[Sonhex]

Originally Posted by te2rx

heh, 5 was a cheap episode... at least for the first 2/3rds before the action at the end. I was wondering when we would see one, and what it would be like in Dennou Coil's case. But it's still one of those "the worst ep of ____ is still better than most anime", since the storyboarding is still interesting and it doesn't resort to lots of uninspired stock closeups and whatnot...

I maybe biased, being a fanboy and all, but I don't agree with this at all. It was not a 'cheap' episode, nor was the quality any less than the previous episodes. The pacing was much less frenetic than the first four that's all. With not much opportunity for the showy animation we've seen before. I've seen enough cheap in my lifetime to know this isn't it.

Anyway ep 5 throws up a few potentially huge developments...

Spoiler for ep 5:

...chiefly the godly powers of Haraken and how he can possibly command the Sacchi's, even if it is just for a minute. That power is beyond Isako and this makes for some juicy possibilities. I like Haraken alot and I did laugh when he reluctantly showed his badge to Yasako. He's one of the key characters and it's clear he's got some secret power.

The other big thing was the mysterious biker. An adult. Now this is really quite intriguing because I can't think of a character, aside from Yasako's teacher, who might fit the role. I noticed before that the teacher showed a particular interest in Isako (when she didn't turn up for her first day) and later during Daichi's and Isako's little classroom battle. The question is why would a teacher be spying on Isako unless she was perhaps part of the Daikoku management who secretly reports on suspicious Denno users or hackers etc... That would be an interesting twist and add a new dynamic to the events in the school.

As for Isako, well I think she's on a bit of an ego trip since her triumph last week. She obviously loves being the center of attention and now she has usurped Daichi as leader of his gang. It'll be interesting to see where this goes and whether she's just doing it for fun or if she sees any value to Daichi's skills. It was interesting to see her looking quite cute in one or two shots. She's obviously giving Daichi some confused signals

Some other things I liked about this episode, a wao pointed out, the bus graveyard was a wonderfully eerie setting for the last part. The idea that the Space there was broken and had not been updated so showed a previous representation of the buses was inspired. I'm sure that notion will be used throughout the show - the way the children are so dependant on the Space, yet often cannot see the 'reality' around them. Or something like that.

I also liked how Yasako and Fumie walk around with Densuke and Oyaji on their shoulders. I wonder if Fumie always did that or has just taken to treating Oyaji with a bit more love since Yasako came on the scene? Usually he's bundled up in her pouch. Akira's little pet is also really cute with those hand-like ears. I love the way they use the pets to spy on each other too.

Another good episode, not as action-packed as the previous ones but by no means 'cheap'. Next week looks like we're back to the action with Kyoko and Densuke in trouble, again.