hontou ni sou omou?

Yumi’s panic turns out to be much ado about nothing but given it’s her first date I was disinclined to be overly harsh on her. After last episode’s tutoring of Sachiko in the ways of window shopping and fast food, she now takes the lead in helping Sachiko purchase rustic peasant clothes known as “blue jeans” while Shimako and Yoshino come to a typically enigmatic White Rose mutual understanding and Yoshino finds the resolve not to be Buffalo Bill. The series ends on an appropriately sweet note over tea and cake for Yumi, Sachiko, Yoshino, Tsutako and Minako, a tender reunion between Shimako and Sei as well as a typically emotional exchange between Yoshino and Rei.

Strummin’ my pain with her fingers, Singin’ my life with her words,
Killing me softly with her song, Killing me softly, with her song, …

Yumi also displays commendable character growth by quickly getting over her initial panic and taking the lead in helping Sachiko in learning about the strange ways of ordinary commoners. And commendably for Sachiko, she takes her cue from Yumi and solves the problem of having no programme - structuring a program around “Learn from Yumi.”

Always good to see Sei and although Rei and Yoshino are the oldest soeur pair, the White Roses (including Shizuka) show how the still waters run deep. Shimako and Sei’s interaction does well even with repeated viewing, a testament to their emotional depth and complexity. I honestly couldn’t get a good handle on it until more background information was revealed in Haru as well as Erica’s expositions on the novels but theirs is the one I’ve come to enjoy most.

Again, I like how previous plot points are used. We are reminded of Shizuka’s comment about Sachiko’s harshness (refusing V-Day chocolates from all except Yumi) being another form of kindness when Yoshino tells Rei that her kindness is actually causing suffering. This distinction really struck a chord with me as I subscribe very much to the Sachiko school (though I don’t have her akogare fan club LOL).

Phew! That’s another yuri retro-blogathon completed. I certainly enjoyed re-watching this series and hope that it’s rekindled fond memories for those who have the good taste to able to enjoy this as well as perhaps to create some interest among those who have yet to sample this generally under-rated gem.