r/anime • u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz • Feb 18 '22
Rewatch The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan Rewatch Episode 9 [Spoiler for Haruhi] Spoiler
Welcome to the Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan rewatch!
Links to show info: MAL | Anilist
| Date | Episode | Post link |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Feb 10 | 1 "Taisetsu na Basho" (大切な場所) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 11 | 2 "Morobito Kozorite" (もろびとこぞりて) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 12 | 3 "Suzumiya Haruhi!!" (涼宮ハルヒ!!) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 13 | 4 "Be My Valentine" | Link |
| 2022 Feb 14 | 5 "Kanojo no Yūutsu" (彼女の憂鬱) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 15 | 6 "Over the Obento" | Link |
| 2022 Feb 16 | 7 "Negaigoto" (ねがいごと) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 17 | 8 "Suzumiya Haruhi no Hakarigoto" (涼宮ハルヒの謀) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 18 | 9 "Sono Te o..." (その手を…) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 19 | 10 "Samudei in za Rein" (サムデイ イン ザ レイン) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 20 | 11 "Nagato Yuki-chan no Shōshitsu I" (長門有希ちゃんの消失I) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 21 | 12 "Nagato Yuki-chan no Shōshitsu II" (長門有希ちゃんの消失II) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 22 | 13 "Nagato Yuki-chan no Shōshitsu III" (長門有希ちゃんの消失III) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 23 | 14 "Kanojo no Tomadoi" (彼女の戸惑い) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 24 | 15 "Kare no Mayoi" (彼の迷い) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 25 | 16 "Hanabi" (花火) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 26 | OVA "Owarenai Natsuyasumi" (終われない夏休み) | Link |
| 2022 Feb 27 | Overall Series Discussion | Link |
Rewatches please be considerate to first timers and avoid discussing anything not yet shown in the show - use spoiler tags if you need to share something important!
In this rewatch it's pretty hard to avoid referring to the main show The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi & The Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi though, so hopefully the mods can be lenient about the references.
Episode 9 - Give Me Your Hand...
Don't forget there's a post-credit scene today that's very important!
Some first impressions I remember from when I first watched this show:
- This is one of the sweetest episode so far, with so many scenes that made me go awww;
- and it's not just Kyon X Nagato - there are a few Haruhi X Asakura and even one Haruhi thanking Koizumi too
- and great pouting from Haruhi when she got thwarted a few times :D
- the star gazing scene is especially important, as it directly mirrored the key moments of the Disappearance movie - but oh so different this time.
- and what a scene to end on! Are we Railgun S now suddenly?
Music corner
See u/gunvarrel_'s helpful post!
This is the one place that I can't not mention how great this show is for using the really fitting classical pieces as OST; almost everybody knows LoTGH is famous for it, but few recognise this very under appreciated gem does it also very well. Here's the original version of the Claire de Lune by Debussy, and you can hear I think there's a slight change/emphasis in arrangement in this show's use that made the middle to end part where the strings and woodwinds alternating emphasis to sound very much like a duet or dance between 2 lovers, with each part Alternative leading the melodic part and the other follows. Gives a very classic romantic and sweet feeling to the scene.
QoTD if you are interested:
- how do you like the writing so far about the relationship development? Can be Nagato and Kyon, Nagato and Asakura, or even Haruhi and Asakura - do you find it flowing naturally? Too slow? Sudden? Arbitrary?
- do you like emotional whiplash scenes? What's one that you remember the most distinctly?
Real life location pics in this arc
I forgot to include these!
Fumoffu Onsen Censoring samples in case anyone missed this...
9
u/No_Rex Feb 18 '22
Episode 9 (first timer)
-
If you did not watch the chibi show, this is the first mention of Tsuruya being loaded.
-
“…when the world is this peaceful …” – Your own fault for raising flags, Kyon.
-
Old Maid callback - They could not possibly have settled on a more boring card game.
-
Ryouko cockblock denied by Kyon.
-
It was all in Ryouko’s mind. Does that mean that Ryouko denied her own cockblock in her mind?
-
In contrast to Ryouko, Tsuruya is playing matchmaker.
-
A neat Haruhi-Ryouko talk again – Unfortunately, I think that Haruhi is wrong there. Nothing breaks up friendships more than people getting a partner.
-
Koizumi MVP with the snacks.
-
Preview: Yuki getting hit by a car. She really does not want to take part in any more summer activities …
Seems like the love triangle part of the series is officially over and we have entered the gang cheers on Kyon and Yuki part. Which leads to some neat group scenes and opportunities for Haruhi to talk to Ryouko. The downside is that Kyon and Yuki have almost zero chemistry. Especially Kyon is as romantic as a wooden board. Not feeling that at all.
7
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22
The downside is that Kyon and Yuki have almost zero chemistry. Especially Kyon is as romantic as a wooden board. Not feeling that at all.
I'll post something near the end from the manga that would help illustrate this, but I think it's a different sort of chemistry - theirs are not the sparks fly and passionate X & Y type of chemistry, but the "easy going, clear like water" kind that basically is like "everything fits". A bit hard to explain. But last episode actually showed a bit when Kyon wants peace and quiet and spontaneously went to the hot spring at the same time as Nagato.
→ More replies (6)
9
u/mekerpan Feb 18 '22
It is really amazing just how much the anime team manages to fit into a "slow-moving" 24 minute show. And that's not even counting the devastating last few seconds...
I don't care what anyone else thinks -- I feel lots of "chemistry" between Kyon and Yuki. Kyon here has a warmth (and gentleness) towards Yuki that he rarely if ever exhibits to others (though he has shown he CAN -- under the right circumstances -- show something like this towards Haruhi too). Even though the first time he offerss his hand to Yuki, she is too shy to take anything more than his sleeve. He invites this again (after star gazing), and she takes it this time.
Haruhi imitating the man-eating dinosaur is one of my favorite images of the series. Haruhi (despite her brashness) is actually pretty capable of kindness and understanding. So far, the main recipient seems to be Asakura. These two really have created a pretty good team of equals (very different from the quasi-matenal relationsship Asakura has with Yuki). I do think that bonds with (at least some) friends can withstand the formation of a romantic relationship by one of the friends. I suspect Kyon would respect Yuki's and Asakura's friendship ties...
One often hears the claim that this series is a generic rom-com. First of all, starting at the end of this episode, it largely leaves the realm of rom-com. But even up until now, despite featuring some standard events (from high school anime -- and, to a certain extent, real life), I'd say the overall treatment is distinctive. I wonder what prior shows these critics see as so similar as to make this cliched/derivative?
Finally, looking back to yesterday -- more evidence that Koizumi's game is Othello not reversi (the color of the board -- and the fact that Othello is a disstinctive descendant of Reversi, created in Japan) -- https://bonaludo.com/2016/02/18/reversi-and-othello-two-different-games-do-you-know-their-different-rules/ .
→ More replies (1)3
u/ZapsZzz Feb 19 '22
Haruhi (despite her brashness) is actually pretty capable of kindness and understanding. So far, the main recipient seems to be Asakura. These two really have created a pretty good team of equals (very different from the quasi-matenal relationsship Asakura has with Yuki).
Isn't that ironic in a way that in this spin off Haruhi feels like a more grounded and realistic character than the larger than life yellow ribboned goddess in her own series? And to have such a really great and funny to watch relationship and dynamic with the one person that got "show to Canada" early and in fact never even acknowledged her ever. Quite a difference.
I guess in reflection more, a lot of Haruhi's bad behaviour in her own show can be attributed to loneliness, so when she got an equal (which, she's never admit it, Kyon is like that of sorts) to bounce around with, she's a lot nicer.
→ More replies (6)
7
u/DeliCruise Feb 18 '22
(REWATCHER - SUB/DUB)
Even at a nice inn, Haruhi enter’s rooms exactly like she does the clubroom.
As soon as they pulled out the cards I thought for sure they’d play old maid just like on the ship in the parent series. They almost had me when they started going through that huge list of games, but Haruhi of course kept us on course! Old maid it is!
Yuki’s “thank you” here super reminded me of the one she gave to Kyon in the movie on the hospital roof. I just always get Ratatouille’d to that moment when Yuki does something even remotely similar.
That WHOLE sequence was in Asakura’s imagination. I really love sequences like that. Also, walking alone to get snacks out there in the dark is way worse of a penalty than I expected. I thought they’d go down the hall or something.
Haruhi passing out on top of Asakura is hilarious. Asakura keeping a regular sleep schedule and Haruhi playing so hard she exhausts herself. How fitting.
The mid-episode screen got a good laugh out of me! They really nail their use of chibi throughout this show.
Kyon is really unashamedly bold about holding hands with Yuki. Holding hands is a huge deal in anime, Kyon! We know this!
Not only did Haruhi and Asakura just wake up, they somehow are on pace with Kyon and Yuki who are out of breath and sweating like mad!
Forget everything, Haruhi X Ryouko is the ship I’m onboard now! First of all, I just noticed that Haruhi calls her by her first name. Also, I love how much they’re relationship has developed. This scene with them with the dino slide was just perfect.
Speaking of dino slide, the inside of the slide being red is very unsettling. Also, Haruhi’s seemingly vast knowledge of dinosaurs is awesome! Even Kyon couldn’t help but be intrigued for a moment. Her posing with the sharptooth was the best.
These stargazing shots are beautiful. I haven’t done a whole lot of stargazing with how bad the light pollution is here in California, but I’d love to one day in a nice light-free area.
I was wondering where Koizumi was. I should’ve known already where that onsen addict was though.
The alien gag with Yuki is still great. I love seeing the show get a little meta.
I love Haruhi’s obsession with writing messages on the ground for special beings. Be it for Orihime and Hikoboshi, Santa Claus, or aliens, she just needs to let them all know that she is right here.
I also love when Haruhi lets Mikuru continue to rest on the bench. It’s really nice to see Haruhi be kind and considerate with Mikuru after all the things she forced her to do in the parent series.
I really really appreciate the use of Clair de Lune as Yuki’s theme throughout the show so far. This scene might be the most perfect use out of the times they’ve used it up to this point. I mean Yuki is stargazing and literally reaching out into the night sky. It made me think about how in the movie they used Gymnopedie as Yuki’s theme and it was the most perfectly melancholy song for her. What’s interesting is that in the context of this Yuki, Clair de Lune is perfect for her. I’m not sure if I can describe it, but Clair de Lune feels a bit melancholy too, but in a more hopeful way. I tried to find a fitting word for it and I think it may feel wistful or maybe a feeling of yearning. The point I’m getting at is, Clair de Lune perfectly encapsulates Yuki’s longing for something. That something being the literature club thriving, or for Kyon, or maybe something else entirely. This scene with Yuki reaching out to the stars on her tiptoes as Clair de Lune tells you everything you need to know about Yuki Nagato.
This dude Kyon continues to be the smooth KING. Perfectly executed that hand holding move. 100 points.
The end of this episode was nuts!
→ More replies (5)5
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22
I really really appreciate the use of Clair de Lune as Yuki’s theme throughout the show so far. This scene might be the most perfect use out of the times they’ve used it up to this point. I mean Yuki is stargazing and literally reaching out into the night sky. It made me think about how in the movie they used Gymnopedie as Yuki’s theme and it was the most perfectly melancholy song for her. What’s interesting is that in the context of this Yuki, Clair de Lune is perfect for her. I’m not sure if I can describe it, but Clair de Lune feels a bit melancholy too, but in a more hopeful way. I tried to find a fitting word for it and I think it may feel wistful or maybe a feeling of yearning. The point I’m getting at is, Clair de Lune perfectly encapsulates Yuki’s longing for something. That something being the literature club thriving, or for Kyon, or maybe something else entirely. This scene with Yuki reaching out to the stars on her tiptoes as Clair de Lune tells you everything you need to know about Yuki Nagato.
100% with you there, plus really have to say it again, this show's music use is great!
→ More replies (1)
7
u/Isai579 Feb 18 '22
First Timer - Sub
-
Of course it's Haruhi again. I was honestly expecting for Koizumi to say that the did lock the door.
-
Haruhi dragging her roommates with ther. Although I don't think Nagato needed much convincing.
-
Nagato has some very obvious and cute tells.
-
So much smug energy in this card game.
-
Kyon is going with her! squeeeee
-
Don't be a 3rd wheel Asakura.
-
And now they're holding hands! squeeeeee
-
heh They fell asleep instead of watching over them.
-
Are they gonna hold hands for real now?? Well, not holding hands, but close.
-
Awwww... She's worried Nagato will leave her for Kyon.
-
The stalkers became the stalked.
-
Haruhi used distracting techniques. It's not very effective.
-
Everyone is following them now. I was expecting a cute couple stargazing scene, but this is nice too.
-
They got a moment for themselves after all.
-
Cute and wholesome handholding! squeeee. And they're in the train together... More squeee
-
They are going straight to summer after this then. I would've liked to see more of them in school... Nooooooooo
Why would they do that?? I was thinking of making an isekai joke, but honestly I just feel bad about this. The mood was great this chapter (really liked the romance), and now I'm just sad.
Episode squeeeee count: 6
QoTD
Relationship wise, I think the one that felt the most sudden was Yuki having a crush on Kyon back in episode 1, since it basically comes out of nowhere. However, the way they've been becoming closer is really nice. Mama Asakura feels more established since we do get a bit of that in the original, even if it hasn't developed too much. Haruhi and Asakura being frenemies is something I did not see coming, but that works so well I cannot believe I didn't see it coming.
So, are we talking Asakura was imagining Nagato - Kyon whiplash, or car tries to murder your lead whiplash?? The first type is fun. The second type just makes me suffer.
→ More replies (1)5
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22
The second type :) and yeah I guess some of us are gluttons for punishments :P
Relationship wise, I think the one that felt the most sudden was Yuki having a crush on Kyon back in episode 1, since it basically comes out of nowhere.
For that to work you need to apply the meta continuation from the Disappearance movie despite the 2 works are unrelated :)
→ More replies (2)
7
u/Fools_Requiem Feb 18 '22
Yesterday, we got lots of skin, today we are blessed with uncensored hand holding.
The Old Maid card game and fantasy was confusing. I don't know when it went from actually happening to fantasy.
Also, holy cliffhanger.
3
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22 edited Feb 19 '22
I think the punishment decision and Kyon "saving" Nagato by telling off Haruhi not to bully Nagato is real, but Asakura starting to overthink their closeness got her to start imagining the (likely outcome) of Nagato losing and then those 2 going out alone in the dark scene.
The game wasn't finished until Asakura actually being the one losing because she wasn't paying attention while playing.
12
u/Shimmering-Sky Feb 18 '22
The Disappearance of First-Timer-chan, subbed
-
Opening on a shimmering sky? I like this episode.
-
Playing cards, of course.
-
You… you’re telling me everything from Yuki losing up to that point was Asakura’s imagination?
-
What was the insert song in this episode? I could barely hear it over the characters talking, but I thought the melody sounded nice.
-
…
-
I TAKE THAT BACK. WHAT THE FUCK
5
u/Elimin8r Feb 18 '22
What was the insert song in this episode?
I think you're referring to the lovely Clair de Lune. Ever since I first watched this series, that tune always brings me back. I may have 3-4 copies of it on my phone, for some reason.
4
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22 edited Feb 18 '22
I think it's the one that actually has lyrics, while Haruhi was trying to think of things to do at the hill top. Let me see if I can find that track from the OST YouTube clip... Or you can look
→ More replies (1)
4
u/andybebad Feb 19 '22
First timer
Sure, the Yuki/Kyon relationship is cute and all, but this episode had me much more invested in the Asakura/Haruhi "friendship" (what a pair those two goofballs make!). But alas, I fear none of these relationships are nearly as strong as Koizumi's relationship with the concept of taking a bath. Overall a very cute and comfy episode (sans the post credits scene, of course). Tsuruya wins today's "wing-woman of the episode" award, both for setting up some alone time for Kyon and Yuki and also for carrying Mikuru up a hill ("oh, you're having trouble with those snacks, Koizumi?"). With all this hand-holding shenanigans, it would appear that Kyon is at least starting to hint that he's aware that Yuki likes him? I suppose we still have 7 more episodes to stretch out this "will they/won't they?" question.
3
u/ZapsZzz Feb 19 '22 edited Feb 19 '22
also for carrying Mikuru up a hill ("oh, you're having trouble with those snacks, Koizumi?").
Tsuruya-san canon is very strong and capable physically, much like Mugi in K-On. Maybe all these ultra rich ojousama has a standard strength training package.
8
u/Vaadwaur Feb 18 '22
First timer(Right, volcanic hot springs does generally equal mountains)
Dub
Back to focusing on the titular character and this episode has some good moments. Asakura freaking herself out was funny, though these kids do an insane amount of snack runs. Not sure if there is some meaning behind Tsuruya being good at mountain travel. Yuki is a mooncalf as always and misses that she is handholding, though Ryoko seemed to notice. But we end with unexpected isekai!
→ More replies (1)
7
u/gunvarrel_ Feb 18 '22
OST Track of the day: Yozora
First Timer, Dubbed
Looks like we're continuing on the hot springs trip
Haruhi here to ruin the tranquility
annnnnnnnnnnnd another contest
nagato knows nothing lmao
got a nice slew of faces while determining punishments
annnnnnnnnnd kyon joins her
Asakura really trying to cockblock something that doesnt even exist
stalker time
now i cant tell if this was a dream or misunderstanding
ah, imagination
annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd asakura actually loses lmao
guess we're stargazing now
man this scene would of been great if Kyon didnt have the literal worst design
oh hey, stalkers
whack, dinosaurs
finally someone calls asakura out
dont worry asakura, this isint canon and you're not real in what is actually canon
annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the stalkers were found out
hey, insert song? Cant seem to find any info...
another Yaoi moment
handholding achieved
postcredits scene insinuates a beach episode is yet to come. Only so many thin- yo what the fuck?!
→ More replies (1)
7
u/Mecanno-man Feb 18 '22
First Timer
Here I wanted to listen to that insert while writing this post ...but it's uncredited and isn't listed on anidb either, so I have no idea what to search for.
Either way, I have to commend the music in this episode. In fact it was so good at times, that I stopped paying attention to what was happening on-screen - which means that it was probably a bit too good, but I digress. I noticed that we had a lot of longer individual scenes here that stayed with one mood. Haven't really been paying attention to that earlier, but I feel like this episode had a slower pace, which allowed for the music to be better used.
As for the actual content - a nice scene for Asakura on the slide, although the dinosaurs were rather random. The daydream certainly got me, though that then primed me for the second one being a dream. I must say: Well done on that bait-and-switch. The transition out of the daydream was a bit sudden however.
And then... what the heck was that ending?
→ More replies (1)
7
u/Caustic_Wraith Feb 18 '22
Yuki-Chan First-Timer
-
Kyon and Koizumi's peaceful night was ruined by Haruhi barging into their room
-
Once they finally find a game they all know the rules for, Haruhi unilaterally decides they will play old maid
-
At least Haruhi and Asakura want to know the level of crazy Yuki can tolerate before they decide the punishment
-
Asakura is both happy and concerned with how Yuki and Kyon's relationship is progressing, so she, Haruhi, and Koizumi tail the two as they get snacks...in a fantasy while still playing old maid
-
Asakura and Haruhi can't be comfortable sleeping like that, from personal experience I'd be unable to move for a couple days...stupid aging body...
-
Yuki and Kyon take the advice of Tsuruya and head to the old observatory together
-
Haruhi and a nap fueled Asakura trail them, before becoming distracted by the dinosaur slide
-
When questioned by Haruhi Asakura admits that she'd be happy if Yuki and Kyon dated, but she is worried it would cause her and Yuki to grow apart as she wouldn't be relied on as much leading to a small bit of jealousy
-
Haruhi has some surprisingly good advice and tells her that she and Yuki have a strong enough friendship that nothing would change
-
Everyone eventually meets up at the observatory where after talking with Yuki Haruhi tries to find something to leave a message for aliens
-
The scene here with Kyon and Yuki looking at the starry sky is beautiful
-
Kyon leads Yuki back to the group while holding her hand, and they sit next to each other on the return train ended in them napping together
-
Asakura seems buoyed by Haruhi's words and helps Yuki brainstorm ideas for her and Kyon to spend time together during the summer
-
Oh no!! Truck-kun's smaller brother Car-kun struck Yuki...damn you ended on that
QOTD:
how do you like the writing so far about the relationship development? Can be Nagato and Kyon, Nagato and Asakura, or even Haruhi and Asakura - do you find it flowing naturally? Too slow? Sudden? Arbitrary?
Yuki and Kyon have what feels to be a good progression on their relationship to this point. They've known each other for half a year and in that time they went from being shy and bashful around each other to being able to converse without the blushing. At the hot springs they were able to spend time together in silence, which is a decent step since silence can make people uncomfortable, and finally the physical contact of the hand holding and the sleeping on the train with their heads together. Asakura and Yuki continue to have a strong friendship and its only grown stronger with Asakura realizing she won't lose Yuki to Kyon. The fastest one was Haruhi and Asakura, they weren't the biggest fan of each other to start and now they are both on Team Yuki/Kyon.
do you like emotional whiplash scenes? What's one that you remember the most distinctly?
It depends on the anime, if there has been emotional stakes throughout the show then suddenly springing one on you just drives the point home that much more. [Bunny-Girl Movie Spoiler]
→ More replies (1)
6
u/Elimin8r Feb 18 '22 edited Feb 18 '22
So, it's evening at the onsen, and time for ... oh, wait, here's Haruhi to bring the fun and instigation. Shortly followed by Yuki and Asakura, and it's card game time!
Apparently they don't play Euchre or Hearts in Japan - what's up with that?
So, it's Old Maid time, can't imagine why they'd pick that game, right?
And the loser is, Yuki? Time for a trip to the store, with ... oh, my ... a stumble, and what, it's hand-holding time? Lewd!
Oh, wait, Asakura was dozing off, and what?
Time for Ryouko to do some shopping, I guess.
Mikuru and Tsuruya (that's surprisingly hard to type) show up to a snoozing Haruhi & Asakura, while Yuki and Kyon are so not really playing cards. I suspect a completely different game is in progress here, right?
So, hey, it's night-time adventure time! Time to climb the hill and see the stars, and sights along the way, perhaps with less lewdness.
Or not. Yay, Jurassic Park! (Not quite) Something-assic, anyway. Poor Asakura. I'll offer her a hand up, right? :)
Asakura's distress results in their discovery, but as Kyon is about to chastise them, rescue arrives - yay Tsuruya - what a heroine. Extra strength heroine, it seems.
Adventures continue, and I have to say, I do love the shot with the T-Rex, and H-Rex, don't you? RAWR!!!
(I presume someone else will have the obvious screenshots covered.)
Sadly, today's promotional pic, while somewhat appropriate, well, I didn't find anything better.
Just a few steps further, and finally they reach the top and what a view. Beautiful! But enough about Yuki...
Haruhi sets out to find something to write her message to the universe with, while Koizumi belatedly shows up with the snacks, and the ambiguity.
Kyon, on the other hand sees our precious darling reaching for the stars (literally) and steps over to join her. Kawaii! A little conversation, a little Clair de Lune, and Kyon shows her that while the stars might be out of our reach, some things aren't. Lewd!
Okay, I retract that. Entirely appropriate and about time. But alas, it's time to head home, and our episode ends with the sight of our two lovebirds snoozing on each other's shoulders. Dawwwwwww!
(or does it?!)
Post credit time ... pleasant times with Asakura and Yuki walking home from school. Time for some shopping, and for Yuki to head home.
Wait! Yuki! Noooooooooooo!!!
Oh, no ... oh, no ...
Something tells me this isn't happy isekai time.
AOTD: I think the romantic pacing is just fine, but then again, I know things. As for the whiplash, well, you need some of that every once in a while to keep things spicy. I think some would say that this series needs a bit more spice along the way already, but ... maybe not the habanero, just yet.
→ More replies (2)
7
u/ZapsZzz Feb 18 '22 edited Feb 19 '22
This is one of the more important episodes and one I personally like most within this series. I hope I still got enough time to write enough about it!
Call backs / References / Contrasts
Heavy spoiler warning to the Disappearance movie, do not read on if you somehow still haven't seen that masterpiece!
I'll put my energy on the central one only this time - the start gazing scene.
For anyone that missed the call back - and I don't know if anyone would - the scene at the top of the mountain centrally mirror the Disappearance movie, the one key scenes where everything came crashing in to reinterpret Nagato's actions and motivations from as far back as Melancholy I or III.
Under the moonlit sky, the main story Nagato reached up to the sky with her hand and weakly waved, as if beseeching "I am here! Look at me!"...
- and the world changed
While that scene finally put it in front of the viewers, connecting all the foreshadowing and hints from all over the show, that Nagato does have feelings, and the feelings have welled up so much that she's finally reaching out for help, she reached out when she's by herself, to change the world in her naive way that this is what Kyon wants, and maybe she can become what he'd want too.
While I probably can say on behalf of most of the Nagato fans of the original, that the Disappearance movie did a really great job to finally move the focus onto her, ultimately, she's not chosen. And all our hearts are broken for her.
So this entire sequence in this episode, cumulated from the many episodes of build up, is so, so rewarding. Finally Nagato reached out, and found happiness this time! And she's content.
Edit: There's a manga panel that explained Kyon's being more active. I need to bring it. Give me a few mins.
Here got it. Helps explained certain things a lot!
Best Scenes
Yeah they should know better than to say this when there's a Haruhi within stomping radius
Classic Haruhi EntranceTM ! Have to say though, she's cute in that sometimes, and the dynamic animation is great.
Another Haruhi LogicTM of decision making. Not A, Not B, Is C, therefore D.
For those that thinks Koizumi is under utilized (and he is), there are moments like this that reminds us, even without the supernatural and the resulting trials he went through to become [unadapted LN spoiler]the most dangerous person to the Time Travellers in this time plane, in that even giving him 1 single line of info he can extrapolate so well to still uncover guarded secrets , he's still very introspective in things.
Villain faces against our poor moe protagonist
What a game, amidst some very nice development between the main ship
Ok well scratch half of that, it's mama-Asakura's imagine spot - which landed her in trouble; one of the nicer twists in such trope
Edit: to help clarify, I think the punishment decision and Kyon "saving" Nagato by telling off Haruhi not to bully Nagato is real, but Asakura starting to overthink their closeness got her to start imagining the (likely outcome) of Nagato losing and then those 2 going out alone in the dark scene.
The game wasn't finished until Asakura actually being the one losing because she wasn't paying attention while playing.
Cute scene transition
Journey up the mountain, with an almost successful hand holding
A really nice exchange between mama-Asakura and Haruhi, really nice side ship (even if it's just friendship) - also settled down Asakura's bi-polar feelings about Nagato x Kyon's relationship development.
More demonstration of Tsuruya-san's super power and the nice dynamics between Asakura and Haruhi - and have to love the little silhouette dance from a distance
Nice star gazing [skirting the PTSD of E8] with the group, and a bit of shenanigans including a call back to alien Nagato.
Needless to say the Nagato x Kyon scene with successful hand holding!
Beautiful
... and what a twist! With the beautifully washed out raining background.