The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Episode 22 Discussion / Poll [2009 added ep. 12]

[Jintor]

Originally Posted by Kogetsu Shirogane

Nagato scared the hell out of them in the novel, to the point that Haruhi was rendered utterly speechless until after she sat down and started reading.

The anime really didn't convey that all too well. Sure, the basic details were there, but the overall feeling of dread was completely absent.

TBH (and I read Sighs a long time ago, which may colour some things) I never fealt that that feeling of dread was even appropriate there.

[The Bloodlust Kid]

Originally Posted by Philos

Mikuru Beeeeeemmmm!!!

I'm suddenly reminded of Adam West's Batman dance.

And I think Sigh has made up for half of Endless Eight.

[Triple_R]

Absolutely magnificent episode.

Those still pictures from 2Chan that I was using to make my initial assessment of the artwork from, didn't do this episode justice at all, imo. Those still pictures tended to get mostly the worst bits; missing a lot of some great close-up shots of Haruhi's face.

Haruhi was fantastic in this episode, and just about everybody had at least one cool scene or two. Animation flow was wonderful. Background music was superb.

This is definitely the best episode of the year, imo, and I'd probably put this as one of my five favorite Haruhi episodes of all-time... including Haruhi 2006 episodes.

Somebody on this animation staff must be a big fan of 90s anime too - I saw more than a few
allusions/similarities to Excel Saga, El Hazard, and Ranma 1/2. Personally, I love this - it's really cool to see a modern prominent anime really pay some respect to the 90s classics.

Later today, I'm going to put up a lengthier review on my blog.

This kind of episode is precisely what I had hoped for with Haruhi 2009. It's quite refreshing to see it arrive at last!

[freakonboard]

I like this reference.

[DJ Trouble]

Originally Posted by Apache Thunder

Spoiler:

For un-informed folks, the blooming trees was the result of Haruhi....not natural weather patterns.
So no, it wasn't in the middle of spring/summer!

Spoiler:

I know what time of year it is for them, but in the movie it's supposed to be spring, isn't it? Isn't that why Haruhi wanted the cherry trees to blossom? So then it would make sense for her to have people wearing their summer uniforms.

Also, something that's started to annoy me this episode is Mikuru's face changing colors whenever she's scared.

[baltakatei]

Amusing observations:

1. After Haruhi orders Nagato to use her evil alien magic to attack Mikuru (Mikuru: O_O;; ), Nagato glances away from Mikuru at Haruhi/Kyon as if to ask: "Seriously? You want me to do *that*?" Kyon's adamant "No!" was just as I imagined it from the novel.

2. Haruhi's humming as she prances away is similar to, but not quite, part of Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony to me. Youtube link. Any ideas where Nobuo stole this melody from?

3. Taniguchi's random rant on taxi love is random.

4. Everything is set up for more Mikuru Beam vs. Metal Fence next week.

Originally Posted by Triple_R

Somebody on this animation staff must be a big fan of 90s anime too - I saw more than a few
allusions/similarities to Excel Saga, El Hazard, and Ranma 1/2. Personally, I love this - it's really cool to see a modern prominent anime really pay some respect to the 90s classics.

Specific screenshots and comparisons?

[Peanutbutter]

Next episode, Taniguchi in the water!

Are they gonna throw Shiraishi in a pond as part of DVD extras?

[TadloS]

Lol, that an interesting and funny episode not saying that it was greatly animated. Haruhi firing at old geezer and after that retreat was really amusing. And when Haruhi started to beat(you can put words in this way) Mikuru was really harsh, I glad that Kyon stand up for her. The highlight of episode was Mikuru Beam. And like always Nagato saved Kyon's ass.

Anyway, awesome episode.

[Triple_R]

Originally Posted by baltakatei

Amusing observations:

1. After Haruhi orders Nagato to use her evil alien magic to attack Mikuru (Mikuru: O_O;; ), Nagato glances away from Mikuru at Haruhi/Kyon as if to ask: "Seriously? You want me to do *that*?" Kyon's adamant "No!" was just as I imagined it from the novel.

2. Haruhi's humming as she prances away is similar to, but not quite, part of Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony to me. Youtube link. Any ideas where Nobuo stole this melody from?

3. Taniguchi's random rant on taxi love is random.

4. Everything is set up for more Mikuru Beam vs. Metal Fence next week.



Specific screenshots and comparisons?

Nice observations! Anyway, I didn't get into specific screenshot comparisons, but I did compare a couple of scenes in this episode to scenes from El Hazard, as well as compare Haruhi and Mikuru themselves to certain El Hazard and Excel Saga characters. Finally, the Haruhi retreat run made me think of Ranma 1/2, as did the older Shrine Priest's character design for some reason.

If anybody's interested, they can read about it (and about my take on the episode in general) over at my latest blog entry/episode review...

http://assessingtheanime.blogspot.co...ia-review.html

I forewarn you though - it's pretty long.

[Heatth]

I just noticed something: Why the hell T&K and Tsuruya are wearing their uniforms on Sunday!? I mean, Itsuki explicitly said he is only wearing his cause Haru said so. However, Tsuruya didn't even know they weere doing a movie, so why would she wear her uniform on Sunday?

Also, Knikida, of all people, seen to hear Kyon's narration at 19:57. This time, is very clear his mouth was shut. Is also clear Kunikida was talking about his narration.

Kyon(withoug move his mouth): "Stare at Nagato or something"
Kunikida: "Now that you mention it, Nagato-san's costume really suits her.

At that point I really believe it was a Kyoani mistake.

[Ithekro]

Well Yuki's enterance last week was scary...(sort of for the viewers), but how often is Haruhi speechless? They all reacted to her appearace. Kyon and Mikuru with fear. Haruhi was speechless. Itsuki...well he wasn't all smiles at least.

If this week was interesting...next week will be even more so. Means two weeks until cat time.

Oh and Kunikida is the one that has been around Kyon the longest. Maybe he can read Kyon's expessions.

[Starry Dust]

Haruhi is a Sailor Moon fan I see lol.

Great episode.
Haruhi was really harsh this episode but I kinda expected that already ^^;
But man, I just want to hug Mikuru and tell her everything is alright. She sounds like a beaten up puppy most of the time. Poor thing.

And Yuki was awesome. So she bit Mikuru? O__o
I see lol.

And it's nice to have Tsuruya back :3

[Kogetsu Shirogane]

Originally Posted by Heatth

I just noticed something: Why the hell T&K and Tsuruya are wearing their uniforms on Sunday!? I mean, Itsuki explicitly said he is only wearing his cause Haru said so. However, Tsuruya didn't even know they weere doing a movie, so why would she wear her uniform on Sunday?

School Uniforms Are The New Black?

Originally Posted by Heatth

Also, Knikida, of all people, seen to hear Kyon's narration at 19:57. This time, is very clear his mouth was shut. Is also clear Kunikida was talking about his narration.

Two possibilities:
1. Kunikida is a psychic.
2. Kyon is capable of projecting his thoughts onto others.

Originally Posted by Ithekro

how often is Haruhi speechless?

Very. Rarely. Which is why the fact that the scene was so bland is painful.

[Heatth]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

Oh and Kunikida is the one that has been around Kyon the longest. Maybe he can read Kyon's expessions.

He said 'Now that you mention it, Nagato-san...'. As Kyon had talked about her. 'Mention' is not a word you use when you are reading someone expression. Unless it was a Mazui and baka-tsuki translation error, it is weird.

Post Postum:

Originally Posted by Kogetsu Shirogane

School Uniforms Are The New Black?

The add thing is Haruhi aways was an anime that averted this trope (exept for Nagato). It is not an error from Kyoani, however, as they dress like that in the novel too.

Originally Posted by Kogetsu Shirogane

Two possibilities:
1. Kunikida is a psychic.
2. Kyon is capable of projecting his thoughts onto others.

Opition 2 sound better, as this happens all time with many people. I really prfer to think it is a Kyoani mistake. But, who knows? Maybe Tanigawa had asked then to place some hints about it.

[GMT]

Originally Posted by Heatth

He said 'Now that you mention it, Nagato-san...'. As Kyon had talked about her. 'Mention' is not a word you use when you are reading someone expression. Unless it was a Mazui and baka-tsuki translation error, it is weird.

Post Postum:


The add thing is Haruhi aways was an anime that averted this trope (exept for Nagato). It is not an error from Kyoani, however, as they dress like that in the novel too.

Spoiler:

If I'm not mistaken, they're in uniform for their roles in the move.

[baltakatei]

Originally Posted by Ithekro

Oh and Kunikida is the one that has been around Kyon the longest. Maybe he can read Kyon's expessions.

Kunikida: "Now that you mention it [with your face], Nagato-san's costume really suits her."

=P

I blame Tanigawa for giving KyoAni a very ambiguous script to work with.

Any attempt at explanation will probably cover whether or not Kunikida and Taniguchi are figments of Kyon's imagination, such as is seen with Mr. Nash's best friend in A Beautiful Mind.

Hmm....

Spoiler for Into baltakatei's imagination...:

Nagato: The persons you know as Taniguchi and Kunikida do not exist as physical persons in this world.

Kyon: ... Um.... Nagato, what do you mean by that?

Nagato: Normal humans with ordinary senses are unable to sense the presence of your two friends since they do not exist.

Kyon: But... Koizumi has seen them. They were on the baseball team. Everyone saw them.

Nagato: Your memories of these events have been modified by an unknown faction.

Kyon: Another faction? An enemy faction? Koizumi, do you know anything about this?

Koizumi: I'm afraid I do not. Honestly, I was careless when you mentioned Taniguchi or Kunikida. But I can assure you on behalf of the Organization of one thing: They do not exist.

Kyon: O__O But... they were in the movie. You saw them, didn't you Nagato? Taniguchi fell into the water with Asahina!

Nagato: ... *shakes head*

Koizumi: Things are more serious than I suspected. Kyon, when did you first begin seeing them?

Kyon: I don't... I don't know... Why doesn't anyone remember seeing them? That idiot Taniguchi walks up that same hill with me every morning. How can he... wait... You! *points at Koizumi* You've never called me "Kyon" before. Ever!

Koizumi: ... *confused*

Kyon: Nagato, what's going on. Tell me. Did someone erase Taniguchi and Kunikida?

*Nagato dons a pitying expression and is interrupted by Koizumi*

Koizumi: Kyon, I didn't think it would take this long, but I had to tell you sooner or later: The girls you know as Haruhi, Mikuru, and Nagato... They're imaginary.

Kyon: ...

Koizumi: When I joined the literary club, you were working on a novel. Those girls were characters in the novel. But, bit by bit, you--

Kyon: No! You're a fake! *shouts hysterically* This isn't real. It's changed. Nagato, tell me what's wrong?

*Nagato turns into an RPG character sheet in Kyon's hands*

*Haruhi walks into the clubroom, notices Kyon freaking out*

Haruhi: ... *watches in stunned silence*

*Kyon sees Haruhi, rushes up to her in a daze*

Kyon: Haruhi, I'm John Smith. John Smith. The guy you met on Tanabata three years ago. You have to remember. *shakes Haruhi by the shoulders*

Haruhi: Kyon what's gotten... John... who?

Kyon(frantic): You have to remember. Haruhi. Koizumi isn't Koizumi. Nagato's been... *shakes paper* I don't know what's going on. The world's changed. We need to get back to the real one.... You remember John Smith... don't you?

Haruhi (seriously): Kyon... I don't know what you're talking about.

*Haruhi disappears, leaving behind only her orange armband in Kyon's grip*

*Kyon laughs hysterically for 4 minutes straight*

*Kyon blacks out form hyperventilation*

BAD END.

Why do all my daydreams end up like that?

[Heatth]

Originally Posted by GMT

Spoiler:

If I'm not mistaken, they're in uniform for their roles in the move.

Spoiler for 'spoliler' of the 'plot' of the movie:

The problem is she doesn't know this, as on of the first things she asked to Kyon was what they are going to do. I can, however, see Haruhi justing calling her, telling to her go with the uniform and she just didn't ask why. Fit both Haruhi and Tsuruya's personality.

[typhonsentra]

Triple R's post made me think about something in this episode: Haruhi's reaction to Kyon's ogling. When it's directed at her she confronts it right away and makes accusations of him being a perv, when it's towards towards others she tries to stop it but never says anything directly. In the first book when Kyon and Mikuru were wrestling over the mouse she ignores the incident after an initial comment and this time she simply says to not "Shoot things he's not told to".

Spoiler for Snow Mountain Syndrome:

And the One time she does ask him directly about his relationship with Nagato, she avoids eye contact while doing so.

[Triple_R]

Originally Posted by typhonsentra

Triple R's post made me think about something in this episode: Haruhi's reaction to Kyon's ogling. When it's directed at her she confronts it right away and makes accusations of him being a perv, when it's towards towards others she tries to stop it but never says anything directly. In the first book when Kyon and Mikuru were wrestling over the mouse she ignores the incident after an initial comment and this time she simply says to not "Shoot things he's not told to".

Spoiler for Snow Mountain Syndrome:

And the One time she does ask him directly about his relationship with Nagato, she avoids eye contact while doing so.

Yay! Glad my review helped sparked some sort of conversation anyway.

I think that if a situation involves Haruhi directly, she herself will be direct in responding to it. Perhaps its an issue of pride for her.

However, if a relationship-related issue doesn't involve her directly, but it's annoying her anyway, she prefers to deal with the matter under pretenses.

Serious relational discussions are very rarely, if ever, Haruhi's forte, I think. Still, she has her pride.


One thing that I found interesting about Novel 4 that may relate to this discussion...

Spoiler for Novel 4:

During the beginning of Novel 4, Haruhi reveals that she's sworn off alcohol consumption for herself. Given Haruhi's very playful and partying nature, this took me a bit by surprise. I think for Haruhi, though, she's done this because of her own sort of personal pride - she doesn't ever want to be drunk, and caught doing something that she'd later feel ashamed of.

Though you don't really get much indication of it, I do think that Haruhi has some firm moral convictions and principles that are important to her.

Anyway, these are just my rambling thoughts on the matter. Part of the reason why I raised Haruhi's reaction to Kyon's ogling the way I did is because I was hoping that one of the review readers might spark a conversation on it; a conversation on it that might lead to some understanding of why Haruhi's like that... because I'm still trying to figure it out, really.

So, thanks for bringing it up on this thread, typhonsentra.

[velderia]

This was an average for me. Sue me.