[physics223]

Originally Posted by Raiza Sunozaki

Which is the foundations of my doubts. We have rarely ever seen Watashi act on his nobler morals, as they are usually blocked by his cowardice. Even more so, we have seen this episode that he can act on his less-moral desires, and can become quite successful through them. He even thinks for a while that he is approaching his "rose-coloured capus life." Fortunately, Akashi literally slaps some sense into him, and Higuchi brings him to realization that he was on the wrong path.

I try to explore more about Higuchi's role here, but to summarize I think of him as a foil especially with the recent episode. It must be noted, however, that Watashi acts with reservation even in his most amoral role he's taken since the show started. He's acted with virtue before, as what was seen in the Cycling Club Soleil episode: despite all odds, he persisted. I think that is virtue in itself; the tragedy is that it's simply misguided.

While part of it may have been due to cowardice, his incident with Hanuki in the sixth episode was also acted upon by him quite virtuously: he recognized she was not in the right mind, and planned to wait until after she became less inebriated.

He has acted virtuously beforehand: it's just that in this episode he has really fallen low. It was his nadir, and he can't go anywhere else but up. The red string of fate is nigh breaking point; the black string (of excuse) was already cut.

It's still all up to him.

So unaided, Watashi can attain corrupted happiness much easier than he can attain the pure happiness that Ozu aquires easily. Why? Because pure happiness requires risk. We have seen that in all the insane things that Ozu has done over the two years. Attacking students with fireworks, technically illegally "cleaning up bikes," hijacking a blimp; all these things have plenty of risks with the law and personal safety, which Ozu is able to risk. Watashi cannot do these things on his own, and must have Ozu help him (though it's usually him helping Ozu) in doing them.

In order for Watashi to gain pure happiness, he must be able to risk something, which goes against almost everything we've seen of him. Which is why I doubt a happy end for him. I wish him the best though.

That is why we hope. One of the best things about man is that he can change if he wills himself to. We have already seen shades in Watashi: all he needs is to go at it all the way.

Either way, I'll still be satisfied with this show's brilliance. Definitely picking this one up on hard copy.

I will pick this up as well, when it does come up.

Originally Posted by zeroj

Quite the unique anime this is.

I told you so. Glad my persuasion has taken root.