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I thought this was excellent. I really like the quality of the animation - that's not to say it bares much of a resemblance to the original series. You can tell that they've obviously gone to great lengths to preserve the aesthetic of the original but it doesn't quite come off as a faithful representation. Still, nothing to cry about, and there'll be plenty of that from other sources.
I think the 'changes' in characters and the mysteries surrounding them are all fairly par for the course in terms of KGNE - its one of, if not the most important, reasons I love it. Prepare for a very non-linear method of storytelling, if I may be so pretentious for a minute. The differences in character seen so far are completely consistent with the alternate timeline. People seem to think the biggest change is within Takayuki, and you'd be absolutely right. At one point in the original series, Taka was considering a moonlight flit and taking his new job far away from the angst and anxiety of the two women before thinking better of it, being courageous and choosing Mitsuki, readdressing the balance of servitude and saying his last goodbyes to Haruka. What if Taka never got the courage to stop feeling obligated to Haruka? What would that do to his character? What if he continued to dote on her in the hospital bed regardless of the interference of outside factors? What level of devotion would that require?
The level of devotion that can lead to a girl feeling smothered and anxious. Takayuki's astonishing level of niceness is a symptom of him never actually thinking about his life in terms that do not include a relationship. This version of Taka has (despite possible 'indiscretions') remained faithful to his first love, Haruka. He has spent the whole of his adult life worrying about his bedridden childhood sweetheart - if we are to believe that he chose Haruka over Mitsuki, it could only be because of his dedication to her overwhelmed his love for Mitsuki. There are all sorts of other murky and regressive reasons for Takayuki re-embracing his childhood (and I believe it was referenced somewhat with a very welcome visitation to some of the hotspots of the original series. Every place Taka and Haruka went on a date, in fact, including right the way back to their first - almost going backwards through time), but we'll leave those for now. What is clear, however, is the level of decisiveness he reached in the original series never occurred. He never had that moment of clarity, that higher resolution - in effect, he never had to make the decision.
When you have been sat by the bed of your once comatose sweetheart for such a long time, what are you going to want to do the minute she leaves the hospital? Do everything with her, which Haruka is obviously getting worried about - but then again, when you have left hospital, wouldn't you want a certain degree of independence? The studying aspect of Haruka is an interesting angle, because it presents a disparity between her aspirations and the fact that because Taka was so hopelessly depressed, he abandoned his. Being reminded of that, and the huge burden of guilt that is much present, is absolutely the decisive factor for Haruka in making her decision to say goodbye (after only what seems like a few days!). But look at it this way - Taka has begun to integrate himself into the family unit to the point where he's her father's prospective drinking buddy. Pretty soon, it would be unavoidable for Haruka to eject him from her life. It's all moving very fast, and coupled with a panicked Haruka's perfectly natural anxiety at being on her feet and out in the wider world for the first time in years, it's a recipe for disaster.
Must admit I was surprised to see Shinji - I wonder what the hell went down there? The scene involving Mitsuki was too cryptic to warrant anything other than a very creative interpretation (although it's notable she's had the haircut and KEPT the ring, meaning she never walked out, depositing it in the tea - and it's obvious she's still fairly keen on him) but the flashbacks showed the 'date' of Takayuki and Mitsuki RIGHT up until the incident in the hospital and Takayuki being banned from seeing Haruka - and everyone knows what happened on that night. Now, the haircut would indicate that horizontal dancing did occur, but the lack of any indication of Takayuki revealing the fact that they had a relationship (outside of the 'date') is very intriguing - but I do think there's a reason for that.
The reintroduction of Mitsuki cannot occur within the first episode as we need this one to examine the state of Taka and Haruka's relationship, much as episode 3 of the original series barely involved Haruka and instead featured the hunt for a new apartment and the perennial problem of Takayuki's inability to move on (which, ironically, is also the reason Haruka seems to think she has burdened him). The major dramatic point of contention could very well be the revelation of the relationship, should one have occurred. Any angst up to this point is of the very same variety that occurred in episode 3 - shitty relationship stuff, relatively trivial problems that can be overcome with some understanding and communication. It's when the real earth shattering stuff arrives that things will take off - and that'll be Mitsuki.
Those wondering about the title (next season) should recognise that a major theme of the show is renewal. Every time significant events happen to Haruka (and the rest of the characters), it is springtime. Haruka's name is literally derived from the season of spring. Her character is grounded, of the earth, natural and all about growth and contemplation. Her contrast, Mitsuki (moon) is a swimmer, of water (against earth), dynamic and gregarious. Her interests are practical and physical, as opposed to the academia of Haruka. They are polar opposites, a dichotomy of the ideal woman - outside of that, the next season refers to the 'new' Haruka, moving out of the hospital and into her new life. It still means it's about Haruka, just not as obviously.
Anyway, the major question is still whether or not Taka and Mitsuki had a sustained relationship in this alternate dimension, and whether or not Haruka knows about it. Shinji mentions she apologises for the trouble she caused him, and the love hotel based exercise in inciting jealousy would only have occurred if she was intending to make Taka take notice. Perhaps this occurred anyway, and she had a relationship with Shinji to try and make Taka take notice of her? Shinji's recollection involves Mitsuki walking away from him at night, alone. Make of that what you will. The only reason Haruka could be ignorant of the relationship is either if a) they never had it or b) nobody told her - including that interesting scene in the hospital where Haruka slaps Mitsuki. It is interesting to note that Haruka begins physical therapy right after this, in order to release Taka of his burden and show him that she can "do things for him", much as she recognises Mitsuki has. Ironically this is one of the factors that pushes Taka further towards Mitsuki as her need for him is now greater than that of Haruka, who is seemingly developing some independence. If she never had the impetus to start physical therapy, if she never had the extra determination to keep Taka, could that mean she has never really had a chance to test their love?
The eagle eyed of you may have spotted that Taka's 'Virtual On' poster has disappeared from his wall (which was a symbol of his childhood, as Mitsuki eyes it as she's wondering about his complete lack of progress in the original series). Instead, he's got some tasteful art up (one of a space scene – remember the stargazing/telescope?) This was just one of the many, many details that made this half hour truly a treat for the fans. For a 30 minute episode to give such an interesting picture of a 'what-if' relationship, showing that, as always, things aren't simply peaches and cream, is a great achievement and exactly what I was looking for from this series. I await the next instalment eagerly, and I can't wait to have some of these mysteries solved.
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