While it's nice to see the MC and Yamada's bond strengthen and grow closer (this being the most progressive thing in the story), it sometimes feels like the MC is back at square one, and he's as naive and insecure as he was at the start. I was a bit annoyed at how defeated he acted after the double date sequence. He was relatably emotionally drained after several stress-inducing scenarios, however, things ultimately always turned out in his favor, with him acknowledging that Yamada wanted to spend time alone with him and the fact that Yamada hinted at wanting to remain together afterward (to which he baffling told her he was just going to go home). Luckily, the White Day exchange at the end redeemed him and tied the episode up in a pretty bow.
Also—I love a good "cry scene"—but Yamada's persistent episode-to-episode tears, I fear, will become obsessive or forced. I'm not fully there yet, but I feel the season is reaching its cry threshold. Luckily, I think the tears were pretty justified in this scene. Yamada was visibly profoundly bothered by MC (seemingly) calling Haru "cute"; so him calling her "so cute he could die" at the end could have definitely stricken the particular chord in her.
But ya know, I also feel like him saying "I love you. I do" (out loud, as opposed to inner monologue) could have worked. I don't know what arcs are to follow, but I don't think him confessing then and there would have been forced or out-of-left-field. Alternatively, I even think Yamada's tears could have been extra-justified if the MC responded to them by saying "We've taken just a few necessary steps forward. This is our vibe." (Calling back to Yamada saying "I like this vibe.") It's definitely in his character to say something like that out loud, rather than it being an inner-monologue. ..... I acknowledge that "less is more", and I agree. But this entire show has been "less it more", and has much artfully subtle dialogue. Yet, every once and a while, some extra seasoning would be appreciated. Not so much as to ruin the pacing—because I understand the need to prolong the story—but sometimes I feel a tad sold short. Essentially, from Yamada's perspective, MC just said "you're so cute I could die" and then went silent (albeit placing a gentle hand on her). But if it were me, I really would have given MC some words of console. Because that ending seen was gorgeous—the color palette and lens flares, the soaring music, the facial expressions and voice acting—everything sold the scene. But for something so beautifully executed, I feel some slightly stronger dialogue would've really done it some justice.
I feel like at this point, surely, they are both fully aware they are in love with each other. Especially after what transpired in this and the prior episodes. There is simply no more ambiguity, and there feelings are transparent—crystal. I'm all for prolonging the confession, but surely after this episode, something gigantic is coming. (If there is a manga, I have no idea what its outcome is.) Like @/kisip123 said: "Peak after peak". In terms of audience enjoyment, impactful moments, and I feel story beats—I have no idea how they'd intend to prolong things any further given that it's been peak after peak after peak. Is it even possible to keep peaking peaks?
All just some minor nitpicks. This is a pretty top-tier show, and potentially one of the best anime romances in the entire genre. A modern classic that trumps most of its predecessors. However, sometimes I feel like it falls ever-so-short of the mark. Deliberately (to prolong). All the pieces are there and I'm vying for the story to connect them, but just when I think peak impact—peak ecstasy—will be achieved, the train stops in its tracks. Yanno? And, oh my god, I think I've been describing edging this whole time. |