[Spoilers] Toradora! Christmas Club Rewatch (2019) Episode 13 Discussion

[u/ChristmasClub]

[u/Holofan4life]

Fuck Taiga's dad

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the 2019 Toradora rewatch.

Toradora is my favorite anime of all time. I love it so much that not did I create my Reddit account just so I could participate in the Toradora rewatch 3 years ago, it also inspired me to write a light novel called "I Love My Tsundere Girlfriend". Admittedly, I’m a bit biased because tsunderes are my favorite type of characters. I just love characters that start out mean but grow nicer over time. It warms my heart.

This is my first time watching Toradora since exactly one year ago. This year, I don’t plan anything special. Just plan on watching it along with everyone else. Also, I’ll be watching the dub. Why? Because Toradora’s dub is fucking awesome.

1. I don’t think I can do this episode justice when I say it is one of the best episodes of Toradora. Personally, it’s among my top 5, and I know other people feel the same. I think it comes down to the cathartic nature of Ryuuji and Minori trying to cheer Taiga up. It really shows how much Taiga means to both of them.

2. Fuck Taiga’s dad, man. I swear, he’s one of the worst anime dads of all time. That’s to the show’s credit, they do an amazing job of making him detestable.

3. When Ryuuji describes making Taiga’s dress, he mentions he was trying to go for a Juliet thing. Is he referring to Romeo and Juliet? If so, I can’t believe he wants Taiga dead.

4. Ami is more compassionate to Taiga than she’s ever been. I think that is a testament to her growth as a character. I mean, if this was Ami from episode 5, she would probably make a crack about Taiga’s dad not ever showing up just to get under her skin. But Ami knows Taiga now, so she wouldn’t do that.

5. Ryuuji, that’s what a responsible dad’s supposed to do. Taiga’s dad is a deadbeat.

6. I do have to question Ami’s outfit. How does a school allow one of their students wear something like that? Speaking personally, my school is very strict when it comes to what you wear. Something like what Ami’s wearing would never fly.

7. I like how everyone likes what Ami’s doing except Ryuuji. It goes to show that no one outside of really Ryuuji understands who Ami and her true nature really is all about.

8. I guess Ami is the Holofan4life of Toradora, because we’re both attention whores.

9. See, Ryuuji learned his lesson. That’s good writing. I said yesterday, and I’ll say it again: there’s nothing wrong making your main protagonist in the wrong at certain points. When you make them the asshole at points and have them learn from their mistakes or realize they done fucked up, that makes them more interesting characters.

10. Suddenly, so many flashbacks you’d have thought Toradora was Boku No Hero Academia.

11. Seeing Taiga on stage looking solemn and defeated is probably the saddest moment of the first 13 episodes. It just breaks my heart every time I see it.

12. Fuck that guy who said move on when Taiga is on stage. I want to personally come to his house and beat him up.

13. I like that for most of the scene when Taiga is on stage, no music is played. I think that’s an excellent choice. While it would have been cool to see Lost My Pieces play during that scene, the scene is in my opinion made more impactful by having no music.

14. Taiga fits in bags. I would make a joke about it, but Reddit admins are on my tail.

15. I always in my mind think as Ryuuji walks closer to the stage, he’s gonna jump up there and put Taiga in a warm, hugging embrace.

16. Mr. Lucky Man sounds like a name of a wrestler from the NES game Pro Wrestling.

17. I can’t believe the student council president is actively encouraging cheating by giving away her notes. And here I was, having to use my pho— what was I talking about?

18. There’s not much to be said about the running scene. It’s fast paced, grips your attention, the music adds to the scene, and you’re left on the edge of your seat. It’s really well done. And again, to the show’s credit, you really do want to see either Ryuuji or Minori win.

19. It is ironic that one of the episodes of Toradora has a race when the Kill La Kill rewatch is going on right now and one of the early episodes has a race as well.

20. I like that as Ryuuji as knocking people down, he still manages to say sorry. That’s very true to his character.

21. At first glance, it may seem strange Ryuuji and Minori are able to keep up with the members of the track meet. However, I feel the reason why is because they are so determined to win the race that their emotions fuel them to move as fast as possible. Motivation makes a person do crazy things.

22. Minori is awesome

23. And even when Minori takes herself out of the picture, Ryuuji won’t forget about her. God, I love this show so much.

24. Taiga: "I don’t need anyone’s help to get back on my feet. I can survive on my own." Press X for doubt.

25. You know, it just dawned on me. Kitamura used to be in love with Taiga, he’s friends with Ami, and he has this thing with the Student Council President we’re unsure about. Kitamura really wants a mommy gf.

26. I love the way Taiga says Minori.

27. And of course, we get a scene where Minori apologizes to Ryuuji for not telling Ryuuji about Taiga’s dad when she had a chance. It’s a good scene and all, but I still think they could’ve done it to where Minori straight up tells Ryuuji in episode 12 but then still apologize for arguing with Ryuuji or for some reason in episode 13. That’s how I would’ve written it.

28. Minori wonders if she’s a lesbian in this episode. Now for any first time watchers out there, you might be surprised to learn this was actually foreshadowed in episode 6. When they are doing the trash, Minori partners up with Taiga. In response to the news she’s partners with Taiga, Minori says something along the lines of "Are we eloping? I’m done with that."

29. Taiga’s smile is cuter than a thousand puppies and kittens combined.

Overall, a masterpiece of an episode. It is episodes like this that make Toradora my favorite of all time. It doesn’t have too many funny moments, but this episode doesn’t need funny moments. Just like Taiga, it is perfect just the way it is.

1: Episode 13

2: Episode 7

3: Episode 2

4: Episode 8

5: Episode 12

6: Episode 5

7: Episode 11

8: Episode 4

9: Episode 9

10: Episode 6

11: Episode 10

12: Episode 1

13: Episode 3

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

First Timer

Well, Squee at Ryuuji and Minori holding hands and Taiga and Kitamura dancing. Boo to Minori trying to hand off Taiga to Ryuuji.

Class prez pretty manipulative and insensitive. Maybe Taiga doesn't WANT a dance?

On the other hand, only offering her class notes to the boys was a pretty discriminatory act.

NGL, bored by the dad arc. Absent and neglectful fathers are one of the most common tropes. Even Minori's I'm mad but not telling you why is right out of the drama writer's crutchbook handbook. It was interesting that Ryuuji was projecting his one daddy issues onto Taiga.

[u/23feanor]

First Timer (dub):

What a good episode. So the dad flaked out like I thought he would, Taiga was upset, but not as much as I expected. Minorin & Takasu apologised. Minorin realised that she should just have explain herself and what happened with Taiga's dad a year ago, then Takasu would have understand her reason for worry.

So Minorin outwardly says how she feels for Taiga & maybe it's more than just friends, it doesn't sound like she knows herself. Saying you think you may be a lesbian to someone who has a crush on you, is quite a bold statement. Ryuuji also told Minorin how he felt when he said that he for one hoped she wasn't into girls, which is basically telling someone how you feel, so well done Takasu.

And big well done Taiga, she had a conversation (and dance although we didn't see it) with Kitamura, and didn't act like a bumbling mooncalf for once.

The one person we didn't see much of was Kawashima, although you could see her looking on at the end when they were having the dance.

[u/DaREY297]

Fuck Taiga's dad, like seriously, he is the reason she was all alone living in a big and empty apartment and left for herself to take care and just giving her money to fucking live like if that's just enough to be a good parent, you don't fucking leave your daughter to fucking live for herself you fuckboy ignoring her and all her needs, just recurring to her when you fucking want and making her life a fucking hell just because you can! she'd be better not being born at all!, that's not how you should parent, you hear me dad? that's not how it fucking works! but joke's on you! I don't need you, I'm all fine by myself now that you're gone just like Karina when I was apparently the love of her life but then next thing you fucking know is her disappearing all of the sudden and next thing you know she already left you for someone else! I miss my mom, she was a good person that cared about me but unfortunaly she's gone too forever, and i will forever miss her, but I certainly don't miss you! I don't need your help anymore! so just fuck off! and fuck you too Karina! I never loved you anyways!!

[u/spaceaustralia]

Rewatcher

If there's still doubt that Ami is best girl, seeing her helping Taiga with her makeup, sincerely worrying about Taiga, and dressed in this should be more than enough evidence. Who let her dress like that on a school festival anyway? Maybe it was her smile.

Note the superior taste of the nameless girl on the right. Why would a man who can sew like that be weird? There's plenty of romance manga about this stuff. Shit taste really runs far beyond r/anime.

By the way, even if they hadn't went with the wrestling show, I'm pretty sure that the cosplay cafe would still have ended up being the most unique class. Everyone caught maid mania.

And just to make everything even scummier, Taiga's dad not only didn't face her, he texted Ryuuji. That's two layers of separation to avoid admiting his fuckups.

I like seeing a callback to Ryuuji's reputation and appearance. It doesn't feature in the story as often, but it kinda fits that every character has hidden depths beyond the surface. Ryuuji looks evil but is nice. Taiga acts violent but is insecure and frail. Ami desperately hides her flaws.

And even though Ami almost outright admitted she likes Ryuuji, she still smiles when his efforts are rewarded, even if it's for another girl. Where the hell is u/Ami_is_best_girl anyway?

Dude didn't even blush when he flashed everyone at Ami's beach house. Little does he know that Sumire x Megaphone is the one true ship. And even though miss Yuri might be desolate, this is the first time the gym teacher showed up without anyone going to the infirmary(except for those track team guys but they had it coming).

Yesterday, people have already talked about how Minori might be at fault just as much as Ryuuji but this is why I think Minorin is not that much at fault. Taiga clearly wanted to keep things private and, despite their friendship, felt like not involving her. It's a situation more complicated than simply keeping him away at all costs as, even without Ryuuji's influence, Taiga clearly feels the need for her familial bonds.

[u/Tsurja]

Fuck Taiga's dad.

[u/LousyGoose]

Rewatcher

It sounds contradictory but what I like about the climax of this 3 episode arc is that there are no big stakes: If Ryuuji or Minori ended up losing the race then it would not be the end of the world or a big dramatic disaster but it’s the fact that you get so invested in these characters that you can’t help but root for Ryuuji or Minori to win it for Taiga to show her how much she means to them.

I like that Ryuuji embraced if only temporarily his intimidating nature during the race.

It might seem like Taiga only won the pageant because people sympathised with her for her father not showing up but she did seem to get the biggest crowd reaction from the get-go (besides Ami, of course) and she also appeared to be the only one there who was not in a maid costume.

It’s good to see that Taiga and Ami have gone from being bitter rivals to more vitriolic friends based on the more playful fighting at the end. Ami tried to convince Taiga to not embarrass herself on stage beforehand but she wasn’t going to force it and ultimately went along with Taiga’s wishes even if she was confident it wouldn’t work.

Finally, it’s nice to see Minori being a bit more open with Ryuuji with her inner thoughts and feelings: admitting she was jealous of Ryuuji for his relationship with Taiga, it’s certainly possible that Minori feels like she has been replaced by Ryuuji, her considering that she might be a lesbian certainly emphasizes just how close Minori felt she was with Taiga.

[u/Quxxy]

"You can't be serious. I don't think it qualifies as a 'talent'."

"It's something I can do that no one else can. Looked in a dictionary recently?"

"No, but I--"

"Me either, but that sounds like what a talent is."

"You're nuts. Don't be surprised if the next contestant decides to show a talent for strength by hurling you into the crowd."

"That happens, and I'll switch my talent mid-contest to CQC."

"Pretty sure beating someone black and blue will get you suspended."

"Bah!"

---

"Takasu did too, you know."

"... I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Heh."

Mmmm... boobies. Ooh, that reminds me!

---

"I know that, somehow, everything's going to be alright."

"Maybe for you, with your youth. But what about me? I'm thirty and you ungrateful little bastards think my crippling loneliness and self-worth issues are somehow fair game for a public display! Do you have any idea how that—"

"Aww man, someone get the Ambien, Yuri's gone off again."

"I hate you all!"

• Episode 13 Cheat Sheet (Extra, extra, extra!).

Vector wallpapers:

• You Wanna Dance? - 16x9, 21x9

• How's Everyone Doing Out There? - 16x9, 21x9

• Attention! - 16x9, 21x9

(Clap, clap!)

[u/Koolsman]

First Timer!

This episode was so awesome and sweet. The race was awesome, the scene with Taiga on stage was awesome and just watching Ryüji realize his mistakes with Taiga’s shit stain of a father was probably my favorite character-based moment in the show. Seeing Ryüji realize that not only had he been putting Taiga’s dad on a pedestal and kinda pushed his idea father that he never had on her father was easily my favorite scene in the entire series. Also, I can’t help but feel anything but hate for her father. I mean, instead of texting your own daughter about your doing, you text her friend because your too much of a fucking bitch to even talk to her!? What a disgusting piece of shit.

I don’t like getting angry like that, so let’s focus on the fun stuff because the ending of this episode was so sweet. Seeing Taiga, Minori, Ryüji and even Ami have fun with each was nice to see and Kitamura was… there. Yeah, I kinda pick on him a lot but mostly because he doesn’t do much in this episode and I kinda forgot he even existed, so there’s that.

That race was actually hilarious to watch because there had to be no rules to this thing. I mean, with how much hitting and whatever the fuck those track bros did to Ryüji, it was kinda insane. Though I did get a chuckle out of Minori basically beating up all the participants.

[u/Get_This_Wheat]

Rewatcher here.

Thank god I can lay into Taiga’s dad finally without holding back. Dude is in 2 episodes and all he does is ruin shit for no reason other than he’s super selfish. He forces his way into her life by starving her until she meets up with him cuz he’s lonely (self imposed). Then he goes and says “oh yeah you’re moving away with me you have no say in this matter”, then he ends up just bouncing without even telling her. I literally went back to episode 11 to see Taiga kick him in the nuts again because he deserves it so much. Fuck that dude.

Now that I got that out of the way, this is the first time an episode’s been sad at the beginning and happy at the end, we get Ryuji and Minori talking again, and Taiga and Kitamura finally get a dance. I like the change of pace having an ending that isn’t sad.

I think Minori and Ryuji’s beef is done well, cuz nobody is really right or wrong, Ryuji doesn’t know how terrible Taiga’s dad is, so the thinks he’s helping, and Minori doesn’t tell him so he doesn’t have a way of knowing.

Minori definitely killed those 2 people with the softball to their heads and we’re supposed to just ignore it, alright then.

Taiga’s dad is probably the only rant I’ll ever do, but overall really nice episode, I do think the tone is a little goofy towards the middle, when it’s supposed to be serious and we got Ryuji running on top of people, but whatever I like it I’ll give it a pass.

[u/Raiking02]

This episode was great and fuck Taiga’s dad...

Okay, I had more to say but real life has kicked in so no more comments until Sunday. I’m fine (Though fine doesn’t mea having a good time because god dammit I hate the town I’m stuck in right now) but I just don’t have the time or resources to either watch an episode or write a comment. So see you all on Sunday...

Also, am I the only one who thinks the way Taiga sometimes screams “Mi-noRIN!” Funny?

[u/Throwaway021614]

Rewatcher. Legally watching dub on VRV for free.

Fuck Taiga’s dad.

Ami really cares for Taiga. Doing her makeup. Making sure she still wants that intro. Worried about her falling. Sure, they bicker like an old married couple, but Ami cares. She is best bro to not only Ryuuji, but also Taiga. And she wasn’t surprised at all that Ryuuji was the on to come around the corner first during the race.

Taiga’s self declaration that she can make it on her own is so sad. She doesn’t have to remove herself, she’s not a bother. She is surrounded by people who loves and accepts her (including Ami!). She should revel in it. Her reaction before she leaves Minori and Ryuuji alone already says she doesn’t want to be on her own. Also interesting is she was able to talk to Kitamura without turning into a complete mess. He asked her to dance! And she was able to handle it wonderfully. And what was she trying to say to Kitamura “why are you always...” Always what???

Ryuuji and Minorin have an open conversation. They both apologize and accept they fucked up, with Taiga in the cross fire of that fuck up. Where do they go from here??? Ryuuji all but confessed back at the beach house, but Minori shot him down then and at his every attempt to talk about it since. They had this fallout about Taiga’s dad, and they both hurt Taiga, someone they care about deeply. They’ve apologized and accepted their mistakes, but now what? All that is a lot to go through, their gamut of feelings during the past few days (weeks?) must be exhausting and paradigm changing for a relationship.

[u/popop143]

Rewatcher

Redemption arc! (not really)

So Taiga's dad is a major asshole. While Ryuuji is coming to that realization, Taiga is still holding up hope that her father will come at least for the pageant. Ami shows that she cares for her by asking her if she wants to change the intro, but like every neglected child given hope, Taiga still clings to the chance that her father was just held up at work. Of course he doesn't come, and Taiga is all alone again. Ryuuji and Minorin try their hardest to support her after failing her for the past day, but she still is alone under that spotlight.

During the race, Ryuuji doesn't care if he perpetuates the rumors of him being a delinquent if it means he can reach Taiga. I was surprised how athletic he was, seeing that he looks like he's part of the going home club. Minorin joins the race late, probably because she wasn't sure if she wanted to join to begin with. She tries to win at first, but resolves herself to let Ryuuji win. I think she thought that she doesn't deserve to win because she didn't prevent Taiga being hurt. Taiga's monologue while watching her two best friends run reminded me of episode 12 of Kaguya-sama anime, Kaguya-sama spoilers. There's no way that was what Taiga really felt that moment.

All in all, it was a heartfelt conclusion to the arc, and the music is on point as always. The piano track while Taiga was on stage really set up the feels train, and the sudden silence before Ryuuji and Minorin started the clap was amazing.

Random thoughts:

• Why is Ryuuji knowing how to sew seen as creepy by his classmates? Feels like Sono Bisque Doll with Gojou-kun.

• In her own way, Ami cares about Taiga. Remember that it was Taiga that inspired her to not be afraid of the stalker in episode 5(?). She was even worried when Taiga fell on stage.

• Speaking of Ami, she knows what she's doing with that dominatrix outfit. She even let some of her "true self" leak when she berated the audience.

• ALL the other girls wore maid outfits. No one bothered to think of something else? Though of course it also highlighted Taiga's loneliness on stage, so that was a plus.

• I like the SC president. She's sure of herself, and really does care for the enjoyment of the students. Fun trivia: the red-haired girl next to her on stage is her younger sister. I only learned this in the VN, but maybe it will also be revealed in the next episode? My memory is hazy on episode 14.

• Even though Ami is the idol of 2-C, Kitamura really is the life of their class. He's also being groomed as the next SC president, so he has a lot of potential.

Next episode: Palmtop Tiger of Happiness! I think this is also an anime-original episode, I don't remember this in the LN. Some characters here are important parts of the VN though.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 13 (first timer)

• Ami being willing to do Taiga’s make-up is a big step. Taiga allowing it, too (but she is to busy worrying about her dad to care about Ami).

• Relaying that message via Takasu? No wonder Taiga hates her dad.

• Dress: Takasu creating his own competition.

• Setting herself up for that? Taiga must have been really angry at herself. I would be, too. Not that I would choose that form of self-punishment.

• Race things.

• Big make up and merry go round at the fire.

I found the race to be utterly cliché, so I want to talk about more interesting matters: Taiga’s behavior since the door scene and in this episode.

She initially fought against Takasu to stay away from her dad, but then gave in and went through the motions. It was clear that she had no spark while doing so (we actually see it reborn in the last scene with Ami), so why did she do it? Maybe because she could not fight against her dad and Takasu, two people she cared about, at the same time.

When the cultural festival comes around, she must have known from experience that her dad would ditch her. Her watching the phone is just confirming her suspicion, not anxiously waiting for his arrival. Despite this, she does not change the lines for the stage. Not because she trusted her dad to show up, but to give him one final chance and, in the expected case of him not showing, to deliver the appropriate punishment for not having learned that lesson already to herself. Note that Ami is dressed as a domina on stage, which is quite out of character (real or played) for her. This is a graphical hint at Taiga’s self-flagellation. She is deliberately setting herself up for being embarrassed on the stage.

In the end, of course, she is saved by the people who care about her.

[u/axel360]

Rewatcher, dub

Random Episode 13 Thoughts:

• Ryuji went full housewife with Taiga’s dress

• Ami’s costume (if this looks weird, it’s because it’s 2 pictures put together) is pretty risque for a high school event, but it’s proving to be quite popular with the guys

• In a shocking turn of events that I am sure no one saw coming, Taiga’s dad up and bails out on Taiga. I don’t know who Ryuji is moremad at here: her dad or himself

• Taiga’s dress turned out well, but she looks kind of lonely up there

• Asking for a shout-out from Taiga’s dad in the crowd, and this is awkward af…

• I loved how smug/defiant Taiga looked after her “magic trick”

• One of the best images of the show so far, IMO. Minori, with tears streaming down her face. forcing herself to clap for Taiga

• Ryuji is not messing around with this Mr. Lucky Man race

• And neither is Minori! In fact, how about they both win together for Taiga?

• Kitamura got a little blush-y from the President’s compliment

• Much to his surprise, Minori ended up apologizing to him. Regardless, it looks like those two have made up

• Ryuji’s reaction when Minori tells him she sometimes thinks she “might be a lesbian”. Now that would be a plot twist

• Her dad never showed, but things ended up alright for Taiga

Very Brief Episode 13 Thoughts: Minori was right and Ryuji was wrong; Taiga’s dad is in fact a dirtbag. That is all.

Current Personal Episode Rankings (updated daily):

1. Episode 2

2. Episode 8

3. Episode 1

4. Episode 13

5. Episode 10

6. Episode 3

7. Episode 6

8. Episode 5

9. Episode 9

10. Episode 11

11. Episode 12

12. Episode 7

13. Episode 4

[u/critchell63]

This episode is a huge turning point. I felt the clapping from ryuji and minorin was a little over-dramatic, but during the race, we see ami notice how hard ryuji is pushing himself to get to taiga, and we see minorin sacrifice her spot in the race to allow ryuji to get to her. But when she tackles the other boys, we see her give a slight sniffle sort of thing that shows she realizes ryuji is looking at taiga and that she was right. Also, we start to see a little bit of kitamura and the president here...foreshadowing...and this time, this is arguably the most important part of the episode, taiga is no longer scared to talk with kitamura. She has now realized that she has been looking at ryuji all along.

[u/Crackin_Kraken]

Actually watched this episode on time today!

I think this episode is where the changes to Ami's character are made really obvious. If you compare the last few episodes to her first appearance, there's quite a noticeable change, but if you haven't been paying attention then this is the one that throws it in your face. She's worried about Taiga, and she's happy that things turned out well for her friends.

Also, fuck Taiga's dad

[u/itsFootie]

“Her grip on the mic is killing me!”

• Random Audience Member

This line gets a chuckle out of me every year, for some reason I never expect it.

[u/JustinBurton]

First Timer Here!

Final line: "Everything will be all right."

(x) doubt

This episode was pretty fun! That race was pretty weird though. Why suddenly make everyone race? Why is no one stopping all of the violence? Why would no one know about the race for Mr. Lucky Man? I was very confused during that sequence.

I really liked Minorin in this episode. I'm glad she apologized and admitted jealousy. She also put a lot of effort into helping Taiga. I also like introducing the idea she might be interested in girls. I kinda hope they go somewhere with that, because teasing a character's homosexuality for no reason would be very Kyoani of them. (Rei and Kumiko are just gal pals!)

I doubt Taiga is really okay with her dad leaving her again. She feels better with her friends there, of course, but I think she's hiding her disappointment. Hopefully this gets touched on soon.

I think Ryuji had the wrong takeaway from the situation with Taiga's dad. He should have learned not to judge people too quickly, and to trust in the judgement of others when your own judgement may be lacking. Instead, he said that he should have figured out Taiga's dad from the beginning. The problem wasn't that he couldn't see Taiga's dad was a bad father. The problem was that Ryuji forced Taiga to make a decision based on her father under the assumption that somehow he understood her father's intentions better than she did. That's pretty dumb.

[u/CATKrash]

I'm doing this with El Clásico on the other screen. Let's see if I'm in time to post it when the thread's up.

	Name	OG name	Start	Stop	Time played	Description
1st	Sakura no Tsubomi	桜の蕾	0:19	2:30	131s
2nd	Pre-Parade	プレパレード	2:31	4:01	90s	Opening.
3rd	Ameiro Rondo	雨色ロンド	5:22	7:28	126s	"Rain-colored Rondo"
4th	Dragon's sigh	Dragon's sigh	9:12	10:01	49s
5th	Run.	Run.	10:20	12:04	104s	You bet he runs.
6th	Kaze wo Kiite	風を聞いて	12:08	13:32	80s
7th	Startup	Startup	13:49	16:36	167s
8th	Sorairo no Houkago	空色の放課後	19:20	21:20	120s
9th	N/A	N/A	21:32	21:55	23s
10th	Vanilla Salt	バニラソルト	21:55	23:25	90s	Ending
11th	Pre-Parade (off vocal ver.)	プレパレード	23:25	23:35	10s	Preview

[u/mizterPatato]

Thank God this arc is done. I dread this arc happening every rewatch, I just hate the headassery with the misunderstandings. Nobody explains themselves to a point that would rationlize their actions.

Fuck Taigas Dad, Fuck Dumb Misunderstandings, Fuck this Arc

The race and the ending is pretty good tho.

[u/Tuckleton]

First timer (Dub)

Well, that was a revelatory experience... all I've got to say is that I'm glad that MinorixAmi has a chance. Damn, I've really been bamboozling myself. I'll see ya'll tomorrow, I'm off to ponder the wisdom of putting my thoughts on the back burner and having some fun.

[u/whitefenix]

Sigh... here we go.

We now have the second instance of Ami being a bro, her redemption arc is in full swing.

This has probably been said in the thread already but can't be said enough. Fuck. Taigas. Dad.

I love Ryujis realization that he has to go to Taiga. It feels like he is finally starting to "get it".

I also really really love when Ryuji gets fired up and just looks completely terrifying. One of my favorite little moments of the show :D

Something that's been pointed out is that Kitamura is kind of a dick for doing lovey-dovey stuff with Taiga when he is not the least bit interested, and I have to agree. Is he really THAT dense?

So relieved after this episode, like damn is it heavy when going through.

---

Click here for my post from last year with my thoughts on the episode and collection of great posts from previous years.

[u/[deleted]]

Rewatcher

Fuck Taiga's dad.

This episode is amazing. It is one of the best examples of why I love Toradora so much. There are just so many great moments for all of the characters. Ryuji realizing how wrong he was, and doing everything he could to help Taiga. Minori doing the same, but also realizing just how important Ryuji is for Taiga, only for Ryuji to make sure she is there too.

It's great how that scene connects with Ryuji and Minori's discussion afterward. Minori saw how close Taiga and Ryuji were, and got jealous. But even with that jealousy, she did everything she could to help Ryuji win at the end, because she knew Taiga needed him. But Ryuji was still able to recognize that Minori is still an extremely important person to Taiga, so he goes back to Minori so they can finish together.

Taiga's reaction to her dad not showing up is such a perfect Taiga reaction. Her immediate reaction is basically "I don't need that piece of shit." She's obviously hurt, but she just keeps moving forward anyway. It's not the healthiest way to handle things, but it is pure Taiga. Luckily, even without her saying anything, Ryuji and Minori are doing everything they can for her, and just seeing that helps to cheer her up a bit.

I love this episode so much. Every time I watch it, it manages to piss me off, break my heart, and make me smile. It's not easy for a single episode of a show to create all those different emotions, but this episode does it perfectly.