Maria-sama ga Miteru [Unfortunately SPOILERS Lurk Here]

[laurore31]

Originally Posted by kisekinoumi

i was wondering how other japanese would respond to the interview.

It's the interview on my website. another Japanese woman answered it and after read it, kj reply by his (her) post, they are almost the same answers. but the things are said differently

[kisekinoumi]

Originally Posted by laurore31

It's the interview on my website. another Japanese woman answered it and after read it, kj reply by his (her) post, they are almost the same answers. but the things are said differently

i apologize if i wasn't being clear. i'll try to be clearer this time.
what i meant was: i read the interview before i saw kj's post. i looked at the one set of answers to those questions and thought to myself "hmm, how would other Japanese answer those questions? would they agree or disagree to the ladies' answers?". one person's opinions may not be correct, so i am glad kj agreed mostly with the ladies' answers.

[PocariSweat]

Originally Posted by kj1980

Besides, I'm certain the TV studios do this on purpose for the following reasons:
A. "Why the heck should I give you airtime for something that is going to last 13-26 episodes? I have tons of other programs that have been showing for three~four years that get 20%+ ratings each viewing and you want me to cancel them! Ha!"

kj1980 You know, this is something I've always wondered about. Why does so much anime limit itself to under 26 episodes? One would think a long-running show could develop a much larger fan base and allow people to become more attached to the characters. Also, plot ideas could be explored to a much greater depth.

As it is, I often wonder if the anime studios get "burnt out" trying to come up with completely new stuff all the time. Again and again, for every new show they must start from scratch winning people over and finding an audience. Perhaps it's why so many well-established patterns show up (with obvious examples being cat-girls, maids, harem animes, and so on). I'd think they'd prefer to keep a popular show going rather than keep finding ways to remake it in a slightly different wrapper.

Of course I can see some benefits to a limited run series: it allows shows to have a better formed story "arc" (especially since many are manga adaptations already with a fixed story). Also, a long-running series can become stale or repetitive (though it's often just a failure to allow the story to grow over time). Still, even for just economic reasons alone, I'm surprised such short series are the rule rather than the exception.

[NoSanninWa]

I generally prefer shorter series because they don't have any filler episodes. When you have only 13 episodes everything has to be tight or else you can't tell the story.

Of course 12-13 episodes isn't enough to tell every story even without filler. Just look at how Shingetsutan Tsukihime was messed up by not having enough episodes to tell the whole story. That show needed 26 episodes to cover its full plot and character development. Last Exile was certainly perfect at 26 episodes without even a single episode of filler.

Each show should be allowed to come in at its own length, but I have never seen a show of greater than 26 episodes that doesn't have filler. The longer the show, the lazier the storytelling tends to be. Keeping MariMite in multiple 13 episode seasons might be the perfect compromise since it ensures a greater focus while allowing the story to continue growing past the end of each story arc.

[kj1980]

Originally Posted by PocariSweat

kj1980 You know, this is something I've always wondered about. Why does so much anime limit itself to under 26 episodes? One would think a long-running show could develop a much larger fan base and allow people to become more attached to the characters. Also, plot ideas could be explored to a much greater depth.

As it is, I often wonder if the anime studios get "burnt out" trying to come up with completely new stuff all the time. Again and again, for every new show they must start from scratch winning people over and finding an audience. Perhaps it's why so many well-established patterns show up (with obvious examples being cat-girls, maids, harem animes, and so on). I'd think they'd prefer to keep a popular show going rather than keep finding ways to remake it in a slightly different wrapper.

Of course I can see some benefits to a limited run series: it allows shows to have a better formed story "arc" (especially since many are manga adaptations already with a fixed story). Also, a long-running series can become stale or repetitive (though it's often just a failure to allow the story to grow over time). Still, even for just economic reasons alone, I'm surprised such short series are the rule rather than the exception.

On average, anime production costs range around 30,000,000 yen per episode (it maybe a bit exaggerated but its somewhere around there). Without a major sponsor (who usually backs "profitable" shows like "ONE PIECE" and "Naruto"), anime companies can only do 13 episodes financially - at most 26 episodes. Which is rather good as it is just about the seasonal showings.

Second - you have tons of anime companies here in Japan that want "a piece of the action." Currently, there are over 60+ anime shows on air in Japan right now. If all of them ran for 26+ episodes, you don't have elbow room to squeeze in more shows. However, if the majority runs for 13 episodes, the circulation of new anime is quicker and supposedly more efficient.

On the other hand, there are too many anime shows. It's great that a lot of anime companies are jumping on the bandwagon to take a bite of the forbidden fruit. Yet, it's also only a matter of time until they realize that the more bits are taken, the quicker they are to reach the rotten core. Simply stating:

A. More anime companies
B. More anime
C. But limited TV stations and broadcast schedules
D. Increased competition for anime companies to surive
E. Lesser episodes, more anime
F. Repeat from A

Do you see the problem here? Increase anime companies, increase anime shows. But there is one control here that is stationary - there is only a limited amount of TV stations (sure there are technically more if you add all the UHF, BS, and CS channels) with only 24 hours each day. And though this may come to a shock for you - but Japan does not show anime on TV stations 24/7! A rough estimate is that only 10-15% of the day is reserved for anime on a particular TV station.

As for "being burnt out" - no. Why? Because writers and scripters get their salary by means of royalties. I don't know about other countries, but for anime writers and scripters they are given two choices: A. Get a standardized salary each month, or B. Forgive the salary and take the royalties in a lump payment several months later. Many opt for B because...hey, would you rather get paid 120,000 yen each month or receive a huge one lump payment of 1,200,000 yen six months later for each time you make an anime?

If you want the money, work your ass off. That is what being an animator is - you kill yourself for a job that you chose to be a part of the industry. And trust me, you do not want to become an animator unless you have the courage and guts to go through hell - because I personally won't survive a week, nor would I want to imagine starting as a genga artist making a meagerly 50,000 yen per month on an enslavement of limited time constraints. 50,000 yen!! I can't even pay rent with that!

[Lanimoo]

-_- :sigh:

artists have never gotten what they deserved... its sad but thats how life works. cliches make the most money, pokemon, beyblade, yugi-oh, etc.

[PocariSweat]

Originally Posted by NoSanninWa

Each show should be allowed to come in at its own length, but I have never seen a show of greater than 26 episodes that doesn't have filler. The longer the show, the lazier the storytelling tends to be.

I'd agree that often happens. However, to me "filler episodes" are almost an artifact of the predestined plot of a limited run show. For example, when was the last time you heard someone complain of filler in a long-running U.S. show like MASH, Sinefield or Friends? Sure they may eventually "jump the shark" and not be entertaining anymore, but that's something else altogether. Being episodic isn't, in and of itself, bad.

Granted, I think story arcs are one of the things Western viewers generally like about anime - it's something often missing from the shows we're used to. However, balance is a good too, and sometimes I think an overreaching plot can bog a anime comedy or "slice-of-life" drama down. These shows are often at their best when they just drop their characters into different situations and let them react (think Azumanga Daioh)

Originally Posted by kj1980

On average, anime production costs range around 30,000,000 yen per episode (it maybe a bit exaggerated but its somewhere around there). Without a major sponsor (who usually backs "profitable" shows like "ONE PIECE" and "Naruto"), anime companies can only do 13 episodes financially - at most 26 episodes.

I guess that's why I wondered, when a show does become a "hit", why are they still willing to end it so soon? A second season of a show already proven popular wouldn't have such a hard time attracting sponsorship I'd think.

Originally Posted by kj1980

As for "being burnt out" - no. Why? Because writers and scripters get their salary by means of royalties. I don't know about other countries, but for anime writers and scripters they are given two choices: A. Get a standardized salary each month, or B. Forgive the salary and take the royalties in a lump payment several months later. Many opt for B because...hey, would you rather get paid 120,000 yen each month or receive a huge one lump payment of 1,200,000 yen six months later for each time you make an anime?

Interesting! I think in the U.S. for example, a writer or actor may get royalties if it's in their contract, but it would be per-show. They'd wind up making as much for 200 shows of the same series as they would from say, 25 shows each from 8 different series. In fact, since royalties are paid each time an episode is re-run or purchased, they'd likely do better with a long running popular series than several different short series, some of which may not be as successful as others.

[JokerD]

Err... just a question, who is touko, I've seen her name crop up a few time but I don't know who she is. Someone please enlighten me. Thx

[Göönk]

Originally Posted by JokerD

Err... just a question, who is touko, I've seen her name crop up a few time but I don't know who she is. Someone please enlighten me. Thx

She's a Japanese girl who answered some questions about the show. You can read Laurore31 interview here :

http://mariamite.free.fr/maria_article_eng.htm

it's availlable in "Fulansu" as well

[pkgirl163]

Originally Posted by JokerD

Err... just a question, who is touko, I've seen her name crop up a few time but I don't know who she is. Someone please enlighten me. Thx

She is one of the new first-year students who appear when Yumi, Shimako, and Yoshino are second-year students. I believe she is one of the girls who wants to become Yumi's petite soeur, and she has a funny-looking hairstyle--she has two spiral-shaped ponytails that some people think look like drills.

[laurore31]

i just saw the 11th episode (raw).
and this episode brokes my heart, I cried for Sei and her story. i would like to know what appened in details, but with the video and several japanese words that we know we can understand... I can't defined my feelings in english, gomene, but I couldn't stop my tears. poor Sei :-(

[kj1980]

Originally Posted by laurore31

i just saw the 11th episode (raw).
and this episode brokes my heart, I cried for Sei and her story. i would like to know what appened in details, but with the video and several japanese words that we know we can understand... I can't defined my feelings in english, gomene, but I couldn't stop my tears. poor Sei :-(

Honestly, this episode felt a bit too rushed (much like the others, i.e. "Rosa Canina"). Or maybe I just feel this way because I read the novel. Or, probably because it made no sense whatsoever to put this story after the Valentine's Day story.

I was wondering who would be doing Sei's grand souer - and hey! it was Takayama Minami!

Well, I guess we are going back to the Valentine's dating event from next week. Blue jeans and fast-food hamburger with Sachiko-sama.

[Kourin]

Episode 11 Spoilers:

Spoiler:

Episode 11 Summary

This episode we see a very different Sei... angst Sei! and lots of her inner thoughts.

We start off with Sei angsting and wanting to isolate herself with others in order to avoid getting hurt. She recounts the painful parting she experienced last winter when she was 16.

Sei met Shiori on a spring morning. Sei was sick of everything around her and felt like she didn't fit in and just wanted to disappear from that world. She describes herself as a "dry/moisture-less" being and the moment she saw Shiori, Shiori looked as if she was flowing with moisture. Very love-at-first-sight moment.

Then we skip over to 2nd yr Youko without her all-knowing-Gendo-aura. Sei asks about Shiori and acts rather coldly towards Youko, who seems to be very concerned about her. Then we see Sei's Onee-sama, the previous Rosa Gigantea. She has Sachiko tagging just behind her and describes Sachiko as being pretty like a "Japanese doll". (seems like Gigantea savisu on the Chinensis en bouton's petite soeur is a tradition or something ^.^;

We learn a little about Sei's relationship with her Onee-sama. The previous Rosa Gigantea has chosen Sei purely for her looks (literally, for her face). (Sei is described as having Western features in the novels) And Sei accepted Rosa Gigantea's rosary because she liked this simple reason as well.

Then we see Shiori in the chapel and Sei comes in looking quite desperate, saying how much she wanted to see her. Luckily, Shiori returns the sentiment.

Sei and Shiori starts spending a lotta time together. But then, after class, Youko butts in, telling Sei that it'd be better for Sei to put a little more distance between herself and Shiori. Youko also suggests Sei to take Shiori as her petite soeur and make things official. Sei ignores her warning and continues to obsess over Shiori. We get to see Sei sling her arm around Shiori as they walk and a little hug fest in a forest. Sei talks about how much she wants to be with Shiori.

We learn a little more about Shiori as it turns out that she lost both her parents in an accident which is why she's living at the school's dorm. This summer, she stayed at a convent in Tokyo instead of going to her uncle's.

BOOM BOOM. Thunder, lighting, and it's raining. Shiori and Sei run into the greenhouse for cover. Some nice Sei/Shiori moments as Shiori wipes Sei's hair for her, then lays her head on Sei's shoulder. As Shiori rests, Sei braids their hair together. Some hand holding (reminded me of that Haruka/Michiru moment in SMSuper) Sei thinks how much she wants time to stop right now, how Shiori is the only thing that matters and how she wants to merge with Shiori and just disappear.

Sei is spending even more time with Shiori and is rarely at the Rose Mansion anymore. Then we see some Rosa Gigantea and Sei interaction. (We get to see Eriko (Rosa Foetida) for 0.00001 sec. No line btw. kekekeke) Sei was asked to stay behind. Sei suggests to her Onee-sama that she pick another petite soeur, but Rosa Gigantea rejects that idea and asks Sei to remember her promise to stay by her side until graduation. Rosa Gigantea fondles Sei's hair and tells her that she doesn't mind that Sei doesn't have a petite soeur as long as she doesn't follow a path that she'll regret.

Another Youko moment. Sei was in a hurry because she was planning to meet someone else (probably Shiori) but was stopped by Youko. Youko tells Sei not to get too involved with Shiori. Sei reacts quite defensively until Youko breaks the news that Shiori is planning to become a nun after graduation. Sei is very upset and runs off to find Shiori.

Sei confronts Shiori. They both confess about loving each other (literally they just say "suki" but I think it's okay to interpret it as "love" in this case, after seeing the related situation and the way they say it to each other). Shiori even said it's the first time that she had ever loved someone this much. Sei is still quite upset and accuses Shiori of choosing God over her and abandoning her. Shiori denies this and tells Sei that it's her wish to become a nun. Some more pushing around and Sei finally grabs Shiori and was about to kiss her when Shiori broke away. "Maria-sama ga miteru dakara" (Maria-sama is watching) Shiori explains. Sei walks away, heart broken, thinking that she has lost to Maria-sama.

Sei starts to act strangely and is called before the Head of the Academy and other ppl about her and Shiori. Sei responds calmly and just says that they have nothing to do with each other anymore and that it was all her fault. The nun says that Shiori said the same thing.

After that, Shiori had informed the school that she would be away from the dorm and Sei can't find her. Youko shows up as Sei Juri-angst-walks through the school, Youko tells Sei about the Yamayurikai Christmas party to which Sei responds rather coldly. But still, Youko sees her off and says that they'll be waiting for her.

Finally, Sei kinda loses it and really wants to see Shiori. She finds her at the door of the chapel where they first met. Shiori literally launches herself into Sei's arms and tells Sei how she can't stop thinking about her. Then.... KISS!! (although the stupid camera panned down at the critical moment. damn cheapskates. >.<) Anyways, they decide to run away and were going to meet at the train station.

However, Shiori didn't show up. Sei had waited for 3 hours and even though she knew Shiori wasn't coming, she still waited. Then Rosa Gigantea showed up and showed Sei a note that Shiori wrote. It turns out that Shiori did show up but seeing Sei from afar, she hesistated and decided not to run away. Sei was really upset and Rosa Gigantea comforted her and told Sei that she was there for her. Rosa Gigantea revealed that she didn't choose Sei just for her looks and it was just a white lie in order to get Sei to be her soeur. But Sei broke down again, saying how Rosa Gigantea was going to graduate soon, and Rosa Gigantea said that she wasn't the only one who was worried about Sei. Just then, Youko pops up. She gives Sei a cookie (one that Rei made for the Christmas party). Rosa Gigantea tells Sei that she already told Sei's mother that she would be staying over at Rosa Gigantea's house, and that the 3 of them should stay up late and party because it was the day before winter vacation.

Then, as they're walking down the streets of Tokyo, Rosa Gigantea's watch beeps and they notice that it is the next day. Then Rosa Gigantea and Youko both shout "Happy Birthday." It's Sei's birthday!! So Christmas Eve is over and Sei bids Shiori goodbye as she cuts her hair (as cutting one's hair is a typical post-breakup thing).

We come back to present tense and Yumi is carrying some party stuff over to the Rose Mansion and sees Sei. Suga Sei/Kasuga Seiko (author of "The Forest of Thorns") shows up and apparently she's meeting the Head of the Academy. We find out that Kaori-san (girl who died in "The Forest of Thorns") is the Head of the Academy and didn't die (such a sweet moment! *_*).

Sei does a little jump/hug on Yumi and tells her that it's her birthday tomorrow. Then she says in funny Engrish, "My Happy Birthday!"

PREVIEW: IT'S THE LONG AWAITED DATES!!!! And Rosa Canina is going to make an appearance.Shimako looks a little worried while Rosa Canina has the "MWAHAHAHA-girl-do-I-have-plans-for-you-look". Also, quite amusingly, Sachiko says she wonders if she will be able to survive a date with Yumi...

That's it for ep 11. Hope pkgirl163 and me covered everything in there.

[Lanimoo]

question about ep 11 and the novel:

Spoiler:

does the novel explain why Shiori decided not to runaway with Sei?

[lordwu]

Originally Posted by kj1980

Honestly, this episode felt a bit too rushed (much like the others, i.e. "Rosa Canina"). Or maybe I just feel this way because I read the novel. Or, probably because it made no sense whatsoever to put this story after the Valentine's Day story.

Yeah, it's definitely too rushed. It didn't actually bring out why Sei fell in love with Shiori and how. And I didn't feel enough of Sei's angst in ep.11.....ah well...

[SleeplessHeart]

Okay, after seeing episode 11, Who wants to join Youko fans club?

[sparrow]

not yet
now, she does looks like being jealous all over Shiori in a way, or maybe it's just me
somehow, it's amazing that Sei is like getting all the girls in the show like in one of those stupid 4koma story ;D

and that Rei has been worked as Yamayurikai's chef since her first year is one of the smiling scene also ^^

OT: Kourin-san's quote looks a bit troubled, using the vBulletin template and Opera 7

[aniforever]

ahh i love sei. i want to see ep 11 so bad. wait so that mean it's gonna end in another 3 ep including ep 11. anybody knows if season two will come right after one or we have to wait like months before it'll come out. please don't tell me i have to wait a year then i'll seriously kill myself.

[SCR512]

prepare to die.. harharhar but seriously, if there is a 2nd season, it is likely to follow into like next fall or spring season.

[laurore31]

Originally Posted by kj1980

Honestly, this episode felt a bit too rushed (much like the others, i.e. "Rosa Canina"). Or maybe I just feel this way because I read the novel. Or, probably because it made no sense whatsoever to put this story after the Valentine's Day story.

I was wondering who would be doing Sei's grand souer - and hey! it was Takayama Minami!

Well, I guess we are going back to the Valentine's dating event from next week. Blue jeans and fast-food hamburger with Sachiko-sama.

you are right, their love story is short (in only one episode), so we don't have time to appreciate Shiori. those which did not read the novel (I think), cannot like her! we can only hate her (according to episode information).

On the other hand, this episode is interesting since it tells the past of Sei. I liked her elder sister much. But Shiori ....

Originally Posted by aniforever

ahh i love sei. i want to see ep 11 so bad. wait so that mean it's gonna end in another 3 ep including ep 11. anybody knows if season two will come right after one or we have to wait like months before it'll come out. please don't tell me i have to wait a year then i'll seriously kill myself.

it is not official information yet. onyl rumours are heard. I think we will not have it in one month. do not die ; it would be stupid to miss the second season