Myself; Yourself - Episode 8 Discussion / Poll

[Kang Seung Jae]

Originally Posted by Saleh

Isn't episode 10 too early for complete background info on Sana?

I believe this is a 12~13 episode anime.

If not, then I'll wait a bit for more info :P

[Phoenix14]

It's going to have 13 episodes.

[sapphirearcz]

Indeed i agree this is the BEST episode i have ever seen in this season.. really dramatic and emotional! Now i have a feeling to get the light novels for this anime.. any translated chinese books available?

[Midonin]

Aoi must have THE single worst sense of timing in the universe.

Okay, as much as I love the moeblob, there are more serious things to attend to.

Both Yuzuki-sensei and Nanaka get their backstories filled in, and I'm surprised. Also, given the zoom-in on Sana's watch at the end, there are things at work here. Major things.

Can't wait for more. Especially with next week being a Sentai/toku episode. (What can I say? Always been a toku fan.)

[puretsundere]

Originally Posted by sapphirearcz

Indeed i agree this is the BEST episode i have ever seen in this season.. really dramatic and emotional! Now i have a feeling to get the light novels for this anime.. any translated chinese books available?

You couldn't be more right. Definitely the best episode of the series thus far and the best episode of the anime season as of now.

Also, as of now, if I had to pick my favorite character from this anime, I would pick Yuzuki-sensei. There's just something about her. For me she turned this episode from a 10/10 to a 12/10. I just love Yuzuki-sensei. If I had her as my teacher, I probably would have gotten straight A's in high school. Seriously, who doesn't love caramel?

[holyman282]

Very nice ep, gave it a 10 and is probably better then some of the other animes I've picked up this season. This anime is just so full of mystery and drama.. The scene near the end was amazing. The director really knows what he's doing with the spectacular camera work, as we zoom into Sana's watch and then towards his face. The colour seems so nice this ep especially the rich yellow texture during the sunset.

[Chewy]

Originally Posted by sapphirearcz

Now i have a feeling to get the light novels for this anime.. any translated chinese books available?

Unfortunately no. I don't believe there are individual volumes out in Japanese yet either. As of now you can find them only in separate issues of Dengeki G's Magazine.

[thundrakkon]

This has been a great episode. Now, the long wait until next week...

If I had to speculate, I would go with the creepy, old woman who started the fire. Since they have not caught the person yet, it has to be someone we've seen so far.

Let's go over some notes.
- Sana was last in this town 5 years ago. He is now currently in his 2nd year of High School (class 2-F)
-The fire happened 3 years ago.
-The previous Sakura dance was 10 years ago. The Sakura dance also had flames as its background, probably signifying sacrifice.
-The creepy lady lost her granddaughter half a year earlier.
-The cat was *sacrificed* and buried under a sakura tree (as needed for the wish to come true).
-Sana's watch is focused upon anytime something tragic is mentioned. Knife and blood previously flashed back.

OK... I am beginning to think everyone's situation are totally non-related, but tragic in their own way. It would be quite good story if they somehow linked everyone's tragedy together to one common point, but I don't think they'll go that route.

Now, the wait for next week... ok, time to watch ef~

[Itadakimasu!]

I get the feeling that Sana had a bad relationship in his new town... probably got rejected or something, and he attempted suicide...

[Major1138]

Well that episode certainly cleared up Nanaka's situation. Now we know why she was so cold towards Sana at the beginning - she was angry because she though he'd forgotten about her since he wasn't there for her after the fire. Obviously that's a little much to ask, given how she could have called him or whatever, but from what Shuuske told Sana, it doesn't sound like she was doing well enough to do so.

It's also been implied that Sana's "new life" after he moved away wasn't all sunshine and lollipops either - given the sudden zoom on his watch and his pained expression after Nanaka accused him of forgetting about her and having fun with his new friends, I figure that's probably not true. There still remains the possibility it's covering a self-inflicted scar, but my guess is that it's a reminder of a friend who passed away under tragic circumstances. He did mention to his mom he needs to be stronger now. Maybe he thinks whatever happened after he moved away is partially his fault. It'll be interesting to see what it is.

Aside from Sana and Nanaka's respective tragic pasts, there still are a few things we still need to resolve - the creepy old lady is one, and Shuri and Shuuske's home life is still unsettled. As someone else has mentioned, it seems like they all have experienced tragedy of some sort in the past - I somehow get the impression that the way the storing seems to be going, everyone being together again will either directly or indirectly lead to everyone overcoming whatever it has that happened to them. Sort of a "power of friendship" thing.

Of course, how the creepy old lady fits in - I have no idea.

[s[H]sIkuA]

Omg, what a great episode. Definitely the best to date. Too bad they didn't show what happened to Kaji-san , I was waiting for that

The red color Help Me letter really scare the hell out of me lol.

I rate it 10/10.

Originally Posted by Itadakimasu!

I get the feeling that Sana had a bad relationship in his new town... probably got rejected or something, and he attempted suicide...

I don't think is love relation though. Maybe a friend died => suicide attempt , or something happened to his parents. I don't recall hearing his mother voice even once whenever they talk in the phone.

Lol next episode seems like a power ranger episode + Hinako/Shuu something

[NoSanninWa]

Originally Posted by sapphirearcz

Indeed i agree this is the BEST episode i have ever seen in this season.. really dramatic and emotional! Now i have a feeling to get the light novels for this anime.. any translated chinese books available?

Actually it is a toss-up between this episode and ef - a tale of memories episode 7. Both episodes are extremely emotional. It is amazing that two such episodes came out within a week of each other.

[SuperKnuckles]

Jeez, this episode was almost on par with ef in terms of drama effect.

Actually, some parts were a bit sadder like with the Caramel and the fire story.

[DanielSong39]

Two words: forced drama.

Sorry, this episode just didn't do it for me. I just didn't think there was sufficient buildup for an episode like this, and the episode itself was poorly structured. I do have sympathy for Nanaka's plight, but it did nothing to convince me that she is the right girl for Sana. At this point, I think plunging into a roller-coaster relationship would only make things worse; maybe what she needs is a nice friend like Asami to help her break out of her shell?

Power rankings:

1. Asami - Still at the top until further notice. Sana - if you miss the younger Nanaka, the older version is staring at you in the face!

2. Hinako - The show would be much better if she was the lead girl.

3. Aoi - Maybe she can help curb Sana's ecchi habits...

4. Yuzuki - While her scene broke the flow the episode, she turns out to be a genuinely nice person. Not quite at Mizuho's level, but a nice consolation prize.

5. Shuri - Maybe she was just going through a "phase"? She's back to normal, it seems.

6. Shuusuke - The potential was there, but looks like Sana was rejected - maybe he just couldn't shake his siscon instincts.

7. Nanaka - At this point, rooting for a Kaede-like meltdown. Boxcutter FTW!

[NoSanninWa]

Originally Posted by DanielSong39

Sorry, this episode just didn't do it for me. I just didn't think there was sufficient buildup for an episode like this

You don't think there was sufficient buildup?! For seven episodes, the major plot line was all about building up to this. We've done little besides make it clear how damaged Nanoka and Sana are. We've had plenty of foreshadowing of this event in various reactions and flashes.

Originally Posted by DanielSong39

1. Asami - Still at the top until further notice. Sana - if you miss the younger Nanaka, the older version is staring at you in the face!

Except that Sana has also changed as Nanako pointed out. He needs someone that can understand what he's been through. That will become clear soon enough.

2. Hinako - The show would be much better if she was the lead girl.

Well, if you're into 10 year olds I have no way to debate that one.

3. Aoi - Maybe she can help curb Sana's ecchi habits...

4. Yuzuki - While her scene broke the flow the episode, she turns out to be a genuinely nice person. Not quite at Mizuho's level, but a nice consolation prize.

5. Shuri - Maybe she was just going through a "phase"? She's back to normal, it seems.

6. Shuusuke - The potential was there, but looks like Sana was rejected - maybe he just couldn't shake his siscon instincts.

7. Nanaka - At this point, rooting for a Kaede-like meltdown. Boxcutter FTW!

Well, 3-7 make it pretty clear you weren't being serious (especially number 6), so I'll just roll my eyes and pretend I didn't just waste my time by responding to you.

[grey_moon]

Wow really enjoyed this episode and it fully explains Nanaka's actions at the beginning of the series.

What gets me now is the whole good friends issue that was brought up earlier. In my mind there was no reason for them not to tell Sana, *bleep* they should have got their parents to contact him 3 years ago. Instead they left Nanaka basically on her own, it seems that when Nanaka withdraws they leave her to it. <- that is an assumption from seeing how they dealt with her when she was angry at Sana.

The whole I couldn't do anything about it what could you do? How absolutely selfish is that? Shuu here is a clue it isn't about you. He realises how badly Nanaka was suffering (ofc not the extent of Sana now, as Sana has the secret post box), but how dare he decide to not tell Sana? Personally I think Sana has every right to be angry with Shuu, but luckily he directed his energies at being a lot more productive. So here is to Sana, lets hope he is able to help Nanaka get over her terrible trauma.

Asami does seem to be their relationship catalyst, as soon as she turns up something happens and Sana x Nanaka moves up a notch

Still plenty of mysteries to be answered. I reckon Sana was bullied to a point he slit his wrist.

*edit*
If he was bullied maybe it was because a super popular girl asked him out and he turned her down and then her fanclub starts targeting him

[CrisisDarkerXIV]

The theories about Sana attempting suicide is probably half-dead.

Spoiler for scene:

The scene when the watch shows after Nanaka saying something about Sana forgetting her having "fun with his new friends" should tell that the watch was just a present.

Too bad, I, at least, wanted some drama, but I guess I had my fill.

[SuperKnuckles]

Originally Posted by DanielSong39

Two words: forced drama.

Sorry, this episode just didn't do it for me. I just didn't think there was sufficient buildup for an episode like this, and the episode itself was poorly structured. I do have sympathy for Nanaka's plight, but it did nothing to convince me that she is the right girl for Sana. At this point, I think plunging into a roller-coaster relationship would only make things worse; maybe what she needs is a nice friend like Asami to help her break out of her shell?

I have to agree with NoSanninWa here. This is a short series and they did enough lead-ups till now.

Also, I don't think it's even a question of whether Sana is right for Nanaka. Most likely, both have traumas and that is a HUGE hurdle for them. That drama alone is what's keeping it afloat. NOT their romance, which there is very little of at the moment.

[serenade_beta]

Originally Posted by NoSanninWa

Actually it is a toss-up between this episode and ef - a tale of memories episode 7. Both episodes are extremely emotional. It is amazing that two such episodes came out within a week of each other.

It's with episodes like these that make me seriously (not trying to joke with "nice boat") wonder if "School Days" had any influence on it.
Break down/Psychosis/etc.

Originally Posted by DanielSong39

1. Asami - Still at the top until further notice. Sana - if you miss the younger Nanaka, the older version is staring at you in the face!

You must like Asami a lot. I do too.
Too bad it doesn't seem like they will bother focusing on her, leaving the only possibility being the unreachable and unplayable PS2 game...

Originally Posted by NoSanninWa

Except that Sana has also changed as Nanako pointed out. He needs someone that can understand what he's been through. That will become clear soon enough.

His "changes" are simply him growing up.
I'm not including his hidden changes (like fear of blood), but his overall personality.
Nanaka's personality completed flipped, but not Sana's.

Originally Posted by grey_moon

What gets me now is the whole good friends issue that was brought up earlier. In my mind there was no reason for them not to tell Sana, *bleep* they should have got their parents to contact him 3 years ago. Instead they left Nanaka basically on her own, it seems that when Nanaka withdraws they leave her to it. <- that is an assumption from seeing how they dealt with her when she was angry at Sana.

The whole I couldn't do anything about it what could you do? How absolutely selfish is that? Shuu here is a clue it isn't about you. He realises how badly Nanaka was suffering (ofc not the extent of Sana now, as Sana has the secret post box), but how dare he decide to not tell Sana? Personally I think Sana has every right to be angry with Shuu, but luckily he directed his energies at being a lot more productive. So here is to Sana, lets hope he is able to help Nanaka get over her terrible trauma.

Yes, yes. That's the thing.
Something so horrible happens to Nanaka and no one bothers to tell Sana and his family?!
If they were more active, perhaps the situation wouldn't be so horrible.

When Sana asked Shuusuke why no one told him, Shuusuke replied "Could you have done something about it?" (or something like that).
But if no one tells him, he definitely will not be able to do anything.


Oh, yes, because next episode seems interesting, here's a sneak peek of next episode, which gives a better preview than the episode preview:

Spoiler for episode 9 preview summary:

Sana, Nanaka, Shuusuke, and Shuri are invited to an amusement park by Aoi. They also invite Hinako making six members. They coincidentally met Asami, who was with the child of one of her relatives, and all of them watch a hero show.

Afterwards, Sana and Nanaka ride the ferris wheel together...

Hah... Asami continues to be treated like this...

[Mgz]

amazing eps 10/10

the last half was very well done scene, with the background music, the timing, the background art, the voice acting, lot of character developing and background, pure emotion~

the red help me help me help me parts send a shiver down my spine...ghost hunt flashback