Really heavy episode. Not really sure where to start even... Probably Kashiwa-senpai.
The imagination scenes really fooled me, I really really thought they went to that hotel and I especially really thought she asked if he wanted to have an affair. While watching I was already thinking "I'm going to need to see myanimelist later to see if that was real", because honestly I thought that line was real and Satou answered with that question about her being happy. With a lot of you people on this discussion, I agree that Satou and Senpai could've had a life together if they had got together in high school (now that I remember, wasn't there a scene on the last days of Senpai at school that she locked the door, took off her vest, and kissed (?) him?). Anyway, as sad as it is (and I am REALLY sad about it), they can't be together anymore. Senpai really seems to have mental problems and needs some stability in her life, which I think Jogasaki and her coming child can give her. Satou is still troubled and can't give her that support. Really sad, and I became even sadder when I realised this episode and that whole event was their parting ways... I hope they do get to meet again in 10 years and they're all happy and stable! ("Sayonara, Senpai.")
Misaki. I hate how Satou didn't even THINK of her when he got lost and then met Senpai. It's like she's not important at all to him, even though fact is without her none of this would have happened and he would still be a real heavy hikikomori. Also, I first thought that her reaction seeing was simply being heartbroken because she misunderstood and she actually had feelings for him. I'm sure that's part of the case, but not fully the reason why she became so depressed, down, and sad. Finally, we see a deeper glimpse into her personality and life. It would seem to me that she had family problems, from the flashes I'd say divorced parents, domestic violence, alcoholism, possibly suicide or at least suicide attempts? Really makes me feel sad for her... Why did Satou have to lie about meeting Senpai? What is wrong with that? Why did he have to go and say it's some middle-aged guy? That doesn't make any damn sense.
Maybe for a lot of people, Misaki seems really selfish and insecure, especially her saying to herself that Satou is way lower than him and trash and all that and that he needs her, which gives her a reason for existing and living. Yeah, it's selfish, but I think it stems from her insecurity. I understand the feeling of being insecure, of feeling like you have no reason to live, to exist. That the world doesn't need you. Nothing, no one needs you. Even if you were gone, there'd be no change. You don't matter. That's what she's feeling. First, it was Senpai. From her eyes, it would seem that Satou doesn't need her as his only companion left. Second, the call with Yamazaki. She thought he still needed her for food, but he doesn't either. When she asked whether that meant he didn't need her anymore, I was CRUSHED.
Then the scene in the park. All her statements about suffering, pain, God, belief. I can really feel her pain, her suffering, what she's thinking, why she's thinking, the sadness, the grief, the depression. It was really heartbreaking. But Satou just sat there, while she was clearly showing for the first time (sincerely) that she NEEDED him, she needed SOMEONE. When I first began watching, I thought it was going to be Satou needing her help. But it turns out, they need each other's help and they help each other. Why did he just sit there? I see parallels with the scene where he was on the rooftop with Senpai in high school. She was crying after she broke up with her boyfriend, and he just sat there (again, sad, since if he had comforted her then, they might have got together). Misaki seems to be losing it. I'm curious and afraid to see what happens next with her and their relationship. I'm disappointed we didn't learn MORE about her, but at least it's starting, and with Senpai and Yamazaki's stories ended, I think we'll focus more on her.
As for Satou himself, can't really say I hate him. Life seems to be looking kind of better for him now, at least slightly. He was really stupid for not remembering Misaki at all during that time, but can't really HATE him. I hope he realises that Misaki is really meaningful to him in his life and that he needs to stop with Senpai and accept that that part is gone.
Overall... one of the best episodes in this series. After some less good episodes, I'm happy to see such a good one! This more serious tone is really the reason why I keep watching this series, and I'm only sad because there are only two episodes left... I really hope the ending isn't a cliffhanger and that it really is meaningful... (kinda hoping it's a happy ending for everyone to be honest). 5/5
P.S. Animation was a little weird. I'm not sure, but it was Senpai's face, especially before they parted ways. I'm not sure if it's because the animation was weird or because I'm just really not used to seeing her smiling.
P.P.S. Wow, this post got really long! Just shows you how much this episode had though. |