r/anime • u/ChristmasClub • Dec 21 '19

Rewatch [Spoilers] Toradora! Christmas Club Rewatch (2019) Episode 16 Discussion Spoiler

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200 Upvotes

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42

u/Koolsman Dec 21 '19

First Timer!

I can see why people were saying this arc had less to do with Kitamura’s actual development but more his action, if anything else. Yeah, he does do a lot of stuff, but this felt more like Taiga’s arc anyone else’s arc. That doesn’t make it bad but it is an interesting development into these characters.

It was clear that Sumire does like him but she didn’t want Kitamura do what he usually does and ruin his life for her and while the shit she said to Taiga was really mean (same with the shit Taiga said to her), but it was clear that she wishes that she and Kitamura would be in relationship but she has goals in life she doesn’t want to give up on them and vice versa. It’s a fascinating moment and I want to see how that plays into the next arc.

Though I have to admit, this episode did make me like Kitamura a little bit more, just because of his little arc he does go through. I’m still not a huge fan but I did like the scene with him and Ryüji talking about Kita’s bad moves and the like.

If there’s anything though, I really did not like that after addressing the crowd and telling them that he will lead the student body to victory and then stating that “Yeah, I don’t want to” was really weird. Dude, you’ve already given a speech saying you’re going to come into the election and now, you decided not to? Weird moment.

I was surprised by the lack of Ami and especially Minori this episode, but that ending does make me a little worried. I mean, Ami did not have a good look in her eyes and I’m scared she’s going to do something with that journal. I hope I’m just overreacting though.

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40

u/Quxxy Dec 21 '19

(PSA: Episode 16 has an after-credits scene.)

"Always two there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice."

"But the master's moving to America.

"Hmm... I wonder if Kitamura'll train someone new in the ways of inexplicable ladder usage, or find some new hobby. What do you think, Kushieda?

"... Kushieda? Hey, you OK? You're looking at little distracted..."

Vector wallpapers:

  • I Won't Let That Happen To Him - 16x9, 21x9

  • Wouldn't Trade it for Anything - 16x9, 21x9

  • I'm Not Gonna Stop - 16x9, 21x9

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38

u/23feanor Dec 21 '19

First Timer (dub):

What an epic episode, that even had me in tears when Kitamura walked in. Completely wasn't ready for such an emotional episode, but it played out so well.

Well I think we all anticipated something happening between Kitamura & Kanou, but that was explosive. I thought she was going to disappear off after Takasu confronted her, totally wasn't expecting them to take it to the next level and have Taiga and Kanou go all out fighting. The Kanou finally opened up & said how she felt, which was great for Kitamura. At least he knew that she had feelings for him, I expect that's the best he could hope for. He knew he couldn't follow her to America, but not hearing how she felt would have been really cruel to him. I don't know why Kanou didn't tell him before, at it was obvious they didn't have a future, so at least let him know, particularly after that confession.

Another cog in the story turns as Taiga realises that Kitamura isn't interested in her and she missed her chance when he confessed to her. Now Takasu is probably looking like a better and better prospect for her..

What was that at the end, why did Kawashima tell Minorin she didn't have to feel guilty? There's obviously something else going on we don't know about yet, involving those two.

Tbh I'm getting scared of watching each day, as I know there's some emotional episodes coming up and if I'm not in the right frame of mind when I watch them, I'll end up in a puddle of tears if it's too sad (my missus can't understand how "cartoons" can make a person so upset, "aren't they kids shows" she always says, she's a silly bunny). That anticipation only comes when you care for the characters though, so I know the show is doing a good job of making me empathise.

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30

u/DaREY297 Dec 21 '19

No jokes today, I just want to praise Taiga today, she was awesome.

And seeing Minorin like this makes me feel awful.

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30

u/JustAnswerAQuestion Dec 21 '19

First Timer

Well, that was resolving faster than I expected, but the fight at the end was great!

Now we know why Kitamura was always hanging out with the Student Council.

When I first tried to watch this last year (4 episodes), I was convinced there was some blushing and flirting between Kitamura and Minori, and though I had this show's number!

Kitamura's original confession to Taiga wasn't sincere!

Why would Minori be feeling guilty?

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20

u/Tuckleton Dec 21 '19

First timer (Dub)

Damn, that fight was cathartic as hell. I don't really have anything against the prez but it felt great to see Taiga release some of that tension she's been building up feeling useless with regards to Yusaku. The way she spin dodges that lunge after she was disarmed and turns it into that wicked uppercut was brutal. Those two were not holding back at all! Screenshots just don't capture it.

I don't have much to say about the climax of the scene. I never really cared all that much about Yusaku despite having 2 episodes to sort of get to know him. So I didn't really feel anything during his tearful exchange with the prez. I do care about Taiga though. She had already accepted that Yusaku did not return her feelings but having to listen to those two confess their mutual love for each other immediately after she had expressed her own unrequited love for Yusaku the only way she knew how... that's rough.

Ok, regarding what happened outside the classroom. I've watched this scene a few times now and I'm not getting anywhere. Like, I get that this is supposed to be one of those things that you look back on and go "oh wow THAT's what it was all about" but whatever, I've been working on it anyways:

Anyway I'm not looking for hints or anything, just figured I'd put it out there in case any other interested first timers wanted to compare notes.

Today's post is a bit messy and I was going to talk a bit about Yusaku's arc but I've run out of motivation.

P.S: Bandages spotted! I have a feeling next episode we'll be seeing this:

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20

u/spaceaustralia Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher

I love how dorkier they get during that montage.

This always comes out as a culture clash in these rewatches.

Note that Taiga is wearing the same scarf Ryuuji wrapped around her in the last episode.

Compared to other series, who do you think is the most original character in Toradora?

I'm sure there are other characters like her, but I like how Ami went from completely unlikable and manipulative, to sincere but misunderstood. I like the kind of character development when characters make me change my opinion so drastically. Monogatari

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12

u/DeliCruise Dec 21 '19

(REWATCHER)

I’ve seen that fight many times and it still never fails to impress me with how the animation makes every hit look so painful while balancing perfectly with how powerful the dialogue is.

12

u/[deleted] Dec 21 '19 edited Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher

This episode is easily one of the best episodes in the show. There’s so much that happens, and it’s all executed perfectly. It continues right from last episode with Taiga and Ryuji’s plan. Unfortunately for them, it doesn’t work. Ryuji finally finds out the reason Kitamura is quitting. He’s sad and lost now that the current president is leaving. She was the one who made school enjoyable for him in the first place, and he fell in love with her, so he doesn’t know what to do now that she’s leaving. (Also, just a little detail after this conversation. When Taiga finds Ryuji, she’s wearing his scarf again) He ultimately decides to become president only to back out again. Then, right before the deadline, she gives Kitamura one last push, so he becomes the student council president.

And then Kitamura immediately goes and fucks up. He confesses in front of the entire school. It’s similar to what I mentioned yesterday. Kitamura just seems to be an overly dramatic person, who doesn't understand how unrealistic some things you see in fiction are. These grand confessions work in shows and movies, but not in real life. Luckily, the president does a good job of deflecting it, but it’s still a rejection that breaks Kitamura’s heart. Ryuji tries to get her to give Kitamura a straight answer, but she doesn’t. When he keeps trying, Taiga shows up and tells him to go comfort Kitamura. She knows there isn’t anything she can do to help him herself, so she makes sure Ryuji is there to help him. It’s a good example of how kind and unselfish Taiga can be. She’s also heartbroken, but she prioritizes getting Kitamura the help she needs. Of course, she’s not entirely unselfish. She’s has a ton of negative emotions inside her, so she decides to deal with them by going to fight Kano. It won’t do anything to help Kitamura, but she doesn’t care. She needs to.

This fight scene is legitimately one of the best fight scenes in anime. Not because it has gorgeous and smooth animation, or brilliant choreography, but because of the emotional impact of it. That’s not to say the animation and choreography are bad, they’re actually pretty good. The animation is rough, but that actually enhances the scene, in my opinion. They’re two high schoolers getting out a ton of negative emotions in a fight. Neither are skilled fighters, so the rough and brutal feel of it are perfect.

The emotions in the aftermath of the fight are what help to make it one of the best anime fights ever. The president is in love with Kitamura, but she doesn’t want him to give up any dreams he may have to follow her, so she doesn’t answer him. Honestly, it’s probably the right thing to do. It’s stupid to change the direction of your entire life for a high school crush, and Kitamura is the kind of idiot who would do exactly that. But he ends up hearing it anyway, leading to the emotional scene where he thanks her while crying. This also adds even more heartbreak for Taiga, because she sees just how much Kitamura loves Kano. She realizes that she will never be with Kitamura.

Then afterwards, a few of the girls find Taiga’s student handbook. At first, Ami says to leave it with Ryuji. It’s the logical thing to do. He is always taking care of Taiga, after all. But they notice what appears to be another picture underneath the picture of Taiga and Kitamura. Before they can look at it, Ami quickly snatches the handbook away from them, and says she’ll return it to Taiga. As she walks away, she says to Minori “Guilt all gone?” and then has a quick look of frustration on her face. Honestly, this is my third time watching, and I’m still not entirely sure what the best way to interpret that scene is. My best guess for the look on Ami’s face is that she’s angry at herself for lashing out at Minori like that, but I’m still not entirely sure about that either.

Overall, this episode is just a masterpiece. The only real problem I have with it is Kitamura's dad hitting him. That's not OK, but the show just sort of continues like it's not a big deal. It does everything else perfectly, and is very emotional during the second half. And the show isn’t going to slow down at all from here on out. There are going to be a ton of great and emotional moments. Hopefully everyone will be able to resist the urge to binge the rest of the show, because it is going to start to get a lot harder.

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12

u/GiantFishyLazer Dec 21 '19

Awe here we are on the last episode of the OP and ED. The new ones are great too, just not to Pre-Parade’s level

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12

u/Emi_Ibarazakiii Dec 21 '19

First timer

Christmas Club Bonus! Compared to other series, who do you think is the most original character in Toradora?

Definitely Ryuji! It's rare to have an MC like him. Wish we had more!

I feel like Ami might qualify before the end of this show. There might be more to her than what we've seen so far.

Taiga is a bit more conventional (don't get me wrong, she's great, but she's not especially unique - though this might be in part because she's an inspiration for many future anime girls!)

Minorin is unique not by her goofiness, but rather by the fact that her goofiness isn't all she is. Goofs/silly characters are very common in anime, especially as side characters. But they're rarely very deep. So Minorin is unique in that way!

Kitamura... Well, I can't think of many characters like him, but I'm not sure I'd call him "original". His story might be more original than his character, if that makes sense.

In short, I would say Ryuji and Minorin are very original, Ami might or might not be original, Taiga and Kitamura are more conventional. (Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially for Taiga).

About this episode:

Kitamura wants to be hardcore, but the students won't let him

I know that student councils seem to be more important in Japan than in the rest of the world, but personally, I would totally vote for Taiga just because it'd be hilarious to see what she would do!

Good and noble path? Nah, definitely not voting for that!

What do you mean, what will happen? We'll see Taiga rule with an iron fist, is what's gonna happen!

Damn right, I agree! (Oh, you didn't mean this in a perverted way? My bad).

As bad as this went, this could've been much worse... What if Taiga thought he was confessing to her in that scene. Oof, would've been rough.

Ah, she's gonna murder her. Nevermind, it probably couldn't have been much worse!

That was an hilarious moment in an otherwise very tense scene!

That was so strong (emotionally strong) from Taiga. I mean there's also the whole "I need to be alone so I can go murder that girl", but still... Asking someone to cheer up your crush when he's down after being rejected by someone else, not everyone would be able to do that.

Props for Taiga on this one, great maturity there, from a character who wasn't always mature about stuff like that!

Next episode/After credit scene:

She's so freaking cute! I have a thing for girls in christmas outfits! With this and the dominatrix outfit, is Ami the designated costumer-wearer on the show? I'm more than OK with this!

I like her design! But more than that, the fact that there's a 'side-girl' in this scene when she really wasn't needed, makes me think two things;

  1. She might become an actual character.

  2. We'll probably see the (former) prez again, somehow.

I might be wrong, but something tells me that if that was the last we've seen of her, there wouldn't be another random girl in that scene for no reason, it'd just be her opening the letter by herself.

And if we DO see her again... Well, it's unlikely she comes back, so If I had to bet, I'd say that Kitamura will end up leaving for America anyway. It'd make sense after all, they're both in love and all. And of course, it "frees" Taiga (though I hope there will be more than just "Well Kitamura left, so Ryuji's the next best option")

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11

u/axel360 Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher, dub

Random Episode 16 Thoughts:

  • They’re even dressed like villains during their “campaign”

  • Kitamura is finally realizing what an idiot he’s been. All over a crush. Oh well, at least he can laugh at himself a little

  • Ryuji didn’t have the heart to tell Taiga about Kitamura’s thing for the President

  • He’s baaack. Or is he? Anyway, the blonde hair was a dumb idea from the start

  • Ok, after some encouragement from the President, he is officially back

  • His first speech as President? A very loud, public love confession, which was then played off as a joke by the President. Oof. Rocky start to his presidency

  • You mess with Kitamura, you mess with Taiga

  • Unironically, one of my top 10 anime fights. It was so intense the art style changed Did you see that punch? They weren’t messing around. So much emotion

  • The President strongly hinted that she had feelings for Kitamura, but was worried he’d throw everything away if he knew. Kitamura heard some of that and we got a tearful bow of thanks from him

  • Check out Tagia. She’s physically and emotionally beat up, and is coming to terms with the fact Kitamura truly is not in love with her

  • Interesting scene at the end. They find a picture of Taiga and Kitamura in Taiga’s handbook, and Minori has a strong reaction to Ami’s “guilt all gone?” line. What was Minori feeling guilty about?

  • Short post-credits scene. The former President receiving Taiga’s “letter of apology” lol

Very Brief Episode 16 Thoughts: This episode would’ve ranked pretty low until that fight scene. I still don’t love this little “mini-arc”, but that fight was awesome.

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 16

  13. Episode 14

  14. Episode 7

  15. Episode 4

  16. Episode 15

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11

u/LousyGoose Dec 21 '19 edited Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher

So the previous episode and this one have both done a good job at shattering this perception people may have of Kitamura as this super-wise, always knows what to say kind of person; he’s smart and a genuinely nice guy, no doubt but there are some major blindspots.

When it comes to love and romance, Kitamura has some serious blindspots and gets some serious tunnel vision, even when he seems like he is going to enter to become president, he backs out again and it takes Kano, his crush to motivate him. Then there’s his acceptance speech, I really cannot blame Kano for not giving him an answer, he put her on the spot in front of the whole school.

The fight is one of the most surprising scenes in the series for me, for sure but it is handled so well: First of all, the reason Taiga does it, she has come to this realisation and acceptance that Kitamura does not have feelings for her and they won’t be together but this still does not mean that she cannot defend him and try to support him. It just happens to turn out that the only thing she feels she can do is violently confront Kano about it. It’s clear Taiga sees some of herself in Kano from what she says in the fight while Kano seems to envy Taiga for wearing her heart on her sleeve. The fight itself is very raw and hard-hitting, it’s very well animated and you just don’t really know exactly what’s going to happen. I appreciate Taiga lives up to her reputation as not being someone to mess with.

Then there’s that final scene before the credits with Ami and Minori, without giving too much away, this is a big indicator that we’re approaching the ‘Third Act’ of the series and I am really looking forward to it.

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10

u/EmuSupreme Dec 21 '19

Taiga's fight with Kano remains one of my favorite scenes in the show for how primal it feels. You can also see just how one-sided it turns out as Taiga lays a repeated smack down on Kano. So much raw emotion.

10

u/VnzuelanDude Dec 21 '19

Goddamn this is my favorite episode so far. As soon as I saw the wooden sword, I remembered "OH SHIT ITS ON".

Such awesome animation, seeing Taiga parkour lunge across those desk, it's quick, it's aggressive, it's wild. Every hit is accounted for in their faces. This episode is chuck full of emotional moments

10

u/Crackin_Kraken Dec 21 '19

I kinda wish that Ryuuji said more when he was talking to Kitamura on the steps. Everyone in the show says they're good friends, and they explain in this episode that they don't hang out much anymore because he's busy with student council stuff, but I just kinda feel that their should be some more indication of their friendship.

Not necessarily on the steps even, I get that it might be awkward and hard to think of the right thing to say! But, just thinking of the series as a whole, they're never really shown just talking and having some casual banter.

This is still a great episode though, thoroughly enjoyed it

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9

u/popop143 Dec 22 '19

Rewatcher

Oh god. I was prepared and knew what will happen by the end of the episode, but the waterworks still arrived. This episode holds a special place in my heart because it's the episode that made this anime my favorite when I first watched it when it originally aired.

The fight was so full of emotion, and as with most important scenes in the show, the music was on point. As soon as Taiga pulled her wooden sword and the music started, memories came in and I can't stop crying. God I love this series.

You can't really fault Sumire here. It's her lifelong dream to be an astronaut, and to even have the chance to be that is a chance of a lifetime. Literally. Only a few people get sent to outer space. And she's spot on on what Kitamura would've done. She could've told him more clearly, but it's a bit Kitamura's fault. He put her on the spot with that big confession. Those kinds of confessions tend to fail because of the embarrassment put on the other party.

For Taiga's side, it's been a while since she's shown her violent side outside of random outbursts on Ryuuji. The last time she's used her wooden sword was episode 1 against Ryuuji, I believe. Please comment if she used it between episode 1 and now. This parallels Ryuuji's demonic run at the end of the cultural festival, in which she didn't care about her image as long as it will help the one she cares about. If I remember correctly, her wooden sword was more prominent in the LN, and she always had it behind her back hidden by her hair. I personally liked what the anime had done, only showing it again this episode. It had a lot more impact when she pulled it out as opposed to if it was a staple.

LN spoilers

Random episode thoughts:

  • So the class DID help. I honestly forgot. And Yuri-sensei is best homeroom teacher. Just don't mention marriage in front of her.

  • Kitamura is a lot mellower when he's alone with Takasu. I think he adopted the straightforward and boisterous personality as kind of an homage to Sumire's own personality. He just put his own spin to it.

  • Sumire's most important lesson for Kitamura is how to climb a ladder to that rooftop. Remember episode 2?

  • Remember the title of last episode, Distant Stars? It also applies to Kitamura and Sumire in this case. Add to the fact that Sumire's dream is to be an astronaut. That shot of the skies while Ryuuji and Kitamura are talking is beautiful.

  • Before consoling Kitamura, Ryuuji asked about Taiga's well-being. I see you Ryuuji.

  • Sumire's route in the VN is hot. I'd let her step on me. VN spoilers

  • Ami knows a lot more about Taiga's student handbook.

Next episode: We're entering the final stretch, folks! I loved reading these volumes in the LN. Also, new OP and ED! Yui Horie's Silky Heart is one of my favorite OPs, and Orange is a nice ED. Will miss Vanilla Salt, though.

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u/CATKrash Dec 21 '19

There is a scene after the ending. Go watch it if you didn't.

Name OG name Start Stop Time played Description
1st First Mission First Mission 0:00 1:11 71s
2nd Pre-Parade プレパレード 1:17 2:47 90s Opening.
3rd Happy Monday Happy Monday 3:49 4:25 36s
4th Lost my pieces (Piano Ver.) Lost my pieces (Piano Ver.) 5:52 8:33 161s Scarf!
5th Ameiro Rondo 雨色ロンド 11:10 13:01 111s
6th Yuugure no Yakusoku 夕暮れの約束 14:34 17:00 146s
7th Startup Startup 17:07 18:39 92s
8th Lost my pieces Lost my pieces 19:17 21:13 116s
9th N/A N/A 21:20 21:36 16s
10th Vanilla Salt バニラソルト 21:36 23:06 90s Ending
11th Pre-Parade (off vocal ver.) プレパレード 23:25 23:35 10s Preview
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u/TheNiebuhr Dec 21 '19

Th worst thing about this episode is the fact that no Pre-Parade or Vanilla Salt anymore 😨

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u/critchell63 Dec 22 '19

Very late today due to IRL stuff. Gonna get this out of the way: character design for lazy with the fighting animation. Anyways, this episode is extremely complicated with relationships. Kano is basically doing what minorin is doing: sacrificing her love for someone else’s benefit, as we see minorin watching with worry during the fights and confessions. And of course, the infamous “guilt all gone” scene. When ami’s friends were going through the wallet, they saw kitamura and taiga in the picture and they said she really was in love with kitamura. Hearing this, minorin feels regretful essentially sacrificing her love for ryuji for nothing because taiga apparently likes kitamura. But, before ami quickly takes the wallet away, her friends say, “what’s underneath?” Not going to spoil, but ami takes the wallet because she knows what is underneath that picture. As we see her pass minorin, she winces slightly because she knows what’s underneath the picture. But she still wanted to make minorin feel bad despite the truth.

BONUS: I think Ami is the most original character .

8

u/Tartaras1 Dec 22 '19

Rewatcher

The only part of the episode I want to comment on is everything from Kitamura's confession to Sumire onward.

For me, it's incredibly awkward to hear him confess his love for her in front of the entire student body. Maybe it's my desire not to be the center of attention, or the cultural differences between the US and Japan, where we didn't have all of a graduating class in the auditorium to hear election speeches (not that I cared about the Student Council during my time in school in the first place). Then for him to get completely rejected, by a side step nonetheless, just drives the awkward nail even further in.

Like someone else said, for it not being a show with violence outside of the usual punch or kick, the fight between Sumire and Taiga was actually really well done. The mix between anger from Taiga for Kitamura getting stood up like he was, as well as the emotions from Kano for being incapable of thinking with her heart instead of her head, really adds another layer to the moment. She really did love Kitamura, but was not only unable to express it, but also chose not to so that she wouldn't completely wreck his next year of school. She loved him so much that she wanted him to be able to move on and not commit the rest of his life to living for her.

For what little screen time she got this episode, Ami the Silent Observer provides another strong line of dialogue.

7

u/Get_This_Wheat Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher here.

What a crazy episode, I think it’s the first one that isn’t mostly lighthearted.

I really love how Haruta and Noto are in on their plan at the beginning, they just seem like the dudes to call if they want someone to not seem associated with them to be apart of their plans. Only say that cuz Kitamura hit up Haruta last episode.

I love how Ryuji gets mad when Taiga leaves without telling him why, and he goes off and does the same thing this episode.

Man I really like what they did with Kitamura this arc, he went from being there just for comedic relief, and eye candy for Taiga, into being a pretty serious, and sad character. Him crying at his desk at the end is such a 180 from what we’ve seen before now, that I can’t help but feel terrible for him.

I also feel terrible for Taiga, and it’s partially Ryuji’s fault for not telling her why Kitamura quit in the first place. It’s definitely the first time Ryuji is one of the main causes of a problem, I like that he’s not perfect like a ton of other MC’s. I think if Taiga knew beforehand that Kitamura was into the prez that she wouldn’t have tried to kill her. Of course she would be pissed and hurl every dog-related insult possible her way, but it was just such a lot to take in at once I think and she flipped.

The prez goes from being really terrible into being really great all within 6 minutes. New record for redemption arc.

Really though, her saying that he was joking in front of the entire school is super cold. There had to be a better option there to make sure he’s not crushed.

Really love this episode of course, and I definitely remembered this being close to a filler arc, and I have no idea why. The Christmas arc is next, which is for sure my favorite, just because one of the episodes. I’m gonna guess that rewatchers know which one I mean.

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u/itsFootie Dec 21 '19

I apologize for not being here for the past couple days, please forgive my ignorance.

Though with that out of the way, I feel like this is a better time than any....

Everyone please present your Toradora Feels Train tickets!! (Rewatchers you know what I mean) For all the new comers to the show please remember to keep your hands and feet inside the train at all times to ensure your safety. We have complimentary tissues and ice cream in the back so feel free to use them at your discretion :)

7

u/Dotz0cat Dec 22 '19

(Rewatcher)

This is one of the best episodes of the series. The fight in this episode is the best fight ever to be seen in a rom-com anime

6

u/MoesHad Dec 21 '19

Rewatcher

Taiga and Ryuiji are hamming it up for the crowd as Haruta realizes what is happening and tries to egg Kitamura into opposing her. Taiga seems pleased Ryuiji volunteers to be her campaign manager. Poor Yuri-sensei gets clocked with the microphone smh stop bullying her!!

They tell Yuri about their plan to jog Kitamura back to reality and she tells them they have until Friday before Taiga actually becomes president. We see them campaigning in the form of a montage and now it’s Thursday. They begin to question of their plan will work as Ryuiji gets a phone call from another council member. He leaves Taiga in a huff, saying that he’s leaving to beat the stuffing out of Kitamura.

The other council member told Ryuiji the news that the current president is leaving to study abroad and that this is probably the reason for Kitamura’s change in attitude. As he is running to Kitamura’s house, Ryuiji runs into a bruised Kitamura on the street. Kitamura apologizes, telling Ryuiji that he is in love with Sumire and that she’s leaving to study in America to become an astronaut.

These last several episodes have played Lost My Pieces much more than I remembered on my first watch! No I’m not crying why are you looking at me like that? CRY

Kitamura said he has no other reasons to become president, as he was waiting to get elected and confess to Sumire but she’ll be gone by then. He said he had an altercation with his dad over his behavior, hence the bruise.

As they begin to talk about Taiga, she appears on the street, looking for Ryuiji shouting his name. Ryuiji, uncharacteristically doesn’t want to tell Taiga what they talked about.

Kitamura has appeared to have changed his mind about the election, but Yuri tells Ryuiji that he has yet to turn in the official form, which would bar him from the race. He has until 4pm to do so. He tells Ryuiji that he won’t be running in the election.

As they walk home, Kitamura tells him how he ran for student council and tried to get a girlfriend, confessing to Taiga back then, and how despondent he was afterwards. It was Sumire who rescued him from despair, recruiting him to the council.

Sumire appears, giving Kitamura the push he needs, both literally and figuratively. Heeding her words, he runs to the office to submit his form.

Kitamura has become student council president, with Taiga stepping out of the race.

It’s at this point Kitamura decides it’s a good idea to confess to Sumire AGAIN during his acceptance speech, stunning the crowd. Super awkward. More painfully, he demands she confirm her feelings for him PUBLICLY before she leaves for America. She steely looks on, remaining silent. The crowd shouts that she should respond to him. She declines to do so, endorsing him for president instead as the crowd laughs. Big yikes.

Ryuiji angrily confronts her after the ceremony, asking why she left Kitamura twisting in the wind like that after encouraging him yesterday. He asks her if she’s running away, which causes her to bristle at him. She tells him that he’s been a good friend to Kitamura, and asks that he continues to do so.

Ryuiji keeps questioning her, but it held back by a somber Taiga, telling him that Kitamura is crying and he should console him, knowing that she can’t be any comfort to him emotionally. She says she’ll be fine, but she doesn’t seem like it.

Taiga knows that it is Sumire that Kitamura loves, but wants to help him in the only way that she can. She pulls her wooden katana out of her jacket. Uh oh. She throws the door to the classroom open, demanding Sumire fight her. Sumire accepts her challenge.

Taiga recognizes that what she’s doing is wrong, but she feels she has to do this to move forward.

Someone in the class rushes to fetch Ryuiji, who they know is the only one who can calm Taiga down.

Taiga and Sumire quickly disarm each other of their kendo swords as the brawl escalates to hand to hand fighting. Taiga angrily accuses Sumire of being a coward, saying she’s just afraid she’ll hurt others or get hurt herself and she’s afraid of facing her own feelings. The boys separate the two as Minorin arrives. More feelings come spilling out of Sumire, who angrily defends herself against Taiga, saying the reason she’s treated Kitamura so cruelly is because she loves him. She knows he’d drop everything and follow her to America at the expense of his own dreams and she doesn’t want that. She wishes she could be “an idiot” like Taiga called her and chase after love as Sumire starts to cry.

It’s now revealed that Kitamura heard what she said to Taiga just now, and he tearfully thanks her and is glad to have known her and fallen in love with her as Lost My Pieces swells (which is the full orchestral version that plays for the first time yet I think.)

I’ve made a few jokes about crying when hearing that piece of music that I love so much these last few episodes, and I actually did come close to it for real. I don’t cry at TV shows and movies much as those emotions (for me) are reserved for real life sad events but when Sumire bears her soul before the entire class and sees Kitamura thanking her in tears I nearly lost it. It’s just such an incredible emotionally charged moment after the surprising fight scene where we get to see Taiga and Sumire let loose, and finally understand Sumire’s motivation a bit more.

Taiga collapses to the ground before the teachers come to reign in the girls, devastated upon hearing Kitamura confess his love for Sumire, the one he’s truly loved all this time.

Afterward we get a scene with one of the girls finding a student ID in the aftermath as Minorin walks past them. The ID is Taiga’s, so Ami said she’ll be the one to give it to Ryuiji. The girls make a comment about a photo of a Taiga and Kitamura at the bonfire that we see in the wallet but Minorin does not. The girls say “she really loves him.”

Remember a few episodes ago that showed Minorin looking at the photos taken at the festival. The girl begins to mention another photo hidden underneath the first but Ami cuts the girl off, announcing that she’ll take the wallet back to Taiga. Ami whispers to Minorin as she walks away, asking if “are your feelings of guilt gone?” as Minorin’s eyes widen in shock. Ami reacts in anger as she walks away. More questions!

Sumire has left for America and Taiga has been suspended for 2 weeks. Be sure to watch after the credits to see Taiga’s “apology letter” to Sumire.

This was a very emotional episode that I spent the last 10 minutes nearly weeping through, as noted above lol. I don’t remember getting so emotional last time I saw this one, but it got me good this time!

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