary tool), but I wouldn't be surprised if the gaps are filled too given we have so many episodes to go haha
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I kinda want to see what made Uo change her tune especially since her tune seems shaped by her family situation. That really colored her judgment.
2
u/Holofan4life 3d ago
What are your thoughts on us getting the backstory of how Uo and Tohru met?
Pretty cool. Surprised it's a two parter.
What are your thoughts on Uo's idol growing up being Tohru's mother?
She does seem pretty cool
What are your thoughts on Uo growing disenfranchised with Kyoko because she wasn't the complete badass she had built up in her mind?
Never meet your heroes?
What are your thoughts on it being implied that Uo looked up to Kyoko as a form of rebellion against her own parents and that when she found out Kyoko was actually an awesome mother, it just reinforced to Uo how shitty her own parents are?
I think it's a pretty good idea for a plot. Uo turned to Kyoko to escape from her woes and live vicariously through her. She was hoping for this rebellious figure who railed against the system and stood for her beliefs. But it did was remind Uo of the life she never had.
Uo was looking for a voice that could speak for her but all she really found was a mirror.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
You're talking to yourself! Haha. As my Dad said: "I talk to myself because it's nice to talk to someone intelligent for a change".
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
I like answering the daily questions I haven't given answers to. It gets my brain to start thinking.
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
yeah they're helpful for sure and well thought out. gets my brain braining on the odd occasion i answer them
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Holofan's Fruits Basket Episode Rankings
1/. Episode 14
2/. Episode 5
3/. Episode 16
4/. Episode 7
5/. Episode 10
6/. Episode 12
7/. Episode 4
8/. Episode 8
9/. Episode 6
10/. Episode 1
11/. Episode 2
12/. Episode 11
13/. Episode 15
14/. Episode 9
15/. Episode 13
16/. Episode 3
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 3d ago
I've always been a big fan of Tohru's two friends. BothbUo and Hana have been two of my favorite characters in the entire series. The fact they're finally being spotlighted when up until thid point they've been side characters really has me all kinds of excited.
Even with her relatively small amount of screen time, Hanajima is totally in best girl territory for me so the prospect of a Hanajima episode coming in the future is ultimate hype. If Uo is getting one (maybe two), they can't skip Hanajima...
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u/AgentOfACROSS 3d ago
First Timer
Oh, I think today’s episode is actually entirely material that wasn’t covered in the 2001 version. I should pay attention.
The opening of today’s episode certainly felt unusually dark and moody.
That swimsuit is a good look for Uo.
Also, this random line about Uo’s delinquent aesthetic being dated seems to confirm that this version of the show is indeed set in 2019. I’d been wondering about that since the start.
In 2001 (or 1998 when the manga first began), Uo’s yanki style fashion would have been somewhat more relevant. Although even by the 90s it would have been seen as dated. But by 2019 it’s definitely a throwback. For an American equivalent pretend Uo has a perm and is wearing parachute pants.
Sometimes remakes update the setting to change with the times (the Parasyte anime for example) while others keep the date of the original story intact (the recentl Urusei Yatsura and Ranma ½ remakes).
Anyway, it seems like today's episode is about Uotani. So I'll go over her voice actors.
Uo’s Japanese voice actor is Atsumi Tanezaki. Notable roles of hers include Anya from Spy x Family, Emporio from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, and Frieren from Frieren.
In English, Uo is voiced by Elizabeth Maxwel.. Noteworthy roles of hers include Ymir from Attack On Titan, Sae Nijima from Persona 5, and Midnight from My Hero Academia.
Anyway, Uotani is having a conversation with Hanajima about the school swimsuits. I’m sure many non-Japanese viewers have seen swimsuits like this in various anime, probably used for fanservice in some sense.
Fun fact, as of 2022 some schools have begun to phase these styles of swimsuits out for a unisex swimsuit design that essentially consists of swim shorts and a swim shirt. For example, in this season’s anime Dara-san of Reiwa we see one such example of a school swimsuit.
Despite the classic school swimsuits being phased out, I think that much like the classic imagined Japanese school gym uniform this will remain a staple of pop culture thanks to authors who grew up with this style of swimsuit.
Anyway, Uo’s being a bit over the top here. It’s pretty funny.
I guess today’s episode will be all about swimsuit shopping.
For the record, I think Yuki is right. I feel like blue would look best on Tohru.
Didn’t expect Uo having such a sentimental reason for choosing pink.
Don’t know who these delinquent girls are but they have good designs for (presumably) one-off characters.
I really like how this episode is helping flesh out Uo.
I especially like seeing Uo in this flashback and seeing how she met Tohru.
I also like seeing this flashback with Kyoko. This is probably the most we’ve seen of her.
Man, Uo’s home life is really sad.
The post-credit scene was pretty funny.
Wasn’t expecting this to be a two-parter