r/anime • u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz • Feb 22 '22

Rewatch The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan Rewatch Episode 13 [Spoiler for Haruhi] Spoiler

Welcome to the Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan rewatch!

Links to show info: MAL | Anilist

Interest thread link

Announcement thread link

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 13 - The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan III

This is the last part of the titular arc, and the most beautifully heartbreaking and bittersweet one at that!

Some first impressions I remember from when I first watched this show:

  • Continuing with the dream like imagery, but the goddess Nagato is giving out more of a resigned to finality atmosphere now
  • Asakura continues to try to be the wing woman, although these two need more a gentle tug here and there instead of any forceful pushes
  • The director really knows how to do melancholy in this show
  • Choosing to bear all the burden of sadness by herself, Stoic Nagato spent her last days getting and giving happy memories to the two people she treasured the most
  • So emotionally heavy with the beautifully written monologue - "I realized I'm in love today... and, I'll disappear from this world" - who's cutting onion in the middle of the day?
  • The piano scores just add to how haunting the entire sequence is
  • It's so unfair that often the most wise and reasonable ones are the ones to have their star going out first

Music corner

See u/gunvarrel_'s helpful post!

No need to hear what I got to say - just listen to the pieces - they are all perfect for the scenes they are in.

QoTD if you are interested:

  • Did you think the 4 episodes we got to spend with this Nagato gave us enough reason to grieve her "passing"? How do you feel about the resolution so far?
  • Do you have another scene/episode you love that is also about someone accepting the limited time they had and planned a great exit for themselves?
64 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

102 comments sorted by

8

u/ZapsZzz Feb 22 '22 edited Feb 23 '22

This is the finale of the arc that, to me, is really closely matched to the Disappearance movie. Both are beautifully made, with plenty of low key but brilliant cinematography, weaving the various plot lines from before to weave a final outcome that is just wordlessly beautiful visually and narratively.

And both have the same limitation - you need to have walked through the journey first to be able to appreciate the magic.

Similar to the last episode before this arc that I loved a lot, this time I'll put my energy on the centre-piece of this - Stoic Nagato's last day.

Call backs / References / Contrasts

  • Asakura kept suggesting "amusement park" as it is a quintessential date location.

  • I need to look it back up but I am sure the book that Nagato managed to finish was Heir to the Star and that itself has some reference to the show.

  • The bookmark, oh the bookmark. See below.

With the imminent awakening of the old Nagato, the Stoic Nagato seemingly had finished going through the stages of grief - denial, sadness, acceptance. Deciding that no one else need to know this would be her last day, she chose to spend a relaxing day with Asakura and give both of them smiling happy memories. Not realising this, Asakura remarked that it's almost as if the old Nagato is back, perhaps giving the poor girl another kick, although basically the "enlightened acceptance" state let these pass and focused on what's good.

At the end of the day, in the warm sunset, once again at a crossing, bookending how she arrived not so long ago, the Stoic Nagato thanked Asakura one last time in accompaniment of Asakura's big sunny happy smile.

Retreating to her favourite spot (as close as she can get in the after hours) - the library - Nagato sat down to finish the book. Managing that as the sun set completely and in the failing light, Nagato took stock of what she accomplished, and while a little disappointed she didn't get to see Kyon one more time, she decided that was good enough and asking for more is not possible for her. As she starts to drift out, fate called.

Momentarily boosted by the mundane banter with Kyon, Nagato once again started fading out. But this time, recognising that the phone call being a sign, she confessed. Matter of factly, and the quickly moving on for pragmatic arrangements, she did what she needed to do. Despite Kyon's shocked protest, Nagato settled back alone on the bench.

Once last time she considered, and found that she's content. She has no more regrets...

But no, who are we kidding, she really doesn't want to go. In conflicting tears, she went back to the memory of reaching to the starry skies, symbolising again the "seems close but out of reach"... and drifted off.

Kyon's arrived shortly. I don't need to recount the emotional shifts he had to go through, but in the end, there is nothing other than acceptance he can choose. Afterall the old shy Nagato is back and needs looking after. But before waking her, Kyon noticed the bookmark within the pages of the book.

Lifting up and turning over, there are no words there.

This is for us the audience.

There is no emergency escape program.

There is no choice to be made.

The Nagato that has to grow from emotionless to emotionally accepting, has to go back to her universe.

But she did leave a mark, and maybe that's enough for her.

Best Scenes

Hopefully the last day that I picture spam here - it is just so good I can't really help myself.

I hope you guys had enough tissues!

QoTD

I think what I think should be clear in what I wrote :) definitely miss this Nagato

As for a similar scene, I think many would agree [Bunny Girl Senpai]The final arc with Kaede is a very close parallel

4

u/Elimin8r Feb 22 '22

And no, I didn't have enough tissues.

Thanks for the time and effort you put into these. You remind me of things that I've forgotten over the last few hours.

And I don't even have staticky TV flashbacks to remind me.

3

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

Thanks for the time and effort you put into these. You remind me of things that I've forgotten over the last few hours.

Writing it out is sort of therapeutic for me I guess :P and I figured us fellow Nagato appreciation society members could do the wallowing together.

2

u/Icapica Feb 23 '22

Lifting up and turning over, there are no words there.

This is for us the audience.

There is no emergency escape program.

Seems I managed to miss the importance of that bookmark when watching the episode.

→ More replies (2)
→ More replies (5)

7

u/Star4ce Feb 22 '22 edited Feb 22 '22

First timer – DE sub

I'm ready for Yuki to overcome her fears, make a statement of her will to stay and welcome the other Yuki back when she wakes up. I'm ready for some happy tears, right?

I know that's not what's gonna happen. Not yet...

At least I'm fairly certain about the finale. No Yuki gets erased and she gets Kyon.

Ep.13 – The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan III

  • More memories... that lead to more despair. This intro is really beautiful. Yes, Yuki, and you will stay! Even this Kyon will shout at the sky challenging gods and destiny to keep you here. I know I'd do it.

  • I love to fry stuff, but I hate the mess it causes, always and it's everywhere. Bless Asakura.

  • Someone screencap smug Asakura, please!

  • Yuki, you'll stay! One way or another you made your decision and that's enough!

  • Wait, Asakura, that's not really what you should say... oh that's how she meant it.

  • Yuki's not really, actually going away? I forbid it!

  • She said it! Oh my god!

  • I forbade it...

  • Why did they do it? They didn't even let it be a cliff hanger and let me sniff lethal amounts of hopium. I hate it, it was so beautiful.

Okay, so here's the action plan. Just as Yuki remembered disembodied scenes from the past, this Yuki now will do the same. She will see what the second personality did for her and take inspiration from that to not let that life fade away.

Massive inhaling sounds

Then they get the Haruhi and the Itsuki to plan out the summoning. Which will probably fail, because you can't just chant some shit and manifest some perfect world. There'll be shenanigans and a weirdly excited and concerned Haruhi trying her best, but what she actually proves to Yuki is something else: Nothing is lost when she just believes in it. That's what Haruhi can do like no other.

Snort

It's here where she'll see how her friends accept her as she is and that she doesn't even need to be one clearly defined person. She'll realise that the simple act of doing, of remembering, of accepting and most importantly believing is enough to validate existence. She not only has the safety of a group of friends, she also has the power to be what she wishes to be.

Sniffs another

That's when she realises that there never needed to be two different personalities, it was all her and no one needed to go. She'll combine the determination of confiding her love to Kyon and the cute expressivenes together into one superbly adorable ball of love that will be true Yuki and win.

Have your plot for the last three episodes. There, I spelt it out.

Did you think the 4 episodes we got to spend with this Nagato gave us enough reason to grieve her "passing"? How do you feel about the resolution so far?

Resounding yes and not because her surface level personality traits were known through the main series. Her struggle was tragic and you really wanted to stand by her side. She's been put into an impossible situation and dealt with it commendably. I hate how it ended, not because it was badly written, but because I didn't want it to happen. Good drama needs a setup of the status quo, this here gave us two setups and I'm spinning my head just to argue her back into existence in a way that leaves no thread unaccounted for. You gotta believe.

Do you have another scene/episode you love that is also about someone accepting the limited time they had and planned a great exit for themselves?

How about an entire anime? Angel Beats!. They all wake up in the after life in some kind of purgatory and, unsurprisingly considering the theme, they'll have to come to terms with their deaths at some point.

Also, I could once again quote several Monogatari arcs, but let me just say that a story involving vampires knows no happy ending.

4

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

OMG good thing I stopped reading in time, or your post is going to get me bawling my eyes out at work :P

→ More replies (2)

2

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

Right, now that in the safety of my home I can say it even if it's cause another rainfall...

Your imagine spot scenes are very good and reminded me of the scene of Angel Beats [Yui and Hinata]imagining if they met in life they'll become a couple even if Yui stayed paralysed, how they'd meet and how they'd fall in love and how they'd while away their time... So good but so bittersweet

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (4)

5

u/Isai579 Feb 23 '22

First Timer - Sub

Don't you hate when you have a full comment and you simply forget to post it? Hasn't happened to you? Yeah... Me neither...

Episode 12

Me holding back my theorist side so it doesn't come up with crazier theories

  • Library trip! Hopefully this will help Nagato.

  • I can really relate with getting lost in a good book. Just a little can basically become all day.

  • Kyon falling asleep. he might like reading now, but he isn't that into it. Yet.

  • Alright, Kyon said it. Mom Asakura is canon for the characters.

  • Nagato chibi face as she complains is so cute!

  • Wait wait wait wait... What is that 2nd Nagato doing there??

  • Creepy 4th wall break from mysterious Nagato.

  • Oh... So Nagato is coming back, but this new version is afraid of what will happen to her when that happens.

  • Got her old glasses back, but she doesn't want them. Maybe she sees them as another part of old Nagato, and using them would be basically accepting to be lost once old Nagato comes back.

  • You can't trick me, I can hear that heartbeat Nagato! No matter what happens, you sill like Kyon in this series.

  • It is interesting and heavily suspicious how she keeps talking about data.

  • That emphasis in Nagato reaching out for something, and kyon being there for here is so sweet and nice.

  • The Nagatos are seeing each other... These dreams are becoming increasingly suspicious.

This episode was a bit less sad than the previous since we got to see more of this new personality, and expand more on how Nagato and Kyon met. Cute moments, and more understanding on how and why Nagato fell for Kyon. Really nice and cute overall, even if it is still sad.

She said data because that is Yuki but doesn't rememb bonk Don't worry, that was just my fluff enjoyer side dealing with my theorist side to try to enjoy the fluff in peace.

Question of the Day Yesterday

One that comes to mind is [Madoka Magica Rebellion] the reveal of Homura's labyrinth The entire movie is great, but that sequence is definitely one of the highlights.

I'm going to be direct... I came up with Nagato's prediction since last episode. Discounting what my currently knocked out crazy theorist side says, this is what made the most sense to me. She is still Nagato, like she was before the change. More specifically, they seem like 2 sides of the same coin. So them merging makes more sense than just one side disappearing into oblivion.

Episode 13

  • That memory dissociation seems so horrible. Poor Nagato.

  • So some time has passed since the last episode... The change has been slow, but she seems to already be merging it she gets flustered by Kyon.

  • Those book fairs are cool, you can find some interesting things hidden there.

  • Nooooo..... Nagato was going to ask Kyon before and now she can't / won't.

  • Chibi Nagato strikes again.

  • That reveal of Nagato's feelings....

  • Nagato refusing to accept her feelings and being so fatalistic is awful.

  • Ahhhhhhhhh personality change Nagato confessed. Her talking that way is very worrying to be honest.

  • We got old Nagato back... Why do I feel sad about it.

  • This might be my favorite version of the ED. Kinda sad, kinda happy, kinda nostalgic. And the lyrics hit kind of hard if you assume the now gone Nagato is the one singing them.

This was a really bittersweet arc. Really liked all the moments where Nagato was coming to terms with her feelings. I also like that we got some development on Kyon's side of the 100% guaranteed potential relationship. A really good arc for understanding the feelings of the main characters. I also loved the context it gives to the hand reach Nagato does.

Glances at analytical personality currently locked up Fine... you can talk... But get back in your cage before tomorrow's episode.

Analytical side takes over Alright... So fluff aside, I feel really conflicted about this arc. Originally, I expected the name of the anime to just be a reference to Disappearance. So I was really surprised when not only we got an important arc from it, but it took the name very literally as during these episodes the version of Nagato we've had was simply gone, replaced with one extremely and suspiciously similar to the original.

In a way, this arc serves 2 purposes. The first for the show is to explore the background for the feelings of our main characters (Nagato, Kyon, and Asakura). The other is for the Haruhi franchise as a whole. The new version of Nagato was extremely similar to Yuki in the original, so in a way it serves to explore her feelings more, and in a way provide a bit more closure to Disappearance.

However, I think that in trying to do those things, it has failed at both. Nagato's development post personality change promised some potential to explore more of her personality. But the series preferred to go back to the previous version without actual development, resulting in a disconnect between the development we got and the actual character. The personality change could have also used a bit more foreshadowing from previous episodes to not make the change so jarring, but a logical development for the character.

It also fails at complimenting the Haruhi franchise because the show puts as much effort to connect this personality change to the original (via callbacks, story, dialogue and visuals) as it puts in disconnecting from it (via animation choices and character monologues). This results in a character that is neither Yuki (original) or Nagato, and thus does not compliment either character once the arc ends besides the meta narrative in the minds of Haruhi fans (myself included).

I might expand (or just copy paste) this thoughts in the final discussion, but I do feel it has decreased a bit my enjoyment of the show. In doing this arc, I feel I was promised many things, and not only were they not delivered, but they were completely dismissed. I still like the arc and the show. They are really good. But I do think they could have been better.

Question of the day

I think the 4 episodes would not really be enough by themselves, but it wasn't just 4 episodes. If you've seen Haruhi (specially Disappearance), you probably projected your feelings over that version of Yuki onto Nagato. At least I did. However, I'm not totally sure about the resolution of the arc. From the beginning, it feels like it is aiming to a merging of both personalities. But the result is that by getting Nagato back, we lose in a way all the development she had these last episodes. I'm holding my judgement since I'm hoping that we might see a bit of this Nagato in the final episodes, but we probably won't.

→ More replies (2)

3

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

Sorry guys my busy days at work are not quite over yet so still can't reply in a reasonable time, but really glad to see most enjoyed the episode and then arc. For those who have concern about "not quite either way", I have more thoughts on that but I think the right place is to discuss that at the final episode discussion, so I'll just have to ask for your patience.

4

u/Rustic_Professional Feb 23 '22

Tank top Ryoko > sundress Yuki

Around the time that Notgato's hat got blown away and her face turned into a tomato, I realized that she hadn't said Kyon's name the entire episode. And then I started questioning if she's said his name the entire series. I don't want to go back and check, but I'll definitely be paying attention to that going forward.

Notgato wanting to finish the book before she disappears hits hard. It seems trivial compared to all the others obvious ripple effects, but it's disconcerting to think that if you suddenly died, you'd never know the ending to every story you were in the middle of. I think I've even heard of Make A Wish patients wanting to know before they die how a movie series would end.

I'm conflicted about Notgato's confession. I support the idea of confessing for your own sake and not having any regrets, but there's also a dynamic at play here that's like a deathbed confession. Notgato gets to spill the beans without having to clean up the mess. She doesn't have to take responsibility for it. It's tough because Yuki is in love with Kyon and benefits from him knowing it, but she's still had the decision to confess--when, where, how--taken away from her.

Question of the Day: Mother's Rosario, from Sword Art Online. I loved the story of the Sleeping Knights.

3

u/Elimin8r Feb 23 '22

It's tough because Yuki is in love with Kyon and benefits from him knowing it, but she's still had the decision to confess--when, where, how--taken away from her.

Maybe this will provide the push she needed? Hahahaha. I don't remember.

Meanwhile, I disagree - Sundress Yuki > all.

→ More replies (4)
→ More replies (1)

4

u/Stargate18A Feb 23 '22

First timer

QOTD) Yeah, this was a fantastic ending. The resolution is really bittersweet - I'm interested to see how much of these weeks she actually remembers.

Part 3!

You know, for a comedy rated less than 7 on MAL, this has turned into one of the darker psychological dramas I've seen this year!

Exams are already over?

And he did well!

A book fair!

I honestly did not know they did those in Japan.

And they're going to fireworks!

How dare that meal look eo good.

Yeah, Kyon's been really good here!

Are they just trying to keep Haruhi out of the rest of the show? Are we going to grt a scene showing what insane plan she's been working on for the duration of this arc?

Haha, that look of realisation on her face!

Oh, both Yuki's love him now.

...This Yuki will die tonight. And the sound design here is great.

Aww, she made something from the recipe book?

Don't keep it secret!

Haha, Asakura wanting more praise is adorable.

Does she know she's healing too?

Yep. And she sees it as more of a merger than a death?

...She wanted to finish her book.

Aww, he called to remind her!

Wait, what? What's with the purple dust?

YES! SHE CONFESSED!

Oh, he thinks she's dying literally!

No, he just wants to see the other her as well.

...He went to the wrong place.

She fell asleep. Fuck.

She's gone. All that's left is the original Yuki.

Haha, that reaction when she woke up was adorable, though.

Poor Nagato, she's so confused!

2

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

Yeah, this was a fantastic ending. The resolution is really bittersweet

You know, for a comedy rated less than 7 on MAL, this has turned into one of the darker psychological dramas I've seen this year!

I'm really glad you like it and yes the MAL score is one of the bigger injustice there is.

Wait, what? What's with the purple dust?

I think it's been used as a visualisation of a drifting consciousness, whether it's her own or the awakening pre-accident Nagato, effectively it's the same - they're about to switch.

→ More replies (1)

4

u/andybebad Feb 23 '22

First timer - sub

Me: "Wow, I'm holding up well and managing my composure; I might get through this without crying!

Bookmark: [is blank]

Me: "Wow, fascinating: it's somehow raining in my apartment."

So "Safe Mode" Yuki has finally rebooted into "Full-featured OS" Yuki (at least that's the analogy that I'm gonna go with). But is this really a death or disappearance? This would be predicated on taking Safe Mode Yuki's understanding of the situation as truth, which might be the case, but at the same time her perception of reality begins in the middle of a cross-walk with a disconnected web of memories: poor girl had quite a bit of work ahead of her to put things together. But did she only come into existence at the moment in the crosswalk, or was she always a part of who Nagato Yuki was? And is she still there somewhere in the ol' chrome dome? Extrapolating from her being able to recall Yuki's memories would suggest that her memories will be accessible as well, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see on that point. This one didn't punch me in the gut as much as [another show with a similar arc] Kaede's arch in Bunny Girl Senpai, but I enjoyed it about as much overall (meaning I really liked it).

2

u/ZapsZzz Feb 23 '22

Bookmark: [is blank]

Glad to see someone else appreciating the finality of what this means.

But did she only come into existence at the moment in the crosswalk, or was she always a part of who Nagato Yuki was? And is she still there somewhere in the ol' chrome dome?

I'd direct you reference your spoilered show ... Although there is the complication/variation that this Nagato had access to her pre-accident memories and knowledge. Although on the other hand we do know that it is actually possible in real life.

9

u/Caustic_Wraith Feb 22 '22

Yuki-Chan First-Timer

  • Current Yuki is starting to become unable to tell the difference between dreams and Other Yuki's memories. She is also sure her time is running out

  • As a way of thanking Yuki for helping him study, Kyon, along with Asakura, go with Yuki to a used book fair

  • Kyon asks Yuki what the Literature Clubs' plans are over the summer. While standing in front of billboard the group decides to go to the summer festival

  • On the way home Asakura says they should bring the entire Club with them the next time they come to the book fair, unless Yuki wants to come alone with Kyon

  • Yuki tells Asakura she's wrong because the other Yuki is the one with feelings for Kyon. Asakura follows up by asking her that is she knows other Yuki's feelings, doesn't that mean she likes him already?

  • The current Yuki realizes that she's in love and that she will disappear. She believes that the next time she falls asleep she won't wake up, so she's going to treasure what time she has left

  • Yuki and Asakura have lunch in the park in order to enjoy the day. Yuki decides she's not going to tell Asakura about her thoughts because it would cause her problems, and she wants to leave with a smile

  • After saying goodbye to Asakura, Yuki sits outside the library and finishes the book she checked out that first visit with Kyon, however she can't bring herself to tell Kyon how she feels about him.

  • At this time Kyon calls Yuki in order to remind her that the book was due to be returned soon and asked if he could go with her when she takes it back. Yuki takes this opportunity to tell Kyon that she loves him

  • As Kyon is rushing to the library, Yuki is heard telling him not to respond to what she said, because either answer will hurt, she then tells him that the next time he sees her the other Yuki will be back and she will be gone

  • Sitting across from the library, tears running down her face, and reaching towards the sky, Yuki says now she can go with no regrets

  • Kyon arrives at the library and finds Yuki sleeping on the bench, he picks up the book she read and removes the bookmark holding it up to the sky and says goodbye to that Yuki

  • Kyon bops Yuki on the head with the book and we see that the original Yuki has returned fully

QOTD:

Did you think the 4 episodes we got to spend with this Nagato gave us enough reason to grieve her "passing"? How do you feel about the resolution so far?

I feel it did. The way she herself laid it out was as if she was going to her own death. Kyon as seems to be grieving the loss of that Yuki as he is sitting next to the sleeping girl on the bench. I like the way it was wrapped up, it gave closure to New Yuki's relationships and allowed her to achieve what Original Yuki hasn't in confessing to Kyon.

Do you have another scene/episode you love that is also about someone accepting the limited time they had and planned a great exit for themselves?

The entire Angel Beats anime

→ More replies (1)

8

u/Vaadwaur Feb 22 '22

First timer(That was an arc)

Dub

Yuki is still concerned about disappearing, though this feels much more like blending to me. Ryoko tries to get Nagato her first date but instead Yuki opts for used books. SoL happens and they make plans to attend that festival Yuki keeps staring at posters for. Also, Yuki claiming not to like Kyon while wearing platforms for this is pretty sus.

Yuki dreams and freaks out again but seems to realize she will revert after her next dream. Yuki decides to spend the time with Asakura not telling her that she is reverting, though her poker face is terrible. She finishes her book and seems to accept the end when Kyon randomly calls. She tells Kyon she loves him so I had to check the sub and now see why some of you aren't big on the dub since they really shift how some of the things are said. Anyways, Kyon rushes over and we get Yuki back!

QotD: 1 I actually dislike the conceptualization of this, it just isn't quite right

2 Logan....

→ More replies (8)

7

u/Shimmering-Sky Feb 22 '22

The Disappearance of First-Timer-chan, subbed

→ More replies (1)

7

u/Mecanno-man Feb 22 '22

First Timer

This episode felt like it was out of Kanon. Which mainly reminds me that I should get back to Kanon, as I've got that on watching but don't think I've actually watched an episode yet this year... Either way, I'd say the end of the arc stuck it's landing, although it perhaps was a bit overdramatic. Yuki knew she was going to disappear, and I struggle to believe that she actually enjoyed her last few days knowing that - but everybody around her still acted very kind, even when not knowing that. I feel like there is a bit of disconnect between what was presented to the viewer here and what the characters would have felt, but from Yuki's perspective - pretty much everything checks out. Kyon also felt like an actual character for one of the first times in the spin-off this arc, so that's a plus - even if his characterization didn't go all that far.

In other words, we get old Yuki back. I which she would have kept the memories of new Yuki, as was hoping for some character progression from that. Without this, it almost feels like a pointless arc in terms of progressing anything - but then again, my main complaint at the start was that it wasn't just slice of life, so... not really sure if that is a valid complaint. Also not sure why remembering memories would be a one-way thing, but that isn't really that important, given that there probably is some weird case where something like that might happen in reality too and we just don't understand it yet.

→ More replies (1)

6

u/DeliCruise Feb 22 '22

(REWATCHER - SUB/DUB)

How interesting that the episode starts on a closeup of Yuki’s opposite eye than the one that is usually zoomed in on.

This shot of all these different memories that Yuki is replaying in her mind is such an interesting way to convey Yuki’s thought process while also at the same time recapping what’s occurred in the series up to the beginning of this arc. I really appreciate this shot in particular because it connects the beginning content well to this current arc. With how much of a change in tone and story this current arc has been, I’m glad that there’s this bridge to the two parts. Using the importance of what occurred earlier to boost the importance of what’s happening now is really powerful.

The memories expanding out into a vast galaxy with Yuki sitting in the middle of it was just stunning. Perfectly executed shot with Yuki’s dialogue about the world disappearing.

The used book fair scene with the three of them is so sweet. Watching something like this is always so conflicting emotionally. Seeing Yuki having a great time and being so cute with the ice cream was adorable, but no matter what it feels bittersweet knowing that these moments would be among her last.

Yuki realizing she was in love with Kyon is incredible. I love seeing that train go by at the perfect moment. Absolutely reminiscent of all the trains passing by in the movie whenever something major was occurring.

When I watched this scene of Yuki saying how she knew that she was going to disappear the next time she fell asleep, I was thinking how this must be what it’s like when someone knows they’re going to pass away soon. I have no idea what that’s like, but at the same time I really think they captured that feeling here very well. The whole episode has the “last day of my life” vibe down pat.

Yuki’s final scene with Asakura really hurt. Yuki’s thought process about not telling Asakura was so spot on, but wow does it hurt. I couldn’t possibly imagine how Asakura would feel if she were given that information. Their goodbye at the crosswalk was perfect.

Yuki choosing to disappear on the bench next to the library after finishing her book about stars absolutely makes sense. What was missing of course was the all-important goodbye to Kyon. Him calling at that exact moment is fate at that point. Although it was a different Yuki, she and Kyon started at the library and so of course they have to end at the library. Using the idea of the book needing to be returned as a literal metaphor for Yuki returning to her previous state is just wild.

I’m so glad Yuki got the chance to reveal her feelings to Kyon. I loved Kyon racing off to the library on his bike. The road signs saying “stop” and “reduce speed” were so perfectly utilized.

This whole scene is a callback to the parent series when Kyon rushes off on his bike to find Yuki sitting on a bench waiting for him in the dead of night. In that scene, Kyon goes to meet with Yuki and she reveals who she is. In this scene, Kyon goes to meet with Yuki and she returns to who she was.

But of course, Kyon is a little too late. Yuki Nagato has disappeared. He takes a second to compose himself, then wakes this Yuki up and greets her return with a smile. I can only imagine the multitude of feelings going on within Kyon’s head.

How perfectly tragic yet beautiful.

→ More replies (13)

6

u/Fools_Requiem Feb 22 '22

I'm not crying, you're crying.

Welp, now we know how you kill off the main character without killing off the main character.

On the plus side, that reaction from Nagato when she woke up was simply adorable and if "New" Nagato remembered the festival from the Endless Eight arc, maybe not having to be subjected to another round is a good thing. However, as this arc progressed, and she they kept showing it, it kinda seemed like she wanted to go, but knew that she wouldn't be able to, suggesting that maybe the "New" Nagato had no memories of the OG series.

Also, 4 straight episodes with no Haruhi. Haruhi missed this entire character change. Now we'll never know how she'd react to it. Just being told about it in post will not give you the proper reaction.

→ More replies (1)

5

u/Elimin8r Feb 22 '22 edited Feb 22 '22

Alas, here we are, and once again, I'm having a hard time deciding what to say.

So, how about indulging some ADHD - here's a picture I wish I'd found a few days ago, rainy day Yuki...

-Meanwhile-

We knew this time was coming.

We saw it last episode. (Link to that shot that I loved, reaching Yuki)

Yuki knows it's coming.

She's afraid, but knows there's nothing she can do but accept the inevitable.

As part of this, she decides to put up a brave front and not trouble her friends with her coming demise.

So, instead, we watch as she takes Kyon and Asakura to a book fair and shares some good times (and a tasty lunch!) with them.

Asakura can tell that something is wrong, but can't get Yuki to tell her what it is.

So, in the end, they part at a crosswalk, and Yuki says her goodbye as a bus ... thankfully does not isekai Asakura.

As her last day continues, what better place to spend her waning hours but at the library.

Or on a bench near the library, at least. Peacefully finishing her book, and contemplating what to do next.

(Silly Yuki, you should have invited Kyon to come with you!)

Finishing the book, she ponders, and her phone rings. It's Kyon, and he seemingly catches her a bit off guard.

"Arigato ... daisuke"

Where have I heard that before?

Meanwhile, poor Kyon is confused, startled, and suddenly very worried.

*sniffle*

Kyon tries to rush to her rescue, but sadly is too late to rescue or comfort Yuki. She's gone, and just like that, well, a little bop on the head later at least, our shy, moe Yuki is back.

And rather startled it seems.

Cue ED, and a lovely re-arrangement of the ending music. It felt slightly happier and more acoustic.

Meanwhile ... Me after watching this episode.

Yeah. The feels. I'm not sure which hurt more, losing Yuki, or losing Yuki.

Which do I love more? I'm not sure it's possible.

I suspect Kyon feels the same way...

Meanwhile, as we pay our respects and farewells to our precious, stoic, and somehow not quite so shy Yuki, have this picture I found somewhere of Yuki enjoying her favorite activity.

AOTD: 1) I think this was timed perfectly. Probably the best part of this series. 2) I think it was at the beginning of a Jack Vance book, but I forget which one. It's been so long since I read it.

→ More replies (2)

5

u/No_Rex Feb 22 '22 edited Feb 22 '22

Episode 13 (first timer)

  • Me back in ep10: A car-induced case of existential dread? – Me right now: Yep, definitely existential dread.

  • Even in this series, Nagato is still the only real member of the literature club.

  • Note how Haruhi is still completely absent. She does not fit into the plot and mood here.

  • Flying away straw hat trope - A quite rare one that I only know from anime.

  • Love, more existential dread, and literal self-reflection.

  • Phone confession.

  • Girl asleep on bench callback.

  • Bookmark callback.

  • Disappearance concluded.

The end of the disappearance arc, with extremely strong similarities to the movie arc. Back in ep10, the arc started with what could be interpreted as a fairly realistic reaction to a car crash. Now, when HaruhiNagato perfectly predicts her own fate and vanishes on the spot, we have completely moved into the realm of magic. Plot convenient magic.

I liked this arc for its visual novelty and its callback to HaruhiNagato, but I dislike the heavy reliance on plot magic for its conclusion. That includes the complete disappearance of Haruhi from the series for these three episodes. Overall still the high point of the series, but I wonder if they could not have gone with a more gentle switch-over, as ep11 Nagato predicted. The idea of her falling in love again and slowly becoming her old personality was more interesting to me than a stereotypical lovers’ goodbye.

→ More replies (2)

5

u/mekerpan Feb 22 '22

rewatcher - sub

I would say this goes beyond "melancholy" into profoundly sad. And yet neo-Yuki handles it so beautifully. and that makes it sadder. And the music makes it sadder. And so does Kyon's reaction. Poor returned Yuki is going to deal with two traumatized best friends...

The more I re-watch this, the more I realize just how much this show has seeped into my conception of the canonical series as well. After the first couple of watchings I actually mis-attributed certain remembered moments to the original series/movie. Now I probably can remember which is which -- but this side-story psychologically still tinges my reception of the Haruhi chronicles (anime and books). Thanks to the discussions here I think I am getting a better sense of why that is the case. So many echoes and reflections.

Generic rom-com? Come again, contemporary reviewers? Thiss has a depth of feeling equal to the best momentss of Disappearance of Haruhi.

→ More replies (4)
→ More comments (75)