Clannad - Episode 9 Discussion / Poll

[monir]

Welcome to the discussion thread for Clannad, Episode 9.

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P.S. Premature voting is equivalent to premature... uhm... Do not vote in the poll without actually watching the episode. Since the poll is public, all of us can see who those premature voters are.

[minhtam1638]

Uh, okay, what's up with the zero in the 09?

[Kang Seung Jae]

Uh, okay, what's up with the zero in the 09?

It seems.... out of place.


Now, let's end the Fuko arc!

[Takuto19]

Yeah seems like it might end, not sure though, if it does hope it gives us a clue at who's arc is next :)

[eMpTy265]

Yeah seems like it might end, not sure though, if it does hope it gives us a clue at who's arc is next :)

I'm guessing Tomoyo, if she gets an arc. (For several reasons I'm too lazy to talk about)

***

I have high expectations for this episode, and hopefully Kyoani will give us a good conclusion to Fuko's dream.

(Expecting something to rank at least 9... *keeps fingers crossed*)

(Question is whether they're going to pull an Ayu on us or not... or will we get the first 'bad end'?)

[toxic_trance]

True True..I have been reserving my 10 for quite some time..and seems like the time to use it has finally come :)

No matter what people say...I think this has been a very unique arc...and in spite of seeming to be similar to Ayu arc initially..I think it has turned into something very beautiful and I hope that it gets the END it deserves :)

[Shiroth]

if it does hope it gives us a clue at who's arc is next :)
That'll be the previews job.

[houkoholic]

Next arc is Kotomi.

[SidVicious]

Just to let you know...the raw is out.

[eMpTy265]

Next arc is Kotomi.

なんでやねん...

Look like they're having Kotomi join us for the ride then... (hopefully) which would please a lot of fans.


Then again, putting Fuko and Kotomi's arcs together seems a bit intense...
(Unless they're planning to drop the other arcs and head to after-story ><)




So Fuko didn't disappear after the stayover @ school?

Or did she disappear/get forgotten by Tomoya&Nagisa, and eventually she reappeared before the climax?




Crap... I think I might have spoiled myself by accident ><

*Tries to stay away until subs are out*

[Klashikari]

Episode 9: bullet summary and screencaps (http://animehistory.wordpress.com/2007/11/30/clannad-episode-9/)

A very powerful episode. My hat for the scripters here because they could do something very moving WITHOUT using easy "(melo)drama" device.
Fuko's hardship was well played until the end, and the bounds between everyone is well clear and all.

I was quite amused by the "first name stuff" but also that Nagisa is SHOWING UP in the Class 3-B

[Zarn]

Friday is coming, finally! I need my Clannad, need it now!

*Leaves topic until tomorrow night*

[Proto]

Drats.... as expected I cried like a little girl throughout the episode, however the ending was played in a very different note that previous KEY's endings.

I think this is the first kind of artistic work that has made me cry in 3 different ways (desperation, happiness, hope), within the short span of 20 minutes...and the use of Lia's insert song was just perfect... sorry I cannot bring myself to say more without spoiling too much. Just that don't bother for the nicovideo for now unless you understand the dialogs. It's low quality to a point that it almost added a fourth level of crying.

Fortunately the preview was written in a quite comedic way as to lighten things up :p

[harukamae]

Aww man...

I teared up so many times and finally cried when Fuuko appeared before her sister. AWESOME episode.

So two questions for those who may be able to shed a little light:

1) So...Fuuko's still comatose right? My Japanese is OK but I miss things from time to time, but judging from the end conversation, I couldn't glean anything regarding death and it seemed like Tomoya thought Fuuko would one day return...

2) For those who played the game, how true to Fuuko's route was this? Just curious.


At any rate, loved it! And the previews have me looking forward to starting Kotomi's arc.

[PhantomX]

Sweet... an arc about Kotomi... I can't wait :D

[Proto]

@harukamae


1)Yes, that was just Tomoya hoping such a thing would happen one day

[The Chaos]

Dose that mean no Fu-chan Anymore.....I loved Her the most in this Anime ....

[Ice Climbers]

I am prepared to cry in this episode, as I did in the past animes by KyotoAni


@The Chaos- Knowing KyotoAni, there will probably be a cameo towards later of Fuko (like Makoto in Kanon), but I'm just guessing on that

[Shiroth]

If i had the chance, this episode would get something like 10000 from me.

I guess the best way to describe episode 09 would be 'beautiful'. From start to finish, it was quite the experience.

Yet again with the use of the BGM Uminari ni, it adds more impact to the scene --- it worked perfectly this time around (yet again). I'm glad it kept playing until the morning wake up scene, where they notice that Fuko's no where to be seen.

As for the Wedding ceremony, and it's ending --- i guess powerful is the word to use? It's classic Key, and it's what i love to see. I hope all those Fuko haters (or disliking her arc) can enjoy this. I seriously see no reason why not.

& ohmylord that preview. It's Kotomi arc time.

[PhantomX]

I have a question about something odd I noticed after watching this episode... why is it that Tomoya calls certain people by their first names and others by their last?

He says Tomoyo, Kotomi, Kyou, and Fuko, but he calls Ryou "Fujibayashi" and Nagisa "Furukawa." Is it just random or is their relevance to this?

[Phoenix14]

Sad, but good. Looks like next will be the Kotomi route?

[minhtam1638]

I'm sorry... I'm so teary eyed right now...

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUKOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

There were a few things I didn't like about the episode in terms of plot, but I still have to give it a 10 out of 10.

[Cyz]

Screenshots (http://randomc.animeblogger.net/2007/11/29/clannad-09/) of episode 9 courtesy of Random Curiosity. Pls. look at it at your own risk!
So does this mean we reached the end of Fuko's story?

[Dagger]

Sometimes happiness is much, much more powerful and moving than tragedy.
Overall, this episode worked far better for me than the ending of the Makoto arc in Kanon. Color me pleasantly surprised with how everything was handled. Really nice, and it'll flow beautifully into the next arc.

[Shiroth]

So does this mean we reached the end of Fuko's story?
Yes it does.

[Proto]

He says Tomoyo, Kotomi, Kyou, and Fuko, but he calls Ryou "Fujibayashi" and Nagisa "Furukawa." Is it just random or is their relevance to this?

In Japan calling someone by their first name is something only done by family members and really, really close friends done during your youngster years. Even when you become really acquainted with someone during your adulthood it is psychologically impossible for the average Japanese to call them by their First name. So when two friends start calling each other by their first friend represent that they have surpassed another of the many facades Japanese society makes its members hide beneath.

[Rasuberi]

I have a question about something odd I noticed after watching this episode... why is it that Tomoya calls certain people by their first names and others by their last?

He says Tomoyo, Kotomi, Kyou, and Fuko, but he calls Ryou "Fujibayashi" and Nagisa "Furukawa." Is it just random or is their relevance to this?


The relevance is that CLANNAD takes place in Japan, Tomoya is Japanese, and thus he and other characters may tend to act like Japanese people. Sorry for wording it like that, but I've just been studying so much Japanese lately, and tsui...

Anyways, it just symbolizes that he's comfortable by calling certain people by their given names and others he isn't. It also depends on the level of closeness and the other characters personality. Sometimes you get so used to calling someone the way you've always called them, that you may just never switch to their given name, etc. There is a significance, but it isn't that big of a deal. Except for with Nagisa. Because it's embarrassing for him. Wonder why. ;) ニヤニヤニヤニヤ　

I could explain much more... but I'd go on big tangents about Japanese culture and such.

[Shana]

Yeah seems like it might end, not sure though, if it does hope it gives us a clue at who's arc is next :)

I think the next arc is Fujibayashi Sister's/Kyou's, if not, then it's Kotomi's. I'm pretty sure Tomoyo's arc is at episode 14-17 or 14-19. After that, then it'll be Nagisa's arc.

I'm wrong, for sure. I'm saying this in base of Kanon '06.

[Shiroth]

I think the next arc is Fujibayashi Sister's/Kyou's, if not, then it's Kotomi's.
The next arc is Kotomi's.

[Rasuberi]

The relevance is that CLANNAD takes place in Japan, Tomoya is Japanese, and thus he and other characters may tend to act like Japanese people. Sorry for wording it like that, but I've just been studying so much Japanese lately, and tsui...

Anyways, it just symbolizes that he's comfortable by calling certain people by their given names and others he isn't. It also depends on the level of closeness and the other characters personality. Sometimes you get so used to calling someone the way you've always called them, that you may just never switch to their given name, etc. There is a significance, but it isn't that big of a deal. Except for with Nagisa. Because it's embarrassing for him. Wonder why. ;) ニヤニヤニヤニヤ　

I could explain much more... but I'd go on big tangents about Japanese culture and such.

Aa, ProtoMan beat me to it. However we both share different explanations so oh well. : O

[pagan poor]

During the courtyard scene with all the students waiting to receive the bride and groom, Kotomi looks totally nervous. I guess she hates being out of the library. :)

[Deathkillz]

speechless...
indeed...this played out much better than expected...i guess for me a tragic end was so expected that this turned out to be a rather emotional shock (of a different type).

while i didnt break down and cry i did have a mixture of sadness and happiness for some reason...its really strange...

fuko has never been a character that has always struck at my heart strings - yet seeing her disappear like that in the end is just...painful yet the scene was done in a way i felt overwhelmed with happiness...fuko getting her final wish being able to tell her onee san how happy she feels was just...

*imagines sanae crying with joy*

the BGM was just superb! right place at the right time - looking back at the scene when tomoya and nagisa realised what they had forgotten was just (seriously i dont have any words to describe it ^^)

lovely touch having fuko's sister seeing her finally *please be happy!*

and as this arc comes to a close fuko isnt a lost cause...we are blessed with some hope that one day she may return ;)

[Kang Seung Jae]

One reaction:


*Weep*


It's been a long time since a weeped over an anime...... That was powerful.




Next Arc: Finally, KOTOMI-CHAN!!!!!!!!!!!

[iamandragon]

I have a question about something odd I noticed after watching this episode... why is it that Tomoya calls certain people by their first names and others by their last?

He says Tomoyo, Kotomi, Kyou, and Fuko, but he calls Ryou "Fujibayashi" and Nagisa "Furukawa." Is it just random or is their relevance to this?

Apart from the cultural factor ProtoMan, it is also because that Tomoya know some of them better--Kyou for example. It was not told in the anime, but actually they knew each other from the 2nd year of high school already. It's also a way to distinguish between the twins.
And for Fuko's case, it's because Tomoya treats her as a lower class man, "Kohai" in Japanese. It is all right to call those of lower ranking than yours by their first name, even though not very common.
And for Kotomi's case...he is forced to, and she won't even respond with the "-chan" ending...

Watched the RAW of it, quite teary, but I didn't burst out in tears like when I played the game. There are sometimes where words speaks better than pictures and sounds I guess...

P.S. trying to drag my brother into the world of anime, everyone cheer me on!

[kct]

Seriously, this arc got a dramatic, yet satisfying end.

About Tomoya calling Ryou 'Fujibayashi', also as a form of respect, since Ryou is his class rep.

[amoirsp]

And for Kotomi's case...he is forced to, and she won't even respond with the "-chan" ending...

No no no, it's she won't even respond without the -chan ending lol. Is this relevant? Somewhat yes, but that's all I'll say. (Note: the anime already has a basis since it's clearly displayed).

And uh I don't think Tomoya would call Ryou by name if she weren't class president. I really don't think so. Don't forget how similar Tomoyo and Kyou are to Tomoya, so the increased familiarity is easier to implement (I think the word was tomboyish, and there were multiple instances of such hinting).

Although I thought the timing of Fuuko's arc was still weird, the advantages are clear (though if it were second to last, running right into Nagisa's route wouldn't be unusual, and that's the only oddity since Nagisa's relevance was high, the momentum would be good.) On the other hand, reducing usage of Fuuko works too since her route emphasis was great, and her comedy resources more or less were all used up (oh except for *that* one, but the main idea more or less is the same.). Since the ending execution ran well, as well as the circumstances, you have slight ambiguity in mystery, but a happy ending, and a resolution that does not generate a loss of momentum.

And of course Kotomi's route is independent of Fuuko's (and even if that weren't the case, the way the anime is right now already will not have Fuuko's presence since the arc just ended). Though it's kind of funny because of the 0 correlation, it's like whoah, Kotomi's air time like quadrupled (seriously, in episode 10 it probably will easily exceed her total air time.). Thank goodness Kotomi's route is next. If she was used later like after Tomoyo or Kyou's route, then the amount of buildup in her character would be horrid (and right now it is horrid, so the company should go into her route to counterbalance that. Also, it will make more sense as the series continues due to the circumstances. Heck the preview already indirectly states the advantages of running her route first. The conditions that are preset should be identifyable.).

Nagisa incorporation works, but I guess it was an additive that Kyoani wanted to make her emphasized and to make her own route more sufficient to prevent isolated circumstances where it's only male lead and focus girl.

Great conclusion, now I will wait another week to enjoy my favourite route. I just hope they input *that* and *that* and *that*. If Kyoani doesn't go all out in Kotomi's route, her character would be far too shorthanded (and yes, relative to other characters currently, Kotomi is extremely shorthanded, and her stereotypical character format doesn't make her a great side character like Kyou who is versatile in any sort of scene, thus using her route to make her the focus character and not have to use her in later routes is a good timing choice.). Oh and of course, the conditions. I hope they use 3, not 4 episodes (1 on route running, 2 on continuation + issue impending, 3 being the resolution). 4 episodes would be suicide in terms of route balance unless they're definitely truncating something.

Unfortunately, because of how Fuuko's route works and the timing of it, the linearity and the conclusion were much more straightforward (and you can assume the other routes don't function like Fuuko's by default). Great execution, let's hope they can keep it up (uh that's also why I would have wanted Fuuko's route second last, because the momentum into Nagisa's route would net better conclusiveness since the route doesn't really use any other main girl characters anyway.)

I'll rate the episode after I see the subbed, though it looks good in terms of conclusiveness and impact.

EDIT: Wahahaha. Good eye, pagan.

[FCS-31]

Great........the first ANA is great........

I will still waiting for that time's ANA.......the memory on the train.......

Ryou is name,and Fujibayashi is family name.

[PhantomX]

During the courtyard scene with all the students waiting to receive the bride and groom, Kotomi looks totally nervous. I guess she hates being out of the library. :)

Haha... guess the school library must be pretty desolate in comparison... as opposed to those hundreds of people :P

No no no, it's she won't even respond without the -chan ending lol. Is this relevant? Somewhat yes, but that's all I'll say. (Note: the anime already has a basis since it's clearly displayed).

And uh I don't think Tomoya would call Ryou by name if she weren't class president. I really don't think so. Don't forget how similar Tomoyo and Kyou are to Tomoya, so the increased familiarity is easier to implement (I think the word was tomboyish, and there were multiple instances of such hinting).

Although I thought the timing of Fuuko's arc was still weird, the advantages are clear (though if it were second to last, running right into Nagisa's route wouldn't be unusual, and that's the only oddity since Nagisa's relevance was high, the momentum would be good.) On the other hand, reducing usage of Fuuko works too since her route emphasis was great, and her comedy resources more or less were all used up (oh except for *that* one, but the main idea more or less is the same.). Since the ending execution ran well, as well as the circumstances, you have slight ambiguity in mystery, but a happy ending, and a resolution that does not generate a loss of momentum.

And of course Kotomi's route is independent of Fuuko's (and even if that weren't the case, the way the anime is right now already will not have Fuuko's presence since the arc just ended). Though it's kind of funny because of the 0 correlation, it's like whoah, Kotomi's air time like quadrupled (seriously, in episode 10 it probably will easily exceed her total air time.). Thank goodness Kotomi's route is next. If she was used later like after Tomoyo or Kyou's route, then the amount of buildup in her character would be horrid (and right now it is horrid, so the company should go into her route to counterbalance that. Also, it will make more sense as the series continues due to the circumstances. Heck the preview already indirectly states the advantages of running her route first. The conditions that are preset should be identifyable.).

Nagisa incorporation works, but I guess it was an additive that Kyoani wanted to make her emphasized and to make her own route more sufficient to prevent isolated circumstances where it's only male lead and focus girl.

Great conclusion, now I will wait another week to enjoy my favourite route. I just hope they input *that* and *that* and *that*. If Kyoani doesn't go all out in Kotomi's route, her character would be far too shorthanded (and yes, relative to other characters currently, Kotomi is extremely shorthanded, and her stereotypical character format doesn't make her a great side character like Kyou who is versatile in any sort of scene, thus using her route to make her the focus character and not have to use her in later routes is a good timing choice.). Oh and of course, the conditions. I hope they use 3, not 4 episodes (1 on route running, 2 on continuation + issue impending, 3 being the resolution). 4 episodes would be suicide in terms of route balance unless they're definitely truncating something.

Unfortunately, because of how Fuuko's route works and the timing of it, the linearity and the conclusion were much more straightforward (and you can assume the other routes don't function like Fuuko's by default). Great execution, let's hope they can keep it up (uh that's also why I would have wanted Fuuko's route second last, because the momentum into Nagisa's route would net better conclusiveness since the route doesn't really use any other main girl characters anyway.)

I'll rate the episode after I see the subbed, though it looks good in terms of conclusiveness and impact.

Your extreme vagueness about Kotomi's route has peaked my curiosity. Can you PM me spoilers please? :X

[Chewy]

Stupid Clannad music, always, ALWAYS gets to me.

I stopped watching Clannad a few episodes back, but popped back for this episode to see how they would handle one of my favorite scenes from the game. I am surprised I STILL got choked up when ANA started playing... well done, well done.

[Decagon]

Once, twice, three times... kind of throws you off your rocker if you have to prepare yourself for Fuuko's departure... repeatedly. Looking forward to the last ep now.

[Leo_Otaku]

Awesome episode ^-^ Ana for the win. Now on to Kotomi her story was quite good, her's is one of my favorite ^-^ I liked how it was like "Bully?" and then they would go "yes" right after in the preview XD

[KJlost]

Beautiful episode. The build-up itself was nice and pretty evenly timed I think.

But the climax scene really blew me out of the water. The last line "...zutto, zutto shiawaseni!" with insert music in the background was said with such bliss. It was intensely moving, more so than any tragedy might have in the same scene. Nonaka-san really pulled this off.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Up until now, I have not been as enthusiastic about Clannad as I expected to be. It hasn't been hitting me that hard. But that all changed with ep9. As I sit here with tears still in my eyes, I want to say that was a beautiful, beautiful episode.

One thing that has been striking me all the way through, however, is how good a job Nonaka Ai has been doing as Fuuko. I thought she reached a new level as Mikan in Manabi Straight, and this is another high. Ai-pon (her nickname) was Iriya in Iriya no Sora, Ichijou-san in PaniPoni, and Kafuka in Zetsubou Sensei.

Here's a video of her talking (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOdPRQsTQSE&feature=related). And here's a photo:

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/940/nonakaai3ry9.jpg

[Ascaloth]

Watched the TWH-Sprocket sub of Episode 9.... (EDIT: fixed by velocity7. You know it's a good story when it has got you blubbering too hard to notice your mistakes...)

.... I BAWWW-ed.

Man. This is not Makoto's story. This is not even Ayu's story. This is Fuuko's story, people, and it is a beautiful one in its own right.

And I had thought that I've managed to build up a resistance to BAWWW-ing due to overexposure to KEY's stories, since I wasn't BAWWW-ing all that much throughout Fuuko's arc....well, the end of Fuuko's story in this episode is strong enough to override that resistance.

SHAFT's ef ~a tale of memories~ issued the strongest challenge to KyoAni yet with an excellent Episode 7, and KyoAni answered with a one-up in this episode. Another episode where voting a 10 for it simply isn't enough.

Blog article coming tonight, hopefully.

[frustra]

A very nice conclusion to Fuuko's arc, albeit bittersweet. Loved it, like everyone here does. Very touching, very emotional, and KyoAni does it again. 10.

Next up is Kotomi's arc. I have very high expectations for this.

[Kaioshin Sama]

Well I guess I'm just not the sucker for KEY's offer em up and snatch em away style of storytelling that seems to get so many people:

I had a feeling I wouldn't really feel much for Fuko when she did what girls do in KEY series, but it was good that she finally got to fulfill her wish. Overall I find the whole storyline a tad on the predictable side, and one I'm really growing weary of seeing from KEY, so I can't really call it especially brilliant. Simple, decent, well told, all in all a good just slightly above average story that manages to rise above the pile, but not achieve anything I would call greatness, nor anything new for KEY. Some people say that KEY took lessons from Kanon and Air and used them to evolve their storytelling, but I see more of the same, bordering on rehash.

Overall though the arc felt kind of pointless, and you know it's Nagisa that is really the important one. Fuuko was always an odd duck character to me that never quite felt real enough to develop a real emotional tie to that would make her story really poignant or immersive. Like I've said before though, it felt like an interesting diversion, but I've never really cared much for the way this or Kanon was structured in such clear character arcs. It feels natural in that it's focused (and I mean that it feels close to an actual VN, not real life), but unnatural at the same time in that it's too much so and you get the feeling you're being lead towards a particular conclusion that is meant to make the viewer feel a specific way at key moments (like....a VN). It's technically well done, but really in the long run all to predictable. Though I probably should have expected as much as some have told me. :heh:

Well, anyway this arc is it were is where I get of the Clannad ride for now most likely. I'll probably pick the series up after it's done, but more of it is not in my to watch list for the time being. Though I'm somehow curious to find out how the movie handles things now that I've seen an arc of the TV Series in action, but not right now.

Anyway, sorry to be the downer as usual.

[Joachim]

man the thing that got me teary eyed is when nagisa and tomoya wake up and forget everything, just imagine fuuko all alone shouting their names but they can't see or hear her, man just that thought alone invoke my very emotion, and suddenly fuuko re-appear beside them when they remember her again oh man.. the loneliness, i feel you fuko i feel ya

and also the last scene, zutto zutto siawaseni, omg

man i need my klenex sob

good story telling and bgm placement as usual, bastard got me right on spot sigh..

[Moridin]

This episode was fantastic. It is the first episode of clannad that has recived a 10 from me! I was teary eyed all the way through (well almost). That by itself shows it was a great episode. What makes it a fantastic episode is that the reason for my "teary eyed"-ness was constantly changing. It was sometimes joy, sometimes sadness.
As usual, Kyotoani can make you cry when they want to. My "teary eyed"-ness was quickly replaced by real tears when fuko started talking about how all her days with Nagisa and Tomoya was like a "starfish festival".
When the person you know is about to dissapear, talks with the voice fuko used there, calm and controled and happy, it gets my everytime :'(
For once, I decided to watch the preview as well, just to see if they gave any hints. I was pretty amased... there I was, still with somewhat blurry eyesight, and suddenly I bursted into laughter! :heh: The two last lines of the preview was hilarious! :heh: Of course they have cut the scenes so it ended up that way, because there is noway those two lines can follow eachother in the next episode, haha! For those of you that skipped the preview, WATCH IT.


P.S. trying to drag my brother into the world of anime, everyone cheer me on!
Good luck! :) I did it last year, but unintentional. Then i recomended him some good shows, and after that we watched Fullmetal Alchemist togheter, then he was hoocked forever. If your brother starts to likes anime, I recomend that you watch FMA togheter, since its about two brothers, trying to help eachother.

[Heresiarch]

All I can say is, I hate tears blurring my eyes while watching stuff.....

The Key feeling is so heavy here, even though it's not a truly bad ending, I still can't help but feel depressed.

[velocity7]

Watched the TWH-Sprocket sub of Episode 9...

Same mistake again? :)

[Ascaloth]

Same mistake again? :)

........

I must have been crying too hard to double-check. :heh:

[EXEs]

Gawd, I feel like a pussy cos I was nearly crying from this episode. But to hell with that!!! This episode was the best one so far!!! Very, very, touching. I hope we see more of this godliness from KyoAni.

[Ascaloth]

On another note, blog article is up:

[RIUVA] CLANNAD (TV), Episode 09 (http://www.riuva.com/?p=872)

Well, I gotta go sleep now; Sociology exam tomorrow. Wish me luck, guys!

[Takuto19]

Arg i was almost crying too, especially when....

Fuko showed up as a ghost at the end of the wedding

10/10

Fantastic episode though, best one so far.

Also really glad to see it looks like Kotomi's arc is next :)

[X207]

10/10 i loved this ep, it was very heart warming. i also was about to cry when (ep9)
fuuko finally got to talk to her sister and give the starfish to her

were there any major mistakes in sprocket TWH's subs?

[Kouvley]

Beautiful. Simply Beautiful.

My only complaint would be that we will have to wait 3 weeks to see it in widescreen, 4:3 does not do this episode justice at all.

[Kinny Riddle]

I plan to give this episode a 10 long before, but I have to watch it first, and I was not disappointed with my decision to do so.

Fuuko has accomplished what she came to do, with excellent results, and can depart happily.

The whole episode was well done, the pacing, the scripting, the music, even the ending.

I was a bit worried that they would do a "Zero no Tsukaimi II styled" Deus Ex Machina ending and quickly bring Fuuko back to school, which would have cheapened the impact of her departure.

(I'm sure many lambasted the ending of ZnT2, so I won't go into details here. )

I was glad Kyo-Ani made that "ending" open-ended, meaning she won't return until at least very, very late on, if she does return.

There really is nothing to add which hasn't been said.

97.5% people who have rated this episode as of writing have voted 9 or above speaks volumes. This transcends blind Kyo-Ani fanboyism, not even the most pickiest of critics can dent this absolute majority in sentiment. If it's good, then it's good.

Now Kyo-Ani has to show they can do even better. If Fuuko made you weep, be prepared for Kotomi.


And LOL at how they edited the preview conversation:

Kotomi: Is Nagisa-chan a bully?
Nagisa: Yes!

[Snuffle]

I have to admit, very touching. Got me glued to the screen.
Especially when Ibuki-sensei was FINALLY able to see Fuko.
I found the "call by first name" scene very entertaining. Nagisa is so cute :D

And I was lol'ing at the ep 10 preview when Kotomi goes "bully?" and whoever she was talking to replied "yes!".

[Kaioshin Sama]

I plan to give this episode a 10 long before, but I have to watch it first, and I was not disappointed with my decision to do so.

Fuuko has accomplished what she came to do, with excellent results, and can depart happily.

The whole episode was well done, the pacing, the scripting, the music, even the ending.

I was a bit worried that they would do a "Zero no Tsukaimi II styled" Deus Ex Machina ending and quickly bring Fuuko back to school, which would have cheapened the impact of her departure.

(I'm sure many lambasted the ending of ZnT2, so I won't go into details here. )

I was glad Kyo-Ani made that "ending" open-ended, meaning she won't return until at least very, very late on, if she does return.

There really is nothing to add which hasn't been said.

97.5% people who have rated this episode as of writing have voted 9 or above speaks volumes. This transcends blind Kyo-Ani fanboyism, not even the most pickiest of critics can dent this absolute majority in sentiment. If it's good, then it's good.

Now Kyo-Ani has to show they can do even better. If Fuuko made you weep, be prepared for Kotomi.


And LOL at how they edited the preview conversation:

Kotomi: Is Nagisa-chan a bully?
Nagisa: Yes!

Wait, whoa whoa whoa, hold on a sec now. If you say you planned to give the episode a 10 well ahead of time, and then state that if "it's good it's good" and it transcends "blind fanboyism" in a way that cannot be tainted.....it seems a bit contradictory.:confused: You can't really predjudge an episode with a rating and then say that it's definitive of something or to "speak volumes".

I tried that once and took a lot of flack for it, which I think was well deserved now that I look back.

[Faust87]

I can't stop crying...:(:( I'm so sad... Fuko...

The only thing that make me happy is that Kotomi is the next

[Julius Firefocht]

It's good, it's really good. Tears came to my eyes during this episode, and Fuko will long be remembered.

10/10 from me. Any less would dishonour and devalue the excellent work that the artists from KyoAni has done.

[IRJustman]

were there any major mistakes in sprocket TWH's subs?

I'd like to think there weren't. :)

And I was lol'ing at the ep 10 preview when Kotomi goes "bully?" and whoever she was talking to replied "yes!".

I smell several quotes patched together out of context. I will be up-front and honestly say that I don' t know the story, so I really don't know what exactly will unfold. The ambiance didn't seem too uniform, neither did the setting. Even though the conversation seemed to flow normally, the aforementioned seemed to suggest otherwise.

Basically, it all boils down to this: They're called "teasers" for a reason. ;) (And in this case, not only is Kotomi being "teased", so are we.)

--Ian.

[Kinny Riddle]

I forgot to add, one thing Kyo-Ani did right where Key didn't was the wedding attire of Kouko-san and Yuusuke.

A wedding gown and suit is what a couple is supposed to wear in a wedding, not your regular clothes, lol.

[TooPurePureBoy]

Man, if any of my friends saw me right now....

I'm a football player sized dude with a big scruffy beard.....I'm crying like a little girl all throughout this episode....

Damn you KyoAni give me my testicles back!:frustrated:

[deathreape98]

great tearjerking episode. 10/10

[Kamui4356]

Overall a pretty satisfying conclusion to Fuko's story. In the end she her feelings were finally able to reach her sister. Fuko really grew on me as her arc progressed, so I'm glad she was able to get a happy ending. She's still in a coma, but at least everyone remembers her somewhat, even if it's really just a vague feeling. Hopefully KyoAni can keep up the good work with the rest of the girls' stories.

[Xiaolang]

I cried again, therefore I gave it another 10. Best episode in the series thus far.

I can now understand why Key used the word "Clannad" for the title. The essence of family and togetherness really shines through in this episode.

By the way, if you didn't cry in this episode, you have no soul. =P

[MaxwellDemon]

]By the way, if you didn't cry in this episode, you have no soul. =P

Poor Kaioshin then, he is accused of having no soul. :heh:

Anyway, I can't wait to watch this episode... since I am living on campus in my university, I have to wait for direct download. >_<

[taelrak]

Hrm, the conclusion and how it turned out was fairly satisfying, but I actually didn't like KyoAni's handling of the scenes for once. They felt a bit clumsy and contrived compared to what I usually expect from them...

On one hand, the build-up was very emotional, but having her "disappear" from various people's memories so many times largely insulated and numbed me to the true effect.

My biggest objection would be the wedding scene where Fuko shows up. It was inevitable that she would be the last one to see her sister off of course, but KyoAni seems to have forced the scene a bit too much. For me, one thing that always makes such "tragic" scenes more effective is the use of the right music and background to set the mood--something KyoAni does to amazing effect usually. However, the harshness of the scene made it feel contrived--even as Ibuki turns to Fuko, the music abruptly starts (on a rather harsh note too), and the scene shifts suddenly--overall it felt too exaggerated and almost as if KyoAni was trying just a bit too hard.

This clumsiness made the entire scene feel a bit out of place and awkward - in fact, it's something I'm used to seeing from anime that parody such tragic scenes by over-exaggerating, such as Hayate no Gotoku or Seto no Hanayome, not from a scene that was actually meant to be moving. It tended to undermine the very touching and moving dialogue and intended effect of this parting reunion.

Contrast this to the Kanata scene in Lucky Star, which started with a subtle build-up and the emotional scene had a very "soft" feel to it that wasn't imposed on the viewer.

[Kaioshin Sama]

Poor Kaioshin then, he is accused of having no soul. :heh:

Anyway, I can't wait to watch this episode... since I am living on campus in my university, I have to wait for direct download. >_<

Eh, whatever,:heh: these comments of "Voting Less then 10 is dishonorable" or "You aren't watching properly" are so dime a dozen and I'm so used to it by now that it doesn't bother me much anymore. I just take it for what it is, laugh it off and stick to my guns. I mean after all, it's silly. It's just a number and a show, so why should it mean I have no soul right? No harm done.

[Snuffle]

She's still in a coma, but at least everyone remembers her somewhat, even if it's really just a vague feeling.

Didn't she die? I mean, they said her condition got worse in another ep... Wouldn't that be the reason she was dissapearing? I dunno...

Could be also that she is near waking up so her ghost is no longer needed.

[MaxwellDemon]

Didn't she die? I mean, they said her condition got worse in another ep... Wouldn't that be the reason she was dissapearing? I dunno...

Could be also that she is near waking up so her ghost is no longer needed.

When they mean worsening, it means that the chances that she'll stay in coma is higher now.

[Klashikari]

Her ghost state was primarly so she can fulfill Kouko's happiness.
Now that she managed to greet her a happy weddings with tons of people, her wish is granted, so she is already happy, and her ghost form is no longer required.

Medically, there are instances when the patient is in coma, but can no longer wake up at all, except improbable miracles (it does happen, but most likely, they can be considered brain dead, while their vital activities are working fine)

[Mirrinus]

Wow, that was a rather powerful episode. The tears started flowing around the 13:40 mark, and they just didn't seem to quit until the credits. Fantastic conclusion to this arc. I'm definitely well-pleased. Not only did we wrap up Fuuko's story admirably, but I felt we made marvelous progress on the whole Tomoya/Nagisa relationship (the part where Fuuko makes them call each other by their first names, I was totally cracking up).

Although, does anyone else think the Engrish in the second insert song at the end was really funny?

[KaneDragon]

Plenty of good points about this episode, so I'll just pick two random ones.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/462/fukocallnagisabyfirstnapw9.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fukocallnagisabyfirstnapw9.jpg)
Yay for Fuko getting Tomoya to call Nagisa by first name. o/ Though Nagisa still needs more time...

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1408/tomoyaturningdownshoppimg7.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tomoyaturningdownshoppimg7.jpg)
Kyou "asking out" Tomoya == ;_;

[Divini]

I don't know about you guys, but I had tears in my eyes for almost half of this episode. Everytime I thought they might dry out, another scene would bring fresh ones...

Maybe I'm just too emotional for these things. :(

I think I figured out the reason though. The four main feelings that would elicit tears from me in an anime would be:

Pain
Sorrow
Happiness
Hope

.... and this episode brought forth all four of them in such a great way. Sayonara Fuuko, even if we forget all about you, we'll never forget these feelings you have touched us with. :)

And lastly of course:


Main Char / Supporting Char[TH]
Okazaki Tomoya
Furukawa Nagisa
Ibuki Fuuko
Ibuki Kouko
Fujibayashi Kyou
Yoshino Yuuske
Furukawa Akio
Furukawa Sanae
Fujibayashi Ryou
Sunohara Youhei
Botan
Koumura Toshio
Sagara Misae
Mitsui
Sakagami Tomoyo
Miyazawa Yukine
Ichinose Kotomi
20:00
18:03
13:15
3:30
2:42
2:21
2:01
2:01
2:01
1:34
0:47
0:24
0:03
0:02
0:02
0:02
0:02

*Almost everyone had at least a camo this episode :)


Main Char / Supporting Char
Okazaki Tomoya
Furukawa Nagisa
Ibuki Fuuko
Sunohara Youhei
Fujibayashi Ryou
Fujibayashi Kyou
Ibuki Kouko
Furukawa Sanae
Sakagami Tomoyo
Furukawa Akio
Yoshino Yuuske
(Mysterious World)
Ichinose Kotomi
Botan
Miyazawa Yukine
Mitsui
Koumura Toshio
Sagara Misae
Okazaki Naoyuki3:00:56
2:02:55
1:23:10
46:10
17:37
17:01
16:44
15:42
12:08
10:46
4:58
4:46
4:21
3:21
2:40
2:31
2:02
1:47
1:05


*All in all, this arc gave Fuuko more than ample screentime -- almost half of Tomoya's total so far.

*Yes you have now seen 3 hours of the blue-haired guy (and 2 hours of the cute, ahoge girl) :D

[Ashlotte]

Well even if the arc's tone felt alittle uneven atleast they ended it pretty well. Nagisa and tomoya still hogged up the spotlight though... :heh:

But more importantly...KOTOMI next. :love:


P.S. I thought it was kinda wierd to talk about the girl like she was dead during a few parts there...Coma =/ Dead. :upset:

[MaxwellDemon]

Whoa... just whoa.

As many said, tears just start flowing at half way point.

I am giving this a 9 just as taelrak said, the music execution and, in my opinion, the song choice could have been better.

Gotta laugh at the preview though. XD

Kotomi - Ryou is a bully?
Ryou - Hai!
Kotomi - Is she bullying?
Ryou - Hai! If you don't mind!
Kotomi - Is Nagisa a bully?
Nagisa - Hai!

:heh:

[Yushi]

I remember people hinting on how there's a 'mysterious glow' thingy during the 'titles' (forgot the term for it) And now that the arc is over...I STILL don't understand that glow... can anyone explain it to me?

[minhtam1638]

I remember people hinting on how there's a 'mysterious glow' thingy during the 'titles' (forgot the term for it) And now that the arc is over...I STILL don't understand that glow... can anyone explain it to me?

I assume it's for an arc completion, but I am not entirely sure...

[amoirsp]

I forgot to add, one thing Kyo-Ani did right where Key didn't was the wedding attire of Kouko-san and Yuusuke.

A wedding gown and suit is what a couple is supposed to wear in a wedding, not your regular clothes, lol.

While that's true, it wasn't formal to the fullest extent, so regular clothes doesn't cheapen the concept since the thought process of it was already maximized. Not only that but to choose the school as the location uses school implications, thus regular clothes doesn't seem as odd. I mean you have students as the audience as well, but whatever. It's not entirely wrong (or maybe I'm just remembering Kanon where the thought process used was the right momentum, but obviously the supplies to use couldn't possibly be readily available, thus you have the marriage, without the technical parts. If you use this pattern, then this is a Kyoani mistake, however, the company likely thought that the wedding clearly had the capacity to utilize things seen in a wedding, especially when the said people are full-fledged adults.)

Uh, Kyoani makes almost all their endings open-ended. If not, then it's merely conclusive, so there's nothing unusual about anything ambiguous. Unfortunately it make continuity oddity, but the lack of Fuuko's presence won't submit such an issue.

However, the Kyoani additive of a more structured wedding didn't make it much less convincing, so it works anyways. With how the ending works, they can easily exercise options to either use or not use Fuuko, particularly the former. The latter works only because the astral projection is still an astral projection, though since the purpose is resolved, and given the key trend Kyoani has done with key works, it's more likely to have no Fuuko appearances until the end. If there was any problem, it's that the wedding was pretty focal but you hardly know the teachers and the electrician (then again despite Kyoani's emphasized details, not much is explained in an entire spectrum).

And while I agree ANA isn't a bad song, the jump into the music was a bit much. Considering how they used lots of slow momentum to build the route up, portions of the resolution were slightly more quick making it seem too sudden.

Hm, all the Nagisa additives were probably implemented to make her more convincing. The momentum makes it better but it makes anyone non-Nagisa lack much of a basis.

And uh there's no way Kyoani would have done the Fuuko returns to school thing. That didn't happen in the game, and fortunately not having an astral projection return is a more convincing ending than um the open-endedness which they excessively used in Kanon (or incidentally putting most characters into a hospital just because it just so happened one after one). Using a non-open endedness wouldn't make sense entirely. Ironically, since it is an astral projection, it's entirely possible to throw the character back into the fray, but since almost everything Fuuko inclusive had already been used, not using her is going to be far more convincing than absences of other characters. On the other hand, Kanon 24 indirectly was a Deux ex Machina. Unfortunately, Fuuko route is probably the easiest to conclude because of its distinct main point.

Oh well, by trend Kyoani is not going to run a bad ending, and to fail a success they truncate it into ambiguity (on the other hand you indirectly fail other routes because you're running one specific one, so in this sense Nagisa implementation is slightly more convincing.). So while the merging momentum is really bad, the route's linearity is fairly straightforward, but since it's usually so happy, it can be very predictable (and anything else falls into ambiguity, and will not be covered for the next 13 episodes lol).

Now I wonder how a totally opportunity cost scenario can function convincingly. Didn't work previously. Thankfully Kotomi's route is an independent scenario, which ironically makes it easier to implement (and if they used Kotomi any later, her establishment for character would be far too little). Basis should be a slightly lesser issue, does Kyoani decide to use every component in Kotomi's route (I anticipate they won't since they already screwed up a minor portion that was actually rather relevant. Also, there's an inconsistent fact because of Nagisa's presence which results in being a contradiction that Kyoani very likely will ignore called skipping classes. But since actually being in class hasn't been used at all and is mostly irrelevant, that detail probably won't matter so it won't be a large problem.) Since Fuuko wasn't a prominent side character, her absence is not going to create continuity oddity (and perhaps that's why Kyoani did her route first) meaning that Kotomi's route can still run normally. Heck, because of how the route works, you can implement things as if they already were interject-able.

Well, the episode concluded nicely. The basis leading up to it in terms of main point was fine, and whatnot. A 9 is what I would input, though the clear high bias is probably due to the fact that this is pretty much the only anime I'm watching this Fall to a greater extent (and even then it's dropping rapidly lol).

[FireChick]

I just finished watching this one....WHY IS IT THAT I DON'T CRY AT SUCH ANIME LIKE THIS???!!! Looks like I'm gonna give myself an anxiety attack if I wanna cry at this episode.

[Klashikari]

I remember people hinting on how there's a 'mysterious glow' thingy during the 'titles' (forgot the term for it) And now that the arc is over...I STILL don't understand that glow... can anyone explain it to me?
I assume it's for an arc completion, but I am not entirely sure...
That was velocity7 who pointed that ^^.

No, the light orb was there in episode 7, coincidently matching the "true" start of the arc, and the mutual wish for happiness between the ibuki siblings.

[X207]

Plenty of good points about this episode, so I'll just pick two random ones.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/462/fukocallnagisabyfirstnapw9.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fukocallnagisabyfirstnapw9.jpg)
Yay for Fuko getting Tomoya to call Nagisa by first name. o/ Though Nagisa still needs more time...

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1408/tomoyaturningdownshoppimg7.th.jpg (http://img137.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tomoyaturningdownshoppimg7.jpg)
Kyou "asking out" Tomoya == ;_;


i was surprised as to how much insight fuuko had on tomoya and nagisa. i didnt notice kyou asking out tomoya. though i dont think there will be a cat fight in this anime

[MaxwellDemon]

i was surprised as to how much insight fuuko had on tomoya and nagisa. i didnt notice kyou asking out tomoya. though i dont think there will be a cat fight in this anime

I think KyoAni is putting quite a bit of effort in making it discreetly obvious that Kyou has something for Tomoya. :heh:

[holyman282]

Great ep! Truly a tear jerker and deserves a 10! The animation this ep was great and Fuko's arc certainly ended with as much drama as one would expect from Kyo/Key.

I really enjoyed how Fuko's character stays so consistent with that fun loving attitude. Even in that dramatic scene which she's about to disappear at the wedding, she can only mention things like the "starfish festival". That alones brings the drama to a realistic level and certainly I shed a tear at the simplicity yet no less dramatic way of saying goodbye to Nagisa and Tomoya...

Also I think that old teacher has pretty deep insight, I mean he was the only one that still remembers Fuko. No less helping Tomoya and Nagisa to remember her again. He was also the one who saw the glowing orb several ep back. It makes me think that he'll play a bigger role maybe later on in another character's arc.

Next ep looks like Kotomi! Woot can't wait.

I think KyoAni is putting quite a bit of effort in making it discreetly obvious that Kyou has something for Tomoya. :heh:

lol the oxymorons just abound with Kyoani's works don't they?

[X207]

I think KyoAni is putting quite a bit of effort in making it discreetly obvious that Kyou has something for Tomoya. :heh:

i wouldnt be surprised if they do something discreet like this with kotomi. seems like hes one of the few ppl she responds to. maybe kotomi sharing her obento is already a hint ;). i doubt they would hav tomoyo drop hints.

[MaxwellDemon]

i wouldnt be surprised if they do something discreet like this with kotomi. seems like hes one of the few ppl she responds to. maybe kotomi sharing her obento is already a hint ;). i doubt they would hav tomoyo drop hints.

No, Tomoyo definitely not. Considering Kyou's route, I am surprised KyoAni made it (again) discreetly obvious that Kyou has something for Tomoya though... but then I trust they know what they are doing. I can already imagine how'll this make an impact in one way already. :p

Kotomi sharing her bento though... I thought that was just a gesture of kindness as I bet not many in school talks to her due to she being a genius and that she is also a little bit weird.

[X207]

No, Tomoyo definitely not. Considering Kyou's route, I am surprised KyoAni made it (again) discreetly obvious that Kyou has something for Tomoya though... but then I trust they know what they are doing. I can already imagine how'll this make an impact in one way already. :p

Kotomi sharing her bento though... I thought that was just a gesture of kindness as I bet not many in school talks to her due to she being a genius and that she is also a little bit weird.

we will see, often quiet characters can surprise the viewers.

[Bonta Kun]

as much as I love Fuko-chwan and as sad as I am that its ended with her(for now hopefully)

Next up is Kotomi-chwan! which is enough to lift my spirits after that real tear jerker of a ep

also Sunohara in white suit = FTW!:heh:

[Zarn]

I don't know about you guys, but I had tears in my eyes for almost half of this episode. Everytime I thought they might dry out, another scene would bring fresh ones...
Same here. How is it that they can make us both roll on the floor laughing and then make us wanna cry like little girls. xD

[Hunter Sock Monsters]

Fuko looked very cute with her party hat. I'm happy that she had fun with the pre-celebration party with Nagisa and Tomoya.

Nagisa and Tomoya forgetting Fuko was a truly sad moment. well there's a twist I didnt see coming!! they remembered Fuko with help from the old guy :p holy hell the starfish worked!!

Fuko thanking Nagisa and Tomoya was a beautiful moment, it brought tears to my eyes. In a way it reminds me of Misuzu thanking her Mom at the end of Air.

Fuko handing her sister the starfish and wishing her to be happy forever was gorgeous, A perfect way to end Fuko's arc! just the way the animation was done was a great great visual.

A very very moving episode. There were multiple times that I had tears in my eyes. I'm truly going to miss Fuko, hopefully before the end of this series Fuko will wake up and make an appearance at the school and truly be friends forever with Tomoya and Nagisa!!

[boggart]

Very good and solid ending to Fuko's arc. The emotions sure did flow. T_T

[teachopvutru]

This was a very excellent episode. It was very soothing, very satisfying, and at the same time really... both happy and sad. I came EXTREMELY close to crying, and although I didn't, I've been having this unsettling feeling inside my chest. :(

[Eviltape]

My god, this is the best arc ending I've ever watched. But I'm with everyone on the fluid ending, being close to crying, and the general EPICNESS of the entire episode. I love this, and Clannad is definitely my anime of choice so far. To pull all of this off is one of the best things in the world, rivaling my reaction to Kanon, another Key/KyoAni production.

Woah at Kotomi being the next arc, with the coming out of the library. 2 people down as endings, I wonder who will be the canon (no pun intended) woman for Tomoya. ;)

I almost lol'd at the Engrish song, but I suppressed it for the greater glory of the episode. Beautiful song, but I need a better understanding of Japanese grammar to decipher some of it.

[s[H]sIkuA]

Why, why , why? I know it will be the end but still, the scene is very emotional to the point I cried. Damn KyoAni for making such a good episode. 10/10

Need to watch HnG 34 for counter-effect :D

[MonkeyDude]

Kotomi looking lost and confused is enough to warrant this episode a 10 xD

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/4229/clannad09ln4.png

Have to agree that the whole Key miracles/magical thing gets somewhat repetitive and makes the scenes somewhat predictable, taking away a lot of the emotional value in it.

Still a great episode btw, although I think it doesn't hold up to some of the scenes in Kanon and Air:heh:

[teachopvutru]

sIkuA;1278111']
Need to watch HnG 34 for counter-effect :D

Funny since that's what I'm thinking of doing as well... :heh:

[zqube]

Not a perfect 10, but well worth my time. That episode was really good. I should take a look at my anime rank list again and make sure Clannad is somewhere near the top.

[todkapuz]

I really dislike giving 10s... but I can't resist for today.... yes there were some elements that I think could ahve been a bit better..... but hey.... Fuu-chan got to be fuu-chan... and we all got to be cry-babies....

All I can say is THANK GOD for KOTOMI-CHAN~~~~~~~~~~~ :)

[Antenor]

I admit it, I cried a little.

I used to be pretty cold to Fuko at the start of her arc... but she grew on me, like that annoying-but-earnest friend in high school. Scenes like the "school sleepover" made her so endearing! But there won't be any more Fuko now. :(

This definitively earns a 10 from me.

[kimchipride]

9/10

I guess I expected too much after reading all the comments and viewing the poll. It was a great end to the Fuko arc. I don't want her gone! =(
I'm not excited for Kotomi arc at all... She seems like a boring character to me.

[Ikonomi]

My favorite part of this episode was Fuko, Tomoya, and Nagisa in the overnight pre-celebration. I found this scene immensely powerful and moving... The candlelight, the three friends together... Gosh, they really hit all the right notes here. Amazing. I had tears in my eyes the whole time because I knew what was coming, and I got the sense that Fuko did too, which made it even more emotional.

The wedding was very well done, too. To see all the students there, and even the damn rugby club, was great. I will not mention the English singing, 'cause I refuse to let that spoil such an awesome episode. :)

I'm very sad to see Fuko go. She's such an endearing person (well... character). I'm really glad she got her moment at the wedding, and that the whole school still knows her name, even though they don't remember their personal experiences with her. To know that everyone is still rooting for Fuko and waiting for her to wake up one day really softens the blow of losing her presence.

I'm almost glad I have a whole week to shift gears and get back into the theatre club story. I'll miss you, Fuko! :P

[holyman282]

Yes the school sleep over scene was amazing, the candle light just gave off a warm feeling. With these scenes you can see Kyoani's attention to the small details. An example would be when Nagisa and Tomoya waking up at the school, wondering why they were there. The intentional placement of 3 juice boxes and the way in which Tomoya was looking at it, hints at Tomoya that there was someone else with them.

[Mr Hat and Clogs]

Very nice episode, so moving. I admit I shed a couple tears when her sister finally saw her.

[Reckoner]

This episode irked me in a very bad way, I almost stopped the episode because of it. I felt no emotion. Actually sorry, in fact I was happy when she finally vanished.

4/10

Now onto the rest of Clannad which I am 90% certain will be far better than Fuko's really lame arc.

So in conclusion, I can earnestly say that Fuko failed me as a character.

[Chau]

9

was touched, but didnt shed a single tear

and is it just me, or did I see the super sweet juice from AIR in there?

[holyman282]

Now onto the rest of Clannad which I am 90% certain will be far better than Fuko's really lame arc.

So in conclusion, I can earnestly say that Fuko failed me as a character.

There are various reasons I believe you didn't like this ep, but it certainly wasn't because Fuko's arc was lame. Kyoani did a excellent job as always for Fuko's arc and I would consider it to be a masterpiece.

I think your problem from your previous posts in ep 8 is that Kanon is still affecting your judgement of this ep. That is by no means the fault of Kyoani's and calling it lame is unjustified. Fuko's arc itself is extremely well done.

In other words, it's not because of the execution of the storytelling, the directing or anything else done by Kyoani that you disliked about it. You have merely been swayed by external forces (i.e Kanon).

Fuko's arc may not connect emotionally to some people, but it certainly isn't lame.

[Itadakimasu!]

Great Episode! I think it really defined the Fuko arc, giving it the emotional gravitas that people had previously been complaining about.

I'm looking forward to the Kotomi arc :)

PS. The scene where they 'remember' Fuuko was great. The subtle hint of the empty space between Okazaki and Nagisa was well done!

[Reckoner]

Actually, Kanon had no effect on my viewing of this episode. I just thought it was actually bad. The previous episodes weren't bad, but like I said for some reason this episode really irked me.

[MaxwellDemon]

Actually, Kanon had no effect on my viewing of this episode. I just thought it was actually bad. The previous episodes weren't bad, but like I said for some reason this episode really irked UO.

That's really harsh... I don't see what's so irk-able in this unless you really dislike happy emotional scenes... :twitch:

EDIT: Before I am misunderstood, I am okay with you disliking it... but I am just really taken back that someone actually finds the episode unbearable to watch.

[Jigsy]

I cried, but out of curiousity ...

The Fuko in the hospital, did she pass away ... or?

[MaxwellDemon]

I cried, but out of curiousity ...

The Fuko in the hospital, did she pass away ... or?

She is still in coma. Just that her chance of waking up is now a lot lower than when the arc first started. :heh:

[Stifler]

A perfect 10. This was pulled off beautifully.

[amoirsp]

Actually, Kanon had no effect on my viewing of this episode. I just thought it was actually bad. The previous episodes weren't bad, but like I said for some reason this episode really irked me.

I think it's just a mismatch of your preferences. I think this happened to me on several occasions of previous episodes, like 5 (loss of momentum was huge). Replay value is also nonexistent. Maybe since it was overtly conclusive, you would find nothing really happened, and thus it was there just to end the route. If it's in that sense, I would find your statement entirely believable. It is a slow episode, and nothing new happens, it's just that what was supposed to happen does happen, hahaha.

I don't know how you would conclude that Kanon affects the judgment. It wouldn't. There's like no basis to determine that. Though contrast to ones that depicted drama and tension, this really generate that. Kyoani likes repetition, maybe that's why they induced so much on Fuuko's route lol. Humour does indeed lack. Not to mention you do have an almagam of characters, without much basis in many. I find the opinion reasonable, and I wouldn't necessarily disagree.

[dgreater1]

Since Fuuko's arc is now finished, I think I'll give my opinion to some of the things people will probably ask... (in advance) :heh:

1) How come Kouko-san only saw her at the end?
Because that was the only part where she accepts that Fuuko was always together with them.
2) Someone asked about Koumura-sensei's thoughts about how they forgot about the wedding but he remembers it.
Just a simple answer that he might not have a complete idea about Kouko's sister being in the school, or in long, although he knows about Kouko-san's sister (Fuuko), he didn't really had any interaction with her. so he was not affected by the virus called "If you know Fuuko's a solid ghost, you're bound to forget your times with her when she was a ghost."
3) How come those who knew her began to forget her?
A rumor started it all, and a rumor ended it. In long again. The rumor about her being a ghost was just rumor, then it escalated to facts when a rumor about her being a true ghost spread. Her time must also be running out. Also, don't forget that most people are curious to know the truth (take Sunohara and Sanae for example).
4) How come Tomoya and Nagisa didn't forget her early?
Their strong will to help her achieve her goel that turned to strong will not to forget their bonds perhaps? Just like Sunohara and Sanae-san after seeing her real body in the hospital, they showed some resistance about forgetting her (Specially Sanae who's strongly denying the fact that she couldn't be interacting with them.) Those who doesn't have such strong bonds with her will forget her easily while those with such, showed some resistance.

Next is KOTOMI-CHAN~~~~~~~~~~~

Kotomi: :confused:
DGreater1: :confused:

:heh:

My guess about Tomoyo or Kyou being the next route went to the gutter ditch and flowed down the slope really fast! I was thinking they might follow the game format...

01=Fuuko
02=Tomoyo
03=Kyou,
04=Kotomi
05=Yukine (Yakuza: This is discrimination!)
06=Nagisa
07=Some after story elements and other character's stories

Anyway, Post ends here...

[Reckoner]

That's really harsh... I don't see what's so irk-able in this unless you really dislike happy emotional scenes... :twitch:

EDIT: Before I am misunderstood, I am okay with you disliking it... but I am just really taken back that someone actually finds the episode unbearable to watch.

I'll need to rewatch the episode again, but it was just the way that things played out. Probably the biggest one was when Tomoya and Nagisa just started crying outside in front of everyone, or maybe when they forgot about Fuko then remembered her all of a sudden. I'll give more detail later... Perhaps because I knew it was supposed to be emotional, yet I felt nothing and it made me feel weird.

But don't misunderstand, many of my favorite series are the ones that play with my brain and heart and swish it around in a blender. Like Neon Genesis Evangelion, aw I was put in a melancholic mood for weeks from the whole series + the movies.

[CaroRuLushe]

perfect. next is kotomi-chan~!
Its was a good episode. I made cry alot. I was starting to tear when Nagisa and Okazaki forgot Fuko-chan. Then the tears came in after . lol. I'm still crying a bit. I'ma go watch it again. I feel like i have too.

[FlareKnight]

I guess one part that kept with me early in the episode was questioning whether Fuko was there with Tomoya and Nagisa. Of course they kept her invisible for the audience as the characters couldn't tell. Must've been rough to follow them around. The after school party was a nice moment.

Sadly it just requires the right kind of moment and anime to get any tears. I did feel the emotions of the episode so at least I had that. Glad Fuko got to see the wedding and wish her sister the best before finally fading. Always the hope that one day she can wake up even if we may never know when.

So now onto the next arc though Fuko won't be forgotten at least by me. Oddly she wasn't a character who initially had all that big an impact on me. And going along with that feeling we're moving onto another character who (and I apologise to her fans) hasn't had a big impact on me Kotomi. But if this arc has taught me anything its to keep an open mind and see the story unfold.

[toxic_trance]

Now this episode definitely was awesome. I think it is very wrong of people to call it an Ayu copy or a Makoto copy..since this according to me was an all out Fuko Arc for me. The ending was definitely not cliched.... and I definitely wasnt expectin what happened

The highlights of this episode simply have got to be the celebration scene, Fuko giving her sister the gift, and the chemistry of Nagisa and Tomoya again

Something brilliant about this series is how well the lead pair chemistry has been portrayed. And its definitely not very common to see the lead pair solving the mystery on their own. A bit of it was seen in AIR... but since here it is with the romantic touch, with every episode the bond between Nagisa and Tomoya increases and becomes stronger

A great episode..and a well deserved 10

[armedrabbit]

GOOD EP! :p

[stonedzombie]

sorry if this has been answered already, but if someone could just to clear things up for me.....

1. So the events taking place with Fuko this whole time were just Fuko's dream in a sense?

2. I take it even Okazaki and Nagisa ultimately forgot about their time with Fuko by the end? (except for her "feeling")

3. For you game players, how close was the anime's arc ending to the game?



thanksss

[MaxwellDemon]

sorry if this has been answered already, but if someone could just to clear things up for me.....

1. So the events taking place with Fuko this whole time were just Fuko's dream in a sense?

2. I take it even Okazaki and Nagisa ultimately forgot about their time with Fuko by the end? (except for her "feeling")

3. For you game players, how close was the anime's arc ending to the game?



thanksss

I could only answer 1. and 2. and give a slight answer for 3. :heh:

1. Nope, they were real. Fuko had projected something of an astral projection to convoy her wishes to her sister.

2. Mmm, to me, it seems like everyone did except for Okazaki.\

3. There were more than one ending in the game. :heh:

[Zaris]

I think it is very wrong of people to call it an Ayu copy or a Makoto copy..since this according to me was an all out Fuko Arc for me. The ending was definitely not cliched.... and I definitely wasnt expectin what happened

While there are many similarities between the two (or three) and in some ways, it's hard for some people to not draw comparisons, I agree that Fuko is a character of her own and the producers did an excellent job to portray that.

The biggest plus that separates Fuko from Ayu is that there's a bit more sense of closure and believability. KyoAni explained themselves well this time around, and all the plotholes that didn't really get answered could be reasonably filled in without having to spend hours thinking of an explanation in my mind that would still barely make an ounce of sense. This may not entirely be KyoAni's doing though; CLANNAD is Key's third game, and that would suggest they had plenty of time to work out the specifics. In any case, the story is coherent enough and closed its circle completely. That's already a good deal of satisfaction.

I got back from my Thanksgiving vacation on Monday and as a result I was late to watch episode 8. So I decided to hold back and put my commentaries together as a two parter as I guessed (successfully) that they were going to close the whole thing within the next two. Both episodes were great, but I consider number eight to be the stronger of the two. It was much more of an emotional roller-coaster to see everyone around Fuko start to forget about her than just Nagisa and Tomoya. Then again, if the animators had devoted a little more time to the protagonists' own Fuko amnesia or slowed down the progress in which they were starting to remember, it would've come out a bit better, I think.

I really wish I had more to say about this episode. Short of the blatant inconsistancies regarding the end of episode 8 and the start of episode 9, I don't feel like there's a lot to comment. If anything, I'm really wishing that episode 9's drama would've impacted me a bit more. Feels to me like all the highlights were rushed, jam packed into a 24 minute clip with all the good stuff forced out like a jelly doughnut when you first take a bite. The scenes were cute, the animation was quality, but there was a lack of passion in the overall episode except for a few moments such as Tomoya's well-wishes to Ibuki-sensei and the private wedding celebration between Fuko, Nagisa, and Tomoya. The rest of it kind of left me high and dry.

I may have an explanation for myself. Maybe episode 9 felt too much like an ending. I definately know that there's still 15 parts to go, so I want to think that despite Fuko's passing, the events of this arc will carry on. But the whole wedding felt like it gave an excessive amount of closure than it was needed. The show's not even half done yet, and it's already playing farewell songs. I personally felt the pace of things a little confusing for me to keep up with. And the more it progressed, the more "harem" it felt.

That sounds exactly what the problem might be. Fuko's arc ended way too much like an arc, a category, or a subplot. It went all the way through and through to the end of Fuko's story and it feels like it will begin anew with another girl as if Fuko never existed. This is not like Makoto in Kanon, where even after her story came to a close, her influence still carries itself throughout the later episodes. The ending portrayed here in episode 9 felt like too distinct of a cut, too harsh of a curveball to the next arc. I may just be rushing things, but in short, episode 9 gave too much of an impression of closure and looks too much like what it would be if you played a harem game, picked one girl's path to go through, and got that complete ending. It's gonna immediately jump to another girl's path as if you had never picked the first path at all. The stories don't exactly feel linked as a result. But that is the inherent nature and potential problem of this kind of adaptation, is it?

All in all, many things about this episode that are praiseworthy. But if I had only one word to summerize Fuko's arc, it would be "comfortable". Although episode seven was the highest point of the whole ordeal, the ending really smoothed it out - maybe a little too smooth. Because I feel the ending lacked the passion of its early and middle episodes, I fear I'm not going to remember much about it. Five years from now, I will probably only remember distinctly the bow in Fuko's hair and the starfish she held in her hands... which is probably what the rest of the people in CLANNAD will end up doing.

Coincidence? Could possibly be only for me.

[amoirsp]

I could only answer 1. and 2. and give a slight answer for 3. :heh:

1. Nope, they were real. Fuko had projected something of an astral projection to convoy her wishes to her sister.

2. Mmm, to me, it seems like everyone did except for Okazaki.\

3. There were more than one ending in the game. :heh:

Lol 1. being a dream? Well you could say it is ... to the real Fuuko. So therefore yes, but since it's the reality, that's why it's no (as in it's not technically a dream). But I suppose relative to the real Fuuko, I think it's plausible. Just like most other things, this itself has ambiguity.

They left 2. ambiguous, though what Kyoani did was rather typical of them since their patterns do format that as in the way they concluded it.

Yes, there was more than one ending in the game lol. But for 3. uh, truncate Nagisa from most of the parts with Tomoya and Fuuko, and then remove the Nagisa + Tomoya seen, and adjust the Furukawa Bakery scene, take out the Fujibayashi sisters intending to go shopping thing, swap the wedding gown with regular clothes and remove that scene where Tomoya's friends are talking and swap them with 3 random guys, and add in a Fuuko epilogue which wasn't implemented (it wouldn't be convincing anyway, so the ambiguity noted makes a lack of Fuuko presence far more convincing).

Of course there are other things, such as Kotomi and some others had nothing to do with the route and how School Foundation Day was definitely different, and uh a bunch of other things like random references to either real life people or another fictional character (seems like Kyoani wanted to truncate all those references, including the Taiyaki one oddly. I mean they switch the fictional character carving into Nayuki's frog ... keropi? which is fine since it would be indirect infringement and blurring it out to counter that would contract the point, but then the removal of Taiyaki? I can understand removing references to other fictional things or people).

Well, putting in Nagisa makes the momentum make more sense, and it's still made clear that Tomoya created the possibility for the most part. On the other hand if they had Nagisa forget about Fuuko slightly sooner, it would be more main character pressure making his stressed faces more convincing. Oh right, Nagisa's condition was totally truncated during this route too because they want to emphasize it later but then they can't put Nagisa with Tomoya so much in this route if Nagisa is out of commission. Lol if it was just Tomoya you would think he's very similar to Yuuichi, but Kyoani removed that by having Nagisa with Tomoya in just about every scene that would have been just Tomoya and Fuuko.

Ah but in terms of obvious main point, it's definitely there. And smaller details that were mentioned for the most part also existed. Though the way Kyoani did it made it less segmented and more cohesive such as slightly increased use of other characters, but nothing significant was missing.

So in terms of accuracy, it was definitely there. Time for the time warp! (since segmented routes one after another obviously aren't chronological)

[sakuravs]

Two big thumbs up for such a beautiful ending!!!
Although Fuuko's arc was a tragic one, but I think the way how they presented and interpreted the ending really raise a hope and (somehow) mitigate the sadness inside each of us.

[holyman282]

Actually, Kanon had no effect on my viewing of this episode. I just thought it was actually bad. The previous episodes weren't bad, but like I said for some reason this episode really irked me.

Yes for some reason, as in you don't know what the reason is. If it irked you and you're not sure why, then I'll assume by your previous talk about Kanon that it's because of the similarities between the two shows.

That's the only reason I see that as, since I remember you saying that you really enjoyed Kanon, if that's the case Clannad/Fuko's arc follows a similar formula. By logic you should of liked Fuko's arc also, unless it was because of the similarities nullified the full impact of ep 9.

If that's not the case could you point out the reason why you didn't like this ep?

[Ascaloth]

Yes for some reason, as in you don't know what the reason is. If it irked you and you're not sure why, then I'll assume by your previous talk about Kanon that it's because of the similarities between the two shows.

That's the only reason I see that as, since I remember you saying that you really enjoyed Kanon, if that's the case Clannad/Fuko's arc follows a similar formula. By logic you should of liked Fuko's arc also, unless it was because of the similarities nullified the full impact of ep 9.

If that's not the case could you point out the reason why you didn't like this ep?

Whoa chill, man. Give the man some space. I'm sure he's also trying to figure out why he doesn't like this episode too, so let's just give him some time to work out an answer he's happy with. Don't pressure him needlessly. :heh:

[grey_moon]

What in the name of the great dango is going on this season? Another male lead who didn't annoy me at a key moment. When Tomoya got invited out he turned it down as he was sure that he had something else to do. Yay yay to guys who don't just senselessly accept invitations out for the hell of it.

Boy did they play my heart strings like a puppet. I started blubbing when Fuuko asked about having a pre-celebration and I was uh oh she is going to disappear. Divini covers all my feelings perfectly with:

I don't know about you guys, but I had tears in my eyes for almost half of this episode. Everytime I thought they might dry out, another scene would bring fresh ones...

Maybe I'm just too emotional for these things. :(

I think I figured out the reason though. The four main feelings that would elicit tears from me in an anime would be:

Pain
Sorrow
Happiness
Hope

.... and this episode brought forth all four of them in such a great way. Sayonara Fuuko, even if we forget all about you, we'll never forget these feelings you have touched us with. :)

And lastly of course:



So many tear jerking moments for so many reasons. One point that stands out in my mind is when Ibuki sensei asks them why they are so sad :(, sniffle I'm tearing up just thinking about it.


I'm very sad to see Fuko go. She's such an endearing person (well... character). I'm really glad she got her moment at the wedding, and that the whole school still knows her name, even though they don't remember their personal experiences with her. To know that everyone is still rooting for Fuko and waiting for her to wake up one day really softens the blow of losing her presence.


Me too, I felt so sad that in the end they still forgot about her, but deep inside I have hope that as soon as they see her in the future that their memories will pop open and their friendship will continue from before. I get this feeling from when they remembered that the shuriken actually is a starfish.

I think in terms of story writing it works out really well that they forget about her, otherwise we would have the rest of the show with Nagisa and Tomoya visiting Fuuko in hospital everyday. There is no way I believe that they would not if they did remember her.

I need to drink a few pints of water before I dehydrate from crying too much. Where I sit is covered in tissue paper it looks so dodgy :p, but I think that this episode just killed off a few trees from people crying

[FCS-31]

It seems that few people have read the novel.From novel,we can know that Toshio is Kuoko's teacher,they know each other for many years,and also,Toshio know fuko....so It's not strange that he can remember fuko.....because his memory of fuko came from long ago.....not from now.

I recommand people who know Japanese to read the novel.......the novel is the story befroe game or after game.

[arkxkra]

Fuko part is ended. This episode made me "eyes wet" ... it a nice episode...

one more thing, from other people view(Fuko) also think Tomoya and Nagisa should become couple/marry...

next episode will start Kotomi story. Looking forward to it.

[holyman282]

Whoa chill, man. Give the man some space. I'm sure he's also trying to figure out why he doesn't like this episode too, so let's just give him some time to work out an answer he's happy with. Don't pressure him needlessly. :heh:

lol on the contrary, I am chilled. I apologise if my tone sounded harsh or agressive, but I'm merely trying to hopefully change Reckoner's mind on ep 9 (which I thought is an amazing ep). If not discuss what he didn't like about it.

[Lilith]

Ep 9
Sometimes happiness is much, much more powerful and moving than tragedy.
I couldn't agree more. This unexpected closure in addition to the sweet songs and BGM also the beautiful moments (candle, confetti, wedding) made me give it 8. Other than that... I didn't like this episode much.

I'm such a "horrible person" because all the time I was thinking "finally Fuko's story is finished!". I disliked Fuko's story in the first place, her way to show acceptance of Ibuki-sensei moving on by giving starfish to invite people to her sister's wedding was IMO silly and didn't impact me at all. That's why seeing everyone react so dramatically with tears and sadness irked me a bit, especially seeing Tomoya crying so easily infront of everyone... :rolleyes: Ibuki-sensei herself at that moment didn't shed one tear. And what about her husband? Showing us his support would've been appreciated.

Maybe it's because I was eating pasta while watching it. Anyway, I can honestly state that KyoAni did a good job executing this story even if the plot wasn't to my liking. :D

Man, if any of my friends saw me right now....

I'm a football player sized dude with a big scruffy beard.....I'm crying like a little girl all throughout this episode....

Damn you KyoAni give me my testicles back!:frustrated:
*pats* It's not their fault because, well, you know, "it comes off sometimes". :heh:


Gotta laugh at the preview though. XD

Kotomi - Ryou is a bully?
Ryou - Hai!
Kotomi - Is she bullying?
Ryou - Hai! If you don't mind!
Kotomi - Is Nagisa a bully?
Nagisa - Hai!

:heh:
Yeah! I'm really looking forward to Kotomi story and finally resuming "theatre club" activities. I'd love to see what will happen next between Tomoya and Nagisa after that absolutely cute "first name basis" scene. <3

[grey_moon]

That's why seeing everyone react so dramatically with tears and sadness irked me a bit, especially seeing Tomoya crying so easily infront of everyone... :rolleyes: Ibuki-sensei herself at that moment didn't shed one tear. And what about her husband? Showing us his support would've been appreciated.


To her Fuuko is in hospital. To her it is meant to be one of the most happiest days of her life.

To him he is witnessing a friend who he deeply cares about fading from everyone's minds (but not hearts thank goodness). He desperately wants to convey Fuuko's feelings over. I think he did dango well in that situation. I would have been hiding in a corner somewhere blubbing my eyes out.

Also if you consider that Tomoya considers her as part of his substitute family it might help explain why he acted so emotionally.

[holyman282]

To her Fuuko is in hospital. To her it is meant to be one of the most happiest days of her life.

To him he is witnessing a friend who he deeply cares about fading from everyone's minds (but not hearts thank goodness). He desperately wants to convey Fuuko's feelings over. I think he did dango well in that situation. I would have been hiding in a corner somewhere blubbing my eyes out.

Also if you consider that Tomoya considers her as part of his substitute family it might help explain why he acted so emotionally.

Yes interesting point, as of now, we haven't gotten anymore insight into Tomoya's family problems other then the first 2 ep, but we know that Tomoya has family problems.

What you said was an interesting point and that is that he's slowly considering, Fuko and Nagisa as part of his family. I'm sure as we get to know more characters in Clannad, they'll all slowly become a part of Tomoya's replacement family.

[Lilith]

To her Fuuko is in hospital. To her it is meant to be one of the most happiest days of her life.
To me, I expected her to get at least teary eyes? :heh:

To him he is witnessing a friend who he deeply cares about fading from everyone's minds (but not hearts thank goodness). He desperately wants to convey Fuuko's feelings over. I think he did dango well in that situation. I would have been hiding in a corner somewhere blubbing my eyes out.
"Hiding in a corner ". As I mentioned before, I'm very happy with Tomoya's development, but to me, it was too early to just bawl like that infront of all those people.

And LOL @ dango well.

Also if you consider that Tomoya considers her as part of his substitute family it might help explain why he acted so emotionally.
Excellent note. Again, I'm really touched how sentimental Tomoya became, but I still feel it was exaggrated. All in my humble opinion and humble expectations. :D

[kid's hotaru]

Im is perfect.
Without it ,the effect won't be so wonderful.

[Shiroth]

I'd love to see what will happen next between Tomoya and Nagisa after that absolutely cute "first name basis" scene. <3
I wasn't that sure if they remembered that or not.

[Cheezy]

Such a lovely episode. I cried twice.
Seems like the next arc will be Kotomi.

[saphyre]

Great ep, but sad at the same time T_T.
Judging by the previews, looks like Kotomi will finally get some screen time **hooray**

[TooPurePureBoy]

I wasn't that sure if they remembered that or not.

Ya that was one of the "tear inducing moments" I had in this episode. After they wake up in the morning the first thing Tomoya does is go back to calling her Furukawa. They totally forgot I think.

[Aznbanana]

Alright, KyoAni pulled tears outta my eyes even when i promised myself i wont cry again to something KyoAni made. It deserves a 10/10 just for the emotional impact. :heh:

[Joachim]

and still we have that two who always vote below 5 lol... meh to their own judgement then, oh man 2nd way watching and still got teary eyed, dang

[Thentus]

I can honestly say, I had really wanted to cry in that episode since it's been a while since I have seen a tear jerker. In the end it was impossible, for me personally they didn't present Fuuko in a way that I would seriously miss her.

Still a good episode, and I gave it a 7.

[outlaw97]

It's harder to invoke tears of happiness as opposed to sadness. Especially in the visual novel genre, generating scenes of angst and sadness is relatively easy with sufficient character development. I know I'm sounding rather analytical, but my point is that if Clannad can continue to invoke these scenes of hope and accomplishment, where people can cry out of joy as opposed to sorrow, then it may actually outrank Air as my personal favorite for this type of show.

Yes, it's sad that Fuko may never come out of her coma, but at least for me, what matters more is that her feelings reached all the students at school, and more importantly, her sister. That's the stuff that warrants the 9s and 10s for this episode.

BTW, can someone tell me the corresponding OST track for the instrumental played during Nagisa's last speech to Tomoya and Nagisa?

[Klashikari]

BTW, can someone tell me the corresponding OST track for the instrumental played during Nagisa's last speech to Tomoya and Nagisa?
You mean Fuko's last speech about her dream?
If so, it is 願いが叶う場所 (Negai ga kanau basho: The place where wishes come true)

[Ice Climbers]

I was really prepared to cry in this ep, but in the end I just had the urge to but never quite materialized, unlike the Makoto arc in Kanon, wonder why :confused:

[grey_moon]

I was really prepared to cry in this ep, but in the end I just had the urge to but never quite materialized, unlike the Makoto arc in Kanon, wonder why :confused:

I think scenes like this are very personal, my best example was when I watched Tomb Stone of Fireflies with 2 of my friends and their girl friends. At the end of it all the guys were blubbing their eyes out, but the girls were moved but not in tears at all. We cried again soon after the show ended as we called them heartless wenches and the fallout was so bad that it has been buried in the depths on my mind to save my sanity.

[TooPurePureBoy]

Ya I definitely think it's just a matter of personal experience. Personally I can relate to Fuko a little in that when I was younger and going through puberty I developed a weird case of social anxiety that made it seem like when ever I'm with more than one person I feel like the others are in a bubble that I'm outside of. In other words I felt invisible for some weird reason. Of course I learned that it was all in my head eventually but I can still recall those feelings and it just made me all the more emotional when watching Fuko's disappearances.

Don't get me wrong, you don't have to have some emotional trauma to cry at a fictional story, I just think if you've gone through something similar you are more apt to empathise. ;)

[Ryoujin]

For some reason on the past episodes I thought things were going slow, but probably everything summed up and ended up in this one (as in all the things that happened). It was kinda sad, I actually wanted to cry at the middle of the episode :( I do think that they kinda overdid it at the end, tho.

And then there aren't many anime series that actually make me feel sad, I recall on a long while ago but I don't remember which series was it... or maybe it was the movie of a series... sigh, don't remember.

[Kristen]

You make me cry, you get a 10. This was a great arc, and from what I've heard, Kotomi has a good one too. Kyoto works miracles.

[Reckoner]

Ok I've rewatched the episode and I feel slightly better than the first time I watched it, but now I have a more clear reason for disliking it in my head.

I cannot feel anything for the characters in the episode, cannot relate to anything that is happening, felt that some of the scenes were over dramatized to a point of it being trivial, and just did not like how the plot unfolded what so ever.

Scenes that are over dramatized (To me mind you) consist of the Tomoya crying scene, the exiting outside and finding the whole school there scene (I would've felt a lot better if they were there originally), and a large part of the pre-celebration party at the school scene.

None of the characters are in situations I can really relate to at all. The difference between Ayu's arc in Kanon and this one was that it had a story why she was in coma and that was all linked to Yuiichi. That's a story I feel is more relatable (Friend getting hurt in front of you). Nothing about Fuko I can relate to as it is just so fairy tale like.

The plot feels like they spent all this time filling up a bucket with water, and instead of pouring it out gradually it's just slopped out like a mess.

Now with feeling for the characters, its hard to feel for a character you cannot relate to and doesn't even really show his/her feelings themselves. I've already discussed in the previous episode why Fuko evokes so little emotion in me, but the other characters haven't done so as well. I haven't really felt sad since the basketball scene with Tomoya falling down on his knees! This is probably why this episode felt so bad, a closure episode where I get nothing out of it is not even a closure to me. Kanon really just not have anything to do with my opinion on this episode though btw.

[GreatTeacherKen]

Great episode, and a great arc.

Unlike a lot of people, I actually liked Fuko from the very beginning. Some people have found her irritating to the point where her arc loses emotion for them. Well I can sort of understand; she is a rather flawed individual, being rather immature and socially awkward, but I found her flaws funny and oddly charming.

Some people have pointed out or hinted at that Fuko seems to show a distinct lack of emotion during some of the more dramatic scenes (I noticed this too). In retrospect, I think this approach was more effective. Her lack of emotion shows a resignation to her fate. She knew that everyone would forget her from the very beginning. But despite this fact, she keeps fighting, she continues to give starfish to her classmates even though she knows they eventually won't be able to see her. Fuko's a tough girl. Not in the physical sense, but in the spiritual sense. She goes out of her way to help her older sister even though she has almost no chance of succeeding. Her resolve is so strong that she can keep going even when she sort of loses her friends and I think the fact that she doesn't cry emphasizes what I said before much stronger than if she were angsting every single time she was forgotten (we already have Tomoya and Nagisa to do that any way :p).

[rg4619]

I cannot feel anything for the characters in the episode, cannot relate to anything that is happening, felt that some of the scenes were over dramatized to a point of it being trivial, and just did not like how the plot unfolded what so ever.

Scenes that are over dramatized (To me mind you) consist of the Tomoya crying scene, the exiting outside and finding the whole school there scene (I would've felt a lot better if they were there originally), and a large part of the pre-celebration party at the school scene.

Yeah, I couldn't stand this arc either. Humor, cuteness, and drama are forced to the point that the writers try to evoke emotion on cue - i.e. by having Nagisa break down in tears from time to time (cheap psychological cue for viewers to cry as well; without that) or by manipulating the memory loss plot device whenever necessary.

"Laugh!"
"Cry!"
"CRY!"
"CRYYYYY!!!" (insert Tomoya's streaming face and have Nagisa audibly sob)

Talk about overdramatization of what's otherwise a fairly simple and predictable story. This kind of manipulation has never worked on me, and as far as I'm concerned, it only serves to insult the reader/viewer's intelligence.

I really liked the first two episodes of Clannad. However, the series has been a (well-animated) disappointment ever since.

[Reckoner]

and still we have that two who always vote below 5 lol... meh to their own judgement then, oh man 2nd way watching and still got teary eyed, dang

We now have the power of 4!

[Kaioshin Sama]

and still we have that two who always vote below 5 lol... meh to their own judgement then, oh man 2nd way watching and still got teary eyed, dang

Yeah, well you should see the Gundam board. The episode can be rock solid in most peoples eyes and still the same people will give it a 1 every time. Just be grateful there's none of those people that come in and slap a 1 on the episode, but never say why.

[zed21]

Quote from Reckoner "We now have the power of 4!"

Is that something to be proud of?
What anime do you rate extremely highly cause i am curious.

While this arch is not quite perfect, i still think in comparision some of the other more hyped animes that have come out so far this year, lilke nanoha StrikerS, Hayate no Gotoku or even naruto, this arch as a whole has done far better then them in terms of story telling.

So, I am wondering, what is the lowest rating you have ever given to an anime in your life. (not trying to start anything, but i am a little curious)

[grey_moon]

I haven't really felt sad since the basketball scene with Tomoya falling down on his knees! This is probably why this episode felt so bad, a closure episode where I get nothing out of it is not even a closure to me. Kanon really just not have anything to do with my opinion on this episode though btw.

Not trying to change your opinion, but more so to explain my own. I actually was really moved by Tomoya's crying scene for various reasons. I've already mentioned about for him the loss of a member of his substitute family. How he cried in public just shows how much he cared for her and what she brought into his life.

But there is also a weird reason for why it touched me.... I spent the last few episodes thinking that he would bail for some reason, but he didn't so I was touched because of the relief I felt as well.


I haven't really felt sad since the basketball scene with Tomoya falling down on his knees! This is probably why this episode felt so bad, a closure episode where I get nothing out of it is not even a closure to me. Kanon really just not have anything to do with my opinion on this episode though btw.

Very powerful scene that, and one to me sets up they whole substitute family thing later on.

It must have been really strange for everyone else watching Tomoya and Nagisa as this was a joyous event that they had arranged. Even if they had forgotten Fuuko, they might have remembered that they instigated the whole thing. But we get extra insight into what happened and that takes Tomoya's tears to a whole new level for me. He cried in public in a situation where people most probably aren't going to realise the reason why. To me that just really highlights the depths of his and Nagisa's feelings. Dango forbid that if Fuuko doesn't make it, I have a feeling that if they have a daughter together that her name might be Fuuko.

[Leo_Otaku]

I really don't care what people rate unless it is to piss fans off. Lots of people did not feel for Fuko because they found her annoying or other reasons. At least people give insight as to why they gave their score.

Fuko's arc isn't one of my favorite ones like say Misae, Yukine and so forth

[Reckoner]

Quote from Reckoner "We now have the power of 4!"

Is that something to be proud of?
What anime do you rate extremely highly cause i am curious.

So, I am wondering, what is the lowest rating you have ever given to an anime in your life. (not trying to start anything, but i am a little curious)

I am not saying its something to be proud of, just poking fun sorry if I offended anyone.

By the way I never made it past the 1st episode of Hayate no Gotoku as my eyes just started to burn afterwards, that was probably a 2 on my scale.

If you want to know all of the anime I've seen here's what I can think of from the top of my head with ratings as well (I'll even list my childhood ones): Fruit's Basket (anime wise like an 9.0, manga wise 9.2), Kanon 2006 (9.0 series), pokemon (1.0), Dragonball Z (4.0), Naruto (8.5), digimon(1.0), Yu-Gi-Oh(1.5), Bleach(8.5), Elfen Lied(9.2), Monster (9.5), Cowboy Bebop (9.5), Wolf's Rain (8.5), Darker than Black (9.0), Samurai Champloo (9.5), Sokou No strain (8.0), Gundam Wing (8.2), Several other gundams..., Zoids (7.5), Blood+ (8.3), Eureka 7 (6.0), Death Note (9.5), Neon Genesis Evangelion (9.6), Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (9.5), Shakugan No shana (8.5), Myself;yourself (8.0), Inuyasha (6.5), Full Metal Alchemist (9.0), Fate Stay Night (9.0), School Days (8.4), Kaze No Stigma (7.7), S-Cry-ed (7.8), Mai-Hime (8.0), Guu (7.0), Bobobobobobo (1.0), Outlaw Star (8.2), Seint Seiya (7.5), Lain (undecided), Ghost in the Shell (8.0 because it didn't feel coherent when I was watching it), FLCL (8.5), Basilisk (8.2), Hellsing (5.0), D-Grayman (4.0), Zombie Loan (1.0), Claymore (9.2), Sailor Moon (6.0), Cardcaptor Sakura (7.0), Tenchi Muyo (8.0), Yu Yu Hakusho (8.4), One Piece (2.0), Big O (8.0)... I'm going to stop here because I've already listed so many (if you insist I could go on a little while). If you can judge my taste in anime from that then gl, but I usually like all genres (although I am infatuated with romance).

So far Clannad has been hovering around an 7.8ish because of this arc. It started as a 9 for me until episode 3. Probably by the end the rating will possibly reach a whole point higher to be an 8.8 but if they insist that their other arcs end up like this one I would be very sad to give such a low rating for an anime that has come out of this studio.

I hope that clarifies for you what I rate high as an anime.

[zed21]

Thanks very much for the clarification, i guess i shouldn't have judge too fast.

Though i guess i can strongly agree with some of the 1 ratings there, those are quite rightful.

[holyman282]

It must have been really strange for everyone else watching Tomoya and Nagisa as this was a joyous event that they had arranged. Even if they had forgotten Fuuko, they might have remembered that they instigated the whole thing. But we get extra insight into what happened and that takes Tomoya's tears to a whole new level for me. He cried in public in a situation where people most probably aren't going to realise the reason why. To me that just really highlights the depths of his and Nagisa's feelings. Dango forbid that if Fuuko doesn't make it, I have a feeling that if they have a daughter together that her name might be Fuuko.

I really like that point you posted (as I've given you a cookie for that). It's interesting that you pointed out that Tomoya started crying where most people would probably think it weird. I mean a supposed delinquent suddenly bursting into tears. He's delinquent image (which by the way was probably a label others given him) is slowly cracking, a few more girls and a couple more dramatic scenes and you'll have Tomoya campaigning to save the amazon rainforest or something.:heh:


While this arch is not quite perfect, i still think in comparision some of the other more hyped animes that have come out so far this year, lilke nanoha StrikerS, Hayate no Gotoku or even naruto, this arch as a whole has done far better then them in terms of story telling.

Lol I would of considered Clannad to be among the more hyped animes, but meh.

Well since Reckoner showed us why he gave this ep a 4, it's understandable.

@Reckoner: Hopefully you'll enjoy the rest of the girl's arc:heh:

[Owaranai Destiny]

At times like this, sometimes I'm somewhat disappointed at certain ratings some people give this episode. To be fair, though, everyone rates an episode mostly according to their likes and dislikes and not entirely to it's positive and negative points.

-Personally, I thought the pre-celebration scene wasn't needless. Like all the other scenes where Tomoya and Nagisa accompanied Fuuko, it simply informed and reiterated the closeness in their relationships. Of course, the focal point was on the fact that Fuuko's disappearance is inevitable, and it was merely a question of "when". While the both of them seemed to have forgotten her the next morning, the temporary disappearance of Fuuko from their memories induced a 'loss of hope' for the viewers, especially so when the two of them who were closest to her did not even remember her existence.

-Points to Koumura for throwing them subtle hints for them to remember. It's times like these where you realise minor characters aren't there just for slapstick humor, or simple development of major characters. Makes me think from his behaviour, though, that the things he heard from Tomoya and Nagisa isn't directly linked to the things Fuuko told the two of them, which was what allowed him to remember about the wedding.

-The most emotional parts came for me when
(1) Tomoya and Nagisa forgot about Fuuko,
(2) The both of them remembered her, and managed to see her
and
(3) When Fuuko finally meets and congratulates her sister face-to-face.

(2) and (3) were excellent, as the former should give viewers a sense of relief and joy, as well as the confirmation that a bittersweet ending is in place. The latter rounds up everything with the expected bittersweet resolution, that happy endings ARE possible even when the situation seems bleak along the way. If anything, there wasn't too much powerful drama in here, but a simply scenario in which different scenes are shown to elicit different emotions and produce an emotional rollercoaster ride, which all the more empowers the impact of the ending.

-I have to agree with Reckoner, though, that there were some scenes which were overly dramatic, especially when one cannot fathom how and why Tomoya would cry so much over someone he had met for but a short period of time. Looking back at it, though, I realise that the humor wasn't put there just to entertain us, but to show how much fun Tomoya, Fuuko and Nagisa had. Just putting teary and emotional scenes would be too one-sided, and who says men can only cry for people they've known for a long time? ;)

-The ending was a pretty good closure, too and with the farewell from Fuuko to Kouko, viewers would come to accept that her "dream" self was gone for good, and we can finally move on to the next arc. It was a nice touch, making Fuuko into a real legend even for Tomoya. :)

The preview had me going. Pretty good transition of scenes for a bit of humor regarding Kotomi's feelings that people are bullying her into doing things she might not like. :heh: Looking forward to the next one already.

Oh, and a 9/10 for the episode, especially for making me unexpectedly tear-eyed.

[holyman282]

At times like this, sometimes I'm somewhat disappointed at certain ratings some people give this episode. To be fair, though, everyone rates an episode mostly according to their likes and dislikes and not entirely to it's positive and negative points.

Well as long as people justify why they didn't like it then I guess they are entitled to their opinions. Luckily there is only a few people who've given this ep a low rating.


-Points to Koumura for throwing them subtle hints for them to remember. It's times like these where you realise minor characters aren't there just for slapstick humor, or simple development of major characters. Makes me think from his behaviour, though, that the things he heard from Tomoya and Nagisa isn't directly linked to the things Fuuko told the two of them, which was what allowed him to remember about the wedding.

umm well Koumura was used as a device to develop major characters. I mean it allowed Tomoya and Nagisa to remember what's important to them and I'd say that they are major characters

(2) and (3) were excellent, as the former should give viewers a sense of relief and joy, as well as the confirmation that a bittersweet ending is in place. The latter rounds up everything with the expected bittersweet resolution, that happy endings ARE possible even when the situation seems bleak along the way. If anything, there wasn't too much powerful drama in here, but a simply scenario in which different scenes are shown to elicit different emotions and produce an emotional rollercoaster ride, which all the more empowers the impact of the ending.

While I'll agree that the latter scene does highlight a possible happy ending, I thought the more obvious scene near the end conveyed the same yet more emotional response. The scene where Tomoya dreams of one day Fuko waking up and asking to be friends. The sketchy way in which they did that scene added more emotion to that scene.

The scene you talked about was more to show Ibuki-sensei's acceptance of Fuko's emotions. Fuko wanting her to be happy and Ibuki-sensei finally achieving that happiness, an emphatic moment where the hearts of the sender and the receiver of those emotions become one, symbolised by Ibuki-sensei finally being able to see Fuko.

-I have to agree with Reckoner, though, that there were some scenes which were overly dramatic, especially when one cannot fathom how and why Tomoya would cry so much over someone he had met for but a short period of time. Looking back at it, though, I realise that the humor wasn't put there just to entertain us, but to show how much fun Tomoya, Fuuko and Nagisa had. Just putting teary and emotional scenes would be too one-sided, and who says men can only cry for people they've known for a long time? ;)

Over dramatic? Well I tend to think of Tomoya as a naturally emotional guy. When I first saw him in ep one meeting Nagisa near the Sakura trees I knew that he was probably hiding his emotional side behind that cold and sarcastic facade of his. Tomoya's reactions and response to his father further emphasised my belief. Rather then saying Tomoya bursting into tears as being overly dramatic, I would call it Tomoya showing his true self.

-The ending was a pretty good closure, too and with the farewell from Fuuko to Kouko, viewers would come to accept that her "dream" self was gone for good, and we can finally move on to the next arc. It was a nice touch, making Fuuko into a real legend even for Tomoya. :)


Couldn't agree with you more, the farewell to Ibuki-sensei by Fuko was very touching (although it could of done without the engrish insert song:p) I gave it a 10 and I tend to rate things based on the episode's actual merit and not my personal preferences...

[s[H]sIkuA]

At times like this, sometimes I'm somewhat disappointed at certain ratings some people give this episode. To be fair, though, everyone rates an episode mostly according to their likes and dislikes and not entirely to it's positive and negative points.


When people dislike about something means they saw something negative in the episode, so I think its not really as bad as you think.

I do respect everyone who gave their rating as there are their personal opinion. People always have different opinion ;)

[hachihachi]

it is a vague sense of sadness and loss. i want fuko to come back in the real sense towards the end of the anime, not just a dream girl. and it seems that given the fact tomoya and nagisa are so close to fuko, their memories of fuko are too vague. i hope they remember the details of how cute she was when teased by tomoya and sunohara. but i suppose the amount of memories that they now have of her is already a lot to ask for already.....

i gave it an 8 cos at last the sisters met. but something is still missing to give it a 10.

[Skyfall]

Ah, and so the Fuko's arc comes to an end. And sadly i can not relate to the many people who found this a moving and excellent experience - rather i am left somewhat empty having to wonder whether this arc on a whole meant anything at all to me. To which the answer would be no - it did not. I am grateful for the Tomoya x Nagisa developments it provided to us, but thats about how far the value of it goes in my books.

I can not relate to Fuko nor her situation at all. Forget relate, i find myself failing to care about her or her plight even in the slightest. She is a cute and spunky character that works nicely for comedy, but outright fails when she is supposed to be the center of drama. She is either behaving like a cute and fuzzy animal, or showing a completely blank expression, which doesn't make emotionally attaching to her any easier.

I found some points as forced (like Nagisa constantly crying/sobbing), and same goes for Tomoya ... i might understand why they cried, but i fail to feel it. These scenes mostly look void of emotions to me, only serving as superficial decoration to tell us "look at this. This is sad!". This episode threaded too much on the border of melodrama for my liking. There is a bound between Nagisa and Tomoya, but i fail to feel such between Fuko and either of the two. She seems like an emotionally distant character all around.

I was plentifully impressed with the early episodes of Clannad (and commend the drama that was the basketball scene), but Fuko arc as a whole has slowly but surely been taking away from that score and dragging it down, simply because i find myself absolutely disinterested in the story that is Fuko and Ibuki-sensei's wedding. Don't get me wrong - i think Clannad is a good show overall, but that mostly comes from the bar set by the first episodes, and i can only hope the upcoming ones will live up to those. It is rather good now, but lacks something to be great. I can commend the show for a very good animation and execution (for the most part), but that can only get my rating so far if i feel emotionally disjointed from the events. Its a nice wrapping, but the contents fall somewhat flat compared to it. Much like the characters of Clannad have forgotten about Fuko, i can only hope to do the same :)

[orion]

Actually, I don't pay too much attention to low scores. I just hope that the low scorers move on to another title. It really makes no sense to watch a title and consistently low score it and post it on a forum devoted to said title. To me, it just diverts the discussion to why "x" voted "y".

Fuko's arc over. I did almost cry during this episode. Not at Makoto or Misuzu level of crying yet. Besides, this episode had a lot of insert songs. Too distracting for me. It was a very good episode despite 3 insert songs. Gave it a 9 overall since I figure that those songs had emotional meaning to the game players and it couldn't be avoided.

If there's a kiss scene between Tomoya and Nagisa then that episode will probably get a 10 unless something really bad happens in that episode. My 10's are reserved for Nagisa and Kotomi. :)

No more alternate world scenes yet either. I guess that's a good thing. :heh:

[GreatTeacherKen]

^^

I've never played the game, and I loved the insert songs, especially Ana even though it doesn't really make much sense. My feelings towards the song are similar to my feelings towards Red Fraction (Black Lagoon OP) The song doesn't make sense, but the mood and melody fit the respective series/scenes and it sound great.

Despite the bad grammar, I though Lia's pronounciation was actually really good. Does anyone know if she's studied English extensively?

But anyway, I think Ana works because it fits the scene and the melody is just so beautiful. I seriously think Lia can make anything sound good. She can probably sing a song about taking a dump and make it sound beautiful and poetic. :p

[KholdStare]

So people are going to hate and kill for saying this, but episodes 7 and 9 just put this series on top of Kanon in my opinion.

10/10, and nothing less.

I didn't really like some of episodes of Clannad because they were sometimes repetitive and trying to be overemotional, so saying that two episodes can dramatically raise a series' score is saying a lot. It's just interesting that lots of the series this season have partially average episodes and very excellent ones.

[rem]

Yeah, I couldn't stand this arc either. Humor, cuteness, and drama are forced to the point that the writers try to evoke emotion on cue - i.e. by having Nagisa break down in tears from time to time (cheap psychological cue for viewers to cry as well; without that) or by manipulating the memory loss plot device whenever necessary.

"Laugh!"
"Cry!"
"CRY!"
"CRYYYYY!!!" (insert Tomoya's streaming face and have Nagisa audibly sob)

Talk about overdramatization of what's otherwise a fairly simple and predictable story. This kind of manipulation has never worked on me, and as far as I'm concerned, it only serves to insult the reader/viewer's intelligence.

I really liked the first two episodes of Clannad. However, the series has been a (well-animated) disappointment ever since.

I completely agree with you-- the Fuko arc has been utterly painful, and has detracted from the other far more interesting characters waiting in the wings. I've been watching still mostly because I like Tomoya and I'm growing rather fond of Kyou, who's gotten almost zero screen time so far. I think Tomoyo has some potentially interesting aspects to her as well, so I'd like to see more of her.

That said, this episode was much better than the last two which I rated a "2," hence my more generous rating of a "4." But it was still not good.

I've had absolutely no interest at all in Fuko as a character-- she has little dimension to her, and four episodes of seeing almost nothing but her has been agonizing. The emotional manipulation has been very heavy-handed throughout the arc, and most especially on the last episode. It's like being hit over the head with a sledgehammer. But the last episode didn't consist completely of starfish being handed out, so I'm giving the writers due props for introducing something new into the mix.

side note: I've never watched Kanon or Air, even though I've seen them and their plot similarities mentioned here, so neither series has anything to do with my opinion.

[Kang Seung Jae]

I'm disappointed in people who judged solely on the reason that they do not like Fuko/could not relate with her situation.

Fuko's story is unfortuantely painful in the game as well, and the anime has done a good job of following the overall atmosphere. It is not right to base one's thoughts on likes alone.

[rem]

I'm disappointed in people who judged solely on the reason that they do not like Fuko/could not relate with her situation.

Fuko's story is unfortuantely painful in the game as well, and the anime has done a good job of following the overall atmosphere. It is not right to base one's thoughts on likes alone.

I'm not sure I understand the basis of your comment-- how else are you supposed to judge an anime except by your likes and dislikes? IMHO, that's the fundamental basis for forming an opinion. :confused: If you dislike a character, how are you supposed to care about the result of the character's arc? Wouldn't you hope that the arc would be over quickly if you disliked the character? How else are you supposed to judge the impact an anime has on you if you don't take into account your opinion of the characters? :twitch:

Not trying to flame, but I really don't understand your post. :confused:

[Kang Seung Jae]

I'm not sure I understand the basis of your comment-- how else are you supposed to judge an anime except by your likes and dislikes? IMHO, that's the fundamental basis for forming an opinion. :confused: If you dislike a character, how are you supposed to care about the result of the character's arc? Wouldn't you hope that the arc would be over quickly if you disliked the character? How else are you supposed to judge the impact an anime has on you if you don't take into account your opinion of the characters? :twitch:

Not trying to flame, but I really don't understand your post. :confused:

Yes, I've got no problem with dislikes and stuff, but I do not consider it a good reason to rate an episode lowly. Episode ratings should be seperate from one's bias (in my opinion).

It goes for the same with me: I don't like Fuko, and hate how things were being stretched, but I would not give this episode a 2 or a 4 just because of it.

[rem]

Yes, I've got no problem with dislikes and stuff, but I do not consider it a good reason to rate an episode lowly. Episode ratings should be seperate from one's bias (in my opinion).

It goes for the same with me: I don't like Fuko, and hate how things were being stretched, but I would not give this episode a 2 or a 4 just because of it.

Just curious, what was your rating? And what do you rate on?

I rate episodes based on whether I enjoyed them or whether I didn't, and don't really give additional marks for technical merit, even though the animation quality of Clannad is excellent.

[Kang Seung Jae]

Just curious, what was your rating? And what do you rate on?

I rate episodes based on whether I enjoyed them or whether I didn't, and don't really give additional marks for technical merit, even though the animation quality of Clannad is excellent.

8. I haven't really enjoyed it (this arc was too long for my liking), but they did wrap up the story nicely, and with enough momentum to help let the next arc take off.

[grey_moon]

She is a cute and spunky character that works nicely for comedy, but outright fails when she is supposed to be the center of drama. She is either behaving like a cute and fuzzy animal, or showing a completely blank expression, which doesn't make emotionally attaching to her any easier.


I've cried over the deaths of my fuzzy animals :p

Now you mention it, she kinda reminds me of my hamster. It used to escape from its cage or ball every chance it got. It would find any dark corner to hide in, but I give it 10 mins to have have a run around (and poo every where). I then make a tutting noice and shake it's food bowl and it will run out and jump in to the bowl and start eating. I gently move the bowl back into its cage and it will keep eating and not notice. When finally finishes scoffing it's face it looks around and panics and starts trying to escape again. I swear it didn't notice that it got stuck back into the cage again. I wish I had a video of it as words can't describe how cute it acted.

[Kaioshin Sama]

This conversation about what other people rated the episode is starting to get rather ridiculous don't people think? It's kind of a who cares thing in my eyes. I don't think there's anything anybody needs to prove, for themselves, for Kyoani, for Clannad, for dissidents, or anyone else for that matter that a number can convey.

So really, who cares? The one thing that drove me away from the Kanon forums (which had a lot of scenarios where somebody would call somebody out to explain there rating when it was below a 6) eventually was this kind of discussion, it's rather invasive of other peoples right to opinion and judgement, and beside the point of the whole purpose of the thread. It's one thing to discuss it, but another thing to make people feel they aren't welcome for having a lesser opinion of an episode or an arc (and some points have drawn closer to that idea over the last few pages).

In my view, as long as nobody is trying to kill the discussion with trolling or pointless discussion or focus, let it be. Right now we're having a relatively friendly discussion about it, but isn't it kind of obvious that some will like the episode less then others based off of their own experiences?

[KholdStare]

This conversation about what other people rated the episode is starting to get rather ridiculous don't people think? It's kind of a who cares thing in my eyes. I don't think there's anything anybody needs to prove, for themselves, for Kyoani, for Clannad, for dissidents, or anyone else for that matter that a number can convey.

So really, who cares? The one thing that drove me away from the Kanon forums (which had a lot of scenarios where somebody would call somebody out to explain there rating when it was below a 6) eventually was this kind of discussion, it's rather invasive of other peoples right to opinion and judgement, and beside the point of the whole purpose of the thread. It's one thing to discuss it, but another thing to make people feel they aren't welcome for having a lesser opinion of an episode or an arc (and some points have drawn closer to that idea over the last few pages).

In my view, as long as nobody is trying to kill the discussion with trolling or pointless discussion or focus, let it be. Right now we're having a relatively friendly discussion about it, but isn't it kind of obvious that some will like the episode less then others based off of their own experiences?

I care. But you're right. Who cares about individual ratings? I just look at the 125+ 10/10 and that's all I care about. In my theory, since the overall ratings indicate that this episode is good, it doesn't really matter if someone bash the episode so I just don't pay attention. If the ratings are all over, then that's the time to look at individual comments. I love this episode, but I'm not going to try to change anyone else's mind.

[Sage]

Yes, I've got no problem with dislikes and stuff, but I do not consider it a good reason to rate an episode lowly. Episode ratings should be seperate from one's bias (in my opinion).

Pure objectivity is an illusion. A dream, at best. No matter what you do some bias will inevitably slip into your reviews. Its a fact of life, sadly or not.

[Mirrinus]

Eh, I agree with Kholdstare here. 4 or 5 low ratings are rather silly and inconsequential compared to the 128 perfect ratings being given for this episode. If anyone thinks that's a bad thing for this episode, I would be very disappointed in them. Do I hold other people's opinions in contempt? Probably...but hey, what can you do?

Anyway, onto another subject, my favorite scene was probably at the very end, when the twins, Nagisa, Tomoya, and Sunohara were talking about the rumors of Fuuko. It seems like everyone else forgot their specific memories of Fuuko, yet still seem to hold the same vague sentiments of her that they once held. How do people interpret Tomoya's last words at the end of the episode? Do you guys think he remembers about what went on with Fuuko, or did he forget too, and was merely commenting on the rumors he had heard?

[grey_moon]

Do you guys think he remembers about what went on with Fuuko, or did he forget too, and was merely commenting on the rumors he had heard?

At first I thought he was blubbing still and hiding his face. I think he like them has forgotten, but if she wakes up and meets him I think at least the feelings will rush back if not the memories themselves.

Tomoya: Why do I have an sudden urge to stick a straw up her nose for?

I like the sentiments behind the Fuuko arc. To me the message is that hard work and true feelings can over come this pesky thing called reality.

[topboy]

Very good, best of 9 episode. Great ep. for stop play with poor jokes (i'm bored to dead). This ep. fill with only one joke, that's good. Keep this rate and put more drama to me. I love to feel sad and tear drop than watch any more jokes. That's why air and kanon great to me.

[panzerfan]

For some reason, I can't seem to shake the mental image of that GAR 'starfish' glasses
fanmade picture of Fuko in Gurren style. Somehow, this entire arc reminded me of that story, which is all about ...



Do the impossible, see the invisible;
Row Row Fight the Power! ☆
Touch the untouchable, break the unbreakable
Row Row Fight the Power! ☆


My rationale is that even against her condition, the world resetting everything, and that she will be utterly alone, Fuko still persevered, only to act to display her sincere wish for her sister to reach happiness. Friends that she finally made will leave her, but this time around, Fuko inherited their well-wishes and heads on. The people that comes to her aid have basically kicked reason to the curb, suspended their disbelief and focuses on making that wedding possible.

[Owaranai Destiny]

Well as long as people justify why they didn't like it then I guess they are entitled to their opinions. Luckily there is only a few people who've given this ep a low rating.


I somehow feel I touched something...bad there. Sorry for bringing negative energy into this discussion, if it was indeed started at that point. In any case, It's a one-way feeling, and it is indeed true opinions will be influenced on experiences.

*End of discussion*



umm well Koumura was used as a device to develop major characters. I mean it allowed Tomoya and Nagisa to remember what's important to them and I'd say that they are major characters

What I meant to put was what would have happened if Koumura himself had forgotten at all. For people who know nuts about Fuuko's story and her arc (especially first-timers), it served as a pleasant little surprise that he would be used there and then.

Over dramatic? Well I tend to think of Tomoya as a naturally emotional guy. When I first saw him in ep one meeting Nagisa near the Sakura trees I knew that he was probably hiding his emotional side behind that cold and sarcastic facade of his. Tomoya's reactions and response to his father further emphasised my belief. Rather then saying Tomoya bursting into tears as being overly dramatic, I would call it Tomoya showing his true self.
It must be the first impression, then, and his way of behaving around people he's familiar with, but not that close to.

]

[holyman282]

I like the sentiments behind the Fuuko arc. To me the message is that hard work and true feelings can over come this pesky thing called reality.

Well technically, no amount of effort can overcome reality otherwise it wouldn't be catagorised as reality. To me reality is a absolute and inconquerable truth.

Personally, the lesson was more like that reality cannot be defied. That one has to accept the cards life dealt them and enjoy what time they have. I mean Fuko technically didn't conquer reality as she did disappear, as for getting people to go to her sister's wedding, that is within the boundaries of reality, where as Fuko existing as an astro-projection form was not and hence disappeared.

[deathreape98]

holyman- there is no reality in anime :P

[grey_moon]

Well technically, no amount of effort can overcome reality otherwise it wouldn't be catagorised as reality. To me reality is a absolute and inconquerable truth.

Personally, the lesson was more like that reality cannot be defied. That one has to accept the cards life dealt them and enjoy what time they have. I mean Fuko technically didn't conquer reality as she did disappear, as for getting people to go to her sister's wedding, that is within the boundaries of reality, where as Fuko existing as an astro-projection form was not and hence disappeared.

Where you do make a very good point, but if Fuuko accepted reality she might have just ran around school pretending to be a poltergeist instead she worked really hard to make something happen. Her existence itself defies reality even within the Clannad universe, as I think people forgetting her was reality rejecting her existence. But the miracle is that no matter how much it tried to reset itself, the results of her actions would not disappear completely.

Tomoya showed some very impressive insight in reasoning that if they saw Fuuko in hospital that she would disappear kinda like in Noein, as they are confirming that she can't exist. So in that sense Tomoya didn't accept reality as well. The preview for one of the episodes really got me worked up that he would give up.

Also some of the did not forget parts were really well done. Take for instance Ibuki sensei not forgetting the arranged wedding. This actually makes sense, as she and her fiance didn't experience Fuuko, but got Fuukoed by proxy.

[Sinestra]

What a heartwarming and awsome end to Fu-Chan arc. I know some people were not feeling her arc too much but i must admit it ended the way i thought and left a lasting impression on me. The final moments when Fu-Chan hands her now married sister a Starfish made me tear up. IT was even extra special since at that moment everyone could see her the students the teachers everyone in a way its like shes still there at school with them. I cant even really find the right words ill just say i loved every min of it.

However the next arc is what im really looking forward as now the enigmatic Kotomi takes the stage no bullying please;)

[KholdStare]

I was one of the people who wasn't feeling her arc at first, because Clannad started out great with the humor and all, but the starfish thing dragged on for too long (after episodes 5-6 what is going on?). However, it ended well and emotional (I was teary), and that's all. In a way, it is like Makoto's arc, but in many ways it's not. Clannad didn't have to live up to its expectations, but it did. It seems like KyoAni is getting better at doing drama as well as comedy.

[Kaioshin Sama]

I was one of the people who wasn't feeling her arc at first, because Clannad started out great with the humor and all, but the starfish thing dragged on for too long (after episodes 5-6 what is going on?). However, it ended well and emotional (I was teary), and that's all. In a way, it is like Makoto's arc, but in many ways it's not. Clannad didn't have to live up to its expectations, but it did. It seems like KyoAni is getting better at doing drama as well as comedy.

I've always felt they do drama well enough, but it's the comedy I think they need work on.

[C.A.]

I've always felt they do drama well enough, but it's the comedy I think they need work on.You're saying you didn't laugh watching Fumoffu or Lucky Star? Nowadays there are few non-Kyoani anime that can make me laugh other than TTGL.

[Skyfall]

You should watch Seto no Hanayome then ;)

The comedy in Clannad is done well enough (i don't like the yellow "note" thing that pops up now and then ... it was funny for the counter-kick, but after that it kinda gets redundant). Actually this might be one of the things overall with Clannad that prevents me from feeling the drama to fullest - the mood is not immersing. For the most time Clannad feels too much of a comedy for the few drama insertions to leave that much of an impact. We shall see whats to come though, as i am pretty much looking towards the next arc.

[holyman282]

Where you do make a very good point, but if Fuuko accepted reality she might have just ran around school pretending to be a poltergeist instead she worked really hard to make something happen. Her existence itself defies reality even within the Clannad universe, as I think people forgetting her was reality rejecting her existence. But the miracle is that no matter how much it tried to reset itself, the results of her actions would not disappear completely.

Tomoya showed some very impressive insight in reasoning that if they saw Fuuko in hospital that she would disappear kinda like in Noein, as they are confirming that she can't exist. So in that sense Tomoya didn't accept reality as well. The preview for one of the episodes really got me worked up that he would give up.

Also some of the did not forget parts were really well done. Take for instance Ibuki sensei not forgetting the arranged wedding. This actually makes sense, as she and her fiance didn't experience Fuuko, but got Fuukoed by proxy.


I guess, but in the world of Clannad reality in the first place isn't a good word to describe the events.

the definition of reality is

1.The quality or state of being actual or true.
2. the state or quality of being real.
3. resemblance to what is real.

As deathreape98 stated.

holyman- there is no reality in anime :P

If in effect, there is no reality in anime, then one cannot use the word reality and say that hard work and effort will overcome it, where if it was truly reality, one cannot.

Fuko existing as a ghost like projection, wasn't reality and hence couldn't in actuality defy it.

Overall this misunderstanding probably came about from using the word reality in a world (ie anime/Clannad) that's obviously not based off it.

[Sorrow-K]

I'm late to the party, and I've only read through about half the thread, so sorry if I'm rehashing what others have said.

My comment on this episode: BAAAWWW!

Kyoto Animation again delivers a lesson on emotional impact: it doesn't matter how simple the story is, if you colour the characters well, as they have with Fuko, and make the bonds between the characters clear, it'll hit the audience more often than not.

The execution was almost perfect, with the minor exception of the really bad lyrics in the Engrish song. If I bothered to rate episodes, this would be a 10/10, but I don't since it goes against my philosophy that only the entire series should be rated.

[Reckoner]

I have one question for all of you people who rated this episode a 10... I'm not criticizing your ratings, I get it you like the episode, but does this episode truly merit a pure and perfect 10? It boggles me how many 10s people give in this series because I cannot honestly believe that every episode has been perfect in people's eyes... For an episode to be in 10 in my opinion it really needs to be extraordinary, something I'd rewatch probably 1000 times in my life (No sarcasm). Could you people tell me what your definition of a 10 is? I am guessing it is not the same as me, and also... if it is could you enlighten me what distinguishes this from every other episode out there?

BTW about this episode, if Fuko isn't dead why did her spirit form disappear? If its just because her condition "worsened" then I find that kind of weak. I might have been more impacted if she actually died, but perhaps that would've killed off her sister's mood. I don't know, but it's a little iffy to me. Maybe that's why I can't understand why the characters were so so sad... If she isn't dead yet, what really is there to be bawling your eyes out for? I know its tragic that she's in a coma, but man these people are really emotional in this series.

[Kaioshin Sama]

Can we watch the language here please folks?:twitch:

@Reckoner: While I agree the 10's and some of the comments seem exagerrated, it's really peoples choice how they choose to rate an episode, so I think it's not really something that bears much discussion. Unless of course the people don't mind and are comfortable with sharing their reasons. It seems beside the point though.

[anselfir]

is it tomoyo route yet

[minhtam1638]

is it tomoyo route yet

Uh... no. Kotomi's route begins Thursday.

[Robotnik]

Random: Those juice boxes look like the same brand of "extra thick peach nectar" from Air

(random thoughts help hold back the manly tears)

Good episode; initially I felt they were dragging out the inevitable ending for Fuko-chan a bit, but after rewatching, it's actually a very hopeful, positive ending for her arc.

[tripperazn]

No, it's Kotomi next.

@Reckoner
By your standards I'd have to rate every episode to be mediocre, since I rarely even watch the same episode twice, and never more than that. I think most people agree with me in that this episode has managed to tie the entire Fuuko arc together in terms of resolution.

It might not be the most realistic of circumstances, but since when has Key ever adhered to reality in their stories?

It is implied that Fuuko's condition worses due to her appearance as a spirit, out of good will, she pretty much sacrifices her recover to make her sister's wedding one to remember. I think that's pretty powerful.

[KholdStare]

I've always felt they do drama well enough, but it's the comedy I think they need work on.

Geez, Fumoffu was one of the funniest anime I've seen. The humor in Clannad is kind of...unusual, but it's enjoyable. It's not lol funny, but it's just well integrated. Clannad isn't the typical Romance/Comedy, but I enjoy it like such...it just gives me a different feeling when I watch it, with better animation.

[C.A.]

BTW about this episode, if Fuko isn't dead why did her spirit form disappear? If its just because her condition "worsened" then I find that kind of weak. I might have been more impacted if she actually died, but perhaps that would've killed off her sister's mood. I don't know, but it's a little iffy to me. Maybe that's why I can't understand why the characters were so so sad... If she isn't dead yet, what really is there to be bawling your eyes out for? I know its tragic that she's in a coma, but man these people are really emotional in this series.Well, if you're really pressing for answers:I think that Fuko's spirit form is an astral projection caused by her determination to help her sister find happiness. The source of her astral projection is probably a side effect due to the degrading of her brain.

As her coma worsens she loses functions of parts of her brain but at the same time activates some others. Puberty is also known to cause major changes to parts of the brain. I would like to assume that her frontal lobes were activated due to her coma and puberty, it could be the source of her astral projection. The frontal lobes are often refered to as the source of ESP and poltergeist activity. One anime example would be the TOPLESS abilities in Top!2.

As her brain fails further, she starts to lose more fuctions from the parts closer to the brain stem, eventually spreading to more external parts. Her frontal lobes would be one of the last parts of the brain to fail.

At first her coma was in a stable condition, but as she used her frontal lobes more, she increased the rate of degration of her brain. She risked her chances of recovery for her sister's happiness and finally with all her effort and determination she achieved her goal, but greatly worsened her comatose conditon.This is what you get mixing science and anime, since theres a demand for an answer, a reasoning.

[Itadakimasu!]

Geez, Fumoffu was one of the funniest anime I've seen. The humor in Clannad is kind of...unusual, but it's enjoyable. It's not lol funny, but it's just well integrated. Clannad isn't the typical Romance/Comedy, but I enjoy it like such...it just gives me a different feeling when I watch it, with better animation.

Agreed about Fumoffu... perhaps its the source material that affects the comedy? I wouldn't know, I haven't played Clannad..

[Mirrinus]

Well, if you're really pressing for answers:I think that Fuko's spirit form is an astral projection caused by her determination to help her sister find happiness. The source of her astral projection is probably a side effect due to the degrading of her brain.

As her coma worsens she loses functions of parts of her brain but at the same time activates some others. Puberty is also known to cause major changes to parts of the brain. I would like to assume that her frontal lobes were activated due to her coma and puberty, it could be the source of her astral projection. The frontal lobes are often refered to as the source of ESP and poltergeist activity. One anime example would be the TOPLESS abilities in Top!2.

As her brain fails further, she starts to lose more fuctions from the parts closer to the brain stem, eventually spreading to more external parts. Her frontal lobes would be one of the last parts of the brain to fail.

At first her coma was in a stable condition, but as she used her frontal lobes more, she increased the rate of degration of her brain. She risked her chances of recovery for her sister's happiness and finally with all her effort and determination she achieved her goal, but greatly worsened her comatose conditon.This is what you get mixing science and anime, since theres a demand for an answer, a reasoning.

Wow, it's that kind of speculation that makes the show so much more interesting, IMHO. I love it when you do that, lol.

I've personally always thought that suspension of disbelief is important to have when watching anime. I don't demand any sort of realism, I just expect things to be internally consistant.

[tabun]

Although the Fuuko arc may have been drawn out a bit too much, the ending was excellently done. And I freely admit that even I, who normaly has pretty good control over his emotions, had to shed one or another tear - quite emotional scene, that. Very well, onto the next arc! :heh:

Edit: oh, and I gave it a 10/10 - not because it is the best episode ever, but because for what it was supposed to deliver, it did the best job possible!

[Reckoner]

Well, if you're really pressing for answers:I think that Fuko's spirit form is an astral projection caused by her determination to help her sister find happiness. The source of her astral projection is probably a side effect due to the degrading of her brain.

As her coma worsens she loses functions of parts of her brain but at the same time activates some others. Puberty is also known to cause major changes to parts of the brain. I would like to assume that her frontal lobes were activated due to her coma and puberty, it could be the source of her astral projection. The frontal lobes are often refered to as the source of ESP and poltergeist activity. One anime example would be the TOPLESS abilities in Top!2.

As her brain fails further, she starts to lose more fuctions from the parts closer to the brain stem, eventually spreading to more external parts. Her frontal lobes would be one of the last parts of the brain to fail.

At first her coma was in a stable condition, but as she used her frontal lobes more, she increased the rate of degration of her brain. She risked her chances of recovery for her sister's happiness and finally with all her effort and determination she achieved her goal, but greatly worsened her comatose conditon.This is what you get mixing science and anime, since theres a demand for an answer, a reasoning.

Haha, that's an awsome explanation. Well I guess that ends my questioning :heh:

[Kanzaki Urumi]

okazaki could have easily given himself a hint (notes on a paper , banners of fuko on the wall of his room etc ), since he considered if he will actually forget about fuko. Unless, both fuko and the hint will actually disappear in mid-air together then it cant be helped. =p Pretty decent episode, felt it was coming though (havent played the game).

[Klashikari]

^ this won't work at all.
As you could see, even the Starfish couldn't give much effect.

So even writing the whole story on a diary or something would leave hum "what the...!?".

[monir]

Mediocre end to an otherwise a mediocre arc. The only positive thing that I can take from this arc is the comedy. However, that too seemed to have dried up near the end. Skyfall pretty much summed things up for me in his earlier posts:

I can not relate to Fuko nor her situation at all. Forget relate, i find myself failing to care about her or her plight even in the slightest. She is a cute and spunky character that works nicely for comedy, but outright fails when she is supposed to be the center of drama. She is either behaving like a cute and fuzzy animal, or showing a completely blank expression, which doesn't make emotionally attaching to her any easier.

I did not care for her story, nor did I care for her character other than she was involved to provide some comedic moment. Even those moments kind of became dull after a few times of repeat-and-rinse. The more I think about Fuko's story, the certain I become that its not the story that disinterest me, rather, its the presentation or how it is told which has failed to move me in anyway. Her story is the telling of how the strong affection felt for ones loved ones can be received by them (the loved ones) no matter what is the circumstance one in, even if that means the bending or overcoming of reality (i.e. fox turning into a girl, reincarnation, and etc.). We have seen this theme play out in several variation in tons of other anime. This similar theme where it has maximum of emotional impact in some shows and has resonated with its audience.... usually because the affect lied in the delivery aka presentation.

Anyway, I am enjoying the show thus far but I have not seen anything that has stood out from the show that would help me to really get into it. It's a good show, but nothing more than that thus far.

At times like this, sometimes I'm somewhat disappointed at certain ratings some people give this episode. To be fair, though, everyone rates an episode mostly according to their likes and dislikes and not entirely to it's positive and negative points.
I must admit that the above is the most confusing thing I've read in a while. As far as I know, opinions cannot be separated from likes and dislikes even if one is trying very hard to point out the positives and the negative. The reason's being, you are the one who is deciding what you consider positive/negative. :) Forgive me if I don't make sense.

[Kang Seung Jae]

Aside from the love/hate talk.....


Nagisa: "You have to cry when you have to."


This makes me begging for Friday to come.

[Kanzaki Urumi]

^ this won't work at all.
As you could see, even the Starfish couldn't give much effect.

So even writing the whole story on a diary or something would leave hum "what the...!?".


lol :heh: totally forget about the starfish. Was thinking about a note telling him its important , go to the hospital find ibuki fuko. Things are better left as they are, no? :rolleyes:

[risingstar3110]

Late to join the party, but anyway i will write some comment :)

I do like Clannad a lot, and i do like this episode, but can't understand why the emotion can't reach me, even at the level of Ep 8. Feel like things go a bit too fast, a bit too... predictable. Just like...... i watched this before.
Kind of mixed up feelings so not sure now.
Have just remembered that i feel the same thing back in LS when Konata's mum- Kanata come back and visit them

Btw, no, i'm not a cold-heart guy, i cried when hear the ED song for the 1st time ^^

Maybe i should rewatch before rate this, i may miss something

[SeedFreedom]

Exams have seriously backlogged my anime list so i've only gotten to this one now. I can understand where some people are saying they can't seem to relate or feel for Fuuko, but i seem to feel differently. While I do agree that her character doesn't seem well suited to pull heartstrings, the fact that if she does indeed fail to wake up, she'll never see or enjoy truly all the love and joy she worked so hard to create. to be forgotten and erased after working so hard, perhaps never to be remembered again, it is kinda touching. The entire arc seems to have been a little too long for my liking, but i think they closed up nicely. I really hope they do have time to get to a Tomoyo arc because shes my favorite, but it does look doubtful because of how long this story is.

[Eisdrache]

After this episode, Fuko has reserved a spot for SaiMoe 2008 favourites =)

[Chi-no]

This esp. is one of those esp where I can watch again and again.... Very touching... :)

[Koal1544]

Seems others share the same feeling, but here goes..

(Bare with me, these are thoughts from a anime only viewer)

Being the first time I've seen this story, seeing Fu-chan celebrating the night before the wedding, you knew something bad was going to happen. It became obvious since the preview for episode 8 that the main characters would eventually forget her. The moment they suddenly remembered her, making her appear beside them once again, that moment actually brought tears. She stayed with them even while nearly completely forgotten, and eventually was seen by her older sister only to be reduced to a "vague rumor" in the end. Episode 9 gets my vote for best anime arc ending for '07.

[minhtam1638]

After this episode, Fuko has reserved a spot for SaiMoe 2008 favourites =)

Well, then let me say this to Fuko - Good luck with the new world order (Hayate no Gotoku will be replacing Rozen Maiden and Nanoha as the powerhouse)

[USB500]

It's been a very long time since I last cried because of KEY products (AIR, Kanon, Planetarian). I really need to prepare tissues, because when Fuko reappeared after she suddenly disappeared, I had the unstoppable urge to cry. >___<

I have to be honest here; mediocre or not, Fuko's arc had given me the kind of feeling I thought I had lost since watching Kanon. This is definitely one of the powerful episodes that had me crying throughout the episode.

EDIT:
Now I know why the ED is adorable. T__T

[zoot]

Well, nothing unexpected in this one. When a Key story arc says someone's going to disappear at the end, you can bet that's what's going to happen ...

So, nothing unexpected, but still, I hate amnesia endings. Even if the story forgotten was saving the world, it feels like it's erasing the whole story. (I can't even mention some other shows that did this and, in some cases, soured the whole show for me as a result--because there's no way to do so without spoilers.) I still liked it, since it was well executed, just not that aspect.

(Complaints that people are voting subjectively in a poll about how much you liked an episode? Err, OK ...)

Geez, Fumoffu was one of the funniest anime I've seen. The humor in Clannad is kind of...unusual, but it's enjoyable. It's not lol funny, but it's just well integrated.

Okazaki's pranks, the "sea slug" and tonguetwister (surprise, Fuuko is really a chicken) bits all had me laughing out of breath a few times. It's the high point of the show for me. Most of this was directed at Fuuko, so hopefully they'll keep it up without her.

Fumoffu would probably be among my top five comedies, if I kept a list.

-I have to agree with Reckoner, though, that there were some scenes which were overly dramatic, especially when one cannot fathom how and why Tomoya would cry so much over someone he had met for but a short period of time.

I was sort of surprised by that bit in ep 8--it was a lot stronger than a secondary character typically gets to be.

[~ Lawliet ~]

Although I am late in saying this, it was just as any of the others. Most epic indeed.

[Archuka]

I'm late to the party as I refuse to watch the non-WS version of CLANNAD.

This was a decent episode. I never felt much for Fuuko as her character is just not credible enough, but the drama in this one was done pretty well.

What's with the horrible, horrible Engrish lyrics in the song that played during the final disappearance scene, though? The singer seemed to pronounce the words exceptionally well but the actual words made no sense whatsoever. It was like a direct Babelfish translation... Very unprofessional!

Also, I haven't been following these episode threads as they're always three weeks ahead of me, so I don't know if this has already been discussed, but I see one amazingly huge plot hole in the Fuuko arc. Why oh why did they never ask Fuuko to touch someone who had already forgotten her and could thus not see her? Or how about asking her to wave one of those stars in front of them?

[GreatTeacherKen]

^^ I don't think the touching would work. After the people forget her, they can't see her or sense her presence at all. Watch the scene where Tomoya and Nagisa remember Fuko again, she is completely invisible despite standing right next to them until they remember her. Plus, if they could feel Fuko touching them without seeing her people would get freaked out and run away screaming or something. Also I think since Fuko is invisible they also can't touch her or bump into her.

She also can't wave the starfish around for precisely the same reason.

[Un1234l]

Yes, I refuse to watch the non-WS version as well. And coming here, I have a list of songs used in this episode

Episode 09

00:33 - 02:02 Mag Mell ~cuckool mix 2007~ "メグメル ~cuckool mix 2007~" (Megu Meru ~cuckool mix 2007~)
02:03 - 03:44 Hurry Starfish -PaPiPuPe Mix- "は～りぃすたーふぃっしゅ -PaPiPuPe Mix-" (Ha~rī Sutāfisshu -PaPiPuPe Mix-) (Just a guess; it most likely is though [same melody])
05:21 - 06:48 The Days' Leisure "日々の遑" (Hibi no Itoma)
07:28 - 09:14 Roaring Tide II "潮鳴り II" (Uminari ni)
10:10 - 11:15 Town, Flow of Time, People "町、時の流れ、人" (Machi, Toki no Nagare, Hito)
11:18 - 16:36 Shining in the Sky "空に光る" (Sora ni Hikaru)
16:38 - 18:47 The Place Where Wishes Come True "願いが叶う場所" (Negai ga Kanau Basho)
18:54 - 20:21 Ana" (short ver.) <---- Vocals: Lia
20:20 - 22:07 Shining in the Sky "空に光る" (Sora ni Hikaru)
22:10 - 23:39 A Large Family of Dango -TV animation Ver.- "だんご大家族" Dango Daikazoku (I prefer Big Dango Family, personally)
23:40 - 24:09 Mag Mell (off vocal ver.) "メグメル (off vocal ver.)" Megu Meru

I might do more, if you guys want me to OR I feel like doing it (Very beautiful selection of music for this episode)

[mangaxfreak]

tha ep is marverlios(wrong spelling) it is the greatest ep in the WHOLE CLANNAD!

[Yukinokesshou]

Why oh why did they never ask Fuuko to touch someone who had already forgotten her and could thus not see her? Or how about asking her to wave one of those stars in front of them?

Even though it wouldn't have worked, I DID want to see them try!

I kept waiting for that "oooh, Fuko just went right through him/her!! Translucent Fuko... scaaary!" scene that never materialised :heh: It would have been an interesting effect but KyoAni probably wanted to avoid such lame jokes during dramatic moments.

Also, do Fuko/Tomoya/Nagisa remind anyone of Kanna/Ryuya/Uraha in AIR? I've seen lots of comparisons between Fuko and Kanon's Ayu or Air's Michiru. But the way she interacts with Tomoya and Nagisa in episodes 8 and 9 draws analogies to Kanna/Ryuya/Uraha. E.g. the "family huddling together" scene in Episode 9.

Fuko = 1/3 Ayu + 1/3 Michiru + 1/3 Kanna :p
(Though Kanna is my favourite of the lot. The other three are too flat, IMHO. Kanna's story is deeper, and I have a weakness for Heian-era Japan and Tang-dynasty China.)

[Rookie103]

Dose that mean no Fu-chan Anymore.....I loved Her the most in this Anime ....

Not unless she wakes up.

[Siegzon Caritas]

just got finished with #9. I was totally demolished. Wow. demolished. That was exhausting. 10/10

[Khaos]

Fuko-chan... http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de)
I can't remember the last time I cried so much while watching anime.

[Rookie103]

Fuko-chan... http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de) http://www.smileygarden.de/smilie/Traurig/7.gif (http://www.smileygarden.de)
I can't remember the last time I cried so much while watching anime.

I managed to hold it in :D

[konstargirl]

This episode almost made me cried when Fuko died.

Hey, you know this episode remines me of the episode that Nuriko dies in Fushigi yuugi and Miaka was really emotional?