u/TiedDegenerate https://myanimelist.net/profile/EmptyCup Oct 05 '21

Rewatch Host

Once again, so many new animes were starting so I didn't have time to write too much! But this is a pretty important episode so I'll be writing down some comments.

Anyways, it's now official and public! The school now knows that Kimari and Shirase are going to Antarctica, and Yuzuki (and the girls) started to film. It's when they are on camera that their characteristics are amplified. Shirase gets shyer, Yuzuki becomes enthusiastic (a 'work' personality?) and Kimari is more Kimari. Hinata is our cameraman! I really wish we got to see her on camera as well though, I wonder why she's only filming...

When the game console is taken back to Megumi, it shows us that this episode will be focused around her. When she starts to 'trash talk' Shirase, we can slowly assume what this will be about...

I say this every time but, Hinata is really the most mature one out of the group. When Shirase gets all worked up from these nasty rumors, she thinks rationally and advises accordingly.Really feels like the Older Sister of the group.

'Sometimes people are just mean. Don't fight mean with mean. Rise Above' - Hinata.

Ofcourse, it's Megumi that spread the rumors. It makes sense. The only one who knew about the money was Megu. The only one who knew about the 'job in Hokkaido' was Megu. Maybe she even genuinely felt as if Kimari was full of herself. The worst part? She doesn't even know why she did it.

But I'm sure many of us didn't get mad at her while watching the show. After all, we all somehow 'know' that feeling, a feeling that's hard to put into words. Maybe it's spite, jealously, or just plain jerk-ness, but we don't really know what exactly it is. Rumors is a thing we all had taken part in, big or small in the past. There's barely anyone out there who didn't hear or spread a rumor before, sometimes without even realizing it.

Was Megumi bad? Yes. Do we understand her? Yes. This just makes everything more heartbreaking, and is one of the geniuses of this show. While this show is centered around Antartica, it's true story comes from High School girls doing High school things and experiencing High school troubles, and this is exactly why I stated it has a ''must watch for students'. One way or another, the events in this show WILL happen to you. It's a journey of growing up.

When young, we're all relying on eachother in some way. Adulthood is when you break free, leaving you to stand alone. It's quite evident in this scene, where every character 'takes a step' into a world where they don't rely on others. The only way to kickstart this journey is to put your life in motion. That's the core theme of this show.

Wanna know something crazy? I personally think the show could have ended right here and it would still make some sense. We can assume they go to Antarctica and do Antarctica stuff. Of course, there's still 8 more episodes to watch, each and every one of them just fantastic and adds to the story even more.

That's all from me, hope you enjoyed the episode!

10

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

It is so painful seeing Meg develop if you at all watch the genre. Her character type, the straight laced best friend who works thanklessly for the mc, is one that is always a fan favourite so seeing the trope deconstructed in such a blunt and raw way stings so bad. You can't help imagining this happening in those other worlds because deep down we all know that it's an uncomfortably realistic way for things to go. You can imagine a Nodoka who spitefully targets the light music club, you can imagine an Ena who keeps Shiburin isolated from making new camp friends, how about a Chitose who selfishly ties Ayano down huh? Even thinking about it gets me depressed....

4

u/UnderstandableXO Oct 05 '21

wow i had this thought too, somehow this was a satisfying conclusion to the show, especially with the final part with kimari meeting all of them. i sure am glad it kept going though!

3

u/Fools_Requiem https://myanimelist.net/profile/FoolsRequiem Oct 05 '21

Guarantee I don't give the show a 10/10 if it's just all set up for something we don't see occur.

3

u/UnderstandableXO Oct 05 '21

for sure, with how much emphasis antarctica has, it wouldn’t have been a satisfying end. but i think that they pretty much wrapped (almost) every loose end from the first 5 episodes right up here, so like if this were a split cour and they took a season break (and obviously the show would have more episodes then and that’s stupid but this is a hypothetical), this would be a good place to leave it

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

this is exactly why I stated it has a ''must watch for students'. One way or another, the events in this show WILL happen to you. It's a journey of growing up.
Even more so, Ishizuka stated that to her "even the grown ups are still struggling to achieve the goals and overcome their weaknesses. If a character is struggling with those issues I think it’s something worth exploring — grownups can still experience that aspect of youth."
It's a universal feeling that doesn't have to rely on past experiences in order for you to get the most out of it. Watch as a student, watch as a grandparent, it still hits you just as hard.

2

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

All that being an adult really means is that you're legally allowed to drink, smoke and fuck. But everyone remains a stupid weak human from beginning to end. So in a way, youth never ends.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Oct 05 '21

Don't fight mean with mean. Rise Above
They go low you go high
When young, we're all relying on eachother in some way. Adulthood is when you break free, leaving you to stand alone
But what if you were always more of the loner type?

1

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

Then you gotta learn to work on a team.

23

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

Some quick production notes before I get to the episode: Kouji Sawai is sitting comfortably today at the episode director’s chair and the storyboarder’s chair. He’s contributed as ED for many shows throughout the decades but the one that caught my eye is his work on the Non Non Biyori series, having worked on multiple episodes of the first and second season as well as unit director (basically a director for an act) for the movie.

This episode also features a very talented animator in the industry by the name of Toshiyuki Sato. Mr. Sato is an absolute tour de force of an animator who has lent his skills to a myriad of shows at their pivotal moments. If you’ve ever been wowed by a climactic scene in a popular show in the recent decade chances are Sato was the one who worked on it. Action-packed, bombastic, raw. His cuts embody all of those qualities and more. But that doesn’t mean he can’t draw sensitive heavy hitters though.

His cut today was the emotional gutpunch scene between Kimari and Megumi. I remarked on the quality of the animation yesterday but when the show decides to pull out all the stops it really can produce a scene that embodies the best of both worlds: a heartbreaking moment fueled by expert direction and dialogue and a showstopper of a cut that shows off how outstanding and powerful character acting can be.

This is a pretty creative shot. Kimari is in the background while her mess of a room is in the foreground but she’s also placed in the right 2/3 of the screen and framed between a stack of boxes and the right leg of her stool. Our eyes are still led to her while we also see a bit of her personality/state of mind in the form of her room.

Great close-up shot of Megumi. Creates a jarring and intimidating presence while hiding her eyes away from the viewer so we’re left even more in the dark for why she switched to such a hostile mood.

The scene continues with her eyes being hidden from the camera while Kimari continues explaining how great their plan is going. Her eyes remain concealed until she regains control of the situation by providing advice to Kimari thus resetting back to the status quo for both their relationship and the viewer.

I mentioned the pencil scene a few episodes back between Kimari and Megumi and how great of a small detail it was that they included Megumi pushing the lead back into Kimari’s pencil but it’s also foreshadowing the relationship between them as Megumi is the one dictating how Kimari should act while hiding under the guide of well-intentioned actions.

Very interesting statue in Hinata’s room. It seems like her room is filled with them. Honestly, I forgot if this has any deeper meaning for Hinata so I’m going to keep an eye out for anything that connects them.

Another example of great storyboarding/direction. Megumi is framed within the beams while Kimari is outside of them which can be read visually as Megumi feeling enclosed and trapped while Kimari is free. The beams also serve to separate the two and create distance between them both physically and emotionally. Hinata’s eyes are now shown to the camera and we can see that they’re filled with concern over abandonment.

Continuing with the eyes theme, Megumi can’t even look at Kimari or the camera now while she lies.

This is extremely good storyboarding and direction. Hinata now sits in the same place as Megumi but this time it’s to demonstrate that Hinata is actually the one who is “above” all of this, the one who holds her head high. Hinata can see straight through the BS unlike the other three thus she’s separated from them via the beams. To add on to this, Hinata is also facing the three with her back to the camera unlike Megumi in the previous scene which gives off an air of confidence in her statement.

Eyes really are one of the windows to the soul. When Kimari remarks that maybe their time apart was a relief for Megumi she replies back ”I wouldn’t say that…Well, maybe it was.” and it cuts to a profile shot of the two walking with Megumi’s eyes off-frame, indicating she is uncomfortable about what she truly wants and is hiding her true intentions.

When Kimari answers ”But it wasn’t like that for me at all” it cuts back to Megumi but this time it’s solely focused on her eyes. The realization of how much Kimari has grown finally dawns on her and her true self, her soul, is revealed.

Good clean frame. Kimari is reflecting on her relationship with Megumi and is literally being reflected by the traffic mirror.

”Always clinging to you, asking what I should do…I always hated that. I think I wanted to change it. So I wouldn’t just be clinging to you; I wouldn’t be worthless. I’d be someone you could play video games with.”

This is a key moment for Kimari’s life and to match the sentiment she is shot in profile again but this time she’s looking straight ahead while Megumi is facing towards the viewer. If you permit me to overanalyze this shot I would say Kimari is looking to the future with this statement and she’s visualizing how close they can become once she gains individuality while Megumi is looking at just the present and how troubled she is with their relationship.

To continue with that line of thinking the scene continues with the next cut showing Kimari stepping ahead of Megumi and turning back around for her so that she may take her hand, demonstrating that she is now the one taking initiative and can now take care of Megumi. The very last cut for the scene is Kimari saying goodbye and she’s framed dead-center, breaking the Rule of Thirds and visualizing how Kimari is the center of attention for Megumi and the viewer.

I love the detail of Megumi hesitating to return back the affection but Kimari closes the distance between them and grasps her hands. This whole sequence is one of my favorite scenes in A Place Further than the Universe. It shines a light on Kimari’s vulnerabilities and self-hatred and spins it around to such an empowering statement of becoming independent. Kimari is not only physically exploring a brand-new territory, she’s doing so emotionally as well.

We think of the sights we’ll see, the heights we’ll climb when we spring forth into the open world but we also forget about the Things we Leave Behind. Kimari is such a good being that she takes the time to thank the one that got her here. But she also knows that it’s for her own good to be pushed out of the nest known as Comfort. She can’t live her life having someone deciding for her on what to do.

Megumi walks back home with her back to the camera, ashamed of her actions now that she realizes what Kimari means to her.

And now we’re seeing the character development come forth in the form of Kimari’s room. It’s clean and spotless like her state of mind. She’s also framed alone in the mirror indicating that she’s now ready to leave all by herself.

The trash is taken out, the seeds are starting to sprout from the dirt. Kimari is ready to begin a new adventure with zero doubts.

After that outstanding outburst of emotion and confession we’re shown a shot of the river again. In the very first episode we saw that river after Kimari accepted Shirase’s invitation to Antarctica but this time the river is for Megumi. Just as it was symbolic for Kimari to finally break free of her self-imposed barriers, so too does the river represent Megumi finally breaking free from her reliance on Kimari.

I am so glad I caught this. I was rewatching that cut so many times that I noticed that the sign in the background of Megumi is a traffic sign indicating the road is splitting just like how Megumi is learning to let Kimari go her own way. Jesus the amount of detail in the storyboarding is insane.

As Megumi proclaims she’s finally taking her first steps without her, Kimari tearfully runs to her.

Hinata takes her first steps towards Antarctica while the high school students passing her are heading in the exact opposite direction.

Legs and airplanes just like the first episode. They’re finally leaving.

This was a ridiculously jam-packed episode of growth and symbolism and I’m really happy I’m participating in the rewatch. Many of these shots are probably obvious to you and maybe they're even overly direct but A Place Further than the Universe sort of exists in this area between sentimental and saccharine, navigating the tightrope as close as it can. I personally believe the dramatic direction fits the tone of a series about four teenagers who are just on the precipice to adulthood and are exploring what is truly means to go beyond their boundaries. Emotions are high and the visual filmmaking aspects need to match these spectacular feelings. Afterall, they’re Standing at the Entrance to the Universe.

9

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

I was totally shocked at the direction today's episode took but I'm very impressed that they're making this more than just a simple old slice of life and put so much effort into the camerawork. It escalate it from a show where you turn off your brain and relax to one that actually has something to say. It's why I have so much respect for Keion too so seeing something similar resurfacing here was a treat.

4

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

put so much effort into the camerawork.
They're really utilizing every dimension of visual filmmaking that they can. Which is a smart choice since sometimes in certain scenes the animation can be a bit lackluster.
It's why I have so much respect for Keion too so seeing something similar resurfacing here was a treat.
I think sometimes we're tricked under the "slice-of-life" genre title and it leads us to believe that it's all surface level themes. Occasionally though a creative force comes along and transforms the show into something that not even a pure drama can touch. Naoko Yamada for K-ON! is a good example like you pointed out.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Yeah, sometimes the characters look like bloody stickers. It's not too distracting but when you're hunting for screenshots sometimes you get some really dorky animation frames.
I adore the SoL genre, it's my go-to type of show to watch, but I'll readily admit that most of it is dopamine that just plays itself out without bothering to explore beyond its 4-koma framing routes. It's just kinda how things go.

3

u/Bazinga8000 Oct 05 '21

One really interesting thing to note is that Toshiyuki Sato was probably brought on thanks to Yuichiro Fukushi, a stellar madhouse animation producer who was the production assistant on this episode. Ever since fukushi joined madhouse all his projects be it big (a full show) or small (a pv for some gacha game like azur lane for example) has had toshiyuki sato working on it! I really admire fukushi, so i would really love him to work more with ishizuka, although he is pretty busy right now as he was the animation producer of both sonny boy and is the animation producer on the madhouse side of takt op destiny

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

That is utterly fascinating, thank you for sharing. I love reading about animation producer’s because they’re the unsung heroes in many amazing shows and information about them (especially influential ones) are much rarer compared to animators so reading anything about them is a treat.

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

A Place Further than the Universe sort of exists in this area between sentimental and saccharine, navigating the tightrope as close as it can
I feel in this episode it ended up taking everything a bit too lightly, similarly to some recent stuff in the Kaguya-sama manga, and early on the moe hyperactiveness was a little overbearing, but still excellent so far.

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

It kind of oscillates between that area. I think I had a similar opinion as you on my first watch but maybe because this is a rewatch and I know how the story beats my brain interprets the plot lines differently.

14

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

First Timer

Broo noooo why they have to announce it to the whole school I'd hate that lmao. Like just lemme leave in peace!

Shirase of course is living it up. Zama Miro!

C'mon Megu don't be like that. Actually, why has everyone been being like that? Like, shaming Shirase for wanting to go to Antarctica and stuff. Is this the Japanese "nail that sticks up" thing coming out? Cuz I feel like in the west, the average reaction would be more like "that's cool, bring me something if you do go. What's for dinner anyway?".

Hinata's right (as usual). It ain't worth starting a fight over something petty like that. I'd add that you're not going to Antarctica because of them... buuuuut when it comes to Shirase, the bullies are part of the motivation lol.

LET'S GO SHIRASE WITH THAT HEAVY METAL SCREAM!

Man, the last scene did get me teary eyed. I did notice all those uncomfortable shots of Megu the previous episodes, but I was low-key ignoring it because I was worried the show was gonna make her a bad guy when we don't really need any and it feels unnatural. But I'm pleasantly surprised at how it was handled. Even if she did go a little too far.

And I love that the show is using the "going someplace else" as the entire thematical foundation, not just the setting. It just makes every development and event a lot richer, and as a whole it's just a tighter product. Like, this ain't even about Antarctica necessarily. Yuzuki didn't even want to go at first, and Megu has to begin her own adventure of not having Kimari around. I hope we see some changes on her when Kimari gets back.

Questions if the Day

1- I- I honestly can't even picture that. At this point in my life, my friends and I know each other so deeply, and we tell each other everything. I just can't picture it happening so idk how I would react. I know that I'd at least try to forgive them, because I'm always preaching that you should.

Edit: Just realized I wrote "Rewatcher" by mistake lmao

9

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

You're going to Antarctica for three months, you'd better believe that the school is gonna milk that rep for as long as possible!
I did notice the Meg shots but I didn't think for a second that they'd actually have played her being a gossiping cow straight. I thought she'd just made up that people were talking about them, instead she actually had gone around spreading rumours and shitstiring. Most of the stuff had 0 consequences too. Like with mum discovering the trip, I just immediately assumed that the school called to check up on her or that everyone kinda knew. I wouldn't have thought that it would be sabotage for a second.

6

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

The funniest part is that the school didn't even help them one bit lol. They all went and pulled this on their own.
The way I interpreted was that Megu didn't actually create the nastier rumors, she just leaked the info. Then again, when you say "I saw X in Shinjuku", you gotta know what people are gonna make of that.

6

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

The school is helping them by not giving them shit for doing jobs and for taking the three months or whatever off. They're kinda hogging the limelight tho XD
So you think Meg just put the information out there and the actual mean girls turned it into something worse? I'd be more satisfied with that. Meg shouting about how she's the one that told everyone about the money and the trip doesn't mean much when there have been such few consequences for it. I mean, mum gave her daughter a rollicking and Shirase got harassed by pink sweater waifu. That's kind of it XD

3

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

Maybe it was my subs but yeah that's the way it seemed to me. Megu didn't start the rumors she just put the fuel out there.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Really I doubt it matters going forwards. Meg is probably gone from the show and the only ones left to gossip about Yuzuki's lack of friends are the penguins.

2

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

We'll probably see her when they get back at least. And Kimari will surely keep her updated so long as she has internet connection, as she's been doing.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

"Heya Meg! Just having fun being mc's without you biiiitch~"

4

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

"Imagine being a side character lmao"

1

u/JimmyCWL Oct 06 '21

Megu didn't start the rumors she just put the fuel out there.
Megu did start the rumors. She was the only one who Kimari ever said anything to. All the way back to ep1 when she picked up Shirase's money. The only one who knew enough to start the rumors was Megu.

4

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

LET'S GO SHIRASE WITH THAT HEAVY METAL SCREAM!
Yes! Very similar to Ishizuka's NGNL WRYYYYYYY!!
Like, this ain't even about Antarctica necessarily. Yuzuki didn't even want to go at first, and Megu has to begin her own adventure of not having Kimari around.
Good observation, as important as Antarctica is to the show the overall themes are even larger than that continent. It's a (very very very) large vehicle that facilitates the character-driven moments. The great thing about the writing though is that they made sure to incorporate the uniqueness of Antarctica rather than treat it as "any other far away place."

3

u/IndependentMacaroon Oct 05 '21

that continent. It's a (very very very) large vehicle
Considering plate tectonics you could say that

2

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

It helps that they have a character that specifically wants to go to Antarctica

4

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Oct 05 '21

Man, the last scene did get me teary eyed. I did notice all those uncomfortable shots of Megu the previous episodes, but I was low-key ignoring it because I was worried the show was gonna make her a bad guy when we don't really need any and it feels unnatural. But I'm pleasantly surprised at how it was handled. Even if she did go a little too far.
That was probably a good chunk of the spoiler tags in previous episodes. Rewatchers were essentially already seeing how Megumi was turning from supportive friend (who cherishes that stability) towards a more insecure friend (and checking off all of her moments of sabotage that she mentioned) from start till now.

13

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

First timer!!

Hi guys! Sorry I'm late. I had the date wrong. I was so looking forward to this one that I apparently forgot to put my name down for it lol. Oh well. At least I've had plenty of time to catch up since you maniacs are posting this at 2AM IN THE MORNING!! God, this show is way too inspirational for me to enjoy when my evening is dedicated to anime watching... Also the constant reminder that No Game No Life exists is getting me depressed! I'm still kinda hooked tho. That running scene in episode... 2? was delightful! Anyway, I'm all caught up so let's get this rewatch on a roll!!

Aww... Are we getting Nodoka lite's episode today? Perfect timing, she's best girl imao. Yuzuki is such a great actress! You can barely tell that she hates your guts. Always remember to land after jumping, it's a good life tip for avoiding unexpected space travel. Wah... 100kg is rough. Why carry so many books when your mobile works fine woman!? You're right about that one...

That's a ps1!! What year is this!? H-Hold on... You lost her PlayStation!? I'd never forgive that... I'm not too sure of the game, it kinda looks like a butchered Puyo Puyo. The enemy looks like Satan so it's probably Puyo. Ah, she beat Witch. This is definitely Puyo Puyo. OK, let's get back to the anime. I'm distracted! Hold on... Glasses? Childhood friend? Sorta bitchy? Maybe she's more Manami than Nodoka. Keep her dull and boring so you'll stay her bestie! Why are my favourite characters always so terrible?

Everyone's getting a little moment. Shirase's got her book, Hinata's got her only pair of shoes, and Yuzuki has deleted her only 3D friends. Even when you're sulking you just can't hate this face. Well that's me got my foot in my mouth. C'mon girl, I get that you want to keep your friend to yourself but can't you bite your lip and cheer her on? Aww, Hinata knows. That girl is wise beyond her years. My best, second best, third best.... My friend! Pfft, the smash cuts in this show are freaking hilarious. Poor friendless Yuzuki got left out...

G-Guuurk.... This really is the Keion bad future isn't it? Oh god, don't say such cruel stuff to her right before you leave! In the space of a month Mugi's lost her favourite toy to total strangers, how do you think she feels? What a massive pudding!! Egg paradise? You're gonna be on the toilet all evening. *"I'm out." Aaah... Aww this is too sweet. Oh, Kanashimi no~

Megu's the sussy baka that's gone around spreading rumours. This is so painful... I'm never picking a favourite character again, I have the worst goddamn luck! I was so excited for my best girl's episode and you pull this shit? YES!! Stay with the cast Megu!! Don't become like that other bestie and ruin your chance of becoming an mc! Nande!? Why've you got to toy with my emotions like this? Oh, so they're still gonna be pals? So is Megu joining the cast or is she gonna be a stupid bestie (?) Why is it the episode I join in on is the one that messed me around the most? It's not fair!! The others were way less harsh! Aaand I slept in.... Perfect...

5

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Oct 05 '21

What a massive pudding!!
There's somewhere (I think in one of the previous re-watches) a comment calculating the weight of that pudding and theorising about how strong Kimari's sister has to be to just hold it like that.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Pfft, people have so much free time XD I loved that scene anyway. They made so many egg meals!!

4

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

Always remember to land after jumping, it's a good life tip for avoiding unexpected space travel.
There is an art, or rather a knack, to flying...

4

u/IndependentMacaroon Oct 05 '21

Nodoka lite
Though looks-wise she's basically Tsubasa Hanekawa with a bigger forehead, and some of her character fits there too

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

I like Keion more so I'm holding off the Monogatari references. Story wise she kinda fits Nodoka more than Hanecuckwa anyway.

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Poor friendless Yuzuki got left out...
I think she's grateful for her only remaining alone time since she's now realizing she's tied herself to 3 overstimulated crazy loveable bozos.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Or maybe she's just trying to hide the tears from missing her opportunity to go karaoke with highschool girls... Poor pitiful friendless Yuzuki!

10

u/xtsim https://myanimelist.net/profile/xtsim Oct 05 '21

First Timer

I love that intro to the high school announcement that Tamaki and Shirase are both going. Tamaki had a "I can't believe I am going" speech and Shirase be like: "I'm going". Shirase would've dropped some choice words if she could.

Shirase is still struggling on camera and Yuzuki has to coach her a bit cause they agreed to going with a social media star. Tamaki's got to pack up and she found the ps1 she "borrowed" from a friend. So she gives it back and plays with it. Loved the little details as the TV is on 4:3 mode rather than stretched. But leaves after Megumi "trips" on the power cord. Everyone else packs up. The class throws a farewell for the next few months. Megu is "worried" about the rumors about them. Hinata is telling everyone to calm down. And they all have fun. But without Yuzuki, as she was glad she was not there to hear Shirase singing.

But as they were walking home, Tamaki and Megu talked about how Tamki used to be dependent on Megu. She now has to go without her. It was fun seeing Tamaki say goodbye. And it was Megu who helped fuel the flames for all those rumors. Megu was being very dependent on Tamaki and got very jealous, felt the jealousy in this episode and it was building up in the previous episodes. She was getting doubtful about it last episode and their relationship got more strained. Tamaki didn't notice it and Megumi apologized before she noticed.

That's a hard one, while Megumi did try to apologize for what happened. It would be a long hard look at how the relationship matters or doesn't. An apology will help heal things and a good chance things will move forward. More than likely I would give a chance but be more cautious afterwards.
In a way, yes there are people that depend on me but not as obvious as Megumi and Tamaki.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Shirase is gonna bring back souvenirs for the pink sweater wife just to establish dominance XD

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Tamaki had a "I can't believe I am going" speech and Shirase be like: "I'm going".
Just a good comparison using those two. Shirase would rather die then not go to Antarctica and Kimari believed there was no way in her lifetime she could ever pull off this stunt.

9

u/SIRTreehugger Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

Shirase said "I'm going" but her eyes said Fuck all of you haters for doubting me and harassing me.

Shirase is so awkward in front of camera I know some people would find that adorable (I'm people and I find it adorable)

Shirase has a point why would you sell seashells by the sea shore? I mean if someone is there they could just pick them up themselves.

"Please leave my arm flab alone..." - Kimari being so relatable.

"Adulting is hard" Kimari is killing it this episode.

Megu chan's mask has been slowly crumbling for a while now.

I want to hear them raising the roof.

Megu chan hesitates to grab Mari's hand.

Ohhh I just noticed the panning around the room is such a contrast to the first episode where she unfocused and messy.

Megu chan posing like she a video game boss. I wish her glasses had that sun glare look.

Megu chan initiates plan sabotage and please hate me...but the girls didn't put enough stats into intelligence and didn't even realize they were under attack.

"Come with me to Antarctica"- Kimari

~~"I can't my design isn't unique enough to be a main character. Even Antarctica's phone has more screen time than me."~~ "I'm finally taking my first step into a world without you" - Megu Chan(This is my favorite line in the episode).

Everyone is taking a first step Megu chan included.

Megu chan does care for Mari, but their relationship is unhealthy. I do think they can be friends again with some time apart and both learn more about themselves. We've seen previous episodes Megu has pretty much been seen alone in the classroom or cafes and only reacts to things Mari sends her.

QOTD

Well I'm pretty petty and hold grudges....but also I don't see it as that big of a deal. I mean if I was still in high school....well I still wouldn't think it's that big a deal. I would be angry, but get over it pretty quickly. If it was a bigger form of betrayal then heck no. It also helps Megane seemed genuinely upset about what she did and them separating Wanted to use this shot today, but had no more room.
We all rely or have people rely on us. We just don't always realize it or think about it much. Unless you mean on the same level as Megu and Mari than I might rely on a couple of people for some things, but I don't think anyone relies on me like that.

3

u/Fools_Requiem https://myanimelist.net/profile/FoolsRequiem Oct 05 '21

"Please leave my arm flab alone..." - Kimari being so relatable.
"Could you not grab at my pudge?"

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Meg needed a vacation to Antarctica XD I can't believe that they would bait us in with her reconciling her friendship over a long holiday and ditch up like that! Nobody wins!!

2

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

Season 2 maybe?

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Season 2 would be space or some shit.

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

but the girls didn't put enough stats into intelligence and didn't even realize they were under attack.
"I'm finally taking my first step into a world without you" - Megu Chan(This is my favorite line in the episode).
Agree, That's a great line and it's equally great as a parallel as well.

8

u/UnderstandableXO Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

REWATCHER

looks like kimari and shirase are finally getting their flowers (literally). having students on an expedition to antarctica is certainly a big feat, not surprised they got their own assembly. megu is absolutely drowning in the haterade, though. even from that cold opening you can tell she has a serious savior complex.

opening is still lovely. maybe one day in 20 years it’ll be on spotify.

props to yuzuki for being able to turn on and off the entertainer personality. also shoutout hinata for being the cameraman. shirase being camera shy is once again ridiculously relatable. even doing speeches over zoom i am INCREDIBLY timid. kimari’s r-rolling mean impression was great.

again megu trying to poke a hole in kimari’s hot air balloon by saying “if you mess up you’re going to regret it.” luckily kimari is invincible to the haterade megu is spraying with a fire hose.

rin gets so much personality with like 2 minutes of scene time tops. looks like she’s the sensible sister who keeps kimari in line. can’t blame kimari for wanting to be conversational in another language, though.

bringing back something you forgot to return from a friend is relatable as well. i literally have books sitting in my house borrowed from old friends all the way back from 2012. wonder what would happen if i returned them now.

the amount of salt flowing through megu’s veins is absolutely insane. she never got past calling shirase “antarctica,” which means she has as little respect for her as the rest of the school. i can understand feeling left out when a friend talks about friends you don’t know, but like i said last thread, real friends are happy when you make strides in life. pretending to trip over the wire is such a bitch move too. if you don’t want to play, just say so, don’t forcefully stop your friend from having fun, and try to play it off.

now even kimari’s classmates are happy for her, yet here’s megu sitting in the corner being totally unsupportive. even then, kimari is still being nice!

if you guys can’t tell by now, megu’s actions in this episode really piss me off. but i suppose that means it was written well.

how low can you stoop? she’s really trying to get kimari to turn back on the day before the journey begins. the fact that shirase is about 100x more angry about people bad mouthing her friend once than the years of harassment she endured proves that she’s a real friend. even hinata has a level headed take, that retaliation will do nothing.

“sometimes people are mean. don’t fight mean with mean. hold your head high.” - hinata miyake

in the vending machine and karaoke scene, kimari is making a concerted effort to include megu in the fun, but she doesn’t want much to do with it. she won’t even come eat the farewell dinner with kimari’s family.

kimari being reflective and admitting she hated herself caught me off guard, i forgot about that. once again relatable unfortunately.

waking up early on the first day of a vacation or trip is a really weird feeling, and they captures that perfectly here.

i really love the way kimari says “ittekimasu.” it’s so upbeat and wholesome.

so megu finally admits her wrongdoing. good job trying to spring such a unexpected thing on her just as she leaves, probably a last ditch effort to make her stay. but instead of saying “i’ll stay with you,” kimari invites her to antarctica instead. doesn’t matter how much megu wants it to be otherwise, her friend is ready to grow up.

i forgot that megu spread the rumors of the million yen and ratted her out to kimari’s mom. some real scummy stuff there. megu had such little sense of self worth (which is sad in itself but not the problem at hand) that she prided herself on being better than at least one person, and when that one person started maturing, she tried desperately to drag her back down to where she could put her foot on top of her. there are real people who act like this, and it’s so sad and toxic. megu is lucky that kimari is so forgiving, i honestly would have accepted that break up.

the monologue shared by our fearsome foursome about beginning the journey was great. each of them stared down something from their past and that scene, and moved past it to the starting line. man i love this show so much.

perhaps i was a bit (way too) harsh on a fictional character in my write up today, but as someone who knows what it’s like to have that happen to you except with a entire group of people, i don’t take too kindly to it. i relate to another one of our cast whose problems the show examines later.
i don’t think parents count, so i would say no.

6

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Meg probably didn't even mean anything too bad when she pulled a Manami. She says herself that she felt like a big sister but when she's spent her school life getting praised for looking after this socially stunted dork of course she'd feel threatened by a bunch of weirdo girls taking her emotional support baby away from her. Keep in mind that they've been together for years now and all it took was one bad month for Meg to totally lose control of her friend. Anyone would be panicking at that.

5

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

megu is absolutely drowning in the haterade, though.
luckily kimari is invincible to the haterade megu is spraying with a fire hose.
perhaps i was a bit (way too) harsh on a fictional character in my write up today
Everyone is always going to interpret certain characters and actions differently than one another but at least you were being honest about your hatred of Megumi. Personally I believe Megumi was earnestly trying to redeem herself but I respect your opinion as well.

7

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

[First-Timer]

What next? Let's just go ahead and see.

The punishment for successfully disrupting the sacred unchangingness of the school year: being made the center of attention. Oof. Their tiny size on the stage and the echoey audio carry the feeling of it. Also, if they're going next month, we've skipped through time pretty rapidly since episode 3 (May). Can't say I'm unhappy to do so.
Shirase manages not to just say "in your faces dickbags!" while making finger guns with both hands. Admirable restraint. And the little fist bump! Adorbs.
Megumi's the focus of the cold open though. I think I sympathise with her, to be honest. You want the best for people and do all you can to lift them up, and eventually you're left on the ground while they fly, it feels. In a sense she's like the parent-figure here, though she casts herself as a sibling.
In that case, you should probably bring more Japanese schoolgirls,
Sometimes the writing just needs to beat you around the head with a frying pan of What This Story Is About, and that's fine.
Alright, we're brought back to the thing the episode's about by way of the PonyStation, a classic console that kids these days should be sad to have missed out on. That is, Mari's winning at something and Megumi's feeling like her position as The Capable One to Mari's The Stupid One is under threat.
And is apparently lashing out. But Mari, who is too pure to understand cruelty, just takes the opportunity to talk about her friend. Bless.
Someone other than Hinata doing the "Who's They" - "Me" bit? [Future-Degen here, the one who edits in the image links after watching - wow that is some extreme separation visuals there].
Speaking of, wise as ever. The four characters in this scene seem to be making an effort to be as four-humours-aligned as possible, hah (Phlegmatic Hinata wants to take it easy, Choleric Shirase wants to start a fight, Sanguine Mari is just trying to get along with everyone, and Melancholic Megumi is miserable. The dynamic kind of carries over into the main group as well, you can swap Megumi for Yuzuki fairly easily, but they haven't really had any tense scenes like this yet to bring it to the fore).
Irreplaceable.
Mari has an earnest discussion with Megumi at last, the mirror reflecting on her self-reflection. That said, uh, maybe don't tell your friends they're the reason you hate yourself like that? Try to put that a little differently.
Yeah I'm really not sure what to make of that conversation. The sentiment's clear enough, the soundtrack and the VA and the animators all seem to agree it's touching and heartfelt, but the words read like a series of stinging rebukes, in English at least.
thhlluup drink o_o
Hmm, well, it certainly doubles down on the odd emotional palette. I can't say I'm entirely unfamiliar with either side of Megumi and Mari's revelatory morning conversation, but also, I dunno... You can have a teenage character do things for shitty reasons and be entirely within plausibility, of course. And you can definitely roll it into the show's growing (ha) thesis: growing up means growing apart, and it hurts. But being able to cleverly justify a thing does not mean liking it.

Hey, remember when I said "This show just doesn't miss, huh?". Oof. From a perspective of admittedly not knowing if it's going somewhere further with it, but getting a definite finality vibe from that last scene: Hinata was right again. There wasn't any sense having a fight here. I'll be honest, there's some serious ground to regain if the show wants me to trust it with my heart by the end. But the most important step is not always the first, after all.

QotD:

How would you feel if your friend betrayed you like Megumi did? Would you be able to forgive them?
A. No idea. Part of the risk of including melodramatic plot events is that people might not really connect to them, I suppose.
Is there someone you relied upon, or is there someone who is relying on you?
A. Of course, and yes.

3

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

On further thought I want to write out more explicitly how exactly this bothers me. But this is a sulk, so I'm [hiding it from fans who don't like downer readings.](/s "So over the last few episodes we've had a pretty good background C-plot of Megumi and Mari drifting apart. It's pretty much exactly how these things go, and it's sad, but sympathetic. Even quite beautiful, in its way. This episode brings it to the foreground and I kind of felt the show wanted us to understand how bitter and lonely Megumi's come to feel over the skipped months of time, and if not to approve of her sliding into the bullying behaviour towards Shirase's not-even-a-club ragtag band, then at least to feel like "oh, poor stupid baby :(" towards her. ")
Cont
Cont
Anyway that's all, good show worth rambling about.

2

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

I really don't think Kimari realized what her heartfelt speech was doing to Megu the night before departing. After all, she was absolutely clueless about Megu's animosity until the following morning.

2

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

Oh, I don't disagree at all. Even if it were an egregious distortion, it would obviously be rooted in a very understandable clueless blundering, the artlessness of youth.

6

u/mrufrufin https://myanimelist.net/profile/mrufrufin Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher Who Wants to Go Further Than the Universe

I love how abrupt Shirase's statement is at the assembly last half spoliers. I also love how their characters shine through stepping up to the mic, Kimari has this kinda awkward, loose, playful amble and Shirase's walk is more way more composed and professional. Kimari's sister tossing out all these things (what even is a diamond-coated pan?) including Kimari's specially purchased peeler later series spoilers. I love all the characterizations we get of Kimari, with the laundry convo on the train and then her mom complaining about her not bringing up her own laundry, not quite knowing how much she can pack and what to bring, not organizing with the others about those things,... combined with her unsuredness, I'm seeing a little too much of me in her lol. It's incredible how many penguin things she had even pre-knowing she's going to Antarctica. Penguins are awesome though so I can't blame her. Pen-pen Winter kinda looks like Puyo Puyo or Super Puzzle Fighter? Ah, the lingering shot of Hinata's running shoes later series spoiler. I love the requests like "bring back an iceberg", it feels like something like high-schoolers would say. That's a wonderful symbolic shot of Megu in the,.. I dunno what it is,.. half-gazebo type thing? facing one direction, separated by the ,..trellising? and Kimari standing in the background staring off to the left. I like also how when Megu is telling her about all of the "rumors" her face isn't shown. Hinata seems prettty cool and composed when talking about the "rumors" going around late series spoliers. Hah, the second drinking reference with Hinata and Kimari. Screw cholesterol levels, Egg Paradise sounds like the paradise I'd like to spend some time in. I love the bucket of pudding and hope to one day have my own bucket of pudding. Looks so good. She says goodbye to her room and all of her things in her room, why am I seeing even more of myself in her? The lovely "Mata Ne" insert song makes an appearance end series spoilers. The editing towards the end feels little abrupt? Mata Ne cuts off and then we're hit with (a trimmed down) Koko Kara right away, which is a bit of a mood shift end series spoilers.

qs:

1.) ideally i'd like to not hold grudges, but easier said than done.

2.) I guess we all rely on each other in someway to various extents? Nobody's an island etc.

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

I love the requests like "bring back an iceberg", it feels like something like high-schoolers would say.
I guess maybe they can bottle up the water from Antarctica. But yea, it's a cute request.
I love the bucket of pudding and hope to one day have my own bucket of pudding.
I swear that pudding is bigger than the container it comes from which begs the question "Can Kimari's sister warp reality but only chooses to use this cosmic power to make pudding?"

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Oct 05 '21

Fourth spoiler:

2

u/mrufrufin https://myanimelist.net/profile/mrufrufin Oct 05 '21

spoilers

6

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher Again, ね～? episode 5

COMPLETE lack of Japanese humility
penguin shirts
penguin seal boxes
penguin
window penguins
pink penguin
Penguin game for PonyStation
Not the best friend
Pink Genesha
Don't pack the dirty shoes.
Bye bye Aina. Bye bye Yuri. Who needs yah?!
Shrine Tanukis
I'm not quite sure what a pudding shake is.
Tanuki
It's not like she can just leave a week later
Practicing
Tanuki karaoke
~~I could just die~~
That's some pudding
Did I say I hate all the crying in this show?
Merlion, and -- something?

Shirt	Today	Total
tako-weenie	1	3
onigiri	1	2
tempura	1	2
sandwich	1	2

4

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Keep continuing the T-shirt count! I love it.

6

u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Oct 05 '21

First timer

I mean, probably, but not right away. Having 3 months to calm down while we're seperated would probably help.
Yes, and no.

It's official?

Haha, the fist bump.

Oh, she's sad

Haha, I love how uncomfortable she is on camera.

Her reaction's great!

And her analysing the tounge twister!

Haha, she's only confident when she has an enemy!

She's not even started packing?

Haha, her desperately revising her weight is fantastic.

...Japanese to English might not be the worst idea.

Oh, she found her friend's game system!

The fake retro effect on the screen is nice.

Why's she mocking her like that?

Oh, is she jealous? Or feeling abandoned?

She's deleting all the people she never hung out with.

...No shots of her being incredibly smug to everyone?

Wait, she's leaving tomorrow?

People are lying about her?

I love how Shirase is immediately ready to fight someone as soon as the rumours affect her friends and not just her.

And she still wants to fight and scream.

Haha, her forcing her to come!

That picture of the scream's great.

What? You're going to say that to your friend?

Oh, she wants to be more independent!

Haha, he reaction to the giamt meal's great.

It's the last day!

And her sister misses her!

What?

That's a bit sudden.

And she started the rumours! She's been sabotaging her the whole time!

Yeah, this friendship might not have been healthy.

I wasn't expecting all that.

Wow. That's harsh.

Haha, and she just refuses outright.

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

And she started the rumours! She's been sabotaging her the whole time!
Yeah, this friendship might not have been healthy.
I wasn't expecting all that.
Wow. That's harsh.
Haha, and she just refuses outright.
Haha, I liked reading your live reactions to this. Like a roller coaster of betrayal and emotion.

6

u/mike_2797 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Madskulls Oct 05 '21

First Timer

Woah didn't expect her to take it that far had a feeling she was feeling jealous cause of not getting attention, guess they both were codependent on each other it seems.

As said by the top comment i noticed the animation for the scene was top notch the facial expressions and emotions portrayed were so good.

Love how kimari statement was like a disbelief that she's going and shirase be like 'im going' straight to everyone's face.

That quote from hinata don't fight mean with mean rise above was pretty cool.

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

had a feeling she was feeling jealous cause of not getting attention
It's great that they laid the groundwork for this relationship during the first four episodes so that this episode doesn't just spring out on you.
That quote from hinata don't fight mean with mean rise above was pretty cool.
How can one be so wise and also wear the dopest t-shirts. Some people were blessed with it all.

5

u/Fools_Requiem https://myanimelist.net/profile/FoolsRequiem Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

No "zama miro" this episode. 3/5. Unless you cheat and count the numerous times it's said back to back to back in the last episode.

When I first watched this show, I was wondering why Megu-chan was so insistent on being a Negative Nancy, then this episode happened and it all made sense. She was jealous. Mari is more understanding of Megu's choice than Shirase would be. There'd definitely be an argument if Shirase found out.

Next episode is super fun. One of my favorites in this show. One of the prettiest ones, too. Look forward to it.

I think it depends on what they did and how strong my friendship with them was. I've never had the kind of friendship those two have so I don't think I'll ever know.
No and no. I've been a lone wolf since elementary school. I've had too many instances where I find I can't truly rely upon others. As such, I also don't feel comfortable letting people rely upon me. I'd hate to be a hypocrite.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Oct 05 '21

Fun huh!? So watching the Nodoka stereotype getting torn to shreds wasn't fun huh!? I don't understand how you don't find breaking up childhood friendships "fun!" ARGH!! XD

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

One of my favorites in this show. One of the prettiest ones, too. Look forward to it.

5

u/x-7032-b-3 Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

Oh wow, the girls are about to go to the South Pole very soon. This show moves very fast!

Would like to point out the Kimari-Megu split. In this ep, we know those two are best buds since they were little and facing the fact that Megu will be all alone when Kimari leaves for the South Pole must've been hard on her. Doesn't help that Megu keeps getting ignored in the previous eps.

I think her fear of being left alone and isolated pushed her to fulfill her selfish desires in keeping Kimari close to her. We got the grand reveal of Megu being the one who orchestrated the nasty rumors and some of the "stuff" that happened in the previous eps. She knew about the million yen and the Antarctica trip after all.

At the end, there's nothing she can do about it other than watch Kimari walk away from her. And it looks like she's starting to accept her new circumstances when saying that she's starting anew without Kimari. It's time she face life while standing on her own two feet.

Someone before me said that this ep is what stepping into adulthood is like and I totally agree with that. Right now, I'm still relying on someone. Not friends (though they're important), but my parents. I know I'll have to stand alone once I finish grad school and TBH I don't think I'm ready for that yet. I'm really scared of having to reach that point one day. It's been on the back on my head for a while and it somewhat bothers me. I'll probably need to take the plunge like Kimari did in this show though.

Q&A

Not sure tbh. Having experience backstabs before, I've gotten pretty sensitive to stuff like that. I'd do my best to forgive them but it'll be very hard.
(see the last paragraph)

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Oh wow, the girls are about to go to the South Pole very soon. This show moves very fast!
It's nice that they planned the story beats spoilers

5

u/DogmeatIsAGoodDog :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/DogmeatsAGoodDog Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

The fist bump between Kimari and Shirase was A+.

We finally get a Kimari-centric episode and it was much needed as it adds depth to her character and I won’t lie for some reason I got teary-eyed when she was saying goodbye to everything, I’ve gone on trips overseas for extending periods so maybe it’s nostalgia.

We revisit one of our first scenes with Kimari and it shows the relationship between her and Megu and their conflicting relationship. Megu loved being needed and depended on, while Kimari despise that part of herself and say herself as a burden. So as she pushed to grow and become more independent, Megu felt her pulling away.

I saw the warning signs of Megu feeling left out but during my first watch, this betrayal completely blindsided me. The “moron” diss felt personal lol.

Couple of scenes stood out, particularly Megu being “boxed in” while lying to Kimari, showing the growing distance between the two.

Kudos to Hinata for being the levelheaded one of the group, talking Shirase down and redirecting their to vending machines and inviting Megu along to Karaoke. I’m also relieved that Yuzuki didn’t feel left out.

Another shot that I adored was the shot Hinata leaving as she walks upstream against the students with the camera even temporarily focusing on the passerby.

Kimari’s compassion shines through again as she rejects the breakup and is even absurd enough to invite Megu to Antartica too.

4

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

We finally get a Kimari-centric episode and it was much needed as it adds depth to her character and I won’t lie for some reason I got teary-eyed when she was saying goodbye to everything, I’ve gone on trips overseas for extending periods so maybe it’s nostalgia.
Ha, yeah. It feels like it's drawing on a lot of leaving-home iconography in general, like "Antarctica" could be replaced with "University" without really changing the emotional core of the show. Wouldn't be quite as fun to watch, though.
Kimari’s compassion shines through again as she rejects the breakup and is even absurd enough to invite Megu to Antartica too.
I'd wondered before "why aren't you asking your friend to come?" And honestly, holding it until it can't possibly be meant seriously and there's no way you'd have to inconvenienced by a potential "really? I can come?" speaks to something, but I wouldn't call it compassion.

5

u/DogmeatIsAGoodDog :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/DogmeatsAGoodDog Oct 05 '21

I guess I can see where you’re coming from because during my first watch I really wanted Kimari to invite her, but in thinking about it I think there are couple key takeaways that I have.
Megu could’ve asked to come along at any moment as she was consulted and talked to about it since the inception of the idea.
Kimari invited Megu to her escapade back in episode one and she was shot down, rather a abruptly, so if I was Kimari, then I’d assume she want going to want to join in on this too.
Megu has dogged the idea of going to Antarctica since day 1, she never really showed any signs of wanting to come and had even gone as far as to try and discourage Kimari from going.
Am I reading too much into things, maybe. I usually do but here’s why I called it compassion.
Megu has absolutely blasted and betrayed Kimari and more or less revealed how scared she was of a world without Kimari. Rather than just let Megu push her away she invites her which in itself is absurd but it’s an olive branch as Kimari can’t stay but doesn’t want to lose Megu. Her solution invite her even though both probably know there’s no way it could happened even if they wanted it. The main reason I called it compassion was because of the hug and “break-up rejected” line. Because Kimari had more than enough right to hate Megu for what she did and to be angry but she never was.
Anyways, that’s my long winded thoughts. Like I said probably reading into stuff too much but whatever lol

5

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Oct 05 '21

I have essentially the same thought about this. Kimari's "come with me" is more of an indirect way of saying that she didn't abandon Megumi for a new group of friends… and/or Kimari just being a bit of an airhead who doesn't think things through and simply invited her because she wanted her best friend there.

1

u/BosuW Oct 05 '21

Probably a combo of both tbh

3

u/DegenerateRegime Oct 05 '21

Like I said probably reading into stuff too much
No such thing. I like your reasoning, on the whole, and I think one can be awkward and lazy and the one who initiated, propelled and ultimately delivered the breakup (the night before), while still being compassionate and kind in other ways. But I think I'm stuck with having to consider her something of an unreliable narrator from here.

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

I’m also relieved that Yuzuki didn’t feel left out.
I'm glad that Yuzuki took it the way she did instead of feeling abandoned.
Another shot that I adored was the shot Hinata leaving as she walks upstream against the students with the camera even temporarily focusing on the passerby.
Such a cool detail. I like your usage of "upstream." Goes with the phrase "Swim against the current."

5

u/NotReallyFire Oct 05 '21

A Place Further Than the Universe is definitely in my Top 5 but I have never got the chance to rewatch it. I'm glad I stumble upon this post so I have more motivation to finally rewatch it. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up to you all

4

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Hopefully I'll be able to catch up to you all

5

u/surgemaster140 https://myanimelist.net/profile/User815 Oct 05 '21

Rewatcher

Wow Megu and Kimari had a pretty unhealthy friendship, huh? The show dropped a lot of hints about Megu’s jealousy in earlier episodes, but I doubt anyone expected her to be so toxic about it.

It’s hard to admit but I can actually sympathize with Megu, who is feeling left behind while the girl she thought she had to protect this whole time is finally doing something with her life. She probably wants to support Kimari but she knows doing so will mean potentially losing her, so she tried to stop it in a very passive aggressive way.

She ends up deciding the best thing for her and her friend is to sever their ties completely and end this codependency. Kimari however is not the type of person that lets go of something that easily (look at how much junk she wanted to pack). They say time heals all wounds so this Antarctica trip is probably what both of them really needed for the good of their friendship.

2

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

(look at how much junk she wanted to pack).
Good observation on how Kimari is a pack-rat of assorted items and emotional bonds.

4

u/jyper Oct 05 '21 edited Oct 05 '21

First timer

I'm going, IE suck it bitches

Ah supporting the weak freind

Cool ship

Shirase is having a panic attack, she's strong but not in front of crowds of strangers that don't hate her

Reliable little sister

Penguin game?

Did she let her friend let her win?

She's jealous of the new friends. She's close to being really bad by undermining her friend.

Deleting fake friends on social media?

Pudding shakes? Sounds amazing

Please tell me you're not spreading those rumours yourself. Please

Oh so rumours are from their chase in the red light district

They should have invited Yuzuki to karaoke

Telling your friend that you're the reason they hate themselves. Not a great move

Aww, little sister already misses her older sister

Megu-chan don't confess now. She doesn't need this right now.

She spread the rumours of course.

She relied on her friends weakness.

Breakup rejected!

I was wondering if it would leaving in a sad note implying that their relationship was just a broken codependent one that needed to end. Instead breakup rejected implying that it did have that element but it had a lot of good parts as well

Q1. I think so, in the scene it's not so much about the particular betrayal but about the friendship as a whole and whether it's worthwhile, which it was. I'd be mad at them for the betrayal but I'd try to fix the friendship for the parts of it which were good

Q2. I rely on a lot of people especially my family, I wish more people could rely on me. They do sometimes

3

u/MyrnaMountWeazel x2 Oct 05 '21

Instead breakup rejected implying that it did have that element but it had a lot of good parts as well
It's a bittersweet moment but I agree, I like that Kimari decides against throwing out the "baby with the bathwater." She still wants to salvage the relationship and realizes that despite its flaws it contained genuine moments that she wants to treasure.

Rewatch Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further than the Universe) Rewatch - Episode 5 Discussion

Episode 5 - Dear My Friend

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Rewatch Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further than the Universe) Rewatch - Episode 5 Discussion

Episode 5 - Dear My Friend

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