ROW ROW FIGHT DA POWA!
Episode 5 and 6 marks the beginning of a turning point of the series as revelations and upsets flood in.
Upset #1
From the moonlit confession to Hirose in the beginning of episode 5 to the teary breakdown and apology to Hayami, Hinata has finally come full circle back to being Hayami’s friend. This time, Hinata’s not backing down in the face of pressure as we watch her defend Hayami and Hirose from the class as well as face up to her grandfather. You go girl! ROW ROW FIGHT DA POWER!
“None of you can withstand the power of the Kagura family! Back off!”
Revelation #1
Finally, the full story sets in as we discover the reason for the whole village’s hate towards Hayami. Turns out the Kohinata family was the original village head. However, they abused their power and got overthrown by the village, led by Hinata’s grandfather who thus became the village head. Can anyone say “coup”? The Kohinata family was chased out of the village, except for one member of course. Why Hayami still remains is beyond me, unless she sees it as atoning for her percieved sins (see Upset #2)? However, without her, we wouldn’t even have this show to watch would we? *lol anime logic*
Revelation #2
Hinata’s grandfather’s ambitions, of whom I will now refer to as “old man” because he is one, are now fully revealed as we find out that Hirose comes from a rather prominent family. Getting Hinata married to Hirose seems to be his idea of improving the name of the Kagura family. From this, it would seem the above mentioned coup may not have been done exactly for the good of the village but perhaps for personal gain. Either that or power corrupts. On a side note, it seems the village is still rather traditional, following upon the village head hierarchy system. To respect the head is one thing but to fear him is another thing altogether. How the class reacted to Hinata’s defence of Hayami is a good example of this. Makes him almost as bad as the Kohinata family in my books.
Goon on the right looks like he wants to kiss someone…
Now, it remains to see how the battle unfolds as Hinata pits herself against the old man. Somehow, I think this fight will get worse for Hinata and gang before it gets better.
Revelation #3
The Hotaru and Otoha link is finally revealed as we glimpse at the photo in the Kagura family house.
I suppose this confirms that Otoha is Hinata’s sister and she has been trying to patch things up between Hinata and Hayami from behind the scenes through Hirose. However, I’m not sure this is the only issue Otoha is concerned with. Maybe countering the old man’s ambitions as well?
Also, Otoha hints that Hirose’s seeing days may be coming to an end. I know people have been complaining about the the blindness thing disappearing so abruptly between episodes 1 and 2 as a lame plot device that serves no purpose. However, I feel there is more to it than meets the eye, considering that we have yet to hear of Hirose’s story with that train dream.
Revelation #4 and Upset #2
As expected, Yui is the one most agitated at the formation of the 3 Ship Alliance 3 “H” Alliance. However, her story comes through as we find out she lost her grandfather indirectly due to the Kohinata family’s greed, which is by no fault of Hayami’s. However, since Hayami is the only one around, she gets the blame. Hey, we all need someone to blame. I respect that (=w=).
Some level of maturity in Yui exists though as when Hayami finds the lost Yui at her burned down house (above), Yui did not vent her frustration at Hayami directly but instead did so on the ruins of the house. To me it seems that Yui does know deep down that Hayami is not to blame. +5 coolness factor to Hayami too for that closing statement, “I have nothing more to give.”
“I have nothing more to give you”
Bottomline, Hayami gains some grudging acceptance from Yui.
“Just eat it already!”
[Overall Impressions]
Battle lines have been drawn and the drama heats up as we go round the first turning point of the series. No doubt the old man will do something drastic pretty soon. He just seems that kind of guy. After the fanservice episode 4, I was worried the series was going for a downhill slide. Fortunately, those fears are unfounded. With the nuclear option activated in True Tears also, looks like the drama this season is pretty hot. Which series will turn out to be the better drama still remains to be seen though. It ain’t over till Hiyuu sings ^^. The next episode is titled [Hotaru]. Looks like we get the scoop on the circumstances of her death.
Also, Yui’s reaction to Hayami’s new hairstyle was lol. Gotta love those eyecatches.
“ONLY I SHOULD HAVE PIGTAILS!”
As expected, the pics change.
Man is Hayami’s punch deadly…
Side Note: I have been wondering how the H2O posts are so far. Any suggestions for improvements? Also, what do you think of the animated Gifs I have been putting up? They did take some effort to make you know ^^. If you guys like them I guess I can make them a more regular feature in my posts.
