For summaries of this episode, see Random Curiosity and Phoenix512. For me, it brought home why the series is called “Suzuka” even though it is told from Yamato’s POV most of the time i.e. everything revolves around Suzuka coming to terms with and then moving on from Tsuda’s death. The highlight for me, of course, was Honoka’s confrontation with Suzuka.
Honoka’s maturity and character growth has simply been excellent. Suzuka is unable to cope with Honoka’s “Wake Up Your Idea” speech and has to run away. She shows that she resents Suzuka but has ultimately accepted that there’s no room for her in Yamato’s heart - and given the rather shallow basis of her attraction and Yamato’s relative lack of enthusiasm, I suppose it’s all for the best. However I really do wish they had kept the photo shoot scene from the manga in - that would have completed Honoka’s transformation.
This series’ preview narrations have been routinely spoilerific but this one for the finale episode was simply a give-everything-away pooper. People who hate spoilers should avoid the “Next Episode” sections at all costs.
Cant believe that their gonna finish the series with the next episode! I was wishing that it went on like in the manga! But the show has been pretty good for the most part. Honoka was amazing in the confrintation but what about Suzuka where’s her character development. Is’nt it her show?
I think that saying that Honoka resents Suzuka would be too harsh. She has nothing against Asahina personally, she’s only sick and tired of her stupid denial, and she is hurt about the fact that Suzuka’s wavering has caused her real pain. If Honoka really hated her, she wouldn’t have tried to comfort her early on, and she wouldn’t have tried to convince her to finally drop her act and accept Yamato.
For the second time, after their breakup, Honoka shows a high degree of maturity and personal class. She didn’t simply slam Suzuka to get rid of her own frustrations, she tried to help the guy she loved one more time. Basically, her true message was “drop your denial act, and don’t let my sacrifice go to waste; he loves you, and you do, too”.
Girl, I hope that you will reap your rewards later in the (still ongoing) manga.
Nocturn, yes I did enjoy this show for its story even though the production values left much to be desired at times. There’s certainly enough material in the manga for a second season but I don’t think it would have the same impact as the first season.
Yes, Mentar, I should have phrased the bit about resentment (Suzaka vs. Suzaka’s behaviour) more carefully. Still, it must have been pretty galling that she had to chase Yamato while Suzuka had Yamato chasing her even when she was being difficult and often unpleasant - which makes her “Go to him” even more meaningful. Kudos to Honoka-chan for her big heartedness!