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Pellissier
2008-03-27, 08:29
Welcome to the discussion thread for Shakugan no Shana II, Episode 24 [END].

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Kristen
2008-03-27, 08:36
Ah, yay! It's here!

My predictions are that Shana will die in a noble way, like slicing off the head of Bel Peol while being stabbed or something, Yuji will recover the Reiju Maigo and kill Hecate, and Margery will kill both the Silver and Metamorphoses. Then Yuji will confess his love to Yoshida Kazumi, and we all have a happy end!

:p


Basically, I'm expecting some sort of resolution in this episode. I don't know what it is going to be, but I don't think they're going to try for a 3rd season.

DX HBK
2008-03-27, 09:12
Ah, yay! It's here!

My predictions are that Shana will die in a noble way, like slicing off the head of Bel Peol while being stabbed or something, Yuji will recover the Reiju Maigo and kill Hecate, and Margery will kill both the Silver and Metamorphoses. Then Yuji will confess his love to Yoshida Kazumi, and we all have a happy end!

:p


Basically, I'm expecting some sort of resolution in this episode. I don't know what it is going to be, but I don't think they're going to try for a 3rd season.

Then who the heck gets to kill Dantalion and Fecor?

The ending is probably going to be more like the ending done for Halo 2.

Deathscyther
2008-03-27, 09:26
If they're going to end it, we'll probably get a confession. The chance of someone dying would be very high then as well. This could turn out to be one of the best episodes of the season or as complete junk. I'm hoping for the first one of course.

And while some part of me says that it's better to end the series here, another part says that there will be a season 3. They can't destroy the whole balle masque in one episode and I can't see the series ending without the balle masque being destroyed or something like that.

Dragon-Emperor
2008-03-27, 10:40
Imo no one will die, but a confession will come RIGHT at the end where something will go horrible wrong/unexpected - and then the credits will start and it will zoom in on everyones shocked face - and then we will wait 6 months or more to see what's going to happen!

Sure the season will end, but there is WAY too much going on to 'end' the entire series. We'll see in a few hours.

DeotoxSlayer
2008-03-27, 12:58
Ther's no wayJ .C staff gonna end the story here, there too much of the actuall story left uncovered, and J.C isn't stupid enough to make an anime only series ending, for SnS, especially since SnS is probably the biggest money maker J.C has.

I'm expecting a huge fight, and something else, but ifthat something doesn't happen then i'm expecting another Shana confession which is unheard by Yuji again, then in Episode 1 of season 3 we'll find out Yuji didn't hear it.

CapoExecutor
2008-03-27, 13:15
J.C. Staff has still yet to make an OVA as well as additional Shana-tan specials.

Arnaiyus
2008-03-27, 13:23
The ending is probably going to be more like the ending done for Halo 2.I lol'ed at that. I personally think that a confession will occur, but what remains a big mystery for me is what they intend to do with Kazumi...the way she looked at the hougu in the preview was different than the thousand times she did in the previous episodes and left me wondering if we'll see Pheles again. It won't be long now!

karinvampire
2008-03-27, 13:34
what times does it air?

DeotoxSlayer
2008-03-27, 13:40
what times does it air?

I think the better question is why you voted 9/10 even though you haven't seen the episode...

Arnaiyus
2008-03-27, 13:40
what times does it air?
"Soon (http://www.wowwiki.com/Soon)". Notice how I tied Blizzard to this joke lol

karinvampire
2008-03-27, 13:56
I think the better question is why you voted 9/10 even though you haven't seen the episode...

because i'm never dissponited with the episodes so I have no doubt that this will be good too.

Kinny Riddle
2008-03-27, 14:25
Finally saw it.


As Margery is out of the picture, Shana and Wilhelmina fight 2-on-2 with Hecate and Sydonay. The two Bal-Masque Lords proved to be formidable opponents, even Hecate can hold her own against Shana and Wilhelmina.

Soon, the Flame Hazes are in a disadvantage, though they quickly realize that the two Lords hesitated when their backs were faced towards the clock tower/statue, so they used that as an advantage to buy time and make an opening.

Inside, Yuji retrieves the Blutsauger, declaring his intent to protect Shana. (Lame and cliched as his proclamation sounds though, Yuji at least sounds like a decent male protagonist once again. :cool: )

though his PoE is running out fast, and he becomes semi-transparent. Wilhelmina creates a diversion for Shana to enter the statue, and she meets up with Yuji. Though this means Wilhelmina has to fight two.

As Shana and Yuji head towards the "heart" of the statue, it is activated by the Professor and breaks out of its blue egg shell. Before it can cause widespread panic, Margery manages to open up her Fuuzetsu while still badly wounded. But time is running short, as the statue begins to grow wings in an attempt to fly out of the Fuuzetsu.

Yuji and Shana finally reach the inner chamber of the statue, where they come face to face with "Silver". A fight ensues, Yuji realizes the Reiji Maigo is inside Silver's "heart", though neither he nor Shana are able to overpower Silver, who seems to be "remote controlled" by Hecate outside.

As Hecate/Silver is about to deal a finishing blow to Yuji, for some reason, the shot missed completely, causing Hecate to look confused. Yuji is able to take advantage of the lapse to retrieve the Reiji Maigo, allowing Shana to finish Silver off, for now at least.

Without the Reiji Maigo and Silver to power it, the statue collapses. Watching from afar, Bel-Peol, typical of the villain mastermind, sort of expected something like this could happen (concerning Hecate's hesitation). Bal-Masque decides to retreat for now. Before leaving, Hecate is further surprised that she is crying.

All this time Yoshida never really used the Hougu Pheles gave her, since she decides to place her trust in Yuji being able to survive this. Thus this plot device is completely wasted and legions of Yoshida-haters are disappointed she survived till the end.

As the credits roll, a special ED "sense" by Kawada Mami plays, showing the various characters and what they're doing. It shows Shana and Yoshida once again waiting for Yuji to make his choice.

From Yoshida standing and on the verge of tears and Shana turning around and looking delighted, it's highly implied that Yuji chose Shana, thus hopefully making some of the more moderate Yoshida-haters more or less satisfied.


In a nutshell, a rushed ending. Though I'm not complaining about the Hecate bits, if it's development, even though it's all original, she's got the most interesting ones.

The whole series: Could certainly do better. JC Staff might as well concentrate on making a Shana movie or OVA series instead, seeing as how the movie was infinitely superior.

And now fans go back, and hope in a few years time that there'll be a season 3.

Crisano
2008-03-27, 14:27
10. This episode deserves a 10.

Man, where to start! First of all, the fight scenes where so freaking amazing; nicely animated, too. Also, as soon as I saw Kazumi "using" the Hougu, I was yelling, "Nooooooooooooooooo!" only to find that she didn't end up using it. Geez, they almost gave me a heart attack. Also, it was good to see that Hecate didn't forgot about the times "she" spent with Yuji and company. It was touching, when she cried and pondered about her feelings. Lastly, the ending song freaking rocks. I'm definitely buying the song when it's out. The ending was replaced with a sequence, like last season. I think Yuji ends up choosing Shana, as Shana smiles and Kazumi begins to cry. Of course, I'm not 100% sure.

ForgedGlory
2008-03-27, 14:33
If Yoshida cried, then its automatically EPIC WIN! lol XP

D a m i e n
2008-03-27, 14:46
havent seen it yet, but from what i saw from the spoiler is it a conventionnal ending and nothing mindblowing (not like S2 was anything else than 90%filler but anyway).
i would have like to see something a bit different, a few deaths : margery dying giving her sidekick the final chara-devellopemt and the 2 main protagonist not ending as a couple. it s so cliche to always have the 2 mains characters ending up happy ever after. An anime ending where both characters would end up as "partner/cooworker" yet having both their own private life would be refreshing for once.

DX HBK
2008-03-27, 14:48
Second time that the Balle Masque underestimated the unexpected factor named Sakai Yuji. But I guess the whole Konoe arc wasn't completely useless in the end. Second time that Hecate displays emotion.


Another year and a half before the third season emerges. Can't there be some anime original enemies in the third season because the Balle Masque is just FUCKIN' BORING! Balle Masque doing this... Balle Masque planning that...

Throw in some third party elements and make this Maelstrom of Warfare that is in Misaki City turn into a free-for-all where everyone can try killing each other 24/7! (fuel to rant now at zero).

goombas
2008-03-27, 14:52
the first season was good and this season was full of random slice of life stuff. i wonder what awaits us next season, a harem atmosphere like ZnT 2nd Season? xDDDD

Triple_R
2008-03-27, 15:01
I haven't watched the episode yet as I perfer to wait for the English subs - so I don't know how spectacular/well-rendered the action scenes were - but from reading the spoilers here on anime suki... the plot ending aspect of things sounds really lame and uninspired to me.

Kazumi loses to Shana, and she doesn't summon Pheles?

Man... where's the twist? The surprise? Some event other than cool action scenes that makes the last episode stand out in a good way?

All of the build-up over Kazumi/Pheles/the houga was wasted, especially since Kazumi lost.

Well, at least the love triangle has been resolved, but in a predictable fashion, and with out any shocking last minute surprises in the way of character deaths or anything of the sort.

DeotoxSlayer
2008-03-27, 15:03
Is seriously doubt that Shana actually won, when they make a season 3 they'll make up an excuse for Kazumi being slightly weepy

Sidestep
2008-03-27, 15:12
Yuji actually choosing someone? Seems way too good to be true. =P

Kristen
2008-03-27, 15:16
HOW DARE YOU MAKE YUJI CHOOSE SHANA! HOW DARE YOU!

Thank gosh they didn't show anything past there. Honestly, if they had them kissing or something, I would have thrown up on the spot.

Sure, it was only "implied", so I am still keeping to my hope that the teary eyes Kazumi was for joy the Yuji picked her, and Shana was smiling to see the two of them happy, but that's just me trying to find ways to justify this ending. I have to assume what everyone else is, unfortunately, because there is a limit to farfetchedness.

This gets a 1. Absolutely painful in every way painful for the reasons mentioned.

Dragon-Emperor
2008-03-27, 15:22
Okay I haven't read anything else in the thread since my last post. I opened the thread to view the poll results, SMILED and then scrolled to the bottom to reply.
This could be WAY off, but considering ChrissieXD rated it a 1, things look good for my favorite flame haze in the ways of love! 60% done downloading. This will be a long 25 minutes to wait!

piku
2008-03-27, 15:36
very satisfactory on the script. it give a good answer on why konoe fumina is that essential for SnS2. also interesting setting on that 'GOU NO RITSUZOU'. the ending is not that bad at all.

the BGM, drawing style, battle scenes and the special ED is just matched very well and overall in high performance.

actually the ending did't give any clear answer on shana or kazumi who won yuji. kazumi cried, shana laugh, that's all.
moreover, yuji's footprints disappeared. it may be a hint on yuji just disappeared (and turn into the snake of festival) as the origial novels, in my point of view.
the anime origial 'GOU NO RITSUZOU' may as a test for bal masque get ready to welcome their boss to come back, as the principle is quite alike.poor ike, sato good job, thanks for the service scene(?) of wilhelmina. also for the tears of hekate and kazumi.

although there are no news on 3rd season/OVA/movies, i think there will be no difficulties for jointing to SnS3 or original novel's story with this ending. just looking forward and wait patiently for SnS3 or something like that...

overall SnS2 is better in the last half, including stories and battle sences. surely the anime original story is interesting enough, but it will be better as OVAs or drama CD but not to spend time and then squeeze the novels contents in few episode. put more effort on some parts of the stories from original novel is more important as it may affect how the audience understand the further story. generally all character is fantastic, although we can see ogata is the queen in SnS2...

minhtam1638
2008-03-27, 15:43
Just hearing the spoilers, and I don't like it. I'm sure I will like the battle, but contrary to my wishes, they are leaving enough room for a season 3. The implied ending seems to be forced, and while I'm happy to see Shana "win", quote unquote, the way it was done just throws me off.

I'm not happy with this at all. Now we're going to have to wait about three years to see how un-canonical Season 3 will be. And as far as I'm concerned, J.C. Staff is now relying on Takahashi to lead them to money, which will not be guaranteed.

Malintex_Terek
2008-03-27, 15:58
Shana fans or just fans in general on this board are waaaaaaay too forgiving. This whole second season was terrible; what wasn't novel material was downright awful and generic, what was novel material was poorly paced, awkward, and unexciting. The show was marred by poor production and seemed dead-set for mediocrity and another season from episode one; in mahjong lingo, the players went for a cheap hand this round to prolong the game into another round.

This marks the second sequel that JC Staff has screwed up, the first being the (albeit worse) ZnT II; the boundless optimism of this forum be darned, when the filler ending started I forecasted disaster and my pessimism was ultimately confirmed.

There's really not much to say here except that the anime is little more than promotion for the novels, which aren't accessible to most of us. Waiting years and years for more Shana when we waited two for this ostensibly horrible season just doesn't make it worth it.

Even as far as the "GAR" is concerned, I find Yuuji's ultimate incarnation to be awesome but still, it's not worth the wait. Nor was it worth the wait in R+V, or in GL - wading through the emo, the harem, the mindless fanservice for even a speck of GAR really says something about how desperate some of us are for good anime.

And Shana II is not a good anime.

/fin

CapoExecutor
2008-03-27, 16:10
Shana fans or just fans in general on this board are waaaaaaay too forgiving. This whole second season was terrible; what wasn't novel material was downright awful and generic, what was novel material was poorly pace, awkward, and unexciting. The show was marred by poor production and seemed dead-set for mediocrity and another season from episode one; in mahjong lingo, the players went for a cheap hand this round to prolong the game into another round.

This marks the second sequel that JC Staff has screwed up, the first being the (albeit worse) ZnT II; the boundless optimism of this forum be darned, when the filler ending started I foretasted disaster and my pessimism was ultimately confirmed.

There's really not much to say here except that the anime is little more than promotion for the novels, which aren't accessible to most of us. Waiting years and years for more Shana when we waited two for this ostensibly horrible season just doesn't make it worth it.

Even as far as the "GAR" is concerned, I find Yuuji's ultimate incarnation to be awesome but still, it's not worth the wait. Nor was it worth the wait in R+V, or in GL - wading through the emo, the harem, the mindless fanservice for even a speck of GAR really says something about how desperate some of us are for good anime.

And Shana II is not a good anime.

/fin

J.C. Staff could redo the second season again and pretended that Shana II never happened.

Samanosuke
2008-03-27, 16:12
J.C. Staff could redo the second season again and pretended that Shana II never happened.
I like that Idea.
But it will never happen ;_;

gekko
2008-03-27, 16:27
I think if you haven't read the novels, i would say this season is just fine

btw can a novel reader pm me if the triangle is still on in the novel of that some development happend, i hate that love relations get dragged (i prefer some content after the choice has been made (love hina,I's) instead of ending it al together with the pairing

metronome
2008-03-27, 16:27
zetsubo da......


no SoF till even the ending, hopefully he will appears on season 3 to make us all happy.
about shana to be chosen, that's quite expected isn't it? it is so obvious that yuji shud have done this from season 1 instead

teelotes
2008-03-27, 16:29
HOW DARE YOU MAKE YUJI CHOOSE SHANA! HOW DARE YOU!

Thank gosh they didn't show anything past there. Honestly, if they had them kissing or something, I would have thrown up on the spot.

Sure, it was only "implied", so I am still keeping to my hope that the teary eyes Kazumi was for joy the Yuji picked her, and Shana was smiling to see the two of them happy, but that's just me trying to find ways to justify this ending. I have to assume what everyone else is, unfortunately, because there is a limit to farfetchedness.

This gets a 1. Absolutely painful in every way painful for the reasons mentioned.

That particular scene must have been hard for you.

They just had to animate her disappearing. :heh:

teelotes
2008-03-27, 16:32
I like that Idea.
But it will never happen ;_;

They could come up with a movie version though. Gekijouban SnS had improvements in the animation and also added more details in the plot.

deffusse
2008-03-27, 16:34
That episode was actualy a piece of shit, sorry for s-word, but there's no way to call it any other way.. Actualy It was borring, monotonous, yoshida was stupid as ever, no kiss, no romance, borring fight, no death, unlogical end, very very fast, pointless....... it wasn't that old good shana:rolleyes:

FiREwing
2008-03-27, 16:38
I'm actually relatively satisfied with this season. If I pretend that the first couple episodes did not happen.

Dragon-Emperor
2008-03-27, 16:39
I liked the episode a lot. However, with the amount of things people wanted to see happen from the novels by the time Sabracs time on stage was done, and the amount that was given to them, I can see how some people will be unhappy. In the end however, this is the anime and not the books and expecting them to connect with each other to such an uncreative extent is ridiculous. (I hope we don't need to go into the 'margeting' rants again)
This season started off a little slow, and then became painful for a small while (to some), while to others the break from climactic battles and book-related timeline wasn't bad at all. It was satisfying to see how Konoes experiences tied into the end of this series, further progressing Hecates emotions and character as a whole. Without the Konoe arc this might not have been possible to do as effectively as they did (gradual, not rush, rush, rush all in 1-2 episodes). To see Hecate not wanting to kill Yuuji after removing the RM and then again while controlling the Silver really makes me wonder what's going to happen between them in season 3 between them. Maybe a new official point to the triangle? It's possible if they eventually have a common foe to fight together for perhaps.
While the ending does not say for sure who Yuuji chose, it clearly points towards Shana imo. Why? Not Kazumis reaction, but Shanas disappointed look that turns into an extremely happy open mouth smile with blushing. That isn't a laugh, and she clearly can't see Kazumi from where they are (North/South locations), so it wouldn't relate to Kazumi. So, that smile/reaction really does strongly support in favor of the Yuuji + Shana direction.
It also has to be taken into mind that he screamed he would protect Shana and all... But yea, that scene could be debatable. So I won't go into that.

Fantastic episode, good series. SnS2 was not as good as 1 in my personal opinion, but it DEFINATELY was not a 'bad' season. The episode scores will speak for themselves in this community. Of course there is bound to be a few people saying they hated it... but hey, those are the same people who said they would "Drop this anime right now" 5 episodes ago lol. :heh:

10.

minhtam1638
2008-03-27, 16:42
Shana fans or just fans in general on this board are waaaaaaay too forgiving. This whole second season was terrible; what wasn't novel material was downright awful and generic, what was novel material was poorly pace, awkward, and unexciting. The show was marred by poor production and seemed dead-set for mediocrity and another season from episode one; in mahjong lingo, the players went for a cheap hand this round to prolong the game into another round.

This marks the second sequel that JC Staff has screwed up, the first being the (albeit worse) ZnT II; the boundless optimism of this forum be darned, when the filler ending started I foretasted disaster and my pessimism was ultimately confirmed.

There's really not much to say here except that the anime is little more than promotion for the novels, which aren't accessible to most of us. Waiting years and years for more Shana when we waited two for this ostensibly horrible season just doesn't make it worth it.

Even as far as the "GAR" is concerned, I find Yuuji's ultimate incarnation to be awesome but still, it's not worth the wait. Nor was it worth the wait in R+V, or in GL - wading through the emo, the harem, the mindless fanservice for even a speck of GAR really says something about how desperate some of us are for good anime.

And Shana II is not a good anime.

/fin

As much as I agree that episode 24 was indeed yet another rush job, you have a history of taking things to the extreme. I'd like to rebut, but I simply don't have the time for you.

Devard
2008-03-27, 16:57
10/10, I really liked this episode. The art was very well done and the pacing was good.

I shall also officially eat my words since I was one of the proponents last year that believed that the anime would end with the novels, I guess not. :heh:

Lastly, the ending song freaking rocks. I'm definitely buying the song when it's out.
The CD is already out, it is named sense and is on Mami Kawada's SAVIA album.

Malintex_Terek
2008-03-27, 17:24
As much as I agree that episode 24 was indeed yet another rush job, you have a history of taking things to the extreme.

I'm being pretty reasonable here, especially since there was one series in the past year that delivered quite well - Seto no Hanayome. From GONZO no less. SnH gave me hope that future harem shows could amount to something more than indecision and panty shots, much like how Baccano! showed that anime doesn't need big name c.v.'s, fancy promotion or fanservice to make a fudge win, kick-arse series.

But for every SnH and Baccano! there's fish flops like Shana II; overpromoted, overhyped, over the top, under funded and rushed.

lua thien
2008-03-27, 17:38
Second time that the Balle Masque underestimated the unexpected factor named Sakai Yuji. But I guess the whole Konoe arc wasn't completely useless in the end. Second time that Hecate displays emotion.


Another year and a half before the third season emerges. Can't there be some anime original enemies in the third season because the Balle Masque is just FUCKIN' BORING! Balle Masque doing this... Balle Masque planning that...

Throw in some third party elements and make this Maelstrom of Warfare that is in Misaki City turn into a free-for-all where everyone can try killing each other 24/7! (fuel to rant now at zero).

@DX HBK.

Despite the fact that you started a pointless rant back in the Episode 15 thread of this series, I suddenly feel like I should lobby your expertise in providing the J.C. Staff some much better combat "choreography" for the third season of Shakugan no Shana.

Don't ask me why.

Crisano
2008-03-27, 17:44
But for every SnH and Baccano! there's fish flops like Shana II; overpromoted, overhyped, over the top, under funded and rushed.Out of curiosity, how was Shakugan no Shana II overpromoted and overhyped? I mean, high expectations ruin the ride, if said expectations are caused by the person doing the watching. Then again, I cannot say ____ was overhyped because I do not live in Japan, where most of the hype and promotion would come from.

ashlay
2008-03-27, 17:55
Well, everything is even more horribly off from the novels than the end of season 1, and we're still stuck with a cliffhanger. Unless they finally just decide to change the story entirely, viewers will be stuck with plenty of of stuff like the hecate arc in a season 3. :rolleyes:

Yeah, this is the absolute last straw. I just can't forgive them for ruining such a good plot point utterly and completely for what turned out to be absolutely no reason.

J.C. staff, I very much hope you croak. >_>

DX HBK
2008-03-27, 18:04
@DX HBK.

Despite the fact that you started a pointless rant back in the Episode 15 thread of this series, I suddenly feel like I should lobby your expertise in providing the J.C. Staff some much better combat "choreography" for the third season of Shakugan no Shana.

Don't ask me why.

Thanks, I guess. But I have no wish to tread into their territory just for that.

CapoExecutor
2008-03-27, 18:44
Second season is now a dream as the dawn approaches.

serenade_beta
2008-03-27, 19:04
As expected of the last episode, exciting and well done/animated.

Like I thought, Silver ended up coming alive to fight (kind of).

None of the Bal Masque are killed, though Silver is gone now.
Glad to see Fumina come back and do something, even if she pretty much still is gone. Though I wish Hecate died and she came back. Fumina~~~~ Wahh~~~!

Pretty sad to see Kazumi lose, since I preferred her over Shana (yeah, I said it!). Though if there is one saving thought (to Kazumi fans), it's that Shana's "win" is merely "hinted" and that there isn't actually any physical proof. And in anime, you know what that means.

Anyways, love the episode, and it was a good series.

Time to wait for the favorite characters thread and final impressions.
Please have Fumina and Hecate as separate characters in the favorite characters thread.

Kristen
2008-03-27, 19:28
As expected of the last episode, exciting and well done/animated.

Like I thought, Silver ended up coming alive to fight (kind of).

None of the Bal Masque are killed, though Silver is gone now.
Glad to see Fumina come back and do something, even if she pretty much still is gone. Though I wish Hecate died and she came back. Fumina~~~~ Wahh~~~!

Pretty sad to see Kazumi lose, since I preferred her over Shana (yeah, I said it!). Though if there is one saving thought (to Kazumi fans), it's that Shana's "win" is merely "hinted" and that there isn't actually any physical proof. And in anime, you know what that means.

Anyways, love the episode, and it was a good series.

Time to wait for the favorite characters thread and final impressions.
Please have Fumina and Hecate as separate characters in the favorite characters thread.

A Kazumi lover? There's another one? :)

*Me hugs Serenade Beta*

minhtam1638
2008-03-27, 20:50
We need a poll - Shana vs. Kazumi... wait... that's a bad idea.

Deathkillz
2008-03-27, 21:00
I guess as an action lover I absolutely loved this episode. But the story on the other hand remains cheesy and weak. I mean dam what a lousy lose for the silver knight. So all that set up for Hecate was so that she can slip up at the list, most important minute? Bleh.

The fight was really good for me, and it did keep me entertained, though it was over the top pretty much. I do question some illogical stuff though, like how margery was able to heal so fast :rolleyes:

The ending was open ended ready for season 3 (oh god >_<).

Well I don't like either Shana or Kazumi so Yuji's choice didn't affect me at all :p

Whitemoon648
2008-03-27, 21:15
Ok episode. In terms of action, well previous episodes were alot better. Ending was a disapointment. and We didnt even get to ,

See pheles :upset:.

But yeah, Overal an Ok episode.

And about yuji

He got so lucky that hecate spared him.

And Sydony Seemed to be,

Kind of angry at hecate, which i thought was interesting

And how did Yuji's
Blast wave was able to deflect that huge Blast wave silver used ???

and the funniest moment of the episode was when Domino
Pressed that button before Prof was finished talking. It even Made sydony laugh :hehe"



A question from Novel readers, Was the anime ending an original ending? Or followed the novel ( more or less?) .

serenade_beta
2008-03-27, 21:17
A question from Novel readers, Was the anime ending an original ending? Or followed the novel ( more or less?) .

It's been anime-original since episode 22, so the ending was also anime-original.

Dragon-Emperor
2008-03-27, 21:26
As expected of the last episode, exciting and well done/animated.

Like I thought, Silver ended up coming alive to fight (kind of).

None of the Bal Masque are killed, though Silver is gone now.
Glad to see Fumina come back and do something, even if she pretty much still is gone. Though I wish Hecate died and she came back. Fumina~~~~ Wahh~~~!

Pretty sad to see Kazumi lose, since I preferred her over Shana (yeah, I said it!). Though if there is one saving thought (to Kazumi fans), it's that Shana's "win" is merely "hinted" and that there isn't actually any physical proof. And in anime, you know what that means.

Anyways, love the episode, and it was a good series.

Time to wait for the favorite characters thread and final impressions.
Please have Fumina and Hecate as separate characters in the favorite characters thread.

Silver isn't 'gone' I think. Sure it came to the point where he could no longer fight due to the RM being removed and after being attacked, but even after the series of attacks and Shana+Yuujis victory, it can be seen that Silver is still intact lying face down. He could always be brought back and hooked up in the professors lab again in Season 3 since he wasn't vaporized or anything. Just my opinion. Maybe that's what you implied to begin though :heh:

Devard
2008-03-27, 21:58
It's been anime-original since episode 22, so the ending was also anime-original.
To be precise, the last bit of the 22nd episode was original material. The two girls really did send out letters to Yuji to end the battle in the novels.

The Real Nemo
2008-03-27, 22:59
Well, everything is even more horribly off from the novels than the end of season 1, and we're still stuck with a cliffhanger. Unless they finally just decide to change the story entirely, viewers will be stuck with plenty of of stuff like the hecate arc in a season 3. :rolleyes:

Yeah, this is the absolute last straw. I just can't forgive them for ruining such a good plot point utterly and completely for what turned out to be absolutely no reason.

J.C. staff, I very much hope you croak. >_>
Hecate's character development has always been one of the things I've enjoyed most about the Shana anime, so personally I'd be very interested to see how they might tie that in with future novel events in a third season...

nines
2008-03-27, 23:23
so their will be no shakugan no shana III?

Dragon-Emperor
2008-03-27, 23:32
so their will be no shakugan no shana III?

There is certainly room for anSnS3 as this story has room to move forward. Bad guys to fight, relationships to advance, characters to develop, questions to be answered and possssssssible book material to be covered; however there has been no official announcement for SnS3 yet.

tripperazn
2008-03-27, 23:42
I got a serious case of deja vu from season one's finale. More ShanaxYuji, more cheesy, ambiguous, and open-ended endings. As usual, everything merely returns to the status quo, ready for JC Staff to take a third season, I guess we'll see if they actually do.

I liked the fact that they used "sense" for ending credits though, probably the best new song from Kawada on her album.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-03-28, 00:46
I haven't watched the episode yet, but judging from the screenshots, I'd say it's probably a very good action episode, but might fare poorly as an ending to everything.

It does look obvious that J.C's leaving it open for a possible third season and being as much of an optimist as I possibly can, I hope they can learn from the mistakes they committed in Season 2 if they are planning a continuation. Omni from Random Curiosity summed it up pretty well; That there was pretty interesting stuff, but wasn't made full use of and had poor pacing.

teelotes
2008-03-28, 00:56
I got a serious case of deja vu from season one's finale. More ShanaxYuji, more cheesy, ambiguous, and open-ended endings. As usual, everything merely returns to the status quo, ready for JC Staff to take a third season, I guess we'll see if they actually do.

I liked the fact that they used "sense" for ending credits though, probably the best new song from Kawada on her album.

Yuji didn't have the ability to fight in Season 1. As far as I remember:
He just accompanied Shana as she deployed Tenpa Jousai. This time we get to see some significant teamwork between the two.

I like the scene where both the Blutsauger and the Nietono no Shana land on top of each other and lie together.

Deathscyther
2008-03-28, 08:41
Great episode, but a decent ending to a decent season.

I liked the battles. They were animated well and they seemed intense. The music played throughout the episode was good as well, especially the ending song.

I'm happy with the Yuji x Shana moments in the giant tomogara. They worked together and showed trust in each other. This is how I want them to be.

Konoe is still alive in Hecate and she spared Yuji several times throughout the last 2 episodes. I'm a bit upset how they used the Silver, but I guess that there was no avoiding it anymore.

The ending felt rushed though. Some things aren't cleared up at all. How did Wilhelmina fare after Shana went inside the giant? Is the silver still alive? Margery's reaction to yuji x shana fighting/defeating the silver? This episode should have had two episodes to make it so much better.

It is hinted that he chooses Shana in the end, but I have my doubts. The final scene where you see Yuji's footprints ending in the snow where it gets very dark seems foreboding and combine that with what he's saying...

Cliffhanger ending. I smell a third season coming.

Same_Shark
2008-03-28, 10:37
I liked the fact that they used "sense" for ending credits though, probably the best new song from Kawada on her album.

Naw! That's TRILL! lol j/k I can see why they used it. It's like JOINT, but injected with the feeling of hope.

FiREwing
2008-03-28, 11:23
Why are almost all Mami Kawada's songs all named with english words that seem cool?._.

I don't think you should hate on JCSTAFF and place it in the same league as some other bad studio with even worse reps such as GONZO or DEEN...They made the safe choice by avoiding using novel material. I would have cried if it ended cliffhanger than the open ending we got.

D a m i e n
2008-03-28, 11:39
come on people the end with shana smiling while yoshida cries is cristal clear, it s obvious he first went to shana to apologize and tell her he prefered yoshida before going for yoshida to spend his Xmass evening.
they only showed the shana smile /yoshida tears cause they though everyone would understand.

Sterling01
2008-03-28, 11:44
As expected of the last episode, exciting and well done/animated.

Like I thought, Silver ended up coming alive to fight (kind of).

None of the Bal Masque are killed, though Silver is gone now.
Glad to see Fumina come back and do something, even if she pretty much still is gone. Though I wish Hecate died and she came back. Fumina~~~~ Wahh~~~!

Pretty sad to see Kazumi lose, since I preferred her over Shana (yeah, I said it!). Though if there is one saving thought (to Kazumi fans), it's that Shana's "win" is merely "hinted" and that there isn't actually any physical proof. And in anime, you know what that means.

Anyways, love the episode, and it was a good series.

Time to wait for the favorite characters thread and final impressions.
Please have Fumina and Hecate as separate characters in the favorite characters thread.
I'm also sad to see Kazumi "lose" not only because I like her better then Shana, it's also because Kazumi "losing" in that way is also another deviation from the novels

Though the ending in essence wasn't bad per say. It changed some very important elements of Sliver that are key factors in the 16th Novel. Also they changed what Bal Masque main ideals were about.

Though here's something I really really want to know:

Why the fuck did J.C put ***'s Black flames in the opining if they weren't even going to use him?

Owaranai Destiny
2008-03-28, 11:54
come on people the end with shana smiling while yoshida cries is cristal clear, it s obvious he first went to shana to apologize and tell her he prefered yoshida before going for yoshida to spend his Xmass evening.
they only showed the shana smile /yoshida tears cause they though everyone would understand.

How did you come across that idea?

Even the smallest piece of evidence would be nice, thank you.

I'm also sad to see Kazumi "lose" not only because I like her better then Shana, it's also because Kazumi "losing" in that way is also another deviation from the novels

Though the ending in essence wasn't bad per say. It changed some very important elements of Sliver that are key factors in the 16th Novel. Also they changed what Bal Masque main ideals were about.

Though here's something I really really want to know:

Why the fuck did J.C put ***'s Black flames in the opining if they weren't even going to use him?

I gather you're more interested in the novels. :)

That's a given, though. I suppose the novels provide a fuller story and more well-developed sub-plots as well as the main plot itself.

Just one thing to answer your question: Not everything in the OP is used in the series itself.

Sterling01
2008-03-28, 11:56
I gather you're more interested in the novels. :)

That's a given, though. I suppose the novels provide a fuller story and more well-developed sub-plots as well as the main plot itself.

Just one thing to answer your question: Not everything in the OP is used in the series itself.

Well I did read the novels first before watching the Anime

D a m i e n
2008-03-28, 12:01
How did you come across that idea?

Even the smallest piece of evidence would be nice, thank you.


it was sarcasm, if anyone still had anydoubt about the yujixshana ending. i guess i should use some smiley next time i use sarcasm

Owaranai Destiny
2008-03-28, 12:05
it was sarcasm, if anyone still had anydoubt about the yujixshana ending. i guess i should use some smiley next time i use sarcasm

You ought to, since people don't know what kind of a tone you use in your wording sometimes. ;)

I'd agree that the last few scenes would be as what most people consider the outcome of the love triangle to be. In that sense, there's some form of closure, though I have no doubt that most people would consider themselves being cheated of a 'real ending' with a 'proper closure'. Personally, though, I'm not very supportive of it, and J.C might actually dig yet another grave for themselves with that kind of an ending with the anime fans of SnS.

CapoExecutor
2008-03-28, 12:10
Anime original before going to the novels then going back to anime original. That's the second season going to heaven in a handbasket.

Things have improved in the final episode but this second season has suffered the same treatment that the stereotype sequels tend to endure when noted to be inferior to the original predecessors.



Konoe: Well, this is it, my good friend. Hold me.
Hecate and Konoe hug each other as the Silver explodes in the background.

teelotes
2008-03-28, 12:22
come on people the end with shana smiling while yoshida cries is cristal clear, it s obvious he first went to shana to apologize and tell her he prefered yoshida before going for yoshida to spend his Xmass evening.
they only showed the shana smile /yoshida tears cause they though everyone would understand.

I like the idea, but it's something that'll only appear in Kasumi-tan special.

Actually some visual novels have a third option, where the player doesn't choose any option. I believe Yuji would have done that. Kasumi cried and went over to Shana, where upon seeing Kasumi, was overjoyed that she has understood and treasured their friendship over that indecisive baka, and both girls went to celebrate Christmas together.

DX HBK
2008-03-28, 12:25
One question: The Reiji Maigo had a Keeper on it so wouldn't Yuji be harmed when he took it back with his bare hand?

teelotes
2008-03-28, 12:29
How did you come across that idea?

Even the smallest piece of evidence would be nice, thank you.



I gather you're more interested in the novels. :)

That's a given, though. I suppose the novels provide a fuller story and more well-developed sub-plots as well as the main plot itself.

Just one thing to answer your question: Not everything in the OP is used in the series itself.

Relax there... no need to get so worked up :heh: I can't help it but poke fun at the ending too.

As for the black flames, I guess it's just some misunderstanding. As pointed out in another thread, the scene was for Yuji getting "killed" in his own dream and coming out of it, shown in the first few episodes of the season, so it has indeed appeared in the series. However, J.C. Staff's choice of colour for that illustration could have been better, as black is symbolic in another sense.

teelotes
2008-03-28, 12:30
One question: The Reiji Maigo had a Keeper on it so wouldn't Yuji be harmed when he took it back with his bare hand?

Hasn't it been removed so it could be extracted by Hecate? And (I'm guessing here) that's Sabrac's main objective for the fight, to remove the Keeper that he casted.

alvinkhorfire
2008-03-28, 13:48
About Kazumi cried and Shana smiles, it does not really mean that Yuji has chosen Shana. Probably as yuji's footprints disappeared, he was unable to make a choice. Remember at the end of Episode 24 in season 1, there is a scene where Shana is smiling at us. So, I think that Shana's smiling is just a way to say this season has ended.

I can't believe that Shana and Wilhelmina could not provide much resistance to Sydonay and Hecate. At least, I thought that they could even fight evenly. But, I was wrong. It it was not a slip by Hecate, they don't stand a chance to defeat the statue of pride. But the most memorable moment is when Yuji and Shana works together to defeat Silver. More scenes of Yuji and Shana working together, please.

teelotes
2008-03-28, 14:11
About Kazumi cried and Shana smiles, it does not really mean that Yuji has chosen Shana. Probably as yuji's footprints disappeared, he was unable to make a choice. Remember at the end of Episode 24 in season 1, there is a scene where Shana is smiling at us. So, I think that Shana's smiling is just a way to say this season has ended.

I can't believe that Shana and Wilhelmina could not provide much resistance to Sydonay and Hecate. At least, I thought that they could even fight evenly. But, I was wrong. It it was not a slip by Hecate, they don't stand a chance to defeat the statue of pride.

Is the smile before or after Tenpa Josai? I remember her smiling, that's when she said something to Yuji (he didn't catch it). She's facing "us" when she said that, if I remember correctly.

I have the impression Sydonay would be on-par, then I remember that he had rarely fought a full battle. He mostly ended up running away since the conditions weren't favourable to him as a contractor of services to other Tomogaras. And that makes me wonder why is he moonlighting when he's part of the Trinity of Bal Masque.

alvinkhorfire
2008-03-28, 14:24
Shana smiles at 24.40 minutes at the end of Episode 24 in season 1 when she is running. That is after Yuji states that " we will continue walking as always... an inch from where the world gets dislocated "

Sydonay is moonlighting and become the bodyguard of other tomogara. That is when he is trying to look for Reiji Maigo, he basically fill up his time by become the bodyguard. I think that from what I read from other posts in the forum, it was not mentioned what he gets in return, POE or something else. Perhaps somebody else can offer better explanation than mine.

I think that this is the first time they put the episode title in the middle of the episode.

Sinestra
2008-03-28, 14:38
Is seriously doubt that Shana actually won, when they make a season 3 they'll make up an excuse for Kazumi being slightly weepy

Im agreeing with you just seeing her cry is not enough to determine that Yuuji made a choice. Till i see and actual here him pick one i wont believe it. Given the fact that i dont hate Kazumi or Shana i dont mind either one. I know the Kazumi haters are probably crying their eyes out after this episode because she didnt die and for some reason that brings me more pleasure than the episode its self, sorry i just hate shippers they usually ruin a forum once their left to run wild.

Stretch5920
2008-03-28, 14:42
a lot of shippers in denial in this thread.

Devard
2008-03-28, 17:09
Why the fuck did J.C put ***'s Black flames in the opining if they weren't even going to use him?
Eh, they do it all the time. Look at Fate stay/night's second opening. I stopped falling into these "traps" a while ago.

Malintex_Terek
2008-03-28, 17:41
Why the fuck did J.C put ***'s Black flames in the opining if they weren't even going to use him?

LOL JC STAFF.

Studio DEEN pulled the same stunt when Archer died; they put in a whole UBW sequence in the OP as if to say, "stick around this anime will be UBW in the end afterall!" only to take a dump on the script and smear it across our computer screens.

Horrible route was horrible. It wasn't that great in the visual novel either - Saber's just too pet-like.

Whitemoon648
2008-03-28, 18:05
come on people the end with shana smiling while yoshida cries is cristal clear, it s obvious he first went to shana to apologize and tell her he prefered yoshida before going for yoshida to spend his Xmass evening.
they only showed the shana smile /yoshida tears cause they though everyone would understand.

LOL, One could look at it that way, But i doubt it :heh:.

it was sarcasm, if anyone still had anydoubt about the yujixshana ending. i guess i should use some smiley next time i use sarcasm

hehe, I thought it was crystal clear that You were not being saracastic :rolleyes:.

Im agreeing with you just seeing her cry is not enough to determine that Yuuji made a choice. Till i see and actual here him pick one i wont believe it. Given the fact that i dont hate Kazumi or Shana i dont mind either one. I know the Kazumi haters are probably crying their eyes out after this episode because she didnt die and for some reason that brings me more pleasure than the episode its self, sorry i just hate shippers they usually ruin a forum once their left to run wild.

Well they had a good approach. I mean if they wanted to end the series, they wrapped it up good. And if they wanted to continue the whole thing in a new season then they still have opening to do so.

I am not taking any one's side here. I like them both, But this whole thing has to be resolved at some point. Well so far , since we dont have a season 3, then i think we know who was the real winner.

FiREwing
2008-03-28, 18:12
I finally thought the stupid triangle would be over. Now with all the Kazumi fans and neautral people thinking otherwise makes me uneasy on what actually happened.:eyespin:

Cynor
2008-03-28, 21:41
I finally thought the stupid triangle would be over. Now with all the Kazumi fans and neautral people thinking otherwise makes me uneasy on what actually happened.:eyespin:

hehe, I know what you mean. Personally I think the ending was done in just the right way for them to either end it here or continue on, like some others have said.

I mean think about it, if they decide to have it end here then people will just assume (as they want them to) about who "won" due to the reactions. But, there is also enough play there for them to make another season if they want. I know D a m i e n wasn't serious with what he/she said, but actually that could be fairly close to the truth if they wanted to make another season. Well, not exactly obviously, but something close. There are really just too many ways to interrupt those reactions for a concrete ending. Though at the same time there aren't enough ways to make it open enough they HAVE to continue on with it in some way (aka like something in the middle of the season or an already planned/announced OVA/Season)

finalnight
2008-03-28, 22:21
JC Staff brutalized another second season ending.

Aquifina
2008-03-29, 00:03
I finally thought the stupid triangle would be over. Now with all the Kazumi fans and neautral people thinking otherwise makes me uneasy on what actually happened.:eyespin:

Well, I think the triangle *is* settled. Sure, maybe they can stretch some relationship issues out in S3, but those last two scenes where Yoshida and Shana are clearly juxtaposed. We then see Shana looking grumpy, as if she's been waiting a while, and is trying to mask her nervousness and anxiety by being all gruff and annoyed. And *then* there's the recognition and the quick transition to the broad smile--really, what other conclusion can we come to? What, she ran into Wilhemina? Or Chigusa? Even though both are clearly implied to be doing different things at that moment? And in the context of that situation, I don't think Shana would smile like that if she just happened to run into Chigusa. A signal the season is over? Ummmm... no. Why pair it with the Kazumi scene, then? The whole ending sequence obviously implies actual actions by the characters at that time, not some kind of vague gesture to the audience. We first see the girls waiting, we see Yuji walking *with* the letters, etc., etc. I'm sorry; I find the idea that the triangle hasn't been settled to be absurd.

Really, that last scene was a wonderful tsundere moment for Shana. And one that clearly implied that she got her wish. The footprints scene may indeed be a setup for S3, but I believe it'll be one where the relationship conflicts work off of the premise of Yuji having made his choice. After all, even in the novels:

From what I gather, SOTF Yuji *does* confess to Shana, so there's no precedent in the novels for the love triangle to continue to be unresolved.

I for one enjoyed the season. A few episodes downright stunk, but this ep. redeemed the Konoe arc in *so* many ways. The ending song and scenes were *awesome*.

And although I assume that the ending of the series was left so ambiguous to allow for a S3, I for one liked the understated way the love triangle was handled. Yuji has never been terribly demonstrative of his feelings for Shana. Sure, there are plenty of hints, stretching back to S1, but the reunion at the end of S1, and the S1 episode where Yuji promises to stay by Shana's side are all very emotionally understated. We also very deliberately never get much of a window into his thought processes regarding Shana. This gives a few thin reeds for the Kazumi shippers to cling too.

J.C. Staff *did* botch his reactions during the infamous jealousy arc earlier this season, but take that away, and Yuji's character more or less works: an even-keel guy in love with Shana, but who thinks she only sees him as a comrade-in-arms, and one reluctant to dump Kazumi outright due to his general "niceness." The even-keel attitude fits well with his analytical abilities. Shana worsens the problems by continually denying her feelings, but with the letters, her confession *finally* happens. Now that I think about it, the girls pick the perfect way for Yuji to choose; nothing terribly dramatic, and one where there's as little awkwardness as possible between the three of them, but still, one where he *must* choose. I think it'd be terribly out-of-character for Yuji to make some kind of elaborate and corny confession, and he doesn't really need to. He just needs to show up. And we can best see that *not* from his perspective, which is so rarely used when dealing with Shana, but by just showing Shana's tsundere reaction as she goes from being the impatient tough-girl to smiling and lovestruck. With the music, it really worked for me, as did the whole season.

Konoe's tears were also a nice touch. It was a fitting development for her character's development, stretching back to S1. I'm also happy Kazumi did *not* die. The series is just too upbeat, I think, for that to have worked as an outcome.

golthin
2008-03-29, 01:42
come on people the end with shana smiling while yoshida cries is cristal clear, it s obvious he first went to shana to apologize and tell her he prefered yoshida before going for yoshida to spend his Xmass evening.
they only showed the shana smile /yoshida tears cause they though everyone would understand.

you see! that is why J.C. Staff did that! It is ambiguous! the is the cowardly way out.

alvinkhorfire
2008-03-29, 05:55
At the end of Episode 24 in season 1, there is an indication that there is a movie in production. For season 2, we don't have such indication. Well, we have to be remain hopeful for any possible OVA and movie.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-03-29, 07:04
Well, I think the triangle *is* settled. Sure, maybe they can stretch some relationship issues out in S3, but those last two scenes where Yoshida and Shana are clearly juxtaposed. We then see Shana looking grumpy, as if she's been waiting a while, and is trying to mask her nervousness and anxiety by being all gruff and annoyed. And *then* there's the recognition and the quick transition to the broad smile--really, what other conclusion can we come to? What, she ran into Wilhemina? Or Chigusa? Even though both are clearly implied to be doing different things at that moment? And in the context of that situation, I don't think Shana would smile like that if she just happened to run into Chigusa. A signal the season is over? Ummmm... no. Why pair it with the Kazumi scene, then? The whole ending sequence obviously implies actual actions by the characters at that time, not some kind of vague gesture to the audience. We first see the girls waiting, we see Yuji walking *with* the letters, etc., etc. I'm sorry; I find the idea that the triangle hasn't been settled to be absurd.

Nice~ I'd agree with you there, because it wouldn't make sense if everything remained unresolved. Everyone has changed, and given Yuuji's determination in deciding things for himself firmly in the earlier episodes, as well as his 'fighting alongside Shana' emphasised again and again, especially in the last episode, J.C would be shooting themselves in the foot if they left the whole damned thing unresolved, because it simply isn't fitting for Yuuji to be so determined, then suddenly lacking decisiveness in such things. Even though there's a small indication that there might be another season to look forward to, the fact remains that one of the main focuses of the series itself has seen some decent closure

And for your nice little analysis of the scenes, a cookie to you. :D

Triple_R
2008-03-29, 14:44
I can honestly see Kazumi crying either way - crying tears of sadness if Shana was chosen, and crying tears of joy if she was chosen.

So, that alone would leave things open to plausible different interpretations, I think.

But Shana's smile seals it for me. I just can't imagine Shana smiling if Yuji chose Kazumi, or if he chickened out and chose nobody.

If Yuji chose Kazumi, Shana might cry a little bit herself - she certainly wouldn't be smiling.

If Yuji didn't choose anybody, I could see Shana getting angry and pouty and thinking "stupid Yuji!". Again, she wouldn't be smiling.

That being said, even I'll admit that JC Staff can contrive all sorts of things out of thin air - such as Yuji having never heard Shana say "I love you, Yuji." at the end of season 1. :bash:

So, it's not out of the question for there to be a Shana III, and for JC Staff to come up with some sort of lollerrific retcon to the Yuji chooses Shana or Kazumi scene.

teelotes
2008-03-29, 15:02
That being said, even I'll admit that JC Staff can contrive all sorts of things out of thin air - such as Yuji having never heard Shana say "I love you, Yuji." at the end of season 1. :bash:

I could never quite get why so many of you are upset about this, since other anime series also employ similar devices. Either the girl said it and blatantly denied it later, making the guy wonder what he actually heard, or that she said it and at that moment something happened and the guy didn't hear.

Either way, Shana's character still deserves more development at that point, and ending the triangle by the first season would have been premature.

teelotes
2008-03-29, 15:08
At the end of Episode 24 in season 1, there is an indication that there is a movie in production. For season 2, we don't have such indication. Well, we have to be remain hopeful for any possible OVA and movie.

No extra Shana-tan episodes this time round? :( We've only had one so far.

I'll hope for a movie over an OVA, but the latter is more likely. Even then, it'll probably be some content unrelated to the main plot (maybe an onsen episode).

Triple_R
2008-03-29, 15:50
I could never quite get why so many of you are upset about this, since other anime series also employ similar devices. Either the girl said it and blatantly denied it later, making the guy wonder what he actually heard, or that she said it and at that moment something happened and the guy didn't hear.

Either way, Shana's character still deserves more development at that point, and ending the triangle by the first season would have been premature.

Why would Shana saying "I love you, Yuji" end the love triangle? Kazumi made the same statement of "I love you" to Yuji at the mid-point of Season 1, and it didn't end the love triangle.

teelotes
2008-03-29, 16:56
Why would Shana saying "I love you, Yuji" end the love triangle? Kazumi made the same statement of "I love you" to Yuji at the mid-point of Season 1, and it didn't end the love triangle.

At that point, Yuji's decision was pretty obvious with the events leading up to Tenpa Josai. Yuji's realisation of Shana's sacrifice while being held captive by Hecate, and his choice to accompany her through the process of bringing Alastor into existence showed his determination. If he had clearly heard it then, I don't see how he would have thought otherwise.

Triple_R
2008-03-29, 17:02
At that point, Yuji's decision was pretty obvious with the events leading up to Tenpa Josai. Yuji's realisation of Shana's sacrifice while being held captive by Hecate, and his choice to accompany her through the process of bringing Alastor into existence showed his determination. If he had clearly heard it then, I don't see how he would have thought otherwise.

I don't think that this can only be seen through a romantic lens.

Yuji considers Shana as a comrade and a friend - maybe more, yes, but definitely those two. His actions here could be completely explained simply by his being a very grateful comrade and friend.

Aquifina
2008-03-29, 18:00
I don't think that this can only be seen through a romantic lens.

Yuji considers Shana as a comrade and a friend - maybe more, yes, but definitely those two. His actions here could be completely explained simply by his being a very grateful comrade and friend.

But none of that would explain Yuji wanting that kiss during the twins' arc or him thinking about how cute she was lying in bed.

FiREwing
2008-03-29, 18:15
But none of that would explain Yuji wanting that kiss during the twins' arc or him thinking about how cute she was lying in bed.

Everyone bombed my doubts just now. I just wanna keep thinking this till 3rd season or OVA or movie to keep that good mood.

Kristen
2008-03-29, 19:01
But none of that would explain Yuji wanting that kiss during the twins' arc or him thinking about how cute she was lying in bed.

Male hormones explains both of them.

Aquifina
2008-03-29, 19:04
Male hormones explains both of them.

But there are no comparable scenes with Yoshida. No thinking about how cute she is, or wanting a kiss, even after she's starting to show a lot of interest in him.

minhtam1638
2008-03-29, 19:09
So, it's not out of the question for there to be a Shana III, and for JC Staff to come up with some sort of lollerrific retcon to the Yuji chooses Shana or Kazumi scene.

How about Yuji spends Chirstmas with both of them?

Tokkan
2008-03-29, 19:27
If Shana never showed up when she did and Friagne never came to Misaki, I'm fairly certain that Yuji would be going for Kazumi. Regardless, he's found out he somehow doesn't belong with humans, and the only one of his close friends that will probably live as long as he will is Shana. As long as Kazumi isn't an eternally living mystes like Yuji himself or a flame haze like Shana, she will never have a real concrete chance at him. And though I do particularly like the idea of Kazumi becoming a flame haze, Satou has more chance at becoming a flame haze than her so why bother?

Triple_R
2008-03-29, 19:44
But there are no comparable scenes with Yoshida. No thinking about how cute she is, or wanting a kiss, even after she's starting to show a lot of interest in him.

You make good points, Aquifina.

Yuji hasn't shown much in clear-cut romantic interest in either Shana or Kazumi, but he's shown more in Shana, I must admit.

minhtam2448 - Good idea. I could see JC Staff doing that.

Aquifina
2008-03-29, 20:04
If Shana never showed up when she did and Friagne never came to Misaki, I'm fairly certain that Yuji would be going for Kazumi. Regardless, he's found out he somehow doesn't belong with humans, and the only one of his close friends that will probably live as long as he will is Shana. As long as Kazumi isn't an eternally living mystes like Yuji himself or a flame haze like Shana, she will never have a real concrete chance at him. And though I do particularly like the idea of Kazumi becoming a flame haze, Satou has more chance at becoming a flame haze than her so why bother?

I think this makes Yuji's preference for Shana a bit more *rational* than it is. Indeed, both Shana and Kazumi got ticked off at Yuji for trying to dump Kazumi using these sorts of practical reasons. The show has consistently tied Yuji to the human world, despite his otherworldy status--hence, all the slice-of-life stuff. By the end of the second season, even Shana is trying to keep Yuji connected to the human world--hence, how upset she was at his comments about his mother.

That being said, if Shana weren't around, then I think Yuji would definitely have gone after Kazumi. She's cute, nice, is much better "endowed" than Shana, and has all sorts of good points. In many ways, she's a far *better* match for Yuji than Shana, especially S1 Shana who is downright abusive and obnoxious in the way she treats Yuji early on.

And I think Yuji is genuinely fond of Kazumi. I for one have never agreed with Kazumi-hate. But arguably as early as that weird scene where Shana puts Yuji's cut body back together in that first fuzetsu, there's been this weird romantic tension between the two. I guess the other major scene would be the coffee on the roof.

Aquifina
2008-03-29, 20:13
How about Yuji spends Chirstmas with both of them?

If the writers chose to go that route (and I really DO NOT think they would), I would refuse to watch a 3rd season. And I'm someone who has never agreed with the complaints that J.C. Staff was insufficiently faithful to the novels, or had, worse yet, botched SnS Second in the same way that Zero II tanked. The girls wrote the letters and structured the whole thing to *force* Yuji to make a decision; despite occasional denseness (hello, Konoe???), Yuji is NOT an indecisive dolt. Not at the end of a season where he survives the fights with Sabrac and Bal Masque. The girls would never accept him refusing to make a decision, and it wouldn't be compatible with his character.

The reset this season actually worked for me, because Yuji did nothing more than smile after Shana's confession. He's an understated guy, but that does seem to be a bit of an odd reaction for a man who receives a confession from a girl he likes right before he thinks he's about to die. I personally do *not* think there's any such leeway for a reset after the end of this season. Again, I don't think the writers will do this, because I see them as competent, but if they were to commit such a plot catastrophe, I would refuse to watch a 3rd season and in my own mind, simply see the anime as having ended with this ep.

arkxkra
2008-03-29, 22:37
very good episode. I like the ending, this ending can have season 3 or without continue.

They win because of Hecate memory with them and bird, Hecate like bird.., and tears at the end, that was rare. I never known Hecate was so powerful, Shana lose to her somemore o.O".

Margery in this epiosde only become supporter, I thought she will continue the fight after regen. Whilhemina fight and def until very the end, so hard for her. But this episode fighting scene was nice(althouhg not as nice as the previous few episode).

Rewatch last scene, Yuji choosing Shana I think, since Shana so happily, Yoshida in tears. But I dont understand the footprints, suddenly like disappear? This episode ending song was nice.

hope will have season 3.

Kristen
2008-03-30, 08:46
But there are no comparable scenes with Yoshida. No thinking about how cute she is, or wanting a kiss, even after she's starting to show a lot of interest in him.

Episode 21 season 1, where she confesses her love to him to me showed him liking her. Also, considering that he ate both of their lunches earlier in the season, it showed that he had equal feelings for both of them. Also, I forget when, but remember how Ike confessed to Yuji that he liked Kazumi? There was some shock and jealousy on Yuji's side, as if he were ready to fight for her.

There are little moments where he showed hints to liking her, they are just not as obvious as the hints with Shana. After all, could they make a love triangle (Well, quadrilateral with Ike...) if he only showed preference to one girl?

Devard
2008-03-30, 09:19
Also, considering that he ate both of their lunches earlier in the season, it showed that he had equal feelings for both of them.
Well, he also tried to stop her from giving lunches until Ike intervened. I forgot if he tried to deny Shana too or not.

Also, I forget when, but remember how Ike confessed to Yuji that he liked Kazumi? There was some shock and jealousy on Yuji's side, as if he were ready to fight for her.
Are we talking about the scene where Yuji asks Ike if he liked Kazumi or are we talking about the final scene in season one where Ike says he'll "fight" during the second semester (or whatever his line was).

Triple_R
2008-03-30, 10:08
Episode 21 season 1, where she confesses her love to him to me showed him liking her. Also, considering that he ate both of their lunches earlier in the season, it showed that he had equal feelings for both of them. Also, I forget when, but remember how Ike confessed to Yuji that he liked Kazumi? There was some shock and jealousy on Yuji's side, as if he were ready to fight for her.

There are little moments where he showed hints to liking her, they are just not as obvious as the hints with Shana. After all, could they make a love triangle (Well, quadrilateral with Ike...) if he only showed preference to one girl?

In the episode after Kazumi confessed her feelings to Yuji, I remember some scenes where her and him were walking side-by-side, and you could really feel both the comfort and mutual trust and warmth. It was probably the most relaxed body language that you saw from either of them in either season.

JellyJelly
2008-03-30, 16:00
Huh... The episode was all around OK. I am still wondering why the shaded box on the official site is still - well - shaded.
Another thing, the episode was OK as mentioned earlier, but i didn't like the fact that they decided to just leave it as 'We didn't see Yuji pick it, but we saw the expression, that MAY point towards who he picked' type of thing. Ah well, It was kind of obvious that he picked her. The face showed it, and the fact that Yuji said he'd protect her and stuffz.

Seravy
2008-03-30, 21:11
I was kind of put off by this series after S1, so I didn't immediately get into II until the mid-teens. Overall, I was really impressed with the run (I even liked the early episodes, because Fumina = <3). Yuuji's progression, the Shana x Yoshida stuff and what-not was all pretty entertaining. After reading some spoilers, I was hopeful for S2 to end in a cliff hanger, but it looks like we will have to wait for an S3 announcement for that fun stuff. Despite that, I thought the anime original ending for S2 was fine by itself. Can't wait for more of this stuff to come down the pipe++

HayashiTakara
2008-03-31, 20:09
Would it be wrong of me to say... THIS EPISODE WAS MUTHA F'ING EPIC!

And awesome job in finally making your choice, I'm sorry that your Yoshida lost, Chrissie XD

Oh forgot to mention... was I the only one that almost broke a tear when Margery was convulsing from pain? :(

Kiyoru
2008-03-31, 20:20
=(

JC Staff screwed up another ending, imo. anyone think they'll do a special, which may show shana and yuuji spending loving time, just to clarify things?

HayashiTakara
2008-03-31, 20:23
I think it was obviously clear, a sad crying Yoshida, and a happy blushing Shana moving towards the camera.

But if they decide to not do another season a special seeing Shana and Yuji being a couple would be pretty sweet.

FlareKnight
2008-03-31, 20:32
Well seems like they made it clear enough to send a message to people. Yet vague enough that if they come back with a third season they can explain it away. Wasn't all that big in terms of how they decided to conclude it, but couldn't have expected much more than that.

Think Yuji and Shana should keep the silver acting like Konoe thing to themselves. Last thing Margery needs to know is that her arch nemesis acted like that at the end of the fight :heh:. Really puts ones life into perspective.

Action wasn't bad though. But makes you worried with Shana and Carmel completely outclassed in this one. If it wasn't for some lucky breaks like being able to use the structure as a shield they would have been done for.

Kristen
2008-03-31, 20:33
Hm... After watching it subbed, I can see how JC Staff left the possibilities for a season three wide open. I mean, Hecate has had so much character development as of this point, it's going to be strange as "And that's it. Nothing else important happened." Really, even though Hecate is evil and all, I do kind of feel for her. You could really make a good plot with her from what they have so far, about how she really has been oblivious her entire life about what a human life really is, being "empty", and then once she makes memories of her own (Through Konoe Fumina), she wishes for that faux member to become real. It could be a very sad story of someone who isn't real wishing to become real. Maybe a spin off or a side story or something...

I was smiling when Yuji was talking about things he had to protect, and ended it with "and Yoshida-san". But why, oh why did he have to add "SHANA!" to the end of it. It's like, he found the right direction in life, and then returned to the girl who is annoying, careless, and a bit mean at times.

Really, I'd like to see an OVA series to wrap this up. 6 episodes or so. Maybe make it all anime original and ignore the last arc of the novels. It's just, they need to finish it in a way that doesn't merit 24 episodes.

LeaD36
2008-03-31, 20:36
i see an additional 24 episodes in form of Shana III coming though :/

Sinestra
2008-03-31, 21:08
Chrissie dont worry i know how much of a Kazumi fan you are kudos to you for sticking with your guns given you some rep for that. I have bee neutral though out all of season 2 i just wanted it to be resolved but after reading so many incompetent none interesting shipping post about Shana and how they wished Kazumi was dead for the most idiotic reasons they have actually forced me into liking Kazumi a tiny bit more than Shana. Let it not be said everyone jumps on the bad wagon.

Over all not bad most of the things i did not like about the series were pretty much the writers fault at how they portrayed certain events but even those arent really enough to get worked up about. I held back quite a bit here since i would just end up being pissed off by certain peoples so i just followed the forum from time to time. Some of your guys had some real interesting theories about a possible season 3. Im kind of torn i kind of want one because i love the series but its started to turn out like School Rumble its being dragged the hell out. Oh well at least Yuuji lil bro or sis can be born safely now.

HayashiTakara
2008-03-31, 21:11
Just glad that the love triangle has finally been put to rest! Its been a long time coming.

nines
2008-03-31, 21:25
what u mean the love triangle been put to rest i dont think he went to any of them x.x

Stretch5920
2008-03-31, 21:29
Meh, overall it was a pretty crap ending. Should have stuck to the novels. The harem stuff in the beginning was awful. Oh and to all the Yoshida shippers, wake up please. It's obvious he chose Shana, and would choose her from the start. The show would have been better if Shana and Yuji were an item at the end of season 1 instead of dragging it out.

Aquifina
2008-03-31, 21:43
I was smiling when Yuji was talking about things he had to protect, and ended it with "and Yoshida-san". But why, oh why did he have to add "SHANA!" to the end of it. It's like, he found the right direction in life, and then returned to the girl who is annoying, careless, and a bit mean at times.



For the record, I would like to say that I actually like Kazumi. She has far more spunk, courage, and good qualities than many fans care to admit. And Shana *is* "annoying, careless, and a bit mean at times." BUT.... I still think Yuji and Shana make a great couple, and that the triangle is settled. :)

Kristen
2008-03-31, 21:45
Meh, overall it was a pretty crap ending. Should have stuck to the novels. The harem stuff in the beginning was awful. Oh and to all the Yoshida shippers, wake up please. It's obvious he chose Shana, and would choose her from the start. The show would have been better if Shana and Yuji were an item at the end of season 1 instead of dragging it out.

It doesn't hurt to dream. It's still quite possible Kazumi was overjoyed that he picked her so she started crying, and Shana was happy that Yuji found happiness with Kazumi. Even if the odds of that are 200:1, it's possible.

But, I do succumb to reason and think that Yuji did pick Shana in the adaptation. Naturally, though, I think that JC Staff decided to show the wrong universe, and in the real universe, Yuji picked Kazumi. Naturally, the author has been writing about the wrong universe as well.

And no, there were definately times this season when I thought Kazumi was going to win. It wasn't obvious, it was just overbearing due to the fans.

HayashiTakara
2008-03-31, 22:09
You mean the Chrissie universe?

I do respect your fanatical devotion to Kazumi, it takes guts to love the underdog with that kinda passion. I'm sure Kazumi appreciates it too.

On a side note the odds are more 1000000000000000000000:0 in favor of Shana XD

Kristen
2008-03-31, 22:23
You mean the Chrissie universe?

I do respect your fanatical devotion to Kazumi, it takes guts to love the underdog with that kinda passion. I'm sure Kazumi appreciates it too.

On a side note the odds are more 1000000000000000000000:0 in favor of Shana XD

The Chrissie-verse is never wrong. It has all the true endings of every story in there. :p

Now, I like those odds, because it means it is impossible for Shana to win. After all, her odds of 10^n:0 is the same as saying is every 0 times tried, she wins 10^n times, resulting in a divide by 0 error. Therefore, she has no chance of winning, because doing so makes the universe explode, hence, it means that the universe where Shana wins is fake!

mikesince83
2008-03-31, 22:44
Well this was clearly just a lead in for the next season. I certainly hope Shana doesn't go the way of Naruto and Bleach. The action was impressive along with the animation but other than that, nothing in particular stood out. It is more than a little frustrating ending with Yuji and Shana's relationship at more or less the exact same place it was 24 episodes ago.

Master Chibi
2008-03-31, 22:49
Gag.

Hey, I hope the third season starts out by Shana reseting everything again, and then they can use the same villains again, and we can go through another love triangle again and .....

FUCK, what an absurd waste of time, there was so much potential to just beast with this show and it was just used the wrong way. What a disappointment.

feRfe
2008-03-31, 23:11
hmm the ending was alright storywise

the animation and insert song was amaaaaazing though so 10/10

and how can anyone even argue that the love triangle hasn't been concluded? please...

Haruyasha
2008-03-31, 23:47
i see an additional 24 episodes in form of Shana III coming though :/

Yeah, me too..

Silver did not get enough time.. and the ending felt really rushed. It feels like the story just stopped without any serious conclusion. I am really confused with the birds.. and who silver really is.

And with those who are saying the ending was epic, it's not.

If you want epic, the fight in the end of episode 21 was epic. It's a perfect example for a good ending.

The fight in this episode was extremely disappointing. I don't really know how to describe it, but it kinda lame.

The badass silver who we've heard about through the entire series just sticks out his hand and gets slashed up? What???? LAME.

Anyways.. that's why I feel like there will be a third season.. I don't really feel like anything concluded other than what apparently seemed like

Yuuji choosing Shana.

Even so.. we don't know what happened after that. -.-

On top of that, there's still a lot of stuff with mystery around it.. which is why I believe there would be a 3rd season.

and how can anyone even argue that the love triangle hasn't been concluded? please...

More like.. it's the only thing season 2 managed to conclude.. and might I add.. fairly poorly as well.

Stretch5920
2008-04-01, 00:01
season 3. Ep 1. Yuji tells shana he can't decide and we get harem junk all over again lol.

mikesince83
2008-04-01, 00:12
I am really confused with the birds.. and who silver really is.

The birds in this last episode were a tie in with Konoe Fumina, who was essentially the soul of the new Tomogara being born. If you remember back when she was with Yuji and company she always had a strange fascination for birds. In the end it was that aspect of her emotions that ended up creating the momentary weakness Shana and Yuji capitalized on to retrieve the Reji Maigo.

KholdStare
2008-04-01, 00:24
Episode 24 deserves a ten, because it gave meaning to Konoe. There were many beautiful things that happened this episode, starting from the silver reaching up to Shana to Hecate crying, and this was the perfect ending for this season. Sure, the ride was rough, and I had my doubts very early on. However, I am glad that I did not drop the series, and it paid off.

10/10

nines
2008-04-01, 00:27
the reason the silver died so easly is because it was being controlled by hecate and she started having flash backs of konoe so she couldn't kill yuji and when she saw shana flying towards her she flashed on the bird in the park with yoshida watching her and pulled her arm out openly accepting and attack pretty much. So if the silver where controlling its self i think it would of probably kicked the crap out of them

Master Chibi
2008-04-01, 00:48
So you guys are essentially saying Silver lost to a bird? I mean sure, I saw it coming from so freaking far away that I put up billboards and a rest stop along the way, but still, the absurdity of what actually happened is just, well, dumb.

Oh great, I can't wait to suggest this show to other people now.

KholdStare
2008-04-01, 00:53
So you guys are essentially saying Silver lost to a bird? I mean sure, I saw it coming from so freaking far away that I put up billboards and a rest stop along the way, but still, the absurdity of what actually happened is just, well, dumb.

Oh great, I can't wait to suggest this show to other people now.

What are you talking about? Put everything aside, even how corny the ending was. The point is episode 24 gave meaning to all of the Konoe episodes, so at least we didn't just watch it for nothing!

nines
2008-04-01, 00:55
we didnt watch it for nothing but it is still disappointing the point being to what i was saying is the silver lost because of lack of time and "konoe" / hecate

KholdStare
2008-04-01, 01:15
we didnt watch it for nothing but it is still disappointing the point being to what i was saying is the silver lost because of lack of time and "konoe" / hecate

What else could have happened though? Yuji was on his last minutes, so if the silver was shown to be more cool, then technically Yuji would have "disappeared." Actually, I guess they could've made it so that Yuji wasn't in danger of extinction so he and Shana could have a better fight with the silver. I also like Margery's development throughout this series. In a way, her encounters with these other flame hazes changed her way of thinking and gave her a chance to look at life as a gift, not as an enemy.

KaneDragon
2008-04-01, 01:25
Bah. Sabrac managed to survive, Team Rocket blasts off again, inadequate closure to the love triangle (two brief expressions does not justify what we've had to go through for two seasons, and if the first season's confession could be handwaved away...), and all the other loose threads like Johan and Pheles... It's just not closure at all, and ending both seasons will a filler arc involving some grand plan by that group... Bah.

Unexpected/not sure how I feel about this quite yet: Silver turning out to have Terminator-vision, and then turning moé. Silver. Moé. wtf. Thanks a lot, Hecate, you just created an unholy union of two things that should have never have been brought together... ;)


Speaking of which, Hecate shedding tears = ;_;

MrShin
2008-04-01, 01:49
This so call ultimate Silver died in barely 1minut?

I'm sorry, I loved season 1, i tought I would love season 2, however I'm wrong. This is by far a horrible episode, which will conclude to an horrible ending of this season.

Master Chibi
2008-04-01, 02:56
What are you talking about? Put everything aside, even how corny the ending was. The point is episode 24 gave meaning to all of the Konoe episodes, so at least we didn't just watch it for nothing!

Um, Konoe is / was what was wrong with this series to begin with.

Suddenly giving her value at the hands of the villain who's been hyped up for half the damn season is an extremely stupid way to go about it, sorry.

Silver: Ooh I will CRUSH YOU NOW.

Shana: WEE I AM FLYINNNNNGZ

Silver: OOOOOH BIRDY, PRETTY BIRDY!!!!!!

Shana: *DEATHSTRIKE*

Silver: K.O., YOU LOSE.

Game Over~

Darkside
2008-04-01, 03:48
wow this made me lol hard.

I hope season 3 comes and actually concludes things. 24 eps was a bit much for nothing but Yuji to growing some balls and learning how to fight.

tabun
2008-04-01, 04:49
Allright, may I suggest everybody calm down? :heh:

If I see it correctly, then we had to endure the endless arc of Konoe Fumina for this brief moment, this single turning point, to allow Shana to destroy the Machine, right? To deliver an explanation. Well, what can I say? I am utterly disappointed, sad as it may seem :(

Little did we ever see of Pheles, the whole Silver thing was very obscure, our heroines did not stand a fighting chance against the Guze (which I found very enervating). So much for the rant.

What we did see were a lot of character development (I kid you not), an (by all means) epic battle with Sabrac, and last but not least, the facial expression of Shana in the very end. What makes me think, here, is that the epic battle was not the end-fight so to speak; and what that last expression of Shana delivered with so little effort.

Really, I did not want to make this into a rant, but compared to Season 1, this 2nd season was just plain weak, nay, painful. However, I most definately will watch a season 3, should it be released. If only for hopes of better writing.

Alas, I will take on my own suggestion from the top of this post, and bid you farewell... for now ;p

Cheers

greyhawk
2008-04-01, 05:06
Lolol.
So wtf was that? They certainly gave Hecate a lot of development in the anime. Which is... probably fine!? She wouldn't be that moe if she were to be just a big bad villain.
But let's keep in mind that our Flame Haze suxx, after all the Bal Masque pwn3d them hard even without Miss Strategist around. So in reality, the Bal Masque won. They just made the Flame Haze win so that we can get a season 3, duh.

alvinkhorfire
2008-04-01, 05:41
what u mean the love triangle been put to rest i dont think he went to any of them x.x

Yuji choosing Shana? I don't think so since disappearing Yuji's footprint did not fit well here. More feasible explanation is that when he was heading to either Shana or Kazumi (most probably Shana), he mysteriously disappeared. Unless it was shown a scene where Yuji confronts Shana, I am not convinced that Yuji has chosen Shana.

LeaD36
2008-04-01, 06:22
hmm the ending was alright storywise

the animation and insert song was amaaaaazing though so 10/10

and how can anyone even argue that the love triangle hasn't been concluded? please...

haven´t seen the episode though, but i remember season 1 ending with shana saying the magical words, thus Yuji not remembering what she said, thinking it´d be impossible that it was aishteru or however u write the word.

btw aRi.feRfe, or whatever your new clan is?

Sinestra
2008-04-01, 07:03
Allright, may I suggest everybody calm down? :heh:



Cheers

Yea right i have been saying that since the Konoe arc and people just arent going to do it, even at the very end the same old arguments and few new ones are still being tossed around it will never end and if we get a season 3 bloody hell i fear it will only be worse.

I still find it funny how many people think the love triangle has been put to rest and are getting themselves all worked up. If you have watched enough anime you know certain fundamental little things. Like if a person is killed but you see no body THEY ARE NOT DEAD the same goes for ambiguous endings, and everyone is having the exact same reaction the writers wanted them to have. We saw Kazumi shed a tear and we say Shana smile ok sure Ill go on limb and say it looks bad for Kazumi but there is no concert proof as Yuji was not shown in either scene. Basically its a think what you want end just H2O, but please feel free to fall in the writers trap.

At this point i really just want it to end but after looking into Kazumi a little bit more i understand her determination a little bit better now. How many us can truly say they would sacrifice our lives for another? Even just being a human she in was harms quite a lot and helped not only Yuji but Shana as best she could she did only what she could being human and i believe thats where her roll lies she is the link to the human world. Shana did a lot of growing in season 1 but not a lot in season 2 though she is making progress she is still really selfish but for reconginze her feelings and acknowledge Kazumi as a friend is a great progress because in the end even without Yuji Kazumi and Shana are friends.

It was never about the fact that there were 2 girls who loved him. It was about the choice he had it was always his choice and this is true of many other events. The events in season 2 were about choices Yuji had to make and the reason why he did.

BigGimp77
2008-04-01, 09:10
Wow that was dissapointing. The fight scenes were painful to watch. The action looked like it was happening in fast forward. What a freakin rush job. And for two seasons we've been waitin for Yuji to pick a girl and all we get is a smile from Shana. no confession... no dialog between the characters?!?!? I WAITED 48 episodes and i can't get some romantic talk between Shana and Yuji when he apparently chooses her?!?!

greyhawk
2008-04-01, 10:31
Yuji choosing Shana? I don't think so since disappearing Yuji's footprint did not fit well here. More feasible explanation is that when he was heading to either Shana or Kazumi (most probably Shana), he mysteriously disappeared. Unless it was shown a scene where Yuji confronts Shana, I am not convinced that Yuji has chosen Shana.
GEEE....
What? Are you still rooting for Yoshida or some more harem/filler episodes? Gimme a break. OK granted, the love triangle thing was resolved a bit abruptly/ambiguously. But there's no way Shana-our title character/uber Flame Haze, can lose to Yoshida. It would be the end of the world.

Gag.
Hey, I hope the third season starts out by Shana reseting everything again, and then they can use the same villains again, and we can go through another love triangle again and .....
FUCK, what an absurd waste of time, there was so much potential to just beast with this show and it was just used the wrong way. What a disappointment.
I was thinking the same darn thing you know.
I never liked Yoshida, not once. Why, you ask? A better question: Why is she even here? She didn't call out Pheles. Yeah, nobody wants to die, but at least she could have admitted being a selfish coward or sth, no, all she did was "Shana told me to redo this, so why the hell should I die now? I think I'll stay here till everything's over, then run to Yuji." If you ask me, she's trying her best to be a bitch. Sorry if I offend anyone, but it's just that she's such an eyesore.
Apart from Kazumi, I enjoyed *cough* pretty much everything else, including the lame defeat of Bal Masque. What can I say, "human error"?:heh: I think I can put up with Hecate being emo in the middle of a fight, she would be more of a character that way, unlike the other version of her *cough*, and hey isn't she gonna be one of Yuji's subordinates later on? :D So yah, Hecate FTW.

Kristen
2008-04-01, 10:45
GEEE....
What? Are you still rooting for Yoshida or some more harem/filler episodes? Gimme a break. OK granted, the love triangle thing was resolved a bit abruptly. But there's no way Shana-our title character/uber Flame Haze, can lose to Yoshida. It would be the end of the world.

Correction: It would be a nice ending, as the perfect match for Yuji with Kazumi would be made.

Dragon-Emperor
2008-04-01, 11:22
Correction: It would be a nice ending, as the perfect match for Yuji with Kazumi would be made.

But there is not currently anything pointing in that direction. Just some gross misdirection with "ending-footprints". For all we know those were Ikes. He likes to wander snowy streets so he can get opening song shots of himself afterall. :heh: (YES, I do say that you said "WOULD be", so this isn't an attack or something)

Besides, rejection and then suddenly being offered power for whatever reason, being a new villian and earning Kazumis love through dramatic scenes like that would be even MORE anime original than the past 2 episodes :)

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 11:28
What would make anyone think that the footprints were Yuji's? It wouldn't make any sense whatsoever if it was his.

Kristen
2008-04-01, 11:34
But there is not currently anything pointing in that direction. Just some gross misdirection with "ending-footprints". For all we know those were Ikes. He likes to wander snowy streets so he can get opening song shots of himself afterall. :heh: (YES, I do say that you said "WOULD be", so this isn't an attack or something)

Besides, rejection and then suddenly being offered power for whatever reason, being a new villian and earning Kazumis love through dramatic scenes like that would be even MORE anime original than the past 2 episodes :)

It may be anime original, but it's the way it should end in the Chrissieverse. :p

I think the footprint weren't Yuji's. I think it's meant to be whoever the loser was, showing them walking back home.

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 11:36
That was exactly my thoughts, Chrissie

But, putting the Chrissieverse aside, I really don't get how anyone is doubting that Yuji went with Shana, the entire dialog and actions of Yuji and Shana makes it an obvious end... it just pure denial?

Ulrezaj
2008-04-01, 11:37
It's pretty obvious they made the ending just clear enough to infer he made a choice and thus (sort of) satisfy the legions of fans looking for a decision, but vague enough so they could justify begining season 3 with "oh, well he met her but just said he didn't want to choose yet".

minhtam1638
2008-04-01, 11:37
It may be anime original, but it's the way it should end in the Chrissieverse. :p

I think the footprint weren't Yuji's. I think it's meant to be whoever the loser was, showing them walking back home.

You know what? Go Virginia Caveliers! (j/k)

But that is a possibility - except then they would have done some other things with the ending as well.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-01, 11:38
Everything has a good and bad side, and I'm convinced while pessimism is in the rage nowadays, I see a few ways in which certain things can be said to be for the better. This, after finishing the last tow episodes back to back.

-I get the feeling that I was missing something when that was supposed to be their objective: All that trouble to create a new Tomogara?!? Didn't realise until they said it was a first in the history did I get it. It was supposed to be some groundbreaking experiment, and along the way we knew nothing about it (Not sure if anyone actually speculated this, but I sure as hell didn't see any of those) except that Balle Masque was doing something strange by slowly harassing the Reiji Maigo.

The bad thing about this is even though the motive was completely masked from us viewers for most of the season, you would have thought that the Flame Hazes were at least sensible enough to provide some protection or at least show some concern over the trend of things that were happening to Yuuji. Makes it seem as though he's the only intelligent dude on their side. Way to go for the 'dumb' good guys. :heh:

-I like the fact that Kazumi didn't use the Giralda in the end, because it came in line with her behaviour. She had been a worrywart all along, and even though there was resolution in some of her actions (such as wanting to do all she can to play catch-up with Shana and Yuuji), getting herself killed in order to save Yuuji would show that she doesn't trust Shana, and with her death she would effectively be breaking the promise between her and Shana to see who 'won' out in the end. It would defeat the entire purpose of the competition, because she hasn't given up.

If only they had more time to show her struggling with her inner thoughts...Well, too bad the focus was on the fighting.

-Speaking of which, while it seems apparent that the animation is not too bad in this episode, the jumping of scenes made things seem a little confusing, especially with Wilhelmina and Margery. The former was at first flying about and fighting for a while, and when we jumped back to her, her clothing is torn and she has already bandaged herself up. Likewise with Margery. It just seems so strange that she recovered so suddenly and in the nick of time to save Kazumi from the window shards. I attribute it to poor pacing, a consistent bug in the season itself.

-As for Hecate's miss, the obvious first thing that comes to mind is that it's supposed to justify the Konoe episodes earlier. I'm not entirely buying it mainly due to the fact that a good chunk of the season went to waste. By shortening the Konoe arc by even just one or two episodes, J.C probably might not have so many problems with pacing of episodes.

However, I will accept that it DOES give meaning to the Konoe arc earlier on, and IF there's a season three, it will be a nice angle to explore...hopefully with better planning of how the subplots will turn out.

-I quite like the Yuuji-Shana interactions, because while Shana seemed like she's gone back to her usual self during battle with Yuuji around, the latter is now standing on an almost equal height to her status. Instead of being 'recon', Yuuji was promoted to 'support fire' in the face of stronger foes and Shana probably realised it too (This is also one point which Kazumi failed to realise earlier, and I think it boils down simply to her failing to recognize the change in Yuuji's mindset now. Unfortunate as it may seem, that probably spelt doom for her in the love-triangle resolution).

-I'm also left bemused at three things: The absence of either Fecor or Bel-Peol in overseeing the protection of such an important specimen. Wouldn't either of them remaining in Serei-den be enough to observe what was happening?

The second thing is the state of the Flame Hazes. Margery was knocked out in one blow just like that, leaving her issue with Silver practically completely unresolved. It would have been nice to see her rushing back to the battlefield after the nice save of Kazumi because of her vendetta against the Silver, or at least the fact that she wasn't called a 'battle freak' for nothing. :rolleyes:

The third thing being how the combination of the Professor and Domino making the better part of entertainment for me. In case anyone has complained about having a character sprouting out too much of the truth behind his schemes, it's apparent that Prof here has a *slight* case of megalomania, or can be what we call 'crazy'. :heh: However, it was pretty entertaining and informative nonetheless, else some of us wouldn't have an inkling of what was going on in the end. ;)

-Kudos to Hecate and Syndonay for acting like 'true' villains. Didn't leave much talk in between trading blows (or "OMG bling bling" projectiles) with Wilhelmina and Shana.

-The whole episode itself actually felt rushed, especially at the ending. Cheap as it may be, I've decided to blame it on the consistent problem SnS II had throughout of poor pacing, i.e. shortening some time of the supposedly quirky Prof-Domino interactions and cutting down on the 'bling' in the attacks of everyone, especially Hecate.

-So all supposedly ends well for Yuuji, since he does protect everyone from something that was ironically part of him in the first place (well, technically in the second place so far, since Johan was the first being to own and use the Reiji Maigo). I don't quite get the furore behind the disappeared footsteps.

(1) Shana probably can't smile so happily if Yuuji suddenly disappeared in front of her, and it doesn't make sense for Yuuji to disappear after all that he's done to retain his existence. IMO, that's probably one of the worst endings ever and even if J.C. was indeed as incompetent as the many detractors here make them out to be, I doubt they will pull that fast one on us. If they did, I might just join the camp. :D

(2) Couldn't it be possible that Yuuji actually took a longer step forward, or even an unlikely possibility that they were simply used to symbolise a difference in his taking a step forward because of the 'change' he was talking about in the last few lines before the ending scene?

Even though there was meant to be resolution for some of the characters here, especially for Shana, Yuuji and Yoshida, I don't get that feeling mainly due to the novel developments as well as the obvious fact that Balle Masque is still there, and the antagonist as a main body is still alive. What kind of a series leaves their antagonists alive without giving some sort of resolution to them (concillation or death)?:twitch: That alone should be a good reason why Season III is a viable possibility.

By the way, is there a season evaluation thread somewhere?

Sinestra
2008-04-01, 11:45
GEEE....

I was thinking the same darn thing you know.
I never liked Yoshida, not once. Why, you ask? A better question: Why is she even here? She didn't call out Pheles. Yeah, nobody wants to die, but at least she could have admitted being a selfish coward or sth, no, all she did was "Shana told me to redo this, so why the hell should I die now? I think I'll stay here till everything's over, then run to Yuji." If you ask me, she's trying her best to be a bitch. Sorry if I offend anyone, but it's just that she's such an eyesore.
Apart from Kazumi, I enjoyed *cough* pretty much everything else, including the lame defeat of Bal Masque. What can I say, "human error"?:heh: I think I can put up with Hecate being emo in the middle of a fight, she would be more of a character that way, unlike the other version of her *cough*, and hey isn't she gonna be one of Yuji's subordinates later on? :D So yah, Hecate FTW.

WOW did you actually pay attention the importance and the underlining message of the scene? You simplified what the scene was all about and threw the importance of it out the window. Her wanting to redo things with Shana was not the only reason why she did not use it. The significance of the scene was trust and believing in your friends. She stated that she wanted to believe that Yuji and Shana yes she said Shana as well would come back safely. Calling Pheles would have been the easy way out because it meant she did not trust either of her friends to come back safely. That scene was not about being romantic or getting Yuji to pick one of them. She said when it was over she would greet them with "welcome back". The same thing could be said for any soldier going into battle who wants to be welcomed back home with a smile and knowing that someone cares. Kazumi is Shana's friend its funny that most people forget that fact, she actually cares a lot about Shana's well being.

Also, remember if it was not for Kazumi neither Shana or Carmel would have know that the RM was removed from Yuji and that he was also within in the barrier. As for being a coward i think thats very extreme. Shes actually quite brave she has put herself in harms way many times to SUPPORT her friends its not all about fighting. Is it her fault that shes not a flame haze? no its not i wonder if you have the same view if the situation was reverse and Yuji was chasing Shana as a human not the wielder of the R.W. or a mystes. Being human does not make you powerless and not having special powers does not make you a coward. Its takes more conviction to help your friends knowing that you could be killed than to stand by and do nothing. Kazumi accepted Yuji even though technically he shouldnt exist in the world anymore her feelings never changed that shows true character.

I wish viewers would try to look below the surface instead of taking everything at face value, there is more than meets eye. For the recored im pretty much neutral with Kazumi and Shana although lately i leaned a little bit towards Kazumi.

shuin0120
2008-04-01, 11:51
-Just Finished this episode and. . .

Whew what a pure fighting scene, and once and for all we see Shana, Wilhelmina together with Yuji in full action (maybe Yuji is half-action lol)
Get to the point, so Yuji chooses Shana?(I know this is the major topic here together with season 3 discussions) Because the last smile was on Shana lol maybe about 80% or so but who knows what happen after that, like did Yuji confess to Shana or Confess about fighting like I want to fight beside you ^o^ hmm I really one to have a season 3 of this anime but I'm afraid that this will take ANOTHER year lol because the last season is 1yr old than this II season. hmm I hope this sept or so. . .

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 11:51
I think Kazumi tried to rationale her chickening out. She saw her own demise from using the Hougo than came up with an excuse.

Just a joke, but I think after Yuji never showed up in front of Kazumi, she decided to use the Hougo to end her misery lol :heh:

CapoExecutor
2008-04-01, 11:51
Correction: It would be a nice ending, as the perfect match for Yuji with Kazumi would be made.

Well, if you suggest that Yuji be paired with Kazumi, would it be possible to pair Shana with Keisaku?

Kristen
2008-04-01, 12:14
That was exactly my thoughts, Chrissie

But, putting the Chrissieverse aside, I really don't get how anyone is doubting that Yuji went with Shana, the entire dialog and actions of Yuji and Shana makes it an obvious end... it just pure denial?

Oh, no, I know how it ended. I admit that Yuji chose Shana. It's just, the possibility that he chose Kazumi is still there. It's a logical thought process for those in denial. :p

@minhtam Well, at least you didn't say Go WVU! Then there would be some problems. :p

@CapoExecuter I suppose... My thoughts were that she would actually remain single and return to her loyalty to Alastor and the world of Flame Haze. Hence the ending would be "Life goes on as usual". Well, Yuji would be turned back to normal in that scenario as well.

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 12:22
Remember what Yuji said at the end? Saying how he has changed his world, I think its basically saying how he's moving on with his new life with Shana in a world apart.

If there is a season 3, I'm betting we'll be seeing a lot more Yuji swinging his big ol' sword around.

KholdStare
2008-04-01, 12:33
Everything has a good and bad side, and I'm convinced while pessimism is in the rage nowadays, I see a few ways in which certain things can be said to be for the better. This, after finishing the last tow episodes back to back.

-I get the feeling that I was missing something when that was supposed to be their objective: All that trouble to create a new Tomogara?!? Didn't realise until they said it was a first in the history did I get it. It was supposed to be some groundbreaking experiment, and along the way we knew nothing about it (Not sure if anyone actually speculated this, but I sure as hell didn't see any of those) except that Balle Masque was doing something strange by slowly harassing the Reiji Maigo.

The bad thing about this is even though the motive was completely masked from us viewers for most of the season, you would have thought that the Flame Hazes were at least sensible enough to provide some protection or at least show some concern over the trend of things that were happening to Yuuji. Makes it seem as though he's the only intelligent dude on their side. Way to go for the 'dumb' good guys. :heh:

-I like the fact that Kazumi didn't use the Giralda in the end, because it came in line with her behaviour. She had been a worrywart all along, and even though there was resolution in some of her actions (such as wanting to do all she can to play catch-up with Shana and Yuuji), getting herself killed in order to save Yuuji would show that she doesn't trust Shana, and with her death she would effectively be breaking the promise between her and Shana to see who 'won' out in the end. It would defeat the entire purpose of the competition, because she hasn't given up.

If only they had more time to show her struggling with her inner thoughts...Well, too bad the focus was on the fighting.

-Speaking of which, while it seems apparent that the animation is not too bad in this episode, the jumping of scenes made things seem a little confusing, especially with Wilhelmina and Margery. The former was at first flying about and fighting for a while, and when we jumped back to her, her clothing is torn and she has already bandaged herself up. Likewise with Margery. It just seems so strange that she recovered so suddenly and in the nick of time to save Kazumi from the window shards. I attribute it to poor pacing, a consistent bug in the season itself.

-As for Hecate's miss, the obvious first thing that comes to mind is that it's supposed to justify the Konoe episodes earlier. I'm not entirely buying it mainly due to the fact that a good chunk of the season went to waste. By shortening the Konoe arc by even just one or two episodes, J.C probably might not have so many problems with pacing of episodes.

However, I will accept that it DOES give meaning to the Konoe arc earlier on, and IF there's a season three, it will be a nice angle to explore...hopefully with better planning of how the subplots will turn out.

-I quite like the Yuuji-Shana interactions, because while Shana seemed like she's gone back to her usual self during battle with Yuuji around, the latter is now standing on an almost equal height to her status. Instead of being 'recon', Yuuji was promoted to 'support fire' in the face of stronger foes and Shana probably realised it too (This is also one point which Kazumi failed to realise earlier, and I think it boils down simply to her failing to recognize the change in Yuuji's mindset now. Unfortunate as it may seem, that probably spelt doom for her in the love-triangle resolution).

-I'm also left bemused at three things: The absence of either Fecor or Bel-Peol in overseeing the protection of such an important specimen. Wouldn't either of them remaining in Serei-den be enough to observe what was happening?

The second thing is the state of the Flame Hazes. Margery was knocked out in one blow just like that, leaving her issue with Silver practically completely unresolved. It would have been nice to see her rushing back to the battlefield after the nice save of Kazumi because of her vendetta against the Silver, or at least the fact that she wasn't called a 'battle freak' for nothing. :rolleyes:

The third thing being how the combination of the Professor and Domino making the better part of entertainment for me. In case anyone has complained about having a character sprouting out too much of the truth behind his schemes, it's apparent that Prof here has a *slight* case of megalomania, or can be what we call 'crazy'. :heh: However, it was pretty entertaining and informative nonetheless, else some of us wouldn't have an inkling of what was going on in the end. ;)

-Kudos to Hecate and Syndonay for acting like 'true' villains. Didn't leave much talk in between trading blows (or "OMG bling bling" projectiles) with Wilhelmina and Shana.

-The whole episode itself actually felt rushed, especially at the ending. Cheap as it may be, I've decided to blame it on the consistent problem SnS II had throughout of poor pacing, i.e. shortening some time of the supposedly quirky Prof-Domino interactions and cutting down on the 'bling' in the attacks of everyone, especially Hecate.

-So all supposedly ends well for Yuuji, since he does protect everyone from something that was ironically part of him in the first place (well, technically in the second place so far, since Johan was the first being to own and use the Reiji Maigo). I don't quite get the furore behind the disappeared footsteps.

(1) Shana probably can't smile so happily if Yuuji suddenly disappeared in front of her, and it doesn't make sense for Yuuji to disappear after all that he's done to retain his existence. IMO, that's probably one of the worst endings ever and even if J.C. was indeed as incompetent as the many detractors here make them out to be, I doubt they will pull that fast one on us. If they did, I might just join the camp. :D

(2) Couldn't it be possible that Yuuji actually took a longer step forward, or even an unlikely possibility that they were simply used to symbolise a difference in his taking a step forward because of the 'change' he was talking about in the last few lines before the ending scene?

Even though there was meant to be resolution for some of the characters here, especially for Shana, Yuuji and Yoshida, I don't get that feeling mainly due to the novel developments as well as the obvious fact that Balle Masque is still there, and the antagonist as a main body is still alive. What kind of a series leaves their antagonists alive without giving some sort of resolution to them (concillation or death)?:twitch: That alone should be a good reason why Season III is a viable possibility.

By the way, is there a season evaluation thread somewhere?

First of all, thank you for taking both sides on this and actually analyzing this ending in a calm way. Most people are so angry about SnS II going into the last episode that no matter what the final episode did, they will hate it anyways. You get cookie.

For your last question, here (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=64369) is where you vote for season evaluation.

And yes, I think that it was made clear this episode that Yuji will choose Shana. Also, the footprints at the end, Yuji was talking when they were showing, right? Who else could they belong to if they're not Yuji's?

alvinkhorfire
2008-04-01, 13:37
GEEE....
What? Are you still rooting for Yoshida or some more harem/filler episodes? Gimme a break. OK granted, the love triangle thing was resolved a bit abruptly/ambiguously. But there's no way Shana-our title character/uber Flame Haze, can lose to Yoshida. It would be the end of the world.


You got me wrong. I will always support Yuji to be with Shana. If the footprint was not shown, I will be convinced that Yuji has chosen Shana. The footprint seems to leave a twist at the end of season 2.

Kisuke06
2008-04-01, 14:01
So this is the end...

You kidding me...

THIS is the end for this season?

You mean that the Tomogara they worked this whole season to create was beaten in the same episode it first appeared? Like, in 5 minutes? And let's not forget that the closure for the love triangle was just a damn smile. God...

The best word to define this season is: waste. HUGE waste.

The only good thing in this season was Sabrac's fight, and that took only 2 episodes...

S_K
2008-04-01, 15:01
Well i wouldnt say it was a bad final episode since we were able to enjoy an action packed episode but i do have to agree with the fact that they were able to defeat that tomogara in like 5 mins.
Anynews for a third season?

Triple_R
2008-04-01, 15:38
Finally watched this (just got the English subbed version).

Well... the action bits were wonderfully done, and I liked the real protagonist vs. antagonist struggle shown through out the episode. There was a sense of drama and suspense that carried very well through out the entire episode, and the antagonists genuinely felt like they had the upper hand at several points in the episode.

This is a stark contrast (in a good way) to Nanoha Striker S, Mai HiME, and even Higurashi Kai (I liked Higurashi Kai a lot, but I must admit that it was really clear going into the last episode that the villains didn't have a chance).

The Yuji/Shana team-up was pretty good - Yuji wasn't quite as bad ass as I had hoped he would be, but he was solid and genuinely useful. I'm largely happy with how he came across.

Shana really stole the show - her action bits here were out of this world!

As for the love triangle resolution... I'm less sure about it now than before.

When I read that Shana was smiling wide, and that Kazumi was crying, I had thought that they were smiling and crying at Yuji with Yuji actually being in the scene.

He's not shown on camera during the crying and smiling bits.

Honestly, folks, that leaves open a lot of possibilities.

Maybe Shana saw an old yet-to-be-seen-on-camera friend that'll be the Konoe of Season 3, and that's why she's smiling.

Maybe Kazumi's crying due to the weather (and yes, I'm serious - living in the Great White North, I know that really cold weather can make you cry as a basic physiological reaction, as oppossed to an emotional reaction).

Seriously, there's sooooooo many ways JC Staff can make these scenes mean something other than Shana winning the love triangle. I'll assume that Shana wins if JC Staff never makes more material, but a good fanfic writing Yuji/Kazumi shipper could have a really easy time taking these ending scenes as they're shown, and finding plausible ways to explain them while still having Yuji end up with Kazumi.

This is an excellent ending for a season, but a painfully inconclussive ending for a series.

As such, I hope that this at least leads into another Shana movie, a Shana OVA, or a Shana III. A lot of hanging threads left to be resolved, including Hecate's character development as well.

Hecate strikes me as a literally and figuratively heartless person, who as she gradually is filled with emotions and life experiences, I hope that she'll start to see the error of her ways.

Since the final arc takes place over Christmas, it would be very appropriate if she turns out a lot like the Grinch (Hecate's heart grew three times as large :p ). ;)

All in all, I'll give this final episode a 10/10 - since I think/hope that it'll lead to more Shana anime content, and if so, it's a superb season ending.

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 15:54
lol the weather? I've lived in the north all my life, and I've never seen anyone break into tears with a frown on their face, and the fact that she was looking down to the ground and not up, is a good indication that she realized Yuji went to Shana. A better expression would be blushing looking up with tears welling up and hands covering mouth, that's a better indication.

I highly doubt Shana would be immediately happy to see Hecate, I mean seriously? The first reaction would be to draw her sword and burn the green haired vixen. Not ZOMG I'm so happy to see you...

The last scenes were Yuji walking with the letters, followed by showing the girls waiting, then cut to Yoshida looking at the ground crying, then Shana rocking back and forth then notices someone has walked up to her, and that certain someone causes her to give off a big blushing smile... I mean seriously... Is this really difficult to understand?

Don_Don_Kun
2008-04-01, 16:44
melon bread? what, no melon bread?

i'd say that this was a rushed ending at best, but was by no means, a BAD ending to the series

overall, the action was right up to par with the rest of the season. There were some nice fights scenes with shana and co, although the battles played out in the same fashion that they always did, which is a bit of a disappointment. The animation was superb for the final episode; some nice touches with CG and the characters were well animated. I was particularly impressed with the animation because i know how some studios get lazy and decide to drop the animation quality for the final episode (higurashi season 1).

the one part that totally won me over were the parts with Hecate. They basically proved that the Konoe Fumina episodes had a purpose in the overall run of the season. Watching Hecate hesitate when fighting Yuji and Shana and then shedding tears against her control was quite beautiful. Hopefully, we'll see some more character development for Hecate in the future.

Since there was so much action in this episode, there was only a small conclusion to the romance in SnS. From the epilogue of this episode (accompanied by a beautful song) we finally got to see who Yuji chose. Although the choice was predictable, I would still like to see how life goes on for everyone (if Yuji and Shana ever become a couple, how Yoshida handles Yuji's descision). Since this was an anime original ending, there is still room for a third season.

overall this was a strong ending to a somewhat static season, it gets an 8/10 from me

king12354
2008-04-01, 16:58
You got me wrong. I will always support Yuji to be with Shana. If the footprint was not shown, I will be convinced that Yuji has chosen Shana. The footprint seems to leave a twist at the end of season 2.

Maybe it was just Yuji holding onto Shana while they were making out then Shana decided to fly off with him into the night sky. :D

Kristen
2008-04-01, 17:02
Another thing they didn't wrap up... What happened to Keisaku? Did he go to work at an Outlaw?

The Real Nemo
2008-04-01, 18:01
It's pretty obvious they made the ending just clear enough to infer he made a choice and thus (sort of) satisfy the legions of fans looking for a decision, but vague enough so they could justify begining season 3 with "oh, well he met her but just said he didn't want to choose yet".
That's what I think as well. It was definitely implied that Shana won, but no more so than in the end of last season. I also think that the footsteps could turn out to be important.
I highly doubt Shana would be immediately happy to see Hecate, I mean seriously? The first reaction would be to draw her sword and burn the green haired vixen. Not ZOMG I'm so happy to see you...
Triple_R didn't say she saw Hecate, he's speculating that she may have seen an old friend who could end up filling a similar role to Konoe.
Another thing they didn't wrap up... What happened to Keisaku? Did he go to work at an Outlaw?
There was a brief scene of him on the phone in the credits, which is probably supposed to mean he was finally able to bring himself to call his father for help with that.

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 18:57
Remember theres a lot more manga material to cover, its obviously not over yet in terms of story.

I believe the foot prints are symbolism with what Yuji was saying when he said, he changed his world forever. Meaning he's leaving he's finally leaving his old life behind and moving forward with his future with Shana... remember back to how Yuji kept saying how he wants to become strong enough to be with Shana, and its finally come to fruition

charizardpal
2008-04-01, 19:00
Some points.

That device they made at the clock tower sounded like Engrish for "Time machine," didn't it? Why? We'll have to think about this later...

And did Yuuji get his power back? If the reiji mayo had nearly all of it's power drained, then doesn't that mean that Yuuji's lord of the crimson realm power has been drained and he's back to having the battery power of a normal mystes again?

Personally I find it funny how the creators keep connecting the anime-only arcs at the end...it'd be funny if in the third season they return to the clock tower, again, and AGAIN use the power which was trapped under the ground (power which I remember was supposed to be sucked up when Shana summoned Alastor in season one!) .

Speaking of which, Shana was more definitely paired with Yuuji after the first season. She tells him she loves him, he says "me too;" then after the reset in season two, there is no confession and his feelings are less definite.

Later on if anyone is feeling obsessed, we can go over the background shots behind Yuuji to figure out where he went, etc..Personally I think that the only thing this weak-minded guy would walk directly toward would be a restroom but....

It's also probable that Yoshida just tends to look depressed (low-confidence) while Shana is impatient when she waits...and Shana smilled seeing the Yuuji's mom walking up or some push-cart walking buy selling melon-pan...


I'll come back for serious discussion later...maybe in a year after I've gotten bored and rewatched the season, and have had time to analyzer the themes. The most significant of which is Yuuji's resolve...his decision...and his fighting alongside Shana (something he wanted to do even in season 1 when he lobbed the Blutzager___ at the machines)...

Triple_R
2008-04-01, 19:25
lol the weather? I've lived in the north all my life, and I've never seen anyone break into tears with a frown on their face, and the fact that she was looking down to the ground and not up, is a good indication that she realized Yuji went to Shana. A better expression would be blushing looking up with tears welling up and hands covering mouth, that's a better indication.

Well, crying due to the weather doesn't happen a lot, but I've seen it happen before. It's not a likely possibility, but it's something I honestly could imagine JC Staff using.



I highly doubt Shana would be immediately happy to see Hecate, I mean seriously? The first reaction would be to draw her sword and burn the green haired vixen. Not ZOMG I'm so happy to see you...

The last scenes were Yuji walking with the letters, followed by showing the girls waiting, then cut to Yoshida looking at the ground crying, then Shana rocking back and forth then notices someone has walked up to her, and that certain someone causes her to give off a big blushing smile... I mean seriously... Is this really difficult to understand?

Nemo's right about what I meant by the Konoe bit - if Shana saw Hecate, it's a good bet that she'd want to slice and dice Hecate right then and there, yeah. :)

Your take on the final scenes does make for the most likely take - no question. If there's no more Shana anime after this, then I'll definitely accept Yuji/Shana as the canon, established couple. I'm just saying that JC Staff left things open enough to give us more anime Shana that might continue the love triangle.

We'll just have to wait and see there.

HayashiTakara
2008-04-01, 19:38
Well, ShanaxYuji is canon... the story is about the two of them, Kazumi's purpose is to shake things up and set Shana's feelings in motion.

Lebon14
2008-04-01, 19:43
This is, to me, the best episode of the 2nd season!
I loved it, and, btw, there was a new special ED!

shuin0120
2008-04-01, 19:53
hmm I just wondered, what if the footprints is made by Kazumi? I mean she knows that Yuji will not be there and just walk out.

Aquifina
2008-04-01, 20:34
The last scenes were Yuji walking with the letters, followed by showing the girls waiting, then cut to Yoshida looking at the ground crying, then Shana rocking back and forth then notices someone has walked up to her, and that certain someone causes her to give off a big blushing smile... I mean seriously... Is this really difficult to understand?

I also have found the debate over this issue odd.

Shana won. All stop. Sure, J.C. Staff might pull off a really stupid reset; they're the writers, not me. But from what we see *now*, the triangle's settled in my opinion.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-01, 21:15
And did Yuuji get his power back? If the reiji mayo had nearly all of it's power drained, then doesn't that mean that Yuuji's lord of the crimson realm power has been drained and he's back to having the battery power of a normal mystes again?

I feel that the Reiji Maigo actually replenishes the current capacity the holder has, and in this case that would be Yuuji's enormous bank for POE. It wouldn't make sense otherwise for me.

It's also probable that Yoshida just tends to look depressed (low-confidence) while Shana is impatient when she waits...and Shana smilled seeing the Yuuji's mom walking up or some push-cart walking buy selling melon-pan...

Why, your might be right about looking depressed. Just to elaborate my viewpoint amidst the wild and rational theories....

Without "The Smile":
-It's past the appointed time. Kazumi holds back her tears as much as she can.

-It's past the appointed time. Shana gets irritated.

For me, it's the difference in the way the both of them react which makes it all the more significant. All of us know that Shana has changed in a "-dere" way, but 'getting irritated' retained some of the old Shana we used to know. However, The Smile was the change that was shown, because I daresay the 'old' Shana might have pouted or simply blush without saying much. The Smile simply gives us (or at least me) the idea that Shana knew what kind of expression to use when greeting Yuuji during such an important time, mainly because she finally knows her own feelings.

The other simple thing is that Shana is simply confident in the first place, while Kazumi being pessimistic about her chances simply can't do anything to halt her "losing streak", as Kazumi-bashers might call it. I feel sorry for her in a way, but ultimately have a certain degree of respect for her for not going off like some conniving temptress using her wiles to have her way...Not that she was capable of that in the first place anyway. ;)

For those who might want a good laugh about the outcome, I was actually reminded of the way Shana penned the letter. It sounded more like an order than a love letter. :heh: What if Sakai Yuuji thinks its another enemy?

Jokes aside, J.C. actually did something very interesting by throwing the reactions of the female party, but nothing of the male party in the love triangle, who happens to be the most important character in this. IF this was meant to be a teaser to keep viewers guessing, I'd say J.C. Staff did pretty well. Hey, anything to do to fuel speculation and gauge the fans' opinions about having a continuation, right?

IF it's the end, then I'd have to say "You have to do better than that." Being unconventional is good, but the level of ambiguity might be a little too high for viewers who are used to conventional ways of resolving love triangles.

Found the overall impressions thread. Thanks KholdStare. :)

Tran225
2008-04-02, 00:11
overall i think this season was kinda weak compared to the first one but its not that bad... i give it a 8/10

Dango Daikazoku
2008-04-02, 00:39
6 Months huh... 6 STINKING WHOLE MONTHS, hehe well i cant wait for season three, if j.c. or somthing makes one hehe... Idk what im going to say next... EHHHHH DONT CRITICISE ME...

HayashiTakara
2008-04-02, 00:58
6 months for what?

charizardpal
2008-04-02, 02:21
[QUOTE=alvinkhorfire;1492595]Shana smiles at 24.40 minutes at the end of Episode 24 in season 1 when she is running. That is after Yuji states that " we will continue walking as always... an inch from where the world gets dislocated "

Yeah about that, what was the significance of that quote from season one?
Originally I thought that it was a way to end the anime series, and that it meant that Shana and Yuuji would be together for now on, running around casting fuzetsus and fighting more tomogoro at school, (etc) but that the adventures would continue "off the pages" with the ending of the series.

I also thought that it meant Yuuji would support Shana in trying to protect the balance of the world, and I thought that it tied with the line from the first OP about "drawing a line."


After that season 2 unexpectedly came, and the meaning changed...actually the line was forgotten. But now we have a line of footsteps (probably Yuuji's since you can see him leaving muddy footsteps in one scene), and the footsteps form a line... while he moves toward his decision. (Which will probably be a disappointing reset like him meeting Shana--she grins, and then he thick-headedly says, "Hey, you know I got a letter from Kazumi too. I was just picking you up so the three of us could hang out together to preserve the love triangle thing...lets go back to that restraunt eat ice cream again even though it's snowing...)

Remember how earlier he swore to Shana to choose something to fight for and act on it? In season 1 his drive was to make his existance meaningful. Particularly since when he initially thought this existance was fleeting, so he tried his best to humor Shana (handing her cofee on the roof) so that she would remember him after everyone else had forgotten him. His efforts to be sublime and make the best of his fleeting time resulted in her curious attraction toward him budding into strong affection.

Then after season 1 when he had ascended in importance, his desire changed slightly. For one thing he no longer had to worry about running out of energy, and for a long time could focus on every day life until he learned in episode 2 of SnS2, that the assasins/Bel Masqurade would soon return and again threaten his existance. It was at this time that for myriad complicated reasons his desire evolved into a desire to protect everyone in the city.

But isn't this new purpose, just clever wordplay and a little redundant? After all, it was already safely assumed in SnS1 that he was fighting for his city, and that he was tough enough to leave home then if it would protect his town. I don't honestly yet see the distinction between the before and after...


In the 4th SnS II OP there is the line about "standing against the flow of time", which is pretty simular to the original OP lyrics about making a stand, or inciting you to "draw a line." We also have the footsteps thing, and Yuuji again physically fighting along with Shana--although he still is the "kidnapped prince in distress" at least he does physically fight now instead of just screaming directions to her.

Speaking of which, why can't Alastor always be the brains? Why do we always need Yuuji to scream out the weakness as in, "Go for the heart!" Like most Kings of Guze, Alastor also has an analytical side which could probably marginalize Yuuji's strategic role if he were to talk more. But Alastor sure has been awfully quiet and marginalized during the second season....

All of this SnS 1 stuff is significant because the ideas of fighting together or "making a line" are returned to in exactly the same places in SnS 2, near the end of the seeries. The entire placement of the events that trigger these themes must be methologicaly planned and placed according to a forumula--this must be why the end-season crises occurred so simularly in both seasons.

Ratix
2008-04-02, 03:10
As usual, Yoshida serves no purpose other than to lengthen the runtime. Drama queen.

minhtam1638
2008-04-02, 06:13
Speaking of which, why can't Alastor always be the brains? Why do we always need Yuuji to scream out the weakness as in, "Go for the heart!" Like most Kings of Guze, Alastor also has an analytical side which could probably marginalize Yuuji's strategic role if he were to talk more. But Alastor sure has been awfully quiet and marginalized during the second season....

Actually, that kind of thing makes sense. Remember in Season 1, Episode 11, where Alastor plans through teach Shana through experience? Well, he's at the point where he knows of Yuji's potential and ability to assess in the battlefield. Since Shana's in love with Yuji, why not let her learn for herself how to deal with love?

Besides, you can say that Alastor is Shana's father-figure. If a father is letting a potential boyfriend take care of his daughter, you know where they're headed.

CapoExecutor
2008-04-02, 07:46
Imo no one will die, but a confession will come RIGHT at the end where something will go horrible wrong/unexpected - and then the credits will start and it will zoom in on everyones shocked face - and then we will wait 6 months or more to see what's going to happen!

Sure the season will end, but there is WAY too much going on to 'end' the entire series. We'll see in a few hours.

It's actually one year and six months, judging by the gap between Season 1 and Season 2 if it takes them that long to make Season 3.




Actually, that kind of thing makes sense. Remember in Season 1, Episode 11, where Alastor plans through teach Shana through experience? Well, he's at the point where he knows of Yuji's potential and ability to assess in the battlefield. Since Shana's in love with Yuji, why not let her learn for herself how to deal with love?

Besides, you can say that Alastor is Shana's father-figure. If a father is letting a potential boyfriend take care of his daughter, you know where they're headed.

Can't say the same for the over-protective Wilhelmina, though I wonder if she really does have genuine maternal instincts.

Anyone notice that Wilhelmina is beginning to call Yuji by his proper name at certain points rather than just calling him a Mystes all the time?

Kristen
2008-04-02, 08:56
6 months for what?

I think he was saying six months of this series for this ending.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-02, 09:13
Can't say the same for the over-protective Wilhelmina, though I wonder if she really does have genuine maternal instincts.

Anyone notice that Wilhelmina is beginning to call Yuji by his proper name at certain points rather than just calling him a Mystes all the time?

Sure did. Apparently it goes in line with a supposed acknowledgement of Yuuji as someone useful to her, and the little squabble between her and Shana was nothing more than showing her to be stubborn because she couldn't completely let go yet. She might not have genuine maternal instincts, but she certainly does care an awful lot for Shana in her own way.

Spectacular_Insanity
2008-04-02, 11:38
This was a really good episode, but somehow didn't feel like a series end to me.... did anyone else get that feeling? ANyway, I still really liked it, and Yuji got pretty good at throwing fireballs around. That was cool. :)

Sinestra
2008-04-02, 12:14
Sure did. Apparently it goes in line with a supposed acknowledgement of Yuuji as someone useful to her, and the little squabble between her and Shana was nothing more than showing her to be stubborn because she couldn't completely let go yet. She might not have genuine maternal instincts, but she certainly does care an awful lot for Shana in her own way.

I always loved that aspect of the series. Shana's and Wilhelmina relationship and interactions were golden points for me the both seasons. Im not so sure about her maternal instincts, but id like to think she does have them, she is a female. But even as Owaranai destiny stated she cares a hell of a lot for Shana. I agree their little spat seemed like a mother not ready to let go of her daughter yet. Then she offered to make a dress for the occasion to me that was very motherly of her. In her own Wilhelmina has accepted Yuuji as a person not just a Mystes and i believe she knows that Yuji would sacrifice himself to save Shana if need be. Its just like how Alastor does not object to anything that pertaining to Yuji when Shana talks about her feelings he has accepted it.

off topic but god would i love to have a short OVA of the time when Pheles, Wilhelmina and Johann were traveling together.

bungoman
2008-04-02, 14:16
This was a really good episode, but somehow didn't feel like a series end to me.... did anyone else get that feeling? ANyway, I still really liked it, and Yuji got pretty good at throwing fireballs around. That was cool. :)

It definitely had a "lol third season comin' soon!" feel to it.

I really hope Yuji chose Shana.

DX HBK
2008-04-02, 17:02
Hope there's more killing in the third season because the second season's death tally seemed lower compared to the first season.

Devard
2008-04-02, 17:46
Speaking of which, Shana was more definitely paired with Yuuji after the first season. She tells him she loves him, he says "me too;"
Wait, I don't think he ever said that.

Sinestra
2008-04-02, 18:59
Um i dont remember that either what episode are referring too. Because if that was said in season 1 then they wouldnt have made a big deal about Shana and Kazumi trying to get their feelings across to Yuji in season 2. It took up a pretty huge chunk of time in the series.

BookOfMages
2008-04-02, 20:35
Frankly I'm pretty unsatisfied, the only part where I was happy was the Konoe Fumina remembrance and Hecate crying also the many Hecate scenes. THE MEMORIES OF FUMINAAA [-Huggles-] Oh I also very much enjoyed the ending where Shana's face is behind her scarf, then see's Yuji and has that smile. <3


but the rest for me was like lolno. I didn't like feel much, it didn't reach to me emotionally, I was ready to cry if Kazumi sacrificed her life, or the event that happened in the OP [Her bounded by chains] happened, but you know what? No, now I dislike Kazumi more, wtf all she does is wait, and go "Welcome Home" and of course she isn't going to get Yuji, and like Ike gets no one, GIVE HIM A CHANCE. D:< Yeah that's right, did all that for nothing.

and like the other parts, is it me or did Hecate's voice get more deeper then last season? Everything seemed to rushed it just left me hanging. Though Yuji seemed to man up a bit which is good in a way.

If there is no third season I swear to god. >:U

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-02, 21:58
but the rest for me was like lolno. I didn't like feel much, it didn't reach to me emotionally, I was ready to cry if Kazumi sacrificed her life, or the event that happened in the OP [Her bounded by chains] happened, but you know what? No, now I dislike Kazumi more, wtf all she does is wait, and go "Welcome Home" and of course she isn't going to get Yuji, and like Ike gets no one, GIVE HIM A CHANCE. D:< Yeah that's right, did all that for nothing.

I've tried to explain that in my horribly long post, but anyway...

Kazumi did not sacrifice her life because of her promise with Shana to end the competition after everything's over. This can be justified through the flashbacks she has of the time she spent with Shana in talking about their competition and buying the "arsenal" required for this "battle". Why she wanted to use Giralda was mainly due to her feelings of insecurity (understandable, since she doesn't want Yuuji to come to harm though Shana believes that he's not just a victim but a fighter of the circumstances before him). In the end she puts the promise with Shana and the trust in her ahead of her own insecurities, which is something I consider respectable. Furthermore, you have to consider her own feelings about this: If she dies, where's the competition? How would she even hope for what many viewers (and Kazumi bashers) consider a miracle to happen and for Yuuji to choose her if she was dead? Furthermore, what about her own family? Having to choose between a love that seemed almost hopeless and her own existence and life as a human...It's a pretty tough choice to make. She chose well, and again I say I respect her for that.

Although I thought some of the criticism about her was warped, there is no denying the concrete fact that Kazumi had always been a worrywart, though.

charizardpal
2008-04-02, 22:02
Wait, I don't think he ever said that.

You're right my memory was in error--I thought in SnS 1 episode 24 he said "un" but he didn't. All he does is say something about having long decided that he wanted to be by her side; then she says tempa jousei and then she says she loves him, and all he does is smile before an explosion consumes them. ...a lame reaction--no wonder I forgot...

-Shana-
2008-04-03, 04:47
Shana fans or just fans in general on this board are waaaaaaay too forgiving. This whole second season was terrible; what wasn't novel material was downright awful and generic, what was novel material was poorly paced, awkward, and unexciting. The show was marred by poor production and seemed dead-set for mediocrity and another season from episode one; in mahjong lingo, the players went for a cheap hand this round to prolong the game into another round.

This marks the second sequel that JC Staff has screwed up, the first being the (albeit worse) ZnT II; the boundless optimism of this forum be darned, when the filler ending started I forecasted disaster and my pessimism was ultimately confirmed.

There's really not much to say here except that the anime is little more than promotion for the novels, which aren't accessible to most of us. Waiting years and years for more Shana when we waited two for this ostensibly horrible season just doesn't make it worth it.

Even as far as the "GAR" is concerned, I find Yuuji's ultimate incarnation to be awesome but still, it's not worth the wait. Nor was it worth the wait in R+V, or in GL - wading through the emo, the harem, the mindless fanservice for even a speck of GAR really says something about how desperate some of us are for good anime.

And Shana II is not a good anime.

/fin


Season 2 isn't comparable to Season 1, but it wasn't horrible. We got to see Yagami Yuji go to work with his mind, and I loved the Sabrac fight.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-03, 09:42
Season 2 isn't comparable to Season 1, but it wasn't horrible. We got to see Yagami Yuji go to work with his mind, and I loved the Sabrac fight.

"Yagami Yuji"? :heh: You need to take note that the Mystes doesn't have an obsession with wanting to cleanse the world of criminals and people who supposedly deserve to die. ;)

That being said, it simply depends on how a person looks at it. You can be extremely critical to the point of overdoing it by simply taking out all the rotten apples (used just for reference to your Yagami Yuji ;) ) in the basket and magnify them for people to see, or you can take the good ones and eat them. Some people prefer to think pessimism and having an opinion set in stone without room for change is the way to go; why bother even to answer, when it is possible to see both the rotten and good apples, or why even bother to compare apples and oranges?

Anyway, Season II was relatively enjoyable on the whole despite some pretty glaring flaws. Not sure if I've said this before previously, but for a last episode it certainly felt rushed and was not as entertaining as I hoped for it to be.

Highlygifted
2008-04-03, 10:48
Well, this ending is a letdown I suppose. It seemed very rushed, and it seems more like a halfway mark than a season finale. It leaves us with so many questions that there's bound to be a season 3. The fact that they chose to leave it off here though, is what irritates me.

The ending showing Shana winning is something I was disappointed in. It further pushes the incomplete ending and really makes you wonder the point of this season. Let's face it, this season seemed pretty pointless. It all lead to some half baked final confrontation of a huge Tomogara which then proceeds to be destroyed, and the Trinity escapes unscathed. If even ONE of the Trinity, got killed or even got injured, I wouldn't complain, but this episode didn't take the full potential of the leadup this season has given us.

The end battle with the armor was probably the best part of this episode IMO. It shows that something out of mind happened, and generally, quite a witty end.

Xellos
2008-04-03, 10:48
Finally got around to watching this episode. I have to say I'm pretty pleased that I haven't read all the novels yet to ruin my experience. That being said...

The Good: GAR-Yuji, good action scenes, the priceless expression on Shana's face at the end.

The Bad: Too much airplane noises during the fight...thought I was watching a dogfight or something. Kazumi still there (JC staff faked me out so hard with that dissappearing scene). Resolution felt rushed. The silver being mind fucked by Konoe's memories? Lame.

I would give this a 7/10, but I voted 8/10 just because of Shana's expression at the end. Yes, I'm biased. I would write more about the series, but I'll save it for the overall series impression thread.

Godly_senselessness
2008-04-03, 12:17
Yay,Shana saves sekai and gets sakai,all is well with the baranshu of the world.

Eisdrache
2008-04-03, 13:12
So the show with the worlds greatest loli finally came to an end. Some thoughts about it:

The hell? For me the biggest letdown wasnt the Konoe Fumina arc (which I liked) or anything like that. Its that moron Yuji. I will NEVER get used to a Yuji with guts. I mean he is probably the pinnacle of denseness, and then suddenly getting a 400% power boost when killing Zarovee (wtf with the strangulation scene D: ) I just cant stand that he is shooting fireballs like a crazy pyromaniac and the next second he is back to his usual self duh. Ok I admit I am exaggerating here but basically thats what I think.

Back to OnTopic:
I guess for someone who has read the novels the series was probably quite painful. However for an anime-only watcher like me I am perfectly fine with SnS 2. I liked Konoe Fumina and yes, I like Kazumi as well. Seeing that Yuji chose Shana in the end (which is OBVIOUS, get over it) made me happy too.

I should probably write more about my thoughts but at the moment nothing comes to mind.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-03, 13:43
The silver being mind fucked by Konoe's memories? Lame.


In effect it was Hecate, since she was the one controlling that dangerous tin can.

I'd agree they could have spent a little more time focusing on that aspect for Hecate, but it's unfortunate when you can't do everything in a 24 episode long series after a bout of seriously poor pacing that continued all the way to the end. Still, it can still be considered an orthodox method of having the 'main'/final antagonist show a moment of weakness despite having overwhelming odds stacked against the protagonists. They just didn't provide enough hints that something like that will happen.

Xellos
2008-04-03, 13:48
Yeah, I should've been more specific, but it still seemed like a cheesy way out. I can understand the intention of Hecate discovering her emotions and what not, but it felt way too convenient to happen where it did. Anyways, agree with the whole pacing issue...probably the biggest complaint in my overall series review post.

Highlygifted
2008-04-03, 15:27
Was there even a main point to the creation of the Tomogara? I see little point in going through the giant hassle, unlike the plot of season 1.

CapoExecutor
2008-04-03, 16:34
For the ending, couldn't they perhaps add a few scenes of the Balle Masque regrouping or planning out something new?

DX HBK
2008-04-03, 16:39
I think the J.C. Staff were forced to resort to some sort of "salvage and save value strategy" regarding the end of the season.

Since Wilhelmina can create her own Rinne, can Shana or Margery do the same?


@CapoExecutor

Nice lemon chapter for your fanfic by the way.

Highlygifted
2008-04-03, 18:24
A Rinne is just something fabricated from power of existence. I don't think it's too hard for a Flame Haze to control it in that manor. I'm sure Margery Daw can make one, not too sure for Shana who hasn't exhibited any signs of Unrestricted Spell talent.

CapoExecutor
2008-04-03, 20:40
Not that anyone would bother but it looked like the second season's year is in 2005.

Mai Kawasumi
2008-04-03, 23:25
Finally

http://www.shakugan.com/chara/index.html

serenade_beta
2008-04-03, 23:48
Finally

http://www.shakugan.com/chara/index.html

Hah! So it did turn out to be Silver in the end.

teelotes
2008-04-04, 02:59
In effect it was Hecate, since she was the one controlling that dangerous tin can.

I'd agree they could have spent a little more time focusing on that aspect for Hecate, but it's unfortunate when you can't do everything in a 24 episode long series after a bout of seriously poor pacing that continued all the way to the end. Still, it can still be considered an orthodox method of having the 'main'/final antagonist show a moment of weakness despite having overwhelming odds stacked against the protagonists. They just didn't provide enough hints that something like that will happen.

Many have been speculating the scene of Hecate with the bird, so I'm glad that has been elaborated and executed in a way that fits into the plot, and in a grand ending sort of way too.

Instead of looking at the past, I'm curious how Hecate will proceed from here. She's a character that is bad because of the side she's on. She could potentially switch sides to Yuji and gang. Despite being one of the Trinity, her life at Bal Masque could not satisfy what she was looking for; instead, the peaceful and fun life as Konoe Fumina gave her an answer. It would be interesting to see her gaining more initiative, and exploring/testing her relationship with Sydonay.

teelotes
2008-04-05, 11:35
I'm currently doing the Overall Season Impressions review, and thought I'll share this here first:

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii184/teelotes/Review%20-%20Shakugan%20no%20Shana%20II/Shana_flight_comparison.jpg

Which Shana do you prefer? ;)

In my opinion, one of the reasons why this episode (& the Sabrac's fight) was sub-par. I just hate the way they drew Shana in these two fights.

Triple_R
2008-04-05, 12:00
I'm currently doing the Overall Season Impressions review, and thought I'll share this here first:

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii184/teelotes/Review%20-%20Shakugan%20no%20Shana%20II/Shana_flight_comparison.jpg

Which Shana do you prefer? ;)

In my opinion, one of the reasons why this episode (& the Sabrac's fight) was sub-par. I just hate the way they drew Shana in these two fights.

You really want Shana to look that happy and relaxed and non-flaming (the left of the two pics) in the middle of major fights?

I felt that Shana looked great, and appropriately bad @$$ (the right of the two pics) in the concluding episodes and in the Sabrac fight.

teelotes
2008-04-05, 14:30
You really want Shana to look that happy and relaxed and non-flaming (the left of the two pics) in the middle of major fights?

I felt that Shana looked great, and appropriately bad @$$ (the right of the two pics) in the concluding episodes and in the Sabrac fight.

It's not that; compare the details put into the two pictures. I'm rewatching a few episodes of Season 1 and the whole of Season 2; there are very few instances where Shana's hair was pulled back in flight, so this is the only other instance fit for comparison.

Firstly, it's the decision to draw Shana in such a pose, and as mentioned above, it's not common throughout the series. It takes a few points off her usual swift and agile movement in a battle. Besides, the moe factor of battle Shana is hit by the brute force style of fighting depicted by showing her forehead and her hair pulled backwards.

Secondly, corresponding to the single-minded depiction of her action, the art has also taken on a simple approach. Straight clean lines, sharp jagged edges, and aesthetically disproportionate attributes of her face. It's rigid, featureless, emotionless, and in every bit uninspiring. The only form of expression is through her eyes, which conveys the primary feelings. There is no deeper emotions or secondary feelings which makes the scene more convincing. You might want to check out the last episode of Season 1 where Shana made the break through Hecate's defenses and rescued Yuji. There was the fierce intent to fight, but through her overall facial expression, there was also a hint of concern and yearning for Yuji. In this scene, I sense none of that. In other words, it's overly simplistic and 1D in direction. A vital scene in an engaging storyline reduced to a typical rush-of-anger hero's rescue in an episodic kid's cartoon.

Triple_R
2008-04-05, 22:05
It's not that; compare the details put into the two pictures. I'm rewatching a few episodes of Season 1 and the whole of Season 2; there are very few instances where Shana's hair was pulled back in flight, so this is the only other instance fit for comparison.

Firstly, it's the decision to draw Shana in such a pose, and as mentioned above, it's not common throughout the series. It takes a few points off her usual swift and agile movement in a battle. Besides, the moe factor of battle Shana is hit by the brute force style of fighting depicted by showing her forehead and her hair pulled backwards.

Secondly, corresponding to the single-minded depiction of her action, the art has also taken on a simple approach. Straight clean lines, sharp jagged edges, and aesthetically disproportionate attributes of her face. It's rigid, featureless, emotionless, and in every bit uninspiring. The only form of expression is through her eyes, which conveys the primary feelings. There is no deeper emotions or secondary feelings which makes the scene more convincing. You might want to check out the last episode of Season 1 where Shana made the break through Hecate's defenses and rescued Yuji. There was the fierce intent to fight, but through her overall facial expression, there was also a hint of concern and yearning for Yuji. In this scene, I sense none of that. In other words, it's overly simplistic and 1D in direction. A vital scene in an engaging storyline reduced to a typical rush-of-anger hero's rescue in an episodic kid's cartoon.

Battle Shana doesn't really have a moe factor to me. In light-hearted or comedic slice-of-life moments Shana is frequently moe, but I usually don't see her that way in fights. That's just my take on her character though.

That being said, I see your points in your final paragraph.

My only fear, though, is that more detailed character artwork would have come at the cost of very fast and explosive action scenes that I loved.

But, yeah, if you can have both (the character artwork that you want, and the style of action scenes that I loved), then that's probably the way to go. :)

Guido
2008-04-06, 03:07
At last, I have spared time to watch and properly review the last episode to the second Shana series and about time since we're now in the spring season.

Series two ending cannot compare to series one conclusion, but the Itano Circus (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=706421&postcount=49) animation work has been the most impressive aerial combat I have witnessed since Soukou no Strain's climax battle.

I was simply mesmerized by Shana trailing gracefully in the blue sky with her flame wings with maneuverability and dexterity, as she was engaging in a dead end, dogfight against Hecate and Sydonnay along with Wilhelmina.

Furthermore, the blue world casted by Dantalion felt like another universe.

Anyways, I was concerned about four weeks ago how the animation staff would handle the story to give it a decent conclusion, and it summed up in this dazzling, otherwordly aerial battle.

It was a huge, all-out war zone. Blood and violence were toned up slightly than in the previous arcs, although the blood on Shana and Margery looked as if it had been sprayed all over their bodies.

Changing topic, the point is that Yuuji exerted the power and wits not to protect Shana but to back her up in battle at real time.

I cringed at the sequence when Shana dashed the endless the steps as Yuuji was subtlely fading in and out due to power of existence shortage. I cried for Shana to hurry before Yuuji would go into nothingness, and it felt good at being hyped for the heroine.
Moreover, it was an improvement for Yuuji to place his mindset upon telling Shana that he would assist her in the battle to protect the city rather than plainly protecting her.

On the other hand, it was needless to switch back to Kazumi outside the war zone because all she did was sinking herself in worries, as her thoughts fluctuated between Yuuji's return and fearing whether to use or not the Hougu to summon Pheles at the cost of her existence.
We know she's useless and can do nothing but waiting, so why wasting seconds and dozens of frames on a character that only serves the function of a love rival to the heroine? Maybe because she didn't use the Hougu, which opens the possibilities for her character to be placed in an unexpected role in a future and certain third series.

Finally, Hecate turned her role in a twist.

What I understand from my perspective about the Taimei Shihen is that the Reiji Maigo played as the 'heart' of the Tomogara; the clock tower as the body; and the Silver as the brain which were operated by Hecates' thoughts.

Hecate manipulated the will of the Silver through the machines' connections.

When she saw Yuuji through the existence of the Silver, the memories of Konoe Fumina stirred within her, although she nonchalantly adhered that Konoe's existence turned usless once the latter's role was fulfilled.

Hecate experienced on live within herself not only Konoes' memories but her thoughts and experiences herself.

She went on shock once those memories interfered with her judgement upon operating the mind of the Tomogara, the moment Shana took flight as a bird and symbollically imprinting the winged Shana as the bird from Konoe's memory.
The same bird Hecate stretched out her hand to reach.


Overall, I believe this last episode and the previous episode served more like a standalone story outside from the main plot; more suitable as material for another Shana film.

Anh_Minh
2008-04-06, 12:45
Well, I just didn't feel it the way I felt Season 1's finale. It was nice enough, sure, but... It kinda lacked the tension, I thought.

Random remark: Hecate is much better close combat fighter than I thought she'd be.

CapoExecutor
2008-04-06, 13:20
Well, I just didn't feel it the way I felt Season 1's finale. It was nice enough, sure, but... It kinda lacked the tension, I thought.

Random remark: Hecate is much better close combat fighter than I thought she'd be.

Staff fighters tend to focus more on defense and counterattacks but that's my opinion. I might not have seen Hecate swing the Trigon but she sure knows how to fire the Aster.

Here's my random remark:

Regarding Hecate praying most of the time, I wonder if she could have been muttering this kind of prayer:

"God, let's face it. You don't like me and I sure as hell don't like you. In fact, I've broken every law you've placed in the world and still became tremendously powerful when I began worshipping the Ceremonial Snake of the Festival instead. And while you and I aren't close, I do know that you seem to care for humans on the Earth so here's what the Balle Masque and I are going to do: We're going to run around the Earth and consume power of existence from every single human we find before sending each and every one of them into the fiery depths of Hell! Amen!"

Game8910
2008-04-06, 19:24
Hecate sounded like a jet fighter while she was flying though, no?

Triple_R
2008-04-06, 19:47
Staff fighters tend to focus more on defense and counterattacks but that's my opinion. I might not have seen Hecate swing the Trigon but she sure knows how to fire the Aster.

Here's my random remark:

Regarding Hecate praying most of the time, I wonder if she could have been muttering this kind of prayer:

"God, let's face it. You don't like me and I sure as hell don't like you. In fact, I've broken every law you've placed in the world and still became tremendously powerful when I began worshipping the Ceremonial Snake of the Festival instead. And while you and I aren't close, I do know that you seem to care for humans on the Earth so here's what the Balle Masque and I are going to do: We're going to run around the Earth and consume power of existence from every single human we find before sending each and every one of them into the fiery depths of Hell! Amen!"

Nah... Hecate is nowhere near that angry, bitter, and sour.

If she was that angry and bitter it would have to arise from a very strong sense of self-identity, which simply doesn't jive with her frequent statements of her being "empty" all the time.

Now, that being said, I get the sense that one of the major changes between Shana Season 1 and Shana Season II is that Hecate has given up on prayer (at least temporarily), and instead of constantly trying to persuade God (or a god) to help her, she's spending all of her time trying to help herself (as she sees it).

Many of Hecate's actions are evil, yes, but I don't think that it's because she's taken upon herself an outright demonic personality.

I think that she's simply extremely self-centered, and has a very reductionistic philosophy when it comes to life (both of these play into her eagerness and easy willingness to kill Yuji even though Yuji has done her no harm whatsoever, and in fact has arguably done more for her than any other has).

CapoExecutor
2008-04-06, 20:31
Nah... Hecate is nowhere near that angry, bitter, and sour.

If she was that angry and bitter it would have to arise from a very strong sense of self-identity, which simply doesn't jive with her frequent statements of her being "empty" all the time.

Now, that being said, I get the sense that one of the major changes between Shana Season 1 and Shana Season II is that Hecate has given up on prayer (at least temporarily), and instead of constantly trying to persuade God (or a god) to help her, she's spending all of her time trying to help herself (as she sees it).

Many of Hecate's actions are evil, yes, but I don't think that it's because she's taken upon herself an outright demonic personality.

I think that she's simply extremely self-centered, and has a very reductionistic philosophy when it comes to life (both of these play into her eagerness and easy willingness to kill Yuji even though Yuji has done her no harm whatsoever, and in fact has arguably done more for her than any other has).

That random prayer was just a joke on my part so it wasn't anything serious. I mistakenly thought she'd be a bit arrogant since her faux vessel counterpart seems to act as if she was of royalty.

Still wondered why she didn't make her move immediately after taking the Reiji Maigo out of him. Not sure if it had anything to do with Yuji sparing her life back in Season 1.

Triple_R
2008-04-06, 21:31
That random prayer was just a joke on my part so it wasn't anything serious. I mistakenly thought she'd be a bit arrogant since her faux vessel counterpart seems to act as if she was of royalty.

Still wondered why she didn't make her move immediately after taking the Reiji Maigo out of him. Not sure if it had anything to do with Yuji sparing her life back in Season 1.

Do you mean why she didn't try to finish him off then and there, and not wait for him to simply fade away "naturally"?

Well, I think that Hecate simply felt he was inconsequential at that point. If she didn't see the fight between Yuji and Zarovee, I can kind of see where she'd consider Yuji beneath her taking the effort to immediately kill him.

teelotes
2008-04-07, 07:03
When Silver was activated as the body for the Statue of Pride, wouldn't Margery feel anything at all? It seems that all the build-up for Margery VS Silver was totally wasted in the finale since Margery was seriously injured and unfit for combat. The ending also left a huge question mark to the character development of Margery. If Silver was gone, would she still continue to be a Flame Haze?

Anh_Minh
2008-04-07, 07:23
What else would she do? Look for a place to die, and someone to pass Marcosius on to? It's really not like her.

Owaranai Destiny
2008-04-07, 07:30
When Silver was activated as the body for the Statue of Pride, wouldn't Margery feel anything at all? It seems that all the build-up for Margery VS Silver was totally wasted in the finale since Margery was seriously injured and unfit for combat. The ending also left a huge question mark to the character development of Margery. If Silver was gone, would she still continue to be a Flame Haze?

Most Flame Hazes (with the exception of perhaps Yuri and Shana in the anime so far) have one main reason to become one: That is, for revenge.

However, becoming one and maintaining the purpose of being one are two entirely separate things. The Flame Hazes were so often called 'tools of hunting'. Essentially that isn't a completely fair description by the Tomogara who distort the balance between the two worlds, but the Flame Hazes are indeed tools...Those used to maintain the balance. Margery might no longer have a reason to seek revenge, but her duty as Flame Haze remains clear.

shuin0120
2008-04-07, 09:23
When Silver was activated as the body for the Statue of Pride, wouldn't Margery feel anything at all? It seems that all the build-up for Margery VS Silver was totally wasted in the finale since Margery was seriously injured and unfit for combat. The ending also left a huge question mark to the character development of Margery. If Silver was gone, would she still continue to be a Flame Haze?

Margery already aware that the silver is on hands of bell masque, which means they have only one target. about being the flame haze of Margery she will not stop of being a flame haze because of the revenge (if already done) I think the contract between them (all flame haze) are eternal.

Noremac7777
2008-04-08, 16:06
Hi... um, well s' my first post , thought this would probably be the best place to ask, does anyone know the name of the song that appears in this episode, starting at the 13:10 mark? (in the one i have anyway) I've been trying to learn it, and the title would be kinda helpful if im gonna find a copy, or better yet sheet music :)


Also, if im posting anyway; loved the episode, thankful that Shana FINALLY seems to have admitted her feelings, but, y' never know... maybe not, and the whole charade starts again in 3 :( I was pretty worried throughout that Yuji was gonna run outta POE and disappear, but luckily he didnt waste all of it throwing fireballs and using the sword which drains its users POE to function ~:P
Pretty happy with the apparent conclusion, partly as if Yuji had chosen Kazumi, then both Shana and Ike would be left without a partner (not to mention the awkwardness if Yuji continued fighting alongside Shana), also, whilst I don't dislike Kazumi, I much prefer Shana (especially since finding the Shana-tan OVAs; KAWAAIII! :D:D)


::EDIT:: I just realised... that peice sounds remarkably like a piano version of JOINT. if that's what it is, this does not bode well for getting the song itself, considering what happened to the last piano version of something on this show :P Ahh well, i'll live in hope :D ::/EDIT::

holyman282
2008-04-08, 18:20
Well watched this ep and I have to say that despite the wonderful intense action and the Yuji/Yoshida/Shana triangled finally settled. I still feel somewhat empty after watching this ep.... I'm not sure, but an ending is suppose to feel complete but it doesn't, perhaps because it ended the last arc too fast.....

This leads me to the question is the shana second ending a anime original ending or will there be any chance of a third season to continue the story in the novel?

DX HBK
2008-04-11, 22:47
Staff fighters tend to focus more on defense and counterattacks but that's my opinion. I might not have seen Hecate swing the Trigon but she sure knows how to fire the Aster.

Here's my random remark:

Regarding Hecate praying most of the time, I wonder if she could have been muttering this kind of prayer:

"God, let's face it. You don't like me and I sure as hell don't like you. In fact, I've broken every law you've placed in the world and still became tremendously powerful when I began worshipping the Ceremonial Snake of the Festival instead. And while you and I aren't close, I do know that you seem to care for humans on the Earth so here's what the Balle Masque and I are going to do: We're going to run around the Earth and consume power of existence from every single human we find before sending each and every one of them into the fiery depths of Hell! Amen!"

And you wonder why God made her live an empty existence instead of striking her with lightning. That prayer might come from Hecate if she had some streak of high-class arrogance. :heh:



Nah... Hecate is nowhere near that angry, bitter, and sour.

If she was that angry and bitter it would have to arise from a very strong sense of self-identity, which simply doesn't jive with her frequent statements of her being "empty" all the time.

Now, that being said, I get the sense that one of the major changes between Shana Season 1 and Shana Season II is that Hecate has given up on prayer (at least temporarily), and instead of constantly trying to persuade God (or a god) to help her, she's spending all of her time trying to help herself (as she sees it).

Many of Hecate's actions are evil, yes, but I don't think that it's because she's taken upon herself an outright demonic personality.

I think that she's simply extremely self-centered, and has a very reductionistic philosophy when it comes to life (both of these play into her eagerness and easy willingness to kill Yuji even though Yuji has done her no harm whatsoever, and in fact has arguably done more for her than any other has).

Well, she did turn self-centered and bended more towards her novel counterpart a bit. Or perhaps it was her way of getting back at him for his actions and words back in Season 1. In the end, Hecate gets the short end of the stick while Yuji escapes after thwarting her plans.

To think the Balle Masque simply underestimated Yuji and the rest of the Misaki City defenders seems like a likely scenario but that's just my take.

Anyways, regarding the much earlier topics of Kazumi Yoshida becoming a Flame Haze, she could either get Valac or perhaps by chance, Marcosius choses her as a successor in case Margery kicks the bucket because he might have a fetish for busty females. Kazumi would then be able to revert to her Shana-tan personality that way.:D

Devard
2008-04-15, 07:17
This leads me to the question is the shana second ending a anime original ending or will there be any chance of a third season to continue the story in the novel?
The last arc is anime original material (though Shana and Kazumi do ask Yuji to meet up with one of them an decide). How it will lead back into the novels if there is a season three is a different issue. I'm sure the production team will find a way, lame or otherwise. :eyebrow:

alvinkhorfire
2008-04-15, 09:33
Though the ending in essence wasn't bad per say. It changed some very important elements of Sliver that are key factors in the 16th Novel. Also they changed what Bal Masque main ideals were about.

Sterling01, do you mind telling what is the deviation from the novel about Silver and Bal Masque in the Novel thread? Thanks.

Need more Aria
2008-05-08, 16:34
I felt the ending was rushed.

Who else believed tht Yuji chose Shana?

madamshana
2008-06-28, 22:29
I felt the ending was rushed.

Who else believed tht Yuji chose Shana?

Yes definitely. It felt like "We've got only one episode left so lets all put in there and asta la vista see you later".

I do feel like season 2 wasnt complete, many questions remaining unanswered and the finale leaving very good chances for a third season.

Dbano
2008-06-30, 10:02
Well, I'd say the ending wasn't too bad... the fact is



Wouldn't that be enough evidence?

However I noticed that the Manga version and Anime were quite different in many ways. After watching some other Anime stories, I noticed that every Animes' Manga version is very different. Maybe it's because some of them are made by different companies?

Devard
2008-07-01, 06:57
However I noticed that the Manga version and Anime were quite different in many ways. After watching some other Anime stories, I noticed that every Animes' Manga version is very different.
The manga follows the light novels more closely than the anime as far as I know. For starters, the anime introduces Margery much earlier (before Friagne was defeated) which diverges from the first light novel.

Maybe it's because some of them are made by different companies?
Why they do this I do not know but I doubt this has anything to do with it. It's probably more an issue of the media's medium as well as its target audience.

Dbano
2008-07-02, 06:25
The manga follows the light novels more closely than the anime as far as I know. For starters, the anime introduces Margery much earlier (before Friagne was defeated) which diverges from the first light novel.

Man I've never read the light novels, I sure would love to but I think I wouldn't find any access on it here on the Philippines.

Why they do this I do not know but I doubt this has anything to do with it. It's probably more an issue of the media's medium as well as its target audience.

I see your point. Anyway there is one thing I don't understand... :confused:Why didn't my message inside the spoiler tag showed up? T_T im such a noob...

Terrato
2008-07-12, 01:49
I love shakugan no shana but ep 24 sorta pissed me off. First, who the hell does he pick (just because shana smiled doesnt mean JACK) and why did they rush it so quickly? Its just like many other "dissappointing" animes that end leaving you unsure of what happened. (will there be a sequel, or does it just end with "okay we dont know whats gonna happen after this") lol. Well whatever I liked but i didn't love it(last ep that is)

Kenoshin
2008-07-12, 17:26
Bleh, I didn't really like episode 24 and I do hope they make another season.

typhonsentra
2008-07-12, 18:23
Couple things:

- The whole thing just felt like filler, and as the episode grew closer to a close without them being close to killing the monster I knew it'd be rushed but I never expected them to completely forgo a final fight with the giant monster they were hyping!

- No, Yugi DID NOT pick Shana. We all know that once the series comes back whenever they decide to start again (God willing they'll wait until they have enough material for a full season next time or have the good sense to make it shorter).

- One important development did come from the final filler arc, Ike confessed to Yoshida. How does that fit in exactly?

- The events in episode 22 (Finding out about the baby namely and the revelation that Willhemina was in love with Shiro), where do they fit into the Shana books? What about



I just started this series and burned through season 1 in a flash an was happy to see more, but it was so slow to start, I almost wish they had just ended it with that big showdown in episode 21, it even felt like a final episode!

Dbano
2008-07-13, 07:37
Couple things:

- The whole thing just felt like filler, and as the episode grew closer to a close without them being close to killing the monster I knew it'd be rushed but I never expected them to completely forgo a final fight with the giant monster they were hyping!

- No, Yugi DID NOT pick Shana. We all know that once the series comes back whenever they decide to start again (God willing they'll wait until they have enough material for a full season next time or have the good sense to make it shorter).

- One important development did come from the final filler arc, Ike confessed to Yoshida. How does that fit in exactly?

- The events in episode 22 (Finding out about the baby namely and the revelation that Willhemina was in love with Shiro), where do they fit into the Shana books? What about



I just started this series and burned through season 1 in a flash an was happy to see more, but it was so slow to start, I almost wish they had just ended it with that big showdown in episode 21, it even felt like a final episode!



-Well actually Yuji has gone to Shana first. But that doesn't mean that he picked her. He might've gone to Shana to tell her that hes sorry or what because it was Yoshida that he loves. Though this is just another possibility maybe they really intend to keep us in the dark because it is essential for the next season(if there is one)

-The final battle sucks! It would've been cooler if it was Shana and Hecate did a one on one.

-About Ike's confession, I was surprised how Yoshida reacted to it. It was like the effect of his confession didn't lasts long. After being surprised Yoshida turned her back and walked to the big three as if nothing happened.

-About Shiro, maybe hes going to be shown in the next season.

[/SPOILER]

Anyway yuji looks cooler on the battle, though it looks like some events did not fit.
Click here: http://bd1.battledawn.com/referx.php?serv=7&ref=136

Alyssa Searrs
2008-07-17, 23:52
hey, im tapped out of new animes to watch, and i was wondering if Shakugan no shana is good or bad.

i mean i think i will watch it but i still want to know what its like?

typhonsentra
2008-07-18, 09:13
Action/Romance, although the romance part obviously never goes anywhere. It's mostly "Kill the big bad monster of this story arc" up until the first 1/3 of Shana II.

Dbano
2008-07-18, 11:01
Well actually the first 1/2 of the story has minimum fighting. I think the major fighting erupted at ep. 13. It's actually a nice story.


However I think the season three will start like how the second season started. Everything will be a misunderstanding, and it would be back to Shana building up courage to tell Yuji how she feels. Anyway Yuji's feelings is still unclear, we still don't know who he really loves.

Anyway it might be for the sake of the story.

ashe
2008-07-24, 07:44
i was expecting silver to put up a good fight, but was disappointed! they did rush the episode.
sabrac was the better nemesis who made it difficult for the protagonists. even metamorphosis is presented as if stronger than sabrac.

Lauren Revolt
2008-08-07, 00:56
Also agreed that it was pretty rushed, I think an hour long special would have it better justice.

Considering I havent' read the light novels, did this arc finish up differently then in the original source? I keep reading all this stuff about Yuji and the Snake of Festival merging, so I was kind of expecting something like that to happen - but nothing. I'm really confused just as to whats happens with the whole merging business. Sorry if this isnt the correct place to ask, but I need to know the deal with that, seeing as I wont be reading the novels for quite a long time at their translated rate. Better not to clutter this thread, send me a PM if you want.
i was expecting silver to put up a good fight, but was disappointed! they did rush the episode.
sabrac was the better nemesis who made it difficult for the protagonists. even metamorphosis is presented as if stronger than sabrac.SYDONAY WILL ALWAYS BE STRONGER THAN SABRAC!! That's beacuse he's pure win incarnated as a guze no o ^_^

AceD
2008-08-07, 13:06
average ending, how can people vote 10 ? it was another ending of nothingness...the romance side of the story...didnt progress at all...did it even progress at all in season 2 am left wondering...

Strahan
2008-08-22, 00:08
average ending, how can people vote 10 ? it was another ending of nothingness...the romance side of the story...didnt progress at all...did it even progress at all in season 2 am left wondering...

Ditto. I like action, but I am more drawn to romance aspects of shows and I was a little annoyed to see no real progress. I was also annoyed at the way it ended. I like it when we see after-effects of things like that, reactions and such.

If they do a S3 and pull the same sorry "oh, I didn't hear you" crap I swear I'll scream.

xplicitz
2008-08-27, 15:34
It felt like they rushed it imo, and I was expecting a better fight from Silver. As for the romance, I've seen many posts saying that it didn't progress at all but at the end, it was safe to assume that Yuji actually made a decision (an obvious decision, no surprise there) no? Yuji grasping the 2 letters and started walking, Yoshida crying, Shana smiling/overjoyed at the end, I think the message was obvious. Well, there might be a season 3 since there's still a lot unexplained or not cleared, if there is, I just hope there's no "reset" on the romance part >_> that'd just be awfully annoying. Overall, it was average, 7-8/10

Serenity85
2008-08-27, 15:40
It felt like they rushed it imo, and I was expecting a better fight from Silver. As for the romance, I've seen many posts saying that it didn't progress at all but at the end, it was safe to assume that Yuji actually made a decision (an obvious decision, no surprise there) no? Yuji grasping the 2 letters and started walking, Yoshida crying, Shana smiling/overjoyed at the end, I think the message was obvious. Well, there might be a season 3 since there's still a lot unexplained or not cleared, if there is, I just hope there's no "reset" on the romance part >_> that'd just be awfully annoying. Overall, it was average, 7-8/10

Actually I don't see them doing a reset this time (the first confession was done as a way to end the series if it never got a 2nd season, since it did a "reset" was needed, as from the noval point of few, Yugi doesn't make a decision to noval 16, or so I've read (here on fourms) Also the decision is important in setting up the next big key event, but less you've seen spoilers you'll have to wait and hope for SnS3.

othera
2008-10-09, 04:05
It ended sorda how i thought.
It ended with silver dying because it had the thoughts of konou, ever since konou was "consumed" i was expecting hacate to fall in love with yuji(konou seemed to really love him, and he spared her life knowing that she was a member of the bel masque) and stop trying to kill all of them or something along those lines. Season 1 had a much better ending but this was still great, only thing i didn't like is they never kissed or anything(watching season 1 i thought that if they kissed it would give shana super powers, look how much stronger she gets holding his hand)

I hope there is a season 3,

season 1 October 6, 2005 – March 23, 2006
season 2 October 5, 2007 – March 28, 2008

I HOPE that they make 3 as fast as they made 2, and have it around oct next year.

Thiss is my new fave anime, and the shakugan no shana-tan is FREAKIN FUNNY AS HELL :p(seriously, if you havnt seen it you HAVE to!)

I also got sad and achualy cried at a few points in this anime(literaly, i have not cried in years) at the point konou disapeared at the point shana said i love you, when she was "killed"(even though i knew she would live) i loved the romance in this anime as well as the combat.
Fave lines : URASAI URASAI URASAI and my fave: teach me how to make babies - Man i fell of my chair laughing then.

Well it shows yuji's footprints disappear, at first i thought shana flew of with him or something, but then i read somewhere that he turns evil or something like that or just vanishes? anyone know? :P

CuXe
2008-10-10, 19:46
I positively did not like that ending....... I know that Yuji was destined to end up with Shana but it was extremely f'ing painful to see that Kazumi was willing to give up her life to save Saito and yet she wasn't chosen and ended up crying.....that broke my heart.....

I thought they were ... somehow... going to merge Shana and Kazumi......... :( ..OR have her die in order to save Yuji after summoning that other hawt and strong chick I don't remember the name of ....

As Seretiny85 said... I hope that if there is a 3rd season they will not try to reset the love triangle between shana, kazumi and Yuji... that would be very painful... Kinda sucks cause they made her somewhat of an important character in this season and just having her disappear in the 3rd season doesn't feel right... at least for me....

I consider that the fight in ep 21 would have served as a much better ending... u know the fight with that king destroyer guy... that one was awesome :)

This second season was a lot like Zero no Tsukaima were Louise can't bring herself to tell Saito that she loves him.... kinda annoying if u ask me....in some parts I was thinking .. what are u doing Saito!!! LOL ...

The highlight of the series (at least for me) was Marjorie Daw .... gosh I love that chick :) ... I hope she kills Silver in the 3rd series....