Lucky Star - Episode 16 Discussion / Poll

[Alesiopdv]

In Family Guy was a running joke about two guys dress like italian actors from the 20s that say a stupid comment and then leave while playing the piano. They appear in almost every episode until Stewie finally kills them with a gun. "Okey, theyre dead. We wont have to listen to them anymore"

Maybe Kagami will return to the Cafe with an Uzi and kill them all for dancing the Hare Hare. ^-^


(just for the record, I LOVE the Suzuharu references and never will get tired of them).

[Kaoru Chujo]

Originally Posted by Nemo_N

Did anyone else find this part cute? Kagami's congratulatory smile that is....

One of my favorite bits. Especially nice the way she seemed to move from shock, to being impressed despite herself, to being happy because Konata was happy.

[GoldAlchemist]

How i wish them showing this episode a few weeks earlier!

Then we would probably have:
<<The girl who cosplayed Nagato Yuki at Cosplay Cafe@Lucky Star>> in SaiMoe 2007.

This Nagato looks exactly like that Nagato.

By the way, the Haruhi dance looks and feels more like the good real life ones you find in Youtube rather than the ED of SHnY.

[pomps]

Originally Posted by ~Tsukuyomi

Still trying to figure out the whole "Taking Tsukasa picture scene" (I watch RAW but I don't speak Japanese)... Is this another "To Heart" thing where they mistaken Tsukasa as that Akari (whatever) character???

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

[Mirrinus]

Originally Posted by pomps

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

Well, seeing as Konata tried to give Tsukasa the To Heart uniform for her birthday, I wouldn't be surprised if it was Konata who pointed it out to her at some point. That was a clever way of using the original character design for joke (I'm assuming).

[takumi2k4]

Long post ahead, beware. But this is about Lucky Star over-referencing Haruhi that I just finished writing in my blog, and I thought I'd like to share it here as well. They're censored as well.

"...the Haruhi references here are completely massive, and honestly, I really don’t mind it. In fact, I actually love it because it works and makes sense. Look at Hayate no Gotoku’s references to others, they’re barely subtle and some are obscure and that you actually have to take a second look at it just to get it. The only reference that I actually got was when Hayate snuck up in the school looking like Solid Snake and under the cardboard box because I’m a massive fan of MGS.

Meanwhile here, the references work because they’re well-known works. We got Geass-ed a while back by Anime Tenchou, this episode(ep 16) Konata asked Kagami to buy some Lelouch and Code Geass material, last week we got Da Capo, and possibly PangYa a couple of episodes back. I don’t see a problem with the Haruhi reference, because Konata LOVES Haruhi. What would you rather have, Konata loving some unknown character that we don’t know crap about?

Genshiken worked because we actually got glimpses of Kujibiki Unbalance through the show, the OAV’s, and the TV series. Having a relatively unknown character or show in Haruhi’s spot means that they have to go the Genshiken way, and as we all know Clannad and Haruhi Season 2 is almost up, what better way to promote Haruhi?

But here’s the thing, every company exists to pander its fan’s. Take a look at Evangelion. Gainax is still milking Evangelion down right to the core, but no one’s b****ing about it. And they’re just basically the same damn thing. Rebuild is just a rebuild of the series, it’s just the same story with a few tweaks, remade with today’s technology. Meanwhile, Lucky Star is blatantly referencing Haruhi that people start b****ing about it, yet there’s nothing wrong with Gainax milking Evangelion.

S***, Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy are still running around like they’re the king of games, and they are, yet no one’s tired of them. Only Hideo Kojima is getting tired of his own franchise, but he’s still making it, because of it’s fans. People sent him death threats asking him to continue directing MGS, and he is, and he’s finally ending a series that existed for at least 20 years now. Final Fantasy, I can’t believe it’s in it’s 13th iteration, yet no one’s b****ing about it, in fact, people are screaming like school-girls waiting for 13 and Versus to come out already.

With that said, what’s wrong with Lucky Star blatantly referencing Haruhi? No one’s b****ing about MGS, FF, and Eva being milked to death. So why can’t Lucky Star get a break?"

[Julius Firefocht]

This episode deserves a 10, no less. Now I wish they will make figures of Konata in Haruhi costume!

Also, Kudos to Aya Hirano for slipping between Haruhi's and Konata's voice so easily. Aaya keeps surprising me when I least expect it.

[Shiroth]

Wow, that was..

to much Haruhi.

[KiNA]

I'm soo getting the raw this time >.<

[krln99]

Yeah, I saw the "Hare Hare" dance as kind of an ode to the fans for making it the craze that it is.

BTW, the best line has to be, "I'm not interested in ordinary menus!"

A close second has to be Kagamin's "yare yare."

[kenjiharima]

seeing the spoilers and raws...I LOVE CROSS OVERS!!!

Instant 10 for me FTW!!! :HEH:

[Kinny Riddle]

Disclaimer: If I upset anyone of you because of my stance in supporting this show, then I apologize in advance. I will respect your opinion on the show, but I won't take back what I've written.

Originally Posted by pomps

Yes, I think that's a refrence to To Heart, the guys at Akihabara thought Tsukasa was wearing Akari's cosplay. But I'm supprised how could Tsukasa know that they mistook her for Akari when she answered them "I'm not Kamigishi-san" (Kamigishi Akari)

Poor Tsukasa-chan. It probably wasn't the first time she got mistaken for being "Kamigishi" by moe-overloaded otakus.

I know I'll probably sound like a hypocritical possessive SOB, but I believe most would have said the same thing: GET YOUR DIRTY CAMERAS OFF TSUKASA-CHAN, YOU HORNY OTAKUS! Kagami-sama! I fully support you to go beat these guys up and protect your sister's dignity!

Still, Tsukasa-chan looked so cute when being photographed. KAWAII~~!!!


Yes, I couldn't resist and watched the raw.

All I have to say is about the Haruhi cafe segment: I am entertained by this parody. - And that was enough for me.

The naysayers probably can't be blamed for being put-off by another "reference/product-placement episode" again. I think Kyo-Ani has made their intent clear, they are going to cater this show for a certain kind of audience, and that is the average internet-conscious moe-otaku.

While most studios would probably buckle to pressure, you gotta admire Kyo-Ani for having the balls to stick a finger to the naysayers and stuck to their insistence on being loyal to the original audience that they have intended in the first place, rather than going for the "lowest common denominator". Right now their motto seems to be: "If the naysayers aren't going to like it no matter what we do, why should we be obliged to try harder to please them?"



Anyway, here are my highlights, in no particular order:

- Miyuki's mom can sure get mental when on the phone

- Everytime when eating in a Chinese restaurant, I usually get the food first before talking, because all the food on the table often gets scoured in an instant, much like what poor Tsukasa-chan encountered. (Good thing Kagami-sama helped her out. )

(BTW, what are the odds of everyone in a family being left-handed? I can hardly find a cousin who's left-handed. )

- Tsukasa-chan looking troubled being mistaken for Kamigishi from TH (again, KAWAII~ ), and Kagami-sama coming to her rescue.

- Cameo appearance for the Miyakawa sisters who barely appeared until now, but Akira-sama STILL gets shafted to the final 5 minutes. (Was a bit disappointed the Miyakawa sisters aren't voiced by Noto Mamiko and Tamura Yukari, but then the other "newbie" seiyuus also overtook their more prominent counterparts in performing the major characters, and did a bloody good job, so I'll let that pass. )

- Kyon cosplayer voiced by Sugita Tomokazu

- Yuki cosplayer waitress voiced by Chihara Minori

- Kona-chan switching between her normal voice and Haruhi's voice (Well, of course it's actually credit to Hirano Aaya, but you get what I mean. )

- Patricia gets introduced, adding a "Kinsoku jikou desu" for pure "win".

- Minami got busted by Kona-chan for having a flat chest. She need not worry, as Kona-chan says, there are indeed many (some here, no doubt) who fancy her type.

- Poor Anime-tenchou and Assistant Sugita fail once again to get Kona-chan's patronage. The sketch's not too bad, actually, once you accept we're gonna have to live with Anime-tenchou being a "regular".

- Poor Tsukasa-chan for getting shafted by her elder sisters, totally forgetting about answering her homework questions

- Rejoice! All you naysayers! No more live action Shiraishi, but rather a "bi-polar" live action Konno Hiromi singing a not-so-bad song.

- First a Keroro Gunso-styled preview, now a Kyon and Nagato conversation in the preview. What next? FMP?


Overall, like Kyo-Ani, I really wouldn't give a damn on what the naysayers say. They can grade this ep a "0" for all I care, what's important is that "loyal fans" like me are entertained, and that's enough. Keep up the bloody good work, Kyo-Ani!

[kenjiharima]

been slacking off work hehehe...re-watched ep 16 and listened atentively and I found out that Miyuki is not the Mikuru of L*S but non other than Patricia Martin!! XD

[shiro83]

Kagami's expression when greeted at the door of the place where Konata works part time is priceless...

[Vexx]

As a very avid fan of LUCKY*STAR, Kinny.... sadly I have to disagree.
Just because its KyofrickingAni does not make me okay with the saturation of Haruhi references into Lucky*Star. I've been a big fan of their past work, but imagine for a second if Kanon2006 had been buried under Haruhi references. What do you think the "fanboys" would have done (besides have a bipolar breakdown)?
I love Haruhi... if I want to see Haruhi, I'll watch Haruhi. I'd like to see Lucky*Star. Much of the series I've gotten Lucky*Star but the Haruhi seems to be moving closer and closer to derailing the series.

When the refs are integrated and subtle, its fine --- when I wonder which series I'm watching, I'm disappointed.

[Shiroi Hane]

I hate to say this... actually, I guess I don't, but the Haruhi references are not "ads", they are in-jokes. As in, you only get them if you have already seen Haruhi.

[Kinny Riddle]

Originally Posted by Vexx

As a very avid fan of LUCKY*STAR, Kinny.... sadly I have to disagree.
Just because its KyofrickingAni does not make me okay with the saturation of Haruhi references into Lucky*Star. I've been a big fan of their past work, but imagine for a second if Kanon2006 had been buried under Haruhi references. What do you think the "fanboys" would have done (besides have a bipolar breakdown)?
I love Haruhi... if I want to see Haruhi, I'll watch Haruhi. I'd like to see Lucky*Star. Much of the series I've gotten Lucky*Star but the Haruhi seems to be moving closer and closer to derailing the series.

When the refs are integrated and subtle, its fine --- when I wonder which series I'm watching, I'm disappointed.

Very disappointed to hear you of all people to say that, mate. But I kind of expected it, and I have to disagree with some of what you say.

Maybe I am having a bipolar disorder? But you'd be mistaken to dismiss me as one of them "fanatics" just because I'm staunchly "pro-Kyo-Ani's LS". (Though I must be open-minded and remind myself to be careful of dismissing any critical opinion as "mindless bashing". )

Kanon 2006 being buried under Haruhi references is of course unacceptable, no arguments there. However, Kanon 2006 is a carefully crafted serious story with no room for such parodies, so I'm sorry to say your example isn't exactly a suitable one.

Maybe if they stuck it in another comedy series, then I agree your point could be valid.

Lucky Star, the koma-manga being originally full of self-referential jokes about the otaku culture, means these parodies fit in without being, what's the word, "instantly rejected" by the "genes" of the show. (Yes, I'm comparing stuffing these parodies to implanting donar organs. They'll definitely get rejected by serious shows like Kanon, but not so by parody-comedies like LS. )

I will concede though, that if they do any more Haruhi-overload next week, then it really is "OK enough" for me. But I do not once believe Kyo-Ani will overdo their Haruhi-ness and cause the show to end in disaster.

[Vexx]

That's an interpretation .... Imagine that George Lucas purchased the rights to Peanuts and proceeded to make the material and inserting references to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. It might be funny, it might "cool" ... but it isn't really "Peanuts" anymore, is it? And if you aren't familiar with Haruhi .... would the inserts still seem funny? If they are still funny, it's a better job of integration. If you keep waiting for a punchline that you can't find because it requires knowing Haruhi ... it failed.

Lucky*Star really isn't a "parody-comedy". It *is* a story about a group of girls, one of whom is otaku. So her doing otaku things is fine. Altering the "reality" of story is a line to be carefully crossed though.

[GoldAlchemist]

Originally Posted by Shiroi Hane

I hate to say this... actually, I guess I don't, but the Haruhi references are not "ads", they are in-jokes. As in, you only get them if you have already seen Haruhi.

Agreed. And like what takumi2k4 mentioned earlier, Haruhi serves as the largest common denominator for Lucky Star's audience. I've watched quite a lot of anime in the past couple of years and yet nothing sticks to my mind as much as Haruhi, not FMP! Fumoffu or even Kanon 2006.

[shiro83]

I think without all the references, Lucky Star will not have stood out if it is based on itself only.