Bartender

[aliensporebomb]

I actually thought of an idea how this could work too.

Spoiler:

Miwa is at the bar, so is Ryu and two of the other older bartenders. She
asks Ryu if he can escort her to her vehicle / bus stop or something like
that. If he were to gallantly agree that would give them some one-on-one
time to talk and you never know what a slightly tipsy hotel heiress might
try when in the presence of a cute bartender she has a crush on.

Probably not happen though.

[Joojoobees]

Originally Posted by aliensporebomb

I actually thought of an idea how this could work too.

Spoiler:

Miwa is at the bar, so is Ryu and two of the other older bartenders. She
asks Ryu if he can escort her to her vehicle / bus stop or something like
that. If he were to gallantly agree that would give them some one-on-one
time to talk and you never know what a slightly tipsy hotel heiress might
try when in the presence of a cute bartender she has a crush on.

Probably not happen though.

If she can get him to cross the threshold into the human world, it just might work!

[Lost]

Hehe. Watching 10, I understand what may have almost put some off. For the most part of the first half, we had the usual fare of melancholy, reserved, storytelling style of Bartender we're used to, then suddenly there's a near 180° style-reversal to one that can only be described as "a joke." Even though it was a little jarring at first yes, I'm glad it was a change from the usual formula. I LOL'ed when the Professor brought out the Navier-Stokes equation. I also LOL'ed when he gave his "victory" thoughts, and later when he screamed BLACK VELVET and the subsequent reaction from the counter. "Bartender-kun" FTW haha. And honestly, the Professor's character was a great stereotype of bum-headed academics (no offence to anyone) who think they know everything in their field - some found it annoying; I thought it was a refreshing show of variety in characters. Obviously, this episode deviated so much from the usual atmosphere that this has to be the most comedic episode in Bartender. At the same time, it lived up to it's Christmas title in everyway - ending even with a reunion of sorts (//It was nice to see the woman and her daughter from episode 8 throughout this episode).

I enjoyed every bit of the episode.

//Well, the question I had for episode 9 was solved with a re-watch. I don't believe I've commented on 9. Just to say, I think this one reached deep. My favourite scene in this episode, up there with the scene of the reminiscing Father in episode 2, is when Ryuu rebuts "Master" on the street with what he feels about Minegishi-sama. Not only did it reach deep into the psyche of Minegishi-sama, but also that of Ryuu's. And all this accompanied by the most moving piano score. I urge everyone to watch that again - it starts somewhere after 12:00 minutes. In the end, Ryuu was defeated by the stubbornness of a proud old man. Sigh.

[tritoch]

Ep 09 was leagues better than ep10. Its like eating the appetizer and being full to skip the meal.

I cried so hard while watching ep 9 [cause I got the darn story with my first view T__T]

I ran the the files Lunar has on my old p3 800mhz pc [vintage:1999] and it still works. Kudos to my dad who loves overbuilt computers [i think p3 was the fastest at that time ^^]

[Goofus Maximus]

For me, I can live with episode 10 because the "4 candles" story redeemed the rest of it. Also, the more I rewatched episode ten, the more the silly professor seemed like a regular charactor than just a standard anime goofball, as you can probably tell by my avatar...

[Joojoobees]

I liked the 4 candles, too. I almost snatched a line from it for my sig, but decided to use something more positive instead

[Lost]

The good people at Lunar Anime have subbed 11. Last episode guys!

[Goofus Maximus]

FINAL?!?!? Episode 11 is the final episode? WAAAAH!

[aliensporebomb]

Wow, it barely started. Oh well.

[Joojoobees]

Yeah, it was really short.

Spoiler for episode 11:

Kind of a wistful episode. I guess that couldn't be helped given that it was about the show ending. I know in theory Eden Hall will open again, and since it isn't constrained to the normal laws of time and space, I might even see it's door on some street I walk down without going to the Ginza district, but I'm sorry to see it go.

[Lost]

My vision was misty by the end of the episode.

Spoiler for eleven:

I agree with Joojoobees, this was a wistful episode. In parts of it's presentation, with the three bartenders facing and looking straight on; with how the two older bartenders felt about helping Ryuu as they had faced the same trials; it certainly felt wistful. And yet even that word seems so woefully inadequate to describe this episode. It was truly a sending off, of Ryuu, and of ourselves as we are left to continue life without the benefit of the healing of Glass of Gods; which really, isn't one drink, but any cocktail that saves the soul of a person lost in life.

Among the bartender-centric themes in focussed on in this episode, The Macallan 1946 - the water of life - was beautiful because it was so skilfully applied to the wish of each bartender for his customers; and the risk made and uncertainty in presenting each cocktail but that is carried by the hope beyond hope that it will heal the customer. That the life contained in each bottle would soothe the Life of people; that the Bartender would continue to think of what he could give to people. To see that this symbolism was realised in the practice of passing it on to each generation of bartenders that graced the counter of Eden Hall.

Ryuu's bow-out, and his last words as the sun rose over the city of Ginza, couldn't have been a more fitting end. This is a special episode, and one fitting for a conclusion, because among the rest, no where else are the responsibilities, joys, tears, defeats of the craft, nay, life, of a bartender so deeply focused on and celebrated.

This episode surpassed all in that it was truly a celebration of bartenders, and a tribute to their art. But really, the same can be said of this whole series, can't it? This ride was an honour to have made with Ryuu. Like Joojoobees, and reflecting the words of the narrator, I am sure that Eden Hall will once again open its door some day; with a new face, and surely, new patrons.

[kujoe]

Couldn't have said it better, Lost.

The theatrical style really suits this series, and it shows especially in this episode. As for the episode itself, I found it surprisingly moving in its own way.

Spoiler:

In retrospect, I like how this anime shows the connection between memory and moving forward, at each step in each moment, always looking back with the will to meet ourselves on the next day.

It's just too bad. These characters really grew in me. I certainly would like to see them passing the time at Eden Hall once again, but perhaps in some other time, whenever that time may be. How wistful indeed, and yet I can't help but feel that it all ends too quickly.

[Joojoobees]

Originally Posted by kujoe

Spoiler:

In retrospect, I like how this anime shows the connection between memory and moving forward, at each step in each moment, always looking back with the will to meet ourselves on the next day.

Spoiler for my favorite line from the episode:

Yes, my favorite line from the episode was:
"People change, so don't change the taste of the spirits. That way, when customers come to the bar, they can meet their past selves.

I'm sorry this show is over. I don't know anything like it.

[Sorrow-K]

That was a very fitting ending. Concluding episodic slice-of-life series is traditionally quite difficult, but this got it spot on by trying to do something special, yet fitting... and it executed it perfectly. Very heartwarming ending to a very heartwarming anime.

[Dop]

That was a truly magical end to a truly magical series, quite unlike anything I've seen before. Will we ever see its like again?

(Although biplanes and triplanes in the Second World War? If they'd researched their history as much as their drink they could at least have had a picture of a Spitfire! Although I can see how researching drink would be lots more fun!)

[tenunda]

I've got a question concerning episode #7 about that "black witch" scene.

What's it all about? That whole scene seemed significant, but it wasn't explained then or after, and I don't know what I'm missing.

Does anyone know what that "black witch" drink was supposed to represent? I mean, it can't be an obvious answer involving only its name. And what about that --

Spoiler:

-- thing Ryuu puts into her glass that he later denies putting in there? I don't get it. Maybe the "black witch" was only meant to foreshadow what happens to Ryuu right after, but that still doesn't explain the mystery ingredient. Ice?

Maybe I'm just overcomplicating this, but if anyone could shed some light on this for me, I'd really appreciate it.

[strategos]

Any hopes for this series getting a second season or even license?
Is the Manga in the StateS?

[NoSanninWa]

Originally Posted by strategos

Any hopes for this series getting a second season or even license?
Is the Manga in the StateS?

There is always hope. There just isn't any news.

And the manga is not licensed either.

[Recalcitrant]

Just a random note:
There was a blatant Bartender reference in Getsumento Heiki Miina 7.

EDITx2:

Spoiler for Screencaps:

[wingdarkness]

Quite sad...After watching Bartender, in my nightlife I asked Barkeeps for countless drinks I learned about in the anime and almost none of them knew how to fix them...Ask for a Pastis water and damn near got kicked outta the Hookah-Bar^^...I actually wanted to try a "Bartender" and no one knew what i was talking about..Oh well, in any event great series, I mean I learned alot of things that i'll try to incorporate into my intoxicated low-life activities ...