Quite relieved that Haruhi is going from strength to strength. One of the things that I enjoy about this series is that it’s hard to pigeon-hole it into a normal category. The setting is high school but with romance, sci-fi, wacky humour all thrown in and as diverse as these elements are, they all hang together very well. Even after watching the subs, I still had to rely on DarkMirage’s explanation to get a full grip on all the plot elements.
I also liked how the episode threw me into the deep end about how everyone in the SOS-Dan knew about Haruhi’s God Mode and each other’s roles. I think this plays well to fandom because (1) the novel-readers can feel omniscient; (2) the rest of us have to spend some braincells to think about it thus appreciating its construction even more as well as engage in speculation. IMHO anime that have long term fandom usually achieve this by creating intriguing plot elements that are never fully explained or resolved thus leaving fans plenty of space to extend the franchise.
I’m actually quite surprised that I like Tsuruya. Probably partly due to her single fang. I was waiting for her do an Akane Suzumiya inspection of Kyon but Mikuru interrupted before she could start counting points. But she’s great mainly because, like me, she actively enjoys how Haruhi torments Mikuru.
My favourite line of this episode: “Nice idea desho, Mi-ku-ru-chan!?” The animation was just terrific and Mikuru actually faints! Everyone has mentioned the ear chomp but what I liked most was how sensuously Haruhi stroked Mikuru’s head. Sometimes given how Haruhi treats the guys like objects or potatoes, I get the feeling that she treats Mikuru like a favourite pet. Somewhat like those hapless puppies whose owners dress up in fancy clothes and hats and then parade around, screeching how cute their thoroughly humiliated pet is. In that vein, Yuki will be the inscrutable house cat.
I realize kinder souls are sometimes uneasy with Haruhi’s treatment of Mikuru but these scenes are positively the highlights of the show for me. I just like Haruhi much too much.
A lot of the fun impact also comes from Mikuru’s reactions. As Sei Satou would say, she loves to tease Yumi because her reaction is great. I just love how Mikuru whines so pathetically and how lame her (non-)fightbacks are.
Oooh, jealousy. Very very cute ‘black face’ look. Even if it means the destruction of the world. Even Aya Hirano’s exhalation of frustration was pure gold.
The Evangelion homage was a lovely touch. The composition and motion of the scene was almost the same with Misato’s last glimpse of the Giant of Light except for the colours and the ferris wheel replacing the wrecked metal girder tower. Also marvellous to see Yuki in action. I like her better with her glasses though.
Right at the start when Haruhi launches into her latest idea and Kyon starts his sarcastic commentary, the trumpet score sounds which supported Haruhi’s energy and Kyon’s bewilderment. Those two scenes also highlight how varied and enjoyable the music for this series is. Love the Gregorian chant BGM as Itsuki and Kyon are discussing Apocalyse Now, supporting Haruhi’s Divine Status and impending End of the World. The fast-paced techno-music also fitted really well with Yuki’s blazing SQL incantations and created comic relief with her stiff, nonchalant home run pass the slackjawed opponents.
A little bit of dere goes a long way. Melting, I is melting…
Even if it means Earthexplodey, I cannot shake this “KYON X MIKURU FTW!” feeling welling deep within me.
I’ve gotten into the habit of suffixing the episode titles with the episode numbers that Haruhi proclaims. My intent is to watch the episodes in her order once I get them all. Wish me luck.
Hmm… I already wrote out a post about Ep04 on the other side.
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Cheers.
I believe the Church of Haruhi has opened. Where can I go for the catechism?
Agree on the hair-caress.. much more sensual than the ear nibble… but now if it’s a ear-lobe nibble….
I like Tsuruya too. A lot actually. I don’t know why… Something about her really caught my attention and interest (One of her highlights is her laugh. Can’t get enough of it :p). She strongly reminds me of another character but I can’t put my finger on who… Hmm… I’ll get back on this later. ^^
I think Tsuruya has the same seiyuu as rein from gokujou seitokai and inoue from bleach, also osaka from azumanga
Yes, that’s true. But it’s not so much of Matsuoka Yuki’s role as her seiyuu. It’s more like Tsuruya’s wacked personality. It’s like I’ve seen a similar character elsewhere but I can’t remember where… ^^;