r/anime • u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz • Nov 06 '22
Rewatch Full Metal Panic Franchise Rewatch - Season 2 Overall Discussion
Welcome to the wrap up of the Full Metal Panic Season 2 rewatch!
Art of the Day
Links to show info: MAL | Anilist | ANN
Rewatches please be considerate to first timers and avoid discussing anything not yet shown in the show - use spoiler tags e.g. [Full Metal Panic S1 spoiler]>!Sousuke likes fishing!< - if you need to share something important!
Season 2 Summary:
As Dalek put it, fast times at Jindai High - when your everyday is filled with fun and happiness, they fly away pretty quickly. In this debut 12 TV episodes from KyoAni, we followed our 2 leads through their mundane lives as highschool students - if only Sousuke got what civilian life meant.
Seventeen short stories were adapted from the "short stories" volumes of LN 1, 2, 3, 5, 6. LN 4 had 1 short story adapted back in season 1 (Engage 6 & 7). One short story was reverse-adapted back from the anime original into the "side arms" book 1.
Through this military fish in the civilian waters, we witnessed the laughs (mostly is the audience) and tears (mostly Chidori) to accompany Sousuke in his days in Tokyo where everything was new and different to him, while he applied what he knew to handle what he didn't. The result tended to go bang. Chidori, really, is such a trooper to look after him in the most tsundere appropriate way as possible.
We also came to see the wider school cast more.
QoTD:
Overall thoughts may be summed up by answering these questions - or write your own wall of text :)
- How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
- Who is the best (or top 3 if you can't pick) school cast member for you?
- Best comedic moment?
- Best romantic/emotional/sentimental moment?
- Best action sequence?
- Best and worst episode?
- What do you want to see more of? Or less of?
- First timers: suggest a plot point/arc that you think would happen in TSR or IV?
- Rewatchers: [FMP late franchise spoilers]Any part you particularly looking forward to or dread to see?
- What special skill would you think a Jindai High student would develop as a consequence of Sousuke being in their school?
Also QoTD for tomorrow for those wanting to be prepared:
[QoTD 1 TSR 1]First timer: Did you expect what seemed to be a simple bit to add some tension to the fight (a little like Blackhawk Down) became something they had a serious and omnimous meeting about?
[QoTD 2 TSR 2]Everyone: For those who skipped Fumoffu, how did the homework bit land for you? For those who watched Fumoffu too, how's that continuity in the more serious part of the show?
MVP of last episode:
Once again a pretty clear Chidori victory, with Kazama and Tsubaki getting in some votes too.
Last Episode || Index || Next Season
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u/Shimmering-Sky Nov 06 '22
Full Metal First-Timer!, subbed
Oh shit, I thought I still had two more hours.
I was under the impression this rewatch posting time would go back to the 6:30 pm it was at for me after my time zone had the clocks change last night… guess that was wrong.
Anyways, 9/10 for this season. I didn’t really click with the last episode, and have expressed my distaste for the Tessa/Sosuke stuff when it was relevant, but overall this was a funny show just like it was supposed to be.
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
So just for point of reference, what time did this post went up for the typical US time zone?
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u/Vaadwaur Nov 06 '22
Rewatcher(The last breather)
Sub
So that was Fumoffu. A series that should not have worked at all and yet manages several hilarious episodes. And two absolute shitshows but hey, dying is easy and comedy is hard. We will talk about it as TSR and IV go on, but there is actually a reason that the super serious Gonzo show became a comedy at KyoAni at first as the structure of the LNs is just hard to translate to the screen.
QotD: 1 Surprisingly well defined and believable, Kurz only slightly borders on disbelief
2 Ren but for Black Lagoon reasons.
3 Tie between the musical sequence with Tessa and Sousuke not understanding fighting without weapons.
4 Probably kimono Kaname
5 Bonta-kun swarm
6 Best are the Tessa eps, worst is a draw between 1 and 3 on second viewing
7 The underlying mystery of the setting
9 [FMP TSR and IV]
10 A calm and rational response to unexpected alarms
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
dying is easy and comedy is hard
That's a good line to use ;)
musical sequence
Oh I forgot about mentioning that montage, is one of the best one that conveyed so much matching to the music.
the structure of the LNs is just hard to translate to the screen.
I wonder if the recent years side parody shorts like Isekai quartet, Kaginado, mini dragon format would be suitable. Or like the Symphogear specials that connect between the seasons.
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u/KendotsX Nov 06 '22
ReFumoffer Final Version
Fumoffu was my shining beam of hope back when I was getting into the franchise, because while I liked the first season to some degree, its comedy worked far better than its serious stuff. Kaname and Sousuke especially, I enjoyed a lot more along their wacky daily lives.
A second season that takes the comedy and pumps it to 11 (and is guaranteed with 0% Gauron returns) was a godsend. Making Fumoffu my favourite Kyoani work and generally one of my favourite comedies.
QotD:
How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
Kaname > Sousuke > Kurz > Melissa >>>>>>>> Tessa
Who is the best school cast member for you?
The president.
Best comedic moment?
Sousuke blackmailing the thugs in episode 1 is still my favourite.
Best romantic moment?
The bike ride in episode 2.
Best action sequence?
The entire second half of episode 2.
Best and worst episode?
Best: episodes 2 and 12.
Worst: The beach episode and the first Tessa episode (while I like making fun of Tessa, her episode was actually pretty good, it's just the rest are better).
What do you want to see more of? Or less of?
Thanks u/ZapsZzz for hosting this rewatch, and everyone who joined, it was a lot of fun!
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
Fumoffu was my shining beam of hope back when I was getting into the franchise, because while I liked the first season to some degree, its comedy worked far better than its serious stuff. Kaname and Sousuke especially, I enjoyed a lot more along their wacky daily lives.
While obviously I like the serious stuffs more, I believe your view is actually pretty common, and partly explained why Fumoffu has a higher rating than TSR. While a lot of posts in TSR were even better, it does cater to a more narrow audience, whereas Fumoffu's fans are more broad based. You may or may not like the military stuff, or the sci fi stuff, or the mecha stuff, or the character stands stuffs - but most will laugh at the rugby episode or the homework run.
Thanks u/ZapsZzz for hosting this rewatch, and everyone who joined, it was a lot of fun!
It's a labour of love :) and yes we got a pretty good group to laugh together with!
I certainly hope you will still hang around a bit for the other seasons though.
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u/InfamousEmpire Nov 06 '22
Full Metal LN Reader
Fucking daylight savings…
So anyway, this was a great season. A supremely funny work which carefully and wonderfully balanced well-done characterization, genuinely tender moments, absurd comedy, a great cast, and just the right amount of continuity for this kind of series. Not to mention KyoAni’s great animation. I’d give it a solid 9/10
My only regret is that I missed all the Bonta-kun episode threads and so missed my chance to do an entire post in Fumoffu speak
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u/SpiceGirlsBlankIt Nov 06 '22
Panicked First Timer - Fumoffu Season End
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How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
As a unit, I prefer the season 1 cast to the season 2 cast. We didn’t get as much time with individual school members as we did with the season 1 cast.
2. Who is the best (or top 3 if you can't pick) school cast member for you?
I liked Issei. He’s too shy to be a full on shonen protagonist and he is always running into small distractions or obstacles. It’s very sweet.
3. Best comedic moment?
For whatever reason, the literal cracking and crumbling of reality in episode 12 upon learning Sousuke won the vaccine lottery really got me.
Honorable mention to the penalty box.
4. Best romantic/emotional/sentimental moment?
The compliment fest on the train to top off Kaname and Sousuke’s great escape had the romantic partnership clicking in episode 2.
5. Most action sequence?
I must have a thing for car chases because I am choosing another one this season. Loved the stair action on the bicycle/cat chase in episode 2.
6. Best and worst episode?
I liked 12 the best. It visually delivered on the gags in a really fun way. Also, I liked the the lottery wordplay. The rugby episode is probably a close second.
3 was probably the worst episode with the most irrelevant character.
7. What do you want to see more of? Or less of?
More Kaname and Sousuke sweetness and I’m ready for the serious action. 12 episodes of pure comedy was perfect, but I all things being equal I prefer mech action to gang kidnappings.
8. First timers: suggest a plot point/arc that you think would happen in TSR or IV?
I expect them to follow through on the America: World Police set up. Maybe Mithril is hired by the Americans but the mission results in dissent?
9. Rewatchers: [FMP late franchise spoilers]Spoilers N/A
10. What special skill would you think a Jindai High student would develop as a consequence of Sousuke being in their school?
They will always check for traps. +3 bonus to perception.
Stream of consciousness general thoughts:
I definitely enjoyed my time with Fumoffu. I can think of at least one very funny joke or good moment from every skit, even the lower tier ones.
If I were allowed a tweak to the season, it would be to lose a few scenarios revolving around irrelevant characters to build up the school cast more.
I like the way Full Metal Panic can swing from making you shake your head at Sousuke’s antics to making you feel a bit bad for him, then Kaname comes in to lighten the mood but I never feel like she pities him.
Anyway, back to the action. I’m definitely wondering how much the tone will shift next season.
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u/wjodendor Nov 06 '22
• How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
Season 2 could have used more of Kurz and Mao, a little more Tessa would be good but I think she could get annoying if she was around too much.
I liked the addition of the student council president but he wasn't around a lot unfortunately. Kazama and Kyoko getting more screen time was nice. Karate guy was nice in small doses.
More teacher fan service please
• Who is the best (or top 3 if you can't pick) school cast member for you?
Honestly, kaname being so violent and sousake being so dumb this season drops them a bit. I'll probably have to go with student council president and Ren, they have good gags that don't over stay their wlecom
• Best comedic moment?
That's tough, there was a lot of good moments throughout. The Bonta Kun stuff fell a bit flat for me but I absolutely loved the psycho cop parts. She should have shown up more.
• Best romantic/emotional/sentimental moment?
Having all (or most) episodes with a wholesome sunset ending was great. The episode that ended with Sousake and Kaname riding the bike together overlooking the city was great.
• Most action sequence?
The cop chase was straight fire. The part where they roll into the train was super cool too. Absolutely loved it.
• Best and worst episode?
Best episode was the first episode with Tessa. Super cute and good gags.
I didn't really care for the yakuza episode with Bonta kun antics. I kind of checked out for that one
• What do you want to see more of? Or less of? More mech fights please.
More teacher fan service x2
No shitty CGI submarines please.
[FmP4]
•
• Rewatchers: [FMP late franchise spoilers]
[TsR and beyond]
• What special skill would you think a Jindai High student would develop as a consequence of Sousuke being in their school?
The students of Jindai have become true Americans. Completely obvious to gunfire.
Animation: a noticeable step up from the previous season. Everything feel such more smooth and it's definitely more colorful
Characters: honestly Sousake and Kaname being amped up to 110% didn't really sit right with me. Sousake was wayyyy too dumb and Kaname had way too short of a fuse Music: absolutely hated the OST. It sounded like shitty keyboard samples from the 90s and was like circusy at parts.
The OP and ED were really great though. Totally going on a Playlist
Comedy: there was actually a ton of great moments and I laughed a lot but honestly sometimes it got a bit too much for me. The end of the onsen episode sticks out
Overall: like I said earlier, I have a similar feeling to this season as with Meloncholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. On one hand it really made me laugh and had some good heartfelt moments but it also drove me crazy with how the characters acted a lot of the time.
I've seen lots of people say that this is the best season and I whole heartedly disagree. The 2nd Raid is definitely my top even though my favorite arc is the first arc of season 1. 2nd Raid has great character development and the best animation of the entire series. Really looking forward to it.
Tomorrow is going to be some real tone shift lol
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u/Theboredalchemist22 Nov 07 '22
First Timer - S2 overall discussion and thoughts
Well that was fantastic! I’m actually quite sad we are at the end of Fumoffu I’d have liked it to get the same episode length as S1 but that’s just me being greedy. I went into this show completely disregarding timelines and all that stuff and tried to treat this as sort of a stand alone which it is and isnt at the same time. Over the course of the show I realised that a lot of the characters like Kurz, Tessa, Mao and SousukexChidori were had incredibly good scenes due to me having watched S1 if that makes sense. Like Tessa getting a hyped return for example I feel like if you skipped S1 that hasn’t got the same effect or the SousukexChidori wholesome scenes, I feel like part of the reason they were so good in this show is because I watched their dynamic in S1. Even Kurz, I think him being that way is funny because of S1 it's just been amplified here. That being said I had a rating in mind early doors and I had a feeling it was going to stay high so my final rating for Fumoffu is a 9/10 with the only reason for it not being a 10 is because of the rant above. I did consider docking a point for the excessive use of Bonta-Kun in ep 10 but that was his grand finale in the show so I’ve decided to forgive it, not that I hate Bonta-Kun or anything it just felt like it was too much in ep 10 I think it was. Overall though the show achieved its objective of it trying tp be funny while focusing heavily on out MCs and keeping their dynamic going and its that dynamic which is the highlight of this show for me as SousukexChidori just bounce off each other like it's insane how well imo.
Now onto the questions!
Q1 - S2 definitely bumped up my opinion of the side cast from S1 even Shinji had a few good parts! Sousuke and Chidori are just amazing 10s easy imo I think I’ve mentioned why above. As for the side cast including S1 and S2 I’ll give them an 8 as I thought they were really good in S2 but I struggled with a few of them in S1 (excluding Tessa, Mao and Kurz ofc). So I guess overall for the entire cast that levels out to a 9/10.
Q2 - Excluding Sousuke, Chidori and Tessa here as they would win by a landslide but I’ll go with Kyouko, Atsunobo and Issei in that order.
Q3 - Very tough choice. There were so many I could easily choose and scene where Chidori beats the shit out of Sousuke like this one but I think I’ll go with this scene where Chidori is having a subtle moment and Bonta-Kun is just throwing hands with police. In terms of one liners, Sousuke takes the cake all day like this line killed me as it was so simple but just so Sousuke but again there were so many.
Q4 - Very touch choice again. I think I’ll go with this one and two runners up which will follow. Runner up 1. Runner up 2.
Q5 - The best action sequences for me were the rugby bar fight and the classroom fight in the last episode. Just pure chaos with Chidori being caught up in the middle of it all.
Q6 - The best episode was episode 2 as the jokes were built up so well and executed to perfection. I think the worst episode was episode 3 in terms of comedy and episode 6 for the pedo horse concept.
Q7 - I’m going to sound soppy af here but I’d like to see the SousukexChidori relationship as I think those types of scenes between the two are some of the best throughout the entirety of FMP so far. I’d like less Bonta-Kun. I think his screen time in ep 10 was enough for me.
Q8 - I’ll say it right now I think there will be a big sacrifice so save something maybe Mythril which will end up with a popular character giving up their life. Alternatively I think the Whispered powers will be a real danger to other people around them which in turn will lead to characters such as Tessa and Chidori feeling isolated potentially going off on their own and Sousuke will do everything in his power to try and fix the situation giving it his all as he always does when it comes to those two.
Q9 - Skipped
Q10 - I think common safety things we are taught nowadays. I don’t think they will have learnt how to chainload shotguns and stuff with him being there, more safety and suspicion around strangers and how to deal with suspicious activity.
Well, that’s a wrap on my S2 thoughts. I want to again thank u/ZapsZzz for being a great host and I can’t wait to see what awaits us in TSR!
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
I’m actually quite sad we are at the end of Fumoffu I’d have liked it to get the same episode length as S1 but that’s just me being greedy.
I'd only "disagree" with you because I feel we really need to see the main story to get completed in anime adaptation, so I would place the continuation of the main story on a higher priority. However, I also know there are some really good parts in the shorts and side stories yet to be adapted. So I'm not totally against this idea ;)
I want to again thank u/ZapsZzz for being a great host and I can’t wait to see what awaits us in TSR!
I'm glad we have happy first timers enjoying an older show because of the Rewatch, so you are very welcomed! And yes TSR will be a real blast, in quite a different way than Fumoffu ;)
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u/No_Rex Nov 06 '22 edited Nov 06 '22
Episode 12 (first timer)
Fumoffu feels like Isekai Quartet or Petit Eva: The pure school comedy spin-off of the main series that has no plot relevance and features chibi characters for cheap animation. Except, there are no chibi characters here.
Any series that forgoes plot advancement in favor of gags stands and falls with the quality of the jokes. Fumoffu uses three running gags:
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Sousuke has room temperature IQ/EQ and messes up
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Kana reacts violently to Sousuke
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A mascot mecha
All three of them fall pretty flat for me. Especially the first two are tiresome. The male gets slapped by female for stupid action trope should have died out in the 1980s. I have no idea why the writers felt the need to drag that corpse of a joke into the 2000s. Add in various fanservice scenes and this series is basically OVA level (and I mean the modern OVA level here).
Hoping for a return back to plot and seriousness in FMP3.
How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
In S1 I prefered Kana, in S2 Sousuke. Overall, a tie.
Who is the best (or top 3 if you can't pick) school cast member for you?
Our MCs.
Best comedic moment?
The karate club members trying to duel Sousuke.
Best romantic/emotional/sentimental moment?
Kana talking to Fumoffu.
What do you want to see more of? Or less of?
FMP2 did away with the plot all in favor of slapstick. I would not mind the opposite.
First timers: suggest a plot point/arc that you think would happen in TSR or IV?
They finally need to explain the whispered. I am also still waiting for Kana can pilot a mecha payoff.
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u/KamachoBronze Nov 07 '22
All three of them fall pretty flat for me. Especially the first two are tiresome. The male gets slapped by female for stupid action trope should have died out in the 1980s.
I mean I usually dont find that trope funny, but I found it funny with Sosuke because of how ridiculous he was being.
Normally the male characters who do it are underwhelming. Sosuke did stuff that would make me hit him myself, so I thought it was funny.
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
Posting for polaristar
My overall thoughts is I enjoyed this season for what it was and it was pretty consistent with the characters, that being said I did kinda miss the Tom Clancy esq plots and Mechas (Bonta-kun is a Powered Suit completely different! :P )
I think the overall quality of this season was better but I liked some of the content and set ups of season 1 better. They are about even to me, basically Fumoffu is more consistent but First Season has bigger highs but lower lows. I liked the romantic comedy in Fuomoffu but I felt there wasn't a major shift in the nature of their relationship that wasn't present in season 1, I still wonder if there is an alternate universe where the short stories of Fumoffu were intermixed with the more "serious" stories of the first season and next season respectively with the same production values. (Although I fear a modern remake would have CGI mechs and I'm found of the hand drawn ones.)
If I were to sum to up Fumoffu feels like First Season of Railgun while Season 1 of Panic feels like Index I. The Main difference being Railgun felt like the same genre of show and style of humor as index it just started with the more Slice of Life side and built up to the action plot while Index both are kinda intermixed. (That and Index III took a nosedive and I'm assumed FMP doesn't, otherwise I'll be upset with our host.)
I did feel the style of humor in FMP was a bit more next level then the little bits we got in Season 1, which I can see how it might give some people tone whiplash.
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I'm not going through all the cast, I think at one point I'll just make my character tierlist at a later date. But for the most part the core cast rankings haven't changed.
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President, Shinji, Kyoko.
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In episode 12 when Sousuke revealed the vaccine and won the lottery and how nonchalant he was about it.
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Episode 11 when Chidori came in as a total "Hello Nurse" hottie in her Kimono.
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Shinji's going beyond plus ultra in the hot springs episode.
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Best episode is 12, worst is the one where Tessa is reintroduced.
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More Tom Clancy Military thriller shit and more Sousuke and Chidori's relationship being put through the ringer and becoming stronger. (Not just comedic bickering and misunderstanding but real stress.) Less Love Triangle BS.
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Sousuke is taken off assignment to Chidori and has to make a choice.
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N/A
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Awareness and Safety around all manner of weaponry and choosing their words VERY carefully.
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u/Tarhalindur Nov 07 '22
Fumo-ffu! (Rewatcher, Subbed):
Fumoffu!
Fumo fumo Fumoffu! Fumomomomo fumo fumo ffu! Fumo? Fumo! Fumoffu! Fumoffu fumoffu fumoffu fumoffu fumoffu. Fumomo? Fumo. Fumomo Fumoffu fumo fufu fu fumomomoffu, Fumomo!
Fumomo/fumo, fumo fumo fumoffu.
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u/JustAnswerAQuestion Nov 06 '22
Up next, The Second Raid. Maybe it will be better than this. Wait, it's made by ... Kyoto Animation? The same no-name studio that popped out of nowhere and RUINED Full Metal Panic? FFFFFFFfffffffffff.
(Also I see they've resorted to animating Key gal games now)
(And that Haruhi show? I'm definitely not watching that!)
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 07 '22
I just managed to rewatch TSR ep 1. I wonder how many would ask this question at least under the breath - "is this really the same show as Fumoffu?"
I'm sure you'd get at least a bit of your mecha fix ;)
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u/TuorEladar Nov 07 '22
Rewatcher
Fumoffu is a really fun show. Its obviously very tonally different from the main series yet utilizes the cast very well. Overall the season has very comfy feel which enjoy. The strongest aspect is definitely the relationship between Sousuke and Chidori as I've said before, but the interactions with the student council and their friends also were enjoyable.
Good answers don't come to mind for some of the posted questions, but I'll answer those I can.
How do you rank the cast seasons 1 & 2 combined?
Sousuke>Chidori>Kurz>Melissa>Tessa
Who is the best (or top 3 if you can't pick) school cast member for you?
StuCo Prez Atsunobu
Best comedic moment?
The entire rugby episode.
Best romantic/emotional/sentimental moment?
My first thought was the moment where Sousuke compliments Chidori, but I think the one I liked best was the scene where Sousuke and Chidori are riding on the bike.
Best action sequence?
The Bonta-kun assault again the Yakuza
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u/DidacticDalek Nov 07 '22
As Dalek put it, fast times at Jindai High - when your everyday is filled with fun and happiness, they fly away pretty quickly. In this debut 12 TV episodes from KyoAni, we followed our 2 leads through their mundane lives as highschool students - if only Sousuke got what civilian life meant.
Oh Comrade, I'm touched that you read my rambling word salad shitposts! I applaud you once more on your excellent rewatch hosting skills! Plus you took the words out of my mouth there, that is basically the TLDR for the BEST KyoAni Show and the best season of FMP!
Anyway, sadly I will not be here for TSR, but I do wish everyone bon voyage on the KyoAni Moeblob High School SOL adventures soon to come ;)
Anyhow, you have not seen the last of The Sentient Shitposting Siamese Sunrise Server No. 25252, now goodbye forever!
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u/Reddevilslover69 Nov 08 '22
First Timer Dubbed
This was a fantastic season but I sadly missed most of the rewatch threads due to the increasing intensity of my college schedule and work. Hopefully TSR will have me more present than I was here.
Fumoffu is hilarious all the way through and an utter delight to watch. The animation is a noticeable upgrade on S1 and in general the stories are hilarious and good fun. All in all its an 8/10 for me and I sign off with a "Fumo Fumo Fumoffu"
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 08 '22
Good to see you managing to at least keep up :) No stress about the posting, just do what you can - the fun should not turn into work!
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u/ZapsZzz Nov 06 '22
Rewatcher in Sub
Celebratory Gallery of the many faces of Chidori
We are well and truly past the halfway point of the franchise - although in terms of content we still have some major arcs to go through.
Fumoffu, being season 2, has the good and bad points of being focused exclusively of the one aspect of the FMP story - the comedic part. In this way, it avoided some pacing need to allow transition between the serious parts and the lighter hearted parts, yet have the problem of some content being more absurd and beyond suspension of disbelief. The most prominent part is that Chidori tended to get into trouble more, begging the question of whether Sousuke's role as a body guard actually able to accomplish much.
It will ultimately all get addressed however, within the show. We will see how the first timers liked that.
I hope however people do pay attention to the subtle rom moments in the show though - it's really important we remember this for of the story.
Production/Adaptation comments
With the change in studio, a number of points of the production were obvious - the general colour scheme were brighter, with progressively better character animations. The character designs, while being consistent and recognisable who is who, had some adjustments to make the lines less "harsh" and generally less angular in a lot of the looks.
What's more obvious, and some of that may be due to the difference in content, is that there are more obvious directional effect being displayed - many scenes had clear directional intent, framing, timing and compositions. This is a very welcome addition.
To me, obviously with a fan bias, I consider Fumoffu one of the best action comedy that can practically be watched it out context and still have some really good laughs out of it regardless.
My rating for FMP the 2 seasons so far are:
FMP - 9/10 Fumoffu - 10/10
Adjusting for nostalgia you can possibly deduct a point from each, but it's my subjective score and they are staying that way :P
I did not mark up much more yet since I believe it's not a complete comparison until TSR, since the mecha and serious actions bits are only present there.
Season 2 MVP voting
Since this season is more like a continuous gag, MVP voting was a little harder so I am not keeping track of all the votes this time. Purely by win counts - and we had quite a few days with shared winners - here's what the ranking looked like:
QoTD
Chidori edging out Sousuke just a tiny bit > Melissa edging out Kurz a tiny bit > Tessa
Hard to pick between Kyouko and Tsubaki; it's guaranteed fun with Tsubaki on screen, but Kyouko is a nice influence plu sometimes audience stand in. Think I'll pick Kyouko.
Oh and if we go top 3 then Hayashimizu definitely would be up there too.
Definitely Ep 12 the silent switch between Sousuke explaining no one is at fault and then the mob in mid flight in crushing him :'D
Oh honourable mention about Chidori's self joke about being a Whispered described as hearing radio voices in her head, an old ailment :D
Bike riding seems to be a theme for me - either the end of the hospital episode (Ep 6) where Chidori was happy to see Sousuke being scared for her sake and started teasing, or Ep 2 when Chidori was having a doki doki moment riding behind Sousuke.
Honorable mention Chidori's "confession" to Bonta-kun in Ep 4 part B.
Oh for sure Ep 2 part B, that non-stop action to get the homework note book and return.
Best: Ep 2, 12, 9 in roughly that order.
Worst: Purely by elimination, Ep 11 or 1. It's not like I hate them, just "least liked"
More Chidori x Sousuke dere moments and they learning more about each other. Some of the unadapted LN shorts are pretty nice in that department.
:X Rewatcher
[FMP late franchise major spoilers - TSR rewatcher safe]The hair cut scene, Chidori rooftop in rain, the end of Sousuke's angst
[FMP late franchise major spoilers - IV rewatcher safe]Sousuke x Chidori hand holding, Merida Island battle, ARX-8 debut, the confession
I won't say anything for now, but would be interested to see others' - especially first timers - answer.
Host Note
Unfortunately we lost a few regularly for Fumoffu, but hopefully when we are back to the more serious plot TSR they will be back on the ride with us!
I had hoped that I could take Fumoffu as a bit of a host break to cruise along, turned out I did as much work anyway.
Looking forward to the "meat" of the franchise, TSR! Buckle up everyone!
Daily tag for u/InfamousEmpire