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Man Hidaka is really making all the power plays. It's clearly making Haruo very uncomfortable. but it's not all her fault tho. Haruo is kind of being a piece of shit by never expressing how he thinks or feels. It's just gonna leave both girls feeling like shit. If there is going to be any emotional payoff in this series it has to be Haruo being straight with how he feels to both girls.
hidaka on fire because of her high school hormones but man.. shouldn't you be more considerate of others at times. sure, love and lust are all pretty vibrating, but you can't just jump on haruo knowing he has no damn feelings for you.
not trying to judge her though.. i know a lot of girls who's have acted the same (including me), but seeing this scene from aside really turned reality to 360 for me. it feels really uncomfortable to be on the other side of the table.. knowing you can't give them what they expect of you.
It's the first time I see in a serious anime a girl (who while allegedly 15-16 still is being drawn like she's 12-13) that throws herself like that to MC.
It's unrealistic that haruo can be that dense at that age. Even if he prefers oono, at that age you would at the very least be hesitant at such a straightforward offer, but my man didn't even flinch.
Jesus man, Hidaka was clueing sum ecchi stuff especially that wet finger thing. She done gone desperate this time, she really wanted that D bruh. That ending was hella crazyyy!!!!!! I wasnt expecting this at all it got me shook, akira saw them too like that gone end up bad bru. I feel u Hidaka but man, i couldnt help to feel but cuz u aint winning this one. Idk T-T.
Who cares about blondie ? Who wares about the triangle ? Who cares about the romance ? Who cares about the first degree drama and the boring cliche that ends the ep ?
Except the joke on SF 3 it was sh*tty, braindead stupid and simply here for diluting.
Overall, a completely useless ep. :(
What else were expecting from this season dude if not the romance and the drama? Do you watch this show for the video games?
You're probably teh only one here who hated this episode so much.
It was a great episode.
Its the opinion of someone who rates Akira in 4/10 tho. He clearly don't understand anything he watch
Hidaka is so honest about what she wants, Ono needs to get her mute ass in gear and Haruo his head out of his lol Hidaka is a great character with a thing for the wrong guy, but she's still the best girl IMHO
Best episode so far in the whole show. Hidaka is a hot, steamy babe. Wimp Haruo not manning up and laying the pipe. Very nice how Hidaka didn't let pansy Haruo steer the conversation to geeky video games. Girl was on a mission
Hidaka is still pretty aggressive even in the romance department, even though she may not conquer Haruo's heart she will always be best girl in our hearts
Koharu and Haru were caught by Ono at the end lmaooo.
It was a nice episode! Much better than the last episode. I wonder if Haru is going to leave Shibuya and go back to his place of origin with the others.
All weebs creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by western animation. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Anime have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their western animation ways… For you, there will be great wrath.
After all that Hidaka goes through, Akira shows up. Damn, Hidaka is not getting that hug.
My feelings exactly. Screw anime sometimes, if you are going to force a route don't focus more on other girls. I swear Hidaka has more screen time than Ono, likely because she is the best girl. Clearly, the anime team felt this way and focused more on her. Damn this episode was frustrating.
But above that, damn is Hidaka in her game today. Destroying 10 people, including Yaguchi, consecutively. Then going on the attack on the love front too. I can't help but root for her.
This episode adapted some of my favorite couple chapters of the manga almost flawlessly. The tension between Haruo and Hidaka was so much better with voiced lines and good usage of CGI.
Wow, I'm really impressed.
To think Hidaka would be so forward and... Akira to see them together hugging each other. lol
It's not that I dislike this genre but... to add unnecessary fan services to/in/for heroines
and ultimately destroys her character and personality; their purity tarnished because of it,
is the only thing I hope to not happen to them. For that sole purity is my fan service.
Wait what. So where did they spend half of the night. My attention might have been diverted for a few minutes but for one moment they were in a restaurant and then the other they were walking around in the morning. What happened in between?. They definitely didnt got to a hotel.
Anyways the drama is thickening. Yaguchi definitely wants nothing romantic with the blonde girl. He only thinks about best girl Ono.
If you enjoyed the time you wasted, then its not a waste of time.
I think I underestimated how desirous Koharu is. That was the most undisguised, lustful flirting there at the cafe I've seen in some time. She wanted to jump his bones first chance she got, lol.
Unfortunately for her, Haruo has no sex drive at all, and only cares about video games. No wonder he didn't pick up on it.
Wow I really thought this season’s first few episodes would be lackluster filler plot. Never did I expect this episode to be the literal heaviest hitter of not just the season so far, but the entire series up til this point. It’s almost borderline uncharacteristic. I gotta say, I’ve known about this show for years, and I’ve been avoiding it because I assumed it was just Dagashi Kashi (somewhat obscure reference) featuring elementary schoolers playing video games the whole duration of episodes. But I’ve found out that this series can get pretty dramatic and deep into characterization.
I’ll say this episode was extremely tense, uncomfortable, and unnerving—in the best way possible. (I apologize, I don’t know the characters’ names…) “Blonde” reaches her breaking point in this episode. A culmination of years of her youth devoted to an unreciprocated, unrequited, one-sided love. Despite “MC” being too engrossed in video games to acknowledge her existence, she is still somehow infatuated and obsessed with the guy. Which makes it all the more tragic. I can’t imagine devoting your life to someone—being so desperately in love—only for the other party to be completely disinterested no matter what you do. It’s heartbreaking, it’s tragedy, it’s the embodiment of hopelessness. Cicyphus rolling the stone up the hill only for his efforts to be in vein.
Reminds me of the final episodes/movie of Kimagure Orange Road (an even more obscure 80s anime). Basically, both anime feature an “MC”, a girl who falls in love with the MC, and then the MC’s *actual* “love interest”. It’s a less common trope explored in anime, but it’s always a bit saddening to watch. Again, in a good way.
The “blonde” was always so cool, collected, and patient. Seeing her be so uncharacteristically and abruptly abrasive and forward was both whiplash for a seemingly lighthearted show about arcades yet also felt completely unsurprisingly given the aforementioned tragic circumstances and pent up emotions. During the climactic crescendo where she embraces the MC and begs/pleads with him to hug her back—was just SO well-done.
Yeah I had a pit in my chest during that whole diner scene. So awkward, so prolonged. Almost a little scary. (In a good way.) Almost looked like “blonde” was losing her mind. I also kind of admire the tonal maturity; the “blonde” gesturing seductively throughout the scene, possibly correlating to “coming-of-age”, puberty, or adolescent development. A “1 to 100” foray. Unexpected but welcome. I know the “manic pixie dream girl” trope is frowned upon—and I hate it as much as the next guy—but the execution of this scene seemed less about fan service and more about pushing psychological boundaries, exploring angst, and really just shining a spotlight on how pitiful unrequited love can be.
Kinda baffled by the out-of-left-field nature of the scene. (In a good way.) Putting myself in the “MC’s” place, I had a sort of lump in my throat. I was surprised that the “MC” kept his composure. I feel like other tropes slice-of-lifes would devolve into chaos, with characters spewing smoke from their nose and ears and fainting from shock. I was deeply invested in how the “MC” would react to the “blonde’s” unrelenting persistence. He was always able to remain comfortably in the friend zone, but this time he was totally cornered and forced to confront the suffering of a friend. I would have buckled under the pressure personally.
I will say, even I can acknowledge that the “blonde’s” persistence can be interpreted as “problematic”. Speaking personally, for myself, I know I wouldn’t mind it; I think the idea of someone loving you unconditionally is beautiful. But I see why other viewers could potentially be critical or put-off, or bring up “gender role reversals,” exemplifying a man’s persistent or unwanted advances toward a woman.. Which is why I would agree that the “MC” is experiencing something kind of unfair. And for as much as I felt awful for the “blonde”, I felt equally bad for the “MC”… unwillingly thrusted from his carefree video game-devoted life into romance and relationship drama. Something he’s always sought to avoid. I feel bad that he didn’t really ask for the awkward situation he was put in. Unlike other anime and romances, it should be acknowledged that the MC was never at any point leading the “blonde” on. (Unlike Kimagure Orange Road, for example.) He was always pretty transparent, and we know from the “blonde’s” inner monologues that even she is aware the “MC” is not interested in her. Heck, I’d argue at certain points, the “MC” views the “blonde” less as a “friend” and more as just a girl who follows him around, and he’s just entertaining her out of good nature. (I mean, yeah, I’m sure he thinks of her as a genuine friend given all the time they’ve spent over the years; but, my point is...) I don’t think the “MC” was deserving of “blonde’s” romantic plights, and I think up through this point, he’s behaved very appropriately.
OR, perhaps the “MC” IS deserving of this unwarranted fate? As if life is dealing him a lesson, as if to say, “You can’t just bury yourself in video games. You have to be present in the real-world and acknowledge the people in your life, from time-to-time.” As if to push him out of his comfort zone and impart that escapism is only a temporary means of avoiding social encounters, societal pressures, and life hurtles.
In the eyes of the MC: why is "purple hair" > "blonde hair"?
My final ponderance is… why ISN’T the “MC” interested in the “blonde”? After all, as I said, she’s sort of like a “manic pixie dream girl” (trope). Unconditional love, despite his flaws. Patience, persistence, devotion. Not only that, but the “blonde” went from being just another student at “MC’s” school to being the person he can bond with about video games the MOST (excluding “purple hair”).
It’s been alluded to that the “MC” is disinterested in romance; that he doesn’t really view “girls” as “girls” or “women” as “women”. The guy’s like an asexual sponge. His only fixation in life is video game mechanics over human affection. And yet… that’s not entirely true. Exhibit A being: “purple hair”.
Both the “blonde” and “purple hair” show an interest in video games, and serve as rare folks the “MC” can discuss video games with. Both are also formidable rivals, pushing the MC to improve at his hobby and serve as mind-stimulating challenges. The main difference is that: the “blonde” loves him unconditionally and almost never shows genuine anger toward him. Whereas, the “purple hair” is completely silent/mute, petty at times, a bit immature, and often inflicts violence upon him in fits of rage. And YET, if the MC could spend time with any girl… any HUMAN being… it would BE “purple hair”! SHE’s the only one he’s genuinely complimented for being “cute”! (I forget which episode.)
Why!?
I can theorize a couple of reasons why the “MC” prefers the moody and enigmatic “purple hair” over the perceivably better alternative. Ranked from least plausible to most plausible:
- Nostalgia and childhood memories. He’s known “purple” hair longer and was one of the first major influences in “MC’s” life. This first bullet is pretty surface-level and shallow, though.
- Both girls are shown to be bafflingly talented at video games. However—while the “MC” has beaten the “blonde” at plenty of games, despite her ever-growing skill—I believe he’s rarely if ever beaten the “purple hair” at a video game. Since video games dominate the MC’s life, it’s only natural he’d gravitate toward the person who can better present him with a challenge. However, this second bullet is also pretty shallow. We know the MC views “purple hair” as more than just a “challenge” to overcome. (See following bullets.)
- Side note: In this episode, he gave a profound monologue about connecting with others (and understanding their behavior and mind) “through the monitor”. Perhaps the “MC” better connects with “purple hair” “through the monitor”. Despite being impressed by the blonde’s skills, perhaps he fancies “purple hair’s” style of gameplay even more.
-- There was an episode where he fantasized about living with “purple hair” in an arcade.
-- He’s definitely monologued about finding her interesting and always being captivated when in her presence. When witnessing fireworks with her, he said “everything’s always more impressive when you’re around.”
- My final theory is that he feels an urge to “nurture” “purple hair”. He has remarked that “purple hair” often seems lonely at school (despite being placed on a pedestal); and he is well aware of “purple hair’s” tragic restrictive totalitarian home life. And he has numerously vowed to “be there” for purple hair as an outlet when she is feeling stressed . The “MC” even attempted to join purple’s prestigious high school so he could continue to look after her.
-- Why is he okay with sharing a bedroom with purple, but is so unnerved by the prospect of sharing one with blonde? It is because, in the blonde’s words, she was going to “attack” him; whereas, the MC knows he and “purple” will completely devote themselves to gaming when alone together.
As of S2E3, that is my theory. The MC is capable of affection. He has admitted to finding “purple hair” to be “cute”. He is naturally good-natured, and thus he desires to serve as a crutch for his distressed purple-haired companion. The “MC” lives and breathes video games; therefore, compared to the blonde whose biggest plight is a social struggle related to emotions, the MC views “purple’s” circumstances as more tragic as she is being deprived of something that the MC’s life revolves around. The “more tragic” girl who is “in need” of his help just so happens to better enrich the MC’s life by presenting more difficult challenges—through video game skill/expertise, “through the monitor”, and perhaps in real life too? A “gamer” is obsessed with strategically conquering the challenges presented before them. Naturally, the MC is inclined to help “purple” overcome her IRL “enemies” and “boss battles”; naturally, the MC is more inclined to CRACK purple’s code and UNLOCK her enigmatic secrets; for, not only is purple a more challenging opponent in video games, but she’s also a more challenging friend. Throwing multiple curveballs the MC’s way, providing him curiosity, thrill, and the gratification of growing closer to her. The “blonde” is practically giving herself to the MC without him having to work for it; but the MC wants what he cannot have.
* The MC is a refuge for "purple" to ESCAPE from her suffocating, claustrophobic, stuffy life, filled with high expectations and unnecessary obligations.
* "Purple hair" is a sanctuary for the MC, where he can ESCAPE from "trifling matters" like romance (i.e. "blonde"), social functions, and education—all unnecessary obligations.
* The "blonde" on the other hand does NOT use video games as a means of escapism; rather, she really only got into it in order to grow closer to the MC. Maybe it is the blonde's motive for playing video games that is her downfall?
The MC and "purple hair" ESCAPE via video games, and thus, they ESCAPE via each other.
Or… maybe it just boils down to an autistic boy desiring an autistic girl over, eh, whatever an antonym is for “autistic” LOL. Not to bring diagnostics into the mix. I’m well-aware that, more often than not, creators of media are NOT afflicting their characters with mental disorders; characters simply act absurd in anime because, well, it’s an anime. I genuinely didn’t want to throw the word autistic around, however, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind when trying to understand the MC on the deeper level, and by extension, “purple hair”.
And with that, this episode has been a 10/10. It rattled me to my core and really made me ponder. That’s what an anime should do, right? In a vacuum, it probably seems like I’m overanalyzing; it probably seems like I’m hyperbolizing the nature of the diner scene; it probably seems like the diner scene wasn’t the psychological warfare I was painting it to be. And yet, I’d argue that we should analyze the scene in context of the ENTIRE show. I put emphasis on the terms “abrupt” and “uncharacteristic”. It really was a tonal shift. The tension presented has generally been absent from the show. The story also flirted with teenage promiscuity and budding adolescent romance (but like I said) in a well-executed and mature manner. This episode is NOT territory I expected the show to explore when first embarking in early season one. I am impressed, I am gratified. Good subtle writing and pacing. Well-developed characters. Well-written character dynamics. Nice stakes—not too high but definitely present. A chill slice-of-life show with realistic and relatable conflicts: coming-of-age/growing up, grappling with sexuality (or lack thereof), overcoming escapism, and just being genuinely passionate about a hobby. Godspeed.