Shizuka Kanina challenges the orderly succession of the Yamayurikai in the Rosa Canina episode. The officebearers are actually elected so although the en boutons are anointed successors, there is no guarantee that they will succeed their oneesamas - though in practice this hardly ever happens. Yumi angsts about Shimako’s decision not to run for the office of Rosa Gigantea, Sei’s refusal to interfere and her inability to help a seemingly out-of-sorts Sachiko.
Good grief, Sei can be *such* a lecher sometimes. LOL
We learn quite a lot about the relationship between Shimako and Sei as a result and my initial reactions closely mirrored Yumi’s. Having seen Ep 6 of Haru, I had a much better understanding of the Rosa Gigantea family dynamics in which the idea of freedom from attachment is a strong theme.
Being the ‘villianess’ of the episode, Shizuka plays an important role in Shimako’s development but affirming her desire to run for office which she had initially seen as a burden and meaningless once Sei graduates. However, as in many cases, when someone threatens to take something away from you, you often quickly realize its true value.
And Sei, in her usual rakish way, notes how good looking Shizuka is. Nice to see how assured she was in dealing with Shimako but being all the shy schoolgirl in Sei’s presence. Maximum points to Sei also for her sensitive yet not overly serious adieu to Shizuka - what a cad, but we still love her so!
MariMite for the win ^_^
I’m still amazed that this subtle and classy little show continued to deliver such great episodes.
Thanks for reading my retro-blogging, Mentar! I’m personally still a bit peeved that MariMite is languishing in unlicensed land… perhaps because it’s too subtle and classy?? (;^_^)
Really enjoying these posts, nice to look back on MariMite and remember just how much I love it. Perhaps I shall start watching it again soon these posts inspire me!
A good episode this one, I like the “goodbye” scene in particular. I remember watching this the first time through and being annoyed as I really liked Shizuka and thought she wouldn’t put in another appearence. Fortunately she did, as she is my favourite member of the sort of supporting cast.
Nice to see how much staying power MariMite has. :) A real classic IMHO.
I love Shizuka’s character design and voice but I also really liked how she developed an unusual sort of friendship with Shimako. Very White Rose family (which is why I also sometimes agree why parallels are drawn to Shizuru, Natsuki and Nao).