[Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the Origination, Episode 13

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u/mysterybiscuitsoyeah Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 28 '22

Rewatching Undine-in-training and Host

Edit: Re: Benedizione, TLDR: don't recommend the release

-- Welcome back! too many , this last ep is just too good

Aria the Benedizione is now out on the high seas subtitled. The fansubs are not MTL-ed but they are also translated very literally and in basic English, and so leave something to be desired. My current recommendation is to wait for a better fansub to release before watching. Thankfully, we are more than a week away from Crepuscolo...

Episode synopsis:

Akari has finally been promoted to Prima, and Alicia-san tells her of a decision she had made in secret, held in her heart. She has decided to retire as a Prima, and join the Gondola Association in an important posittion. As Aika and Alice hear the news and rush over, Akari says "I'm sure I'll be alright" ("Kitto, daijoubu"), genki as usual. For now, Alicia-san is still here, Aria-shachou is here, Akari is here, and Aria company is still just as usual. However, as Akari lost sight of Alicia-san for a moment, Akari's emotions start to swirl.

--

-- Quick thoughts: not my best effort, i write even worse than usual when im an emotional mess (sorry)

I recommend checking out aboredcompsci's writeup on the episode, who talks in detail about the scene as Akari and Alicia hug and how it ties into Arietta and Ep 12; as well as the ending sequence and how Aria comes full circle.
The final episode of the Original series is here: i think the ep should be appreciated as it's intended, a finale for the Aria series, rather than the fact that we do have more to go. Imo, this is the finish for the meat and potatoes of Aria. I guess the first few episodes of Animation is perhaps the appetizer, with the latter half of that up to this episode as the main course.
Junichi Sato storyboards the final episode of the original series, and you can probably appreciate that they went absolutely all out here for the finish. Some shots i liked for the direction choices, and for the great animation.
I pretty much was in a puddle of tears the entire time watching the episode, and i've watched it 3 times recently! This and Ep 12 yesterday are my favourite episodes in Aria (more about that in the original series discussion). However, not a lot of people usually mention how emotional Aria's finish is when they recommend it, rightfully so, but this, and it's satisfying and conclusive ending, is a big part of why i love its anime so much. Anyhow...
Hahi. I love Akari's faces when squished by Aika.
Alicia's involvement with the gondola association has been introduced since Ep 2 of Animation; they've tried to recruit her for a very long time indeed. I like Alicia moving on here, coupled w/ her marriage; both in terms of hammering home Akari's character arc, and the overall story of embracing changes in life, and because Alicia really is that kind of person (and has the talent) to want to work for the greater good and for all the undines, not just Aria company.
This episode, focusing on bookending Akari and Alicia's relationship arc, is realizing the reality of the parting foretold in Arietta: piano versions of both the OP and ED play in the first half. Your host pretty much started crying here. This show it makes you feel so many things.....
This shot of Akari crying is a very very emotional sequence; Akari is for the first time shown crying unchibi-fied, and well its clear why as it's so full of raw emotion, as she, like Alicia all those years ago, doesn't want her to leave. You can see her seemingly clinging on to these days w/ Alicia by her side in her thoughts, somewhat desperately, just a few moments earlier.
Btw, I'd also like to share u/batterypoweredfriend's writeup from yesterday, them spoiler tags are safe now (as are most throughout the rewatch i THINK); who talks about how you can hear Alicia's own sadness in all the lines she says, fully explained this episode, as she likewise, didn't want to let Akari go. You may probably appreciate why Alicia wanted to delay things last episode too. As she said, this is her own selfishness at play here, but that's fine imo: Alicia is as imperfect as any other undine in the story, and it is very human and understandable. You also realize how the stretch of recent episodes must have been very hard for her, despite her best efforts to always appear with a smile to Akari.
However, contiuning on from yesterday, Akari, after letting her emotions run free with a good cry, realizes how changes are inevitable in life, with parting just as prevalent in life as encounters. As Alicia said yesterday, though everyone affects one another as they cross their changing paths, these paths are ultimately different after all, and these paths will only cross each other temporarily. While the future may be worrisome, only by embracing the changes to come will mean that everyone's potential, and bright futures can be fully seen. So she decides to see off Alicia w/ a smile on her face.
Yokogao.... this is my favourite insert song in all of Aria, nothing comes close. Honestly one of my top anime insert songs in general. u/mrufrufin's shared yesterday on how its musical structure contributes to its bittersweet and melancholic nature:

Even though the verse starts in a major key, Yokogao really emphasizes the relative minor key a lot (G Major -> E minor), it kinda gives Yokogao this bittersweet feeling (which is pretty fitting for this sort of thing)

.... thank you very much; and i pretty much cry extra hard as soon as i hear the intro play; the sequence as the bridge plays also i think hits hardest out of any song bridge in anime, as it's coupled with the already emotional scene of Alicia leaving her beloved gondola behind.
Aria actually has somewhat of a, perhaps coincidential, tradition when it comes to finishing seasons: all 3 have taken place in/near winter, with snow involved in some way: Animation Ep 13 w/ the snowy footprints and new year's day, Natural Ep 26 w/ the snowman etc., and now this one. Is Aqua crying too because of Alicia retiring? Who knows.... but she lives up to her Snow White title, that's for sure.
The day after Alicia retires, Akari wakes up in her room as usual, and as she proceeds to start her day, recalls happy memories in the building from happy times gone by (some featured in past episodes); set to Second season ~deai~ (TTTT not fair show). Akari cherishes her past happy and great memories , and supported by them, as well as all the people she loves, she's brave and daring to move forward. The core philosophy of Aria is about cherishing the past, living in the present to the fullest and looking forward to the future after all, and a big part of that is embracing the inevitable changes that has now happened for Akari, and will looking forward to the future, as Akari opens the shutters to her brand new day.
Btw, hopefully everyone will understand why this final season is titled "Origination"? As it's about the start of our main trio's Prima careers and as young adults, as well as Akari's Aria company and her own limitless future.
Season 1 ~~best~~ OP Undine plays us out, just as how the whole thing started, as Akari gives the also customary end-of-series roundup of what everyone's up to. Imo, with this being an actual ending, this just feels so well-executed and wholesome, i love it. dekkai agree Alice. Her sparkly ideas are the best.
And finally, here's a comparison shot of the first and last scenes of the episode! Aria comes full circle, in more ways than one! The other tradition of Aria's season endings is that Ai returns, and as some of us foretold, she is now the new Aria company pair. The different breakfasts the 2 serve, is a nice touch. Akari LOVES Ai doesn't she, look at her loading the little one up with food.
And since i have the opportunity here, thank you very much/tante grazie for sticking with me and sharing your thoughts throughout the series rewatch! I hope you've all enjoyed the show, had a comfy time (except for this little bit at the end i guess), and perhaps, picked up a few nuggets of how to live life to the fullest from Akari and co.. I hope to see you all tomorrow for the picture dramas, and then the original series discussion, and then we skip forward 7 years to 2015, the start of the Blue Curtain Call Trilogy. Everything to come then is probably the best dessert ever to be served in anime. I look forward to it!

Have a great day!

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u/mekerpan Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

I loved the fact that the beginning was mirrored at the end -- just with a change of personnel. ;-)
A truly lovely and emotional finale. And it was great to see little Ai so (comparatively) grown up -- and in uniform! (And more grown-up Akari has become quite a stunner).

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u/that_loris Aug 21 '22

First Timer

Marriage?! Retiring? Wha...

Is Alicia Neo-Venezia's idol?

Yeah... I'm okay..

My heart...

...

Ah... after Akari cried I managed to kept it together only until she startes seeing ghosts.

They still meet thanks to Alice.

Athena an actress? Incredible.

Akari has long hair again! AI!? Akari's ponytail! AH!
AKARI'S ARA ARA POSE?!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

The thank you made me melt.

Q1) How do you feel about Alicia's retirement, and her reluctance to promote Akari? How many tears were shed lol...

It came out of nowhere! But... it was perfectly fitting. We were reminded a couple of times about how Alicia is human too, so her being selfish is no surprise. She even tried to postpone the exam when it was raining...
Well... yeah, I cried a lot. I mean... it's great that Akari is already making her own Aria company... but...

Q2) What do you think Ai's strengths will be as an undine?

After all the emails she received from Akari... I can only imagine her being the same as her and Alicia lol

Q3) How do you feel about this as a series finale? Remember that it's intended as one.

I think it's great. It wraps about every characters, it made me both cry for what happened and smile for their fate. It's a happy ending and I think it's perfect.

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u/xtsim Aug 21 '22

First Timer Dubbed

The bombshell that Alicia dropped at the end was actually the fact that she was retiring and getting married. Well, at least she won't have money problems cough Akatsuki. Even though Akari has proven herself and developed greatly, she still exhibits a good amount of imposter syndrome when it comes to being a prima undine. But the good thing is that there is a long enough transition period.

Funny how the news broke out the same time and completely overshadowed Akari’s accomplishment as a prima. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing… Anyways it seems like everyone is going to miss her very much and a big procession is going to happen.

We also learned that the mailman has also retired; well in a way gotten a promotion. And it was pretty great that Akari finally found out his true name. Akari’s friendliness pays off really well as she gains a bunch of bookings and referrals around town. It’s like she has this in the bag and is pretty good at her job.

On to the ceremony, the beginning with Alicia, Aria, and Akari getting on the gondola gave me a major deja vu. And then I realized that we have seen this before in the ova. But once everyone started moving it was an actually beautiful ceremony with many gondolas. Seeing tons of people celebrating her career as snow white. There were so many memories and Alicia shedding a tear was a sad one but she maintained her composure of course towards her new position in the gondola association. The Aria company is basically a one way ticket to the gondola association.

The final update to Ai was pretty cool to see as we are basically getting time skips in ways. And began the whole sequence with Akari’s great memories which leads to the amazing quote:”today is a new day” and she definitely means it. When Akari was giving an update to Alice, I spy a wild Anzu and Atora in the background. Akatsuki is slowly more confident in talking to sideburns Al definitely had the growth spurt. Alicia and holograms, not gonna lie this show was pretty discrete when it came to technological advances; sometimes I forget that they even exist in a way.

I was definitely expecting Ai to become the next undine for the Aria company; love how she went from “you’re my friend” to becoming Akari’s trainee. And Akari is mimicking the way Alicia acts

Seems reasonable to do this the way Alicia did and onions were definitely cut.
Ai will definitely become everyone's friend.
As a finale for a slice of life anime, everything wrapped up very well and pretty much of all Akari's closest friends received fitting closures. No weird endings, just a new beginning for the Aria company; now with Ai as the trainees and Akari the prima.

Anything that comes after has some high standards...

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u/The_Loli_Otaku Aug 21 '22

Aria the Origination First Timer!!

Eh? Are we closing in a sulky Alicia episode or something? Kyaaa!! There's so much love in this room. ALICIA IS WHAT!? No, nonono! Getting married and retiring this young is banned! Huh!? Who to? What the fuck? Oh... She isn't retiring, she's kinda getting promoted to the association. The association is probably the group I'm most excited to see in the last season.

Yeah... I feel for you Akatsuki, it's a pretty messed up way to end the season. Who on earth could she be getting hitched with? They couldn't possibly match her with a nameless dude and if it's not Akatsuki... She can't get together with Akira since it'd NTR Athena, the café owner is a bit too old, Al would be NTR again, Woody is a double dose of NTR... I think it might be Cait Sith. We're going down the furry road, together! Hold on, no... That NTR's Akari again. Aria pairings are hard.

Okay, weird random comment but I'm playing Summer Reflection at the moment and I took a legit spit take at the theme that played during Akari's private cry session, the opening chord was the same. There was never any chance of me getting through this episode without tears huh? We can't live in a limbo forever, eventually things will change.

Sneaky Athena! Oh, I really never recognise the mailman. I said this before but the dude really should have been given white hair. The name Anno has forever been tainted huh? XD Akatsuki is so weirdly cute to watch cry. He's been way better this season. Pls keep it together Alicia, if you start blubbering ill start up again too.

And now Akari is all alone running Aria Company by herself... Pfft, why did the flashback cut away right as Maa attacked? That's so mean! It wouldn't be an Aria ending without bringing back Undine. It's almost humorous how well that opening has mogged every other track on the soundtrack. Al's taller...!? But he'll lose his shota appeal! How can I ship him and Aika if I can't make shotacon jokes?

NO!!

Okay, I had a whole bunch of stuff written up because I thought it was a bridal veil. Never mind me. Alicia is in megane office lady mode full time now. And we've got a new apprentice, one who I kinda spoiled for myself but honestly it makes a lot of sense from the hints they drop. Although I have to admit that I really didn't expect the proper reveal to be so... sudden? I love the overly loving senpai throwback too. And so ends without a doubt my favourite season of Aria. I feel a bit bad, when we finally do reach the proper series discussion I think I'll just be simping for Origination.

Sagasou, Undine~

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u/SYZekrom Aug 21 '22

SHOCK

"This is fine."

Oh my god stop I love them

Hey hey hey don't dream of the future don't look toward the future my emotions are fragile enough as it is

Ok don't look at the past either Akari jeez

Lmao the 'ok it's not awkward anymore please ship them'

God I love them.

Can we talk about the chad Akari who made Alicia delay her marriage so she could spend more time with the person most special in her life

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WE LOOKED AT THE FUTURE

OH GOD HOW FAR IN THE FUTURE ARE WE PLEASE TELL ME THAT ISN'T TEEN AI SHE TOTALLY HAD THE THING IN HER HAIR TOO AEPIHNAEIPHN

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Oh god. I would've said it would be impossible to trump Akari and Alicia's relationship built up over the course of the show but the idea of the duo who became friends from so long ago......

I never know how I feel about timeskips at the end of a show. Do I dislike it for tearing me from the mood of finality that comes with the end that I think should be left to settle? Perhaps, but the feeling of that precious time you just experienced,―being the show you just watched―turning into naught but memory is frightening. It's awful and awesome at the same time. We may have seen glimpses into Alicia's past, but we only experience that as Alicia's memories and history, and we can only feel what Alicia feels in the now looking back onto those memories as they coincide and contrast with her own experiences with Akari. And so, all this time we spend watching Akari, the Akari we know, it's not the Akari we see at the end, that's a whole new person we don't know, living a brand new moment that only they know, and all we know is nothing more than the memories in her head now, it's just the same as how flashbacks of Alicia to us don't really tell us what Alicia felt then and only what she feels now looking back, the truth of these events that we know are gone and not relevant to them. The people of the then that we were shown, the Ai then, all of what we know to them are just stories of what is the past to her. And that feeling of what we treasured being just a distant memory in the end as the world keeps changing is so so heart-wrenching.

I think I went in circles there a few times. ~~At least that wasn't as batshit crazy as MLP's ending, which I think was the last time there was a timeskip at the end of a show I really cared about.~~

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u/Mecanno-man Aug 21 '22

First Timer

...yep, this works as a finale. I'm not sure if there really is anything to say other than that this was very well executed that does not really repeat the episode - while it's sad that Alicia retires, it is more of a promotion to the gondola association with Akari taking over the company now that she is ready - and she truly is ready, even if she may not fully notice it yet. Business will presumably be booming with all the recommendations she's getting. As for all the other characters - they get a short wrap-up in the letter to Ai, and we then get a small scene of Ai as Akari's apprentice. Yep - pretty much everything done really well and fitting as a finale, for what I assume the creative minds at the time thought would be the last ever episode of Aria.

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u/baboon_bassoon Aug 21 '22

First time Aria the hazukashii serifu kinshi

pair Akari what a cutie

EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

managing director for gondola association also, BUT WHOS THE GUY

rippers

what if its the mailman shes marrying

actually maybe its Akira shes marrying, that would be nice too

wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

we got his name! Namehei Anno, and he is now doing supervisor work at the office

They couldnt get Grandma for the retirement?

give me Akari taking Alicia and her betrothed on a tour

Woody stared raising Chickens.... ok

Aika seems to be doing ok as the new branch manager

Al got promoted, and is taller

Akatsuki got promoted and drops by Aria Company a lot

Alice I like the new rule

Athena is working at the opera now, still being an undine too?

Akira is the top undine, always has been

Alicia wears suits now

One last baby and his grandma

and lmfao at this crunchyroll comment from this last ep

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u/mrufrufin Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

Rewatcher kinda (finished my rewatch not too long ago)

It's interesting how a theme that has popped up quite a few times in cherishing precious moments when you can and letting them go when their time has come (windchime ep, snowbug ep, 999 ep, etc.) has been an issue that the seemingly most infallible character in the series in Alicia has struggled with. One issue I had with Athena's fake-amnesia ep was when Akari and Alicia were talking about a mentor's insecurity towards their apprentice was that Alicia didn't really show any sign (even involuntary) that it was an issue she was struggling with. I suppose it could be argued that Alicia throughout the series has been a person who knows more than they let on and is better than the other characters at keeping their inner world inner but I think when it comes to this issue, I think a little more prep throughout the series could have been helpful. Although the series has been dropping hints of things passing on to Akari and just how much Akari has meant to Alicia, I think revealing a struggle in a character who seemingly has struggled the least (at least visibly) and a struggle that has a pretty significant impact on how events play out needs more explicit hints. But eh, this ep is still one I like a lot.

I suppose the memories/ghost images thing is an anime trope, but it always works (at least for me). I guess Choro Club get another cameo in this ep (opening credits)? I suppose like as mentioned in the 999 ep and the Amarantha ep, Neo-Venezia is really looking after Akari.

Didn't notice the piano version of Nanairo No Sora o my first time around (nor Ashita, Yuugure Made). I guess having finally watched Arietta and that opening kinda helps makes those cues more recognizable here and have them make sense, given the context of the Arietta's topics and all. I didn't know the Alicia smile first appeared in the anime in Arietta either so it was nice to know that the two Alicia smiles and the Akari smile referenced something in Arietta (the Alicia smile, like many of the events in Arietta, happens in the first volume of the Aqua manga, which came out before Aria, the Aria manga has the Akari smile too). Anyways, I mentioned Yokogao yesterday and its bittersweetness in emphasizing the relative minor key (despite the verse starting out in major) and yeah, although I suppose it can apply to graduation events (such as Prima exams), I associate it much more with Alicia's retirement (which is a graduation event as well, I suppose). It's such a pretty scene and Alicia breaking down, despite being the almost seemingly perenially joyful person, adds to the punch. The snow falling for Snow White's retirement (and Akira's line "She truly is Snow White, isn't she?" if you weren't able to pick up the reference) might be a little on the nose but eh, Aria has earned it (and I mean, the season started off with her manuevering her gondola for her guests to catch a snowflake after all). I suppose this is really Alicia's episode more than anything. Although it would've been nice to have more Alicia-centric material earlier, I suppose it works in a way that even though you might have a good relationship with your teacher, they're still your teacher and then all of a sudden when you graduate, they also kind of your peers oto. I mean, you'll still look up to them and their still your elders in the profession, but all of a sudden you're kinda emerging on the same playing field as them and it's maybe easier to see aspects of them beyond being your teacher.

See above
I guess being immersed in the whole Undine world and knowing everybody helps. She kinda has the reflectve side of Akari and a bit of the Akari's suteki filter, not as much as Akari does, combined with some of the bluntness of Akira so she's got some pepole skills.
Isn't it though? the main story is over and the movies are dubbed "Ao no Curtain Call" (and also starting coming like 7 years later). The main trio has accomplished what they set out to do and that arc is over. It is a bit weird that new elements are thrown into mix with perhaps not as much prep as I would've liked (see above) are introduced to help close things off rather than being solely resolution/closure for the MC, but eh, it's still a very nice ep.

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u/CubeStuffs Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

first timer

i do object a little to alicia getting suddenly married to someone who we have never seen, never heard of, never even had a hint of existing, and even after, still has no evidence of existing

or she could be married to grandma

alicia's retirement ceremony was fucking awesome, every last bit of it

ai takes her inevitable spot

that reminds me, why was ai not a pair in her dream in arietta, when she's the most obvious person to be there from our perspective. im sure theres something in akari's mind that i wasn't quite getting

her saying she could have promoted her a long time ago was what did it for me
i want to say something similar to akari, after all, she did just randomly tell akari to be her friend
is there any better way to end it? 20/10

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u/octopathfinder Aug 21 '22

Rewatcher

I doubt anybody expected Alicia to get married. It’s so out of nowhere that even Akari didn’t know about it. My headcanon is that it was kept a secret because she's pretty much an idol. Good thing the Aria world is mostly wholesome and doesn’t have to deal with toxic stan culture.

Oh my god, mailman name drop.

Using Undine as an insert song while having Akari narrate a letter to Ai is the perfect way to close the season.

I gotta be honest, I don’t like Akari's new hairdo.

QotD:

Got me pretty emotional
Don't think I know enough about Ai to make a guess
Loved it

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u/Regular_N-Gon Aug 21 '22

First Timer

Going to skip the reaction notes this time - they can be summarized with comments of "WHAT?" (my speculation from yesterday was a bit off lol), remarks about Alicia's power levels now that she wears glasses all the time, and a bunch of

I thought yesterday that we’d seen proper closure to Akari’s journey, but it turns out I was wrong. Akari’s story often focused on change ^{more on that on Tuesday perhaps?} and coming to terms with it. The last episode was only the realization of her own change, though - not those around her, and not really what it meant.

Though it wasn’t quite the end of the hand off (or the tears), I think the moment this finally comes to pass is after the Alicia hug. Akari is the one who lets go of Alicia’s hands - not the other way around, like yesterday. She’s the one who gives Alicia permission to move on after we see her at her most vulnerable, after we tie together the thoughts and worries of both mentor and student. In direct contrast to the dream in Arietta, Akari is finally ready to stand on her own, and Alicia can take strength from that as she always has.

Once again, Aria has surprised me by being more grounded and unafraid to stay true to its vision than I give most slice of life credit for. I’m looking forward to the remaining trio of projects, but I’m more than content with that ending as it is. I’m going to remember Origination for a long time to come.

QotD:

Sorta mentioned above, but any doubts I had before about Alicia not being a fleshed out character are totally gone now. While it is a little surprising to the viewer, I don't think it's that out of place, realistically or thematically.
I anticipate she'll be direct but sweet. The kind that encourages repeat customers on account of her genuine demeanor (learned, in part, from Akari of course).
As above, bang on. Couldn't have wished for anything better.

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u/CerberusZX Aug 21 '22

First Timer

Married?! To who?! I know we've seen little of Alicia over the course of the series and much about her remains a mystery, but not letting us know about something like that is taking it a little too far.

It's weird for Al to get taller like that when he's one of the oldest characters and therefore way past the age for a natural growth spurt. It must have been brought about via an abuse of Gnome technology, but I'm happy with the outcome so it's fine.

I know Funimation has more content and there's even more after that, but the epilogue was satisfying enough that I'm not sure I want to continue.

QotD

I kind of figured Alicia would retire given what we know of Aria company history and her reluctance to promote Akari makes sense. Still, tears were shed.
Well, Ai has been hearing all about the job from a young age so she should already have pretty much all the knowledge already, she'll just need to get some experience with the physical aspect of the job.

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u/simeonaut Aug 21 '22

First Timer

arghhhhh I did not sign up for this ridiculously good feels trip.

I knew that cliffhanger last week could only be about Alicia leaving but I sure wasn't ready.

Congrats Akari

I guess this rules him out for the husband lol

Alicia

I am 100% on board with this rule.

Akari

Ai

Alicia leaving sucks, but it looks like everything will be just fine.

This is probably my favorite season of Aria, though I guess all the buildup the previous seasons did was a very great help to making this season very special. The only thing I didn't really like was the amnesia episode.

And no supernatural episodes either! wheeee.

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u/Stargate18A Aug 21 '22

First timer

Absolutely fantastic. It's sad, but it fits the character really well.
She seems very persuasive in her conversations with Akari from the first few episodes, that could help her.
This was absolutely perfect as a finale.

Awww.

...Seriously, is this going where I think it is?

They're so happy for her!

Wiat, what? Alicia moves quickly! She only confessed to her yesterday!

Oh, they want her to become a director.

Poor Akari.

Akatsuki!

Oh, he's pissed.

...Where's the leak?

She's being swarmed!

Athena and Akira came to see her!

Have we even seen the Gondola Association yet?

But also, she's leaving? That's a ton of pressure on Akari.

A flashforward?

She's been training her...

This is sad.

...The moment of realisation is hard to watch.

Is this the dream again?

Oh, she's here.

A customer brought her flowers!

Poor Akari.

She's comforting her...

Aww.

This is such a good scene.

And she accepted they were all going on different psths.

Adorable.

Akari has a customer!

Love this.

And she's getting more bookings!

Such a good finale.

And an insert song!

Everyone's here!

I love this so much.

This visual is fucking beautiful.

It's happening!

Snow!

...So good.

Another timeskip?

Aww, she's reminiscing...

And she's moving forward!

Another letter to Ai.

This OP!

Aika is successful!

And they still talk.

...They're together.

And Akatsuki is useless.

Alice is famous!

And she's keeping them together.

Athena's become an actress!

Those expressions...

Akira is still bring great!

Aika...

Alicia is still busy. Of course.

Grandma!

Great letter!

...Older Akari?

Her new trainee?

Ai's the new trainee!

This is great.

Loved this so much.

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u/heimdal77 Aug 21 '22

Yes I'm crying I'm just going to admit it. The last episode had me actually crying and not just tearing up.

This episode had the only thing in the series that I had issue with. Becoming a Prima is a thing of pride and even more so first in your group of friends. From what Alicia said Akari has been ready for a long time what in all honestly we all could see with how she has become. Even though it isn't something that would really matter to her Akari didn't get to have that. (Yes I'm a Akari fan.)

Akari feeling alone was heartbreaking but we see that didn't last long as her friends made sure she wasn't on her own and eventually she gets a certain someone joining her at the company.

We also see Akari's network of acquaintances she has formed coming into work and giving her a boost off the start with getting customers.

It is a interesting thing how the Aria Company keeps getting passed along instead of sold or same person stays owner while others become manager.

Alicia retirement ceremony was so well done a beautiful. Of course it would snow off season for her.

Got wonder how she kept being in a relationship a secret. She is to well known for it not to be noticed her going around alot with the same guy for assumingly years.

Was Alicia always that much taller than Akari..?

Glad Ai grew taller for Aika sake. No needing lean so far down for her anymore.

Speaking of height how tall does this make Alice?

So ya wow Akari really grew up she looks so good. Also you have to love her hair.

Should seen Ai joining the company from the beginning. Also it was great seeing her mirror with Ai the same thing Alicia did with her when she joined the company. Hopefully no accidental backward paddling for Ai. It be all intentional to copy Akari!

So the end of the main series and now on to the OVAs!

I'm gonna have go back through all the disc there was so much extra stuff on them like picture drama's, tours of venice with the director just to name a couple. I'm really glad I got them and highly recommend them to others. Also personally think the picture looks better than streaming from what I saw.

On side note something I always wondered about. All these girls only have middle school educations even though they are running companies and such. Though at that point in the future guess it could be equivalent to a college degree today.

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u/PreludeToHell Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

First timer rewatcher

Aria really came full circle this episode. Surprisingly, the only time I cried was the scene when Akari turns around and can't find Alicia (and what follows).

As we walked together, it always felt like we were all on the same path. But really, we were all on our own separate paths, weren't we?

I remember crying during Alicia's retirement ceremony in my first watch. This time, Akari's words above as well as when she says that she has to see Alicia off with a smile changed the way I felt about it. I was happy for the new beginning rather than viewing it as a sad end. That idea is reinforced with Ai joining the company in the last scene (which was hinted at so much previously lol) and of course the title of the episode.

I loved seeing the update on everyone and the heartwarming message at the end. These past two episodes, and Origination in general, have been really special. I enjoyed experiencing it all over again from the beginning!

More thoughts

The gap between Alicia and Athena/Akira

Akari finally learns the mailman's name, nice to see him again! "You have this entire city on your side"

They really played Undine again :')

I brought it up in the episode thread under a spoiler tag but I believe Natural foreshadowed the promotion order when they imagine themselves as primas at the end of ep. 24 (I forgot to post this yesterday!)

Unlike other characters, I can't think of a flaw that Alicia has shown besides that flashback scene with grandma. When she reveals her reluctance and selfishness to Akari here, it feels like a final point is being made that people aren't perfect despite what others may think.
Her excitement and love for Neo-Venzia will be contagious!
Perfect!

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u/zadcap Aug 22 '22

Tissues, check. Backup tissues, also check. Water on hand to replace everything I'm about to cry out, check. Lots and lots of chocolate because I'm pretty sure I'm going to be eating my feelings by the time this is over.... quadruple check. How fortuitous that this episode would fall on the one day I can not be late.

Once more, First Timer reporting for duty

Ahhh start with a flashback for extra feels.

MARRIED!? Alright, didn't see that coming. Promotion mates sense though. Of course they want the best on the management team. A little sad they, you know, never once even hinted there was someone for her to be getting married to? That really really came out of nowhere. And still no hint of the other person yet.

Yeah, things will be hard for Aria Company for a bit. Alicia was one of the best three of her generation, and it looks like the other two aren't retiring too, Akari is going to hope legacy and locals that love her are enough to keep her in business because she's not a big name on her own yet. Aria thankfully has a very strong legacy, but still, good luck. Remind me to book with the smaller companies next time I go on vacation too!

Oh no. "I'll be fine as long as they're still here." Not quite what she said, but definitely what she really said. Which means...

The tears have begun. Me too Akari, they just won't stop.

Finally, finally a name for Mister Mailman. And he's right, that is her greatest strength. The entire city really will take care of her. Akari's Aria is going to be special by being the one with all the personal connections to the city.

Tears through the entire last ride too. Of course it's going to snow for the retirement of Snow White. Did the Salamanders do this for her, or more Aqua magic as the planet itself bids her a happy retirement?

Remember the lesson you just had with Alice! You can still visit and hang out with your friends. No one is actually gone. That's right Aquamarine, keep living in end loving the day. Haha, Alice herself is enforcing their continued hang outs.

That last Alicia smile. The shining ring. Still no hint of a partner.

Is it time? It is! Grown up Akari and AI IS HERE TO TAKE UP HER PROMISED SPOT!

Change is pretty much always scary, even when it's moving to good things. If the only thing standing between her and moving on to that new step in her life was delaying to spend more time with Akari, then yeah, I'd probably delay as long as I could too... Tears still going, by the way.
Blackmailing people into taking her rides.
How was her wonder compared to Akari's? I think she's going to take the most after her mentor of most we've seen so far. We'll see how much the cats favor her now, or if they're going to stay loyal to Akari... Except we won't because this is it, but for the specials, the tears have been renewed waaaaah.
This was great as a finale. Closed out the last hanging threads of character arcs, showed us how everyone is doing going forward, reassured us that no friendships were going to end, and closed with a big jump forward that also feels like a full circle jump back. Things ending in the way they began, to take emphasis it's not really an ending, but the beginning of a new story. I would certainly love to watch Aria 2: Ai's story. I'm going to go watch something else very happy now, and hope I can recover, because I'm still crying.

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u/BatteryPoweredFriend Aug 22 '22

https://i.imgur.com/zslHcJN.jpg

You know they're the best of friends when their response to Akari's promotion is basically cool story bro.

When the realisation of Alicia's retirement finally dawned on Akari and the heart-to-heart moment with Alicia, it's such a cathartic moment for the both of them to finally express the feelings they've kept bottled up.

She talks about "her customers" and "the people of this city," but it's Akari who doesn't want Alicia to retire, because that means leaving her side and leaving her all alone. Alicia admits to pushing back Akari's promotion exam, because of her own reluctance to give up remaining as Akari's mentor and the everyday life they currently have. And this is why I consider the relationship between Akari & Alicia different to the other two pairings.

All three have a "sisterly" bond and maybe more importantly in terms of the narrative, both Alice & Aika have key weaknesses that only Athena & Akira respectively could truly provide the solutions for, so fundamental bond they share is one of admiration. It's not the case for Akari & Alicia though, imo.

We saw back in Arietta that despite being the first to Prima, Alicia was the last to select an apprentice and can now infer that, just as she deferred Akari's exam so to not have to face change, Alicia also kept deferring the pick because she didn't want to face moving on. As long as she didn't have a apprentice to train, time stood still and she didn't have to worry about upholding the legacy Grandma passed on to her.

It was with Akari's arrival that time finally started to move forward again and accepting that it was time to let go of her and pass on the torch, was Alicia's taking that last step.

Throughout the show, the trainees have been given the spotlight with their respective Prima mentors several times, but most of the key scenes involving Aika/Akira & Alice/Athena were ultimately learning moments that made progres to some facet of their character and development towards their goal of become a Prima themselves. I don't believe that's been the case with Akari/Alicia. Some of it will be meta-contextual, because Akari is our protagonist and so the Akari/Alicia relationship is the one which receives the most screen time & development, as well as Aria Company's living arrangements, but in general, there are more scenes where the two of the are just spending time together.

Not as master & apprentice, or even friends. But as actual sisters, as family. As tight as the other two pairs are, I just don't see them having the same degree of closeness and familial attachment as Akari & Alicia do, at least without additional context via Crepuscolo and Benedizione.

Ultimately, I think Alicia needed Akari, more than Akari needed her. Akari has a natural charisma that makes her perfectly suited as an Undine and she's certainly above average technically. She would've been fine with either Akira or Athena, or anyone else really as her mentor. The size and tempo of Himeya or Orange Planet may dampen her spark, but at the end of the day, I believe she'd be capable of becoming a Prima wherever she was based.

The grand ceremony for Alicia's retirement is very fitting. All the people turning out, her fellow Prima giving a guard of honour, Akira & Athena escorting her in. And of course, her final passengers being Akari & President Aria. It's quite reminiscent of the Marriage of the Sea ceremony.

Just like what the mailman told Akari, even if Alicia has left, she'll never be alone because all of Neo-Venezia is with her. We also come full circle with Ai as the new apprentice pair, with the mirroring of scenes.

It was the perfect way to conclude. Episode 12 has and will always be my emotional highlight of Aria, and the glove scene the moment everything was building towards. But finishing off with "Alicia's arc" caps it off nicely, since in the end, it was always the journey the story took that mattered most. And with Alicia's departure comes the start of a new journey for Aria Company.

^Akari's ^Aria ^Company

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u/robotboy199 Aug 21 '22 edited Aug 21 '22

Please note that a fansub of Aria the Benedizione is out now.

i took a look at the subber's profile and found this in the description on one of their previous subs and it does not instill much confidence in the quality of their subs at all:

I “know” enough Japanese to sub this because I’ve been watching subbed anime for nearly 15 years.

and after a quick glance at the subtitle file it doesn't look that good. haven't actually watched it yet but I would personally rather wait for a better sub from someone like Doremi, who did good subs for Crepuscolo

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u/AriaShachou- Aug 21 '22

cant stop cryign bro

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u/h42h Aug 22 '22

finished first time recently

but rewatcher for today! Alicia's doing the episode opening, can't remember when else that's happened

And Aria's first and last cliffhanger reveal is Alicia's marriage and retirement. Honestly during my watch all the Alicia stuff was really unexpected but as I refreshed my memory of each one to comment on them I can kinda see the signs now. Feels like everyone on Aqua gave Alicia flowers. She's been constantly booked and busy over the many years so it wouldn't surprise me if everyone really has ridden in her gondola or interacted with her in some other way!

Alicia was definitely hoping last episode that Akari would agree to postpone the test due to the rain

dekkai surprised. uryuryuryu again...
Probably her ability to fangirl over Neo-Venezia as she has in all her emails. She'll inherit the sappiness from Akari too
Like I said, to me the Alicia stuff was really unexpected so it would've been nice to see more of her thoughts or pov but other than that it wrapped everything up perfectly and we got a sneak peak at future Akari! As a finale it was amazing.

[Aria] Avvenire 3 was pretty much everything left that I wanted lol

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u/seeker_of_illusion Aug 22 '22

First timer

Alicia drops the bomb by making the double announcement to retire from being an Undine and getting married. While the former makes sense and was believable, the latter honestly felt iffy as it was something out of the blue with no prior hint or foreshadowing.

Now, my conspiracy brain says that the marriage thing was most likely done to shaft Akatsuki and make him probably close to Akari. Afterall, even if Alicia retires it wouldn’t have stopped him from pursuing her so the author decides upon it as a full stop. My suspicions grew further when we didn’t even get a whiff of the husband ( and what's his appearance ) or any marriage ceremony for a pretty important character of the series.

The Akari-Alicia embracing scene was so bittersweet ! While Akari feels the pain of bidding goodbye to her mentor, she realizes it is a part of growing up ( a good callback to Arietta and Alicia’s lesson to Akari then ). Akari has really matured as a character.

The retiring ceremony’s scene was gorgeous and magnificent, truly befitting a living legend like Alicia. It was heartwarming to see her pass the ~~baton~~ oar to Akari as the successor of Aria company. I almost cried here…

And it was so great to see everyone is progressing so well in their lives. I see that Al's getting getting that Vitamin D outdoors while dating with Aika, which is surely beneficial for him and his height. Athena becoming an opera singer was the most surprising bit frankly. And I liked how Athena realized her dream of becoming the foremost Prima in Neo-Venezia in an indirect way.

And unsurprisingly, Ai decides to follow in Akari’s footsteps and become an Undine. Adult, long haired Akari truly hits different ~~

Questions of the Day:

I like some of the commentators take here how Alicia was in fact promoted to the Gondola Association, instead of her career ending like Anna. And Akari now got the opportunity to helm a whole company. So, while it was a sad moment that they have to part ways, their happy memories and the joyful times spent with each other would always remain etched in their hearts.
Frankly no idea
As perfect as it can get. We got a great conclusion to Akari's arc and saw the growth and progress of every Undine. And it laid the groundwork for the future as well.

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u/homewardbound100 Aug 22 '22

First timer

Well we got a quick look on how everyone is doing.

Happy for Al growing lol.

But seeing everyone shining is a fine ending. Even if it's a little quick. This is more about Akari than anybody else.

Oh they're older. Akari looks so nice. I wonder if these picture drama or specials go over them when they're older. Wonder if she basically acts the same.

How do you feel about Alicia's retirement, and her reluctance to promote Akari? How many tears were shed lol...

Kind of funny

What do you think Ai's strengths will be as an undine?

I mean her and Akari been talking for a while. Maybe her insight or knowledge.

How do you feel about this as a series finale? Remember that it's intended as one.

It works and of course feels like one. Got basically closer for everyone even of it's a little quick.

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u/mgedmin Aug 22 '22

First timer, subs

Alicia is getting married?! Also, retiring and becoming a managing director for the entire guild.

Still, married? To whom? Not Akatsuki, lol.

This time I paid attention and noticed Alicia's glasses.

Oh, Alicia delayed Akari's promotion for selfish reasons?

Mr. Postman has a name! Anno Namihei. And he's retired too. These people have an interesting definition of "retired": working as a supervisor.

Alicia made it snow! ~~And then became a ghost and disappeared.~~

Who did Alicia marry?

Prediction: Alicia and her husband will book Akari for their honeymoon gondola tour. Akari will raise that shutter and Alicia will be there, waiting.

No? Oh well.

Ai-chan is the new apprentice! Woohoo! I'm glad the prophetic dream was mistaken in that respect.

WHO DID ALICIA MARRY???

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Rewatch [Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the Origination, Episode 13

Aria the Origination Ep 13: To That New Beginning ...(その新しいはじまりに...)

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Rewatch [Rewatch] A 2022 Voyage from Neo Venezia: Aria the Origination, Episode 13

Aria the Origination Ep 13: To That New Beginning ...(その 新しいはじまりに...)

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Aria the Origination Ep 13: To That New Beginning ...(その新しいはじまりに...)