The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Episode 28 Discussion / Poll [2006 TV ep. 9] [Archive]

Catgirls

2006-05-27, 14:18

Welcome to this weeks episode thread for Suzumiya Haruhi (also know as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya). This week...episode 9!

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/126/syslg053ft.gif

Thread Guidelines
No telling or asking for RAWs.
Try to keep spoilers from the Novel or Manga out of the anime thread. If you need to in reply to someone with a reference to the Novel / Manga, either PM them or use Spoiler tags (see example below).
Discuss your expectations of the episode if not aired.
Be polite to your fellow forum members.
Try to keep the discussion on topic and future episode spoilers out of the thread whenever possible.

Spoiler Tag Usage

Using Spoiler Tags is easy. Using this...

The poll looked fine if you were wearing a tin foil hat.

....will get you this...

The poll looked fine if you were wearing a tin foil hat.
What people are most Searching for according to Google Trends [ Home (http://www.google.com/trends) | About (http://www.google.com/trends/about.html) ] (very Alpha). The blue line is for Suzumiya Haruhi. In this example, more people are searching for "Fate/stay night" and "xxxHolic" than Suzumiya Haruhi, but Suzumiya Haruhi is more sought after than "Rozen Maiden" or "Higurashi". (Search results are a composite from all Google search domains in multiple languages.)

http://i4.tinypic.com/10wqnft.png

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6458/suzy029if.th.png (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suzy029if.png) http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4285/suzy039hc.th.png (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suzy039hc.png)
(by geographical region & language)

Suzumiya Haruhi's popularity as measured in the "blogsphere" by BlogPulse.com.

http://xs301.xs.to/xs301/06216/suzy_04.png

In the above example, I measured Suzumiya Haruhi's popularity against two well know anime names: Naruto and Gundam. As you can see, Naruto was written about (or mentioned) in about 10% or all blog posts over a 2 month period. BlogPulse searches 28,467,481 blogs in multiple languages to make it's trend calculations. Suzumiya Haruhi was about 1% which is pretty good for a new show (IMO).

Technorati (http://www.technorati.com/) tracks 41.3 million sites and 2.4 billion links. Here are the blog post counts for Naruto, Gundam and Suzumiya Haruhi as of the end of this week and prior to Episode 9 airing. (Search results are over a 90-day period.)

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/4016/suzytech018ya.th.png (http://img59.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suzytech018ya.png) http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3434/suzytech021yc.th.png (http://img59.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suzytech021yc.png) http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/6861/suzytech034wb.th.png (http://img59.imageshack.us/my.php?image=suzytech034wb.png)

These "statistics" are posted for entertainment purposes only and shouldn't be taken as absolute.

ApathyEcstasy

2006-05-27, 14:20

i expect the episode to be phenomenal as usual

C.A.

2006-05-27, 14:31

i expect the episode to be phenomenal as usual
lol nice 1st post in this thread.

Hmmm somehow I'm a little disappointed with the graphs, surely Haruhiism can do better right? I've been working hard of converting people to Haruhiism. I choose my targets specifically, today 2 friends of mine have been converted lol.

iamandragon

2006-05-27, 14:46

Haruhi is doing very well now...She's no.1 in the most 'moe' anime character from 2ch.net vote...(I have no knowledge what does 'moe' means even after reading all those articles about moeness...so don't ask me about this post---I'm just quoting the facts from another forum)

kj1980

2006-05-28, 03:43

I see a potential of error for these graphs. A person in Japan would never search for these titles in romaji - they would search for them using Japanese under the search string "涼宮, ひぐらし, ローゼンメイデン, fate stay night, xxxholic" which brings up a different result:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y104/kj1980/viz.png

Then again, it also brings up a slightly different result when written out their full titles: "涼宮ハルヒ, ひぐらしのなく頃に, ローゼンメイデン, fate stay night, xxxholic" as well...

OrO

2006-05-28, 10:30

I didn't get everything but the end of the episode was very nice :)

IchiKyo

2006-05-28, 10:48

Statistic Up Again
I Hope French User Pub will work...
I Hope More for This Anime
Let"s check the Image Of The 9

Lost

2006-05-28, 10:55

Hmmm somehow I'm a little disappointed with the graphs, surely Haruhiism can do better right? I've been working hard of converting people to Haruhiism. I choose my targets specifically, today 2 friends of mine have been converted lol.
O.o You are scaring me :heh:

Sorry to always keep asking this type of questions, but which episode of the series was 9? Was it 14, according to episode-9 preview in ep-8?

martino

2006-05-28, 11:11

I think it was 14...yeah.

IchiKyo

2006-05-28, 11:35

http://nov.2chan.net/24/res/525713.htm

it's begin chears :)

Village Idiot

2006-05-28, 11:56

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/9588/114882917809371063mr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

SOS-Brigade got a few new bookshelves.

I don't want to know how or where Haruhi got them from.

IchiKyo

2006-05-28, 11:59

Because we have to discover them by continue to Watching
Like This SunStone or Frog Costume that we have seen in a Fanart Haruhi Baseball and Mikuru Majorette Girl

nil

2006-05-28, 12:02

I saw it now.
This ep is ennui, melancholy and quite special.

Catgirls

2006-05-28, 12:50

I see a potential of error for these graphs.Yep. You're right. There are many ways to tweak the results in these stats. I just put them up for fun. Someone around here was asking about the popularity of this show, so I thought I’d put up what I could. There's reality no validity in most of it other than mild interest. Google Trends is very Alpha and only measures Google searches, so it’s rather limited.

It's only slightly more than amusing when you pit Naruto against Jesus. :)

arias

2006-05-28, 13:16

I see a potential of error for these graphs. A person in Japan would never search for these titles in romaji - they would search for them using Japanese under the search string "涼宮, ひぐらし, ローゼンメイデン, fate stay night, xxxholic" which brings up a different result:

Then again, it also brings up a slightly different result when written out their full titles: "涼宮ハルヒ, ひぐらしのなく頃に, ローゼンメイデン, fate stay night, xxxholic" as well...

Wow.. it really looks like Haruhi is an unknown entity up until mid 2006............

IchiKyo

2006-05-28, 13:25

*go to check the Episode*

And Now The Big Mystery will being Discover? We'll see...

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-28, 14:08

This is the first anime episode I have ever given a perfect 10.

Hilarious. Touching. Atmospheric. Subtle. Daring.

And definitely the best animation I have ever seen in a TV anime -- or maybe anywhere.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/amorpsyche/haruhiblaah.jpg

arias

2006-05-28, 14:15

And definitely the best animation I have ever seen in a TV anime -- or maybe anywhere.

Have you watched AIR or Kamichu! ?

Omniscient

2006-05-28, 14:19

Episode 09 Screencaps and Summary (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2006/05/28/suzumiya-haruhi-no-yuuutsu-09/)

Umm, wow. That was probably the least amount of dialogue in a Haruhi episode so far. I thought the Yuki getting books from the shelf with Haruhi ripping off Mikuru's clothes in the background was good use of humor. However, I question their use of three whole minutes worth of Yuki reading. Like Kaoru Chujo says above, it was very atmospheric and subtle, but three whole minutes seemed a bit overkill. I kept waiting for something big to happen lol.
The look on Haruhi's face when Kyon woke up while she was hovering over him was priceless and I liked the general HaruhiXKyon moments at the end.

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-28, 14:24

Have you watched AIR or Kamichu! ? Yes. And this is definitely -- IMO -- better than either. And more overwhelming to me than even the previous episodes of Haruhi. It is KyoAni with a year's experience over their work in AIR. I have never seen hands done as well, or the variety and exactness of various walking movements. Like Kyon hitching up the box as he started up the hill.

arias

2006-05-28, 14:28

Of course. And this is definitely -- IMO -- better than either. And more overwhelming to me than even the previous episodes of Haruhi.

Okay; I'll look forward to it.. ; ) If you didn't watch it on TV, you'd better be participating in its dissemination now.. because it's so slow. :~<

What arc does this cover, though?

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-28, 14:45

Okay; I'll look forward to it.. ; ) If you didn't watch it on TV, you'd better be participating in its dissemination now.. because it's so slow. :~< What arc does this cover, though? Sorry, I don't have the same file that's being torrented, and my file isn't good enough to make a new torrent for. As for what arc: darned if I know. It's after the movie, and it's wintry and raining. Check out Random Curiosity (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2006/05/28/suzumiya-haruhi-no-yuuutsu-09/).

eVaX

2006-05-28, 15:17

Slow seeds makes Haruhi cry. :sad:
I'm really looking forward to this episode since the reviews have been extremely mixed from extremely positive to disappointingly low, plus it's the "last" episode.

Does this episode give any indication at all for a 2nd season? I'd be sad to see such a wonderful production given such a short run. *Gets shivers imagining a new OP and ED for Haruhi*

Omniscient

2006-05-28, 15:25

What arc does this cover, though?From what I've read on blogs (I haven't really read the novels myself aside from some light skimming), this story appears to take place right before the contents of volume 4.

arias

2006-05-28, 15:35

Slow seeds makes Haruhi cry. :sad:
I'm really looking forward to this episode since the reviews have been extremely mixed from extremely positive to disappointingly low, plus it's the "last" episode.

At this speed it'll be at least 2-3 hours before peers get complete files. They just don't have a sufficient distribution backbone to handle BT file dissemination; I'm not sure why people haven't learned how to fully utilize BT.

Gah. Gah. Gah. Guess I'll just watch it in the evening.

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-28, 16:26

Maybe somebody forgot to turn on Superseed.

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-28, 17:37

On 2channel, SHnY has just passed triple the number of posts of Fate/Stay Night:
~251064 to ~83330 = ~3.013x. I think I started watching this tally when SHnY had around half the number of posts. In the 7.5 hours since the episode started airing, there have been approximately 3000 posts.

I haven't read much of what people are posting there (http://anime.2ch.net/test/read.cgi/anime/1148848123/), but opinion appears to be split, as I expect it will be here. The kind of humour in this episode is just what I like -- even the excruciating (and excruciatingly funny) scene of Yuki reading alone in the club room with voices filtering in from next door. But other people's mileage may justifiably vary.

For me, this and episodes 1 and 2 are the best of the series so far (in that order).

Prodigious

2006-05-28, 19:20

Wow. 1 seeder and 2000 leeches. I've never seen anything like it.

Starks

2006-05-28, 19:44

Maybe somebody forgot to turn on Superseed.
Ya know what... I ****ed up... I forgot to turn it on. I usually have it off because I don't need on my LAN connection at school.

I'm home for the week on a crappy 15Mbit/2Mbit cable connection... GIVE ME A BREAK.

I'M SORRY!

arias

2006-05-28, 19:45

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-28, 20:20

kari-no-sugata

2006-05-28, 20:33

Ya know what... I ****ed up... I forgot to turn it on. I usually have it off because I don't need on my LAN connection at school.

I'm home for the week on a crappy 15Mbit/2Mbit cable connection... GIVE ME A BREAK.

I'M SORRY!

Don't you check the progress (at least at the start)?

PS Poor-mans super-seed: deliberately limit max number of connected peers to very small number (like 10-20).

Of course, it'd also help if all clients had automatic detection of when they should optimise for seeding, and good config for that.

PPS Best line of this week's ep: Kyon: Mikuru changed while I was asleep? Damn! I really was asleep - I should have pretended to be asleep!
(or something like that)

panzerfan

2006-05-28, 20:37

Let's see...
I cant' identify the cardgame, can anyone?
Tsundere Gunslinger III?! Interesting taste these ppl have.
The animation quality is really great...
cosplay freak Haruhi shows no reservation whatsoever. In the words of Kyon from previous eps... like some evil fedual lord.

(The warmup lines are just hilerious to hear)
Tsuruya-san needs even more role... I agree.
This episode in some way is redemption to lack of Mikuru... although Haruhi continues to surprise me... despite having read about the exploits.
Haruhi not anticipating Kyon waking up was interesting.
When Haruhi was getting dressed to go home... I noticed what Kaoru Chuko was talking about with the hands. Kyon and Haruhi's movements are detailed... very well done.
The last scene of course seals the deal.

arias

2006-05-28, 20:46

Wow that was a Budget Buster. Although looks like Haruhi is finally happy, at least in the TV Series. You can tell she was just joking when she took the umbrella and wasn't being mean, Kyon noticed as well.

It also explains why there was the 3 minute reading scene!!!!!!!!!!!

You don't need much money for that. They probably relocated funds proportionately.

Sushi-Y

2006-05-28, 20:50

scene of Yuki reading alone in the club room with voices filtering in from next door. But other people's mileage may justifiably vary.
That's the radio.
====================================

Anyway, one sentence to describe this episode for me:
I have never seen such an interesting episode where absolutely nothing happens. :heh:

Really, it's almost as if they took a page right out of the SOS-dan's daily life and animated that. There are no supernatural events, heck, there are no events, period.

In return, the episode was very soothing to watch, the "ordinary-ness" of SOS-dan's one day makes it much easier for us to immerse ourselves in the characters' lives.

There's no mistake that this episode was meant to be an "epilogue", since it's the last episode in the time-line series. In that respect, I think it was very well done. This episode served as an important reminder that "this is what our daily lives are really all about".

(Also, notice how the camera become fixed in the club room when Kyon's no longer aound ^^; )

First of all, the story takes place in early December. Timeline wise, just after the Culture Fair (where "Asahina Mikuru no Bouken" was aired), and just before Shoushitsu (vol.4)?
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)ht tp://img72.imageshack.us/img72/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)ht tp://img503.imageshack.us/img503/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)ht tp://img140.imageshack.us/img140/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
So calm and peaceful... Just waiting to get shattered by a certain someone. :heh:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
Kyon starts with a little intro about their "normal" daily lives.
"But really, it's so nice to be quiet without Haruhi around"
==================
Various reminders of the past events:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Suzumiya Haruhi no Taikutsu" (Baseball event) (June)
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img501.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody" (July)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Lone Island Syndrome" (July)
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
"The Day of Sagittarius" (November)

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"We've been through a lot of things, including those caused by Haruhi, and some others that aren't. Well, all of them usually begins when we're spending our times relaxing like this, and Haruhi would suddenly bust into-"
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img114.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Everyone, listen! Great news!"
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Again? These "great news" that she speaks of, for us, especially for me and Asahina-san, are almost never anything to feel great about though"
==================
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img46.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
And it begins, Haruhi sends Kyon on an errand trip to get the portable heater across town.
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img154.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Whatever, just hurry up and go! You have nothing to do anyway, right?"
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img508.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"I don't think anyone can be busy if they're in this room"
==================
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)ht tp://img525.imageshack.us/img525/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
Lucky Kyon~
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)ht tp://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6687/0003655824hv.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0003655824hv.jpg)
"Hurry up and go!"
==================
And so it begins, the photo shoot for "Asahina Mikuru no Bouken" DVD cover jacket!
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
(by the way, the jacket for the normal edition of the DVD (to be released on 6/23) looks like this:
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7753/haruhidvd008up.gif
After this episode, I'm kinda interested in Itou Noizi's limited edition cover now. What will it look like, I wonder? ^^; )
http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)ht tp://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
Yuki's head + bookshelf block combo, very nicely done. :heh:
==================
http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
"Okay, next, this!"
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img159.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Um... but I didn't wear this nurse uniform or that in the movie though... Is this really for the jacket?"
http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img110.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
"Yeah, that's right. But an idea just flashed in my head! With this much, we can probably even make a photo album!"
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img528.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"What do you think, Koizumi-kun? This idea!"
"I think it's a splendid idea"
"Hiee~~"
"No! Wait! If we're making a DVD anyway, we should make an omake tape as a special bonus! What do you think, Koizumi-kun? This idea!"
"I think it's a very nice idea"
"Hiii~~"
==================
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)ht tp://img512.imageshack.us/img512/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
Even the tree frog costume from "Endless Eight" (August) makes a comeback (?) :heh:
And great(?) timing for the book thing. ^^;

Oh yeah, Haruhi started singing "Hare Hare Yukai" here too. ^^;
==================
http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img523.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
It's fun to watch a "normal" conversation, for once. :heh:
==================
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
My only complaint for this episode is that the above still scene lasted a little TOO long (almost 3 1/2 minutes ^^; ). People who would rather watch than listen might find this a turn-off (then again, it's a good portrayal of "Yuki's daily life")

There are too many jokes in the radio, I can't list them all. :heh:
The "Seinen ACE! Chuunen ACE! Teinen ACE!" part made me laugh though. No, I have no idea what it means either. :heh:
==================
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
Tsuruya-san's way of being nice? :heh:
==================
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img503.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)ht tp://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7180/0011506173li.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0011506173li.jpg)
The piano track played here was really nice. Melancholy indeed. ^^;
Then again, rather than an "epilogue", this scene almost felt like a "prologue" for me. As if "this is the calm before something big happens". Well, time-line wise, that would be the case though (Shoushitsu comes in right after the events in the episode). Season 2!
==================
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)ht tp://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4910/0012224395xj.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0012224395xj.jpg)
Haruhi dere scene. ^^; Although the cardigan thing was nice, the most dere part was the fact that Haruhi needed to lock the door before going home, but when she saw Kyon still sleeping, rather than waking him up, she stayed behind and waited until he woke up.
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
"Besides, it's raining too"

Interesting remark, don't you think? ^^; Haruhi has an umbrella herself, so rain is no problem for her. That means the rain comment was directed at Kyon. "I'm staying behind because I don't want you to get wet on your way home" is what Haruhi's trying to say. Aww~
==================
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img104.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
Have you guys noticed yet? Kyon got something from all the girls in this (final) episode.
Mikuru = Scarf
Tsuruya-san = Handkerchief
Yuki = Cardigan
Haruhi = Cardigan
==================
And finally...
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)ht tp://img512.imageshack.us/img512/4664/0013154482nb.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0013154482nb.jpg)http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5365/0013309222zx.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0013309222zx.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/4472/0013410162vx.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0013410162vx.jpg)http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8634/0013422677wy.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0013422677wy.jpg)http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/1456/0013442272kb.th.jpg (http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0013442272kb.jpg)http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
(+ piano)

There we have it. Haruhi END.

Ok, let's reload and go for a Yuki END now. :heh:

==================
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/8370/0014183356lk.th.jpg (http://img501.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0014183356lk.jpg)http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9374/0014277619rj.th.jpg (http://img501.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0014277619rj.jpg)
Next episode, "Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu IV" (time-line wise, episode 4).

Feels kinda weird to go back to April now, after watching this final episode. ^^;

Then again, with the next episode, we're finally starting to get serious (well, as serious as volume 1 of the novel gets). Time for some action. ^^;

Cardcaptor

2006-05-28, 21:07

arias

2006-05-28, 21:15

Wow, this episode reminded me of the last episode of Gun Parade March: they set in about the same time of the year, and have very similar atmosphere. Oh, didn't I mention that I like this episode a lot? (Except for that three minute Nagato reading thing though...) The Haruhi-deredere scene convinced me that she's the best Tsundere ever. (She beats Shibamura Mai by a notch.)

By the way, Sushi-Y, seriously, why don't you keep an anime blog?

Best tsundere ever? .. mmm.. :D

**COUGH WHEEZ COUGH**SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD TOPIC FOR POLL**COUGH WHEEZ COUGH**

She is teh pure awesome, though. If this episode doesn't convert Kaioshin, I suggest he be strung and hung :D The part where she hands Kyon the umbrella without directly looking at him is incredibly adorable. Like many others, I think I've contracted the tsundere virus..

Pakxenon

2006-05-28, 21:44

Excellent "final" episode. It felt really calm, melancholous, and moving. This episode will have people anticipating season 2! XD

Melancholy IV will ROCK (hopefully)!

Oh ya. Downloading the raw took 6 hours with about 400 people finishing within 10 minutes. That's how bad it was. XD

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-28, 21:46

Yeah it was a nice episode, except for the whole reading thing (I kept hearing that piece of classical music where EVA-01 and the dead Kaworu stand there for like 2 minutes and I thought my computer froze). I really liked seeing Haruhi gradually turn into a more caring person (although she seems really embarassed about it). She does a lot of the things she did earlier on in the series (dressing up Mikuru and bossing Kyon around), except this time you can tell its not mean spirited and more like a nostalgic trip through the past before she crosses over completely into the dere phase.

This and episode 8 showed me that Haruhi isn't really a cruel sadastic bitch after all, she's just confused and disoriented like most teenagers that age. I never went through that phase personally when I was 15, because I've always enjoyed a lower High-Class lifestyle where everything I wanted always seems to come my way. I had a fairly stress-free high school life and always had free time on my hands, so I guess I couldn't see what was going on with Haruhi wasn't her being mean, but that she needed some guidance and friends who understood her. I admit I misjudged her character greatly, possibly due to the first impression she gave in episode 2 which really stuck for a long time. I'm glad it turned out this way. Finally, I'm not converting to Haruhism, I have no religion and I can't possibly have one that doesn't even have a foundation other than ambigous text that appears in the opening animation, but I like to talk about them because religious texts make for some of the most interesting reads I've ever experienced. However, I would like to see a second season.

I've warmed up considerably to this type of anime, I never thought I would enjoy a semi-romantic romp through high school life, but here we are, it makes me somehow satisifed to see the evolution of Haruhi's character. If anyone has any other reccomendations of anime like this, I'll listen, PM me.

angel_wing0

2006-05-28, 22:35

just watched the raw, it's sad but it really does look like a FINAL episode...but its a good thing that ep 4 is up next where...

Yuki VS Ryuoko!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shirobane

2006-05-28, 23:56

wow, an anime final episode that feels complete (even though I'm hoping for a second season)

Kyoani quite literally turned nothing into an artistic display of SOS団 life. I'm now very excited for their adaptation of Melancholy VII!

I was planning on waiting until I understood more than 30% of what was said in the episode but the last few minutes threw all that out the window :heh:

10/10 for me

Edit: I forgot to mention the very fitting piano scores and the amazing cityscape at the end of the episode!

DannyCat

2006-05-29, 00:14

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img114.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Everyone, listen! Great news!"
http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.th.jpg (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=124501249112513280922347012495.jpg)
"Again? These "great news" that she speaks of, for us, especially for me and Asahina-san, are almost never anything to feel great about though"

Heh, reminds me of that one Futurama episode:

(Farnsworth walks in)
Prof. Farnsworth: Good news, everyone!
Bender: Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of that.

IchiKyo

2006-05-29, 00:43

I see it

I want a real Episode 15, i don't really want it finish like this...

Shirobane

2006-05-29, 00:44

velocity7

2006-05-29, 01:10

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/3088/124501249112513280922347012495.jpg

This made the episode for me, hands down. I do agree though that the 3 minutes of radio with Yuki was overkill.

panzerfan

2006-05-29, 01:26

I don't have a problem with that 3 minutes... that was one of the punch lines in the comedy in some ways.

Mentar

2006-05-29, 01:50

Oh my goodness ^_^... Haruhi _embarrassed_ in front of Kyon.

Now I can die a happy man *lol*

Sweet!

Starks

2006-05-29, 02:39

kron

2006-05-29, 03:22

hoping for a second season. mean while ill enjoy vol 8 of the novel :p

IchiKyo

2006-05-29, 03:30

hoping for a second season. mean while ill enjoy vol 8 of the novel :p

Please yes hope
I don't want this series finished like Fruit Basket Anime who really Need a Saison 2...

Thelastguardian

2006-05-29, 03:32

This made the episode for me, hands down. I do agree though that the 3 minutes of radio with Yuki was overkill.
It's not overkill when you understand what they are saying on the radio :heh:

Note: I think they are all done by VA of the characters
tongue-twisters
Detective Conan or similar
someone said Attack 25, I don't know
Glass Mask
a comedian making fun of Shonen Ace (the stuff with all the Ace)
Detective Conan
"You are too naive!" That famous phrase from Gundam One Year War. Guess who
some opera stuff
A conversation between a radio host and a female guest named Yuki. Yuki's VA?For the conversation, it is as the following:
Something about prevs on train :heh: .
Winter is near!! It is cold (think the time of the episode).
Baseball is not as popular in winter (baseball...)
Christmas!! Want to eat hotpot!! (hehehe novel readers should know this)
Hotpot that has all sorts of ingredients (the way Haruhi mixes the hotpot :heh: and it turns out fine)
Bear meat! The guest like to hunt and eat them for hotpot!(probably from the VA herself :D)
She is feeling sorry for them, however.
She said she will become the bear and the host can become the hotpot ^_^;; .

I like the extra coat, it was a nice touch.

Haruhi was obviously looking at Kyon's sleepy face :D That's so cute of her.
The second coat is probably from Yuki. She left before Haruhi came back (close the book=time to go home), and Haruhi didn't say that the second coat is from Mikuru. She probably thought it's Kyon's.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/50/123001246912512124871245212452.th.jpg (http://img301.imageshack.us/my.php?image=123001246912512124871245212452.jpg)
"The Day of Sagittarius" (November)
They look like the newest iBook. I guess I should feel sorry for the Computer Club ^_^;; They DO cost a lot, and now they are just sitting around rusting in Haruhi's lair- I mean club room.

http://www.baka-tsuki.net/Screenshots/scifi.jpg
Look at all the books about Physics/Dynamics/Science fictions/etc.

http://www.baka-tsuki.net/Screenshots/frog.jpg
"Endless Summer" (August)

This is like playing treasure hunt ^_^ .

Sushi-Y

2006-05-29, 04:25

Note: I think they are all done by VA of the characters
They are, the voices on the radio came from all 5 main VAs + sub-character VAs. :heh: (Edit: actually, minus Chihara Minori, I think. Yuki didn't speak AT ALL in this episode, so her name isn't even in the credits)
Sugita Tomokazu's (Kyon) "HGGNNanata ga--- HANNIN desu!" was an easy one.

The follow up ("sugoi wa, ano ko ga detekita dake de suteeji no kuuki ga kawatta-") was also easy for me. It's Gotou Yuuko (Mikuru). You can tell her "normal voice" if you listen to the SOS-dan radio meetings regularly. ^^;

The "CHAHAN SETTO!! TENZAN SETTO!!" was a dead giveaway. It's obviously Ono Daisuke (Koizumi). :heh: (Anyone who watched AIR and heard his "RAMEN SETTO!!" as Yukito will recognize this instantly)

I can't figure out who did the Mito Koumon part and the brown bear hot pot manzai part though. ^^; (Notice how it caught Yuki's attention in the end? :heh: )

martino

2006-05-29, 05:02

Huh?! I seem to be left out somehow...

It's episode 9(out of 14), so why is everyone talking of a new series and the end of the world???

Moogster

2006-05-29, 05:23

Because episode 9 WAS episode 14. The last episode out of 14 of suzumiya haruhi.

dkellis

2006-05-29, 05:34

Going to reserve final poll judgement until the sub comes out (the three-minute Yuki reading scene would, indeed, lower the rating considerably if I were feeling uncharitable, but maybe I'll change my mind if the jokes then are unexpectedly hilarious or something). Still, some of the other parts were great.

- Mikuru ran to Itsuki for protection from Haruhi, and Itsuki just shrugged. I'm sorry, but Kyon is your only saviour.

- The bits with the books and Yuki's head blocking what would be NSFW scenes remind me so much of the hot springs episode in Full Metal Panic Fumoffu where there's always the well-placed leaf or bug or shampoo bottle or rubber duck...

- I'd love to see more of Tsuruya. She seems so utterly happy and genki and friendly.

- When Haruhi -deres, it's really -dere. I suppose the whole bit about it being completely unexpected does make a difference.

- The end of the episode really did feel like a series ending. It took me a while to reorient my mind to the fact that no, SHnY hasn't actually ended yet.

- The credits seemed a bit off to me, and I did a quick double-check: I could be wrong, but I think that in this episode, Yuki was completely, utterly silent, with not a single line spoken. (Which is why she's not credited in the ending.)

Prodigious

2006-05-29, 08:18

10/10 best episode so far

Deathkillz

2006-05-29, 08:37

Because episode 9 WAS episode 14. The last episode out of 14 of suzumiya haruhi.

omg that just clicked into me...so the episodes are set out but jumbled up into random orders...that means that in the release series this episode is episode 9 but in the storyline plot it is eps 14 which means we dnt get to see any more future events beyond wht we have seen now...hope it clears it up for some who still doesnt understand :heh:

oh my gosh wht an ending...it doesnt feel anything like it :( really hope a 2nd series comes out...and i think there is a big chance of that happening...

onto the story...the pace seems a bit slow and the yuki part was boring as hell (3 mins is definatly too much)...however the sub verson might change my opinion of this eps and make my understand whts going on better...so im going to hold my vote too :p

Kinny Riddle

2006-05-29, 08:54

Because episode 9 WAS episode 14. The last episode out of 14 of suzumiya haruhi.

LOL, I'm sure this statement is going to drive a lot of non-Haruhi-ists nuts. :heh:

If you watch them in Kyon's broadcasr order, then it isn't the last episode. But if you watch it in Haruhi's chronological order, then this IS storywise, the last episode for this first series.

It's just like watching Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, but you KNOW that isn't the end of the story, even though Episode III was the sixth and last movie released 28 years after the first movie, Episode IV A New Hope...OK, I think I'll stop before I drive even the non-SW fans nuts as well. :heh:

Moogster

2006-05-29, 09:17

omg that just clicked into me...so the episodes are set out but jumbled up into random orders...that means that in the release series this episode is episode 9 but in the storyline plot it is eps 14 which means we dnt get to see any more future events beyond wht we have seen now...hope it clears it up for some who still doesnt understand

Yep, You got it right.. :D

LOL, I'm sure this statement is going to drive a lot of non-Haruhi-ists nuts.

If you watch them in Kyon's broadcasr order, then it isn't the last episode. But if you watch it in Haruhi's chronological order, then this IS storywise, the last episode for this first series.

It's just like watching Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, but you KNOW that isn't the end of the story, even though Episode III was the sixth and last movie released 28 years after the first movie, Episode IV A New Hope...OK, I think I'll stop before I drive even the non-SW fans nuts as well.

I don't understand.. Why would it drive non-Haruhi-ists nuts..? :heh:

Woland

2006-05-29, 09:59

I probably would have loved to see this episode at the end of the (first ;)) series: Great closure, with a a nice and relaxing atmosphere, and, IMHO, very appropriate.

I didn't like the to much CG background and probably more than 3 minute of Yuki reading book with the radio in background was a bit too much (I'm waiting for the sub for that part), but overall the animation was great in quality and style.

But what a weird feeling... the serie is ended but we still have to reach the main dish (I don't mind it because I see some logic, like how Kyoani is unfolding the personality of Haruhi).

PhantomX

2006-05-29, 10:33

This episode shows that we need more Tsuruya!

steelbound

2006-05-29, 11:14

I gave it a 10/10 even though I understood none of the dialogue but the ending was perfect. (The ending being the only thing left that could mess this series up.) The Yuki part was long but it was interesting to see when she's alone she has no secret activities/personality.

Alu

2006-05-29, 11:15

This episode shows that we need more Tsuruya!
Rong, rong, rong :p
I have not seen this episode it yet, but definitly if there is one character this anime needs to show more is Asakura :)
Hence I am actualy Very happy that they finaly after this one will show the episodes in which well.., she makes a great impact in the series ^^

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-29, 12:17

I think the bits and pieces we have got from Sushi-Y and The Last Guardian show that there is more to that three minutes than just Yuki sitting there reading. Even not being able to catch most of what was being said (I thought they were practicing a drama or something), the mere tones of voice were funny, especially in contrast to Yuki sitting there.

And I felt a sort of tension all the way through it, because I expected Kyon or Haruhi to come bursting in the door at any moment. I think things about that three minutes -- the lack of anything happening and the tension and the weird dissociation of the voices vs. Yuki -- helped set up a mood that made the final sequences between Kyon and Haruhi more effective. Which they certainly were. Art, art, art.

I've seen a couple of early Chinese subs (BTPig and Kiss), but neither one translated the voices from the radio.

panzerfan

2006-05-29, 13:08

I can only catch the Rose of Versailles reference in the radio broadcast... other than the warmup. I know that the lines are actually paying homage to other works though...

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-29, 13:34

for the novel readers:
didn't the overall melancholic and dreary weather of this episode feel a bit like how a closed space was as described by Koizumi Itsuki-kun in the novel? maybe Haruhi made a new reality after all where she's happy :D

I don't think thats it, I think its a simpler explanation of she realizes she's got good friends who care about her safety and well-being for possibly the first time in her life, and I guess she realizes she feels the same. I never got the impression it was a closed space, because there were lots of other people around, the sky was there and there was colour in the world. Just crappy weather and a Haruhi who is finally happy to have friends.

panzerfan

2006-05-29, 13:37

I see it as somewhere inbetween the 2 views. She exerts as much influence as the others in shaping this reality...

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-29, 14:17

Onizuka-GTO

2006-05-29, 15:23

NooooOoOOOoooooOoo! YUUUUUKKIII MOVE YOUR HEEEAADD!!!

LOLOLOLOLKOLOOLOL!! ARRGGHH!! :D :D :D

ApathyEcstasy

2006-05-29, 16:40

I don't think its as much a new reality as it is a new beginning for the characters and their relationship with each other, a prelude to a second season maybe. You'll notice that Kyon and Itsuki were getting along fairly well too, which isn't usually the case due to Kyon's dislike of him. And yes she did make the effort in creating this new beginning by reaching out to the characters and showing her true feelings for the first time so far in the series. I don't see why people are confusing new reality with new beginning for the SOS Dan, its such a familiar tool in finishing a story on a good note that it should be immediately recognizable. Unless of course some people opted not to take courses in literature and creative writing.

sheesh! you do realize that most people are simply accustomed to the western style of scriptwriting in which season finales simply must end with cliffhangers and unanswered questions...that's just the normal way of doing things simply because it gives people a lot of reason to come back to the show when the next season starts..but meh yeah asian storywriting is a lot different

C.A.

2006-05-29, 17:42

I gave 10, the last 3 minutes is more than enough for me to give a 10.

Shirobane

2006-05-29, 20:52

I don't think its as much a new reality as it is a new beginning for the characters and their relationship with each other, a prelude to a second season maybe. You'll notice that Kyon and Itsuki were getting along fairly well too, which isn't usually the case due to Kyon's dislike of him. And yes she did make the effort in creating this new beginning by reaching out to the characters and showing her true feelings for the first time so far in the series. I don't see why people are confusing new reality with new beginning for the SOS Dan, its such a familiar tool in finishing a story on a good note that it should be immediately recognizable. Unless of course some people opted not to take courses in literature and creative writing.
um...the last part of that spoiler was merely a jab at haruhi being considered as a deity figure by the majority of the SOS 団 rather than a serious contemplation of the situation so no need to be biting heads off there. Hell I'm much more interested in the environmental parallels drawn between this episode and the closed space environment that will be described by Itsuki/Kyon in the latter episodes. The significant of which is that, as you will see, a closed space represents the potential for a new beginning.

@AE: indeed, there are many people accustomed to a cliffhanger style of conclusion, a method that usually personally has me cringing in dismay. For me it's really good to see a show that has potential for a second season put a sense of finality in its supposed "last episode"

ApathyEcstasy

2006-05-29, 21:47

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-29, 22:45

um...the last part of that spoiler was merely a jab at haruhi being considered as a deity figure by the majority of the SOS 団 rather than a serious contemplation of the situation so no need to be biting heads off there. Hell I'm much more interested in the environmental parallels drawn between this episode and the closed space environment that will be described by Itsuki/Kyon in the latter episodes. The significant of which is that, as you will see, a closed space represents the potential for a new beginning.

@AE: indeed, there are many people accustomed to a cliffhanger style of conclusion, a method that usually personally has me cringing in dismay. For me it's really good to see a show that has potential for a second season put a sense of finality in its supposed "last episode"

Ok I think I get what your saying now. Sorry, sometimes I have difficulty telling when people are proposing a serious theory or just making a joke. I didn't notice the grin symbol as it was a line lower so I didn't get the hint that it was a joke. I took a debating course in University that I really enjoyed and it ignited a passion for debate in me. Thus, when I see an argument I think is weak I tend to pounce without considering whether a person is kidding. Although honestly some people here you really just don't know if they are being serious or not. It's that damn Haruhism again, Haruhiist's are crazy :eyespin: .

秋水伊人

2006-05-29, 23:44

it is sonw though , i feel warm

haruhi shows her feeling to Kyon ,though it is not so clear

haruhi is so cute , at that moment she was not a kook , just be a girl

Vexx

2006-05-30, 01:08

After sitting through all the american broadcast television season finale "cliffhangers" (each more irritatingly ridiculous than the last).... a season ender like this would be refreshing....

of course, I actually failed to sit through most of them because I got too exasperated at the plot holes and weak development.... it made Soul Link look Shakespearean in comparison (even the few shows I like went "ratings stupid nutso").

The exceptionally lovely subtlety of this episode is just beautiful. Anxiously awaiting the sub to check my guesses at the dialog.

Kaioshin Sama

2006-05-30, 04:29

it is sonw though , i feel warm

haruhi shows her feeling to Kyon ,though it is not so clear

haruhi is so cute , at that moment she was not a kook , just be a girl

After sitting through all the american broadcast television season finale "cliffhangers" (each more irritatingly ridiculous than the last).... a season ender like this would be refreshing....

of course, I actually failed to sit through most of them because I got too exasperated at the plot holes and weak development.... it made Soul Link look Shakespearean in comparison (even the few shows I like went "ratings stupid nutso").

The exceptionally lovely subtlety of this episode is just beautiful. Anxiously awaiting the sub to check my guesses at the dialog.

Amen to both these posts, it made me feel warm to and I am a self described Ice Man when it comes to feeling emotion. Also Vexx, were the American Network Season Finales actually that retarded as to all finish on cliffhangers (are they that out of touch with logic, reason and not having hack writing). Well there's a reason I deliberately avoid network television, and I'm going to just keep on doing it.

秋水伊人

2006-05-30, 06:49

Amen to both these posts, it made me feel warm to and I am a self described Ice Man when it comes to feeling emotion. Also Vexx, were the American Network Season Finales actually that retarded as to all finish on cliffhangers (are they that out of touch with logic, reason and not having hack writing). Well there's a reason I deliberately avoid network television, and I'm going to just keep on doing it.

Americans have too much cliffhangers? maybe that's right

"self described Ice Man when it comes to feeling emotion ...." well i think people should have more sensation to live .

feeling is the most important A successful anime is the one that can inspire pople (it's my personal view) ,at this point , episode 9 is good

iamandragon

2006-05-30, 10:25

Found this in another forum...
Reference to the background noise for when Nagato is reading:

(発声练习の定番セリフ)
アメンボ　アカイナ　アイウエオ　ウキモニ　コエビモ　オヨイデル
カキノキ　クリノキ　カキクケコ　キツツキ　コツコツ　カレケヤキ
ササゲニ　スヲカケ　サシスセソ　ソノウオ　アサセデ　ヤキマシタ

Furuhata Ninzaburo (古畑任三郎)
ん～、あなたが犯人です

PＡNEL　QUIZ　ATTACK　２５(パネルクイズアタック２５)
んっ、赤の方１４番を选ばれた
ん～、まぁいいでしょう
この後どういった展开になるのでしょうか、
次の问题どうぞ

Glass Mask(ガラスの仮面)
凄いわ、あの子が出てきただけでステージの空気が変わった、
それにしてもあの子、今までと全然违う
さっきまでとはまるで别人だわ
恐ろしい子

(分からず。「天ザル」は「天山」「天丼」かも)
タンメンセット！
チャーハンセット！
天ザルセット！

(少年Ａ)
青年Ａ！
熟年Ａ！
定年Ａ！
留年Ａ！

Trick(トリック)
なぜベストを尽くさないのか！
どーんとこーい！お前らの言ったことはまるっとこりっと全てお见通しだ！

Detective Conan(名探侦コナン)
见た目は子供、中身は微妙、ご町内の强い味方、その名は、名探侦！

(水戸黄门)
えーい、控え控え控えーい、この纹所が目に入らぬか

(ベルサイユのばら)
私がフランスの女王なのですから

(穴」の部分が良く闻き取れないので分からず)
変な所に穴（？）が

(ゲームかアニメの决めゼリフっぽいのだが、当てはまりそうで、思い浮かばず)
まだまだ甘いな

Just direct copy and paste with some editing...don't blame me if I'm wrong...
And someone mentioned that the idea of Nagato sitting still reading with noise in background comes from evagellion, is that true?(I havn't watched evagellion)

Vexx

2006-05-30, 14:24

Americans have too much cliffhangers? maybe that's right

"self described Ice Man when it comes to feeling emotion ...." well i think people should have more sensation to live .

feeling is the most important A successful anime is the one that can inspire pople (it's my personal view) ,at this point , episode 9 is good

Actually, it hasn't been a major problem til this year ... in past years, one or two american network series would have a cliff hanger and it was tolerable. This year it got completely out of hand - I think I counted over 10 prime time cliffhanger endings. And most involved some seriously pathetic writing. One show involved a courtroom hostage situation that failed so many reality checkpoints I only lasted 15 minutes into it. May is an audience ratings month and you can usually tell because the "boobage", juvenile T&A, ultra-violence, and "will we kill your favorite character" factor skyrockets ("a very special Kids-in-Iraq", "an episode of Martian ER you can't miss, one of the staff will die", "we're screwing with the player's minds by changing the rules on Reality Island Race Cooking Singer Idol Attack")

The lamest episode of Suzumiya just slaps the hell out of my viewing alternatives this month.

Shirobane

2006-05-30, 15:56

I believe the subs have been released, rejoice!

eVaX

2006-05-30, 16:24

I really really loved this episode, but I have mixed feelings about it's placement in the series. On one hand, it would seem somewhat anti-climatic after the end of the first volume of the novels and it was a well paced, leisurely slice of life episode (Surprised/embarrased Haruhi FTFW). But then again, it's shown nearly at the middle of the show. Thats like reading a book to the halfway mark with all the story threads starting to come together then just out of nowhere you decide to jump to the conclusion of the story and then there goes the feeling of any and all tension that the story trying to so hard to build up. Ah well, at least there was good Tsuruya air time this episode. ~~~~<3

Kaoru Chujo

2006-05-30, 16:51

I really really loved this episode, but I have mixed feelings about its placement in the series...there goes the feeling of any and all tension that the story trying to so hard to build up.... I think it shows that the "story" is not that important, and the producers are not trying to build up tension. They want you to see that all seems to end well, before we get into some chapters that will apparently be weird and have some tension in them, if I read the hints (I avoid reading the actual spoilers) that have been thrown out here and there. We're supposed to hold that sweeter image of Haruhi and Kyon while we get into whatever is shown us next.

Kamui4356

2006-05-30, 17:51

Overall, it was a pretty good episode. A lot better than last week's at any rate. :heh: I gave it a 7. It would have been an 8, but no matter how much I like Yuki, I don't want to watch her read for 3+ minutes and the radio was not enough to carry the scene. Especially when I knew that in another part of the school Haruhi and Itsuki were taking pictures of Mikuru. :heh: Still, it was a solid episode and a nice look into the lives of the SOS dan when they aren't dealing with a major crisis like closed space, giant cave crickets, or hunting for aliens, umas, ect.

LCeh

2006-05-30, 18:00

Just noticed something: around the 10:30 mark, Haruhi said "Boon! These looping feelings!", which is part of the lyrics for the ED. :heh:

Danj

2006-05-30, 18:01

Can anyone identify the collectible card game (http://www.intercontinuum.net.nyud.net:8090/images/haruhi9/) that Kyon and Itsuki were playing in this episode?

darkchibi07

2006-05-30, 18:06

It sort of reminds me of Aquarian Age though I noticed some of the cards has images of Slayers.

Onizuka-GTO

2006-05-30, 18:12

you know, re-watching the episode, noticed when kyon woke up, he had two cardigans on. :p

Yuki-love-token FTW!

:D :D

Edit: just watched the subs, ok, everyone can figure that one out. :rolleyes:

FFSabin

2006-05-30, 18:36

Can anyone identify the collectible card game (http://www.intercontinuum.net.nyud.net:8090/images/haruhi9/) that Kyon and Itsuki were playing in this episode?

I see Lina Inverse, Gourry so im guessing is Slayers card game

DragoonKain3

2006-05-30, 18:46

Breaking away from Ever17 long enough to watch and comment about this episode. God, that game's so addictive.

After all those crazy things happenings, I guess ordinary events such as this episode is a nice break. I love the irony of what Kyon said; he said that whenever Haruhi barges in the door with news, its always bad news for him and Asahina. Well this time around, it seems they got off easy then. ^_^

Things worth mentioning:
-Love Haruhi in those leggings! Can't wait for fanart featuring her in that.... drool...
(As an aside, something that always bugged me, are Japanese females still wearing skirts in winter? Aren't they cold? Noone dared to wear skirts when I went to school, but then again, I'm in Canada, much further north than Japan. -_-')

-Aww.... Asahina looked so sad when Haruhi told her she couldn't go. Her lending her scarf to Kyon was a nice counter though, whether she intended to or not. Really got on Haruhi's nerves, no? Too bad Haruhi had a counter-counter attack ready (picture time!), lol.

-I haven't hated Yuki as much as I do now in this episode. Get outta the freakin' way! >:)

-In the train station where Kyon was at the counter, what's up with the beeping sound?

-Another nice job by KyoAni: quite interesting how they animated Haruhi standing up from her crouchin position at 8:39-41.

-Byoon! Wa-Pu de! 'Nuff said

-The dreaded 3 minute radio show, which I didn't get at all. Guess I'm not Otaku enough...

-I can't believe that people were still jogging out in the rain. ('Fight-o!' chants)

-Haruhi's cute side! I like how they made Kyon complain about him not getting a 'thank you' of somekind, while the preview from last episode we got Haruhi saying 'Otsukare-sama, Kyon'. Probably the same ol' case of not being able to say what one wants to say, hehehehehe.

-I don't know if this was in the raw, but in AFK's version, the Scenario writer's name is highlited in green in the credits. Anyone got a clue why that was?

Judging by what's left, there seems to be one more 'filler' arc, if the 'Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi' arc is at 6 episodes as most people believe. Hopefully, the filler is the one with the frog costume. Or maybe they would cram the 2 remaining arcs in an episode each? lol! XD

CrowKenobi

2006-05-30, 19:00

-I don't know if this was in the raw, but in AFK's version, the Scenario writer's name is highlited in green in the credits. Anyone got a clue why that was?
That was because Nagaru Tanigawa is the writer and creator of Haruhi Suzumiya. :D

Also, in the scene where you can see that one of Itsuki's cards is Lina Inverse and Naga, The White Serpent, who is the pink haired girl next to them? I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before...
And, who is next to Gourry representing Kyon's deck?

Oh, this episode earned a perfect 10 from me. :D

DragoonKain3

2006-05-30, 19:12

Nice to know that the creator of Haruhi purposely put KyonXAsahina and KyonXSuzumiya scenes in this episode. What can I say? I like the idea that the creator is a romantic at heart. ^_^

And God, CrowKenobi, get another sig. Everytime I see it, I get the urge to load up the Meido Haruhi large pic lying around in my HDD, and it's driving me crazy! :P

Kamui4356

2006-05-30, 19:16

you know, re-watching the episode, noticed when kyon woke up, he had two cardigans on. :p

Yuki-love-token FTW!
I'm actually a bit suprised Haruhi didn't get jealous, take Yuki's off Kyon, and then put her own over him. :heh: I'm sure she would have if it was Mikuru's. ;)

CrowKenobi

2006-05-30, 19:33

I'm actually a bit suprised Haruhi didn't get jealous, take Yuki's off Kyon, and then put her own over him. :heh: I'm sure she would have if it was Mikuru's. ;)

What, and wake him up and ending her little oggle-fest at Kyon's sleeping form? :heh:

(Not to mention the pictures that she could've taken as well) :love:

Oh, and DragoonKain3: Glad to be of service! :heh:

Hanatori

2006-05-30, 19:36

Thought it was a slightly boring ending... You'd think this series would go off with a bang, right? Well, this is a sweeter alternative. The last part of the episode was beautiful. The long Yuki scene was better the second time when I caught some references. Glad to see the side characters again, missed Tsuruya. Outstanding animation once again, though it's more subtle this time around because of the lack of action in the episode. Still, pretty good. Left me feeling satisfied.

Now for episode... four? o_o Going back to Yuki's "I'm an alien" confrontation... long time no see.

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-05-30, 20:01

Thought it was a slightly boring ending... You'd think this series would go off with a bang, right?
But we are finishing off with a bang.:D

That was the whole point of the episode shuffle.:p

Seyluun

2006-05-30, 20:16

This episode comes at the right time, after some quite eventfuls stand alones and just before the big show. I liked it thoroughly for what it was, a bittersweet reminder than even in SOS-dan not all days are filled with chaos and life-or-death situations. Plus, it opens wide the path for a second season...

tritoch

2006-05-30, 20:33

Kyon x Haruhi for the win.

Hanatori

2006-05-30, 21:15

arcticphoenix16

2006-05-30, 21:16

goddamnit yuki, MOVE YOUR HEAD!! I wanna seeeee :D

why was haruhi THAT close to kyon's sleeping face? :)

did anyone catch that part of the radio where a male voice says "SAY SAY SAY"?? It sounded HardGay to me.

LCeh

2006-05-30, 21:27

Yes, well, the episode shuffle does make you think about the sequence of the episodes, but it's not quite the bang that makes you go "OMG, what just happened? 'Cuz that was the coolest thing ever!" Since I'm already used to the shuffle, it's just a natural part of the anime now. ^^;

Hey, I'm not complaining, I was just expecting something else... but this ending's fine with me.

I think you misunderstood what VCV meant. It's not the shuffling itself that will deliver, but the fact that the episodes that are shown in the end will be the climax of the whole series. In other words, despite having shown the last episode according to the chronological order, the best part is still to come. :)

Knavinusa

2006-05-30, 21:41

It seems to me that they decided to re-arrange the episodes in order to pass all the episodes that would seem "boring" to a casual Haruhi viewer, so that all the exciting parts would be left at the end instead of leaving the series with something uneventful.

arias

2006-05-30, 21:59

In case anyone didn't notice, when Tsuruya talks to Kyon, she says something like:

"Now I get it.."

That's most probably in reference to the scarf that Mikuru put on him : p

Hanatori

2006-05-30, 22:33

Well, a climax at the end is good too. I prefer just watching the whole anime and trying to piece it together in the sequence of the novels. They still haven't really reached the climax(es? o_o) of the first volume of the novel series, right? I was just speaking of this episode as the ending of the whole thing. But yes, the best is yet to come.

Forever

2006-05-30, 22:34

At the last part, kyon was regretting falling asleep as he missed out on mikuru changing, that he should have pretended to fall asleep instead. So Kyon isnt as upright as I thought he would be... Closet Pervert Kyon really wants to see MIkuru changing than running outside like some honest gentleman....

Onizuka-GTO

2006-05-30, 22:41

well, we are hearing his inner thoughts. All hetrosexual men has the same thoughts, and if you deny that...you LIE!

:lol:

Kyon => Representative of Male-kind :D

porchoky

2006-05-30, 22:44

Of course, any normal guy would be thinking the exact same thing.
anyone think they'll end the seires with the 'sequel' to the first movie? would be an intersting way to conclude, espeically if its as hiliarious as the first one

justinstrife

2006-05-30, 23:01

well, we are hearing his inner thoughts. All hetrosexual men has the same thoughts, and if you deny that...you LIE!

:lol:

Kyon => Representative of Male-kind :D

Yes I cannot deny it. I was in the same boat as Kyon this episode. :heh:

I could have done without the 3 minutes of radio broadcast with Yuki, so I gave the episode an 8 instead of the 10 I felt it would have deserved otherwise. It was just a bit too long on anime I haven't watched, and what have you. Oh well. The romantic moments were still great.

panzerfan

2006-05-30, 23:03

This episode means all that much more now that I've caught up to vol6 of the novel. Things fit much better from that perspective. Assuming if a season 2 of Haruhi comes, I hope that the audience will refer back to this episode and go on a treasure hunt for all the memorabellas within the confines of the SOS clubroom. The whole 3 minutes with Yuki suddenly takes on a whole different level for me actually...
in some ways, I feel Kyon pulling me as a viewer in very strongly as I went on a trip through memory lane with him...

Taylor--

2006-05-30, 23:28

Great episode, a bit slow at some parts but still great! Anyone know what that card game Kyon was playing with Koizumi is called/about?

Vexx

2006-05-30, 23:58

Random brain gas: I'm trying to count the number of times an attractive girl I wasn't dating willingly changed clothes/undressed "while I had to keep my back turned" (or any other variation on that) .... I came up with two. Once in high school, once in college.

These guys are *always* getting to listen to girls change clothes ...
My culture never seems to steal the right things from other cultures :)

Mr.Grudge

2006-05-31, 00:21

This episode shows that we need more Tsuruya!

Quoted for Truth!

I dunno, I didn't like this one much, just too slow of an episode. I just hope it's not the 'finale' episode as I prefer when things end with a bang instead of a whimper, so to speak.

Mr.Grudge

2006-05-31, 00:26

Also Vexx, were the American Network Season Finales actually that retarded as to all finish on cliffhangers (are they that out of touch with logic, reason and not having hack writing). Well there's a reason I deliberately avoid network television, and I'm going to just keep on doing it.

Well, I was only following Prison Break and 24 this year and yes, those two ended with cliffhangers. Then again what season of 24 hasn't ended with one?

Mr.Grudge

2006-05-31, 00:33

Thought it was a slightly boring ending... You'd think this series would go off with a bang, right? Well, this is a sweeter alternative.

I guess it could have worked for me if it was actually shown at the end of the series, but now since I've already seen it I know that the ending is not going to be exciting ahead of time so it's a bit of a downer.

Green²

2006-05-31, 00:43

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/1132/clipboard01660ud.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=clipboard01660ud.jpg) http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/4357/secondseason6mr.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=secondseason6mr.jpg)

As this perhaps first... second be...

panzerfan

2006-05-31, 01:08

(prohibited material).
Part 2 would be on Yuki, 3 Itsuki if I have it down right...

ChainLegacy

2006-05-31, 02:19

C.A.

2006-05-31, 03:33

Actually, you shouldn't watch the show in correct chronological order. You'll understand when you finish watching the show, you'll understand why they rearranged the episodes. It's not just a random move, put totally planned for maximum story and character development.

dkellis

2006-05-31, 03:40

So I voted on the episode after watching the subs.

I'd have given it an 8 (which is a pretty good score from me, especially for a slice-of-life episode like this one), but Yuki's three minutes of reading knocked it down two places. Yes, I just didn't like how they did it for no discernable reason.

Vexx

2006-05-31, 03:40

Just watched the sub for this episode.... (I threw it a 10).

I felt like I was watching a European art film -- and I mean that in a Very Good Way. Precise scripting ... just beautiful.

The attention to detail was glorious and the climax for me was that expression on Suzumiya's face when she handed Kyon that umbrella.

I feel sorry for Yuki's VA ... Yuki played such a tremendously key part in all the scenes without hardly a single word.

The main feeling I get from this "last" episode is that it isn't "over" at all. The camera may or may not come back (second season) but life will putter on.

I'll have to rewatch this a few times and see what I missed.

Moogster

2006-05-31, 04:32

lad to see this show pulls the viewers into, " you need to watch this to understand" kind of thinking.. i hate it when people go, wtf i don't understand bbq!

rain...

2006-05-31, 04:34

Actually, the 3 minutes with Yuki seemed quite short to me, with the radio talk and all. As someone said, it's a contrast and more laid down scene, which was well done imho. Yuki reading with the radio blaring loudly in the corner. I enjoyed listening to the hosts talking, so many references in it!

The attention to detail was glorious and the climax for me was that expression on Suzumiya's face when she handed Kyon that umbrella.

Agreed. A major point in the series has always been detail, and Kyo Ani is doing a good job at that. I appreciate that scene very much, implies really much there'll be a second season!

And also, shooting an extra for the dvd?! As expected of Haruhi!

Sorrow-K

2006-05-31, 04:42

I think this was a very fitting ending to Suzumiya Haruhi... even if it was open. It's subtle, but it highlights perfectly just what sort of change Kyon has triggered in her. I like it... no need for clumsy romantic inanity that's cliched to romance anime. Just a very simple gesture which does a fantastic job of highlighting everything.

But, that's what's made this series so special. Nothing in it has been conventional. I inevitably expected that, sometime during this series a romance between Kyon and Haruhi would be explored, but instead we've been presented with an unexpected subtlety instead, and it's something that I think has worked perfectly.

I thought the animation was a step down from the rest of the series. But, the atmosphere was perfect. This episode so beautifully captured the essense of slice-of-life storytelling.

Personally I think this was a breath-taking episode, with the unconventionalism that's put Haruhi on the map, and a show of subtlety I wouldn't have expected from this series. It's surprised me... and in a way that's very different from how the rest of the series has surprised me.

rogueblade

2006-05-31, 05:53

I thought it was more of an overview of all the events that had happened in the series, rather than a proper ending. I don't think it can stand alone as a proper "ending" as such - seeing as there was bugger all closure - the revelation (well, not really, seeing as we found it out in the last episode), that Haruhi has feelings for Kyon, the hint that Yuki also does, and that Mikuru-chan...um...yeah. We always knew she liked Kyon, so there was nil closure for her at all.
I am really miffed about this episode - i appreciate that Kyotoani tried to give us a slice of life of normality, to juxtapose next to the series' wonderfully wacky events, but come on, couldn't they do that as a filler episode in the middle of the series?
I'm going to give it a 7, because although i am dissapointed with it, it's still pretty funny in placesand the end scenes did make up for some of the more ..... pedestrian bits.
This needs a second series though. They can't leave it at this, they need to give some closure!

DragoonKain3

2006-05-31, 05:54

After having read what has been posted here, I didn't even notice that Yuki hasn't spoken at all until it has been mentioned here.

Another Kudos to KyoAni, for bringing a character to life JUST by animating it. I mean, I didn't even wonder why Yuki wasn't speaking, and there were a couple of times when she was asked a question and I took her silent answer like it was something normal coming from her. Everything flowed so well that I didn't get a clue at all that something was 'wrong', but then again I might just be dense. ^^;

Still doesn't make me enjoy the 3 minute radio talk any more though. XD

EDIT:
I am really miffed about this episode - i appreciate that Kyotoani tried to give us a slice of life of normality, to juxtapose next to the series' wonderfully wacky events, but come on, couldn't they do that as a filler episode in the middle of the series?

I think that's one of the reasons why KyoAni did the episode shuffle; Haruhi chronological order aside, this IS a filler episode in the middle of the series. If they were to show the series in Haruhi order, I'd be making the same statements as you are. Thankfully though, they did the 'break' very close to mid way point by doing the shuffle, and I am not unhappy one bit (well except for the 3 minute radio talk, but that's a horse I've beaten to death already).

Deathkillz

2006-05-31, 07:52

just finnished rewatching with subs and have a better understanding of this eps...it was great but somewat disappointing...i gave it a 9 overall
for an ending it was rather plain...but it did provide us with a glimpse of suzumiya's human side :p but the good thing about having such and ending is that it is almost certain that a second season will come out seen as everything is kinda left on a cliff hanger...but maybe ill fully appreciate the ending more when i see the past events that happened before the ending...

Alu

2006-05-31, 08:01

Well after seeing it I mostely agree with what has been said already.

It was a very peacefull, calm, even melancholic episode; but it realy fitted the anime and all it realy is about as a good ending.

Much like episode 00, or 01 if you wish (the adventures of Asahina Mikuru), it realy gaved us mostely a good in-sight of an every-day day or event that can happen in our current lives; in most of the Kyon scenes you can see this realy good.

It was a good conclusion in the end, it also gaved us reference to the past events that toke place, and realy how things have changed for Kyon during the course of this last half-year.

And specialy at the end.., a very nice touch as in how every girl gaved Kyon something.., specialy Haruhi which waited for him to wake up and walk him home "due to the rain", or so she says :)

Some funny scenes where nice to watch aswell, the Yuki parts as in when she always goes for the book when Haruhi is changing Mikuru, the radio (altough I only understod the last parts ^^), and to know how Haruhi tricked the vendor for the Heater :p

I belive the episode acomplished very well what it was intended for, hence it deserves a good note.

I doubt however though.., that the series will end here; it was indeed a Good ending for the anime, but still.. I see it as much as the ending for a Season 1.
So.., season 2.., it seems quite a big possibilty :)

Now next week.. Asakura Ryoko arc, Finaly !!

Bloodseeker

2006-05-31, 08:43

Kyon FTW.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5975/huruhi4qy.th.jpg (http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=huruhi4qy.jpg)
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/9803/huruhi11hd.th.jpg (http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=huruhi11hd.jpg)
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/1638/huruhi29yt.th.jpg (http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=huruhi29yt.jpg)
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/8094/huruhi31sx.th.jpg (http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=huruhi31sx.jpg)

Its been a while since I've seen an anime that had an entire main cast that's made of nothing but pure consentrated win. None of the characters irritate me, which is really rare for a comedy anime.

Radiosity

2006-05-31, 09:13

ECFNW

2006-05-31, 09:26

Hate to say it but I give it a 7, the lowest I've ever given any Haruhi episode.
I sort of expected more and I seriously almost dozed off during those 3 mintues of Yuki and background noise. Seriously hoping for a 2nd season.

tritoch

2006-05-31, 09:57

Anybody noticed the arrangement of the scenes here? Like how Kyon x Mikuru, and how Kyon x Haruhi is last. I think it would play out in the last 3(?) episodes.

This series will end in a bang and its gonna be with a loud bang.

Bloodseeker

2006-05-31, 10:07

I'd agree with that sentiment. Every character has his or her own charm that I can't get enough of (even side and bit part characters).

Oh,and I'd have to say Tsuruyu ftw, I totally love genki girls like her, she needs more screentime :D

That's Mikuru's friend, right? I like the main cast more, but Tsuruyu is pretty likable too. I wouldn't mind seeing her around more often. Now that I think about it, I can't even come up with a clear favorites list here like I can with most anime series. Usually I can just sit there and list off Sousuke > Tessa > Mao > Gauron > Mizuki > Chidori > the rest or even something as vague as Nana > Bandou > the rest, but in this case, I like each of the main five about equally. Mikuru has her cuteness, Haruhi has her craziness, Kyon has his common sense and "why me" attitude to play off of Haruhi's ridiculous plans and unreasonable demands, Yuki has her enigma mixed with a kind of cuteness, and Koizumi has his wits and friendly demeanor. I can't choose one character over any of the others.

Kinny Riddle

2006-05-31, 10:41

I give it a 9. The Yuki 3-minute scene wasn't as bad as some people put it, but it could be better done still.

Yuki reads quite fast, no? Our favourite living humanoid interface endlessly absorbs human knowledge at an incredible pace, while perhaps, inadvertedly becoming more and more human (like giving Kyon her cardigan), which would eventually lead to volume 4......(stay tuned when it gets translated)

Haruhi's "tsundere"-ness is done very well, and who better to write the scene between her and Kyon with perfect subtlety than the creator Tanigawa himself? Haruhi's fondness for Kyon is shown without ever going over the top like those harem series.

Koizumi is ever the "yes-man" while poor Mikuru-chan continues to be Haruhi's plaything. If Kyo-Ani intends to release a photo album of Mikuru in all sorts of costume for the DVDs, I'm getting them. :heh:

I can see Kyo-Ani maximizing profits by releasing two versions of the DVDs, one in Kyon's broadcast order, and one in Haruhi's chronological order, knowing the faithful Haruhi-ists will buy both versions anyway. :D

I'm definitely sure there will be a second series. But this series will surly end at 14 episodes, I don't think Kyo-Ani will have enough time to prepare for their other anticipated masterpiece, Kanon 2006, due this autumn, if the first series of Suzumiya Haruhi is to have 26 episodes.

npal

2006-05-31, 10:42

Well, it was fun. I'd have given it a 9, since I could live with a minute of Yuki reading, but 3 were a bit long, but it does remind me of some high quality films I've watched, so I thought it was ok. And gave it a 10 :p

Seriously though, no matter what Haruhi does, this show was all about KyonxMikuru :D I mean, Haruhi explicitly said that she purposefully sent Kyon away so no one would object to her Mikuru-abuse (again :p). The scarf scene was sweet :D Haruhi getting mad over that -> priceless. Kyon's comments regarding Mikuru were nice throughtout the episode, from the "for Asahina and me, it's anything but [good news]" to "I should have faked it". :D Overall, I'm very pleased with the KyonxMikuru focus :p

Yuki's book swapping was fun, I liked the way she stood up, checked the books, pulled one, read, returned it, checked, picked another one, while blocking the viewer's glipse of Heaven :D Somehow it felt natural.

Tsk tsk Haruhi drooling over Kyon :D So satisfying to see the almighty Haruhi embarassed. I so hope for a second season. But since Haruhi said they will make a second movie, a second season might just be true :D

Akuryou

2006-05-31, 11:02

Maybe it was just me and a very few who think like that, but this episode didn't have what made the others so great. It felt way too... boring. And that part with Yuki reading and Tsuruya's voice thingy in the background took too many screentime, for such an (at least in this point) useless thing.

Episode 9 had it's moments, specially Kyon's. I can say I also laughed about Mikuru's photoshow. But, as much as I hate to admit, it was very bad compared to the previous episodes. Animation-wise, it was perfect, like all others. But I'm talking about the magic of Haruhi Suzumiya, and this one missed part of it.

6/10

Vexx

2006-05-31, 11:58

Oh yeah... Tsuruya's voice is enchantingly cute --- I hadn't realized that her VA was actually incorporating her snaggle tooth into her speech and omgodz her hair.... I hope she appears in much more of the remaining episodes.

Also interesting was watching the interplay between Haruhi, Mikuru, and Koizumi --- while seeming to be completely fine with anything Haruhi came up with, he was also mitigating with his serene buddha voice. You could hear her ramp up and then calm down after he spoke. He had the "I shall excuse myself for Mikuru's dignity" down to the microsecond. And you could hear that Mikuru and Haruhi were achieving a sort of stability in the dressing game, almost more like a mommy cat letting the wayward kitten gnaw the hell out of her ear.

Again.. a very european feel to the episode (naturally paced rather than "omigodz quick next event lest our attention-deficit viewers freak out!!!")

Kinny Riddle

2006-05-31, 12:20

Oh yeah... Tsuruya's voice is enchantingly cute --- I hadn't realized that her VA was actually incorporating her snaggle tooth into her speech and omgodz her hair.... I hope she appears in much more of the remaining episodes.

Just a little trivia, Tsuruya-san's seiyuu, Matsuoka Yuki also did the voice of Orihime in Bleach, that explains her cute, genki voice. :D

Liquidzero

2006-05-31, 14:31

wondering how to delete =P

panzerfan

2006-05-31, 14:41

Entirely possible. It makes this alot more fun doesn't it as we have 1/3 chance of getting it right (I like that odd far better than I do of solving Higurashi )

Radiosity

2006-05-31, 15:29

Oh yeah... Tsuruya's voice is enchantingly cute --- I hadn't realized that her VA was actually incorporating her snaggle tooth into her speech and omgodz her hair.... I hope she appears in much more of the remaining episodes.

Couldn't agree more. It's not just the voice though, it's the incredibly infectious laugh as well, I can't help but smile every time she starts laughing :) Oh and yeah, her hair is the best, but then I've got a big thing for uber-long hair like that.

djc89

2006-05-31, 16:55

There has to be a second season just because they mention a sequel to Adventures of Mikuru. ^_^...

Orchunter226

2006-05-31, 16:57

One thing I noticed in this episode: we really get to see the influence Kyon is beginning to have on Haruhi. She had to get him out of the room before she would start "playing" with Mikuru. She said it was because he was annoying, but I suspect it is because she really cares what he thinks. She also put a coat on him and asked him to share an umbrella.

I liked the character development in this episode. Even if it was a little more boring than the rest, not every episode can be spectacular in a series. 7/10

Radiosity

2006-05-31, 17:12

I think if every episode of a series was presented on a knife-edge with bangs and exposions and stuff all over the shop, things would get annoying fairly quickly. You need a down to earth slightly less impressive episode every now and then to keep things fresh.

Vexx

2006-05-31, 17:45

The reason why loud bands get boring quickly is that there's no dynamic -- loud is much more impressive if jacketed by quiet bits --- even AC/DC knew that :)

I'm hopeful because if Negima can "rise from the dead" so can Haruhi get a second season. They're selling the novels as fast as they can print them now, the DVDs will be key (I may actually buy R2s instead of waiting for R1 this time), and where are those figures, eh?

Radiosity

2006-05-31, 18:41

I've never bought figures before, but this could be the first time ;) Tsuruyu and Mikuru most likely being the first :D

Austin1

2006-05-31, 19:23

I came up with a dumb thought. I was thinking what if Kyon was the reason for all this and not Haruhi? In the prologue he says he wouldn't mind just being the sidekick, so what if he subconciously made Haruhi so he could be the sidekick without knowing he really is the one with the power. Haruhi still has power because he gave her power. I know its dumb but atleast I tried.

Shirobane

2006-05-31, 19:25

I'm kind of sad after watching this episode. It was truly enjoyable and as many people said Haruhi's actions towards the end made it one of the best episodes of the series (if not the best), but now I feel like it is over when I still have more to watch. I've yet to see the merit in presenting the episodes in this fashion. I would have preferred viewing them chronologically, though of course when I see a new torrent I rush to download it and watch it... No self control.

This is mostly conjecture but the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced that the two episode orders (one from Haruhi and one from Kyon) are done intentionally (and cleverly :heh:) to create a sandbox-like scenario.

Haruhi's (chronological) viewing order seems to align itself with a more traditional structure of storytelling where the the climax makes an appearance in the middle of the series whereas Kyon's (aired) viewing order seems to build up tension until the very end where all hell breaks loose (of course, yet to be verified.)

Furthermore, Kyoani has made the episodes in such a way that they are generally a mix of episodic and continuous stories in which even though it is necessary to watch the Melancholy episodes 1-7 in order, it gives the viewer (when the series is finished) the option to determine their own viewing order.

Each viewing order, I believe, will reveal something new about the characters/situations/environments that would be missed on previous viewings. Thus I'm very excited to see what's next and to watch the series over in another viewing order to find things that I've missed.

arias

2006-05-31, 20:03

SGSeries2

2006-05-31, 21:29

what if Kyon was the reason for all this and not Haruhi?

I haven't read much of the forums outside of the discussions/polls of the episodes themselves. I don't remember coming across this idea yet, and I think it's a very intriguing proposition, and it would seem to fit the story as I understand it so far rather well. I'm not sure if I would have ever come to that conclusion by myself unless I have some guidance, but there are clues that would back up this possibility. Glad you brought this to my attention. It adds a whole new dimension. (Just what we need. ;) )

The only thing I see against it is exactly where, or more precisely, when, did this all happen? As I recall, Itsuki and/or Yuki suggested that all of this started 3 years ago from when all of them met... they just started high school, and I thought that's when Kyon said he finally let it all go. Even though why or how they know all of this is still up in the air, as far as the anime is concerned from what we've seen so far.

Maybe I'm wrong and/or I'm just missing something or there's something we haven't been told. Maybe Kyon just subconsciously put in that filler info about Haruhi just so the world makes a little sense; that she didn't just come out of nowhere, but such nonsense wouldn't matter, would it? lol... Or, maybe it's Haruhi who created Kyon who created Haruhi. Alright, I'll stop now. I'm sure this has been beaten to death. :)

panzerfan

2006-05-31, 21:33

Ontology, general threads even the translation threads are decent reads to reach your your verdict on the subject matter. (although heavy on spoiler of course)

SGSeries2

2006-05-31, 21:46

Ah, yes, metaphysics. Gotta love it. :D
(Naturally speaking as someone with a minor in philosophy. :p )

superzombie23

2006-05-31, 22:23

I thought this episode was just as unique as the others. The dreaded 3 mins to me was not that bad. After the pronunciation excercises, they start saying random quotes from various anime according to the subs. Me being a heavy anime watcher, they definitely sounded familiar. I think one of them might be from GTO. One of the others quotes I definitely recognized was from Battle Athletes: Victory. There is no mistaking it... and recognizing those sayings are what made those 3 mins funny lol...

Onizuka-GTO

2006-05-31, 22:33

Yes, i noticed that too, im glad Afk sub them , its funny when the radio actually called out to Yuki, but typically got no reaction. lol.

Devin

2006-06-01, 01:16

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned or not before but did anyone notice that the Cardigan coats was not on Kyon's back when he first fell asleep. But when he woke up they were, Haruhi must have put them on him so he wouldn't catch a cold. Awwww, how sweet of her! They make such a cute couple... :D

Knavinusa

2006-06-01, 01:20

C.A.

2006-06-01, 06:08

Yes, i noticed that too, im glad Afk sub them , its funny when the radio actually called out to Yuki, but typically got no reaction. lol.

No, yuki was actually listening to the radio and reading at the same time, she did have a reaction at the end lol. Probably the perverted conversation did grab her attention and tilted her head lol.

At first, watching the raw was enough to let me give the episode more than just 10. After watching the sub, I think the episode does deserve more than 10 lol

The episode was beautiful, in overall package and presentation. I can only say I love it.

Kyuusai

2006-06-01, 08:16

One of them is hers, and the other is Yuki's.

Maybe I missed a hint, but how are we sure it's Yuki's? Wasn't it left unclear?

I'm prepared to admit I didn't catch something. :)

dkellis

2006-06-01, 08:32

I was wondering something about Tsuruya, specifically whether we'll see any more of her in future episodes.

For what it's worth, I read spoilers and read whatever's been translated in the Haruhi Novel Translation Wiki, but that's about all, so my knowledge is somewhat patchwork.

From all reports, volume 2 is the making of the SOS-Dan movie. From the Haruhi Novel Translation Wiki, "The Boredom of Suzumiya Haruhi" aka the baseball episode is in volume 3.

Now, in the anime, Tsuruya appears three times so far: in the movie, in the baseball episode, and in this episode. In the baseball episode, she was introduced to the SOS-dan, as well as Kunikida and Taniguchi. That would mean that at least in the anime, the baseball episode would have taken place before the making of the movie. (Which may well be the case in the novels, assuming it jumps around in time like the anime.)

However, in the baseball episode, which takes place a month after Haruhi establishes the SOS-dan (according to the episode itself), there is a reference to the Blue Giant in Closed Space, Haruhi and Kyon getting trapped in the Other Dimension, and Yuki vs. Asakura. Which, as far as I can tell, cover all of the first volume.

Now. It's common speculation that the anime series will end with one of the Big Events from volume one (either Yuki vs. Asakura or Haruhi and Kyon in the Other Dimension). Either way, it appears highly unlikely that Tsuruya will appear in those episodes.

... which means that if the anime starts ramping up and being chronological up until the end, we're not going to see much of Tsuruya anymore.

Ah well. If nothing else, I can keep following the novel translations for my Tsuruya fix.

Kamui4356

2006-06-01, 08:42

Maybe I missed a hint, but how are we sure it's Yuki's? Wasn't it left unclear?

I'm prepared to admit I didn't catch something. :)
It's possible it's Mikuru's, but Yuki was the one in the room with kyon when he fell asleep. Plus, Mikuru probably wouldn't have been in the room without Haruhi, so she wouldn't have had a chance to put her's over kyon. If she tried it, Haruhi would have just gotten jealous and stopped her. ;)

C.A.

2006-06-01, 09:18

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-01, 10:02

Personally I believe it was Yuki's as well, but I just thought of something weird lol.

You see, when Kyon took off Haruhi's cardigan, I thought it looked really small compared to the other cardigan underneath.

Big cardigan? doesn't look like it belongs to any of the petit girls in SOS dan. Who else can it be?

Itsuki's. :)
Clever, but no cigar:p
The boy's winter school uniform consists of a long sleeve shirt, blazer, and grey vest. No cardigan. I should know, my high-school had the same uniform setup.
(You can clearly see Itsuki's vest in 8:03)

Seriously, you don't wear a cardigan/sweater/jumper under a blazer. The sweater is only used in the boy's summer uniform. (together with long socks pulled up all the way, if you wear shorts. That's why I only ever wear trousers in the entire time I was in school, 45 Degrees Celsius heat be damned.)

C.A.

2006-06-01, 10:08

Clever, but no cigar:p
The boy's winter school uniform consists of a long sleeve shirt, blazer, and grey vest. No cardigan. I should know, my highschool had the same uniform setup.
(You can clearly see Itsuki's vest in 8:03)

Seriously, you don't wear a cardigan/sweater/jumper under a blazer. The sweater is only used in the boy's summer uniform.

Damn lol, shot down so soon.

But serious the cardigan looks big right? Maybe its just Haruhi's cardigan that looks small, the one that Tsuruya wore was big.

The anime probably won't be showing anything between Itsuki and Kyon then.

Edit:

Wait, even if the cardigan didn't belong to Itsuki, theres still a possibility that he placed it over Kyon lol.

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-01, 10:15

Damn lol, shot down so soon.

But serious the cardigan looks big right? Maybe its just Haruhi's cardigan that looks small, the one that Tsuruya wore was big.

The anime probably won't be showing anything between Itsuki and Kyon then.
If they really wanted to hint at Itsuki X Kyon, they would need to cover Kyon with Itsuki's Blazer. Anyway, Haruhi's cardigan was big enough to cover over Yuki's, so it can't be too small.
(20:55)
You can clearly see in that scene that the cardigan underneath is completely covered by the one above.

Clever idea though...

Wait, even if the cardigan didn't belong to Itsuki, theres still a possibility that he placed it over Kyon lol.
Using a piece of clothing from a girl? Seriously doubt it. You don't do that without the owner's permission, or he/she will deck you if a misunderstanding occurs.

C.A.

2006-06-01, 10:20

Well, its really weird though. If you see someone already covered by a cardigan, would you cover him again with another cardigan? Sounds like an act that can be performed only by someone who thinks differently lol - Haruhi. Haruhi probably wanted to show that the person who left the 1st cardigan isn't the only person who cares for him in SOS dan lol.

Yuki doesn't seem to be someone that will show real signs of caring. She may respond with consideration but I don't really expect her to act on her own will of consideration.

Kinny Riddle

2006-06-01, 10:24

npal

2006-06-01, 10:27

Well... Haruhi could just as well took Mikuru's cardigan, too, along with her own and put BOTH on Kyon, since she thinks she owns Mikuru, and everything that is Mikuru's are her own, so she's giving him TWO cardigans at the same time :p You know, like a child's thought "the more the better"? :p

C.A.

2006-06-01, 10:38

If you've read volume 4, you will feel inclined to think it is Yuki that gave Kyon the cardigan, this is because she's slowly accumulating "junk data", aka emotions.

Hmmm I see, looks like I have to read more lol

Also when Kyon woke up, Haruhi backed off immediately. What was she really doing?

1. Did she want to look at Kyon really close?
2. Or did Kyon wake up immediately after she left the cardigan on him?
3. Or novel 1 chapter 7?

lol anyway this scene is a total moe plus for Haruhi.

SoldierOfDarkness

2006-06-01, 10:57

Hmmm I see, looks like I have to read more lol

Also when Kyon woke up, Haruhi backed off immediately. What was she really doing?

1. Did she want to look at Kyon really close?
2. Or did Kyon wake up immediately after she left the cardigan on him?
3. Or novel 1 chapter 7?

lol anyway this scene is a total moe plus for Haruhi.

Well IMO, what does a guy do when he sees a cute girl quietly snoozing away on the table?

In this case, reverse it with what a girl does (I could be wrong since I'm a guy) when she sees a guy she likes quietly snoozing away on the table?

Kyuusai

2006-06-01, 11:12

Well, I do know that Yuki is developing emotions but I don't think it's clear who left it.

I'm inclined to think it was Mikuru, though, simply because Haruhi added hers. It's entirely possible that Haruhi would have added hers after Yuki did, but without the jealousy factor, it's less likely.

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-01, 11:38

Yuki doesn't seem to be someone that will show real signs of caring. She may respond with consideration but I don't really expect her to act on her own will of consideration.
As Kinny Riddle implied, you just have to wait a week or two to find out why Yuki is... Well, Yuki.

That's one of the reason why i am upset that Kyon is appearing to not warming up to Yuki as he is to the other two girls, even after the unaired episode 5. Especially with the Island murder episode, when by all logic Kyon could have solved the mystery earlier if he talked to Yuki instead of Itsuki.

Deathkillz

2006-06-01, 11:45

i hope we get to see more yuki and kyon time in the next few eps left...i think they make a great couple :p

C.A.

2006-06-01, 11:47

As Kinny Riddle implied, you just have to wait a week or two to find out why Yuki is... Well, Yuki.

That's one of the reason why i am upset that Kyon is appearing to not warming up to Yuki as he is to the other two girls, even after the unaired episode 5. Especially with the Island murder episode, when by all logic Kyon could have solved the mystery earlier if he talked to Yuki instead of Itsuki.

Well, I've read Yuutsu already and know what happened exactly.

Even with Yuki becoming Yuki, she still don't appear to me that she would actually carry out such direct actions.

And for Kyon not warming up to Yuki, he's not really paying much attention to Haruhi too. He finds her as the main cause of trouble in his life and isn't really happy. So far Kyon has only shown that he truely likes Mikuru.

npal

2006-06-01, 11:50

So far Kyon has only shown that he truely likes Mikuru.

:D Happy Mikuru fan :p :eyespin:

Too bad Haruhi's gonna create a new reality when she finds that out :p

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-01, 11:52

Well, I've read Yuutsu already and know what happened exactly.

Even with Yuki becoming Yuki, she still don't appear to me that she would actually carry out such direct actions.

People in love can do things outside of their norm.

Even if said person is a 3 year old Alien-designed Bioroid lifeform. ;)

So far Kyon has only shown that he truely likes Mikuru.
I am not so sure... I believe a large part of it is him being thinking with his other head.

Vexx

2006-06-01, 12:07

Lacking "look ahead knowledge"... my only comment about Yuki is that it appears that Kyon is the *first* person to treat her like a person since she's arrived... and she's responding to that in her puppy-like way adjusted for her immense skills and knowledge along with her "observer" status.
I think Itsuki treats her like a person too but he came along later and his understanding of her "faction" may make him a bit wary.

We've seen a few instances of why Haruhi could be so dangerous if unshepherded - because reality becomes her expectation even if it isn't always what she wants (stick lottery, murder mystery bits). I'm almost surprised that Mikuru, Koizumi, and Yuki haven't thrown Kyon on ... well, perhaps thats for the best :)

C.A.

2006-06-01, 12:26

People in love can do things outside of their norm.

Even if said person is a 3 year old Alien-designed Bioroid lifeform. ;)

I am not so sure... I believe a large part of it is him being thinking with his other head.

Probably, I personally think that the cardigan:

75% Yuki's action
20% Itsuki
5% Mikuru, she has already shown her care in this episode. Yuki and Itsuki didn't do much, so they are obvious candidates.

Well Mikuru is obviously very charming, any guy would like her. Then if we're talking about interest, Kyon probably had interests in Haruhi right from the start lol. If not he wouldn't be talking to her so much. Kyon didn't really show much interest in Yuki besides being grateful to her.

Personally, Kyon's choice:

45% Haruhi
45% Mikuru
9.999% Yuki
0.001% Itsuki, lol had to include him

I'm a firm supporter of Haruhi though, I'm a fanatic Haruhist anyway lol and we know that Haruhi and Kyon is destined to be together.

npal

2006-06-01, 12:33

Personally, Kyon's choice:

45% Haruhi
45% Mikuru
9.999% Yuki
0.001% Itsuki, lol had to include him

I'm a firm supporter of Haruhi though, I'm a fanatic Haruhist anyway lol and we know that Haruhi and Kyon is destined to be together.

Nah, that Haruhi percentage seems wrong with what I've watched so far. Kyon always has something good to say to or about Mikuru, he usually wishes he saw Mikuru or had Mikuru's tea, etc etc. While he's usually making annoyed remarks about Haruhi. While he did say she's a stunning beauty when he first saw her, that was it, more or less. So, unless Haruhi wants to change reality, her percentage is quite lower than Mikuru's :p

Chiro-Chan

2006-06-01, 12:34

This Suzumiya Haruhi is so popular.. But Chiro has never heard of it before now.. T_T Someone pm me and tell me what it issss!!! T_T

C.A.

2006-06-01, 12:43

Nah, that Haruhi percentage seems wrong with what I've watched so far. Kyon always has something good to say to or about Mikuru, he usually wishes he saw Mikuru or had Mikuru's tea, etc etc. While he's usually making annoyed remarks about Haruhi. While he did say she's a stunning beauty when he first saw her, that was it, more or less. So, unless Haruhi wants to change reality, her percentage is quite lower than Mikuru's :p

I admit that my biasness and Haruhi-sama's influence has caused me to come up with such a percentage table lol

Kyon is pretty cold towards Haruhi, even in this episode.

Like the first thing he said after waking up:

"its just you?" - sounds like he was expecting to see mikuru or someone else hanging around.

Then, even though he had no problem with only Haruhi around, he replied:

"You didn't draw anything on my face, did you?"

He didn't realise the significance of having Haruhi's cardigan covering him, but thought of the other cardigan and Mikuru changing while he's asleep.

He wasn't really delighted having Haruhi share the umbrella and walking home with him.

I feel sorry for Haruhi-sama lol

Xinil

2006-06-01, 13:07

Well said C.A..

I too, feel sorry for Haruhi. Kyon is being awful cold towards her lately. I don't need to mention them, because you already did, but the whole "it's just you" and "you didn't draw anything on my face, did you?" lines sounded like punches in the face to me. While Kyon may be attracted to Haruhi's body, it sure doesn't look like he's attracted to her in any other sense. This deeply depresses me. I'm definitely not a Mikuru fan (dumb blonde anyone?), so Kyon needs to start liking Haruhi more. :)

arias

2006-06-01, 13:57

Vexx

2006-06-01, 14:03

This Suzumiya Haruhi is so popular.. But Chiro has never heard of it before now.. T_T Someone pm me and tell me what it issss!!! T_T

It is better *seen* than explained .... I recommend watching the first five episodes -- if you're hooked then welcome to the cult :)

(oregon: we need more wet and cold .. too many mosquitoes this spring :) )

@arias: agreed... watch Kyon's eyes and precisely how he interacts with her ... Kyon and Haruhi are a metaphysical, sci-fi version of the "bickering couple" archetype though one of the more clever incarnations I've seen.

Kyuusai

2006-06-01, 14:13

If you guys read the novels, then you'd realize some of the more subtler attitudes that Kyon has towards Haruhi... I'm just going to post this msg, and leave it here.. and edit it later tonight with some specific.. oh wait. I can't do that in the episode thread, can I?

Just let me assure you that Kyon pays more attention to Haruhi than you guys think...

This made me remember a particular point or few I noted.

In this episode, Kyon seems to be a lot more tender toward Haruhi. Clearly, earlier he tagged around because he was intrigued by Haruhi (even if he wouldn't admit it) and really had nothing better to do, but he does seem to care at this point, though obviously worn down.

His call of "matte yo" ("wait!") at the end was particularly different from how he normally sounds. Nicer. Warmer. Not hacked off. Through the entire episode he sounds more worn out than he does aggravated (which is all we've seen until now).

Haruhi's moments, from Kyon waking up until the credits, are the only thing that opened me up to the KyonxHaruhi pairing. Until now I've been 100% for KyonxMikuru, and the thought of KyonxHaruhi seemed very, very wrong. I haven't changed camps, but this opens me to the idea.

(All this is said coming from the standpoint of having read the first volume of the novel.)

npal

2006-06-01, 14:21

Well, the problem with this anime is this:

We don't imply Kyon likes Mikuru from his REACTIONS, we can actually hear his THOUGHTS. I mean, the guy gave me the impression that he really wants to see Mikuru after a hard day.

Now, unless they specifically don't want to show us his romantic feelings about Haruhi in the same way they're showing us is interest in Mikuru, there's really not much to discuss :p

rain...

2006-06-01, 14:23

The ending scene did make up for all Kyon's coldness towards Haruhi though.

'Honestly, I picked up the heater for you... and not a word of appreciation...
...from our little brigade chief, huh?' The way he said it made all the difference, that somehow he just appreciates Haruhi for being who she is.

Haruhi doesn't seem to mind Kyon's attitude at all, she making a face at him.

npal

2006-06-01, 14:26

I didn't say Kyon doesn't appreciate Haruhi or doesn't like her company, or he wouldn't be there. I'm just saying that the best thing he displayed towards Haruhi is warm friendship and approval. Even with all her faults, he likes her company (and although he doesn't admit it, well, he doesn't really dislike Itsuki, they're playing board games all the time :p You don't play games with someone you dislike). But there wasn't much in his shown thoughts that speaks of something more.

C.A.

2006-06-01, 14:30

Yea we know that Kyon doesn't show obvious reactions that he likes Haruhi, neither does he think about it.

But its all subconsciously expressed by them, Kyon probably likes Haruhi as much as Haruhi likes him and both of them don't know about it. They are always in constant conflict and disagreement, yet we see that they still get along and even hold hands like something they do all the time. Yes a standard bickering couple indeed, but again taken to the extremes like every thing else in the show.

Whether Kyon subconsciously thinks and cares about Haruhi more than thinking and 'lusting' over Mikuru, we probably couldn't guess. Should be another reason why my percentage table gives Haruhi and Mikuru 45% chance each.

Chibi-chan

2006-06-01, 14:31

npal

2006-06-01, 14:36

C.A.

2006-06-01, 14:39

Yea, maybe not for Haruhi, she secretly expresses her love for Kyon, when no one else is around lol. She wants to dominate Kyon herself, I guess thats what made Kyon's life miserable lol

Damn lol, one thing thats good about this anime, is the infinite amount of discussions it can generate. One more reason for me to say: All Hail Haruhiism!!

rain...

2006-06-01, 14:57

Damn lol, one thing thats good about this anime, is the infinite amount of discussions it can generate.

Agreeable! Haruhi's series is one anime which you can discuss over and over again, which means there's a certain depth and thought put into making the story work. That's why it's so appealing to many of us.

But one thing we can be certain that neither Kyon nor Haruhi have realize their true feelings towards each other - whether it's love or just a mutual appreciation we can't confirm as of yet.

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-01, 15:06

Well, subconsciously means no apparent evidence :p

Haruhi though is not that subconscious, from ep 1, it's evident that she considers Kyon special. She only talks to him, she minds his opinion, etc etc. And that cardigan thing was the most obvious sign :p Kyon on the other hand doesn't act like that, besides complying with Haruhi. And even then, Haruhi had to send him away to take pictures of Mikuru because (apparently) he has expressed his opinion that Haruhi shouldn't be messing with Mikuru all the time (oh goodie, another KyonxMikuru clue :p) and Haruhi does consider his opinion, although hyper and stubborn as she is, she still found a way to get the pics without Kyon interfering :p. KyonxHaruhi is still a bit farfetched considering there's Mikuru around.
This is when time-travelling becomes handy.

You see, we have no idea how much later in time did Mikuru came from. Unless she is from a relatively close timeline, which means Kyon can wait untill he mets her in her own time, Mikuru simply is banned from forming romantic relationships with him.
There is also another reason why Mikuru is out of the race, and that reason is explained on the next episode. And no, it's not related to Haruhi.

npal

2006-06-01, 15:13

This is when time-travelling becomes handy.

You see, we have no idea how much later in time did Mikuru came from. Unless she is from a relatively close timeline, which means Kyon can wait untill he mets her in her own time, Mikuru simply is banned from forming romantic relationships with him.
There is also another reason why Mikuru is out of the race, and that reason is explained on the next episode. And no, it's not related to Haruhi.

Bleh... Banned... That can provide ground for a good romantic drama. Love cannot be banned :D

But I'm waiting to see the other reason.

lana3007

2006-06-01, 15:43

C.A.

2006-06-01, 16:04

Akito

2006-06-01, 16:06

The best of this episode is when Haruhi looked surprised when Kyon was sleeping.
Had a lot of sweet moments, like when Mikuru-chan put the scarf on Kyon, and when Kyon returned with one umbrella with Haruhi.... romantic.

I was thinking as I saw this episode that the episode order in Haruhi sometimes gives you the feeling that you are watching several parallel animes.. I don't know how to explain...

npal

2006-06-01, 16:08

Seems like hes really not giving Yuki enough attention, I'm glad though, that he doesn't even think of Itsuki at all lol

Yuki : Or we just don't know

Itsuki : Or we just don't know :heh:

The same thing that applies to Haruhi can apply to everyone else, if they don't show us Kyon's thoughts, we can't be sure :p Only solid clue we have are his thoughts about Mikuru, at this point.

Vexx

2006-06-01, 16:43

Shirobane

2006-06-01, 16:46

I've been following this discussion for awhile now, so I thoughts I'd offer my own two cents.

I think that the clue to what Kyon really wants/likes lies in the things he doesn't think about, or at least the audience doesn't hear him think about.

First off he doesn't always tell the truth in his thoughts. For example when he first meets Haruhi and Taniguchi (?) tells him not to get interested in her, he thinks something along the lines of "there is nothing to interest me." Which can't possibly be true: he is interested in her enough to figure out her hair style pattern for god's sake. He obviously pays a whole lot of attention to her.

Another thing you never hear him think about is the whole thing with Haruhi liking him. I think he's had way too many clues by now that she does, and he is not your average oblivious harem male lead. Considering how much time he spends analysing Haruhi's actions, I think it's suspicious that he never once even mentions it.

Which is why I give more credit to his actions towards Haruhi which you don't hear his thoughts about, than the amount of time he spends thinking about oggling Mikuru.
Well Kyon does indicate a sort of attraction to Haruhi near the beginning of the show, for example Kyon's thoughts from episode 2 "A striking beauty stood before me." However, I don't think he's staying in the club simply to jump on top of Haruhi. Nonetheless, that thought seemed to be the last real compliment Kyon had for Haruhi that the viewers could easily discern. But I do agree that his constant focus of Haruhi (even though the story revolves around her, it's still prety excessive) must indicate some sort of attraction to her. It's also interesting to note that his positive thoughts of Mikuru make him much more human than if he kept constantly thinking positive thoughts about Haruhi which would make him look like a masochist.

I think that your view could also be the case for Yuki also. It seems that even though Yuki doesn't do much to catch attention, it seems there's always some reference of her from Kyon. There's really potential that Kyon sees her more than mere furniture in the club room.

This Suzumiya Haruhi is so popular.. But Chiro has never heard of it before now.. T_T Someone pm me and tell me what it issss!!! T_T
The general discussion thread should prove useful for a taste of Haruhi without watching the show, but I agree with Vexx, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu isn't something to be described but rather experienced.

C.A.

2006-06-01, 16:52

OT: The threads for this forum so completely rock compared to certain other series discussions. I can fervently disagree with posters here and still understand the dots they're connecting to get to their view --- rather than just stupid irrational ... anyway, ya'll get my point.

I should spend a moment and cookie 90% of our posters here....

lol the reason is because 90% of these posters including you and me are Haruhists. Our minds are united under the will of Haruhi-sama lol

Well Kyon does indicate a sort of attraction to Haruhi near the beginning of the show, for example Kyon's thoughts from episode 2 "A striking beauty stood before me." However, I don't think he's staying in the club simply to jump on top of Haruhi. Nonetheless, that thought seemed to be the last real compliment Kyon had for Haruhi that the viewers could easily discern. But I do agree that his constant focus of Haruhi (even though the story revolves around her, it's still prety excessive) must indicate some sort of attraction to her. It's also interesting to note that his positive thoughts of Mikuru make him much more human than if he kept constantly thinking positive thoughts about Haruhi which would make him look like a masochist.

Well, does this mean that its actually love at first sight for Kyon?

Kyon's thoughts of Mikuru is something thats almost unique to this story.

And we've been presented this story by Kyon's views. So is Haruhi the main focus of the story or Kyon?

RiXeD

2006-06-01, 17:13

What's really ironic about the last scene was that in the preview for Episode 9 in Episode 8, Haruhi did thank Kyon. It made the ending even better.

Chocolate bar for you for pointing tat out.

Shirobane

2006-06-01, 17:32

Well, does this mean that its actually love at first sight for Kyon?

Not so much love at first sight, attraction doesn't mean love of course. But in my mind Kyon does like Haruhi, but he just likes ogling at Mikuru a bit more :heh:
Kyon's thoughts of Mikuru is something thats almost unique to this story.

Well you know I'm a Haruhiist at heart, but Mikuru's a cute and busty girl...and very moe at that (hey even Haruhi admits it.) In reality if a guy saw a girl like that, he'd probably be picking his shattered jaw off the floor. I guess in this case, it's hard to fault Kyon for ogling/having positive thoughts about Mikuru.

and maybe a different spin on it...

Mikuru is basically Haruhi's Barbie doll. Her squeals and overall door-mattedness would probably activate a guy's "Knight in Shining Armour" mode in less than a second. Is it then abnormal for Kyon to harbour tender thoughts of Mikuru? Not in the slightest, and you'll see that not many people (if at all) would fault him for being...well...a guy. However the detail in the relationships between members of the SOS団 isn't very common in shows in general.

And we've been presented this story by Kyon's views. So is Haruhi the main focus of the story or Kyon?
Well judging by the title of the show, I'd have to say Haruhi :heh:
But it is a very viable material for debate. Is the focus of the show on the character that experiences the story as it unfolds or is it on the character that puts them in those situations in the first place?

Deathkillz

2006-06-01, 17:33

And we've been presented this story by Kyon's views. So is Haruhi the main focus of the story or Kyon?

i think kyon is still the main focus of the story even though hes also presenting his own views...the story focus is about his adventures and personall opinions in which he is forced to do stuff with haruhi doing all the forcing :p

CrowKenobi

2006-06-01, 18:45

Mikuru is basically Haruhi's Barbie doll. Her squeals and overall door-mattedness would probably activate a guy's "Knight in Shining Armour" mode in less than a second. Is it then abnormal for Kyon to harbour tender thoughts of Mikuru? Not in the slightest, and you'll see that not many people (if at all) would fault him for being...well...a guy. However the detail in the relationships between members of the SOS団 isn't very common in shows in general. I can agree with that statement since I also believe that Kyon is attracted to Mikuru because he's reacting to Haruhi's treatment of her.

Do you think that Haruhi was trying to kiss Kyon before he woke up? :love: I wonder if she was influenced by that crazy dream she had a while back... :D

iamandragon

2006-06-01, 18:53

haruhism

2006-06-01, 20:24

As I was re-watching episode 9 for my 5th time I had this thought...
Everytime Nagato looks into the bookshelf she's actually staring out of the screen at us the viewers just like the insect did in episode 7, trying to tell us 'what are you looking at? What do you want to see?'

Another thought came up:
When Kyon was in the clubroom notice Nagato's stance for holding the book is different---she alwayse used to have the book lying on her lap. But when Kyon's sleep she held her book up. Could that be her peeking at Kyon over the book?

those are some very good points, if it were anyone aside from nagato you would be reading too much into it; but it does seem that every move she makes is well thought out. also the second cardigan thing too would fit well into the peeking at kyon thing.

Haruhi's reaction was somewhat drawn out. If she were merely looking down upon him as he woke up i doubt she would have been :uhoh: <-- but moreso a :eyebrow: (oh ur up) kind of deal. She must have been doing something suspicious...whether it was a kiss or preparing to draw on kyon or whatever her twisted yet lovable character could have done - for her to be rendered speechless and emoting like she did to mikuru in the baseball episode... well ya

and so the ending was tender but i really hope a season 2 comes out cuz there's just so much more potential!

DragoonKain3

2006-06-01, 20:38

Argh, awesome discussion guys. Good enough to pull me away from Ever 17, hehehehe. Nin! Nin! XD

My 2 cents on the love theory. First let's eliminate two contenders...

Oh yeah, there's Itsuki-->Kyon, which I firmly believe is there. I mean, Itsuki has moved his face way too close to Kyon's far too many times for me to believe otherwise. Too bad this couple won't happen, unless Kyon happens to be bisexual. There's always doujins for you yaoi fans. XD

Then there's Yuki-->Kyon. Honestly, no clue at all. Apart from being Kyon's 'yes-woman' as much as Kyon is Haruhi's 'yes man' and the second cardigan mystery, there's really no clue at all as Yuki is more Ice Queeny than most other characters. Sadly, even if it exist, I don't think it will ever be reciprocated, as he considers her as something mysterious rather than something romantic. At least, I haven't heard him say or thought something about Yuki that could even remotely be considered as romantic.

Now for the true debate, KyonXMikuru vs. KyonXHaruhi.

If one just looks at the obvious clues, then one can only see that Haruhi-->Kyon-->Mikuru. We've seen what looks like jealous spurts of Haruhi over Kyon, and we know that Kyon is yet another victim of Mikuru's moeness. I don't think these are disputable, but we all know that it takes two to tango, so...

What about Mikuru-->Kyon? It can be argued that it does exist, because:
1) Mikuru did ask if Kyon would take her in if she were ever be unfit for marriage
2) Mikuru did look mighty disappointed when Haruhi said she can't go with Kyon to get the heater

However, the better question is whether or not she would act on her feelings if she did have them. IMO, the chance of that happening is very slim because if Mikuru was a D&D character, she would be a lawful one... to the extreme. I mean, apart from her complete subservience to Haruhi, she can't give Kyon details about the future because it's classified information, let alone break the 'no romance with past people' law. Until she does the former, I find the latter highly unlikely.

Now Kyon-->Haruhi, that's a tricky subject. As far as we know, we have complete interiority of Kyon's thoughts, thus the ONLY reasonable assumption we can all make is that Kyon has only eyes on Mikuru. Thus if we were to argue for Kyon-->Haruhi as of now, we would have to say that he subconsciously likes Haruhi. Which, I admit, is guesswork that in the end might be all wrong even though when everything seems to point in that direction. Still, we do know that:
1) he finds her attractive enough (striking beauty remark in eps. 1)
2) For someone who claims he isn't interested in her, he thinks about Haruhi and her actions more than he does about the rest of the cast combined. Seems like she's always in his head for some reason
3) He himself admitted that he didn't know what came over him when he started to converse with Haruhi for the very first time. Wonder what the reason can that be?
4) KyoAni did wonderful work in showing Kyon tightly grasping Haruhi's hand last episode, all without him noticing it. And if I'm not mistaken, he was the one who initiated the hand hold, since he was pulling his arm up while Haruhi held hers at more or less the same level.
5) While he would've done it for anyone else, his lack of complaint after falling from the cliff with Haruhi is mighty interesting indeed when that's all he does whenever Haruhi does something dangerous
6) He actually was looking for recognition of his deeds in this episode, which would lead us to believe that he isn't as unwilling as his thoughts might otherwise suggest

So yes, it's still a stretch to say that Kyon feels more than friendship for Haruhi at this point. But if he ever does explicitly say so in the future, we can all look back and say that the signs were indeed there.

Now my thoughts on KyonXHaruhi, let me say that I do not feel they are the bickering couple at all because a) I don't think I've seen Kyon to be the initiator of the verbal arguement and b) Kyon only really speaks up when Haruhi is wrong, stepping over the line, or the matter is a life and death situation. In other words, Kyon rarely gives as much as he gets, he and Haruhi don't argue about trivial stuff, and they don't argue just for the sake of arguing. If he actually voiced his thoughts all the time then that's another matter, but so far all he's been doing is being Harhi's voice of reason, which is hardly what I would consider as bickering.

And yes, I find HaruhiXKyon to be the most probable couple ending. This is mainly because in the end of the anime series, the KyonXHaruhi dynamic is changing and evolving, while KyonXMikuru is pretty much stagnant so far. Plus, I get the nagging feeling that Kyon's attraction to Mikuru would just be physical infatuation, nothing more.

I still like KyonXMikuru better, because it provides better drama as not only are they going up against a futuristic race and their laws, but they are up against fate/God herself. But for reasons I have stated before, I find it very unlikely, and considering the mystery/sci-fi theme of the novel/show, I doubt that it would ever switch direction to heavy drama.

Shrimpcraft

2006-06-01, 21:47

I still like KyonXMikuru better, because it provides better drama as not only are they going up against a futuristic race and their laws, but they are up against fate/God herself. But for reasons I have stated before, I find it very unlikely, and considering the mystery/sci-fi theme of the novel/show, I doubt that it would ever switch direction to heavy drama.

somehow ur quote here reminds me of the last ep in onegai sensei when mizuho argued with her gov't about saving kei :heh:

Question: So is Haruhi basically a genius or something? I mean she knows how to play baseball, juggle, do well in school and i believe a lot more things...

Orchunter226

2006-06-01, 22:03

A

Then there's Yuki-->Kyon. Honestly, no clue at all. Apart from being Kyon's 'yes-woman' as much as Kyon is Haruhi's 'yes man' and the second cardigan mystery, there's really no clue at all as Yuki is more Ice Queeny than most other characters. Sadly, even if it exist, I don't think it will ever be reciprocated, as he considers her as something mysterious rather than something romantic. At least, I haven't heard him say or thought something about Yuki that could even remotely be considered as romantic.

He does say one thing on it. In the episode where Haruhi first brings the bunny outfit, he mentions that he wouldn't mind seeing Yuki in it. But that is all I believe. So nothing really there.

What about Mikuru-->Kyon? It can be argued that it does exist, because:
1) Mikuru did ask if Kyon would take her in if she were ever be unfit for marriage
2) Mikuru did look mighty disappointed when Haruhi said she can't go with Kyon to get the heater

However, the better question is whether or not she would act on her feelings if she did have them. IMO, the chance of that happening is very slim because if Mikuru was a D&D character, she would be a lawful one... to the extreme. I mean, apart from her complete subservience to Haruhi, she can't give Kyon details about the future because it's classified information, let alone break the 'no romance with past people' law. Until she does the former, I find the latter highly unlikely.

Now Kyon-->Haruhi, that's a tricky subject. As far as we know, we have complete interiority of Kyon's thoughts, thus the ONLY reasonable assumption we can all make is that Kyon has only eyes on Mikuru. Thus if we were to argue for Kyon-->Haruhi as of now, we would have to say that he subconsciously likes Haruhi. Which, I admit, is guesswork that in the end might be all wrong even though when everything seems to point in that direction. Still, we do know that:
1) he finds her attractive enough (striking beauty remark in eps. 1)
2) For someone who claims he isn't interested in her, he thinks about Haruhi and her actions more than he does about the rest of the cast combined. Seems like she's always in his head for some reason
3) He himself admitted that he didn't know what came over him when he started to converse with Haruhi for the very first time. Wonder what the reason can that be?
4) KyoAni did wonderful work in showing Kyon tightly grasping Haruhi's hand last episode, all without him noticing it. And if I'm not mistaken, he was the one who initiated the hand hold, since he was pulling his arm up while Haruhi held hers at more or less the same level.
5) While he would've done it for anyone else, his lack of complaint after falling from the cliff with Haruhi is mighty interesting indeed when that's all he does whenever Haruhi does something dangerous
6) He actually was looking for recognition of his deeds in this episode, which would lead us to believe that he isn't as unwilling as his thoughts might otherwise suggest

That seems the most probable. Many people like others and won't even admit it to themselves. Though he thinks conciously that he only likes her looks. He seems to get along with her. Kyon keeps coming back to the club, even though he himself doesn't know why. Deep down inside I think he is falling for her. All the reasons you give are good examples.

The MikuruxKyon is only there I think because Kyon is physically attracted to Mikuru. Plus, when haruhi uses her as a plaything it brings out Kyon's need to save her. Any guy would. I don't think there's anything more than that between them.

Vexx

2006-06-01, 22:33

Question: So is Haruhi basically a genius or something? I mean she knows how to play baseball, juggle, do well in school and i believe a lot more things...

I suppose you're supposed to draw your own conclusions. If you knew someone who was really good at most things she did either in physical activity or academics, would you call her a genius?

I'd just call her someone who taps into all the potential that most people ignore, waste, or don't think they have.

panzerfan

2006-06-02, 01:23

here's the game that the Kyon+Koizumi's playing apparently...
http://ejf.cside.ne.jp/review/dragonallstars.html

Well on that, Haruhi academically is very, very well rounded and quite elite.

Kamui4356

2006-06-02, 01:58

Question: So is Haruhi basically a genius or something? I mean she knows how to play baseball, juggle, do well in school and i believe a lot more things...
I've always thought that was an extention of her power. That is to say, if Haruhi wants to be good at activity x, she just is. Of course this works at a subconscious level, so Haruhi isn't aware of it. ;)

C.A.

2006-06-02, 02:05

Its more like if Haruhi wants to do something, she will do it really good subconsciously. She doesn't need to put in effort and try to do something well lol

npal

2006-06-02, 02:09

Vexx

2006-06-02, 03:05

I prefer the theory that subconsciously she may be aware of her effect and the idea that she could just will Kyon to like her terrifies her.... hence all the force shields, roadblocks, tossed herring, and other debris to see if Kyon really does like her.

As usual, all predictive models are tentative as more data arrives :)

npal

2006-06-02, 03:14

Terrifies her in what way?

Vexx

2006-06-02, 03:31

I think of it as the "rich girl's dilemma" ... does he like *me* or my wallet? In Haruhi's case, if she can simply will Kyon to like her, it doesn't really have the meaning that it would if he likes her independently.

I realize this treads really close to various metaphysical issues but I'm averting my eyes. Also keep in mind that I'm speculating about Haruhi's subconscious where most bets of rationality are off.

npal

2006-06-02, 03:39

Eh, well, Haruhi didn't give me the impression of someone who is as calculating when she wants something. She reminds me of a girl I'm playing with sometimes. She's always hyper, and when she wants something, she just states so and takes it. Like how Haruhi acts with everyone in her club, especially Mikuru :p

The same is apparent when Kyon talks with Yuki and Itsuki about Haruhi. The theory is that if Haruhi gets bored, monsters and all sorts of calamities appear, so we have to keep Haruhi pleased. This adds to my impression that Haruhi really doesn't hold back when she wants something. What seems to be the case however is that she doesn't actually WISH for something to happen if she feels the current situation can be handled as it is or is interesting enough to keep her occupied. Which means that if at some point, Haruhi gets frustrated because Kyon doesn't reciprocate her feelings, she'll probably wish for something drastic.

Soujiro10

2006-06-02, 04:44

Personally, to me it does seem like Haruhi has some sort of internal roadblock or what-have-you when it comes to Kyon. I mean, like in episode 5 with the random drawing of the toothpicks Kyon did end up going with Mikuru and Yuki alone instead of with Haruhi (who seemed pretty annoyed about it). With her powers it should have been pretty easy to alter chances so either it 1) didnt work or 2) it did work and it was intentional except it was due to something with her subconscious. Well, theres another idea but it has something to do with my own personal theory between the true relationship between Haruhi and Kyon.....so Ill just leave it at that:p

About the whole Kyon ---> Haruhi thing, my whole take on it is that Kyon is deep down drawn to Haruhi. Not to say romantically exactly, but that it basically makes life interesting being around her. He used to be a fantasizer/dreamer until the cold hard facts of reality became apparent and he gave in to boring normality. Haruhi is like the child that he left behind, so while on the surface of his mind he fights her off deep-down he cant help but cling on to her.

Also, to a guy like Kyon (and probably to a lot of guys in general), a girl like Haruhi would really seem like a lot to handle (regardless if shes cute or not). Being with her romantically would need quite a lot of energy. This is pretty much the opposite when considering Mikuru, who acts and seems much more submissive. So in regards to Kyon's romantic view on the two girls it pretty much boils down to the question of wether he prefers to be on top or not :heh:

By the way, was I the only one who thought it felt odd to see scenes in episode 9 where Kyon wasn't in the vicinity? I mean, most of the anime has been pretty much shown with his point-of-view in mind so it felt kinda jarring to have the first-person narrator be out of the picture....

sleeplessNites

2006-06-02, 06:49

Does anyone has a clue why Yuki tilt her head towards the radio at the end of the talk show?

To me, nothing short of anime conquered mars would captivate her attention from whatever shes reading, apart from Kyon.

My mind has been running the likes of yuki turn up to the clubroom in a brown bear suit handing a pot to Kyon: "Pot, lend it to u. Use it. As soon as u get home(dont ask me y at home)"
Kyon: ????

iamandragon

2006-06-02, 07:22

Makes me wonder why doesn't Haruhi's subconscious powers affect Kyon instantly and make him fall for Haruhi instantly :p Or maybe Yuki is concentrating on cancelling any such small effect on Kyon, so he remains relatively unaffected.

Haruhi chose Kyon because she think he resembles John Smith 3 years ago, the one who gave her hope about her believes(John Smith that aliens, time travellers exist and Espers are everywhere). However she 'knows' Kyon is not John Smith(which is not true...Kyon is John Smith...hahaha). She does not seriously want Kyon to fall for her from the depth of her heart 'cause the place is reserved for "John Smith", the ultimate god of this novel.
And no, Yuki is not cancelling the effect. She does not really care what Haruhi is doing. All she does is observe, observe and observe. As long as she can observe Haruhi she won't care if the world is destroyed until later in the novel(which is after Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu). But even if she can't observe Haruhi anymore because of Haruhi she still won't bother to try much...(all seen in the novel).

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-02, 08:12

Haruhi chose Kyon because she think he resembles John Smith 3 years ago, the one who gave her hope about her believes(John Smith that aliens, time travellers exist and Espers are everywhere). However she 'knows' Kyon is not John Smith(which is not true...Kyon is John Smith...hahaha). She does not seriously want Kyon to fall for her from the depth of her heart 'cause the place is reserved for "John Smith", the ultimate god of this novel.
And no, Yuki is not cancelling the effect. She does not really care what Haruhi is doing. All she does is observe, observe and observe. As long as she can observe Haruhi she won't care if the world is destroyed until later in the novel(which is after Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu). But even if she can't observe Haruhi anymore because of Haruhi she still won't bother to try much...(all seen in the novel).

.... I still don't see what's the point of you spoiling the ENTIRE story, including what isn't even in the first season.

Why do you even bother? npal didn't ask for a summary.

npal

2006-06-02, 08:48

Well, it was in spoiler tags though.

Oh well, KyonxMikuru FTW. But, as we all know, when someone's name is in the anime title, no matter how many better choices there are, she gets the guy in the end (see Suzuka :p)

C.A.

2006-06-02, 09:22

iamandragon

2006-06-02, 09:25

C.A.

2006-06-02, 09:31

Nah Itsuki won't end up with any of the girls, the smallest chance possible would be ending up with Kyon lol

sleeplessNites

2006-06-02, 09:37

Hey, we can't be so sure lol. The way this story progresses and how events take place, anything can happen and nothing can be predicted. Haruhi may not end up with Kyon, I'm prepared to take such shocks lol

For a KyonXYuki fan that i am. Theres a subtle sensation of being laughed at, i wonder y. Nevertheless, i am in line with your opinion.

npal

2006-06-02, 09:42

Well, Itsuki should hook up with Yuki, he's got sort of a laid back, calm, budha-like attitude, while Yuki's the silent, constantly-reading type... Their auras join naturally :p

sleeplessNites

2006-06-02, 09:54

Well, Itsuki should hook up with Yuki, he's got sort of a laid back, calm, budha-like attitude, while Yuki's the silent, constantly-reading type... Their auras join naturally :p

This means war! .. oh, not really

Actually Itsuki could associate better with satan's incarnation, for he constantly emits ulterior motives behind a million dollar cold smile.

npal

2006-06-02, 10:03

Well, they're both carefully processing information without apparent signs :p You can't tell what Itsuki is up to as you can't tell what Yuki's up to. They are hard to read.

PastPrime

2006-06-02, 11:10

Well, they're both carefully processing information without apparent signs :p You can't tell what Itsuki is up to as you can't tell what Yuki's up to. They are hard to read.
For a KyonXYuki fan that i am. Theres a subtle sensation of being laughed at, i wonder y. Nevertheless, i am in line with your opinion.

But Kyon can spot the slightest hints of emotion in Yuki. And he already said (or rather thought) that he would like to see what she looked like in a bunny suit. I think that a KyonxYuki ending would be possible.

I think that Mikuru was sent to observe bacause of the affect that she would have on Kyon and not the affect she would have on Haruhi. I can't help but wonder if Yuki might not have been designed to observe Haruhi and interact with Kyon. And, unlike KyonxMikuru, there would be nothing illegal about KyonxYuki, unless it was the fact that she is, chronologically at least, below the age of consent.

npal

2006-06-02, 11:13

Eh, the age of consent can't apply to a non-human entity you know :p For all we know, data entities could be legal in 1 year :p

I didn't say KyonxYuki wasn't possible, I just thought she fits better with Itsuki :p

C.A.

2006-06-02, 13:34

npal

2006-06-02, 13:42

Well, probably please Haruhi and Kyon equally :p I mean, she's there to observe Haruhi, she has her orders, so, she keeps Haruhi occupied. Of course, when Kyon approves, all the more for Mikuru to try her best :D But it's for Haruhi most of the time really. Unless she's in the maid outfit, when she can attend to the other SOS members, so she can interact with Kyon a bit more. Although apparently Kyon's occupied with Itsuki and his board games :p Probably.

Vexx

2006-06-02, 15:38

One thing this series does well is display just how different people can perceive the same events quite differently (even within the show -- the espers, aliens, and timetravelers all have quite different interpretations of what is going on).
And NO, I don't want any fscking novel spoilers even if they're in tags!!! Got it??

The following are just my interpretations at the moment and I'm sure they'll adapt as new data arrives...
The latest episode shows us that Mikuru has a better understanding of Haruhi and is actually enjoying "playtime" (her protestations are muted and the grin and V signs are not forced).
The computer bug episode led me to think that Itsuki and Yuki might hit it off well as a team. He seems to approach her quite gently and not because he's afraid of her (unlike Mikuru who seems positively terrified of Yuki half the time).
Mikuru seems to wish for more with Kyon but some invisible stricture appears to make it just an impossible wish. I wonder if that will be revealed before the season ender?
I find the reactions to Koizumi by the viewers here quite fascinating. There's the "Happy Bodhisvatta" camp that thinks he just radiates tranquility with "what is" and there's the "completely insincere manipulator" (thats not quite it but "Beware of Koizumi") camp.
Episode 9 reminds me of episode 1 in that it is a "test" for the viewers. They either get it or they don't get it. Over in "another" forum, there's a fair amount of "don't get it" (one of the many reasons I play here mostly anymore). I'll say its not necessarily because of any inherent stupidity as much as a lack of experience with this sort of literary or filmmaking technique. The second mystery island episode used interesting techniques that, again, reminded me of innovations by Orson Welles, Hitchcock, or Bergman in the art of filmmaking as well.

And obviously, I'm kind of dangling for the next episode in a way I haven't been for a series in the last year or so...

iamandragon

2006-06-02, 17:32

There's no need to swear Vexx...just ignore the spoiler tags if you don't want them--if you enter the forum as guests you can't see spoiler tags.

Shikoto

2006-06-02, 17:53

Oooh i only just realised...I have the same phone as Haruhi O_O
That phone is unmistakeably the Motorola ROKR E1 XD

Shirobane

2006-06-02, 19:17

There's no need to swear Vexx...just ignore the spoiler tags if you don't want them--if you enter the forum as guests you can't see spoiler tags.
Actually, that's not the case as seen here:
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/2325/forumss0nh.th.jpg (http://img232.imageshack.us/my.php?image=forumss0nh.jpg)
I do understand your enthusiasm for sharing some knowledge you know with the rest of us, but spoiler buttons aren't really good deterrents to start out with. Usually, small spoilers are a good way to keep on track with what the producers are thinking but huge spoilers tend to destroy any discussion to be had. So could you keep the mega-ton spoilers out of the episode discussions please? :D

Oooh i only just realised...I have the same phone as Haruhi O_O
That phone is unmistakeably the Motorola ROKR E1 XD
Close! but not quite :p

Motorola Rokr
http://direct.motorola.com/ENS/images/static/fullspecspics/Fullspec_img_29790.jpg

Haruhi's phone
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4886/vlcsnap215608zc.png
But they're really similar!

Vallen Chaos Valiant

2006-06-02, 19:25

Mikuru seems to wish for more with Kyon but some invisible stricture appears to make it just an impossible wish. I wonder if that will be revealed before the season ender?
If the series is going to be like the novel? Likely in the next two episodes.
(my bet is on the second-last episode.)

After all, the final episode to be screened isn't likely to be about anyone but Haruhi herself.

Kaoru Chujo

2006-06-02, 20:50

1. I believe in spoilers. Say whatever you like in a spoiler, but never, never, never put spoilers from the novel out where us unwashed can see them. I'm happy with that.

2. Yuki will be reabsorbed into the data entity when no longer required. Mikuru will probably have to go back to the future -- especially if she's Kyon's granddaughter or great-niece or something. That leaves KyonxGod (i.e., Haruhi).

3. I don't like Itsuki, but he's at least interesting. His shameless pandering, helping Haruhi molest Mikuru, surprised me -- but it shouldn't have. He has a job to do and he's doing it: keeping Haruhi from getting bored.

4. I didn't see Mikuru exactly enjoying the cosplay. She just accepted what had to be. The V sign is just what you do when you're in that situation. She's just playing her role. I think.

haruhism

2006-06-02, 21:52

This means war! .. oh, not really

Actually Itsuki could associate better with satan's incarnation, for he constantly emits ulterior motives behind a million dollar cold smile.

everyone knows itsuki loves men. why else would he stare so deeply into kyon's "beauty mark"

and i truly think nobody deserves to be with itsuki. his all around personality is disgusting.

Dagger

2006-06-02, 22:56

I find the reactions to Koizumi by the viewers here quite fascinating. There's the "Happy Bodhisvatta" camp that thinks he just radiates tranquility with "what is" and there's the "completely insincere manipulator" (thats not quite it but "Beware of Koizumi") camp.
Is it possible to fall into both camps? I mostly agree with the Happy Bodhisvatta way of thinking, but he's still obviously a manipulator. Yet that in itself isn't necessarily a negative quality; isn't manipulating the most basic element of his, Yuki & Mikuru's job? They have to manipulate situations so that Haruhi doesn't get bored and (along with Kyon) stave off approaching disaster without letting Haruhi know any more than she has to. Yuki and Itsuki possess the necessary skills to carry all of that out--in fact, in some ways Yuki is far, far more of a "manipulator," as she seems to do much more behind-the-scenes preventive work than Itsuki. She may be controlling & smoothing things over almost constantly. Mikuru doesn't have that kind of aptitude, but at least she's moe.

I just don't think Itsuki has ill intentions--at least not any more so than Yuki & Mikuru. His preternatural calmness is what makes him amusing as a character, and he (like Yuki) has the advantage of being about 1000% more reliable than Mikuru-tan. If he were a female character, viewers would probably worship his personality for exactly the same reasons that they revile it now. But hey, that's life--y'all should just be happy that he doesn't hit on the girls! Then he'd really seem like a sleazebag. No, he's certainly no threat to Kyon's harem... :heh:

I want to see Itsuki and Yuki team up again in the future.

DannyCat

2006-06-03, 00:25

I want to see Itsuki and Yuki team up again in the future.
For some reason, I picture them as a law firm in a sitcom.

eVaX

2006-06-03, 01:15

For some reason, I picture them as a law firm in a sitcom.
Kinda makes sense, I just don't see myself laughing at Yuki very often though. Maybe more like Law and Order, CSI or something.

I've kept thinking that Haruhi x Kyon pairing is like the x-files' Mulder x Scully, cept Haruhi is the one with insane suggestions and beliefs and Kyon is the one who keeps shooting them down and tries to keep the collateral damage to a minimum.

npal

2006-06-03, 06:42

I've kept thinking that Haruhi x Kyon pairing is like the x-files' Mulder x Scully, cept Haruhi is the one with insane suggestions and beliefs and Kyon is the one who keeps shooting them down and tries to keep the collateral damage to a minimum.

Ugh, one of the lamest couples ever :p Or is it because Mulder's acting sucked really bad? :p

yura`

2006-06-03, 09:24

seems that this episode generated 'mixed' reactions from everyone... but personally i thought it was a good 'ending'. like what ppl before me have mentioned, the subtlety of the entire episode and setting really appealed to me. the serene piano music at the end really fitted the mood (i might try transcribing it when i'm free! heh)

one thing about Suzumiya Haruhi: you can just watch any one episode over and over again and pick up so many new details you haven't seen before - there's just so many 'layers', if you get what i mean... I found that especially true for this episode, especially after following this discussion thread on the many hidden messages, references, etc. =)

PastPrime

2006-06-03, 11:15

2. Yuki will be reabsorbed into the data entity when no longer required. Mikuru will probably have to go back to the future -- especially if she's Kyon's granddaughter or great-niece or something. That leaves KyonxGod (i.e., Haruhi).
While Miuru will probably end up going back to the future, I think that Yuki will stay. There will always be things for her to observe. Given Mikuru's reaction to her, I have to wonder if Mikuru might be her decendant.

Manatsu

2006-06-03, 13:28

Hmmm talking about what the SOS dan members are thinking, I wonder what does Mikuru think of the SOS dan.

This episode we've seen Mikuru changing through 6/7 costumes and she seems fine and even looks happy lol. She gave a 'V' after changing into the nurse costume, is that a 'Victory V' I hear?

Did she really took notes from Mori(the maid)? Did she work so hard as a maid and mascot of SOS dan to please Haruhi or maybe Kyon? Or is she enjoying herself actually?

lol lots of questions here, its my way of starting up discussions :D

IMO besides her mission and that Kyon is there, I think some parts of Mikuru enjoy being in SOS-dan because she is appreciated there. Despite the cosplaying and stuff that she doesn't like doing, she works hard at being a mascot, maid etc. because she is responding to an expectation from Haruhi. Well she is always this clumsy, timid and soft-spoken person who doesn't exactly feel confident about herself, so knowing that there is something she can do for SOS-dan, making tea for example which she seems to be good at, she's probably happy knowing that she is of some help. Coincidently, I think some of this were also reflected in ep 00 which I suppose by now should be known to contain more truths than it appears to be.

Additionally, I think Mikuru's is also happy to be in SOS-dan because she has made some friends there. With her character, I don't think she is the type that's good at socializing, Tsuruya might possibly be her only close friend. I even suspect she was the one to hit on Mikuru because she finds her cute, which Haruhi did the same but more aggressively. :heh:

For Kyon, he said it that SOS-dan has become his everyday habits. Apparently this is also the guy who once gave up his fantasies and conceded to living an ordinary routine life, but ironically when you are with Haruhi, changes are abound and they are unpredictable to boot. I guess Haruhi's charisma has some hold on him, even though he grumbles and complains, no doubt he is a nice person and he probably has not realise how much he cares for the people in SOS-dan, not just for Mikuru. Maybe in vol.4 the novel (no I haven't read the novels and I'm not asking for spoilers, I'm just guessing what happens from the book title), Kyon will be the most anxious? :p

Anyway, got to say I really like the mood change at this stage in the series. Just like it was depicted in the ep itself, the ending made me feel like I was in the rain and came back home to a familiar "okaeri" and hot tea from a love one. The last part is definitely the highlight, it feels extra endearing as this is the Haruhi we don't see often, so sweet of her. The ending with the little piano piece and when Haruhi made a face like that in my avatar is romantic and nice. Overall a nice warm episode and a great "last episode" too!