Futakoi Alternative - ending spoilers

[something]

I searched for the old thread and came up empty. So here you go.

Gah, finally! I just watched 9-13 and this really is a damn good show. The way it balanced the UTTERLY ABSURD (see... well the whole ending "arc") with amazingly well done romance, drama and character building generally was just awesome.

Sara, Soujyu and Rentarou have this amazing dynamic going on. And the girls don't fight over him! How refreshing is THAT!? This show was just generally free from most annoying cliches as a whole, which is great.

Kinda a shame that only the Gothiloli twins had any significant part in the show (apart from Sara and Soujyu of course), but then again I think I appreciate more the deep focus on the three leads than I would being a bit more balanced in screentime. Really though, when Soujyu and Rentarou were faced with all those squids in the castle and all of a sudden the Gothiloli twins and baseball guy showed up and starting kicking ass, I was so loving it XD I also loved that they flew from Japan to Germany in a propeller driven plane with no stops in like a day /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif And then crashed it through a castle and it still worked XD Hilarious.

Because, again, this show can handle mixing the two elements, and knowing to focus more on character development and the main three is totally admirable. All in all a surprisingly good show, and SO not for the reasons I was expecting in the pre-airing hype or even into the first episode. But I'm glad it turned out like it did.

And episode 7 is still one of the best episodes of anime I've seen in awhile. ::adds another show to the "buy when licensed" list:: Here's hoping that license comes!

[Suwako Moriya]

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disarm said:Kinda a shame that only the Gothiloli twins had any significant part in the show (apart from Sara and Soujyu of course), but then again I think I appreciate more the deep focus on the three leads than I would being a bit more balanced in screentime.

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First for the record I still need to finish the series myself. I believe I left off around episode 7 or so myself. Second yeah I know and I don't really care about the fact I'm reading spoilers. In any case I just have something to say regarding this myself. Now when I watched the first series one problem I had is most of the twins were well shafted except for two sets of twins.

Reading what you're saying here, I'm getting the impression that the same problem exists in this series. A problem I was hoping would be fixed in this version. Don't get me wrong. Even I understand each series needs have its main focus, but it's possible to have a main focus without the side focus getting shafted.

Still then again it's been awhile since I've seen either series. Perhaps in both cases the focus on the "side" twins for the lack of a better term is not as bad as I remember. Maybe I should rewatch both series in full eventually. Okay well in the case of alternative if I were to start at the beginning I'd only be rewatching some episodes, but whatever.

I should state that I did like what I saw so far of Futakoi Alternative. I just sort of lost track of the series after episode 7 for multiple reasons including getting side tracked. However that's probably blatant. So it's not like I hate the series if I ever gave that impression. Okay I've got to stop adding to this post. What?

[Suwako Moriya]

In any case I've just finished watching the series. Granted I still wish the other twins had more of a role. However that being said the series is definitely rather good. It's got a nice love drama theme going on. Also it teaches me an important lesson. Don't choose between hot twins! Okay so maybe that's not a good lesson to learn, but I don't care.

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disarm said:
::adds another show to the "buy when licensed" list:: Here's hoping that license comes!

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Me too, though I'm not holding my breath for a license. The original Futakoi hasn't been licensed either, has it?

[DiGiKerot]

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mifuneral said:
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disarm said:
::adds another show to the "buy when licensed" list:: Here's hoping that license comes!

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Me too, though I'm not holding my breath for a license. The original Futakoi hasn't been licensed either, has it?

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I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to push them as a bundle - if someone wants Alternative, they'll probably have to take Regular as well. I don't think I've heard anything particularly positive about Regular either...

I have absolutely no interest in regular. What draws me to Alternative is the wacky antics and the action, two things that, to my knowledge, are absent in the original Futakoi.

[Suwako Moriya]

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DiGiKerot said:I don't think I've heard anything particularly positive about Regular either...

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Honest I have mixed feelings on Regular. It wasn't the worst series ever, but I wish certain twins got more screen time. I mean during the final episode there was a set of twins that if I remember right made me go "Wait when did you first appear?". I'll be honest in some ways I did enjoy the original and do want to rewatch it. Of course I'm also insane and have special taste.

[something]

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Asa Shigure said:
Reading what you're saying here, I'm getting the impression that the same problem exists in this series. A problem I was hoping would be fixed in this version. Don't get me wrong. Even I understand each series needs have its main focus, but it's possible to have a main focus without the side focus getting shafted.

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To be honest, I think they were asked to do a Futakoi show and didn't even want to waste time with the other twins, but did it because they had to... or something. In the end, I'm actually glad they kept a clean focus, but yeah, more Gothiloli twins could never have hurt XD

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Okay well in the case of alternative if I were to start at the beginning I'd only be rewatching some episodes, but whatever.

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Yes! Finish it soon~ It's really a good second half.

[something]

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Asa Shigure said:
In any case I've just finished watching the series. Granted I still wish the other twins had more of a role. However that being said the series is definitely rather good. It's got a nice love drama theme going on. Also it teaches me an important lesson. Don't choose between hot twins! Okay so maybe that's not a good lesson to learn, but I don't care.

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Haha, damn I responded to your other post before seeing you made this one, but whatever /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif Yeah, the fact that he didn't *have to* choose is probably the #1 most refreshing thing about this show. Normally when a character doesn't choose it's just damn annoying BUT that's because the girls are always competing. These two, it never even crosses their minds. The concept of being three people together is so fundamentally a part of their concept of the world that "choosing" is... rediculous.

Really great relationship building in this show.

[something]

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mifuneral said:
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disarm said:
::adds another show to the "buy when licensed" list:: Here's hoping that license comes!

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Me too, though I'm not holding my breath for a license. The original Futakoi hasn't been licensed either, has it?

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No, but it's also terrible (sorry Asa /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif). I'm not "holding my breath" per se since you can never *assume* anymore that a series is going to be licensed in the current market, but I certainly think it has a fine chance down the line.

[golthin]

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disarm said:
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Asa Shigure said:
In any case I've just finished watching the series. Granted I still wish the other twins had more of a role. However that being said the series is definitely rather good. It's got a nice love drama theme going on. Also it teaches me an important lesson. Don't choose between hot twins! Okay so maybe that's not a good lesson to learn, but I don't care.

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Haha, damn I responded to your other post before seeing you made this one, but whatever /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif Yeah, the fact that he didn't *have to* choose is probably the #1 most refreshing thing about this show. Normally when a character doesn't choose it's just damn annoying BUT that's because the girls are always competing. These two, it never even crosses their minds. The concept of being three people together is so fundamentally a part of their concept of the world that "choosing" is... rediculous.

Really great relationship building in this show.

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Hehe! HE is a smart guy, even at the closing when they are sitting in the park and the girls close their eyes for a kiss, he doesn't kiss them, he closes his eyes and they kiss him.

[Crocodile]

Well I think there was a clear prefernce on Rentarou's part. Soujyu and Rentarou had a stronger bond between them than Renatrou and Sara. Of couse, if even though Rentarou may prefer "peanut butter", you can't really have a good sandwhich with "peanut butter" alone. You need "jelly"/"bannans" to go along with it. Here it's expressed by the fact that they are best/happiest as a trio.

Anyway Futakoi Alternative FTW. Frankly it was a good thing they focused on Sara + Soujyu cause there'd be no way to fit in 6 pairs of twins in a 13 episode show and give them all good/decent development and showtime. The show's spastic nature worked for and against it. Made things really interesting but also made things hard to follow. The drama center of the show was solid but seemed to drag sometimes. The level of detail in the animation and art really shows and stands out compared to many other anime which are cheaply done. By and by this show rocked I I look forward to ufotable's next work. They've been 3 for 3 for me.

[something]

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Crocodile said:
Well I think there was a clear prefernce on Rentarou's part. Soujyu and Rentarou had a stronger bond between them than Renatrou and Sara.

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Hrmmmm, I don't think I agree. I think it might have seemed like it since Soujyu was the only one he got to be alone with for all those episodes after Sara shouldered the burden of giving him up for Soujyu's sake. The little kiss Soujyu got was, I think, more to show he cared before he ran out to save Sara. He needed to get Soujyu to run to safety ahead of them, so as not to wind up possibly losing them both. So, I don't know, it's all interpretation, but I don't think he had a preference.

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Of couse, if even though Rentarou may prefer "peanut butter", you can't really have a good sandwhich with "peanut butter" alone. You need "jelly"/"bannans" to go along with it. Here it's expressed by the fact that they are best/happiest as a trio.

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Though, like I said, I think he likes both equally, yes, they definitely needed to be together above all regardless.

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Anyway Futakoi Alternative FTW. Frankly it was a good thing they focused on Sara + Soujyu cause there'd be no way to fit in 6 pairs of twins in a 13 episode show and give them all good/decent development and showtime.

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Yep, at 26 episodes maybe the other twins could have gotten a (short) arc each instead of only really one episode if that, but at 13 they needed a real focus.

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The show's spastic nature worked for and against it. Made things really interesting but also made things hard to follow.

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I think it was actually harder to follow when it was being especially quiet and reflective. The way they'd play with time when things were quieter could be confusing at first, but once you figured out what was going on it all fell into place really well.

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I look forward to ufotable's next work. They've been 3 for 3 for me.

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Hrm, time to check what else they did; I know the name but cant put my finger on other stuff... ::checks::

According to ANN:
- Dokkoida?! (TV) : Animation Production
- Futakoi Alternative (TV) : Animation Production, Production
- R.O.D -The TV- : Key Animation
- Sousei no Aquarion (TV) : In-Between Animation

Hrm, haven't seen anything else they've worked on, although it seems like Futakoi Alternative is the only one they actually produced (though animation production on Dokkoida).

[Crocodile]

2x2 shinobuden and Trista of the Deep Blue Sea were also done by them (so I guess that's three of four since I haven't seen that last one). Though it is listed under "ufotable zippers" which is like a subranch or something of ufotable.

[Suwako Moriya]

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disarm said:No, but it's also terrible (sorry Asa /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif).

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Ah come on, I admit the series has flaws, but I've seen a lot worse. I guess my point is I see Futakoi as more average than anything else. Heck if anything the real major flaw to Futakoi is purely the goat. The goat is evil and must be destroyed.

[golthin]

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disarm said:
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Crocodile said:
Well I think there was a clear prefernce on Rentarou's part. Soujyu and Rentarou had a stronger bond between them than Renatrou and Sara.

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Hrmmmm, I don't think I agree. I think it might have seemed like it since Soujyu was the only one he got to be alone with for all those episodes after Sara shouldered the burden of giving him up for Soujyu's sake. The little kiss Soujyu got was, I think, more to show he cared before he ran out to save Sara. He needed to get Soujyu to run to safety ahead of them, so as not to wind up possibly losing them both. So, I don't know, it's all interpretation, but I don't think he had a preference.



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I agree 100% with you! He only showed that little preferance to Soujyu so he could reasured her to go to sefety. He risked his life for Sara, I think that beats a kiss.

[stfram]

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golthin said:
I agree 100% with you! He only showed that little preferance to Soujyu so he could reasured her to go to sefety. He risked his life for Sara, I think that beats a kiss.


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No, I think he risked his life because Twin Nookie is worth it. /images/graemlins/shy00000.gif

[golthin]

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stfram said:
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golthin said:
I agree 100% with you! He only showed that little preferance to Soujyu so he could reasured her to go to sefety. He risked his life for Sara, I think that beats a kiss.


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No, I think he risked his life because Twin Nookie is worth it. /images/graemlins/shy00000.gif

[/ QUOTE ] /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif I guess!

[Crocodile]

I don't think Soujyu is petty enough to care and need a kiss before Rentarou ran off to save Sara. Plus why tell her to keep it a secret? Then you add in the things Rentarou said when him and Soujyu were alone. He basically says Soujyu is a better match for him. Of course, as you've already said, the whole concept of their world falls apart if they aren't a trio so this point is kind of moot. Plus, it is open to interpretation so there may not be a "right" or "wrong". However, this is the way I inerpreted it.

[Ty]

I just finished the last few episodes of the show too. Only one thing to say: ...........best ending ever. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[something]

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Crocodile said:
I don't think Soujyu is petty enough to care and need a kiss before Rentarou ran off to save Sara.

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I didn't see it as petty so much so much as reassuring. She might be strong and smart but she's still a 16 year old girl and she's still scared.

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Plus why tell her to keep it a secret?

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I didn't read much into that, I think it was just a joke, and his desire to be balanced with the girls.

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Then you add in the things Rentarou said when him and Soujyu were alone. He basically says Soujyu is a better match for him.

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Heh, I think that whole inner monologue he had going on was just his own desparate attempt to convince himself that things were okay with just Soujyu, and they needed to get on with their lives, and that they had to give up on Sara.

In the end, he couldn't fool himself any longer.

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Plus, it is open to interpretation so there may not be a "right" or "wrong". However, this is the way I inerpreted it.

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Of course.

[Suwako Moriya]

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disarm said:To be honest, I think they were asked to do a Futakoi show and didn't even want to waste time with the other twins, but did it because they had to... or something.

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Now on this note I just finished rewatching all of Futakoi Original. I now have completely mixed feelings about which series is better to me. This is simply for two reasons. First is the obvious Apples and Oranges thing. However the other part of the problem is this. While Futakoi Alternative is objectively a better series due to the strong focus on the three leads. Ultimately the fact most of the twins are shafted in Alternative. Sure in Original the balance isn't that great either. It was still a bit more balanced over all.

Alternative was mainly focused on the Shirogane twins. The rest either got minor roles, one shot appearances or cameos. Sure it was fun to see some of the changes made to them. Yay for Ichijo twins becoming Mikos. However the problem here if you love any of the twins besides the Shirogane twins, you'll feel cheated.

Original was mainly focused on the Ichijo twins and the Sakurazuki twins. The Hinagiku got decent supporting roles. While the Chigusa twins got minor roles. The Momoi twins seem to fall somewhere in between. While the Shirogane twins seem get the special, but short focus.

So as you can see if I'm judging in a general basis, Alternative is superior. However if I look at it based on character balance and the idea of liking the other twins I start to feel Original is in fact better. Like I said I have mixed feelings. On a side note watching Original, I knew the girls were made older in Alternative, but I didn't really take full notice until I saw the Shirogane Twins near the end of the series. Talk about a difference

[something]

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Mimi Masuko said:
Now on this note I just finished rewatching all of Futakoi Original. I now have completely mixed feelings about which series is better to me.

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Haha, I fully read your reasoning and all that, but the fact that you even had to stop and think about it scares me XD

[Suwako Moriya]

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disarm said:Haha, I fully read your reasoning and all that, but the fact that you even had to stop and think about it scares me XD

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Well if you only care for the Shirogane twins then there is no need to stop and think about it. It's when you start liking the other twins that a problem comes up and the mixed feelings truly settle in. At the same time since Original is "Harem" anime and it becomes the harder of the two series to enjoy. Just by the nature of the genre.

Of course Alternative creates a double edged sword. By for example showing the Ichijo Twins as Mikos and such they make them stand out more. However that also has the negative effect of making their lack of screen time even more noticable. Ie they make a much better initial impression, but then I'm left wishing for more. So I feel sort of let down.

[maehara]

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Xcalibur said:
I just finished the last few episodes of the show too. Only one thing to say: ...........best ending ever. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

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Just marathoned the series, and have to say I'm in two minds about the ending. The section of the show from where the girls started talking about "running out of time" up to when Rentarou and Souju were trying to pretend everything was okay without Sara & that life could go on as normal without her had me completely hooked. I knew that wasn't going to last & that they'd have to do something to get her back, but the whole squid thing was just too OTT for me (even by the show's usual standards) and kinda spoiled the ending - but there were some really good scenes between Rentarou and the girls in the final episodes as well, and I loved those.

So great series, would buy it in a heartbeat if it ever gets licensed, but definitely not finished off as well as it could have been...

[pianocello]

Just finished watching this. And I'm wondering why I overlooked this for so long just because the original was so bad.

I liked the animation style (which reminded me of FLCL with a little Mahoromatic) - I'm really surprised that GAINAX didn't do this.Loved the claymation too. I also liked how the fact that the characters were flawed but still showed character growth eventually. It's also been a while since I saw so many well-drawn butts in a non-hentai anime. :virgin:
The whole squid thing though in the last 3 episodes were however a little too ridiculous for me. I mean - all he to do to defeat the final boss was to launch a flying kick at it? Oh....and maybe it's just me but the last few minutes lacked the romantic emotional punch that I needed for me to be moved to tears.

Some things don't make sense to me - why are the girls constantly in school uniform when they don't go to school?

Oh...and eps 6 and 8 really almost made me wish that this was made into a full-blown hentai. :> :blush: Anyhow though, this show shows the correct way on how to take a horrible anime and make it into a better one.