Pretty Cure Splash*Star

[SuperKnuckles]

Haha, exactly. Most people would be too creeped out by the blank stares and the extremely harsh tone.

Watching the raws though, I think their final story arc is handled well as well. I almost forgot how it went though. I'll still be loyally watching the subsequent subs.

[Guido]

This last Friday I watched episode 20.

Spoiler:

It was pretty lame to me how Dorodoron just bite the dust after escaping Pretty Cure's Twin Stream Splash Star.

It would have seem less pathetic had he died in the blast.

So that's three down from the Dark Fall

The next episode will be interesting, because Michiru and Kaoru will now step on the stage to deal with Pretty Cure. However, I do see conflict coming from within their hearts, specially how Kaoru opened much with Sai's little sister.

[SuperKnuckles]

A lot of Precure villains died from sheer exhaustion and it seems to be a bit of a norm in Splash Star. That said, the battles in Splash Star is far better than even most Precure fights and obviously, Precure 5's. Precure 5, in its two seasons so far only had like 3 decent fights.

[Guido]

Yesterday I managed to watch episode 23, which at the moment is the latest that MFTGX fansubbed so far.

A touching and heartbreaking episode.

Spoiler:

After countless days of solitude living in a dried-up world of gray without light, Michiru and Kaoru opened up to Bloom and Egrets' words, and they wished to have a place to live in the world.

Akudaikaan did not allow for that, and at the end Kaoru and Michiru entrust the Sky fountain to Bloom and Egret to see it restored.

[Guido]

It's been a long, long while since someone step into this thread.

Basically, Pretty Cure Splash Subs fansub group has stepped up to translate and released subtitled episodes for the reminder half of Pretty Cure Splash Star.

You can view details at their website:
http://pcssubs.wordpress.com/

The gist is that they will pick-up this series from where Mystery Group Translation Fansub X left off, and their subs come from the DVD's , although they will also provide in time sub releases for the earlier episodes that MGTFX had released before.

So far they have released subs for episodes 25 to 27.

[Zalis]

Originally Posted by Kage no Tori

'Pretty Cure Twin Stream Splash' makes me think of urination and then when they do the attack all I can think of is ahem..*weewee*. It's quite unintentionally hilarious. Perhaps this is just my dirty mind and I am bad.

No, it's not just you. But we have to assume that the target audience won't see it that way.

Originally Posted by Guido

Yesterday I managed to watch episode 23, which at the moment is the latest that MFTGX fansubbed so far.

A touching and heartbreaking episode.

23 and 24 both were just unbelievably sad. Whether it's this show, Nanoha, Magical Project S, or any other show, Dark Magical Girl plots get me every time.

Originally Posted by Guido

It's been a long, long while since someone step into this thread.

Basically, Pretty Cure Splash Subs fansub group has stepped up to translate and released subtitled episodes for the remaining half of Pretty Cure Splash Star.

You can view details at their website:
http://pcssubs.wordpress.com/

The gist is that they will pick-up this series from where Mystery Fan Translation Group X left off, and their subs come from the DVD's, although they will also provide in time sub releases for the earlier episodes that MFTGX had released before.

So far they have released subs for episodes 25 to 27.

Since PCSS = Me, I'll clarify a bit: my releases of eps 1-24 will be "updates" of MFTGX's releases. Same translations/styles as MFTGX, with some minor edits + DVD source. 25 and onwards are picking up where MFTGX left off.

Splash Star was actually the first Pretty Cure series I started watching, so I had the good fortune of avoiding all the "this is such a ripoff" feelings that others in the thread had. Actually, I should say "delaying," as I felt them in retrospect when I started the first series. So yeah, PCSS contains a lot of the standard Magical Girl elements and cliches, but I wouldn't be watching it if I didn't like or tolerate those to some extent. I view the increased magic/spiritual energy of their attacks as a glorified "Don't try this at home, kids" message, a necessary evil. Overall, it does enough things right to distinguish itself, especially with Michiru/Kaoru and some of the plot twists and action near the end.

As Quarkboy said awhile back, the recently-released ep 28 is very much a retread of S1 ep 42, the "Cures get separated" incident. The yuri overtones are definitely in full swing here. I don't think I even played them up that much in the subs.

[kenjiharima]

There are so many Pretty Cure's today... O_o;;

Glad I didn't follow this series.

[Guido]

Once again I step in at this thread after a long absence.

This is a post to praise the releases for episodes 25 to 33 at the moment.

BTW, for the record, today aired the last episode to Fresh Pretty Cure in Japan.

Spoiler:

Episode 28 reminded much to episode 42 of the first series.

The nosy Shitaatare attempted to isolate Mai from Saki and put her into an absolute state of despair.

Episodes 29 and 30, which were a two-parter showed Gohyan taking a more active role searching for the Sun Fountain by himself.
1. He succeeded at kidnapping Flappi and Chopi.
2. But, he did not account for Ms. Shitaatare's treason, but because she was enraged that Gohyaan was overshadowing her and stealing her spotlight; not helping Mai and Saki out of kindness.
3. And, the debut of Mai and Saki's new Pretty Cure forms.

So, basically, three years ago when the Splash Star movie was fansubbed, I've spoiled myself since that one features the new Pretty Cure forms, as well as Moop and Foop.

BTW, episode 31 featured a new ending and a few changes to the opening, involving the new Pretty Cure forms.

[Guido]

I apologize for the double posting, but since hardly someone if nobody will step at this thread I will continue to do so to deliver my reviews.

Spoiler:

Episode 32 saw the end of that nosy Ms. Shitaatare, but the Dragon Uzainaa she summoned was of a heck caliber to put Bloom and Egret at the verge.

Now for episode 33, we have the appearance of the golden-clad Kintolesky, who out of all the previous bad guys, this one actually upholds to a sense of honor, although that doesn't stop him to kick ass on Pretty Cure.

It's been a common tradition in past Pretty Cure series within the franchise that the last underboss happens to be of a higher caliber than even his or her previous comrades.

This is true for Ilkubo the last of the Dusk Zone 5 from the original Pretty Cure, and Baldez of the Dusk Zone 4 Guardians from Max Heart.

I cannot comment upon this for Yes! Pretty Cure 5 because I'm just barely halfway into that series, and the same goes for Fresh Pretty Cure, since I had only watched the first four episodes.
HeartCatch Pretty Cure has barely started broacast so no comments there.

Now, that Maki and Sai have restored 5 of the fountains, then logic dictates that Kintolesky is the last underboss before Pretty Cure faces off Gohyaan a second time, and then Akudaikaan as the final boss, since the Dark Fall have not located the Sun Fountain, and Golden Boy holds the sixth fountain.

I have to acknowledge and praise Kintolesky at being honorable and smart enough to not send an Uzainaa after the girls and had run the risk of being defeated, thus, losing a fountain seed to Pretty Cure upon their first meeting.

[wavehawk]

Having absolute zero knowledge of Pretty Cure but owning a Cure Peach figure...I wonder if I'm treading dangerous ground here:

[Guido]

Congratulations go to Pretty Cure Splash Subs fansubs due that there's only one season of episodes left to conclude the fansubbing of the third Pretty Cure series, and for me it's been a very long, long, and long journey that started little over four years ago.

A season of episodes = 13 episodes more to go.

Spoiler:

For episode 35 I was expecting that Mai and her team would have won the final match game but didn't, however, I thought it was for the best. It built for a beautiful drama exploring upon how loss and deceptions are needed to grow-up; they taught that delivering all your best through effort it's what really counts.

I do have to agree with Mai and Saki about this and acknowledged their rage and frustration regarding against Kintoleskys' insensitive remarks about his die-hard win or lose attitude.

Episode 36 opens the start of the "Culture Festival" mini-arc which I think it's a Must for every Pretty Cure series.

[Guido]

To Zalis, a.k.a. PCSS, thank you very much for the hard-work and effort you have put to deliver each sub releases for Pretty Cure Splash Star. I do not have the right to comment how much it's been a tough job or a trouble for you at investing your time to get this series subbed, because in order to do that I would have to put literally in your shoes to know everything about the fansubbing dealing with the translations, the encoding, the timing, etc.

However, I give you special thanks for delivering the twenty-fourth episode, because that's the one I left before you step-in and continue from where MGTFX fansubs left.

Spoiler:

At her debut episode, Ms. Shitaatare, like Kintolesky after her, did the wise move at confronting Pretty Cure head-on and not using any Uzainaa, risking to lose a miracle drop to them in the first encounter.

I very much liked the twenty-fourth episode due to the teary-eyed drama portrayed on Mai and Saki due to the aftermath of Michiru and Kaoru's departure.

Regarding the current situation of the Kintolesky arc:

Spoiler:

For the Culture Festival mini-arc I liked more the episode focusing on Sakis' anguish concerning how she would handle the theme for the festival. It allowed to explore for a different dimension off her usual calm personality.

As for episode 38, honestly, I think the episodes in every magical-girl series that I can think of dealing with the thought at the possibility of a likely separation or break-up due to one of the girls transferring to a new school, becoming a movie or song idol, etc. it's just totally a waste.

The plot in those types of episodes is predictable and expected, because either at the end or at the episode's climax clearly the intended girl will refuse or step down that chance for the sake to continue at being together with her friends or partner

Recently, the sub for episode 39 has been released. I'm just eleven episodes to conclude Splash Star, but I won't start the finally countdown until the Kintolesky arc is concluded, which I hope it'll be sooner.

[Guido]

Zalis, if you happen to read this post by any chance possible, as of now I'm done with the fourtieth episode and also with the Kintolesky arc.

Spoiler for Episode 39:

When I first watched the preview for this episode, at first I thought it would be pretty pointless, but after having watched it turned out different from my expectations.

For a first in the Pretty Cure franchise, the fluffy and talking fairies (Flappi and Choppi) were discovered by Mai and Sakis' classmates and a commotion all over the town residents ensued.

To add salt to the open wound, Kintolesky tattle-taled their existence just to hinder Sai and Maki at keeping their friends' identities a secret.

Spoiler for Episode 40:

Kintolesky's last match was way even better and superb than Ms. Shitaatare's last fight against the Pretty Cure.

He not only went Super Saiyan-like against Pretty Cure, but he was able to block and deter their powered-up Splash Turn. Of course, Bright and Windy powered-up more to engulf Kintolesky inside the Star Twirl, however, golden boy successfully managed to break free due to sheer will power and guts.

Unfortunately, that costed Kintolesky's life force been drained away and, thus, dying from exhaustion but not before thanking Pretty Cure for giving it all and delivered a max fight to him. With his last breath, a smile on his face, and no regrets, Kintolesky honored his promise and handed over the last miracle drop to Pretty Cure.

Kintolesky was a cool guy with an interesting personality. He, after all, abide to a sense of honor that none other of the previous Dark Fall ever conceived. To a little extent was moved somehow by Sai and Maki, and yet it was a pity he had to go and been one of the baddies but with honor.

Since this arc's over now that's left are Gohyaan, Akudaikan, and a possible return of Michiru and Kaoru, hence, I begin the final countdown to end Splash Star.

Only nine more episodes to conclude this show.

[Guido]

Even after the very long, long, long, and long hiatus that this show has been for subs releases, still I'm going to miss it very much but mainly for Kaoru and Michiru.

Spoiler for Episode 41 and 42:

Basically, the start of Gohyaan's arc prior to the final story arc of this series.

The 41st episode spoke drama volumes, since Gohyaan successfully managed to stole the Karafé and resurrected two of the previous five foes beaten by the Cure- Karehaan and Moerumba.

Not only that, but fusing the power of destruction plus the power of the fountains gave those two an unpredecented power boost to finally defeat the Cures.

Just when I thought that Splash Star would be the only Pretty Cure in the series not to feature all the baddies together on-screen, on the next episode Gohyaan revived the other three and have assembled all the five together with him before Akudaikaan.

But the best surprise for this two-parter arc was the miraculous return of Michiru and Kaoru. Honestly, if it weren't for the introduction of those two characters this third Pretty Cure series would have felt like a copy or clone from the previous first series.

So only 7 episodes left to finish this show.

[Zalis]

So only 7 episodes left to finish this show.

Ha ha, make that only 6 episodes left to go, now that 43 is out. Watch for a little voice-actor cross-reference that I played up in the subs It's interesting to read back through this thread -- Guido was once a strong Splash Star detractor, but is now the main/only supporter around.

Spoiler:

Honestly, if it weren't for the introduction of those two characters this third Pretty Cure series would have felt like a copy or clone from the previous first series.

Partially, although people on my blog have pointed out that Michiru/Kaoru bear some resemblance to Kiriya from S1. One difference though, is that SS doesn't have the midseason fake-out defeat/resurrection of the main villain and subsequent introduction of a new gang of minions. Heck, the original continuity ripped itself off by recycling the same idea for the entire Max Heart season.

And if you haven't watched the raws yet, you might find that Splash Star has a few more surprises up its sleeves, once I release the last few episodes.

[Guido]

Zalis, thank you very much for Splash Star releases. I'm done through episodes 43 to 45.

Spoiler:

Episode 43rd featured another epic match of unprecedented proportions.

There was lots of DBZ-style energy-shooting and punches and kicks flying at every corner.

What I liked the most for the 43rd was watching how Michiru and Kaoru can they really kick butt and proved themselves to be awesome powerhouses. Too bad, that they are overshadowed for need in this show to have the Cures mandatorily defeating the baddies.

Meanwhile episode 44th puts Michiru and Kaoru's return in a not-so bright shade due that the two are at risk of disappearing for good, if Dark-Fall is vanquished due that both were borned from the powers of destruction; a truth that those two mistakenly had concealed from Mai and Saki for the time being.

As for my opinions to the 45th episode, the fight was not to Pretty Cure standards; the art felt shabby and lame; and Kintolesky and Ms. Shitaatare were spared the wrath of Pretty Cures and the Kiryuu sisters rain of über punches and kicks. It was the obligatory Christmas episode of every series, and yet I did not feel Christmas magic in the air.
However, this particular episode to me became redeemable for two things:
1. Kintolesky always remained true to his code of honors and accepted his banishment as a honorable defeat but with an added twist that he sort of confessed to Ms. Shitaatare.
2. The other was the good cliffhanger with Gohyaan holding the Karafé near the end of the episode.

So for me now they are four more episodes to conclude this show once and for all.

[Zalis]

Originally Posted by Guido

Zalis, thank you very much for Splash Star releases. I'm done through episodes 43 to 45.

Spoiler:

Episode 43rd featured another epic match of unprecedented proportions.

There was lots of DBZ-style energy-shooting and punches and kicks flying at every corner.

What I liked the most for the 43rd was watching how Michiru and Kaoru can they really kick butt and proved themselves to be awesome powerhouses. Too bad, that they are overshadowed for need in this show to have the Cures mandatorily defeating the baddies.

Meanwhile episode 44th puts Michiru and Kaoru's return in a not-so bright shade due that the two are at risk of disappearing for good, if Dark-Fall is vanquished due that both were borned from the powers of destruction; a truth that those two mistakenly had concealed from Mai and Saki for the time being.

As for my opinions to the 45th episode, the fight was not to Pretty Cure standards; the art felt shabby and lame; and Kintolesky and Ms. Shitaatare were spared the wrath of Pretty Cures and the Kiryuu sisters rain of über punches and kicks. It was the obligatory Christmas episode of every series, and yet I did not feel Christmas magic in the air.
However, this particular episode to me became redeemable for two things:
1. Kintolesky always remained true to his code of honors and accepted his banishment as a honorable defeat but with an added twist that he sort of confessed to Ms. Shitaatare.
2. The other was the good cliffhanger with Gohyaan holding the Karafé near the end of the episode.

So for me now they are four more episodes to conclude this show once and for all.

And thank you, Guido, for continuing to post in this thread where no one else will. If it's DBZ-style battles you're after, look no further than the just-released episode 48. It's got all the yelling, power-up charging, fisticuffs, energy attacks, and beam spam that shounen fans could want. But of course, there's no shortage of the personal drama that makes Magical Girl shows so great, either. And now, on to timing the final episode!

[Nork22]

I would like to say thanks Zalis for subbing the rest of the show. I watched only a a few episodes (before hitting the Kaoru/Michiru arc) before dropping anything to do with PreCure until Fresh came out and the DX movie made me go, back and check out the rest of SS. At first I only manage to find the raws and watched all of it the way thru with some understanding, but with subs, a lot of things have been made a bit more sense. Got to say that rewatching 48-49 with subs, has made the rest of the 47 episode of Splash Star oh so worth it.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by Zalis

And thank you, Guido, for continuing to post in this thread where no one else will. If it's DBZ-style battles you're after, look no further than the just-released episode 48. It's got all the yelling, power-up charging, fisticuffs, energy attacks, and beam spam that shounen fans could want. But of course, there's no shortage of the personal drama that makes Magical Girl shows so great, either. And now, on to timing the final episode!

I came very late at getting your releases for the last four episodes due to work. Thankfully, the torrent batch turn very in handy and was able to secure the last four episodes.

Unfortunately, I'm holding myself from watching all the last episodes in one-go, because a feast tastes better when you enjoy the meals one by one.

In ten days, since you released the series in its entirety, including today, I watched episodes 46 and 47, which means I'm almost two and just two episodes away to say "goodbye" to Splash Star.

So, this is it! The final battle arc, but I felt pretty disappointed with the animation quality in those two episodes. If it's the final battle episodes, TOEI should had pumped money from their pockets to boost the animation quality.

Spoiler:

So, unlike the previous two series, the Pretty Cures get to fight Akudaikaan for real, until the end of the series.

What lighten a little bit of hope within me for Akudaikaan was that he became startled and seemed like he tried to reflect that he created life after all being Michiru and Kaoru's, in spite of him being an entity of destruction. Unfortunately, that same thought triggered within him at losing his sanity and going rampage.

And, in true DBZ-style, the Cures and Kiryuu sisters got help from all the spirits all over the fountains, contributing their wishes to power-up into a giant Genki-Da.....
no, I mean to power-up the four girls' powers and blasting Akudaikaan, although not to oblivion.


Now for the biggest surprise that I've ever seen in the history of Pretty Cure titles that I've concluded so far, and not counting yet Pretty Cure 5, Pretty Cure 5 GoGo, Fresh, and HeartCatch, the mastermind turned out to be Gohyaan after all.

In the first series, the 3 seeds from the Dark Kings' remains were already plotting to get the Prism Stone powers for themselves, though their plot was easily exposed and discernible.

In MaxHeart, Baldez turned out to be the Dark King's spirit, although that doesn't feel as a surprising revelation, if the same end-boss from the previous season got revived again for a last smackdown.

However, Splash Star truly pulled a twisted, plot surprise. I've never thought that Gohyaan would actually be the one pulling the strings from behind and the end boss.

Saddest thing for Akudaikaan was that he itself was merely a puppet that got burned down by his presumedly aide, when in fact, the aide was his creator and master all along.

[Guido]

Unbelievable!

Today is the exact date when I started watching Pretty Cure Splash * Star four and one-half years ago; I began with the first episode on February 14th, 2006 and finished with the last episode today- August 14th, 2010.

As of currently, this has been the only Pretty Cure title in the entire franchise that has taken me that long to finish through the fansubs.

The voyage plus the waiting were not easy but were bearable, because while I remained on stand-by mode for more fansubbed episodes to get released I entertained myself between watching other anime and enjoying my social life in the meantime.

Seriously and honestly, I give and deliver my proper thanks to the following two groups listed below, because had not been for them then Splash Star would have taken ages before seeing in the light of its conclusion throughout the fansub community:

1. Mystery Fansubs Translation Group X: They were like the turtle, slow-paced but steadily consistent. At the start of Splash Star getting broadcasted, they were the first and only group at the time that stepped in to have this third series fansubbed.
Their releases encompassed the first half of the series from the 1st to the 24th episode + the Splash * Star movie.

To me it meant the period from February 14th, 2006 to December 3rd 2008 getting Splash Star fansubs from them, also if I as well count in the Splash Star movie.

2. Finally, Pretty Cure Splash Subs, a.k.a. Zalis, who stepped in to bring us to the fans the second half of the series and thus bringing another saga in the franchise to end. Zalis became very steady and dedicated to this project, which I'm gratefully thankful for.

Zalis releases encompassed the time period from October 3rd, 2009 to July 21st, 2010. Coincidentally, Zalis the date when you released the subs for the last episode happened to be my birthday.

If you ask me, the longest time gap I experienced waiting for the releases happened from October 12th, 2008 to October 3rd, 2009 when I switched from MFTGX fansubs to Pretty Cure Splash Subs fansubs. However, when I looked back I felt that the waiting never existed at all.

Zalis's right that at the beginning of this series, I lambasted and disdain it due that lost much of the style and elements that were prevalent in the first two Pretty Cure series. However, toward the end of the Karehaan arc, my feelings of deprecation for Splash*Star began to soften. Furthermore, once Michiru and Kaoru got introduced at the start of the Dorodoron arc, I welcomed those two new characters with great enthusiasm, since they brought a whole new dimension to the story.

Unfortunately, Splash*Star to me still got rifled with lots of things that flawed it to a certain extent.
1. Many lines exploring the theme about never give-up I found them either too campy or too corny, particularly in the last four episodes.

2. Granted, I said it once and say it again. Flappi and Choppi made the most annoying and insane noises that I could ever digest. Thankfully, I finished this series, so I won't listen to them ever again, unless I crave to get and watch the two Pretty Cure All Stars DX films.

3. Uzainaa were plainly dumb at not resisting the Pretty Cures' attacks. Lots of the fights in this series were overwhelmingly one-sided in favor of the Pretty Cures.

4. However, watching that cat getting a voice and getting a share to fight in one of the last episodes, it became the straw that spilled the drink to me. The cat interfering and becoming the vessel for the Princess was like farfetch'd or the jumping-the-shark moment for this series.
How come I feel for myself that TOEI insulted the intelligence of their target audience by having that cat to talk?

Anyways, just like Splash * Star got too terrible traits, it also got too good traits as well:
5. Michiru and Kaoru added depth to a new dimension, although Kirlia's introduction explored a very similar direction in the original Pretty Cure series.

6. The fights at the latter episodes, particularly the last four episodes, improved and improved, reaching DBZ-style levels.
My favorite fights were Ms. Shitaatare's last battle at episode 32; Kintolesky's last battle on episode 40; Michiru & Kaoru v.s. Moerumba & Kintolesky on episode 43; all four girls vs. Gohyaan in the last two episodes.

7. Splash * Star delivered some good drama potential. My most dramatic and yet favorite episode was the one when Saki lost the softball final-match. It taught her a lesson that within loss one learns to get up to keep walking forward and correct his or her mistakes; I think that one was episode 38.

The last episode packed punch in true DBZ flair and atmosphere.

Spoiler:

I'm neither a sadist nor a misogynistic person, but from my POV I felt this third series needed a feeling of loss present to have taught the girls not to get carried away with their determination.

I say this, because I felt many of the battles throughout the entire series' episodes were too one-sided for the Cures' favor, that I felt the show was getting boring and uninteresting in regards to the battle content.

Thankfully, the 48th episode achieves that moment when Gohyaan crushes Bright and Windys' hopes, and it isn't until both Michiru and Kaoru's intervention and pray of words which renews and restores back their hope and with it their strength.
This renewed feeling made it possible for Bloom and Egret to transfer their Bright and Windy powers onto Michiru and Kaoru, powering up the Kiryuu sisters in Princess form to stand on equal terms all four girls against Gohyaan.

When I watched that scene, then I knew this was the breakthrough moment that I longed and waited for in this series to fully materialize.

And, unlike, the Dark Kings' incarnations from the first two series, Gohyaan went to nothingness not because the four girls crushed him with their Genki-Dama version of the Spiral Heart attack, but because Gohyaan exhausted all of his energy, and his body could no longer cope the strain.

Then, in the closing minutes for the last episode an entire year flashes forward, culminating with Mai winning the fated softball final-match during her 3rd year of junior high.

The best choice of music this series has is the first ending song. I absolutely loved it, and I smile when they inserted it to play at the closing moments of the last episode.

Overall, it took me 54 months to complete Splash * Star, but the wait was worth it. With this, I completed the entire trilogy. Why trilogy you're asking me? That's because Splash * Star was the last Pretty Cure series to bear the legend "Futari Wa" in its title. Starting with Yes! Pretty Cure 5 and onwards, TOEI dropped the traditional title.