Lucky Star - Episode 16 Discussion / Poll

[Pellissier]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Lucky Star, Episode 16.

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[vaizard_ruler]

well supposedly Akira's supposed to show up but hten somehow i got this April Fools prank from Minoru so hopefully just for laughs she'll show up this time around

[PieWhatWhere]

i totally agree with you. I got the whole April Fool's vibe from Minoru too but i guess we'll see. Enjoy it tomorrow you Japanese speakers because losers like me wait for fansubs for the win.

[Nate-Rivers]

Yeah I too thought they were going to go "April fools" Also I hope for more of the new characters that are starting to come into the anime finally ^^

[archanfels]

I hope we get to see more Misao/Ayano, I already like them.

Wonder what the title "Ring" means, the horror movie?

Not particularly looking forward to Akira live (w/ the recent Shiraishi rampage, I'm currently at netrual w/ LC), but I can see it being lolsauce.

And while we are all so patiently waiting for Ep. 16, here's an update of Lucky Star in SaiMoe 07:

Mrs. Hiiragi and the two elder Hiiragi sisters didn't make it to the Top 8 in their respective groups like Kanata did, but they did well on their own for someone having less than 30 sec of appearance (Believe they all got rank 9-15, thus entering the revival round).

Just finished is group 15, w/ our beloved Twin-Tail Tsundere in it. As expected Kagamin totally dominated the round by having 250 more votes than the 2nd place and almost double that of the 3rd.

Not only that, but she also broke not 1 but 3 records of this year's SaiMoe:

- Highest votes in prelimnary round w/ 993. Beating the previous record holder Suigintou's 913 (Interestingly, Suigintou was the one who topped Kona after a hard battle, sweet sweet revenge I say XD)

- Highest voting rate(percentage of all voters voted for her) w/ 56.0%, previous being 51.4%. (Shows her domination in the group, which, to be fair, is relatively weak)

- Lowest fake votes, only 8. (everybody <3 Kagamin)

And finally even more impressive is that Kagamin achieved all these while in a relatively weak group: Had there been a strong competitor, her votes would have no doubt broken 1000.

All in all, Kagamin is popular as everyone thought and more. Maybe a little too popular, that in the finals she might be subject to the grudge of the Rozen Maiden/Nanoha fanatics.

Miwiki (saw the nickname on someone's blog, thought it fitting) is in the last group 18 which is in 3 days. I don't know much about her group but she should have no problem making the top 8 at least.

[bayoab]

It has aired. I suspect many are going to hate it. I definitely didn't.


Instant uuu face.
Karaoke returns... sorta
Akira gets her Live... sorta
Non shirashi ED
Lots and lots of Haruhi, the entire cast shows up
Hare Hare dance....
Poor tsukasa looking like a to heart character
Aya hirano doing an amazing back and forth between her voices
No, that is not wakamoto.


Also, for those who have nico accounts, find a copy with the commercials intact. There is an extra bonus after the ending song.

[Nemo_N]

^LOL I found that copy.

Great episode.

Don't be scared by the tons of pics featuring Konata in Haruhi cosplay; is rather short and makes sense. The girls just happen to visit Konata at the Cosplay Cafe she works at.

Patty Martin!

The rest of the episode might very well be mostly LS manga material; manga readers should be able to clarify this for the rest of us.

LOL @ Akira's live event! And damn, she can sing- oops, spoilers!

[Kaioshin Sama]

It has aired. I suspect many are going to hate it. I definitely didn't.


Instant uuu face.
Karaoke returns... sorta
Akira gets her Live... sorta
Non shirashi ED
Lots and lots of Haruhi, the entire cast shows up
Hare Hare dance....
Poor tsukasa looking like a to heart character
Aya hirano doing an amazing back and forth between her voices
No, that is not wakamoto.


Also, for those who have nico accounts, find a copy with the commercials intact. There is an extra bonus after the ending song.

Everything I predicted has come true. *Bows* Thank You. Thank You. There's a reason why I titled my blog article on episode 15 as "Lucky Staruhi Episode 15 Examination". :heh: It's interesting that everytime I think the invasion of the series is over, I'm proven wrong.

[Luminisk]

It has aired. I suspect many are going to hate it. I definitely didn't.

Instant uuu face.
Karaoke returns... sorta
Akira gets her Live... sorta
Non shirashi ED
Lots and lots of Haruhi, the entire cast shows up
Hare Hare dance....
Poor tsukasa looking like a to heart character
Aya hirano doing an amazing back and forth between her voices
No, that is not wakamoto.

Also, for those who have nico accounts, find a copy with the commercials intact. There is an extra bonus after the ending song.

OMG just saw it on nico this episode is gold, and yeah this episode is a bit heavy on Haruhi.
Can't wait to get my hands on the raws. :D

[AVPlaya]

No raws yet.... hmm.. I hate watching anime on flash... if I have to wait longer I'll be forced to watch it on nico too....

[archanfels]

Lots of Haruhi huh? Well thanks for the headsup. LS becoming a big Haruhi 2nd season commercial was my biggest fear 2, 3 ep. ago, guess eventually it has to come.

I really wonder what does the LS original author feel about KyoAni's toying w/ his work.

[Risaa]

Lots of Haruhi huh? Well thanks for the headsup. LS becoming a big Haruhi 2nd season commercial was my biggest fear 2, 3 ep. ago, guess eventually it has to come.

I really wonder what does the LS original author feel about KyoAni's toying w/ his work.
I'm worried about all the Haruhi when I catch up to it... I want to watch L*S, not ads for Haruhi!

And IMO, I would think any mangaka (except CLAMP :heh: ) would feel especially honored to have their manga become an anime, so much so that they may feel wrong about complaining.

[bayoab]

Lots of Haruhi huh? Well thanks for the headsup. LS becoming a big Haruhi 2nd season commercial was my biggest fear 2, 3 ep. ago, guess eventually it has to come.

I really wonder what does the LS original author feel about KyoAni's toying w/ his work.

It really isn't as bad as people are worrying about. Konata is an otaku with male tastes. All but a handful of things would be perfectly reasonable to expect to find in such a situation like a cosplay cafe with haruhi cosplay or konata having a haruhi song as her ring tone.

[Nemo_N]

I think those expecting this episode to be a huge Haruhi ad, will be "disappointed"; that part is relatively short and doesn't feel that out of place.

[AVPlaya]

And IMO, I would think any mangaka (except CLAMP :heh: ) would feel especially honored to have their manga become an anime, so much so that they may feel wrong about complaining.

I suspect Yoshimizu is elated and glad that KyoAni is making him rich. :) Only real income a manga-ka gets is royalties from tankouban sales. I can imagine what's happening to L*S manga sales right now. Aside from the OL references, I believe as an otaku he's loving all those ota-references. Like I've said before, Haruhi is family. L*S plugging Haruhi is normal and fits the story.

[Luminisk]

The cosplay cafe scene was just gold, its so nice to see Aya switch between her two character voices. :D

[pomps]

OMG, the best L*S episode, ever. Every characters introduced so far made an appearance (oh, exept Yui, too bad), and a new character. And supprisingly L*C and the ED was superb :D.

[Psychotic_Virtue]

lol what can i say, the Haruhi parodies just keep on coming...

http://randomc.animeblogger.net/image/Lucky%20Star/Lucky%20Star%20-%2016%20-%20Large%2012.jpg
http://randomc.animeblogger.net/image/Lucky%20Star/Lucky%20Star%20-%2016%20-%20Large%2019.jpg

[AVPlaya]

raw is out.. wohoo!

[jinxidol]

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3452/11851215524040e51ju2.jpg
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/9594/11851215721483adaa44492nd6.jpg

[krln99]

Awesome episode. We finally get to see where Konata works (bout time!)

[Kaoru Chujo]

Yes, I am one-track minded, but the highlight of this episode for me was the appearance (finally) of Sasaki Nozomi (http://hashihime.atspace.com/Hashi_seiyuusN.html#sasanozo) as Patricia Martin. We didn't get to hear much, but there were definite hints of her amazing mobile squeeze-toy voice. "Yo-ro-shee-ku." (She was Nanami in Bokura ga Ita.)

I'm not going to blame Kaioshin if he is further put off by the appearance of more Haruhi, but it certainly didn't bother me. Quite the contrary: I loved it, since it was done so well. Those few seconds of Hare Hare Yukai were pure gold, as were Kagami's reactions. And as, of course, was another self-duet from Hirano Aya, as Konata and Konata-as-Haruhi. I personally found Konata's Haruhi too tsuntsun -- but maybe I've just forgotten, or maybe that's how Konata sees her, lol.

And it was interesting to see them keep balancing Animate and Gamers. I loved the scenes in Gamers, particularly considering that we were just in some place similar last week in Doujin Work, too.

Kagami keeps getting wonderful scenes. Her giving Tsukasa some of her meat was just great.

And I liked the ED. Good singing and subtle humor. I noticed it was a actually produced and directed by people from Lantis, the music company, rather than by anyone connected to KyoAni. Looks like we will be getting live EDs from everyone?

As for the new records, it was confirmed last week that there will be eight (as opposed to the previously announced four) character CDs, and Sasaki Nozomi will be doing one of them. See my post here (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?p=1045883#post1045883). I don't think the Konata-Patty CD is real, but who knows.

[dahl_moon]

Posting after watching just the ED. Liked it sooo much more than the previous "Shiraishi fooling around not sure what to do" skit. But, how OLD is this song? Sounds like stuff people in their 60s and above would listen. The camera shots also look so old fashioned:heh:. The title is "三十路岬" by the way.

Back from watching the actual episode. The highlight of the episode would definitely be The cosplay cafe. I loved Aya switching from Konata to Haruhi and back. The Kyo-ani folks really do know how to use their talent creatively. Sugita and Minori acting as Kyon and Yuki in the cosplay cafe was also a good idea, IMO.

I also enjoyed how the "outside world (parents, family, classmates)" get more interaction with our four-some. The three families seem so happy in their own ways:D

By the way, who was the two girls at Gamers? The one at the counter and the younger one. They don't seem to be voiced by the usual "background characters voice"

So Patricia was Sasaki Nozomi, eh? I greatly enjoyed her performance as Nanami, so I'll be looking forward to her also.

By the way, the character drawn by Aya returns (lower right)!
http://img459.imageshack.us/img459/7282/ayamascotng0.th.png (http://img459.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ayamascotng0.png)

[Nemo_N]

By the way, who was the two girls at Gamers? The one at the counter and the younger one. They don't seem to be voiced by the usual "background characters voice"

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6169/miyakawapp0.th.jpg (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=miyakawapp0.jpg)
Those are the Miyakawa sisters; Hinata (older sister) and Hikage (younger sister). They appear in the Lucky Star Moe Drill game.

[Xiaolang]

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6169/miyakawapp0.th.jpg (http://img507.imageshack.us/my.php?image=miyakawapp0.jpg)
Those are the Miyakawa sisters; Hinata (older sister) and Hikage (younger sister). They appear in the Lucky Star Moe Drill game.

Too bad Hinata (the older sister) is not voiced by Mamiko Noto like she did in the video game. I would've loved to hear her voice, if only for a minute, in Lucky Star. *geeks out*

[Kaioshin Sama]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the people who find the advertising and references to be well done up to this point. Perhaps it's because I have a knack for predicting screenwriting that runs in the family as well as finding maybe about 30 ads I've ever seen in my life interesting, but I've called pretty much every advertising gimmick that Lucky Star has thrown at me, and it's just far to predictable now for me to find interesting or praisworthy on top of it just being par for the course at this point. When I see an ad coming around every corner, know the characters and get the reference before it's really even begun I just find myself saying "Next Please" :o.

To me the most noteworthy and surprisingly intriguing scene in the anime was last episodes setup for the trip to Miyuki's house that never happened. It was a nice little bit of jumping around between the characters that required a little thought and fitting the pieces of the puzzle together to get the whole thing. Somehow I don't see this happening this episode though.

[CrowKenobi]

When I see an ad coming around every corner, know the characters and get the reference before it's really even begun I just find myself saying "Next Please" :o.I get what you're saying, but how does Kyoani show Konata's 'otaku-ness?' Make a fake show or genre and use that??

How did the manga handle this??

:cool:

[Risaa]

I get what you're saying, but how does Kyoani show Konata's 'otaku-ness?' Make a fake show or genre and use that??

How did the manga handle this??
The thing with me is, there's thousands of other series they could make references to, but it continues to be Haruhi. I understand it's "family", but it's not like I go around wearing a t-shirt with a pic of my sister everywhere. (OK, lame example, I admit. XD )

If it must be family, I wouldn't mind a *different* series being referenced to sometimes to help cancel out all the SHnY. Maybe I should start keeping track of how many times Haruhi is referenced compared to other "family series".....

[Kaioshin Sama]

The thing with me is, there's thousands of other series they could make references to, but it continues to be Haruhi. I understand it's "family", but it's not like I go around wearing a t-shirt with a pic of my sister everywhere. (OK, lame example, I admit. XD )

If it must be family, I wouldn't mind a *different* series being referenced to sometimes to help cancel out all the SHnY. Maybe I should start keeping track of how many times Haruhi is referenced compared to other "family series".....

Good answer Risaa. I like the analogy you used here too, it fits quite well with what AVPlaya has mentioned as a possible reason behind the use of certain series. I would imagine a Hardcore otaku like Konata isn't so focused on only one show and likes to ramble about other series. Show's like Hayate The Combat Butler have no problem pulling in bits from other series and it's not even about otakus. So why not Lucky Star. The family tree of referenced series has much room to grow from the "Root".

[kj1980]

Posting after watching just the ED. Liked it sooo much more than the previous "Shiraishi fooling around not sure what to do" skit. But, how OLD is this song? Sounds like stuff people in their 60s and above would listen. The camera shots also look so old fashioned:heh:. The title is "三十路岬" by the way.

Enka is a traditional Japanese genre. That doesn't mean "new" enka doesn't get produced every now and then (it is our culture, though sadly many young people don't care and enka is slowly being eradicated to death). "Misoji Misaki" is a new song sung by Konno Hiromi (aka Kogami Akira) which will be released as an actual CD on August 29, 2007. Also they showed a commercial for "Konata & Patty" CD as an actual release...I wonder if the people at Lantis are serious about this wwwww

[Mirrinus]

Well, the only other family series besides Haruhi is FMP, really. The only other TV shows Kyoto Animation has completed are AIR and Kanon, both of which belong to Key/Visual Arts, so they probably can't reference those as liberally as they like. As for FMP, it actually has received a disproportionately large amount of attention in the series. If Haruhi is the main thing that Konata likes, then you can argue that FMP is pretty much the ONLY thing Kagami likes. And I'm pretty sure almost no one would get a Munto reference, lol...

As for this episode itself, it was perfectly appropriate for a reference of some sort to be made, seeing as where that particular scene takes place. I can understand why Kyoto Animation would feel that Haruhi is the best thing to refer to in such an instance. They would naturally want something that is already well-known by most of their audience, and that they can use liberally without worrying about licensing issues. What better reference material could they use? After all, how many people who regularly watch Lucky☆Star don’t know what Haruhi is (regardless of whether they like it or not), as opposed to anything else they could use? This is one of the most well-known and universal references they can make, which they can be sure their audience will understand. And when your main character is a blatantly obsessive otaku, your show must understandably have such references, preferably one that the vast majority of your audience can understand. Of course, references to other things are necessary as well, but the reason one in particular is used is to ensure a familiar “foundation” of sorts to unify the connection between the show and the audience.

To justify a negative response, then, you must come up with either a reason why another show should be referenced other than Haruhi, or show why that scene itself should never have even taken place in such a setting. For the former, you come across the question: What would be the alternative to using Haruhi? Whatever it is, it will likely alienate more members of the audience. After all, the Da Capo references from episode 15 totally went over my head, seeing as I’ve never seen the series before, and have no clue who those characters were. The best thing I could come up with as a replacement for that cosplay scene that might fit the scope of a popular otaku show might be Nanoha, but even that isn't as good of a replacement. After all, I myself have never even seen an episode of that show, lol...

So the alternative may be to cut out the scene entirely? Eh...but it's already been long established that such a scene would take place, ever since the earliest episodes, so that doesn't bode well for continuity either. In the end, some major referencing has to be made. What's the best choice that Kyoto Animation could come up with? Whatever it is, it's probably not as recent, as familiar, as popular, and as easily accessable for both viewer and studio as Haruhi.

Shows like Hayate the Combat Butler do have lots of varied references, yes, but they're quite different from Lucky☆Star's. Hayate's references are mostly confined to offhand remarks, 2-second visual gags, and random censored names being thrown around. They're hardly ever integrated into what's actually going on in the story, such as Konata going to Comiket or attending a concert; as such, the references are usually on a much smaller scale in Hayate, and ultimately much more forgettable. Such minor references wouldn't integrate well with a story about otaku characters for whom anime is more than a mere reference, but a notable part of their lives. If Hayate were to do references like Lucky☆Star, then they'd have to show Nagi being a fan of, say, Ouran High School Host Club manga, and forcing Hayate into various situations related to that series. I guess what I'm trying to say is that for minor speech or visual references that barely relate to what's actually going on, varied references are fine, because the humor (or lack thereof, if the viewer doesn't get it) of such references isn't integrated into the actual story. In fact, this is where Lucky☆Star has a more diverse list of references, including Fate/Stay Night, Full Metal Alchemist, Higurashi, Rozen Maiden, Kanon, One Piece, and much more. Most of those scene can be funny even when you haven't seen those shows, because the references are so minor. For example, the dinner scene in episode 10 with Konata's dad and the 3 girls was funny for me, even if I didn't understand how Konata's dad was referring to Fate/Stay Night characters during the meal. But when the show does a larger, more drawn out reference, they probably want to use something more recognizable to the audience, to ensure familiarity. Haruhi becomes the most common choice, although not always THE choice. Recall the running Marimite references in episode 7, or the largely Keroro-inspired scene in episode 13 (admittedly punctured by that Code Geass parody).

[Nemo_N]

I get this feeling that those getting tired of the Haruhi references either don't get the other references or use a magnifying glass on the Haruhi ones.

Really, I haven't grow tired of the Haruhi references and I'm hardly a Haruhi hardcore fan; they have been done well up to this point (short and not out of place), and most of them based on the simple fact that Konata is a hardcore otaku, with a particular liking for Haruhi.

Konata has mentioned other shows, but Haruhi as the main subject is far from being out of place; it's a tremendously popular show.

Why should they use another show? To avoid getting the audience tired? I'm not.

[Kaoru Chujo]

I simply disagree completely with Kaioshin. Those Haruhi references are fun. F-U-N. KyoAni wants to make money and have fun at the same time. This is not wrong. Self-referentiality is the soul of good TV, lol.

I must admit that I do find it a little odd that you are making these negative posts, bringing me down a bit from my great enjoyment of the episode, before you have even watched it. I guess it makes for good discussion, though. I liked a lot of what Mirrinus said. And personally, I grew tired of Hayate a few eps ago and quit watching. Maybe KyoAni's method works better.

[bayoab]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the people who find the advertising and references to be well done up to this point. Perhaps it's because I have a knack for predicting screenwriting that runs in the family as well as finding maybe about 30 ads I've ever seen in my life interesting, but I've called pretty much every advertising gimmick that Lucky Star has thrown at me, and it's just far to predictable now for me to find interesting or praisworthy on top of it just being par for the course at this point. When I see an ad coming around every corner, know the characters and get the reference before it's really even begun I just find myself saying "Next Please" :o.

You name the problem exactly here. You see it all as advertising, not referencing because it made by the same company. One could pull the same comment with the Negima references in Sayonara Zetsubou or any of the many shounen sunday references in Hayate. It's not meant to be an advertising gimmick.

All but a handful of the items they show from haruhi are previously available or are already solicited and have a future release date. It isn't like they are creating new posters for the show and then putting them on sale. Many of the references are even just in the dialog or reusing voice actors.

In this episode, haruhi character cds 8 and 9 are shown as "new", they have been on sale for a good 6 months (if not longer) now. Haruhi cosplay outfits have been available forever. The same goes for the Haruhi ringtones and posters.

Now, what they ARE selling is Lucky Star goods like Akira's CD and the possibly, the Konata and Patie CD. (There was no product ID for this but everything else was there.)

[Mirrinus]

Ironically, some of the "merchandise" that they "advertise" are completely unrelated to Kyoto Animation or Kadokawa Shoten. One has to wonder what good it would do any of those companies if we all went out to buy Bubba's unlicensed, fan-developed God Knows Haruhi figure displayed in episode 15.

[dahl_moon]

I myself don't mind the Haruhi references that much. I do think an occasional Kanon reference would be nice, though (a few episodes back Konata was watching Haruhi real-time, so Konata should have been watching Kanon around episode 12ish, and should be watching L*S now:heh:).

There was another Code Geass reference BTW.

On another topic. With the Hare Hare Yukai; there were three groups: the clueless (Miyuki, Tsukasa) who thought it was interesting, the otaku (Kyon look-alike), and Kagamin. Kagami, you recognize the dance, don't you, miss closet otaku?

[CrowKenobi]

Ironically, some of the "merchandise" that they "advertise" are completely unrelated to Kyoto Animation or Kadokawa Shoten. One has to wonder what good it would do any of those companies if we all went out to buy Bubba's unlicensed, fan-developed God Knows Haruhi figure displayed in episode 15.Not to mention that it was the first figure of any kind of Haruhi. :D

:cool:

[Nemo_N]

Did anyone else find this part cute? Kagami's congratulatory smile that is:

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3061/otsukaresamawr7.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=otsukaresamawr7.jpg)

Man, I love this kind of details.

[Luminisk]

Did anyone else find this part cute? Kagami's congratulatory smile that is:

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3061/otsukaresamawr7.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=otsukaresamawr7.jpg)

Man, I love this kind of details.

There is a lot of good scenes in this episode.
Pity the raws that I have at the moment are sorta dark even in the more brighter scenes.

[~Tsukuyomi]

Still trying to figure out the whole "Taking Tsukasa picture scene" (I watch RAW but I don't speak Japanese)... Is this another "To Heart" thing where they mistaken Tsukasa as that Akari (whatever) character???

[Alesiopdv]

In Family Guy was a running joke about two guys dress like italian actors from the 20s that say a stupid comment and then leave while playing the piano. They appear in almost every episode until Stewie finally kills them with a gun. "Okey, theyre dead. We wont have to listen to them anymore"

Maybe Kagami will return to the Cafe with an Uzi and kill them all for dancing the Hare Hare. ^-^


(just for the record, I LOVE the Suzuharu references and never will get tired of them).

[Kaoru Chujo]

Did anyone else find this part cute? Kagami's congratulatory smile that is....One of my favorite bits. Especially nice the way she seemed to move from shock, to being impressed despite herself, to being happy because Konata was happy.

[GoldAlchemist]

How i wish them showing this episode a few weeks earlier!

Then we would probably have:
<<The girl who cosplayed Nagato Yuki at Cosplay Cafe@Lucky Star>> in SaiMoe 2007.

This Nagato looks exactly like that Nagato. ;)

By the way, the Haruhi dance looks and feels more like the good real life ones you find in Youtube rather than the ED of SHnY.

[pomps]

Still trying to figure out the whole "Taking Tsukasa picture scene" (I watch RAW but I don't speak Japanese)... Is this another "To Heart" thing where they mistaken Tsukasa as that Akari (whatever) character???

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

[Mirrinus]

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

Well, seeing as Konata tried to give Tsukasa the To Heart uniform for her birthday, I wouldn't be surprised if it was Konata who pointed it out to her at some point. That was a clever way of using the original character design for joke (I'm assuming).

[takumi2k4]

Long post ahead, beware. But this is about Lucky Star over-referencing Haruhi that I just finished writing in my blog, and I thought I'd like to share it here as well. They're censored as well.

"...the Haruhi references here are completely massive, and honestly, I really don’t mind it. In fact, I actually love it because it works and makes sense. Look at Hayate no Gotoku’s references to others, they’re barely subtle and some are obscure and that you actually have to take a second look at it just to get it. The only reference that I actually got was when Hayate snuck up in the school looking like Solid Snake and under the cardboard box because I’m a massive fan of MGS.

Meanwhile here, the references work because they’re well-known works. We got Geass-ed a while back by Anime Tenchou, this episode(ep 16) Konata asked Kagami to buy some Lelouch and Code Geass material, last week we got Da Capo, and possibly PangYa a couple of episodes back. I don’t see a problem with the Haruhi reference, because Konata LOVES Haruhi. What would you rather have, Konata loving some unknown character that we don’t know crap about?

Genshiken worked because we actually got glimpses of Kujibiki Unbalance through the show, the OAV’s, and the TV series. Having a relatively unknown character or show in Haruhi’s spot means that they have to go the Genshiken way, and as we all know Clannad and Haruhi Season 2 is almost up, what better way to promote Haruhi?

But here’s the thing, every company exists to pander its fan’s. Take a look at Evangelion. Gainax is still milking Evangelion down right to the core, but no one’s b****ing about it. And they’re just basically the same damn thing. Rebuild is just a rebuild of the series, it’s just the same story with a few tweaks, remade with today’s technology. Meanwhile, Lucky Star is blatantly referencing Haruhi that people start b****ing about it, yet there’s nothing wrong with Gainax milking Evangelion.

S***, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy are still running around like they’re the king of games, and they are, yet no one’s tired of them. Only Hideo Kojima is getting tired of his own franchise, but he’s still making it, because of it’s fans. People sent him death threats asking him to continue directing MGS, and he is, and he’s finally ending a series that existed for at least 20 years now. Final Fantasy, I can’t believe it’s in it’s 13th iteration, yet no one’s b****ing about it, in fact, people are screaming like school-girls waiting for 13 and Versus to come out already.

With that said, what’s wrong with Lucky Star blatantly referencing Haruhi? No one’s b****ing about MGS, FF, and Eva being milked to death. So why can’t Lucky Star get a break?"

[Julius Firefocht]

This episode deserves a 10, no less. Now I wish they will make figures of Konata in Haruhi costume!

Also, Kudos to Aya Hirano for slipping between Haruhi's and Konata's voice so easily. Aaya keeps surprising me when I least expect it. :D

[Shiroth]

Wow, that was..

to much Haruhi.

[KiNA]

I'm soo getting the raw this time >.<

[krln99]

Yeah, I saw the "Hare Hare" dance as kind of an ode to the fans for making it the craze that it is.

BTW, the best line has to be, "I'm not interested in ordinary menus!"

A close second has to be Kagamin's "yare yare."

[kenjiharima]

seeing the spoilers and raws...I LOVE CROSS OVERS!!!

Instant 10 for me FTW!!! :HEH:

[Kinny Riddle]

Disclaimer: If I upset anyone of you because of my stance in supporting this show, then I apologize in advance. I will respect your opinion on the show, but I won't take back what I've written.

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

Poor Tsukasa-chan. It probably wasn't the first time she got mistaken for being "Kamigishi" by moe-overloaded otakus. :upset:

I know I'll probably sound like a hypocritical possessive SOB, but I believe most would have said the same thing: GET YOUR DIRTY CAMERAS OFF TSUKASA-CHAN, YOU HORNY OTAKUS! Kagami-sama! I fully support you to go beat these guys up and protect your sister's dignity! :heh:

Still, Tsukasa-chan looked so cute when being photographed. KAWAII~~!!! :love: :love: :love: :heh:


Yes, I couldn't resist and watched the raw.

All I have to say is about the Haruhi cafe segment: I am entertained by this parody. - And that was enough for me.

The naysayers probably can't be blamed for being put-off by another "reference/product-placement episode" again. I think Kyo-Ani has made their intent clear, they are going to cater this show for a certain kind of audience, and that is the average internet-conscious moe-otaku.

While most studios would probably buckle to pressure, you gotta admire Kyo-Ani for having the balls to stick a finger to the naysayers and stuck to their insistence on being loyal to the original audience that they have intended in the first place, rather than going for the "lowest common denominator". Right now their motto seems to be: "If the naysayers aren't going to like it no matter what we do, why should we be obliged to try harder to please them?"



Anyway, here are my highlights, in no particular order:

- Miyuki's mom can sure get mental when on the phone

- Everytime when eating in a Chinese restaurant, I usually get the food first before talking, because all the food on the table often gets scoured in an instant, much like what poor Tsukasa-chan encountered. (Good thing Kagami-sama helped her out. )

(BTW, what are the odds of everyone in a family being left-handed? I can hardly find a cousin who's left-handed. :twitch:)

- Tsukasa-chan looking troubled being mistaken for Kamigishi from TH (again, KAWAII~ :love: :love: ), and Kagami-sama coming to her rescue.

- Cameo appearance for the Miyakawa sisters who barely appeared until now, but Akira-sama STILL gets shafted to the final 5 minutes. (Was a bit disappointed the Miyakawa sisters aren't voiced by Noto Mamiko and Tamura Yukari, but then the other "newbie" seiyuus also overtook their more prominent counterparts in performing the major characters, and did a bloody good job, so I'll let that pass. )

- Kyon cosplayer voiced by Sugita Tomokazu :heh:

- Yuki cosplayer waitress voiced by Chihara Minori :heh: :heh:

- Kona-chan switching between her normal voice and Haruhi's voice :heh: :heh: :heh: (Well, of course it's actually credit to Hirano Aaya, but you get what I mean. )

- Patricia gets introduced, adding a "Kinsoku jikou desu" for pure "win". :D

- Minami got busted by Kona-chan for having a flat chest. She need not worry, as Kona-chan says, there are indeed many (some here, no doubt) who fancy her type. :heh:

- Poor Anime-tenchou and Assistant Sugita fail once again to get Kona-chan's patronage. The sketch's not too bad, actually, once you accept we're gonna have to live with Anime-tenchou being a "regular".

- Poor Tsukasa-chan for getting shafted by her elder sisters, totally forgetting about answering her homework questions

- Rejoice! All you naysayers! No more live action Shiraishi, but rather a "bi-polar" live action Konno Hiromi singing a not-so-bad song.

- First a Keroro Gunso-styled preview, now a Kyon and Nagato conversation in the preview. What next? FMP?


Overall, like Kyo-Ani, I really wouldn't give a damn on what the naysayers say. They can grade this ep a "0" for all I care, what's important is that "loyal fans" like me are entertained, and that's enough. Keep up the bloody good work, Kyo-Ani!

[kenjiharima]

been slacking off work hehehe...re-watched ep 16 and listened atentively and I found out that Miyuki is not the Mikuru of L*S but non other than Patricia Martin!! XD

[shiro83]

Kagami's expression when greeted at the door of the place where Konata works part time is priceless... :)

[Vexx]

As a very avid fan of LUCKY*STAR, Kinny.... sadly I have to disagree.
Just because its KyofrickingAni does not make me okay with the saturation of Haruhi references into Lucky*Star. I've been a big fan of their past work, but imagine for a second if Kanon2006 had been buried under Haruhi references. What do you think the "fanboys" would have done (besides have a bipolar breakdown)?
I love Haruhi... if I want to see Haruhi, I'll watch Haruhi. I'd like to see Lucky*Star. Much of the series I've gotten Lucky*Star but the Haruhi seems to be moving closer and closer to derailing the series.

When the refs are integrated and subtle, its fine --- when I wonder which series I'm watching, I'm disappointed.

[Shiroi Hane]

I hate to say this... actually, I guess I don't, but the Haruhi references are not "ads", they are in-jokes. As in, you only get them if you have already seen Haruhi.

[Kinny Riddle]

As a very avid fan of LUCKY*STAR, Kinny.... sadly I have to disagree.
Just because its KyofrickingAni does not make me okay with the saturation of Haruhi references into Lucky*Star. I've been a big fan of their past work, but imagine for a second if Kanon2006 had been buried under Haruhi references. What do you think the "fanboys" would have done (besides have a bipolar breakdown)?
I love Haruhi... if I want to see Haruhi, I'll watch Haruhi. I'd like to see Lucky*Star. Much of the series I've gotten Lucky*Star but the Haruhi seems to be moving closer and closer to derailing the series.

When the refs are integrated and subtle, its fine --- when I wonder which series I'm watching, I'm disappointed.

Very disappointed to hear you of all people to say that, mate. But I kind of expected it, and I have to disagree with some of what you say.

Maybe I am having a bipolar disorder? ;) But you'd be mistaken to dismiss me as one of them "fanatics" just because I'm staunchly "pro-Kyo-Ani's LS". :D (Though I must be open-minded and remind myself to be careful of dismissing any critical opinion as "mindless bashing". )

Kanon 2006 being buried under Haruhi references is of course unacceptable, no arguments there. However, Kanon 2006 is a carefully crafted serious story with no room for such parodies, so I'm sorry to say your example isn't exactly a suitable one.

Maybe if they stuck it in another comedy series, then I agree your point could be valid.

Lucky Star, the koma-manga being originally full of self-referential jokes about the otaku culture, means these parodies fit in without being, what's the word, "instantly rejected" by the "genes" of the show. (Yes, I'm comparing stuffing these parodies to implanting donar organs. They'll definitely get rejected by serious shows like Kanon, but not so by parody-comedies like LS. )

I will concede though, that if they do any more Haruhi-overload next week, then it really is "OK enough" for me. But I do not once believe Kyo-Ani will overdo their Haruhi-ness and cause the show to end in disaster.

[Vexx]

That's an interpretation :) .... Imagine that George Lucas purchased the rights to Peanuts and proceeded to make the material and inserting references to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. It might be funny, it might "cool" ... but it isn't really "Peanuts" anymore, is it? And if you aren't familiar with Haruhi .... would the inserts still seem funny? If they are still funny, it's a better job of integration. If you keep waiting for a punchline that you can't find because it requires knowing Haruhi ... it failed.

Lucky*Star really isn't a "parody-comedy". It *is* a story about a group of girls, one of whom is otaku. So her doing otaku things is fine. Altering the "reality" of story is a line to be carefully crossed though.

[GoldAlchemist]

I hate to say this... actually, I guess I don't, but the Haruhi references are not "ads", they are in-jokes. As in, you only get them if you have already seen Haruhi.

Agreed. And like what takumi2k4 mentioned earlier, Haruhi serves as the largest common denominator for Lucky Star's audience. I've watched quite a lot of anime in the past couple of years and yet nothing sticks to my mind as much as Haruhi, not FMP! Fumoffu or even Kanon 2006.

[shiro83]

I think without all the references, Lucky Star will not have stood out if it is based on itself only.

[GoldAlchemist]

Lucky*Star really isn't a "parody-comedy". It *is* a story about a group of girls, one of whom is otaku. So her doing otaku things is fine. Altering the "reality" of story is a line to be carefully crossed though.

Well, some otakus are pretty obsessed with only one character or one series. We could probably easily find Gundam-only or Nanoha-only otakus. They call that loyalty perhaps.

So, what if our heroine is currently mostly obsessed with Haruhi? :heh:

In my younger days, i do have friends who are die hard Evangelion fans, and you see Ayanami Rei all over the room.

[Vexx]

I guess I'll just be the guy standing over here waving the manga around as I reserve the right to continue to point out that KyoAni has kind of damaged their legacy of "being true to the material". Don't buy it expecting to see Haruhi, FMP, etc. It won't be the "Lucky*Star" you're looking for.

[Kinny Riddle]

That's an interpretation :) .... Imagine that George Lucas purchased the rights to Peanuts and proceeded to make the material and inserting references to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. It might be funny, it might "cool" ... but it isn't really "Peanuts" anymore, is it?

It wouldn't be "Peanuts" if the parodies were inserted 100% of the time, but look in perspective, the majority of the show (I'd say about ~60-70%) has so far been sourced from the manga. And I think it has something to do with the "line of acceptability" for different people. (More below)


And if you aren't familiar with Haruhi .... would the inserts still seem funny? If they are still funny, it's a better job of integration. If you keep waiting for a punchline that you can't find because it requires knowing Haruhi ... it failed.

That's the point really. Haruhi was too big a hit to be ignored by the average 2ch surfing otaku, the show's main audience, or the producers for that matter. If LS were to be made before Haruhi, I dare say Kyo-Ani would be sourcing other popular animes for references. Like you said, it's all about integrating the parody into the show, and IMHO, Kyo-Ani didn't do that bad a job.

And I'm not sure I agree with you about the punchlines, most of the punchlines I've seen were sourced from the manga, or even improved upon (like the sketch where Miyuki keeps forgetting to take out her mug from the microwave).


Lucky*Star really isn't a "parody-comedy". It *is* a story about a group of girls, one of whom is otaku. So her doing otaku things is fine. Altering the "reality" of story is a line to be carefully crossed though.

I guess our "lines of acceptability" are set at different altitudes. My line has not yet been crossed, while already it has just crossed yours, though I would say my line isn't really that far from yours. On the other hand, pity poor Kaioshin-sama whose line (which I dare surmise is way below ours) has been trampled over mercilessly countless number of times. :D

[Kaoru Chujo]

I continue to be so glad I haven't read the manga. It would be such a downer to be forced to have the same reservations Vexx has about this great show.

The Peanuts and Star Wars example doesn't work, either, by the way, just like the Kanon example. They are different types of shows in ways Haruhi and LS are not. These are comedies with a deep side that depend a lot on the characters of the protagonists, so their genes are more closely related. Maybe 30Rock and Seinfeld?

Anyway, it all works for me so far. The only bad thing for me is that when I see the references it gets me down because I know a couple of people are going to go ballistic on AS as soon as they even hear there are references.

I'd rather talk about how great Sasaki Nozomi is, lol. By the way, the Miyakawa sisters are played by Takaguchi Sachiko (Hinata) and Kano Yui (Hikage). I don't know Takaguchi-san, but Kano Yui played Momoko in Sumomo mo Momo mo, and was co-winner with Hirano Aya of an award as best young seiyuu of 2006.

[CrowKenobi]

Lucky*Star really isn't a "parody-comedy". It *is* a story about a group of girls, one of whom is otaku. So her doing otaku things is fine. Altering the "reality" of story is a line to be carefully crossed though.On that thought, Vexx, how does the manga deal with Konata's 'otaku-ness?' Does it mention specific things, or does the more general or bleeped-out route? :D

:cool:

[Kinny Riddle]

On that thought, Vexx, how does the manga deal with Konata's 'otaku-ness?' Does it mention specific things, or does the more general or bleeped-out route? :D

:cool:
As a manga reader, I can say one of the few titles that do get mentioned is FMP, apart from that, the jokes about Kona-chan's otaku-ness is mostly in a general manner, like moe, bishoujo games, limited edition stuff and the like. So it is understandable that Vexx isn't all too happy with the perceived excessive levels of references. Like I said, my "line of acceptability" seems to be slightly higher than his, so I'm OK with it. :D

[Mirrinus]

It seems there are two main camps against the Haruhi references. One wishes for references to other things; the other wishes to remove the references altogether in favor of something more generic, like in the original 4-koma.

For the first, one must consider what else would be appropriate. So far, LS has been doing a good job of keeping references appropriate. A scene to show what an insane driver Yui is? Initial D, of course. A scene involving how girls behave at school? Why not do Marimite? A scene filled with an incompetantly comical team carrying out a bizarre scheme? Keroro fits perfectly. A scene to demonstrate how crazy the otakus at work are? Why not the Hare Hare Yukai? Which easily-recognizable scenes would be more approrpiate? A pet peeve of mine is when people complain without trying to come up with a solution. Can you come up with more appropriate references when taking into account viewer knowledge, familiarity, and licensing issues?

For the second, all I can say is that it's oftentimes easier to relate to the characters when you know exactly what they're talking about. This isn't like Genshiken, where we're suppose to relate to the characters when they go on and on about made-up shows that we don't understand. Here, we're talking about shows we've actually seen ourselves. And of course, all the otaku jokes combined still make up only a minority of the actual screentime...

On a related note to the Haruhi references, it's interesting to note that a good deal of it isn't just about referencing the series itself, but the actual fandom. What better way to illustrate Konata's fandom than to tie it in with the actual fandom of the real world itself? Stuff like Megas Smoked Cheese Nyoro~n, the 2ch flame war over SHnY 9, and even Wa wa wa wasuremono are probably more accurately classified as references to fandom rather than to the show.

That's one thing that I'm really enjoying right now. It's very rare to see a studio pay so much attention to such obscure things. This is the equivalent of the respective studios giving us Suigintou as a Yakult spokesperson in a 3rd season of Rozen Maiden, Light taking up swimming lessons on a whim in the last few episodes of Death Note, an actual Yu-gi-oh character who ends every sentence with "in America", or even Brock saying to Ash in the next episode of Pokemon, "So I hear you like Mudkips."

As it stands now, the only thing that can beat LS at that this season is if Studio DEEN's anime-original arc of Higurashi features a fiesta, pinatas, and Keiichi admitting that he's lactose intolerant and hates tacos. Speaking of which, I hope Konata turns in "Unlimited Essay Works" for her next English assignment...

[GoldAlchemist]

Speaking of which, I hope Konata turns in "Unlimited Essay Works" for her next English assignment...

Who knows, she might ... she might summon Kagami-sama to do it. :heh:

Anyhow, with the direction this particular issue is discussed here, i hope nobody gets Yamamoto Yutakaed. :heh:

[Risaa]

Well, just posting to say I'm a tad bit disappointed, but I'm not *bitching* about Haruhi anymore on here. I'll never agree with what the majority of you have said, but you've put out some good points, and I'll just go with it. I should've expected the vast majority to disagree with me anyways, with what we're talking about here.

Happy posting. :)

[kenjiharima]

btw who are the two girls in comic shop...they look like the ones from the DS game L*S Moe Drill or they're original in the anime? The loli one said onee-san to the cashier.

[archanfels]

Well, here's a better question: What's the Japanese otakus' take on this episode? Are they thrilled to see their beloved Brigate chief / Nagamon again? or are they somewhat annoyed by the excessive amount of otherworldly invasion like some of us (myself included)

Because by the end of the day, it's their opinions that matters.

[WanderingKnight]

Well, here's a better question: What's the Japanese otakus' take on this episode?

You better go looking somewhere else, because the few actual Japanese otakus that post here in AS aren't gonna represent anything.

And I bet their opinion is as divided as it is in this forum, what with the amount of Kyoani haters and fanboys 2ch sees.

[kenjiharima]

Nahh...leave those 2 girls for later reference to who are they.

Well then. Listening to Konata speak AS Haruhi she TOTALLY OWNS Kagami in Tsundereness. Just at the tone and the way Konata projected as Haruhi truly precious. Now we don't need vectors projects since KyoAni DID IT already. But I hear someone in the back screaming more. :heh:

Wonder if all tsundere are in one show...that be anime hell or heaven.

Edit:

BTW:

ONE MORE LOLI GIRL TO GO THERE COMPLETE!!! :D

[darkchibi07]

Man, imagine the English dub for this; it's going to get a bit complicated scattered with the Haruhi Suzumiya references to a point the some VAs might need to reprise their roles. Casting Konota is going to be VERY tricky! :heh:

[Kaoru Chujo]

Well, here's a better question: What's the Japanese otakus' take on this episode? Are they thrilled to see their beloved Brigate chief / Nagamon again? or are they somewhat annoyed by the excessive amount of otherworldly invasion like some of us (myself included). Because by the end of the day, it's their opinions that matters.As Wanderingknight said, both. I just skimmed 2channel, and the latest anti- thread there has the subtitle "Haruhi-advertising anime." But the main thread is the fastest-growing thread on the board, even narrowing the gap with #1, StrikerS (241:211).

The last complete main thread (#211) went through 1000 posts in 2.5 hours Monday night. The vast majority of posts were positive, or geeky detail, but there were posts that mentioned over- exposure of KyoAni products or criticized other aspects of the show. Not that many, however. Far more were just delighted with the Haruhi/Yuki stuff.

This contrasts strongly with the situation just after the show came out in April. For a controversial anime, anti- threads often run at about ten percent of the number of posts of normal threads. For LS, the percentage was much higher to begin with, and is now well below ten percent.

I think the Haruhi stuff in the anime is ringing cash registers all over Japan, not just for LS, but for Haruhi, too, so I don't expect it to go away. Even a Japanese bookstore in North America I was in had a big display of Haruhi novels. And Hirano Aya's push for cross-over stardom is bringing the name Suzumiya Haruhi to a general audience right now, on TV and in magazines. I think the authors of Haruhi and LS are both probably just thrilled with the way things are going. Whether it's all entirely in line with their original conceptions or not, it is turning them into writers who make a good living, which is a big deal.

[Skane]

It seems my points got forgotten in the previous thread, but seriously people, do yourself a favour and time the length of non-Haruhi references versus the Haruhi ones throughout the series thus far. There will be a surprise waiting for you.

To summarise what I have said earlier, the Haruhi references only seem prominent because they are far more recognisable. In this episode alone, we also had To Heart and Code Geass, amongst others. The variety becomes even more varied if we include non-anime references (why yes, they do in fact exist, you know...)

I mean seriously, what are people expecting? A Hayate no Gotuko blaze of incomprehensible bleeps and a mess of censored pixels? Is that what you want? Really? Instead of say, uncensored references and easily recognisable images?

Shuffle!, Karin, Scrapped Princess, Initial D, Code Geass, To Heart, Keroro Gunsou, Kamen Rider, Yugi-Oh, Pokemon, MariMite, Da Capo, Shakugan no Shana, One Piece, Full Metal Alchemist, Rozen Maiden, etc... Must we keep on beating into people's heads that, "HELLO!" Why are you only viewing the show through a filtered lens that can only seem to see Haruhi references?

Crikey...

[Xiaolang]

I think the Haruhi stuff in the anime is ringing cash registers all over Japan, not just for LS, but for Haruhi, too, so I don't expect it to go away. Even a Japanese bookstore in North America I was in had a big display of Haruhi novels. And Hirano Aya's push for cross-over stardom is bringing the name Suzumiya Haruhi to a general audience right now, on TV and in magazines. I think the authors of Haruhi and LS are both probably just thrilled with the way things are going. Whether it's all entirely in line with their original conceptions or not, it is turning them into writers who make a good living, which is a big deal.

That's capitalism at work once again. Although I would like to see more Aya and Haruhi in the future, I'm a pessimist at heart, and I've seen this promotional push time and time again in the past. The most vivid example of this would be Love Hina. The height of Love Hina's popularity was stratospheric, but came crashing down when they tried to milk it with the craptacular OVAs and sequel.

Will history repeat itself? My 8-ball is pointing to yes. But I pray to God/Haruhi that the momentum keeps on going for longer than my pessimistic speculations.

Back to topic. While you guys were having a big argument, I had a lot of fun with this episode of Lucky Star. The Lucky Star versions of Kyon and Yuki are fun to watch, Akira's "Live" debut was hilarious, Patty Martin may vie for the largest chest in Lucky Star against Miwiki, and Konata's admiration/obsession for Haruhi is both entertaining and scary at the same time. XD

Will rate when subs are out. That is all.

[Kaoru Chujo]

...The height of Love Hina's popularity was stratospheric, but came crashing down when they tried to milk it with the craptacular OVAs and sequel....I think "craptacular" is the key word. Lucky Star is excellent, and the references to Haruhi have been well done (imo). And as for a second series, there are several popular novels to work with. The only thing I fear is that Yamamoto Yutaka may have had more to do with the success of Haruhi than we realize, and he's gone.

But I'm not a fan of Love Hina anyway, so it's hard for me to make the comparison. I do think it's reasonable for KyoAni to milk a popular product, but they haven't gone overboard yet (imo). That would have been bringing out season two within a year of season one, and they haven't done that. But no franchise lasts forever, and I'm sure Haruhi's popularity will wane sometime. I think it is still growing, however, and is part of Hirano Aya's push for cross-over stardom. People in Japan may be being introduced to non-kid anime by Haruhi as we speak.

note: Chinese subs now available.

[Xiaolang]

The only thing I fear is that Yamamoto Yutaka may have had more to do with the success of Haruhi than we realize, and he's gone.

Yamakan certainly is a wild card with his directing style. I mean, without Yamamoto, there won't be any more dances, or perhaps no more guitar solos. (He directed and did the storyboard for episode 12 after all) :upset:

Also, what does a "Series Production Director" really do anyway? Is it like part-producer, part-director, where he oversees the entire production of the show?

I hope he comes back to Kyoto. Based on the "Making of" the Haruhi CM, he seems to be a very easy-going guy, and seems to make the voice actors very comfortable in doing their job.

note: Chinese subs now available.

Is this for me? ;) If it is, uh, thanks but I don't speak/read the language. :heh:

[Kaoru Chujo]

@Xiaolang: I'm not sure what "series director" means, but I thought it was sort of an assistant for the main director, extending his reach. The Japanese word for "director" there is the same as for episode director, but not as for the main director, so I figured Yamamoto probably helped the episode directors maintain consistency, and spent a lot of time with them, and maybe with the seiyuu.

By the way, Yamamoto is listed as co-storyboarder of episode 18, along with the new director. But I suspect it's just that he started the storyboard before he left. Not sure. The rumor I read was that he had left KyoAni and become independent, so he could show up freelancing with other studios.

The thing about the Chinese subs was for anyone who might happen to benefit. Maybe you, since your nickname seemed Chinese. And also because I sometimes can't help wanting to let people know how fast the Chinese subs come out, as another encouragement to learn Chinese, if anyone's thinking of it, and as encouragement to English fansubbers to speed-sub (my preference).

[QBnoYouko]

This is my favorite episode so far. I really love every bit of this episode. Hiiragi sisters, Kagami's friends, CODE GEASS and Haruhi references.

I didn't expect this scene though:
http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/3639/raki16zn0.th.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=raki16zn0.jpg)

Did Konata just pull a MisaMisa? It certainly makes sense. :heh:

[dahl_moon]

@Risaa and other Korean readers: Korean soft-subs are usually out within 48 hours, and they're out for episode 16 at http://catch.wo.tc/ if anyone's interested:heh:

I probably should stop posting, but my take is this: I don't think the percentage of Haruhi is exceedingly high; rather, the absolute amount of otaku references is. We could have done without things like Initial D or Code Geass, Animate (including Sugita). Stuff like "Final Answer" is great, I can always have more:)

However, major Haruhi references like: Hirano Aya's concert, the cosplay cafe, Konata's ringtone I think serves a purpose. Remember, the stage of L*S is currently around 2006-2007. And what is the anime of the 2006? Haruhi. Yeah, Nanoha or Code Geass or Naruto might have more fans, but Haruhi was everywhere, whether you like it or not, whether it was actually a good series or not. And I think it's simply stereotypical for an otaku like Konata to be enamored by Haruhi. Sure, Kyo-ani is using this opportunity, but that doesn't make them evil, IMO. This is certainly more entertaining then bl****ed references plastered all over. And the cosplay cafe was a cute trick using their current seiyu cast.

Milking the Haruhi franchise is IMO currently overdone with a multitude of character CDs and what not, but I don't think this applies to L*S.

And... I should just keep quiet:heh: This episode also has a lot of non-otaku slice-of-life aspects, too, like only childs, cooking class, etc.

Edit: I take back Kamen-rider. That was actually a useful reference, for Konata's father.

[GoldAlchemist]

Random Curiousity: Does Miwiki have anything to with Wikipedia? If so, then Blue Hawaii is missing. ;)

note: Chinese subs now available.
Chinese subs have always been super fast. I remember those latter days of Gundam SEED Destiny when subbeds came out 30 minutes to an hour after they aired. I was always thinking, "Gee, these guys must be subbing while watching, and have some damned good video cards to do the encoding."

Anyway, Chinese language unique compactness and the proximity of Japanese to it, lingustically and culturally, make it much easier to sub anime with minimal loss of meanings (there's a good reason why many people i know prefer fansubbed to the actual release).

That said, the good Chinese Lucky Star subbeds have slowed considerably recently. It demonstrates how difficult it's to sub Lucky Star. First, it's hard to catch all the references (the easiest one being Haruhi). Being a consumer of all genres of late night anime over many years, i still miss a handful until being reminded by fellow forums posters. This is perhaps the only English forums i frequent because we've an :bow: anime kamisama here.

Second, it's hard to decide what side notes to put on it and what not. If you mention every time Haruhi, Nagato or Mikuru is in it, you will literally flood the screen. But yet, everybody has different levels of understandings and comprehension, so... :(

Suggestion to Subbers: For Lucky Star subbers, i'm suggesting that you soft-subbed with two layers of subtitles, one with the references and one with only the conversation.

Still, like Kaoru Chujo, i prefer speed to accuracy. The only main problem with Chinese subbeds comes with the translation of honorifics titles of sama, san, kun, chan, tan, etc. But if you know it, then it's not a problem anymore. With fair understandings of Japanese culture and language, it's simply more efficient this way.

[Vexx]

I think without all the references, Lucky Star will not have stood out if it is based on itself only.

Please don't try that argument, I'll jump on it with both feet and I weigh quite a bit :)

@the other posters:
I'm trying to be nuanced in that incorporating the sorts of things Kona would normally be doing --- I don't have a problem with specific product use as they've firmly established the year by focusing directly on a camera. When they break continuity with things like Animate Tenchou, I grit my teeth but if they keep it in check... And like Kenny_Riddle says, he has a line in the sand as well and KyoAni is veering towards it (its just farther than mine).

Lucky*Star is a fine little story I'm very fond of and I'd like to think many people would understand that a fan of it would start to feel annoyed as this has progressed.. just as they would over a property they loved.

I've been very fond of KyoAni up to the start of this season with the fine work they've done. But that doesn't make it heretical to criticize how they're handling a property. People who disagree with my assessment are making some good counterpoints so the analysis is fluid. I hope they take the time to examine what I have to say in return :)

[dahl_moon]

@Vexx: I've just read the scanlations of the manga and I recognize quite a few of my favorite scenes in it (Konata's absence excuses, Konata vs Kagami on homework, etc. Valentine's day is in volume 1, too). How much of the manga are we covering? Pretty much everything in volume 1 seems to be covered. And are you buying your copies online?

[PieWhatWhere]

Sigh, I'm not hardcore enough to understand raws so i'm stuck waiting for a.f.k. to fansub it but all this talk about how the haruhi references are really an advertising scheme set by KYOTO for haruhi 2 kind of annoys me. Keep in mind that this is a satirical anime/manga and that overwhelming references to outside work is pretty much acceptable. That's me opinion, feel free to disagree but I'm solid on liking Lucky Star.

[Kaoru Chujo]

....People who disagree with my assessment are making some good counterpoints so the analysis is fluid. I hope they take the time to examine what I have to say in return :)Thanks for that. I'll keep trying. I think we all (me included) have to remember that we aren't likely to convince each other. There's no "right" answer in this case. We all have different levels of tolerance/enjoyment/understanding of these references, and different "lines in the sand." We should find ways of celebrating and discussing the differences, rather than seeking perfect agreement.

[WanderingKnight]

Thanks for that. I'll keep trying. I think we all (me included) have to remember that we aren't likely to convince each other. There's no "right" answer in this case. We all have different levels of tolerance/enjoyment/understanding of these references, and different "lines in the sand." We should find ways of celebrating and discussing the differences, rather than seeking perfect agreement.

Amen to that. While I most of times dislike hardcore fanboyism, I can't go around flaming them. It wouldn't make me much better or smarter than them. And then again, the Haruhi references haven't tired me too much. Though right now I've heard so many opinions on the matter that I can hardly call my reactions towards them authentic anymore. Maybe if I had stayed out of discussions about LS, my impression would have been different--maybe not.

[garra113]

Wow lots of suzumiya haruhi references are found O.o. Can anyone confirm that the single for Wa wa wa wasure mono is coming out in sept 10 O_o? IM GONnA BUY IT LOL.

[Risaa]

@Risaa and other Korean readers: Korean soft-subs are usually out within 48 hours, and they're out for episode 16 at http://catch.wo.tc/ if anyone's interested:heh:
o__o... Wow, now I wish I could read Korean quickly and actually comprehend all of it. That was nice of you to think of me.. thanks, dahl_moon.

[kenjiharima]

Kona-chan or Aya Hirano pulled almost every last bit of the popular anime characters she dubbed in this L*S episode.

[Dochodiaga]

Guess it may be against the rules, but whatever :)
I found these really good funsubs at youtube and as I know how tiring it may be to wait for a.f.k I wanted to share it with you :)
So enjoy, but do it fast, as youtube mods are going to remove these videos sooner or later (damn them...)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7dUVrO6nId8 Part 1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=24N213271pY Part 2
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_Z-xxXpbnY Part 3


Really good episode by the way, i really enjoyed the part with cosplay cafe. In contrary to what some people are saying it didn't feel out of place for me..
And thank god for more Misao, her voice and fangs are soooo cute ;)

[Kinny Riddle]

@the other posters:
I'm trying to be nuanced in that incorporating the sorts of things Kona would normally be doing --- I don't have a problem with specific product use as they've firmly established the year by focusing directly on a camera. When they break continuity with things like Animate Tenchou, I grit my teeth but if they keep it in check... And like Kenny_Riddle says, he has a line in the sand as well and KyoAni is veering towards it (its just farther than mine).

Lucky*Star is a fine little story I'm very fond of and I'd like to think many people would understand that a fan of it would start to feel annoyed as this has progressed.. just as they would over a property they loved.

I've been very fond of KyoAni up to the start of this season with the fine work they've done. But that doesn't make it heretical to criticize how they're handling a property. People who disagree with my assessment are making some good counterpoints so the analysis is fluid. I hope they take the time to examine what I have to say in return :)

First, it's Kinny, not Kenny. :D

You do have valid points in your dissatisfaction, and I guess a little debate is what keeps the user engaged in the forums, as long as it's mutual respect, instead of trying to neg-rep each other.

Mods may delete the below if they see fit, but I'm not removing it because I feel like responding. I'll take all responsibility.
To the anonymous coward who called me a "Kyo-Ani fanboy's are getting old already": Is that the best you can do? Simply because you're angered that I made a passionate defense of stuff that you hate and could not find a counter-argument.

[Deathkillz]

wow thx for that Dochodiaga ;) that guy should join a group :heh: pro! :o

*skipping all the "debate" so far...*

i should say ZOMG to all the haruhi refs in this ep but for some reason i dont feel that it is absolutely right...while i did not particularly mind or hyped over the fact that haruhi and crew made more of a "just referance" in this ep i do feel that there isnt a need to burn kyoani just yet...as i see it the whole cosplay cafe was just a huge gag that swung either way...and in fact i was actually laughing when kona used her haruhi voice...highly amusing to see a character who you are attuned to thier voice suddenly changing with such flawlessness ^.^

sure it was product placement but the point being that it did not do any harm which is what i am trying to emphasize...its not like it is telling you to "go buy this or go buy that" ~ but ofc to people who expects this series to be a haruhi free zone you should know this series well enough by now...there isnt much more point screaming that the series is going too far with it's haruhi references because this is just how business works...ofc maybe sunrise paid kyoani to put in those code geass references though there is more of a chance that this isnt the case ~ or do anyone expect kyoani to be chasing sunrise up for money because they "advertised" their series?

about this ep ~ well as i said it was a lot of fun...but the total win has to be the special ED...yes for once i am completely satisfied with lucky channel! (or should i say lucky karaoke?) ~ the song picked was just awesome...boy it brings back memories of classic songs of the 80/90's from shanghai :D

[Kinny Riddle]

Leaving the debate aside and getting back on topic, it was pretty interesting to see two Tsunderes (Kona-Haruhi vs Kagami) arguing with each other to see who is better in dissing people off. :D

[kenjiharima]

Leaving the debate aside and getting back on topic, it was pretty interesting to see two Tsunderes (Kona-Haruhi vs Kagami) arguing with each other to see who is better in dissing people off. :D

<bias>Kona-Ruhi wins in my book against Hiiragi Kagami :p </bias>

Iam also glad there's REALISIM in the anime since after Kona-chan danced she was panting and tired, unlike other anime's most of them DON'T get tired after a something like that.

[Vexx]

First, it's Kinny, not Kenny. :D

Oops..... well at least I'm not calling you Tom Riddle....


You do have valid points in your dissatisfaction, and I guess a little debate is what keeps the user engaged in the forums, as long as it's mutual respect, instead of trying to neg-rep each other.
I fear the slippery slope ... if the ravening mob goes ape over crossover. I suspect we'll start seeing crossover insertion in everything. Haruhi characters affecting Clannad poses and lines while carrying the latest L*S manga, FMP dialog quoting SHnY, Clannad characters cosplaying as FMP or SHnY in their free time.

How much cross-contamination do the fans want? Do they *want* that sort of thing? Please no one respond by saying KyoAni won't do that.... they're a corporation. If crossover sells, you'll see more of it, they'll drop the "true to the source" accolade like a brick. KyoAni has done some absolutely great stuff (like SHnY or Kanon) but it doesn't mean they're immune to error, ne?

Given the season the show is set in .... it isn't unnatural that Kona's cosplay cafe would be doing a Haruhi moment or that Kona would be cosplaying Haruhi. I think I'd have been MORE impressed if Aya playing Kona had impersonated Haruhi not-so-well. Hell, that would have been very impressive. Aya doing Kona doing Haruhi badly....

Other than that, much of this is 'anime-only' which means even more of the manga material will be left undone due to time budget allocation. I guess I'm glad KyoAni wasn't doing Azumanga Daioh when the SHnY craze started or we'd have gotten much less of that series adapted to anime.

What remains to be seen is that will they just take selected snips of the remaining published material.... or will they continue plodding along and leave material for OVAs? Will we get OVAs?

[t3ck]

I love the part where Konata cosplay Haruhi, especially when Hirano Aya do the Haruhi voice. She's awesome!

Anyway a question on the ending song. Is it an old japanese song or one created by Kyo-Ani? What's the name of the song? Couldn't quite catch it in the show :heh:

[Vexx]

I've read its a classical japanese enka song of lament ... I haven't heard it yet to take a guess at it.

[kj1980]

I've read its a classical japanese enka song of lament ... I haven't heard it yet to take a guess at it.

It's not classical, it's new, Just like new country western singles come up now and then in the US.

[Vexx]

ah thanks for the update. The post I read was unclear whether they meant 'classical style' or actually 'classical'.

I'm rather anxious to hear it with the special 'akira style' :)

[Deathkillz]

It's not classical, it's new, Just like new country western singles come up now and then in the US.
really? :O wow...i guess it is just a classic theme used then...had no idea that these types of songs where "hits" in japan...or is retro the new definition of cool? :p in any case i just love it for bringing back memories! ^.^

[kj1980]

really? :O wow...i guess it is just a classic theme used then...had no idea that these types of songs where "hits" in japan...or is retro the new definition of cool? :p in any case i just love it for bringing back memories! ^.^

Who said these were hits? Are new country western songs in the US listened to by the majority of the Britney Spears-or-teen-heartthrob listening pubescent teens in your country? I doubt so.

Sadly enka is our culture and new release do come out here and then, but those who buy them are the older generations of Japanese who are dying out rapidly. Heck 40 and 50 year olds don't listen to enka because they were brought up listening to GS and American pop culture. Enka is a dying culture...which is struggling to keep itself alive admist the so called "mainstream" JPOP.


Of course, I'm sure "Misoji Misaki" will probably attain high ranks in the Oricon charts not because it's enka, but because it's an anime ED song in which 2channelers would probably start yet another "let's make this song attain number one in Oricon wwwww" type of hype. Is it going to sell? Yes. Is it selling because it's enka? Probably not.

[Luminisk]

:topicoff:
Eeeewwww you mentioned Britney Spears... her spotlight dimmed quite a while ago, and like many dying or dead celebrities she's a few nuts and bolt short of a train wreck. We make our heroes just as easily as we break them over here.

[Vexx]

Who said these were hits? Are new country western songs in the US listened to by the majority of the Britney Spears-or-teen-heartthrob listening pubescent teens in your country? I doubt so.

Sadly enka is our culture and new release do come out here and then, but those who buy them are the older generations of Japanese who are dying out rapidly. Heck 40 and 50 year olds don't listen to enka because they were brought up listening to GS and American pop culture. Enka is a dying culture...which is struggling to keep itself alive admist the so called "mainstream" JPOP.


Many forms of American music manage to maintain a steady-state with occasional surges (bluegrass, folk music, gospel, hawaiian, instrumental, "the standards", various period jazz).
I would hope Enka isn't dying so much as settling into a small niche. All it takes is a generation to "rediscover it". I understand that japanese antiques, traditional dress, and tiny mom'n'pop type restaurants are getting a revival as young moderns find an other way to be different.

[stormy001_M1A2]

Maybe 10 years from now, enka will be in thing again in Japan. Culture often recycled all the time.

[AVPlaya]

Wahaha... I finally watched it! So beyond happy! What a great episode! Yukai Dance by Kona, Patty makes her debute as Mikuru, Kyon and Nagato guest stars, a lot more chara development on Kagami's second-class friends AND elder Hiiragi sisters! A chikan Konata feeling up Minami! Obscure jokes about obscure references! AND AN ENKA ENDING!!! WOW! AKIRA SAMA!!! WOHOO! What a great song! I must buy this ED! WWWW!

This is by far the BEST episode! More Characters, Otaku baits, AND J-culture gems! Another Enka education to the Otakus in Japan and foreign lands! Akira-sama go them Enka skills y'all! See how she lips move to vibrate during the Zabi? That's how you sing an Enka song!

Man, I will have to sit down and really write a good ref post for this baby... I am so happy...

It looks like our gaijin comments brought out kj1980-dono!

Sadly enka is our culture and new release do come out here and then, but those who buy them are the older generations of Japanese who are dying out rapidly. Heck 40 and 50 year olds don't listen to enka because they were brought up listening to GS and American pop culture. Enka is a dying culture...which is struggling to keep itself alive admist the so called "mainstream" JPOP.

Hey I listen to Enka... well... I enjoy them when I hear them on TV...:heh: jk-sama, Enka is probably the farthest thing we fansub gaijins will get toward real Japanese culture... take a easy on us neh?

Of course, I'm sure "Misoji Misaki" will probably attain high ranks in the Oricon charts not because it's enka, but because it's an anime ED song in which 2channelers would probably start yet another "let's make this song attain number one in Oricon wwwww" type of hype. Is it going to sell? Yes. Is it selling because it's enka? Probably not.

Hey I'll buy it just because it's a really good Enka song! BTW, the awesome ED is performed the Akira's Seiyuu right? Shiraishi gets real screen time and now Hiromi-chan did one too! Wow, this is spectacular! That ED is great! I've watched a lot of enka MV and this is a really good one neh... the background, the hand gesture, the way her lips move, superb! L*S got hundreds if not thousands of otakus and gaijins to sit through an ENKA MV... come on, is't that just beyond amazing? It's on sale 8/29? I'm buying it for sure!

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　 ＼ヽ＼　　　　 　 　 　 }: } 　　　　　　　『　三十路岬（みそじみさき）　/　歌：小神あきら　』
　　　　　　　 　 　 　　__ ...　-　ｰ≠ : : : ￣￣: :＞ ､　　l:ﾉ 　　　　
　　　　　　　　　　, イ: : : : : : : : : : ／: : : : : : : : : : : :＼/ 　　　　　　　（前説・白石）　寒さ染み入る日本海、愛する人は今いずこ、芸能界の荒波をたった一人で泳ぎ 行く
　　　　　　　　 ／: : : :__／: : : : : /:/^/｀ｰ―rv: : : : : : :＼ 　　　　　　　歌っていただきましょう　小神あきらさんで　“　三十路岬　”
　　　　　 　 ／-‐ 　 ／: : : ／: / / /　　 　 | |: : : : : : : : :ヽ 　　　
　　　　　　　　　 　 /: : : : / : 斗ﾒ､/　　　　 l│:j: : : : : ヽ : ﾊ 　　　　♪　ひ～とり語り　し～ても　い～です～か～？　♪
　 　 　 　 　 　 　 /: : : : /: : :/|/　|　 　　　/'Ｔ7ヽ、: : : :| : : } 　　　　♪　か～もめにそ～っと　呟いた～　♪
　　　　　　　　　 /: :, ｲ /: : :/ .ｨ=ﾐ　　 　 /　 |∧ : : : : : | ',: :| 　　　　♪　女、一途な真心乗せて　北の海風　いてついた　♪
　　　 　 　 　 　 |: /　|: |: : /〃ｨ心　　　　　 /　 V: : |: : |: :∨ 　　　　♪　はぐれぇ～　恋散る～　恨み～節さえ～（力強く！）♪←ここポイント
　　　 　 　 　 　 |/　 '|: | : ﾊ　|ｖ:爿　　　 ＿　　　V: :|: : |: : :＼ 　 　　
　　　 　 　 　 　 　 ∠Ⅵ/( }　込V　　　　三ミｘ 　| : ｊ : ﾑ: : : : ヽ 　　♪　遠～いあんたにゃ　届かない　♪
　　　　　　　　　　　　 / ｧ^).:.:.:.　　　　　　　　ヾ> | ∧:/: :＼: ｢ 　♪　たたずーんで　泣きぬ～れてぇ～　♪
　　　　　　／´ ￣￣７´_.ｨ个 ､　 　ｰ'ーｒ 　.:.:.:.　 j/-j;': : : : :ヽ 　　　　♪　みーそじ　みさぁ～きぃ～～　♪
　　　　　/　　 　　　/ } } ﾚ' 　 /＞.､ ｰ '　 　 ＜「 : |＼: : : ヽ: ﾊ
.　 　 　 ′　 　 　 ﾑｰ' 　|　　 ,　-=≦厂´ ｢ヽ : |∧|　 ＼: : |＼} 　　※　こなたとパティが歌う　『コスって！オーマイ　ハニー』　8月29日発売
　 　 　 } 　 ヽ　 　 | 　　 ﾑイ　　　 / 　 ／　　＼ 　 　 　 ヽj ランティスｵﾜﾀ＼(^o^)／　これ、ハルヒとミクルじゃね？　(((( ;゜Д゜)))ｶﾞｸｶﾞｸﾌﾞﾙﾌﾞﾙ

[vaizard_ruler]

i cant believe how great this episode is,Haruhi,Miyuki,Miyuki's mom,moar Haruhi,and then the Lucky Channel/Ending was EXCELLENT! its http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/9539/kscu1.png
<.< sorry its just one of the banners i made lazily

[Alesiopdv]

Hey, its true that the guy who takes photos of Tsukasa is the director of Haruhi, Eshihara Tatsuya?

[takumi2k4]

Hey, its true that the guy who takes photos of Tsukasa is the director of Haruhi, Eshihara Tatsuya?

Holy crap it is him!

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/314/snapshot20070725045433bv2.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725045433bv2.jpg)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4117/snapshot20070725050040ch8.th.jpg (http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725050040ch8.jpg)

[kenjiharima]

Then if the first one is the director...who's the other guy that wants Tsukasa's photo taken?

[takumi2k4]

I can't really tell, but it could be Yutaka Yamamoto. It's really hard to tell since we can't actually see his face, but this is what Yamamoto looks like:

He's the guy with the glasses that's sitting beside Aya.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5055/snapshot20070725083255qt4.th.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725083255qt4.jpg)

Yamamoto appears in most of the "making of" shorts from the Haruhi DVD, the only one where he didn't show up was where Minorin, Yuko, and Aya were having a photoshoot in a school. It's on the 2nd vol. of the R1 Haruhi DVD's.

EDIT: Man, this whole director switching thing is confusing me. Yutaka Yamamoto was the one KyoAni dropped right? If that's the case, then it could be that the second guy is just a random passerby, unless Yasuhiro Takemoto wears glasses as well. Unless Yamamoto is still in cahoots with KyoAni as a freelance, but if that's not the case, then who's directing Haruhi 2?

[kenjiharima]

I can't really tell, but it could be Yutaka Yamamoto. It's really hard to tell since we can't actually see his face, but this is what Yamamoto looks like:

He's the guy with the glasses that's sitting beside Aya.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/5055/snapshot20070725083255qt4.th.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725083255qt4.jpg)

Yamamoto appears in most of the "making of" shorts from the Haruhi DVD, the only one where he didn't show up was where Minorin, Yuko, and Aya were having a photoshoot in a school. It's on the 2nd vol. of the R1 Haruhi DVD's.

EDIT: Man, this whole director switching thing is confusing me. Yutaka Yamamoto was the one KyoAni dropped right? If that's the case, then it could be that the second guy is just a random passerby, unless Yasuhiro Takemoto wears glasses as well. Unless Yamamoto is still in cahoots with KyoAni as a freelance, but if that's not the case, then who's directing Haruhi 2?

Well if that's the case I guess he's still in cahoots or freelancing with KyoAni if ever that really turns out to be him.

Wonder if ep.17 will still feature another anime reference like de capo or haruhi...

[Kinny Riddle]

Holy crap it is him!

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/314/snapshot20070725045433bv2.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725045433bv2.jpg)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4117/snapshot20070725050040ch8.th.jpg (http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20070725050040ch8.jpg)
Goodness, so it's him! I'm so going to Kyo-Ani's HQ in Kyoto this moment and beat the crap out of him. Where's my baseball bat? :heh: That's for Tsukasa-chan! (And for Nayuki being shafted, for that matter! :D )

On second thought, I think I'll let him off the hook or I'll risk not being able to see either Suzumiya Haruhi 2 or CLANNAD being aired by the end of this year, not to mention risking the wrath of the Haruhi-ists and Key fans. :heh:

[Deathkillz]

so thats the face of tsukasa's camera molester @_@ *joins is with the beating* ~ not gonna kill him...just cripple his legs :p
Who said these were hits? Are new country western songs in the US listened to by the majority of the Britney Spears-or-teen-heartthrob listening pubescent teens in your country? I doubt so.

Sadly enka is our culture and new release do come out here and then, but those who buy them are the older generations of Japanese who are dying out rapidly. Heck 40 and 50 year olds don't listen to enka because they were brought up listening to GS and American pop culture. Enka is a dying culture...which is struggling to keep itself alive admist the so called "mainstream" JPOP.


Of course, I'm sure "Misoji Misaki" will probably attain high ranks in the Oricon charts not because it's enka, but because it's an anime ED song in which 2channelers would probably start yet another "let's make this song attain number one in Oricon wwwww" type of hype. Is it going to sell? Yes. Is it selling because it's enka? Probably not.
*shrugs* thought that was the case...was probably being a bit too hopeful here :heh: but you can find surprising triggers everywhere so perhaps...gotta thank LS for atleast that much :3

[nanafan]

good episode. did you notice the register girl in the bookstore looked kinda like miyuki?this episode gave miyuki more airtime? she's just like her mom. even her mom is asking her stuff. they should give her a spinoff and it would be where she gives advice to people.. who was the woman in the kimono singing the ed? was she akira's va?

[Luminisk]

good episode. did you notice the register girl in the bookstore looked kinda like miyuki?
It's actually Hinata and the little girl with purple hair is her sister Hikage, they're both characters from the DS game.

who was the woman in the kimono singing the ed? was she akira's va?Yeah that is Akira's va, Hiromi Konno, they weren't exactly lying when they said there was going to be a live performance.

[nanafan]

cool akira's got a good singing voice.

[takumi2k4]

Man, they should've gotten Mamiko Noto to voice Hinata like in the DS games. Lucky Star + Mamiko Noto = Epic win and gold, too bad they didn't...

But anyways, when I first saw the Miyakawa sisters I thought that Hinata was the adult version of Miyuki, and Hikage was the more loli-er version of Kagamin. :heh:

In any case, I demand moar screen time for them KyoAni, add Miyuki along that list as well. And yeah, KyoAni definitely needs to make an alternate ending where Kyonichi chooses Nayuki, though from the looks of things, that's not gonna happen any time soon.

[soonkiong]

Incredible 10/10 episode. BTW anybody knows about the phone Konata's using?

[kj1980]

Incredible 10/10 episode. BTW anybody knows about the phone Konata's using?

It's the FOMA SH903iTV (http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/product/foma/903i/sh903itv/index.html). I would imagine Konata bought it mainly because of the 1seg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1seg) feature along with the ability to watch full digital TV on a very sharp LCD screen that can be flipped sideways.

[kodomo]

lol... haruhi cosplay!

[kenjiharima]

GOD!!! I saw the subs on Alert402...


Akira is 31 years old?! :twitch: :eyespin: :heh:


waiting for AFK's version

[Panzer Bandit]

Patricia Martin's intro was cute - I'm hoping to see more of her in the upcoming episodes. I was expecting her Japanese to sound a little more...weird, but it still has the whole "gaijin" feel to it.

If you've listened to the drama CD's, though, Satsuki Yukino does a perfect job with her broken Japanese. It cracks me up listening to her. :heh:

"YuTAka! KoNAta!!!"

[AVPlaya]

Alright it's time again... I'll post any cultural references that's not part of the otaku world which I found myself or around the net, and I'll probably skip things that's already posted in this thread. Saa, hajimaru yo!

RINGU
The title of this episode is "Ringu", which is also the name for probably the most famous Japanese horror film of the last 10 years, both in Japan and internationally. I'm pretty sure everyone here's either heard of or has seen the original or the Americanized remake of the film. I'm not sure why the episode is called that, since there are no pale girls with long black hair crawling out of any TV sets, but perhaps it's a reference to many of the minor charas who were either introduced or touched upon in this episode? This is good topic for discussion... why what is the relationship between EP16 and a creepy movie about the ghost of an ESPer girl?

How did she fit in there again?
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2659/sadakouv3.jpg

FOMA SH903iTV Black
The Ultra cool Japan-only Docomo phone made by Sharp which Kotana used to show off her l33t Haruhi rington and background. It can receive digital broadcast TV signal, and there's little doubt she will use it to watch anime. Sharp phones has the best screens because Sharp is one of the few LCD glass makers in the world.

Suge!
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1184/o01nx6.jpg


Kagami the Orc
The very beginning of the EP we ran into the middle of a conversation where Kona decided that Kagami is an OUKU. And Kagami promptly objected to her appointment as the only monster. It seemed that they're talking about the Orc from the LOTR, which was a monster hit in Japan as well. I think they were talking about which race they each belong to in the LOTR universe.. Kona is OBVIOUSLY a hobbit, Miyuki, beautiful and smart, is very Elfish. Tsukasa is most human of them all, and that leaves poor Kagami to be the Orc. Hey, there's a whole interesting story behind TWO LINES in this anime!

Female Orc from Lineage II - they no got female Orcs in LOTR...
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9192/5b065dorcfemalefighterrkc4.jpg


Sukiyaki Da!
The dish Hiiragi family was enjoying is the famous Japanese nabe dish すき焼き (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki) (Sukiyaki). It's just a lot of good stuff in a pot cooking in a special soy-sauce-based soup. Most nabes has clear broth as its base, but Sukiyaki is special in that the soup itself is very flavorful (some would say a bit savory...). The trick to nabe dinners is "more grabbing, less talking". You talk, you starve... and those whose chopstick and jaw moved the fastest wins. This is clearly a lesson to all who has never enjoyed dishes like nabe or Chinese/Korean firepots. Don't chat until you're full. Another thing about Sukiyaki... you can keep the left over soup and cook it until it becomes a sauce, and eat it over rice the next day!

Oishisou!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5633/suki111gd2.jpg


Horse Crap Seafood
Konata was having issue with the Japanese name for a type of sea urchin called "green sea urchin". The name is "バフンウニ (http://www.tbs.co.jp/seibutsu/zukan/museki/htmls/museki_19.html)" or "Horse Crap sea urchin". As you can see below, it's an apt name.

Oh Crap!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/726/bafununibs0.jpg


Family in a Bento
After the Microwave Drink episode, Konata said Miyuki and her mom are like "The parent/child in a bento". In Japan, many dishes have the name "Oyako", or "Parent/Child" in them. This is usually referring to a dish with the main ingredient of egg and chicken, hence the play on word "Parent/Child." For example, one of the best donburi dishes is Oyako-don, a rice bowl covered with egg and chicken. Kona uses this expression to describe how similar or close they are.

Mou Oishiisou!
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5386/oyakodonrz7.gif


LittlePSX
This is very otaku but I want to mention it. The cafe Kona worked for was the earliest version of one of the first Cosplay/Maido cafe around, LittlePSX (http://www.littlepsx.com/). I read about LittlePSX when maido cafe first came about a few years ago. This version was when it was a "Cheap Sweet" cafe, where you pay a set fee and get to eat all sort of cheap snacks and drinks. Now appearantly it's now a "maido darts bar". I don't know what you're supposed to do in a maido darts bar... some one care of fill this in? You shoot darts at maids while drunk?

the original LittlePSX... the anime was pretty close wasn't it?
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/3678/littlepsxinner01eb7.jpg


Reunions and Golden Week
Just want talk a little about these school topics. First of all, reunions. A school reunion starts the year you graduate from a school. Since this is Japan, you have 3 schools - grade, middle, and high school. These reunions are going to last a long time, if you are a close knit class. People in their 30's and 40's regularly attend middle and high school reunions; most of the time annually. Kona was asking about Middle School reunions there. If you grew up in the West, this is hard to imagine. But in Japan, the friend you've made when you're 13 will usually remain your friend for the rest of your friggin life, whether you like it or not. :) About Golden Week (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Week_(Japan))... I think it's a required knowledge for gaijin otakus now. It's a great stretch of time, and a lot of people visit foreign countries. In the place I used to live, we have to prepare for Golden Week since the influx of Japanese tourist will usually overwhelm everyone.

Decorations for Children's Day, originally Boy's Day.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/7567/boysdayrl6.jpg


MAIU!
When Misao said Ayano's cookies were "MAIU!" she meant it was more delicious than just "umai"). This is a popular slang word which originated in a foody variety show hosted by two fat comedians called "元祖！でぶや (http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/debuya/)" (Ganso! Debuya). The shows' premise was these two fat guys looking for foods to make them fatter, and when they find it, they would say "MAIU!" to indicate how utterly delicious the food was. It's now a popular catch phrase used by teenage girls alike.

When the Debuya Boys visited Akiba maido cafes...MAIU! (It's printed in that yellow circle on the screen)
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7108/20051120debuya2yn2.jpg


Final Warning! Beat Takeshi's SCARY diseases!
When Kona-jiji's little lolicon family was eating dinner and watching TV together, the TV show they were watching was one of the highest rated show in Japan called "最終警告! たけしの本当は怖い家庭の医学 (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9C%80%E7%B5%82%E8%AD%A6%E5%91%8A%21%E3%81%9F%E 3%81%91%E3%81%97%E3%81%AE%E6%9C%AC%E5%BD%93%E3%81% AF%E6%80%96%E3%81%84%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%AD%E3%81%AE%E5 %8C%BB%E5%AD%A6)" (Final Warning! Takeshi's Really Scary Family Medical Knowledge). Hosted by the world-famous Beat Takeshi, the show basically features a disease a week and it's supposed to be scary you into a healthier life style. The show is watched weekly by millions of middle age and older adults. It's sometimes funny and sometimes disgusting. They even have segments where they ACT OUT the horror stories of people such as the poor smoker who didn't know he has lung cancer until he started to COUGH BLOOD! ARG!!! It's pretty interesting but I can never get into it. Maybe when I'm older.

Beat-sama's gonna scare you into good health!
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/3458/px35001kr2.jpg


Hell Girl's English Serifu
Alright most of you have gotten the English phrase the elder Hiiragi sisters tried to translate is one of Jikoku Shoujo's standard lines, so I'm just going to cut and paste the English and the Japanese here:

Curses, like chickens, come home to roost,
人を呪わば穴二つ

when you make the contract,
あなたが契約を結んだ時

you will absolutely go to hell, too.
あなたも必ず地獄へと流される。


Bird Rests
Just in case you don't know what a 鳥居 (Torii) looks like, it's this gate thing in front of every Shinto shrine

Body-carrying bird rests here!
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/7874/miyajima1kw4.jpg


ENKA!!!
AKIRA-sama sang a beautiful traditional pop song of Japan in a style called 演歌 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka) (Enka, or "Performance Songs"). There's a lot of history behind Enka, tracing its root from the middle 1800's. It's now a declining art form; enjoyed only by people older than 40 years of age. Many people think Enka's going to die, but I don't think so. Here's the reason - if you're even in Karaoke with your boss, and you're over 30 years old, you should only order and sing Enka to entertain your boss. It's a mature person's music; if you start to sing J-POP songs, you can kiss that promotion good bye as you're seen as immature. If you start to sing otaku songs, you'll probably get fired. :)

I personally enjoy Enka a lot, maybe because I am getting older. Enka is THE original Asian pop music and I'm so glad it's still around today, although the only time you'll get to see it live is probably on New Year's Kohaku singing competition special. Enka, with the help of Akira and Shiraishi, will live forever. In a few week, a miracle will happen in Japan, as an Enka single will reach top 5 of the Oricon chart. Everyone will be stunned and major newsmedia will put be talking about it. Let's just wait and behold the spectacle.

As I have said before, Akira's got MAD enka skillz. Enka is all about the facial expression when you sing.. most Enka songs are sad songs about lost love or the cheating man, and you're not really singing unless you can emote the pain through your voice, your face, and your hand gestures. A very difficult part of Enka is how you vibrate your voice through your abs when you hit the trailing notes or the all important Zabi (climax). In fact the word Zabi came from Enka. Many of these aspects were animated on Akira. The ED from Hiromi-chan was especially good because it was a really well made Enka Karaoke... with the beautiful scenery, the singer in impeccable long sleeve kimono (formal, mature woman) and looked as serious as hell... only thing missing is the falling sakura. (actually they ALL looked like this). Listen to this song carefully... see how Hiromi's trying to vibrate her voice deeply during the Zabi, but Akira-sama came out instead. It's so friggin awesome I'm actually in tears. :D

Here's a REAL Enka MV by the probably the most senior and famous of all female Enka singer, Misora Hibari (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%BE%8E%E7%A9%BA%E3%81%B2%E3%81%B0%E3%82%8A). Compare her to Hiromi-chan; if she wants to copy anyone this is it:
umyudAg3J0A


Bonus: The last thing Kyon said before she show ended was "Jan Ken Po", which is the paper-rock-scissor game to us gaijin, and according to bayaob, it was a reference to the end of Sazae-san anime. :)

ADDEDUM: I missed what Kyon ordered in the LittlePSX cafe: He ordered 3 things:

うな重 (Unagi-Jou): Broiled eel over rice. Excellent dish:
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/90/unajouk5.jpg

エビピラフ (Ebi-Pilafu): Shrimp Pilaf; not found outside of Japan:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6241/ebipilafac4.jpg

ミートスパ (Meeto-Supa): Meat Spaghetti. No, this is NOT the spaghetti you know and love:
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8296/s193vc4.jpg

It takes 15 minutes to make a MeetoSupa? What kind of cafe is this? But they actually have Unagi-Jou? Probably never had them in the first place.. Unagi-Jou is notoriously hard to make, and only specialty-places can do them well.

===
Waa! That was totally tripping! I love doing this!

Question: should I do one for otaku references? I was hesitant because there are so many people here with more knowledge than I do, and I may sound like an idiot. How about a simple translation? J-otaku has figured out every single reference they can find in L*S. Would that be helpful?

GOD!!! I saw the subs on Alert402...


Akira is 31 years old?! :twitch: :eyespin: :heh:



Eh, well, no. Akira-sama is 13. Hiromi-chan, Akira's seiyuu, is 31.

[Risaa]

Awesome, awesome post. I forgot to sign my name, BTW... but you probably already knew who +repped you (sorry, got a little excited). :heh:

Sukiyaki Da!
The dish Hiiragi family was enjoying is the famous Japanese nabe dish ???? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukiyaki) (Sukiyaki). It's just a lot of good stuff in a pot cooking in a special soy-sauce-based soup. Most nabes has clear broth as its base, but Sukiyaki is special in that the soup itself is very flavorful (some would say a bit savory...). The trick to nabe dinners is "more grabbing, less talking". You talk, you starve... and those whose chopstick and jaw moved the fastest wins. This is clearly a lesson to all who has never enjoyed dishes like nabe or Chinese/Korean firepots. Don't chat until you're full. Another thing about Sukiyaki... you can keep the left over soup and cook it until it becomes a sauce, and eat it over rice the next day! Just want to mention, I LOVE these types of dishes. :) I don't usually talk at the table anyways, so I always manage to get as much as I want. The more food that's crammed into the pan, the better IMO. :) Final Warning! Beat Takeshi's SCARY diseases!
When Kona-jiji's little lolicon family was eating dinner and watching TV together, the TV show they were watching was one of the highest rated show in Japan called "????!?? ???????????? (http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9C%80%E7%B5%82%E8%AD%A6%E5%91%8A%21%E3%81%9F%E 3%81%91%E3%81%97%E3%81%AE%E6%9C%AC%E5%BD%93%E3%81% AF%E6%80%96%E3%81%84%E5%AE%B6%E5%BA%AD%E3%81%AE%E5 %8C%BB%E5%AD%A6)" (Final Warning! Takeshi's Really Scary Family Medical Information). Hosted by the world-famous Beat Takeshi, the show basically features a disease a week and it's supposed to be scary you into a healthier life style. The show is watched weekly by millions of middle age and older adults. It's sometimes funny and sometimes disgusting. They even have segments where they ACT OUT the story of the poor smoker who didn't know he has lung cancer until he started to COUGH BLOOD! ARG!!! It's pretty interesting but I can never get into it. Maybe when I'm older.That guy is so familiar -- I know I've seen him somewhere before, with the same facial expression even. Has he appeared in a show aired in Korea (other than in talk shows and if he happened to appear on the news)? A drama? Ah, today I took a look at syllabi for classes I'd like to take in Japan, and one of them is a pop culture class that will also cover Enka. I look forward to it. :)

[AVPlaya]

Awesome, awesome post. I forgot to sign my name, BTW... but you probably already knew who +repped you (sorry, got a little excited). :heh:

Domo! Although I'm not sure how this system works... :)

That guy is so familiar -- I know I've seen him somewhere before, with the same facial expression even. Has he appeared in a show aired in Korea (other than in talk shows and if he happened to appear on the news)? A drama?

Oh, more than drama...he's more like a movie super-star. Beat Takeshi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takeshi_Kitano) is world-renowned. He's the tough-guy hero to many actors of today, both East and West. Read his bio; Beat-sama can do ANYTHING.

[Risaa]

Aaaah, it was Battle Royale. Thanks for the linky. :)

[bayoab]

Very long post! Will unhide after sub's released.


Bonus: The last thing Kyon said before she show ended was "Jan Ken Po", which is the paper-rock-scissor game to us gaijin.


Actually...

This is Kyon realizing to imitate Sazae-san since many of the other previews are imitating Sazae-san. At the end of each Sazae-san episode, she does Rock Paper Scissors with the audience. See here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazae-san#Sazae-san_animated_series) for more information.

[AVPlaya]

Actually...

This is Kyon realizing to imitate Sazae-san since many of the other previews are imitating Sazae-san. At the end of each Sazae-san episode, she does Rock Paper Scissors with the audience. See here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazae-san#Sazae-san_animated_series) for more information.


Ah! Domo! Never watched Sazae-san.... hehehe... realized I I missed that part... I'll change it. :)

[Nemo_N]

Keep this notes coming AVPlaya; if there is a mistake, I'm sure those in the know could clarify it for us.

The posts might be long, but I find them interesting.

[CrowKenobi]

Keep this notes coming AVPlaya; if there is a mistake, I'm sure those in the know could clarify it for us.

The posts might be long, but I find them interesting.And don't forget to cross-post them into the cultural references thread! :D

:cool:

[Mirrinus]

Wow, that's incredibly helpful. Thanks AVPlaya!

[DJ_RockmanX]

a.f.k. has released for those interested.

[Luminisk]

a.f.k. has released for those interested.

Most of us spoiled ourselves rotten already, but thanks for the update.

[pariah164]

Utter win, and officially my favorite episode.

That is all.

[Kai1]

I laughed so hard when the character resembling mikuru said "classified information".

[Anh_Minh]

At last we see Konata at work!

It was weird hearing her doing the Haruhi voice.

Nice preview by Nagato and Kyon.

I liked the conversation at the beginning of the ep.

[Maids! Maids! Maids!]

Domo! Although I'm not sure how this system works... :)


Oh. I think you're going to get a lot of rep for a fine post like that. Just in case you don't know, click on "User CP" on the top menu. You'll see the last five times you were repped and the comments people left when they repped you.

Great post. Thank you.

[Calawain]

This episode was great, one of the best so far in LS.

First off I really liked the greater screen time for the supporting cast, Patricia Martin and Yu-chan especially (although Yu-chan's part in this episode was shorter than others).

The cosplay scene made me laugh out loud several times, I am an avid Haruhi fan and they did such a spot-on job there. As has been mentioned by others, Aya Hirano's switching between Haruhi and Kona-chan was great, as well as the Hare Hare dance scene. But to me Kagami stole the show there with first her expressions in reaction to the people and the dance and then her smile when she saw how much Kona-chan enjoyed herself at work.

And thanks again to AVPlaya for the references, my knowledge of Japanese culture doesn't go beyond what I've seen in anime and general American knowledge, so I find that stuff interesting for the second watch. They are kind of like the AD Vidnotes, or whatever they are called, from Excel Saga--where notes about the cultural references pop-up so you can pause and read what it's all about. As a student of politics and culture that stuff really interests me.

I know there are a few otaku references in there that I did not pick-up, just from show experience. I think it would be great if someone would post any of the ones they saw, aside from the obvious ones like To Heart.

As for the long-winded debate back and forth about Haruhi references, I wont write an essay but I'll throw in my two cents. I think it is appropriate to have significant Haruhi cross-references in a comedy/parody. It does not seem out of place at all that Kona-chan would love Haruhi, and yes from a production standpoint its a lot easier to reference things you made yourself. Now would I want rampant cross-overs in a show like Clannad? No I don't think it would be appropriate there.

[Vexx]

I basically would agree with that except that the original source material (the manga) doesn't contain "parody". The parodies are an "anime only" insertion by KyoAni.
Ah well.... it is what it is and I'll just have to grin and bear with it.

[Kyuusai]

Every one is arguing about Haruhi references, but I think there's something far more important: I can't believe no one mentioned the MIYUKI-FEST in the first half of the episode!! (OK, nanafan mentioned it. :p)

I've felt for the entire series so far that Miyuki is a character full of potential, but was under-utilized and under-explored. It's necessary, perhaps, but I find it a bit tragic: While I find all of the characters interesting, Miyuki is the only one that strikes me as interesting or amusing independent of other characters. In fact, I find it a bit ironic that the other characters don't have much opportunity to be interesting by themselves but really shine when interacting with others, whereas Miyuki is interesting by herself, but doesn't have much opportunity to be interesting when interacting with others--with the exception of her mother.

Despite this episode tying its sections together as best has been done since the beach episode, to me it really felt segregated between the manga content and the non-manga content. I somehow get the feeling that the first part of the episode (not counting the cafe sequence) was mostly anime-only, but I really enjoyed it. A lot. In this episode more than any other, the clear 1/2/3/4 pace was dropped more consistently, and the character dialogue just flowed. It was wonderful. ENCHANTING. Lucky Star has a certain charm in jumping from sketch to sketch, joke to joke, but when I get to see how well it works with smoother timings and transitions, there's no doubt that I prefer it this way.

Seeing an episode that is so cohesive, that streams so smoothly, that integrates Miyuki so well, and that makes such an interesting spectacle of the world around them, I'm pining for the Lucky Star That Could Have Been. I've enjoyed everything so far, but what if they'd started off firing on all cylinders? I can only hope that the rest of the series can be so good, but they didn't really keep up the pace after the beach episode as I'd wished, so my hopes may be in vain.

As for Haruhi references...

Skane is quite right in pointing out that the Haruhi references stand out primarily because they're recognizable, and not because they're overwhelming compared to the other references (which include media from many companies, and even quite "normal" media productions). There are many, many things being referenced in the show, and with the exception of the Hirano concert in a previous episode (which bothered me because it seemed so pasted on) and, of course, the references in this episode, they've always been very balanced with the other references. Konata having Hare Hare Yukai as her ringtone is entirely appropriate and cute, and doesn't compare to the even more blatant and distracting than the Keroro Gunsou, Da Capo, and Code Geass reference we've seen.

The other issue is "Should Lucky Star have references? (or at least, should it have so many?)". I agree with Vexx that the original content is quite capable of standing on its own, without the references to move the market. Lucky Star doesn't need references.

That said, while I don't think it needs references, I do think references (as long as they don't overwhelm the source material) are appropriate. Why? The original context of Lucky Star was as a Comptiq page-filler. It proved popular enough to be serialized, but in either case it was always intended to be part of a PC-magazine-turned-PC-game-magazine-turned-bishojo-magazine, and that's why you also see Akira, another of the manga-ka's character's who isn't part of Lucky Star but of Comptiq, itself. If Lucky Star had references as a 4koma, it would have just been redundant. When appearing outside of Comptiq and adapted for another medium, though, I don't think references are out of place, because that content is a type of replacement for what's lost when the strip is pulled from its original context.

This episode, though, was an exception in that they really did pull out all the stops with Haruhi. And... I think they did a great job. The scenes about the characters before they were about Haruhi, and I think it shows. I would have groaned seriously if it had just been Haruhi on display, but instead I was watching the other girls see Konata on the job with appropriate Haruhi in-jokes on the side. Nothing required an understanding of Haruhi to be funny or relate the weirdness of cosplay/maid cafes (or, earlier, the ringtone habits of otaku), but if you did understand it, the scene was even better. The swiftly changing expressions and performances of Hirano as Konata went in and out of character were supremely amusing.

I freely admit, though, that while my first priority is seeing the characters come before the references (and I was well pleased in that respect), I giggled like mad at the Haruhi references. I just wish that, while they were at it, Gotou Yuuko could have had a part. I was sad to see her missing.

In summary:
- Without considering scenes with external references, one of the best examples of Lucky Star yet, IMO.
- The external references were tastefully done and amusing.
- MIYUKI MIYUKI MIYUKI! :D My enthusiasm is inexplicable to some, but I can only attribute it to my weakness for the amazing combination of Moe meshing with Intelligence and Competence.

[shinku no kage]

本編
やっちゃったよ!!やっちゃったよ!!京アニがやっとしてしまいましたよ!!

こなたの"ハルヒ"コスプレと"ハルヒ"声!!さらにさらに｢ハレ晴ユカイ｣を踊りながらでのステージ!!

．．．てかこなたCDだしてたんかい!?聴いてみて～

そしてつかさちゃんの｢To Heart｣ネタ､DSゲームのオリキャラの登場．．．その上パトリシアの"みくる"コスプレでの登場!!みさおとあやのもちょっと出番が増えているし．．．

アニメ店長またまた登場!!なんかみゆきさんより出番多くねー?

ラッキー☆チャンネル
うそ!?マジで小神アキラのLIVE!? ハァー､俺はてっきり嘘かと．．．

ED
なんかコワ．．．
__________________________________________________ _____________________________________

Main
They did it!! They did it!! KyoAni actually did it!! Konata's "Haruhi" cosplay and voice!! To add she sang and danced "Hare Hare Yukai"!!

...she even has a CD!? I wanna hear~

Then there was Tsukasa's "ToHeart" ref, The DS games 2 original char apperance (the Gamers employee+sister), and Patricia's appearance as "Mikuru" to add!! Misao and Ayano is getting more air time too...

Anime Tenchou appears again!! Is it just me or is he more popular than Miyuki-san?

Lucky Channel
No way!? Really? They actually did the Kogami Akira live...and here I am thinking that it was a lie.

ED
Kinda scary...
My thoughts overall: VERY nice. BRAVO~.10/10

-The first half was basically much needed air time for Miyuki-san+mom. She finally gets some spotlight. I'm not a big Miyuki-san myself but she's really under rated in my opinion so this was a great boost for her. Also Misao and Ayano is getting some attention too. Especially Misao, theres enough of her char out there to give her a decent fan base.

-"The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" reference!!Some say going too far, I say "God has heard my prayers." \(TwT)/ . Honestly, YES, KyoAni MAY have gone a bit too far but, they worked the reference in with great work. Its not advertising, its part of the show folks!! Kyon, Nagato, the two songs from the series...blended in nicely with the episode as a whole.

*Why was Kagamin in home ec with Kona, Tsukasa, and Miyuki? She's in a different class...perhaps class merge?

-I seriously didnt think that they'd go with the Akira LIVE. But they did and my thoughts on it was....WIN!! Worked out very nicely. (=w=)

....uuuuhhh, I dont think that I had any other strong opinions left on it...*goes to re-watch ep*

[Calawain]

I basically would agree with that except that the original source material (the manga) doesn't contain "parody". The parodies are an "anime only" insertion by KyoAni.
Ah well.... it is what it is and I'll just have to grin and bear with it.

Yeah I haven't read the manga so I have no reference (if it was translated and licensed here in the states I would). However the anime adaptation has added the parody elements then, and since I don't have something to compare it against it all converges together.

[superzombie23]

The first 1/3 of the episode kind of sucked, but the last 2/3 were amazing. I loved the Haruhi jokes and the way they beeped out Code Geass and Lelouch lmao...

[Sorrow-K]

Reasonable ep, most of the funny coming out of the references. But, I am so sick of Anime Tenchou. The Anime Tenchou bits have become less funny than Lucky Channel, which was, coincidentally enough, smirk-worthy in this ep.

[Knoxer]

Well a lot of people that are complaining about the Haruhi ads, but I think they we're well placed for some good laughs. I know when they started to dance on staged I was laughing quiet a bit, but when I was the customers also dancing... that made me loose my breath. I literally started to tear from laughter.

I was also glad to see a Legendary Girl A scene again, for some reason they always crack me up.

All in all the episode was good, only bad thing was it was off to a slow start.

[Shiroth]

First after about Miyuki was done rather well, seeing her moe side over and over again. Same goes for her Mother, who is so <3.

Cosplay Cafe was done nicely, though just a bit to much Haruhi if you ask. Best part was Kyon.

Fang-chan has the same hair as me, well before i went for a haircut.

& yay best Lucky Channel yet.

[mouhitori]

A very enjoyable episode. Judging from the poll, not too many people in this forum seem to be bothered by the references and supposed advertising. It sure didn't bother me either.

If a lot of the manga does not make it into the anime, it might prove to be a blessing, as it will surely ensure a second season of lucky star goodness :heh:!

[C.A.]

This episode wins to the very last frame.

[jtrog]

Ep 15 was one of the best I have seen in a while. Konata from the start has been a Shuffle! and Haruhi addict. The whole series revolves around these girls lives at school and out of school.

Seeing Konata 'AT WORK' in that cosplay place added even more to it.:D I didn't know she had a job! Priceless.

Now the ending stuff was also super. Those lines come out of Akiras' mouth so smooth, jumping in and out of character. (think thats her name).

They have found a way to appease the fans a-lot of ways in this one.:D

I gave it a 10 I think.

[Nate-Rivers]

Glad they went more into Miyuki and I loved the microwave :D

costume cafe was awesome as well. Nagato waitress is one of my favorites :P And there is no denying the Hare Hare Yukai dance :D :D I rewatched that. More Minami and Misao as well! And Lucky Star was great. 10/10

[Bonta Kun]

This ep was just absolute WIN, don't care what anyone says it was a great:p

10/10

[Xiaolang]

I was entertained: I laughed, I cried (tears of joy) and it made me happy. It's just what I need in a comedy series. Therefore, I gave it a 10. =)

[DragoonKain3]

God. The Konaruhi scene was just priceless. Completely priceless. Tsun vs. Tsun. The swift and smooth transition from Kona to Konaruhi, especially the facial expressions. 10 different kinds of win there.

And before that, Kyon and Nagato cameo to the tee (and in preview too). And after that, Classified Info. Awesome, or maybe I'm just hungry for 2nd season of Haruhi.

What else? Miyuki family-thon first half. Kagami and friends-thon last quarter. Radically different LC and ED. Good... very good.

I'm this close --> <-- to giving this episode a 10/10, and I usually don't do episode ratings vast majority of the time. It was that good for me.

[Kaoru Chujo]

I've updated the hashihime characters/seiyuus (http://hashihime.atspace.com/etc/luckystar/charseiyuus.html) page to include pics of and info about the new characters from ep16 -- Patty Martin and the Miyakawa sisters -- and their seiyuus (including the fabulous Sasaki Nozomi and the wonderful Kano Yui).

I'm sure Yukino Satsuki did a great job as Patty Martin, but I think we'll find that Sasaki Nozomi (Nanami in Bokura ga Ita) does her own kind of great job, too. The younger Miyakawa sister is Kano Yui, who was co-winner of the award as top young seiyuu of 2006 for Momoko in Sumoimo mo Momo mo; and the elder sister is Takaguchi Yukiko, who was amazing as Sunako in Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (The Wallflower).

[Tatsumiko]

This ep was awesome

...hmmm I dont feel like putting long comments lately -_-''

[cardslash02]

What is that word Shiraishi says just at the end of Kuroi-sensei's speech about not slacking off b4 the holidays?

[truehappiness]

Apparently, looking up the "Kamchatka" sub, it's some mountain or something in Russia.

For some reason, I don't think that's what he really said.. hm...

[AVPlaya]

Apparently, looking up the "Kamchatka" sub, it's some mountain or something in Russia.

For some reason, I don't think that's what he really said.. hm...

Kamchatka Peninsula (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamchatka_Peninsula) is part of the Russian far east. I don't think it's what he said either, because it really sounded like "KAMIZAKA" instead of "KAMUCHAKKA" (カムチャッカ). It sounds like Shiraishi is being impressed by Nanako's ability to read the minds of students who want to take a longer vacation by taking the time between April 29 and May 3rd off via "sick days". I thought the Kami part made sense, but I don't know what the rest mean. I have to do more digging but maybe we have to just take it as is.

EDIT: I thought I remembered this but I guess this is the only link I can find. The Kurile Islands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurile_Islands) is a chain of islands at the end of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This ownership of these islands is disputed among Japan and Russia. Many Japanese believed these are Japanese land and I guess that's how the word Kamchatka became an everyday word. I can see how some would use it some sort of patriotic battle cry, but I don't see how the anime scene is related to this territorial dispute tracing back to the Edo period.

[Sorrow-K]

I've updated the hashihime characters/seiyuus (http://hashihime.atspace.com/etc/luckystar/charseiyuus.html) page to include pics of and info about the new characters from ep16 -- Patty Martin and the Miyakawa sisters -- and their seiyuus (including the fabulous Sasaki Nozomi and the wonderful Kano Yui).

I'm sure Yukino Satsuki did a great job as Patty Martin, but I think we'll find that Sasaki Nozomi (Nanami in Bokura ga Ita) does her own kind of great job, too. The younger Miyakawa sister is Kano Yui, who was co-winner of the award as top young seiyuu of 2006 for Momoko in Sumoimo mo Momo mo; and the elder sister is Takaguchi Yukiko, who was amazing as Sunako in Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (The Wallflower).
I'm just glad Sasaki is getting more work, since I loved what she did in Bokura ga Ita. Unquestionably, Yukino is an outstanding seiyuu (who is, arguably, a tad underrated herself), but I'm hoping to hear more from Sasaki in the near future, since I think she has potential to be a star.

[NibelungTaisa]

loved it...not sure if it has been mentioned yet or not but after watching this eps, i was wondering, if it does get licesed or not, how will they pull off this episode? especially where konata was switching back and foward from haruhi and back...as for the lots of haruhi references throught the series, i always thought that kyoani was doing it purposely to hint ppl that they are gonna do suzumiya season 2, just like how i felt with the clannad cameo's in kanon 2006, that they are gonna produce a clannad tv series...if i am right, then they might also be hinting somewhere in this episode (or another eps) about when suzumiya 2 will air

[Darklightz]

You know,I'm glad that I loved Haruhi Suzumiya because if a serie I liked started plugging a dozen references about a show I don't know or worse,a show I didn't like,I would have been turned off by it.

What's freaky was that just before downloading this episode I was watching the Haruhi Suzumiya live concert (wich turned out to be pretty disappointing). I want Season 2 already!!

But I would still love to visit a cosplay cafe like that

[Kaoru Chujo]

You know,I'm glad that I loved Haruhi Suzumiya because if a serie I liked started plugging a dozen references about a show I don't know or worse,a show I didn't like,I would have been turned off by it. What's freaky was that just before downloading this episode I was watching the Haruhi Suzumiya live concert (which turned out to be pretty disappointing). I want Season 2 already!! But I would still love to visit a cosplay cafe like thatGood point about the Haruhi references: I'm glad I loved that show, too. You help me feel more sympathy for those who didn't.

But I just want people in this thread to know that I for one totally loved the Haruhi concert (Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou). Don't miss it, especially the second half, which is the concert part. Then you can make your own judgment. As a singer, Hirano Aya is no Onitsuka Chihiro -- or even Chihara Minori -- but she's a real entertainer. I found the show great entertainment -- and the joyous atmosphere created by the 2500 chanting, jumping otaku in the audience was a big part of the show.

[Dark Wing]

I have to this has got to be one of my favorite L*S episodes so fare. The Haruhi references were made of pure gold and win but it also raises the question how long can exactly milk a series like that. :heh:

[GoldAlchemist]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QmZwUwEJL._AA192_.jpg

http://www.amazon.co.jp/コスって-オーマイハニー-こなた-パティ/dp/B000T28FYW/ref=sr_1_1/503-5724036-4738334?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1185774182&sr=1-1

Konata and Patricia's CD is up for sale for real! :D

[Dark Wing]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QmZwUwEJL._AA192_.jpg

http://www.amazon.co.jp/コスって-オーマイハニー-こなた-パティ/dp/B000T28FYW/ref=sr_1_1/503-5724036-4738334?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1185774182&sr=1-1

Konata and Patricia's CD is up for sale for real! :D

Well I guess that just answered my question now didn't...:heh:

[Kagami]

Great episode. Gotta love the Haruhi references and when Konata changes her voice from Haruhi back to herself. :heh: But one thing is for sure. How much longer are they gonna keep referring about Haruhi.

[arkon]

After reading about the haruhi stuff at the start of the thread I was kind of worried. Having seen the episode myself, it wasn't that bad at all, in fact I quite enjoyed that cosplay scene. It was a nice look at Konata at work I thought, and had some nice reactions from the characters particularly Kagami's changing expressions as Kaoru touched upon. Makes me glad I don't read manga before watching their anime adaptations as I'm sure I'd be tempted to compare them, complain about non-manga etc.. stuff like Vexx has been doing. Not sure I'd be quite as vocal about it mind you, but that's by the by.

I suppose it also helps that I don't really find the series particularly special. For me it's an enjoyable filler show (with some laughs) on the days I don't have much else to watch or do. I'm not exactly chomping at the bit for the next episode. Somewhere between a 6 or a 7 out of 10 for the series if I were to give a rating but as people sometimes get jumped on for that I won't and usually don't vote.

Kind of agreed with Sorrow-K too. The anime tenchou segment is becoming rather tired now. It was okay at first but gradually has worsened in my eyes.

Enjoyable filler/10

[Ashlotte]

Kind of agreed with Sorrow-K too. The anime tenchou segment is becoming rather tired now. It was okay at first but gradually has worsened in my eyes.

Yea I feel mostly the same about it...It was a very thin joke to begin with and its been stretched beyond the breaking point. Kindof reminds me of the L*C segment...For once in I don't know how long I genuinely enjoyed L*C and most of that I can attribute to them just moving to a different damn venue and doing something new.

I mean you can only stretch the gag of a bi-polar loli and a really square guy sitting at a news desk for so long before it gets old...heres to hoping they keep trying new things with it. ;)

Only other really notable thing from the episode was the fact that it really made me want haruhi season 2 lol. Hell in fact just watching the cosplay segment has made me want to go back and rewatch season 1...Nice marketing ploy their kyoani. :p

[Calawain]

loved it...not sure if it has been mentioned yet or not but after watching this eps, i was wondering, if it does get licesed or not, how will they pull off this episode? especially where konata was switching back and foward from haruhi and back...as for the lots of haruhi references throught the series, i always thought that kyoani was doing it purposely to hint ppl that they are gonna do suzumiya season 2, just like how i felt with the clannad cameo's in kanon 2006, that they are gonna produce a clannad tv series...if i am right, then they might also be hinting somewhere in this episode (or another eps) about when suzumiya 2 will air

There are many many parts of this show that I have no idea how it could possibly be dubbed. However, there are some really smart people working at many of the American anime companies so who knows. I mean they are dubbing Air, and that was thought to be hard, same with Excel Saga. We shall see.

[Vexx]

I imagine AIR *IS* hard and I"m not really expecting more than an iffy job at conveying what is going on in that story in english but since I ordered vol 1 of AIR, we'll find out.

Lucky*Star will probably adapt reasonably well though some of the subtext and in-jokes will just flat be lost. But it depends, If you've seen the english release of Pani Poni Dash --- then you know that IF an anime distributing company really respects the material, they'll do a pretty good job of annotating all the content.

[OceanBlue]

After reading about the haruhi stuff at the start of the thread I was kind of worried. Having seen the episode myself, it wasn't that bad at all, in fact I quite enjoyed that cosplay scene. It was a nice look at Konata at work I thought, and had some nice reactions from the characters particularly Kagami's changing expressions as Kaoru touched upon. Makes me glad I don't read manga before watching their anime adaptations as I'm sure I'd be tempted to compare them, complain about non-manga etc.. stuff like Vexx has been doing. Not sure I'd be quite as vocal about it mind you, but that's by the by.

I suppose it also helps that I don't really find the series particularly special. For me it's an enjoyable filler show (with some laughs) on the days I don't have much else to watch or do. I'm not exactly chomping at the bit for the next episode. Somewhere between a 6 or a 7 out of 10 for the series if I were to give a rating but as people sometimes get jumped on for that I won't and usually don't vote.

Kind of agreed with Sorrow-K too. The anime tenchou segment is becoming rather tired now. It was okay at first but gradually has worsened in my eyes.

Enjoyable filler/10

Beware! We will jump you~!
Haha, kidding of course.

Or am I?

Anyways, I seem to view this show differently than arkon.
If I don't get my weekly fix of Lucky Star, I become insatiable.

You're right about the Anime Tenchou segments though, like how Kimichi was right about the Lucky Channel segments. I enjoy watching the main characters interact, and the Anime Tenchou just gets in the way.

I actually liked the Haruhi references in this anime. It fit well with Konata's personality.

[Shiroth]

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31QmZwUwEJL._AA192_.jpg

http://www.amazon.co.jp/コスって-オーマイハニー-こなた-パティ/dp/B000T28FYW/ref=sr_1_1/503-5724036-4738334?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1185774182&sr=1-1

Konata and Patricia's CD is up for sale for real! :D
I'm not surprised, not at all.

I'm gonna have to order, one of the reasons being for that wonderful cover.

[Kritios]

Kamchatka Peninsula (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamchatka_Peninsula) is part of the Russian far east. I don't think it's what he said either, because it really sounded like "KAMIZAKA" instead of "KAMUCHAKKA" (カムチャッカ). It sounds like Shiraishi is being impressed by Nanako's ability to read the minds of students who want to take a longer vacation by taking the time between April 29 and May 3rd off via "sick days". I thought the Kami part made sense, but I don't know what the rest mean. I have to do more digging but maybe we have to just take it as is.

EDIT: I thought I remembered this but I guess this is the only link I can find. The Kurile Islands is a chain of islands at the end of the Kamchatka Peninsula. This ownership of these islands is disputed among Japan and Russia. Many Japanese believed these are Japanese land and I guess that's how the word Kamchatka became an everyday word. I can see how some would use it some sort of patriotic battle cry, but I don't see how the anime scene is related to this territorial dispute tracing back to the Edo period.

No, it really is Kamchatka, and there's no need to overanalyze it. In the original manga, the punchline is "She knows how we think!" which is what you correctly assumed was the point of the scene. But since they intentionally changed it, they changed it to a non-sequitur/jibberish-type deal, i.e., Kumchatka. You can catch Shiraishi saying similar random jibberish in the Lucky Channel / next-ep previews.

[Vexx]

If you'll notice, these odd non-sequiturs are tending to be Russian-based:
Potemkin (Russian battleship)
Kamchatka (anyone who plays RISK should recognize that one).

"She knows how we think!" could also be translated colloquially as "She reads our minds!" ...

It reminds me of the Monty Python Schtick where someone would cry out "Burma!!" for no explicable reason whatsoever.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
edit:
Finally got to watch ep 16 (via a.f.k.). Have to say the VA work really appealed to me in this one. I love Patricia Martin's voice.... she sounds a lot like one of my son's fellow students (white lass 3rd year JP language with a fluttery high-pitched voice) who plans on majoring in asian studies and JETing in Japan. The VA seemed to capture that "not quite sure" stilted tone of voice.

Nanako continues to sound just very huggable with ragged kansai affectation. Minami managed to show she really wasn't Nagato-clone (despite the Kyon interjection in the end preview).
The Hiragii family is a hoot (loved the satisfied looks of the parents during the sukiyaki frenzy). Miyuki and Mom .... dad-san probably has to have regular heart checkups they're so cute.

The overload on Haruhi in the first five minutes.... (sigh, whatever). The moment in the concert where Kagami took pity on Kona was very precious. I will say the interchange of the Nagato-clone waitress and the Kyon-clone customer were funny. And Patricia Martin's gag line when Kagami asked about the "special drink of the house" was precisely timed for hilarity. Kagami's reaction is almost frame for frame what my wife looks like at some of the fan conventions we've gone to... but I note Kagami connects to the espirit de corp Patty and Kona have at the end of the dance.

But can we done with the Haruhi now? I'll happily watch SHnY 2 ... but I don't *want* chocolate in my peanut butter, thank you.

The Animate sequence was a loss... the horse is not only dead but beginning to splatter. I didn't even smile. yeah, yeah, whatever.

The LC/ED sequence was absolutely fantastic (resignation at the non-L*S of it). Akira's facial expressions are, to me, a lot of why animation can do things that no live-action measures up to.
Yay for Enka! and yay for Akira's VA getting live-action time in that enka video parody. I hear next week we get to see another of the VAs in a live-action ED.

Overall, gave it a "9" mostly because there was a good deal of what I consider the heart of Lucky*Star in the episode and at least the non-L*S was compressed into the front and the back.

[Dop]

I enjoyed the cafe sequence.
The Kyon/Yuki bit was particularly well done, I thought, and while it was patently obvious that Patricia Martin dressed as Mikuru was going to do the 'kinsoku jikou desu' line it was still funny when it happened.

But what really made it were Kagami's looks of sheer horror at the spectacle going on around her, from the moment she opened the door to be greeted by Konata dressed as Haruhi. Now THAT was funny!

Oh, and I absolutely loved the live-action end sequence.

[TinyRedLeaf]

I've just flipped around a few pages of the thread (btw, that's a hugely informative cultural references post AVPlaya, thanks!), and I'm surprised no one talked about the sly jab at foreigners near the end of the episode. I wonder if the crew at KyoAni are trying to tell us foreign viewers something, like, thanks for your support! ;)

And I really really enjoyed the enka ED. The first thought that comes to my mind, omg, that sounds so much like a hokkien gua (Hokkien song)! Lol, a lot of the really popular evergreen oldies that I'd hear in local KTV lounges are in Hokkien you see.... :heh:

[Shiroi Hane]

I've just flipped around a few pages of the thread (btw, that's a hugely informative cultural references post AVPlaya, thanks!), and I'm surprised no one talked about the sly jab at foreigners near the end of the episode. I wonder if the crew at KyoAni are trying to tell us foreign viewers something, like, thanks for your support! ;)

What jab was that?
IIRC Battle Programmer Shirase had a tongue-in-cheek thanks section in the last included people in other countries watching illegally on their computers.

[f4bidnish40]

Aya Hirano switching voices between Kona-chan and HaruHaru <-- (Haruhi's nickname in the drama CD):heh: was just GENIUS!! XD The chibi versions of of Yuki and Kyon were awesome as well.......... if only Yuko Goto voiced the "Asahina-san". "Classified Information!!" I love that line!

Who was the singer in the end?

[AVPlaya]

Who was the singer in the end?

That's Hiromi-chan, Akira-sama's seiyuu.

[bullrogg]

i thought this episode was epic....btw does anyone know the brand/model/make of Konata's new cellphone? i would really like to know, it looks sweet...i think i saw it before but i forgot the name

[Dee Eon]

"Once you scooped out the lye you let it cook on medium for around ten minutes..."

I don't hold much for Konata's home eco grades if she cooks like this -- if anyone survives the taste test first! http://forums.animesuki.com/images/as.global/smilies/twitch.gif

No wonder her dad's brains is so corroded!!

Hope it's really some anime reference!

Dee

[OkamiNoKaze]

Great episode, my favorite of the series, I'm weird, I like the Haruhi references in this show, It probably stems from having watched that show before starting this one, it just added to Haruhi's infectious nature. I've said before, Haruhi is to Lucky Star, like Superman is to Seinfeld