(L) Mashiro-iro Symphony

[Arya]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

I guess some thoughts about the first two speculations.

1. I don't think there is any risk at all of the club being disbanded if he falls in love with Airi. In fact, Airi is a member of the club, and she joined (basically) for his sake! She'd presumably have no problem continuing to stay around if it's important to Shingo (since that's pretty much why she's there; ref: conversation between Hayata and the principal in Episode 7). Nor do I think there will necessarily be a "bad atmosphere" between Airi or Miu if either one of them are "chosen". If it did come down to a choice between the two girls, I think Shingo would just have to choose -- but I have a hard time imagining what would compel him to choose either. Other than the end of the show approaching, he has endless time (and he hasn't particularly shown a real drive to get a girlfriend), and he would probably choose neither to avoid a bad atmosphere developing.

I have been really brief in my spec, I know. I agree with you that there are no risks for the club, friendship or anything, but I was guessing on Uryuu way of thinking. I mean, people tend to be more preservative when they have to face their soft spots or fears, and if love is involved everything looks bigger and emotional. so it could happen that a judgment results to be a misjudgment in the end. My assumption on club and all were meant to be Uryuu's, who in a way or the other will be involved more deeply than before (and it looks he starting to be involved) so much to be less accurate in his presumptions. On the other hand I'm expecting something (a bad atmosphere) to stress him out. Something that will compel him to choose. I'd like to see it. First because I want ( ) a closure, second because in other case Uryuu will not have his solution, like the other characters had and, I'm expecting, will have. And I agree he doesn't show any urge to get a girlfriend (and in a way this is a circumstantial evidence that until now (ep 8) he had no feelings for any girl (until now). But what will he do when he has?)

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

2. I don't think Sana's feelings are hurt primarily because he's at risk of choosing Miu, nor will she feel better if Shingo chooses Airi. The issue with Sana is that she wants him to choose her. So I can't imagine him staying away from Miu for Sana's sake, because that really solves nothing at this point. If he did that thinking he was being "kind" that would only make things worse.

Here is the same, your point of view follows Sana's pov and mine Uryuu's. But taking in count the slammed door, Uryuu has not that sort of (wrong) kindness. And I admit as speculation it was not so strong.

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

To be honest, this story has been primarily driven by crises, so if they're going to drift away from the Sana/Miu route and back towards Airi, I think the only way is that there has to be some sort of crisis that gets Shingo's attention focused back on her. As he works to resolve that crisis, he'll find himself getting closer to that character, and eventually decide that he loves her. That's basically the way things have been progressing with Miu so far (and with Airi before), but it basically depends on whether the story diverges before they hit that point of no return.

I had to agree with your logical analysis, even if my hopes rely on my previous words instead of something so measured. But having read your previous posts, so accurate and hit on the nail, I know mine are vain hopes

As a marginal note talking about miu/airi timing, what comes up to my mind is True Tears. Hiromi too was early in his timing ...

Last thing, cause I'm seeing to many spoilers, I have to stay away, it's about Akane-iro

Spoiler for Akane-iro:

I remember that it hadn't a really conclusion, have I miss something there, any OVA? I mean, If I remember right the sister had to win hands-down. Ok, not so hands-down, but at least by a length, but nothing happened.

EDIT: Ok, I couldn't resist and I opened the last previous spoiler tag. Luckily was a very nice view

[relentlessflame]

A little late this week; watched this episode in the airport while waiting for my next flight. But anyway...

Spoiler for Episode 9 (with minor game comparisons):

As was already said, basically the entire purpose of this episode is to build the "case" for the relationship between Miu and Shingo. We had already seen before that Shingo had noticed her, and had small hints that Miu was starting to show a few small signs of jealousy, but this episode really threw things into overdrive.

I think the most telling scene was actually the one right before the end in the club room. As Miu goes to grab for the box, without even hesitating he pushes Sana aside to go grab the box for her, like looking out for her is the most natural thing in the world -- and completely disregarding Sana in the process. By all accounts, they already looked like a couple (or at least on the verge of it). Although he's still generally friendly with Sana, his tone with her this episode had a sort of... either familiarity or exhaustion. Like "yes, yes, I know the drill..." When she offered her that quasi-suggestive picture of her with "Shingo", his reaction was sort of like "oh, you'll give this to me, will you?", almost like he doesn't really know what to make of her half the time. Suffice it to say, she isn't managing to charm him; if Sana was ever hoping have Shingo look her way, I think the time is up now. Airi, who's been observing Sana these last few episodes, clearly knows what's up now (and this is how they are tieing her into all this, and resolving her earlier development as well).

As for Miu... I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with the scene with Miu's mom, only because in the game it was much, much funnier. Here it keeps some of the silliness so you get a sense of the dynamic, but the dialog and comedic timing were just a bit off (and a bit short). Part of this is because they decided to preface it with that serious talk about Miu's trauma, so switch full-scale comedy might not have worked. So I understand why they did what they did... but I really wish they could have done more of that comedy routine (with Miu in full tsukkomi mode). They did keep the "secret exercises" scene, though, which just goes to show how self-conscious Miu was about Shingo having seen her naked. Combined with the copious blushing, awkward laughter, the pinky promise, the commitment to her mother, and everything else...

I just can't imagine it going any other way than Miu now. With three episodes left (ends at 12), there's just no way to develop a romance with anyone else and get off this path. Next episode should finally close all the other doors, leaving us with two episodes to deliver Miu's romance and closing arc. As much as I love Airi and her game route, I've got no qualms with the way this is playing out. While they added a little bit of extra Ange and Airi content in episodes 5 & 6, the anime otherwise has played out pretty much exactly like Miu's route in the game, and that works for me.

May have more thoughts once I have the chance to watch it again tonight.

[Brimstone]

Spoiler for Based on Episode 9:

@relentlessflame
Well if it's that concrete already...

...I feel like Shuffle and Akane-iro all over again

[/wrist]

Why is it whenever I actually bank on the main girl it just happens to be a show that doesn't follow the formula ?

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Brimstone

Spoiler for Based on Episode 9:

@relentlessflame
Well if it's that concrete already...

...I feel like Shuffle and Akane-iro all over again

[/wrist]

Why is it whenever I actually bank on the main girl it just happens to be a show that doesn't follow the formula ?

Spoiler for Episode 9 with some minor game comparisons:

Well, I sympathize if you liked Airi a lot and had gotten your hopes up for an Airi ending. I loved Airi and her ending in the game, but I also loved Miu and her ending too. To me, these two routes are the two best the original game had to offer. I hope that someday the game will be translated so you'll be able to experience whatever routes the anime doesn't cover (particularly these "two canon routes").

Like I said before though, unlike some of those examples you listed where I felt annoyed not because of the chosen heroine, but because they so maligned the story or the characters to force their way to an alternate ending... I really think this is a case where the "twist" was executed well: hints right from the get-go with constant reminders, a relatively smooth transition into the next phase of the story, and a relationship build-up that seems rather natural given the circumstances they found themselves in. The relationship he built with Airi is a very close friendship that could easily have blossomed into more, but circumstances drew Shingo closer to Miu, whom he had a crush on from the get-go. In true "what if" style, if situations had changed slightly (i.e. if Shingo didn't hear about the pending closure of the club, and if no one had dropped off the abandoned kittens, etc.), the ending would be changed, but this is really the heart of a visual novel. The only limitation of this sort of anime is that, at the end of the day, they're only going to adapt one ending. This is where we need an alternate ending OVA set!

So, well, I obviously can't tell you what to feel. But I'd argue pretty vehemently against anyone who called this development arbitrary or unjustified. I think they took "a" plausible ending, even if it isn't the only reasonable one available. But anytime they choose one ending over another, some will be disappointed (especially if they were banking of the usual formula to deliver the ending they wanted).

[Brimstone]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Spoiler for Episode 9 with some minor game comparisons:

Well, I sympathize if you liked Airi a lot and had gotten your hopes up for an Airi ending. I loved Airi and her ending in the game, but I also loved Miu and her ending too. To me, these two routes are the two best the original game had to offer. I hope that someday the game will be translated so you'll be able to experience whatever routes the anime doesn't cover (particularly these "two canon routes").

Like I said before though, unlike some of those examples you listed where I felt annoyed not because of the chosen heroine, but because they so maligned the story or the characters to force their way to an alternate ending... I really think this is a case where the "twist" was executed well: hints right from the get-go with constant reminders, a relatively smooth transition into the next phase of the story, and a relationship build-up that seems rather natural given the circumstances they found themselves in. The relationship he built with Airi is a very close friendship that could easily have blossomed into more, but circumstances drew Shingo closer to Miu, whom he had a crush on from the get-go. In true "what if" style, if situations had changed slightly (i.e. if Shingo didn't hear about the pending closure of the club, and if no one had dropped off the abandoned kittens, etc.), the ending would be changed, but this is really the heart of a visual novel. The only limitation of this sort of anime is that, at the end of the day, they're only going to adapt one ending. This is where we need an alternate ending OVA set!

So, well, I obviously can't tell you what to feel. But I'd argue pretty vehemently against anyone who called this development arbitrary or unjustified. I think they took "a" plausible ending, even if it isn't the only reasonable one available. But anytime they choose one ending over another, some will be disappointed (especially if they were banking of the usual formula to deliver the ending they wanted).

Spoiler:

Well that's the worst part isn't it ? It's because they did everything right that I have no real ground to complaint about anything without bias

Anyway, I only brought up Shuffle and Akane-Iro because they also didn't follow the 'formula' of main girl always wins and I didn't mean it as an insult, I apologize if I had given you that impression.

As for how I feel... That's the tough part isn't it? Not even I could tell myself how to feel; I want to be happy for Miu or at least shrug it off as nothing, but unfortunately I've invested too much of myself into it already -_- So yeah, don't mind me growing mushrooms in the dark here...

[Vena]

Everyone is far to praising, I feel driven to be critical just to even out the mood.

Spoiler for Bored, and because I love to be that guy:

While the show has been above-average to strong all around. I still say the pacing has been a little "wank" (especially in hindsight), and the most recent episode has not done much to shake me of that thought. These more recent three episodes being a good example of the changes in pacing and atmosphere this show has, and that could come off as abrupt to viewers. That isn't to say it isn't understandable (though not entirely excusable, much less so for the change of pace that came with Ange's brief stint as an important character before Manglobe effectively put her and Sakuno on the bus) as we had to shift the whole central character dynamic from the first half of the show to where we are now, but this episode slowed things down to an almost snail's pace... or it felt that way while watching. This week's episode was the first time we had *deep* exposition for a character but it was so slow compared to what was on our palette from the previous episodes that I found myself looking at the episode timer more often than is usually good (which I tend to do when a character monologues their past to me for seven minutes all in the confines of one room.. ahem, Miu, you need to make me a cliff notes of your past). Manglobe has shown that they have a good handle on the dynamic and subtle scenes, but their handling of exposition this time around was less than stellar. And, a little more on this episode, I had expected the conclusion of Sana by now but this episode really dragged it out, and I can only hope that the next one will finally put it down because its really just painful to watch at this point and its starting to verge on tedious. Two episodes now, Sana has been teetering on heart broken and pulling on our heart string, but the effect is starting to wear off and drawing out this sort of drama isn't doing anyone a favor (and is going to spoil (like an egg left to sit out too long) the effect of the final *wham*). (Assuming a conclusion for Sana next episode, then we have two episodes left for main character focus (assuming we get the confession either along side Sana's conclusion or early into the episode after). Might be enough for a good relationship build up but I can't help but feel that we could have had more time to have an even better build up if some plot lines were cut off sooner (or didn't happen at all... Ange)).

Its a pity, though, as I think a lot of people are turned off from this show because of how it has been paced, or at least that seems to be the general complaint I've seen placed against the show (either amongst friends to whom I've recommended the show, or on the internet). Which I can't really fault them on, as I have developed similar issues with some of the ways the show has been handled, but it also means they won't give it much of a chance to succeed.

For the lulz, and to see the other routes, I am now playing the game.

After this is over I need to find another adaptation to watch as all this talk has gotten me in the mood for more drama, recommendations?

[Game8910]

Originally Posted by Brimstone

Spoiler:

As for how I feel... That's the tough part isn't it? Not even I could tell myself how to feel; I want to be happy for Miu or at least shrug it off as nothing, but unfortunately I've invested too much of myself into it already -_- So yeah, don't mind me growing mushrooms in the dark here...

Spoiler for I know that feel:

It could be worse though, if you were like me, who had zero knowledge of the VN when I decided to watch the anime and from the get go grew to like Sana a lot (I also liked Airi). Only to later find out she never even had a route in the original PC game, and then later see the anime follow the one route that develops her character yet you know that unless a magical original ending occurs she will not get that happy end...its slightly depressing

But as you said, the story has progressed well and there is nothing I can complain about. I am still loving this show and I'll just have to deal with my sadness and see how they finish this off.

[hyl]

@vena: after you finish reading the VN, you will understand why Sakuno's or Ange's story would not have fit in the anime

[Vena]

Originally Posted by hyl

@vena: after you finish reading the VN, you will understand why Sakuno's or Ange's story would not have fit in the anime

That's fine, and only helps my point of saying that pacing was a little off with how they even bothered to include Ange.

[hyl]

I doubt that it can be said that the 2 half episodes focusing on Ange has ruined the pacing of the entire serie of 12 episodes though.

edit:

Spoiler for ep 9:

This week's episode does follow the VN quite closely. Though it seems to you that the scene at Miu's house was completely dragged out , i disagree on that because it did many things: introducing Miu's mother , a little of Miu's backstory and the main point was that Miu has started to see Shingo more than just a friend.

[Vena]

Originally Posted by hyl

I doubt that it can be said that the 2 half episodes focusing on Ange has ruined the pacing of the entire serie of 12 episodes though.

I would hardly say that ruined it, especially since I never said the show had ruined pacing to begin with. Just questionable decisions with regards to how things were paced. Ange's two half episodes (that is to say one whole episode of twelve, or 8.3% of all our time (to make it sound more intimidating)) being examples of but in no way is it limited to or wholly because of it.

Originally Posted by hyl

Spoiler for ep 9:

this week's episode does follow the VN quite closely. Though it seems to you that the scene was completely dragged out , it was introduce Miu's mother and Miu's backstory a little.

Spoiler for Ep. 9:

I found the scene about Miu and her mom to be tiresomely long and drawn out, as another example. Sana's perpetual state of heartbroken/not has also been dragged on for a bit too long, imo.

[relentlessflame]

Watched episode 9 again now that I'm settled, and a few additional thoughts... well, more like a second round of commentary.

Spoiler for Episode 9:

I think there are a few things significant in the opening scene with Sakuno. First, the trust between Sakuno and Shingo is on full display, as she has no problem leaving him alone with Miu. And, instead, she says something very significant: "don't push yourself too hard" -- the very same line Shingo kept telling Miu, and basically repeats before the OP. This is probably the main outright reference in the episode to the similarity between Miu and Shingo, and the reason they understand each other so well. In a way they're like kindred spirits.

Otherwise, though, I would say that the episode title actually referred less to the two being similar, but the fact that their hearts are aligning with each other. In other words, it's a veiled reference to the overall theme of the anime: that when two people's hearts align, they become the same colour (pure white -- "the color of lovers").

I love the look that Miu gives Shingo when she got caught "red handed" in the clubhouse -- totally the look that every kid gives when they know they just did something wrong and are going to get a talking to. Those puppy eyes! But even in this, it shows the relationship between them starting to develop. In the scene after that, when they give "Miu" away, there's a well-done little pause right after Miu says "I guess it'd about time for me to be going too", giving her time to put on her forced smile. Given that the cat was named after her after all (and she came all the way out of her way to see them), it likely wasn't easy, and I think both Sana and Shingo could see that pretty clearly.

I still think that walk home with Sana, Shingo and "Shingo" is pretty telling. If anything, she's totally been "friend-zoned" to the degree that I almost think he sees her as "one of the guys" now so to speak. He starts talking to her about getting nervous about his date, and talking to her about it just like he's talking to his "love interest's best friend"... it's no wonder she gets mad (here she was trying to make her own advance and he totally blew her off and is talking excitedly about her "rival apparent" and the one girl she keeps telling him not to get close to). Though I must say it takes some skill to do that sort of roundhouse while still keeping the carrying case perfectly level. But I honestly don't think Shingo figured out what the kick was for, and probably just chalked it up to "Sana being Sana". So yeah... friend-zoned...

In re-watching the scenes with Miu's mother, I can appreciate them more the second time. Couldn't hear the music as well at the airport, and that helps. One minor thing about doing the "serious talk" before the scene with Miu is that it becomes that much more apparent that her mom is just teasing her, but really does care about her deep down (moreso than when the serious talk comes much later). The various looks on Miu's face were still priceless, even if they really cut the humour down to the barebones (then again, this anime has been doing that consistently from the get-go -- they keep ever humour or fanservice scene to under a minute and move on).

Incidentally, I'm so clumsy about forgetting things, that I have a routine of checking for keys, phone, wallet every time I leave somewhere. Would have served Shingo well here, but he would have missed the action! I like the progression of Miu's thought here: she runs out chasing the cats, hears Shingo and is like "hey, he's back", notices the look on his face, and then realizes "oh crap" and freezes in place. The tripping while she ran away along with the little yelp were hilarious. Classic. (Incidentally, I also noticed that they didn't actually introduce the names of the two cats until Miu starts chasing after them.)

I think it's interesting that Miu being self-conscious of the situation that just happened let her to want to address it right away. Also funny how she kind of manipulates his obvious fake kindness here, and it's like no matter what he says is sort of the wrong answer. But her main worry is that the awkwardness of what just happened would drive them further apart, but actually it did just the opposite, and her decision to face her embarrassment right away is a big part of the reason why.

In a way I guess you could actually say that their pinky promise is actually a way of wrapping up this arc. She learned her lesson and agrees to rely on him more going forward, and they promise to keep getting along in the club. So it actually could be "case closed" at this point (a bone for those still hoping for another ending?). But here's the big difference compared to Airi's bath scene. Airi's bath scene was never brought up again after it happened, but here it gets mentioned right away and they're both clearly self-conscious about it. That's what we needed so desperately if we were going to follow Airi's path, but it got swept up instead in the "starting the club" arc. Instead, after that, Shingo goes to help Miu and we get Miu's huge blush, and Shingo looking on her lovingly (they even put a slight blur filter the enhance the look even more ).

Since this episode focused almost entirely on Miu, it did sort of leave Sana's issue in stasis, but this is Airi's second time running into Sana in exactly this state. Last time was with the third hot chocolate can (as you may recall) and at that point she may not have pieced it together, but this time she could venture a guess on the first try and hit the bullseye. At this point, Sana can't even keep on denying it to herself.

And incidentally, regarding Ange, I think there are a few main reasons they did it:

1. To help develop the theme of Shingo's kindness/consideration (started with Airi, developed further with Ange, and then refined/re-explored with Sana and Miu.)

2. Because it brought Ange closer to Shingo and Sakuno, and made her even more part of the "gang" (so it was natural for her to join the club)

3. It was also a chance to show a bit more Sakuno as well, since part of the plot took place at Shingo's home

4. It might also be a way of bringing the cast back together in a way at the end (since she still may wish to be Shingo's master for Shingo to be her master ( ) even if he ends up with someone else).

So I think one could argue that they could have excised it, but I don't think it hurt the overall story in a significant way. I guess the only thing that might have made it stick out a bit more than it might have otherwise was that they split it over two half-episodes with a minor cliffhanger, rather than giving her a sort of standalone ("filler"?) episode. So it seemed like she could have had an even larger role, but they ended up taking the exit rather quickly. If it was contained to an episode, you'd know it'd be over when the episode was done, and next time it'd be "back to our regular story".


Edit:

Originally Posted by Vena

Spoiler for Ep. 9:

I found the scene about Miu and her mom to be tiresomely long and drawn out, as another example. Sana's perpetual state of heartbroken/not has also been dragged on for a bit too long, imo.

Spoiler for Episode 9:

While I can agree a bit about the latter, as I said before I actually thought they moved through the Miu and her Mom scenes really quickly! It was extremely condensed compared to the game, and I thought did lose a little for it. If they had compressed it even further, I think the whole dynamic would be lost, and some of those scenes are pretty great IMO.

[hyl]

Originally Posted by Vena

Spoiler for Ep. 9:

I found the scene about Miu and her mom to be tiresomely long and drawn out, as another example. Sana's perpetual state of heartbroken/not has also been dragged on for a bit too long, imo.

Spoiler for spoiler:

In the game it took pretty much 3 weeks for Sana to get to the point where we are now in the anime, using 2-3 episodes does not seem to much for me. Also the scene with Miu's mother was funnier in the game, but like relentlessflame has said: the anime could not add too much silly comedy anymore after they established Miu's sad backstory

[Vena]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Spoiler for Episode 9:

While I can agree a bit about the latter, as I said before I actually thought they moved through the Miu and her Mom scenes really quickly! It was extremely condensed compared to the game, and I thought did lose a little for it. If they had compressed it even further, I think the whole dynamic would be lost, and some of those scenes are pretty great IMO.

Spoiler for Nine:

The problem with Miu's exposition was more in the delivery than its substance. We spent seven minutes (if I counted correctly) in *one room* receiving a lecture. In a game or a book, where time is not an issue, you can break it up and give it in nice chunks even if they are spaced apart by only a paragraph or two, that will break up the exposition. Converting from book/game to visual and trying to keep the same formula can result in something that has the fluidity of condensed milk, which is a bit of what I felt I had to swim through for a part of this episode.

From what I understand, the VN was spaced out with comedy but the anime had very little of it and left large chunks of just pure exposition hitting your eardrums. So it really just ties us back into timing... just think of what they could have done with Ange's 8.3% of time had they used it now to help spread out Miu's background?

[relentlessflame]

Originally Posted by Vena

Spoiler for Nine:

The problem with Miu's exposition was more in the delivery than its substance. We spent seven minutes (if I counted correctly) in *one room* receiving a lecture of exposition. In a game or a book, where time is not an issue, you can break it up and give it in nice chunks even if they are spaced apart by only a paragraph or two, that will break up the exposition.

Spoiler for Episode 9:

Ehhh... I think you're kind of wrong on this one. The longest block of exposition we had was between Miu's mom and Shingo, and that lasted a little over a minute. You can't count all the other interactions as exposition... and they certainly didn't spend 7 minutes in the same room. The entire "home visit" from arrival to final farewell (including arrival, meeting the mom, the exposition, the banter between mother and daughter, the relationship building with Shingo, and the naked scene) took place in just over 7 minutes. That's definitely not all "exposition", unless you have a really unusual meaning of the word.

Edit: Oh yeah! Totally unrelated, but did everyone catch the clever marketing move? At the point where Sana asks Shingo if he wants a copy of her picture, the text on screen says (basically) "Those of you who want a copy of Sana's photo can go get it on our website." And here it is. It's formatted for smartphones. Nice tie-in!

[hyl]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Spoiler for Episode 9:

And, instead, she says something very significant: "don't push yourself too hard" -- the very same line Shingo kept telling Miu, and basically repeats before the OP. This is probably the main outright reference in the episode to the similarity between Miu and Shingo, and the reason they understand each other so well. In a way they're like kindred spirits.

Spoiler for Miu:

At the end of episode 4 , Miu thought about the same thing about Shingo. Miu is an adorable hypocrite

edit:

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Edit: Oh yeah! Totally unrelated, but did everyone catch the clever marketing move? At the point where Sana asks Shingo if he wants a copy of her picture, the text on screen says (basically) "Those of you who want a copy of Sana's photo can go get it on our website." And here it is. It's formatted for smartphones. Nice tie-in!

Yes i noticed after seeing the episode. I posted the link to that before i saw this week's episode

Originally Posted by hyl

Sana wallpaper for smartphones o_o
and app, but i can't use that one
http://www.mashiro.tv/news/index.html#news52

edit: i somehow managed to get that wallpaper app on my smartphone, but i think this app might show us a different picture when it get's closer to the dvd /BD sales date. Because the app is 15 MB, and i doubt something that big only contains a clock and 2 images.

more edits: uploaded nuko radio 5 and i had to split it in 5 parts because youtube disallowed me to upload videos that are longer than 15 minutes due an AMV that i uploaded earlier

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3C7fd574IY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQFZN5E3lbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o-bU4dLBGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBfbUGrFeEY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBw0fWlmb74

guests ChouCho and Marble

[Vena]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Spoiler for Episode 9:

Ehhh... I think you're kind of wrong on this one. The longest block of exposition we had was between Miu's mom and Shingo, and that lasted a little over a minute. You can't count all the other interactions as exposition... and they certainly didn't spend 7 minutes in the same room. The entire "home visit" from arrival to final farewell (including arrival, meeting the mom, the exposition, the banter between mother and daughter, the relationship building with Shingo, and the naked scene) took place in just over 7 minutes. That's definitely not all "exposition", unless you have a really unusual meaning of the word.

Spoiler for Double checked:

You're right, I mixed up numbers somewhere in my head today. It was about a minute ~ two for the main block of chatting between the two, though I was also counting some of the other scenes as well so it comes out to around two or three minutes. Must have felt like seven minutes. (Making excuses for my mistake. )

[amoirsp]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

4. It might also be a way of bringing the cast back together in a way at the end (since she still may wish to be Shingo's master even if he ends up with someone else).

This quoting isn't intending to nitpick, but I certainly chuckled when I read this as "hm, Ange as Shingo's master eh?" I can't possibly imagine. (Of course you meant Shingo's maid/servant or Shingo as her master). And then I remember the Ange imagination scene. Uh yeah.

As you guys have pointed out, there was so much Sana and Miu that I almost forgot Ange is even there.

And uh

Spoiler:

Guys I don't know what to make of this face.

I would think the route format is sealed if this were episode 10, but it's not. However, as you guys have analyzed, even though there *are* slots/openings to input to drive to another route, it would appear too shotgun.

Or, or! ... Sana ending. (Nevermind I said that).

But as you guys have also pointed out, it's possible to not even have an ending (unlikely).

If it goes one route full throttle I'd be fine with that.

Spoiler:

I was reminded of what I think Oreimo did. Go with one ending, then spawn an OVA or true ending thingymajig later. I mean a Mashiro OVA would not surprise me in the least. Not necessarily what I'm getting at but you see the implication right?

EDIT: Shotgun questions.

Spoiler:

1) So the mom scene was reduced, but although I understand the comedy isn't meant to be extended + the timing, you guys mentioned pretty much everything was included including secret exercise and other things. Of all things wouldn't you not want to reduce this? I understand the mom isn't too critically important but the "another side of Miu" is. (Well the point did come across).
2) I don't own cats but you bathe them naked?
3) Shingo has bathed or been at least in the restroom with 3 other characters, however while Airi, Sakuno, and Ange time on those were brief and short (well not really for Airi but the circumstance justified it), you saw Shingo's entire reaction to Miu, and that wasn't even bathing related. [Key word I'm getting at is entire reaction.]
4) That secret exercise certainly was emphasizing certain areas ... now wasn't it? For a series that has completely kept fanservice in check, we now know one of Pannya's useful functions: sit-up assistance.



Anyhow I still have a hunch that the Sana notation is going to indicate something Manglobe is going to do. Not sure what. Safest best is to complete the Miu route so the entire thing is justifiable.
Manglobe's been keeping focus on the main points they're showing. Very little "all characters show off together or one by one" or something (reference various previous VN adaptations).
On an Airi note, I keep reminding myself other than say the bath scene, as you guys stated, everything before ep 5 was indeed common route. At least if the character interaction was somewhat independent of the route, Manglobe seems to leave it consistent (as opposed to inserting a great number of scenes. I mean episode 9 alone could have had say, more lunch scenes despite that not being relevant given the circumstance). Speaking of a great number of scenes, I felt like about 90%+ of Sakuno scenes were like, not implemented which is probably why we had a half episode searching for her.

And yeah, that asthma thing. Though relentlessflame answered my question on that which was also brought up on this forum topic.

Oh that marketing. More amusing since the smartphone background was pointed out before I watched it.

[hyl]

Originally Posted by amoirsp

Spoiler:

1) So the mom scene was reduced, but although I understand the comedy isn't meant to be extended + the timing, you guys mentioned pretty much everything was included including secret exercise and other things. Of all things wouldn't you not want to reduce this? I understand the mom isn't too critically important but the "another side of Miu" is. (Well the point did come across).

Spoiler for answer:

I actually liked those scenes, because i thought that it did develop Miu and her relation with Shingo

Originally Posted by amoirsp

Spoiler:

I felt like about 90%+ of Sakuno scenes were like, not implemented which is probably why we had a half episode searching for her.

Spoiler for answer:

Sakuno's role in Miu's story was pretty minimal in the VN

[elior]

Originally Posted by relentlessflame

Spoiler for Episode 9:

Ehhh... I think you're kind of wrong on this one. The longest block of exposition we had was between Miu's mom and Shingo, and that lasted a little over a minute. You can't count all the other interactions as exposition... and they certainly didn't spend 7 minutes in the same room. The entire "home visit" from arrival to final farewell (including arrival, meeting the mom, the exposition, the banter between mother and daughter, the relationship building with Shingo, and the naked scene) took place in just over 7 minutes. That's definitely not all "exposition", unless you have a really unusual meaning of the word.

Edit: Oh yeah! Totally unrelated, but did everyone catch the clever marketing move? At the point where Sana asks Shingo if he wants a copy of her picture, the text on screen says (basically) "Those of you who want a copy of Sana's photo can go get it on our website." And here it is. It's formatted for smartphones. Nice tie-in!

Spoiler for Episode 9:

you also think that if this will continue like this between miu and shingo next episode even if her arc was end in this episode it will be miu ending? wait for your answer

if the love feelings between miu and shingo will contniue like this in the next episode even if her arc was end in this one i only guess he will choose miu but it only what i think i not sure