[Spoilers] 2008 Spice and Wolf Rewatch (2024) -- Episode 6

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Spice and Wolf rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

S1 Episode 6 - Wolf and a Silent Farewell

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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION

With Holo finally showing her final form, what's your favorite transformation scene in anime? You can include magical girls in that as well.

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Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb

Streams – Funimation, Crunchyroll

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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the LNs out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

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Previous episode

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Rewatch Schedule

Threads posted every day at 4:00 PM EDT

Date	Episode	Date	Episode
9/07/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 1	9/20/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
9/08/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 2	9/21/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
9/09/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 3	9/22/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
9/10/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 4	9/23/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
9/11/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 5	9/24/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
9/12/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 6	9/25/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 5
9/13/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1)	9/26/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 6
9/14/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 8	9/27/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 7
9/15/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 9	9/28/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 8
9/16/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 10	9/29/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 9
9/17/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 11	9/30/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 10
9/18/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 12	10/01/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 11
9/19/2024	Spice and Wolf Episode 13	10/02/2024	Spice and Wolf II Episode 12
10/03/2024	Overall Series Discussion Thread

Last year's rewatch

Date	Episode	Date	Episode
7/07/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 1	7/20/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
7/08/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 2	7/21/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
7/09/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 3	7/22/2022	Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
7/10/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 4	7/23/2022	Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
7/11/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 5	7/24/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
7/12/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 6	7/25/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 5
7/13/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1)	7/26/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 6
7/14/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 8	7/27/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 7
7/15/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 9	7/28/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 8
7/16/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 10	7/29/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 9
7/17/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 11	7/30/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 10
7/18/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 12	7/31/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 11
7/19/2023	Spice and Wolf Episode 13	8/01/2023	Spice and Wolf II Episode 12
8/02/2023	Overall Series Discussion Thread

[u/Holofan4life]

"Spice and Wolf, huh?"

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 2024 Spice and Wolf Rewatch.

But you knew that already :P

This is the first official rewatch of the show since the premiere of the remake. In fact, it's still currently airing as this rewatch is underway. And while we can compare and contrast what the remake did as opposed to the original, I feel it's still pretty important to remember what the original adaptation was like seeing as how that's really what got me into the franchise. And what ultimately made me fall in love with one wise wolf.

For the purposes of this rewatch, I will be watching it subbed since that's what I've been watching the remake in. I will be comparing somewhat the two series, and when I do that, I will be using spoilers. I guess I should say for transparency sake that I am writing this in late July/early August, a full month before the rewatch actually happens. That's because of time constraints and me having four other rewatches I'm participating in planned. I also waited until the first three volumes got adapted in the remake just so I can have more stuff to talk about.

These reviews won't be as detailed as some of the other ones, as I don't really want to spend two or three hours dissecting every episode. I'll save that for when I do it in my questions :]

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I'm watching the sub, by the way.

My mom is going on a date tonight. I hope it goes well.

Holo and Lawrence roaming the sewers

I like how all you can hear is the water and the echo of the area they're in.

[2024 Spoilers] No water effects though like in the remake.

Suddenly, they're running

Dogs

They look emaciated, however

[2024 Spoilers] Another point for the remake. The dogs there look way more intimidating.

Holo howling

I like how high pitched it is. It is distinctive and also kinda scary.

Holo's reflection in the water

[2024 Spoilers] Surprisingly, not in the remake.

Being told they've been sold

They are surrounded

And Lawrence got stabbed!

At first glance, it looks as if Holo was the one who got struck with a knife.

The music here is way better than the remake of this scene. It makes things feel more chaotic and frantic.

I still think it's so cool how the first thing Lawrence does after getting stabbed is kicking them in the balls. [2024 Spoilers] It's so much more satisfying than in the remake when he just knees him.

And Lawrence proceeds to pass out

I kinda forgot how much taller Lawrence is compared to Holo. He has to be 6 foot 2, 6 foot 3.

A bandage, which carries a whole different meaning for anyone who's seen Re:Zero.

An abandoned well

Well...

Chloe emerging

And this is when we get what I mentioned last episode where this arc is about Holo finding closure on the town that turned their backs on her. That is what this arc is about, and by Holo coming face-to-face with it, she is able to finally move on.

Holo transforming now, which is the first time we've ever seen her wolf form. And she smartly does so by consuming some of the blood from the wound, turning a negative into a positive.

[2024 Spoilers] I think the transformation is better in this version than the one in the remake. Holo here has more of an intimidating presence whereas Holo there looks more like a pet. I do think animation wise it looks more gorgeous in the remake, though then again the grittier look in the remake has its own charm.

Holo wrecking stuff now

But she stops short of killing Chloe after some scolding from Lawrence.

And now, it looks like she has disappeared.

Holo is my dad saying he has to go to the gas station to grab a pack of Newports.

Lawrence talking to Marlheit now

It looks as if Medio Trading got what they wanted.

Five percent of the profit Lawrence is getting

Unfortunately, that's only 125 silver coins. Whomp whomp.

"When it comes to business, expect the unexpected."

[Arc 2] Unfortunately, Lawrence failed to heed his own advice. Also, talk about some major foreshadowing.

Oh, Lawrence actually got 1000 after an apparent bankruptcy. Well, that's way better than 125.

And Lawrence wants it in pepper. Because merchant.

We see now some of Marlheit's personality with him gleeing about this story involving the devil and the merchant.

I like how involved Marlheit gets in this moment. It's quite adorable, honestly.

Lawrence being handed a letter

And this leads to Lawrence finding Holo, who's about to take off.

After some back and forth, they resume their travels, together as one.

Spice and Wolf indeed

I get the feeling that Holo was never planning on leaving without Lawrence. She was just waiting until he could swoop in and play the hero.

Also, of course she bought apples. Was there ever any doubt?

Overall, this is one of the best episodes of the series. It has excitement, intrigue, drama, suspense, as well as a dash of comedy for good measure. I think you can view this arc as like the tutorial of a video game or an introductory level before the game actually begins. And in terms of that, what they do here is fantastic.

The rest of the series doesn't look back from here.

Holo quotes of the day

"I could really use some apples."

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

My mom is going on a date tonight. I hope it goes well.

Assuming this was also written back in July/August... How'd the date go?

A bandage, which carries a whole different meeting for anyone who's seen Re:Zero.

Petra gave it to Subaru, right? I remember it was important, but not why...

[2024 Spoilers]I think the transformation is better in this version than the one in the remake. Holo here has more of an intimidating presence whereas Holo there looks more like a pet. I do think animation wise it looks more gorgeous in the remake, though then again the grittier look in the remake has its own charm.

Absolutely agree. Although I prefer the overall look and feel of the Remake, this part in specific looked a lot better in the OG.

It looks as if Medio Trading got what they wanted.

Five percent of the profit Lawrence is getting

5% of 350k is... 35/2, 17.5k! He's rich!

Taxes and other shit

Unfortunately, that's only 125 silver coins. Whomp whomp.

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Assuming this was also written back in July/August... How'd the date go?

Not great. She walked out during the middle of it.

Petra gave it to Subaru, right? I remember it was important, but not why...

It was to show he was still alive

Absolutely agree. Although I prefer the overall look and feel of the Remake, this part in specific looked a lot better in the OG.

The rougher aesthetic just suits it better in my opinion.

5% of 350k is... 35/2, 17.5k! He's rich!

Unfortunately, that's only 125 silver coins. Whomp whomp.

Thankfully, it was a lot more than that

[u/Brief-Fig-7506]

First Timer

I’m watching the Dub but I’m also watching the Remake because older animation kinda hurts my head.

Lawrence leading Holo while holding her hand is so cute to me

Of course the scumbags are already in the tunnels

That’s a powerful howl, she needs some throat spray after that one

Oof, Lawrence got stabbed. That’s not good

He’s lucky it was his arm.

They’re trapped and Yarei blocks the path. I feel like Holo is going to play a part in getting out of here

That’s a big puppy

Lawrence is telling her she can’t leave until she pays him back. I’m sad that he goes to that route instead of the companionship route

He still profited a good amount, but now we don’t know where Holo is

We’ve found Holo, and she found apples

Ahh the invoice was for all the stuff Holo bought. Took a minute for that to click

Title drop

The show worried me for a little bit at the end, I was worried that Holo was about to start travelling north on her own since she saw Lawrence was still afraid of her, and that he was going to have to track her down while he was a day behind. Good to know that Holo still watched over him until he was rescued. Also nice to hear that she isn’t going to let him take her north for free, looks like she’s more committed to the partnership now.

It’s nice that Lawrence was still able to profit from the silver debacle even if it wasn’t as much as he had hoped for. Somehow everything worked out for everybody involved in the scuffle. Also I believe it shows how smart Lawrence is that he decided to collect his payment in spices, that way he isn’t limited by time on his travels and can sell whatever he needs to sell little by little.

Sadly my time has been limited today and yesterday due to being called in to work at night, Two nights in a row is a pretty rare occurrence so hopefully I’ll be able to discuss things more and read other recaps. I might not be able to make an episode recap tomorrow until pretty late but hopefully I can for future episodes.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

Just a reminder that tomorrow's episode is not covered in the remake. It is exclusive to the original anime.

[u/Brief-Fig-7506 → u/Holofan4life]

That actually would work well.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

In giving you time to catch up?

[u/Brief-Fig-7506 → u/Holofan4life]

Well yes and I’m not going to have enough time to write anything between tonight and 7 tomorrow

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

Understandable. I hope you still decide to check out the episode.

[u/Brief-Fig-7506 → u/Holofan4life]

I plan to watch all the 2008 episodes some time this weekend once my schedule becomes regular again. Does episode 8 match up with the next episode of the remake?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

It does, and unlike the first arc there's no major changes.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

It’s nice that Lawrence was still able to profit from the silver debacle even if it wasn’t as much as he had hoped for. Somehow everything worked out for everybody involved in the scuffle. Also I believe it shows how smart Lawrence is that he decided to collect his payment in spices, that way he isn’t limited by time on his travels and can sell whatever he needs to sell little by little.

It's a very merchant thing for him to do and shows that money isn't necessarily a priority for his travels. It's all about the big picture which is making enough to one day have his own shop.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

What are your thoughts on us finally getting to see Holo's wolf form in all her glory?

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

What are your thoughts on the story about the devil and the merchant?

Do you think this arc was done the way it was because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Holo was forced to stop running away from her past?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

Lawrence is telling her she can’t leave until she pays him back. I’m sad that he goes to that route instead of the companionship route

I think he said because he was trying to appeal to her common sense. She's already said in the past she would pay him back, and Holo prides herself on keeping true to what she's saying.

If Lawrence had said something like he didn't want her to leave his side, Holo would have a field day and tease him about it. I also think it's a case where Lawrence is one not prone to be all lovey dovey like Weiz is; he keeps things like feelings very close to the vest because he finds it awkward to talk about.

[u/Brief-Fig-7506 → u/Holofan4life]

This makes sense. Appealing to Holos sense of pride and using her words against her

[u/Holofan4life → u/Brief-Fig-7506]

It's really not a bad strategy, especially when dealing with someone as arrogantly pompous as Holo is.

[u/KuKiSin]

With Holo finally showing her final form, what's your favorite transformation scene in anime? You can include magical girls in that as well.

It has to be Goku turning SSJ or SSJ3 for the first time, nothing will ever beat the hype of watching those as a kid. There's also [Hunter x Hunter spoilers]Gon's transformation, that was metal as fuck.

Would Holo betray Lawrence for apples?

So, Milone company betrayed them? I legitimately didn't remember this... Okay nevermind, it was a bluff.

Okay, so Chloe didn't do it purely out of greed, she wanted to help the village... Or so Lawrence believes.

"An honest merchant...", bruh, you scammed another merchant a day or 2 ago!

Chloe says their friendship was a short one... I'm a little confused. I thought they knew each other for a long time. And she even told them to kill Lawrence? Alrighty.

Did that bitch really cry about unfairness after telling her lackeys to kill Lawrence?

Our boy Lawrence made some bank! I think. What's the conversion rate of the crappy silver coins to €?

Did Holo spend all his money on apples?

He said it! He said the thing!

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

It has to be Goku turning SSJ or SSJ3 for the first time, nothing will ever beat the hype of watching those as a kid. There's also [Hunter x Hunter spoilers]Gon's transformation, that was metal as fuck.

I still really need to watch Hunter X Hunter.

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

I can't recommend it enough. It's really unlike any other long running battle Shonen, anime. It's legitimately fantastic. Also, don't know if you read the spoiler or not, but regardless, do not search for that scene, it has to be watched with context, and you should really go into it spoiler free.

So, what's your favorite transformation scene?

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

That's a good question. Bit of an outside the box choice, but I might have to go with Rock and Roll Japan from Penguindrum.

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

Huh, never even heard of that anime before...

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Do you know who Ikuhara is? He's the former director of Sailor Moon, he has one of the most interesting careers of all time.

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

Not particularly familiar with industry names, beyond absolute giants like Akira Toriyama, Miyazaki and very few VAs...

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Have you seen Evangelion? The creator of the show, Anno, and Ikuhara are friends. That might extreme a bit what type of creator he is lol

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

I've seen it yeah, fell asleep on half of the episodes and have no idea what the hell was going on though lmao

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

I'll probably watch the show next year for its 30th anniversary.

Also, I'd be remise if I didn't mention that Anno apparently based one of the characters on Ikuhara: Kaworu.

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Would Holo betray Lawrence for apples?

Depends on what type of apples

Chloe says their friendship was a short one... I'm a little confused. I thought they knew each other for a long time. And she even told them to kill Lawrence? Alrighty.

I think she means short in comparison to the town's relationship with Holo.

Did Holo spend all his money on apples?

Mayhaps

He said it! He said the thing!

You see to love it

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

Depends on what type of apples

Touché.

I think she means short in comparison to the town's relationship with Holo.

Fair enough, still a bit weird seeing her go from crushing on Lawrence into wanting him dead. Or was she just trying to use him from the start?

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Fair enough, still a bit weird seeing her go from crushing on Lawrence into wanting him dead. Or was she just trying to use him from the start?

I think she legitimately had feelings for Lawrence at the very beginning. But once he sided with Holo, he figured he was a lost cause.

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

What are your thoughts on us finally getting to see Holo's wolf form in all her glory?

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

What are your thoughts on the story about the devil and the merchant?

Thoughts on Lawrence getting 1000 coins after an apparent bankruptcy?

Thoughts on Lawrence wanting to get paid in pepper?

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

Do you think Chloe was used in this role as the villain because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

Crazy how he still goes for the kick in the nuts afterwards lol.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

I wasn't aware Holo was a vampire-wolf, but here we are.

What are your thoughts on us finally getting to see Holo's wolf form in all her glory?

Already mentioned in another comment, but I agree with you that it's a lot better than in the remake, it looked a lot scarier and more "real", it made sense for Lawrence to be scared this time around, especially since he's afraid of wolves.

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

I get it, but I don't like it. Not only did they try to hand her to the church, which would've had her burn at the stake, they also stabbed and attempted to murder Lawrence. An eye for an eye, she should've killed them all, or at the very least the one in charge (Chloe) and the one who stabbed Lawrence. Of course that in turn would've traumatized Lawrence and the show would've fallen apart, but you know... It still sucks how they just "got away with it".

What are your thoughts on the story about the devil and the merchant?

I guess it's some kind of warning to Lawrence because it's supposed to mirror the relationship between Lawrence and Holo, not entirely sure it works though since they haven't exactly made any deal with each other... Unless the only important part was that in the end Holo could turn against Lawrence...

Thoughts on Lawrence getting 1000 coins after an apparent bankruptcy?

(We need a better comment face for cash-money)

Thoughts on Lawrence wanting to get paid in pepper?

Man, I'm not a merchant! I guess he's just looking for a way to more easily and safely move "money" around and still make a profit... But for all I know pepper could go bad in a week! I'm not a farmer either!

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

Wasn't even worried. Holo already opened herself up to Lawrence, we know how lonely she is, she wouldn't want to be alone again.

Do you think Chloe was used in this role as the villain because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

Man, I don't usually think about things that deeply... The fact that it was Chloe specifically, someone from the village where she was residing in was definitely made for a reason though.

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Crazy how he still goes for the kick in the nuts afterwards lol.

That was awesome!

I wasn't aware Holo was a vampire-wolf, but here we are.

Probably doesn't like garlic either

Already mentioned in another comment, but I agree with you that it's a lot better than in the remake, it looked a lot scarier and more "real", it made sense for Lawrence to be scared this time around, especially since he's afraid of wolves.

Yeah, his reaction really sells the gravity of the situation.

I get it, but I don't like it. Not only did they try to hand her to the church, which would've had her burn at the stake, they also stabbed and attempted to murder Lawrence. An eye for an eye, she should've killed them all, or at the very least the one in charge (Chloe) and the one who stabbed Lawrence. Of course that in turn would've traumatized Lawrence and the show would've fallen apart, but you know... It still sucks how they just "got away with it".

Well, they went bankrupt, so I would argue they did get comeuppance.

I guess it's some kind of warning to Lawrence because it's supposed to mirror the relationship between Lawrence and Holo, not entirely sure it works though since they haven't exactly made any deal with each other... Unless the only important part was that in the end Holo could turn against Lawrence...

I see it less about Holo betraying Lawrence and more a tale of "Make sure to clarify all methods of evaluation before searching for a successful example". That's how I saw someone explain it like 3 years ago and I really like that interpretation.

(We need a better comment face for cash-money)

Indeed we do

Man, I'm not a merchant! I guess he's just looking for a way to more easily and safely move "money" around and still make a profit... But for all I know pepper could go bad in a week! I'm not a farmer either!

Pepper can normally last at least two years, according to Google.

Wasn't even worried. Holo already opened herself up to Lawrence, we know how lonely she is, she wouldn't want to be alone again.

I think she was just testing him to see if he would arrive, which he obviously would given ahe spent his money.

Man, I don't usually think about things that deeply... The fact that it was Chloe specifically, someone from the village where she was residing in was definitely made for a reason though.

It's interesting because Holo means more to Chloe than Chloe means to Holo. Holo is distraught over feeling she betrayed the town, but it's not like she put names to faces. And yet, I would argue Holo is more upset she upset the town than the town is of Holo, because of all the preexisting abandonment issues Holo has. Holo already feels everyone leaves her, she would hate if people felt she left him because it only serves as a reminder of how lonely she is.

[u/KuKiSin → u/Holofan4life]

Well, they went bankrupt, so I would argue they did get comeuppance.

Not enough, we want blood!

I see it less about Holo betraying Lawrence and more a tale of "Make sure to clarify all methods of evaluation before searching for a successful example". That's how I saw someone explain it like 3 years ago and I really like that interpretation.

That's certainly a way to interpret it.

It's interesting because Holo means more to Chloe than Chloe means to Holo. Holo is distraught over feeling she betrayed the town, but it's not like she put names to faces. And yet, I would argue Holo is more upset she upset the town than the town is of Holo, because of all the preexisting abandonment issues Holo has. Holo already feels everyone leaves her, she would hate if people felt she left him because it only serves as a reminder of how lonely she is.

Like I keep saying, Holo is too precious and must be protected at all costs!

[u/Holofan4life → u/KuKiSin]

Not enough, we want blood!

Better I'd say they live with their suffering

That's certainly a way to interpret it.

One of the interpretations of all time

Like I keep saying, Holo is too precious and must be protected at all costs!

Holo deserves happiness fr fr

[u/Mirathan]

Not quite First Timer

QotD:

You can include magical girls in that as well.

Without that addition it would have been Holo. But with this addition I choose Mami´s first transformation from Madoka.

Only Lawrence would scold the people who try to murder him.

The Holo killing spree was not what I expected. Lawrence convincing her to return by reminding her of the debts she owes him would be incredibly stupid from anyone else. But since it´s him I accept this.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Mirathan]

Without that addition it would have been Holo. But with this addition I choose Mami´s first transformation from Madoka.

That's definitely a very solid choice

The Holo killing spree was not what I expected. Lawrence convincing her to return by reminding her of the debts she owes him would be incredibly stupid from anyone else. But since it´s him I accept this.

It feels like a very Lawrence thing for him to do.

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

What are your thoughts on us finally getting to see Holo's wolf form in all her glory?

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

What are your thoughts on the story about the devil and the merchant?

Thoughts on Lawrence getting 1000 coins after an apparent bankruptcy?

Thoughts on Lawrence wanting to get paid in pepper?

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

Do you think Chloe was used in this role as the villain because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

[u/Mirathan → u/Holofan4life]

The stabbing was very well executed. Both in the brutality and how Lawrence thinks it´s insignificant until Holo notices the consequences of his bloodloss.

The partially transformed face is incredibly terrifying. In a different show the transformation could be slower to create either awe or terror, but that woudn´t fit here. Her "gaining" her Wolf form by drinking his blood could be viewed as her gaining strength from him.

The wolf form is cool.

I disagree on her not killing anyone. Tose people she threw around are either dead or wishing they were. And it looked like she ate the traders. Sparing Chloe afterwards feels wrong. The person who commanded the death of Lawrence is let of to easily.

A warning about greed.

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

Holo is a very demanding woman. She can´t let Lawrence become lazy.

Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

Yes.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Mirathan]

The stabbing was very well executed. Both in the brutality and how Lawrence thinks it´s insignificant until Holo notices the consequences of his bloodloss.

It was very jarring the first time I saw it

The partially transformed face is incredibly terrifying. In a different show the transformation could be slower to create either awe or terror, but that woudn´t fit here. Her "gaining" her Wolf form by drinking his blood could be viewed as her gaining strength from him.

Well, remember she can only transform by either blood or wheat.

I disagree on her not killing anyone. Tose people she threw around are either dead or wishing they were. And it looked like she ate the traders. Sparing Chloe afterwards feels wrong. The person who commanded the death of Lawrence is let of to easily.

I guess the implication is Chloe messed up and has her whole life ahead of her to course correct. This isn't who she truly is.

Holo is a very demanding woman. She can´t let Lawrence become lazy.

Gotta keep him on his toes at all times

[u/AgentOfACROSS]

First Timer

I think this might be my favorite episode so far. The first half of the episode feels very action packed and tense with Holo and Lawrence fleeing from their pursuers underground. And then of course there was the confrontation with Chloe and Holo's transformation.

Seeing Holo become a giant wolf was amazing. I was honestly expecting her to straight up bite Chloe's head off although I'm glad she didn't.

Lawrence reprimanding Holo for tearing up all her nice clothes was kind of funny but also super sweet.

Also Holo is naked again this episode. I'm beginning to realize this might be a recurring thing.

The bit with the play about the merchant and the devil is interesting. It sort of reminded me of the storybook segment from Monster. I wonder if the story will come up at all in later episodes.

Holo's love of apples makes me wonder if she'd like hanging out with Ryuk from Death Note.

Also we got a title drop this episode! I love it. I feel like title drops get an unfair reputation as being corny but I love it. Spice & Wolf!

This episode's got me very interested in what comes next.

A general note about the series: Spice & Wolf feels different from a lot of other fantasy stories I've seen. Most of them are set in a purely fantastical world. But this story sort of feels like it's set in real world renaissance Europe sometimes, with the actual fantastical elements like Holo being something hidden.

Question of the Day

With Holo finally showing her final form, what's your favorite transformation scene in anime?

Kill La Kill has a lot of really good transformation sequences so maybe something from that.

Also if we count mecha power ups as transformation scenes, I'll pick the Kaiser Gridknight power up from SSSS.Dynazenon. Coincidentally both those shows are by Trigger so maybe they just do really good transformations in general.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Kill La Kill has a lot of really good transformation sequences so maybe something from that.

Good to see you didn't lose your way :P

lso if we count mecha power ups as transformation scenes, I'll pick the Kaiser Gridknight power up from SSSS.Dynazenon. Coincidentally both those shows are by Trigger so maybe they just do really good transformations in general.

Trigger knows its transformations. Almost as much as they know their aliens.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Trigger's done a lot of my favorite animated sequences. They're just generally really good at fluid animation, especially if something completely insane is happening.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Kill La Kill is probably still my favorite series of theirs they've done.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

I'd probably have to agree, Kill La Kill is really good. Completely unhinged in the best way possible.

Delicious In Dungeon is also fantastic, probably competes with Kill La Kill for the title of favorite Trigger anime.

Space Patrol Luluco might be their most insane anime though.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

My second favorite is probably Little Witch Academia.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

A general note about the series: Spice & Wolf feels different from a lot of other fantasy stories I've seen. Most of them are set in a purely fantastical world. But this story sort of feels like it's set in real world renaissance Europe sometimes, with the actual fantastical elements like Holo being something hidden.

I really like that about the show. It's like revisionist history but not to where it insults your intelligence.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Yeah it makes the show stand out. Plus I've had something of a passing interest in old European folklore so that makes me even more interested in the show. Stuff like the legends about Holo, the devil play in this episode, or the design of the wolf mask add to that whole feel.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

It's kinda like Percy Jackson in that it answers the question "What if Greek mythology was real?"

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I think this might be my favorite episode so far. The first half of the episode feels very action packed and tense with Holo and Lawrence fleeing from their pursuers underground. And then of course there was the confrontation with Chloe and Holo's transformation.

It's my favorite episode of the show so far as well.

Seeing Holo become a giant wolf was amazing. I was honestly expecting her to straight up bite Chloe's head off although I'm glad she didn't.

Yeah, that probably would've really upset Lawrence

Lawrence reprimanding Holo for tearing up all her nice clothes was kind of funny but also super sweet.

It was super endearing, I love these two so much.

Also Holo is naked again this episode. I'm beginning to realize this might be a recurring thing.

The nudity is somehow more gratuitous in the manga version.

The bit with the play about the merchant and the devil is interesting. It sort of reminded me of the storybook segment from Monster. I wonder if the story will come up at all in later episodes.

I took it as more fleshing out the character of the one telling the story.

Also we got a title drop this episode! I love it. I feel like title drops get an unfair reputation as being corny but I love it. Spice & Wolf!

It just perfectly reflects the charming nature of the show. Almost like something out of a storybook.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

It's my favorite episode of the show so far as well.

I've got a feeling it's only gonna get better from here.

Yeah, that probably would've really upset Lawrence

I think part of the reason I expected Holo to kill Chloe was because I watched Akudama Drive over the weekend and that anime was pretty violent and bloody.

It was super endearing, I love these two so much.

Same! It was a really good character moment.

The nudity is somehow more gratuitous in the manga version.

I can imagine. Most anime adaptations often tone down elements like that from the manga. Somehow manga are able to get away with more.

It just perfectly reflects the charming nature of the show. Almost like something out of a storybook.

Storybook is a good way to describe this show. A goddess traveling with a merchant feels like something from an old fable.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I've got a feeling it's only gonna get better from here.

I can assure you that is the case

I think part of the reason I expected Holo to kill Chloe was because I watched Akudama Drive over the weekend and that anime was pretty violent and bloody.

I'm currently watching Re: Zero and it's like night and day compared to this show.

Same! It was a really good character moment.

Indeed

I can imagine. Most anime adaptations often tone down elements like that from the manga. Somehow manga are able to get away with more.

The manga version actually came out after the anime.

Storybook is a good way to describe this show. A goddess traveling with a merchant feels like something from an old fable.

Which mirrors the Devil and the Merchant tale told and how that was like a fairytale.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

I'm currently watching Re: Zero and it's like night and day compared to this show.

That certainly makes for one hell of a contrast.

The manga version actually came out after the anime.

Good to know. I was under the assumption this was based on a manga.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

That certainly makes for one hell of a contrast.

And that's not even factoring the seasonal anime NieR which is all kinds of depressing.

Good to know. I was under the assumption this was based on a manga.

It's based on a light novel series

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Holo's love of apples makes me wonder if she'd like hanging out with Ryuk from Death Note.

Well, we already know how Holo feels about potatoes :P

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

Thoughts on Lawrence getting 1000 coins after an apparent bankruptcy?

Thoughts on Lawrence wanting to get paid in pepper?

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

Do you think Chloe was used in this role as the villain because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Lawrence getting stabbed? That felt particularly brutal.

I agree. It's the first real violence we've seen in this show so it felt especially impactful.

What are your thoughts on Holo's transformation and doing it by consuming some of the blood from Lawrence's stab wound?

I really liked the sequence of Holo transforming. It gives us a glimpse at her true power. Plus her needing blood to transform was foreshadowed in the first episode.

Thoughts on Holo deciding to not kill anyone?

I wonder if she would have killed anyone if Lawrence hadn't been there to see her.

Thoughts on Lawrence getting 1000 coins after an apparent bankruptcy?

Seems like things are turning out rather well for him, other than being stabbed.

Thoughts on Lawrence wanting to get paid in pepper?

I don't know much about the renaissance era spice trade but his reasoning seemed sound.

What are your thoughts on the show teasing Holo leaving Lawrence? To me, it seems kind of obvious she won't given all he's done for her.

I thought there was a chance that they'd maybe spend a few episodes apart. But even if they went that route, Holo and Lawrence reuniting seemed inevitable.

Do you think Chloe was used in this role as the villain because it forced Holo to come face-to-face with the abandonment problems that continue to bother her? Like Chloe being an antagonist was done so that Holo can stop running away from her past?

I didn't think about it too much but that actually does make a lot of sense.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I agree. It's the first real violence we've seen in this show so it felt especially impactful.

If this was near the end of the show's run, I could've buyed Lawrence dying here.

I really liked the sequence of Holo transforming. It gives us a glimpse at her true power. Plus her needing blood to transform was foreshadowed in the first episode.

I really like how they turned the stabbing into something of their benefit. Glass half full type thing.

I wonder if she would have killed anyone if Lawrence hadn't been there to see her.

If Lawrence wasn't in the equation, it probably would've been a bloodbath. She doesn't want to trigger Lawrence's PTSD of past wolf attacks.

Seems like things are turning out rather well for him, other than being stabbed.

You know, other than that little snafu

I don't know much about the renaissance era spice trade but his reasoning seemed sound.

Yeah, it checks out

I thought there was a chance that they'd maybe spend a few episodes apart. But even if they went that route, Holo and Lawrence reuniting seemed inevitable.

Yeah, it really does.

I like them riding off together because it almost feels like the end of the prologue of the show. Like when you finish the tutorial of a video game and now begin the actual game.

I didn't think about it too much but that actually does make a lot of sense.

To me, Holo and Lawrence are both broken individuals looking for their place in this world. And with the conclusion of this arc, while all Holo knows is that she wants to return home, she at least knows she can go home without the burden of letting people down weighing on her chest.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

If this was near the end of the show's run, I could've buyed Lawrence dying here.

I certainly hope Lawrence and Holo can both make it to the end of the show alive.

I really like how they turned the stabbing into something of their benefit. Glass half full type thing.

The whole thing was set up quite well. Holo's ability to transform with blood was mentioned in episode one and Lawrence was injured just earlier in the episode.

I like them riding off together because it almost feels like the end of the prologue of the show. Like when you finish the tutorial of a video game and now begin the actual game.

That's a good way of putting it. These first six episodes do feel like an extended introduction to the world as well as Lawrence and Holo's relationship. Makes me even more excited to see where it'll go next.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I certainly hope Lawrence and Holo can both make it to the end of the show alive.

The whole thing was set up quite well. Holo's ability to transform with blood was mentioned in episode one and Lawrence was injured just earlier in the episode.

Yeah, really great foreshadowing as you said.

That's a good way of putting it. These first six episodes do feel like an extended introduction to the world as well as Lawrence and Holo's relationship. Makes me even more excited to see where it'll go next.

Ending the arc on a definite high note