Clannad After Story discussion thread

[EmperorBrandon]

With Clannad After Story coming up next month, I thought I would start up a new discussion thread, since we have a new series here and the second thread for the original series got to be about as long as the first one.

Previous threads:
Clannad discussion thread (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=75668)
Clannad discussion thread part 2 (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=78655)

Related links:
ANN Encyclopedia entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=9701)
Official website (http://www.tbs.co.jp/clannad/)
Schedule (http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/1462) for airing dates and times on various stations.

And the courtesy note, copy & pasted from something in the previous threads:

Note
As usual, please try to follow these two easy forum courtesy habits when replying:
1) If you're the first person to post about an episode in any given week, please respond to the root post (this post) and indicate in the subject line which episode you're posting about.
2) If someone has already posted about an episode before you, please respond to that post (or a relevant reply to that post). Keep in the right subthread.
3) Don't use the blue "Post Reply" button because it causes your reply not to correctly inherit the subject line of the post you're replying to. Just click "Quote" to the post you want to reply to.

Additional note from me:
Please do not post any game-related spoilers, especially those that are beyond the point the anime has covered. This should be common sense by this point, but I would like to reiterate it here. Please do not even be vague about events that have yet to happen in the story of the anime series. I think a "zero tolerance" attitude towards spoilers will be best for those that are concerned about such things. I know not all are, but this is for those that are, and I think there is good reason for it.

[EmperorBrandon]

I'm curious - does anyone know if there's anything definite and official about whether this will be one or two cour? I'm still trying to keep myself unspoiled on the game story (let's hope it stays that way...), so I don't know particularly how much story they have to animate.

Seeing some of the promotional artwork for this is started to get me psyched up for it all over again. It's particularly cool to me that it starts airing the same month Kanon finishes up its R1 release (let's hope that an R1 license and release for Clannad is not too far off).

[Fudce]

More Clannad is always welcome, and I for one am really looking forward to this. I've been trying to keep myself clean of any possible information as well. It's good that Tomoyo will get more screentime, since she was probably my second favourite of the Clannad girls.

[Fencedude]

I'm curious - does anyone know if there's anything definite and official about whether this will be one or two cour? I'm still trying to keep myself unspoiled on the game story (let's hope it stays that way...), so I don't know particularly how much story they have to animate.

Seeing some of the promotional artwork for this is started to get me psyched up for it all over again. It's particularly cool to me that it starts airing the same month Kanon finishes up its R1 release (let's hope that an R1 license and release for Clannad is not too far off).

I think it really depends on just how much they want to animate, whether they want to include some ommitted portions of the School Life arc, whether they intend to do both the Normal and True Ends...it really could be either...

[Ty]

Having seen Toei's movie version, I'm curious how similar/different Kyani will do things. For the record, watching the Clannad movie has not hampered my enthusiasm for the upcoming tv series in the slightest. I don't particularly recommend people do what I did, but I don't regret seeing the movie (though if I had seen it before the first tv series I would feel very differently).

[Nosredna]

Oh next month? Sounds good to me, I can't wait to see how it all plays out. Although I never bothered to watch the extra episode from the last season, I won't miss anything right?

[Fencedude]

Oh next month? Sounds good to me, I can't wait to see how it all plays out. Although I never bothered to watch the extra episode from the last season, I won't miss anything right?

Its an alternate universe episode where Tomoya and Tomoyo are dating, so no, its not relevant.

You should watch it though, it was really good.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah so the time for Clannad After is drawing closer and closer. It's definitely one of the series I'm looking forward to this fall. Granted I don't have much to say about it beyond that right now. I'm too lazy to make Dango and Starfish related jokes right now.

[EmperorBrandon]

I think it really depends on just how much they want to animate, whether they want to include some ommitted portions of the School Life arc, whether they intend to do both the Normal and True Ends...it really could be either...

I'm curious about those omitted portions, though I guess even if they are skipping them, I'll still wait until the end of the After Story TV series until I read up on them (however I may go about that - better not chance it even if it would only be stuff about School Life arc).

[Fencedude]

I think it really depends on just how much they want to animate, whether they want to include some ommitted portions of the School Life arc, whether they intend to do both the Normal and True Ends...it really could be either...

I'm curious about those omitted portions, though I guess even if they are skipping them, I'll still wait until the end of the After Story TV series until I read up on them (however I may go about that - better not chance it even if it would only be stuff about School Life arc).

None of it should be particularly relevant to Afterstory, most of the omitted stuff involved characters like Yukine, Misae and Ryou, who had arcs of sorts in the game.

[Vegard Aune]

Having seen Toei's movie version, I'm curious how similar/different Kyani will do things. For the record, watching the Clannad movie has not hampered my enthusiasm for the upcoming tv series in the slightest. I don't particularly recommend people do what I did, but I don't regret seeing the movie (though if I had seen it before the first tv series I would feel very differently).
It'll propably be quite different. For one, I'm almost 100% sure that the movie didn't show either of the game's endings, and basically just ended halfway through the story. Also, looking at how different the school-life arc was in the movie, (especially the Illusional World, which was changed completely) they propably made a lot of changes to how the After Story played out too. Therefore, we can propably expect the KyoAni-version to be significantly different, and propably a lot closer to the game, though being that I haven't played it, I can't say that for sure. (Though I do hope to be able to play the game eventually, I can't at the moment, being that I can't read kanji at all.)

Either way, there is absolutely no way this won't be good, (Season one was great, everything else I've seen by KyoAni was also great) so I'm excited about this. Also, I'm looking forward to hearing that new theme-song they apparently made for it. "Based on a BGM-piece from a game" + "Somewhat resembles the Air-opening" sounds pretty damn awesome to me.

[Ty]

None of it should be particularly relevant to Afterstory, most of the omitted stuff involved characters like Yukine, Misae and Ryou, who had arcs of sorts in the game.

I would've been all for Ryou getting more screentime. I suspect I am in the minority on that too.

[Fencedude]

None of it should be particularly relevant to Afterstory, most of the omitted stuff involved characters like Yukine, Misae and Ryou, who had arcs of sorts in the game.

I would've been all for Ryou getting more screentime. I suspect I am in the minority on that too.

Ryou's arc is a bad end.

(such as there are, in this game. Also she's kinda a bitch apparently)

[Ty]

Either way, there is absolutely no way this won't be good, (Season one was great, everything else I've seen by KyoAni was also great) so I'm excited about this. Also, I'm looking forward to hearing that new theme-song they apparently made for it. "Based on a BGM-piece from a game" + "Somewhat resembles the Air-opening" sounds pretty damn awesome to me.

Of course. :) I'm just saying, I know lots of people avoided the movie knowing the next tv series was coming, so I have a slightly different kind of anticipation than most of us do having seen it.

I'm looking forward to the new song too, though I still think if they have no plans to animate Tomoyo After they should steal it's entire soundtrack for the After Story animation. Light Colors and Life is like a Melody are my favorite Lia songs and I want to see them put to screen credits one way or another.

[Ty]

None of it should be particularly relevant to Afterstory, most of the omitted stuff involved characters like Yukine, Misae and Ryou, who had arcs of sorts in the game.

I would've been all for Ryou getting more screentime. I suspect I am in the minority on that too.

Ryou's arc is a bad end.

(such as there are, in this game. Also she's kinda a bitch apparently)

:( I could've gone my whole life not knowing that actually....... I can't imagine her personality being that way from what's already been portrayed.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ryou's arc is a bad end.

(such as there are, in this game. Also she's kinda a bitch apparently)
:( I could've gone my whole life not knowing that actually....... I can't imagine her personality being that way from what's already been portrayed.

You're not the only one. The idea of her being kind of a bitch is unexpected. It gives the impression that Ryou is one of those characters that shows her true nature later.

[Nosredna]

I would've been all for Ryou getting more screentime. I suspect I am in the minority on that too.

I would have liked to see more Ryou too, especially at the expense of some of the other girls :P.

[Draneor]

I would have liked to see more Ryou too [...]

Well, Key needs to make a Clannad AD EX, which will include paths for Ryou and Mei as well as three to five new characters no one cares about and cause us to part with another ¥8000. ^^

[Fudce]

I would've been all for Ryou getting more screentime. I suspect I am in the minority on that too.

I would have liked to see more Ryou too, especially at the expense of some of the other girls :P.

You're only saying that because Ryou comes with Kyou attatched. More Fuko on the other hand we can do without. But we do need more Kotomi

[Nosredna]

You're only saying that because Ryou comes with Kyou attatched. More Fuko on the other hand we can do without. But we do need more Kotomi

Actually Kotomi wasn't one of the girls I was discriminating against ;).

[Fudce]

You're only saying that because Ryou comes with Kyou attatched. More Fuko on the other hand we can do without. But we do need more Kotomi

Actually Kotomi wasn't one of the girls I was discriminating against ;).

"one of the"...?

I know Fuko, but who's the other unlucky girl?

[Nosredna]

"one of the"...?

I know Fuko, but who's the other unlucky girl?

I'm sure it will be obvious when you consider what episode I haven't watched yet :P.

[EmperorBrandon]

You're only saying that because Ryou comes with Kyou attatched. More Fuko on the other hand we can do without. But we do need more Kotomi

Heh, I noticed on the official website, the cast listing for After Story (which has several supporting characters in addition to the main girls) doesn't include Fuuko. :P Other official sources do have Ai Nonaka reprising her role, though.

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh, I noticed on the official website, the cast listing for After Story (which has several supporting characters in addition to the main girls) doesn't include Fuuko. :P

Suddenly Starfish every where shed a tear. I want my Fuuko.:cry: Ah well I guess there had to be some form of a downer to go with the good news.

[EmperorBrandon]

Suddenly Starfish every where shed a tear. I want my Fuuko.:cry: Ah well I guess there had to be some form of a downer to go with the good news.

You didn't read the last sentence of my post, did you? ;) She is listed in other sources (well, the magazine scans I've seen, at least). I'm pretty sure she's going to be in the series. I was just noticing that she's curiously absent from the particular cast list on the main website, for whatever reason.

[Suwako Moriya]

You didn't read the last sentence of my post, did you? ;) She is listed in other sources (well, the magazine scans I've seen, at least). I'm pretty sure she's going to be in the series.

That's what I get for rush posting and too much multitasking.:sweat: Or maybe it shows that I was so shocked by the first line, I couldn't read... uh I better stop with the poor excuses.

I was just noticing that she's curiously absent from the particular cast list on the main website, for whatever reason.

It could turn out to have an elaborate reason for it or it could be just a case of mere laziness.

[stfram]

It could turn out to have an elaborate reason for it or it could be just a case of mere laziness.

It's just a quick voice job: Fuuko runs across the street to meet everyone, then screams when she gets run over by a bus.

She gets back up, then a garbage truck runs her down.

And when you begin to think she's survived even that, along comes the cement truck.

All beautifully animated in the KyoAni style, of course. :P

[Vegard Aune]

It could turn out to have an elaborate reason for it or it could be just a case of mere laziness.

It's just a quick voice job: Fuuko runs across the street to meet everyone, then screams when she gets run over by a bus.

She gets back up, then a garbage truck runs her down.

And when you begin to think she's survived even that, along comes the cement truck.

All beautifully animated in the KyoAni style, of course. :P
If they brought her back just for that, I'm afraid I'd have to murder someone.

But I have to wonder, why do Key always write the funniest characters out of the story? Granted, if one was playing the game, it would essentially happen at the very end of it, but I'd still like to see one instance where a character can act like a crazy, obsessed, hyperactive idiot without having to die for it...

[stfram]

If they brought her back just for that, I'm afraid I'd have to murder someone.


Yeah, in all seriousness, if we see her funeral in After Story, I'll be highly annoyed.

For all my yanking of KO's chain, I do rather like the character, even if her reappearances were becoming annoying after the third instance.

[Ty]

It could turn out to have an elaborate reason for it or it could be just a case of mere laziness.

It's just a quick voice job: Fuuko runs across the street to meet everyone, then screams when she gets run over by a bus.

She gets back up, then a garbage truck runs her down.

And when you begin to think she's survived even that, along comes the cement truck.

All beautifully animated in the KyoAni style, of course. :P
If they brought her back just for that, I'm afraid I'd have to murder someone.

But I have to wonder, why do Key always write the funniest characters out of the story? Granted, if one was playing the game, it would essentially happen at the very end of it, but I'd still like to see one instance where a character can act like a crazy, obsessed, hyperactive idiot without having to die for it...

Because the humor naturally goes out the window when the story switches into tear jerker mode.

While I don't particularly like Fuuko either I don't get why people would have wanted less of her in Clannad. Her interaction with Tomoya was one non-stop laugh riot and a joy to watch.

At the risk of being stoned and ejected from the premise I'd say Kotomi is who we could have done with less of. I had a difficult time empathizing with her, something I'm always eager to do in these shows. The best part of her whole arc was seeing how it brought everybody else together more closely.

[Ty]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.

[Draneor]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.

Let's see....

I just got around to watching the last fifteen episodes four weeks ago (I initially stopped at nine for a certain reason). Actually, After Story is probably why I gave up.

I haven't watched the movie.

I haven't yet even got beyond the prologue of Clannad Full Voice

I did "watch" some of the unofficial [redacted] for Tomoyo's ending on YouTube.

I haven't read the various Clannad manga I bought, except the one serialized in Dengeki G's.

I still need to buy the other Clannad manga and the drama CDs. And the radio CDs.

I have been listening to the Clannad OST, Arrange Album Mabinogi, and the Vocal Collection with increased frequency. Including right now, coincidently.

I did order the Clannad TV artbook, but it hasn't arrived yet.

I am out of dango, and pay day is next week. This is the most important reason.

To answer your question, no. Key is, to me, like a fine wine. When the mood is right, I like to indulge my desires. But if past actions are any indication of future performance, I'll probably own all of After Story before I finish it. Also, I almost never rewatch anime by myself--regardless of how much I may love it. I guess I always want to move on to something new. Maybe someday though. Right after I reread Lord of the Rings for the **th time.

[EmperorBrandon]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air?

Eh, I'm probably not going to bother. I still want to wait until it is licensed (hopefully) before seeing it again, as is my usual custom (I did watch all of Nanoha again soon before Nanoha A's aired, though). It hasn't been that long since the first series aired so I don't really think I need to refresh myself anyway.

[Nosredna]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.

I thought about it, but I won't have enough time either. Plus there are some episodes I don't ever want to see again :P.

[something]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.
Not enough time. I've seen every episode of Clannad a minimum of 3 (and upwards of 19) times already, so I'm probably good. I'd totally do it if I didn't have a million other things to watch though.

Maybe in its stead I'll rewatch Kanon '06, when that last DVD finally arrives...

[Fencedude]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.
Not enough time. I've seen every episode of Clannad a minimum of 3 (and upwards of 19) times already, so I'm probably good. I'd totally do it if I didn't have a million other things to watch though.

Maybe in its stead I'll rewatch Kanon '06, when that last DVD finally arrives...

A month or so ago I rewatched Clannad twice in one week.

KOTOMI-CHAN~~~~~~~~~~

[Ty]

Heh.... I seem to be the only one who actually lets some time pass before a re-watch. Hitting it again this soon would actually be atypical for me, but I wanted to this time for some reason. I think I'm going to make time somehow.

[HitokiriShadow]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air? I really want to, but as far behind as I have fallen this season there may not be time. I'd rather have the plate clean for the upcoming fall season so I have time to take in it's awesomeness.

It's tempting, but don't have any time for it either. I already want to catch up on some series I had dropped (Sekirei, Wagaya no Oinari-sama) or neve gave a shot (Code-E/Mission-E). I've already seen the whole series through twice anyway (once in 4:3, once in 16:9).

[Suwako Moriya]

So, who is going to marathon a re-watch of Clannad just before After Story begins to air?

To be honest, I'll pass on re-watching Clannad for now. Maybe I'll re-watch it on DVD if it ever gets licensed or failing that I'll do it sometime after I finish After Story. Which could be weeks later or even months later. However right now I'm not in the mood to re-watch Clannad.

Besides I have enough on my plate right now. I have DVDs to watch, shows to wrap up, shows to start soon, etc. It's already over whelming enough as it is without having to do a heavy focus on Clannad and try to finish it before After Story starts.

Heck part of me wonders if I should just wait until After Story starts airing in 16:9 before watching it and skip the 4:3 version. That way I'd get the strongest impact from the initial viewing. Besides I found that I never really bothered to re-watch Clannad in 16:9. Granted part of that was because I had high hopes for an R1 release, but even so...

[stfram]

Heck part of me wonders if I should just wait until After Story starts airing in 16:9 before watching it and skip the 4:3 version.


Ugh. They're gonna do that routine again?

I suppose they have to for the sake of the paid satellite subscribers.

[Ty]

There is no way I'm waiting another three weeks for the widescreen version to air. Plus, if it's the same network still they do something funky with their color/white level in their broadcast that I don't like.

[Vegard Aune]

There is no way I'm waiting another three weeks for the widescreen version to air. Plus, if it's the same network still they do something funky with their color/white level in their broadcast that I don't like.
Yeah, the colors in the widescreen-broadcast kinda sucked... Argh, why can't we get the correct aspect-ratio AND decent coloring? Are they like, intentionally airing a sub-par version so people will be more likely to buy the DVDs? (Actually, that would be kind of a smart move... Annoying, though.)

Anyway, I won't rewatch the first series, mostly because I've long since deleted the fansubs in the hopes that it'll get licensed soon, but also because I try to not rewatch a series fansubbed too often unless I'm convinced that I'll never be able to watch it in another way. So I won't watch the first season again before it gets licensed, at which point I'll make sure to buy the DVDs as quickly as I possibly can.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yeah, the colors in the widescreen-broadcast kinda sucked... Argh, why can't we get the correct aspect-ratio AND decent coloring?

Well that's interesting to learn, to be honest since I never watched it widescreen I didn't notice. Then again even if I did, I'm not sure how I'd feel about it. As for the DVD version I suppose maybe someone out there can compare them.

Still it sounds like a question of trade off. Would I rather have weaker colors or stuff completely removed from the screen? Regardless part of it is delaying After Story would give me more time to focus on other things. I have like 50+ episodes worth of DVD stuff to watch at least for example.

[something]

Heck part of me wonders if I should just wait until After Story starts airing in 16:9 before watching it and skip the 4:3 version.
Hah, like you'll actually be able to do that. It's good in theory, but desire to see the next episode weeks sooner always wins!

[Suwako Moriya]

Heck part of me wonders if I should just wait until After Story starts airing in 16:9 before watching it and skip the 4:3 version.Hah, like you'll actually be able to do that. It's good in theory, but desire to see the next episode weeks sooner always wins!

Well there are both pros and cons to either situation. Come to think of it, one issue with waiting for the 16:9 version is the gap between the two versions may end up being artificially longer. That and by the time one watches episode 1, others may have moved on to at least episode. Then again sometimes I fall behind on series if even they don't pull the 4:3 to 16:9 thing. So who knows?

In any case only time will tell what will happen. Sure the desire to watch as soon as possible may ultimately win out. Especially if I want to actually be involved in the discussion. Although I can't really remember how involved I actually was in the Clannad discussion. I know I commented on occasion, but I don't think I was like as active there as some were. Still it has been awhile since that discussion happened.

However at the same time with so many other things to watch, I could probably find reason or motivation to delay the watch of any given series for the sake of progressing in another. It's even easier to fall behind on more recent series when you have backlog series saying "You're no longer allowed to put off all <insert number here> of my episodes". The number can be low like just 12 episodes or high like 70 episodes...

[Buster Blader 126]

I don't plan on rewatching Clannad. I'm already not putting enough time for "series that I'm not watching frequently, yet I should (Macross Frontier, Haruka Nogizaka's Secret, and Da Capo 2 S2)".

I do have all of the episode on my computer should I have friends interested in it, though I probably won't be rewatching it until such a thing occurs, or when it gets licensed.

Not too long now before we'll get an opportunity to see it, though. This fall looks to be pretty awesome.

[Shiroi Hane]

As for the DVD version I suppose maybe someone out there can compare them.
I have the DVDs. What am I comparing it with?

[relentlessflame]

Yeah, the colors in the widescreen-broadcast kinda sucked... Argh, why can't we get the correct aspect-ratio AND decent coloring? Are they like, intentionally airing a sub-par version so people will be more likely to buy the DVDs? (Actually, that would be kind of a smart move... Annoying, though.)That's pretty much exactly what they do, by the way. They air a pan & scan version on their mainstream TV channels, the upscaled 16:9 on their pay TV channel, and save the best quality for the DVDs and eventual Blu-Ray discs I'm sure (since it's being drawn/produced in HD). That's what you get when the TV network itself is one of the production partners -- ultimately, late night anime benefits them more in merchandising, whereas primetime stuff (like Gundam 00 and so on, which aired in HD on those same mainstream channels) brings in ratings. It's all calculated.

[Ty]

As for the DVD version I suppose maybe someone out there can compare them.
I have the DVDs. What am I comparing it with?

The 16:9 broadcast has a blown out white level. To my eyes it's clipped by at least 6-8 IRE. It takes the detail out of highlights and makes skintones look pale white. Basically it's like somebody punched up the contrast control too much.

[Vegard Aune]

So, a new trailer showed up on Youtube just a few minutes ago. Usually, I wouldn't bother posting this, but it has the new opening (or ending) playing in the background, so I thought it was worth mentioning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9KT6DddKQ
Seems like it's based on the track "To the Same Heights" from the game. Well, they did say it was based on one of the background-music tracks from the game, so no surprises there. It sounds great, in my opinion. I think I like it more than the previous opening, though I'm not too sure on wether it can compare to the awesomeness of the Air-and Little Busters-openings.

Anyway, just one more week until the series starts! Yay~!

[bluesilo]

One more day!!!

Premieres October 2nd, 2008
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:59
Airtime in U.S. (EST, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:59

Can't wait!! More KyoAni goodness.

[mk2000]

So, a new trailer showed up on Youtube just a few minutes ago. Usually, I wouldn't bother posting this, but it has the new opening (or ending) playing in the background, so I thought it was worth mentioning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glqi6WDd9wA
Seems like it's based on the track "To the Same Heights" from the game. Well, they did say it was based on one of the background-music tracks from the game, so no surprises there. It sounds great, in my opinion. I think I like it more than the previous opening, though I'm not too sure on wether it can compare to the awesomeness of the Air-and Little Busters-openings.

Anyway, just one more week until the series starts! Yay~!

"Removed by User" :(

[Ty]

Seems like it's based on the track "To the Same Heights" from the game.

Win. WIN. WIN. Thank you Kyani for using my favorite track from the OST. God I needed to hear some good news right now and anything Clannad related does the trick.

[EmperorBrandon]

One more day!!!

Premieres October 2nd, 2008
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:59
Airtime in U.S. (EST, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:59

Can't wait!! More KyoAni goodness.

You know it kind of amuses me that times on that schedule go over 24. Wouldn't it be the next day? :P Anyway, I can't wait either. It's so awesome that not only is more Clannad airing, but also the first series has been licensed by ADV.

Else, since it's on my mind recently I have added a note about spoilers to the top so we can have a clear warning about such things. I hope that it is fair, but let me know if anyone disagrees with the wording.

[Nosredna]

One more day!!!

Premieres October 2nd, 2008
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:59
Airtime in U.S. (EST, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:59

Can't wait!! More KyoAni goodness.

You know it kind of amuses me that times on that schedule go over 24. Wouldn't it be the next day? :P

I was thinking the same thing, I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of a time greater than 23:59 :sd:.

[Vegard Aune]

So, a new trailer showed up on Youtube just a few minutes ago. Usually, I wouldn't bother posting this, but it has the new opening (or ending) playing in the background, so I thought it was worth mentioning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glqi6WDd9wA
Seems like it's based on the track "To the Same Heights" from the game. Well, they did say it was based on one of the background-music tracks from the game, so no surprises there. It sounds great, in my opinion. I think I like it more than the previous opening, though I'm not too sure on wether it can compare to the awesomeness of the Air-and Little Busters-openings.

Anyway, just one more week until the series starts! Yay~!

"Removed by User" :(
Yeah, you're right. I updated the post with a link to a different upload of the trailer, so now it should work now. But for no apparent reason, I'll repost it now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ9KT6DddKQ

[Fudce]

One more day!!!

Premieres October 2nd, 2008
Airtime in Japan (JST, GMT+9): Thursdays at 25:59
Airtime in U.S. (EST, GMT-4): Thursdays at 12:59

Can't wait!! More KyoAni goodness.

You know it kind of amuses me that times on that schedule go over 24. Wouldn't it be the next day? :P

I was thinking the same thing, I couldn't wrap my head around the idea of a time greater than 23:59 :sd:.

At first it confused me, but the more I see things scheduled at 25:59 (for instance) the more it makes sense to me, and not just in the obvious "understanding" way.

[Shiroi Hane]

I first encountered the clock striking 13 like that when Kiddy Grade was airing. It wouldn't be so bad if you don't also have to convert time zones.

[bluesilo]

Well it already aired? Anybody watch it yet? I'm going to watch it in about 20 minutes.

[Fudce]

Remember to respond to this post for all episode one posts.
To respond directly to a post, click the button labeled "Quote", or the furthest button right to quick reply to this post.


Just finished watching the first episode, and while I haven't a clue what was being said, it is clear that it was a nice episode to reintroduce people and their quirks. A nice friendly baseball match.

Best part had to be Kotomi's first attempt at hitting the ball, analysing everything scientifically. Yuki Nagato she aint, but she sure as hell was great.

[bluesilo]

This was a fine first episode. Wow I love the new OP and ED. Both are very good and I can't wait to get full versions of them. Like what was mentioned a reintroduction to all of the characters and a decent baseball game. I enjoyed it but can't wait til we get into some drama. Was this ever confirmed to be 12/13 or 24/26 episodes? I don't know if there's enough material for 2 tiers but that'd be cool if it happened.

[Buster Blader 126]

So it'll most likely be fansubbed by tomorrow night, I presume? My anime club at my university is having their first social tomorrow, which means that my preferred duo will hopefully have released this by the time I return.

After Story airing now + S1 licensed = Me feeling good. :)

[Vegard Aune]

Man, that opening is AWESOME. And it didn't just SOUND like Tori no Uta, it LOOKS like it too. Only with better animation. Oh, and Fuko was in one of the clips at the end, together with *spoiler character*, so I can only assume that she's not gone forevah.

And as for the episode itself: I liked it. Especially Kotomi's robotic calculation... thingy... when she was trying to hit the ball, and Tomoya telling Tomoyo that Sunohara wanted to do "something perverted" to her, resulting in Sunohara getting kicked into the wall again. I just knew that would happen ever since I saw the scene in the trailer.

[Westlo]

That new op is just awesome, had it on loop for the last 2 hours.

[Sly05]

I'll chime in my enthusiasm for the new opening too. I think I've looped through it a couple dozen times already. The end isn't as good as Dango Daikazoku, though I like the beginning part with the little girl dancing.

The episode itself was really enjoyable and it was a great way to get reacquainted with everyone. Yoshino's "speech" was a riot, especially when he did it the second time.

[EmperorBrandon]

Dang, what a great way to start the series off... I loved this episode. Got to see a good bit of awesome with all the characters that showed, even ones we didn't get much of in the first series (hah... Yoshino :bigsmile: ). A baseball ep. is nothing new for KyoAni, but they did this one very nicely.

The new OP is spectacular in my opinion too. I think I'm liking it a good bit, and lots of Nagisa goodness in the animation as well. No Fuuko, though... The ED is probably not going to be as addictive as the first to me, but it still seems good.

[Vegard Aune]

No Fuuko, though...
Look again. 1 minute and 17 seconds into the opening, you can see her hugging someone. So yeah, Fuko is in the opening, though only for about half a second. But that half second also gives me some hope that she will eventually return.

[EmperorBrandon]

No Fuuko, though...
Look again. 1 minute and 17 seconds into the opening, you can see her hugging someone. So yeah, Fuko is in the opening, though only for about half a second. But that half second also gives me some hope that she will eventually return.

Well, I meant rather the segment where the character's name appears for the main characters (which she had in the first series but not here). Still, I probably missed that, too. :sweat: I'll be on the lookout for her next time.

[Nosredna]

Wow that episode was pure awesomeness. I admit I was afraid that the show wouldn't have the same feel, but that was all gone after the first few seconds. I forgot how funny the show really is. It was great to see my Kyou again too. And Tomoya can and will do anything for Nagisa's sake, although it seemed she got a bit jealous when Tomoya was showing Tomoyo how to bat.

[mk2000]

Fabulous and I also love the new OP as well. :beatingheart: Looks like KyoAni upgraded their special effects and CGI models as well (very nice).

With my DVD backlog I find myself not watching much anymore straight off broadcast. However, I always make the exception for KyoAni's material. It's just too good to wait! :sweat:

[EmperorBrandon]

although it seemed she got a bit jealous when Tomoya was showing Tomoyo how to bat.

Hah, I was thinking the same thing at that part.

[something]

I had to mentally prepare myself, by watching, like, pretty much everything else I had on hand first... then when I go to watch, I find it looks like TOTAL ASS and have to wait even longer for a more acceptable version. God that wait hurt, but at least I got more Solty Rei and Zettai Karen Children watched.

But... finally. Here I go. Clannad. After Story. Oh god, it's here. It's seriously here.

Episode 1:

- It's Nagisa! It's Nagisa! IT'S NAGISA! OH MY GOD IT'S NAGISA!! <3 (Not to forget Tomoya, Akio and Sanae!) "You see that?" ::glass shattering:: XD
- Oh god, even in crappy 4:3 the OP is utterly beautiful. ;_; The final few lines where the vocals get more hushed just built me up more and more with every single syllable. From "itsumademo oboeteru nanimo kamo kawattemo..." onwards, I don't think I breathed. If I've got tears in my eyes already (and... I do!), I'm going to be a complete train wreck by the end of this series. And cherish every second of it. There are some interesting shots in the OP... one thing in particular. One very, very interesting thing in particular. But I don't want to overthink it, don't even want to speculate. I just want this show to pull me along at its own pace, slowly, gently.
- No less than literally a dozen OP watches later, time to start the ep.
- Like the fireball! Akio, I love you. Never change. And we're getting a baseball episode? If it's as good as the basketball episode, one of my favorite eps of the first season, then Clannad will officially be the best sports anime ever with just two eps =P
- Seven shiny orbs.
- "The second semester has started..." Oddly, I was always under the impression After Story took place significantly after Clannad. Like at least a year or two after.
- God I missed you, Sunohara. <3 And Kyou and Ryou and Ko-to-mi! And "Sunohara wants to do something perverted to you." Hahaha, welcome back Tomoyo.
- YOSHINO! YOSHINO! YOSHINO! ::smack:: Tomoya is in top form already.
- Count Misae in too! She just can't turn down her adoring kouhai. And holy shit, Mei too!? Please god let it happen.
- And it's good to see that TOmoya still has some pretty significant issues with his father. For them to wrap it up too cleanly and quickly at the end of the first season and have things be perfectly okay here would do a disservice to Tomoya's character development. So I'm quite glad that's still a problem, because it gives Tomoya something else to work towards, now that he's begun to find meaning in his relationship with Nagisa.
- Mei is a Yoshino fan, and both Yoshino and Kouko knew Misae?
- Awww, stop picking on Sanae. Her bread becomes a penalty game threat.
- So we get shots of all the characters, and all I can think is, which two of these do not belong? :sd: But who knows, watch Kotomi and Mei be super skilled!
- FUCK YEAH AKIO.
- Kyou! Misae! Akio (walked!) Now it's Tomoyo with the bases loaded, hit a grand slam!
- YES! She does! "Sorry, I made us lose the ball." :sd:
- Oh shit, bat to the shins, that had to hurt. I thought he was going to power through anyway, but then he yells "Pitcher change!" and points to... "Furukawa Nagisaaaaaaa!" Oh shit, I died. Moreso when she cutely lobs the ball and makes it through the inning thanks to some epic outfielding. Holy shit Tomoyo.
- Kotomi! Hahahaah, I should have expected no less. Thats' so... so her. And she caught it too <3
- Kyou, Tomoyo and Misae are tearing the place up. Useless boys. :sd:
- ...Aww Nagisa, nobody judges you on your batting ability. <3
- Tomo-pyon!!
- And Yuusuke is epic fail.
- NAGISA GOT ON BASE! YESSSSSSSSSSS!
- Oh no, it all comes down to Yuusuke after Misae and Tomoyo get untimely outs.
- And he fucking cracks me up epically. He actually remembers to call a time out before doing his speech this time. Ahahahaha!
- MEI TOO! She is touched by his words! Starlight breaker single!
- It all comes down to the guy with the bum shoulder. Bases loaded. Nagisa is the tying run.

And what a way to end it. The clang of the glasses becomes the ball ringing off the bat, and as so often is the case with Clannad, the look on their faces says it all.

And this is confirmed 24 episodes. I... I am so fucking happy right now.


...CLANNAD

[Fencedude]

...CLANNAD

What he said.

Also Kotomi's (spelled with three hiragana!) scientific analyzation of the ball had me in stitches. Actually the entire episode did.

(even the fact that I'm very mad at Hikaru Midorikawa right now didn't stop Yusuke from being hilariously awesome)

[HitokiriShadow]

New OP is very nice but I liked Megumeru better. The ED is okay on its own, but I think I'm going to dislike it in the end for the same reason I disliked Kanon's ED: too happy for when the dramatic stuff is going on. At least there was a bit of a delay before the music actually started, so hopefully that will be normal and it won't be as much of an issue. Actually, relistening to it, its also not nearly as upbeat as Kanon's was. ... It probably won't be an issue. Regardless, I liked Dango Daikazoku far more.

As for the episode itself, that was a fun way to start things off. Pretty much zero plot and drama, just a reminder of Tomoya's father issues and the characters having a fun time.

Kyou + Buruma + Thighhighs = WIN.

LOL Kotomi. She actually hit it, too.

Tomoyo fails at trying to play baseball the girly way.

Mei manages a hit too.

Nagisa kind of sucks at baseball (not exactly a huge shocker), but she's managed to hit the ball too.

Yoshino is.... amusing.

Hell yes, CLANNAD IS BACK.

[Westlo]

And this is confirmed 24 episodes. I... I am so fucking happy right now.

...CLANNAD

wait!! what? since when? link please XD

[EmperorBrandon]

And this is confirmed 24 episodes. I... I am so fucking happy right now.


Didn't know that yet, so... YAY!!! I was really hoping we would have another two cour of Clannad.

[EmperorBrandon]

wait!! what? since when? link please XD

This is the source that I see provided on ANN currently: http://blog.livedoor.jp/basicchannel/archives/51508263.html

[Westlo]

found it!

Originally Posted by relentlessflame View Post
Just an FYI that DVD solicitations for the show are starting to show up at Japanese online retailers, which confirm that there'll be 24 episodes for the show.

[EmperorBrandon]

Just an FYI that DVD solicitations for the show are starting to show up at Japanese online retailers, which confirm that there'll be 24 episodes for the show.

I wonder if they will do anything like "extra" episodes or OVA's like they did last time, or if it will be 24 straight TV episodes.

[something]

The ED is okay on its own, but I think I'm going to dislike it in the end for the same reason I disliked Kanon's ED: too happy for when the dramatic stuff is going on.
Don't think I'll dislike it per se, but I completely agree. I thought the exact same thing when I heard it. You're right that it's not quite as inappropriately upbeat as Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho, but it's still going to be a bit of a pain after the tears begin.

And it's no Dango Daikazoku.

The OP, however, I might have to put ahead of Megumeru. But man, how can I compare? Two impossibly amazing songs.

Time to watch the ep again.

[something]

found it!

Originally Posted by relentlessflame View Post
Just an FYI that DVD solicitations for the show are starting to show up at Japanese online retailers, which confirm that there'll be 24 episodes for the show.
Yeah, I searched on Amazon and saw 8 discs, 3 eps on the first, and that confirmed it had to be more than one cour. <3

[EmperorBrandon]

Don't think I'll dislike it per se, but I completely agree. I thought the exact same thing when I heard it. You're right that it's not quite as inappropriately upbeat as Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho, but it's still going to be a bit of a pain after the tears begin.

That never really bothered me in Kanon, so I doubt it will bother me here. My only real problem with the ending is that I like Dango Daikazoku more. :)

[something]

So, just watched the ep again and realized one thing I forgot to mention (yeah, typing that much I still left things out).

Since the preview hints at a Sunohara ep or maybe even arc (which is fine by me, he's great), the little scene at the victory party should prove important. Sunohara asks who Sanae is and Tomoya, of course, lies and "confirms" that it's Sanae's sister. Sunohara likes the sound of that and just as he's saying so, you see Mei unfocused in the background, apparently hearing the comment. Then she whispers a request to Nagisa. And the next ep preview focuses on Sunohara talking about getting a girlfriend.

How hilarious would it be to see Sanae go on a faux-date with Sunohara? Hahaha. I can totally see her going along with it too. Regardless of what actually happens, it's going to be incredible, of course.

But that's like saying the sun is going to rise tomorrow.

[EmperorBrandon]

How hilarious would it be to see Sanae go on a faux-date with Sunohara? Hahaha. I can totally see her going along with it too.

I have to wonder what Akio would do about that? :P Well, either way, I was interested to hear about a Sunohara-focused episode up next in the preview.

[something]

I have to wonder what Akio would think of that? :P
He'd be busy hiding in the shadows with his baseball bat, fuming. Oh man I want this so bad.

[EmperorBrandon]

I have to wonder what Akio would think of that? :P
He'd be busy hiding in the shadows with his baseball bat, fuming. Oh man I want this so bad.

I seem to have a problem lately of people catching my posts that I edit within mere seconds after posting... (I changed "think" to "do" because that strikes me as more Akio's style...) That would be amusing, though.

[Nemo_N]

How hilarious would it be to see Sanae go on a faux-date with Sunohara? Hahaha. I can totally see her going along with it too. Regardless of what actually happens, it's going to be incredible, of course.

But that's like saying the sun is going to rise tomorrow.

I saw an official poster depicting Sunohara giving some flowers to Sanae, so yeah, that's going to happen for sure.

Damn, I almost forgot about the little bits that make this show so fun.

[EmperorBrandon]

I saw an official poster depicting Sunohara giving some flowers to Sanae, so yeah, that's going to happen for sure.


Ah, so this (http://moe.imouto.org/post/show/12831) must be it, I presume?

[ArcticMech]

I didn't realize how much I missed Clannad until I saw this. Clannad + Baseball = WIN. Well, Clannad alone would constitute that, but the baseball game was so much fun and they managed to get so many of the characters together too. The girls are scary good each in their own way and Sunohara cements his title as Least Valuable Player, Most Valuable Sidekick. And of course, so beautifully animated. This season is shaping up to be awesome.

[Westlo]

Don't think I'll dislike it per se, but I completely agree. I thought the exact same thing when I heard it. You're right that it's not quite as inappropriately upbeat as Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho, but it's still going to be a bit of a pain after the tears begin.

I wish that KyoAni would take a page out of SHAFT's book and create multiple endings songs that can each be used in appropriate situations. That or be like Macross Frontier and have 10 diff EDS over 25 episodes.. (record?) lol..

And it's no Dango Daikazoku.

Dango Daikazoku was incredible because it was based on the "Nagisa" BGM theme (similar to how the new OP is based on the "Onaji Takami he" bgm) which is truly awesome and probably my all time fav bgm from Jun Maeda.

[Draneor]

Saw the first episode last night (this has to be a record for me). The emphasis on comedy was a pleasant reintroduction back into the show. However, sadly, I must admit that I did not shed even one tear. Let's hope future episodes correct that problem.

On a side note, what's up with putting Mei in gym shorts but Kotomi, Kyou, and Tomoyo in buruma?


I wish that KyoAni would take a page out of SHAFT's book and create multiple endings songs that can each be used in appropriate situations.

I kind of wish they would have just used the songs on Clannad Image Vocal Album Sorarado and Sorarado Append for the endings. Two of them, Fuko's and Tomoyo's, were used as insert songs in the original. Still, the others would be great as endings.

I'm kind of mixed on the new opening and ending myself. While I'm not fond of them as of yet, perhaps they will grow on me. Regardless, I will be buying them if I can find somewhere that will ship them for retail price.

[Shiroi Hane]

On a side note, what's up with putting Mei in gym shorts but Kotomi, Kyou, and Tomoyo in buruma?
That would be because Kotomi-tachi look good in Buruma but Mei looks amazing in cycling shorts :)

[Fudce]

On a side note, what's up with putting Mei in gym shorts but Kotomi, Kyou, and Tomoyo in buruma?
That would be because Kotomo-tachi look good in Buruma but Mei looks amazing in cycling shorts :)

The one from wales speaks the truth, Mei is absolutely stunning in her shorts :)

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah yes so the classic let's gather people we know together to form a random baseball team. And the best part is most of the team is sexy girls. Darn it, Clannad keeps making me stare too much. That being said sometimes I have to wonder about some of the members. Especially Yoshino...

In any case the first episode was pretty nice over all and a good way to start the series. The baseball plot gives a good excuse to essentialy re-introduce people to several cast members at once. Plus since the theme is family, the whole team things works toward establishing that. Even if the team is a bit on the crazy side.

Granted I need to watch and listen to them a few more times to establish my true feelings. However based on an intial watch, I can say this. Both the new opening and new ending are decent. The backwards thing in the ending is kind of silly, but I'm sure someone will find a deeper meaning to it.

[Suwako Moriya]

And this is confirmed 24 episodes. I... I am so fucking happy right now.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear err read. Thus that means I no longer have the will to randomly destroy the universe.

[Suwako Moriya]

The one from wales speaks the truth, Mei is absolutely stunning in her shorts :)

Mei can probably look good in a lot of things since the key with her is her hair and face. I swear, she better have a more decent role this time. The fact I find her cute should be enough justification.

[Raye]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre, but after watching the first episode, I am so glad that they decided to continue with the story. The baseball game was hilarious! There are still a bunch of unanswered questions as well. Regardless of negative opinions, I still think that this show is awesome and one of the better series that have come out in recent years.

[Fudce]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre

How can anybody make a decision on how good a 24 episode series is, based on the first episode alone?

[HitokiriShadow]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre

How can anybody make a decision on how good a 24 episode series is, based on the first episode alone?

Well, in Clannad's case there were also 24 episodes before this, so one can expect it to be of similar quality. So if you don't care for the previous 24... there are also biases at play, particularly the one that gave it the poor score. I was hardly surprised to see Casey pan this, as she isn't exactly a fan of this kind of stuff and her reviews tend to be on the negative side regardless of genre. But two of the people doing the reviews haven't reviewed Clannad yet, and the other that did gave it a 3.5 out of 5, which isn't bad and a bit above mediocre.

[Westlo]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre,

and they are also praising the shit outta Toradora... so LOL.

[HitokiriShadow]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre,

and they are also praising the shit outta Toradora... so LOL.

I think you are exaggerating a bit. Toradora was given ratings of 4, 3.5, 3, and 3.5: an average of 3.5 out of 5. Solid, but not what I would describe as "praising the shit out of". But Casey was the one that gave it a 4, which really surprised me.

[Suwako Moriya]

How can anybody make a decision on how good a 24 episode series is, based on the first episode alone?

I have no idea, but my policy is this. Any series I drop after one episode, I don't consider "bad", but rather a series that simply fails to motivate me to watch more. Thankfully for me "Clannad After Story" has at least motivated me to watch episode 2.

On a side note this ANN review stuff goes over my head since often times, I don't read reviews. Certainly not ones from there. Not that I consider them bad or good, but rather that I just don't feel like it. I figure I'm better off just trying a show for myself or reading comments here.

[something]

Reviews over at ANN
I found your mistake!

Let's leave their stupidity out of this thread, if possible.

[Suwako Moriya]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre,and they are also praising the shit outta Toradora... so LOL.

If I were to say I enjoyed the first episode of Toradora and also enjoyed the first episode of Clannad After Story. Would that cause a random blackhole to form?: sweat:

[Fencedude]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre,

and they are also praising the shit outta Toradora... so LOL.

Toradora's funny, so I fail to see the problem with that.

(also, reviews, ANN, etc)

[Buster Blader 126]

I got around to watching Episode 1 today, and I found myself laughing quite a bit, just like last year. My personal favourite scenes are Kotomi's calculations, Tomoyo wanting to hit "like a normal girl" (I couldn't believe what I was hearing), and Yusuke's very moving speech. XD

I'm not digging the OP & ED too much as of yet; I'm currently liking Mag Mell much more. Though I'll see if they grow on me.

Nagisa and Kotomi are as cute as always, Kyo and Tomoyo are as awesome as always, and Yohei is as pitifully amusing as always. Clannad's back, baby.

It was great to see my Kyou again too. And Tomoya can and will do anything for Nagisa's sake, although it seemed she got a bit jealous when Tomoya was showing Tomoyo how to bat.

Um, excuse me? :rolleyes:

Is there a certain reason why you bolded that word?

:P:P

(Sharing never hurt anybody, supposedly. Can't we all just share?)


Kyou + Buruma + Thighhighs = WIN.

To tell you the truth, I actually don't like Kyo wearing her thigh-highs when she's in her gym outfit. I am starting to get accustomed to it, but given that I've never seen any other anime character wear thigh-high socks with bloomers prior to Kyo, it just looks weird to me.

[something]

I am starting to get accustomed to it, but given that I've never seen any other anime character wear thigh-high socks prior to Kyo, it just looks weird to me.
You mean you haven't seen them wear them with buruma, right? There's no way you haven't seen thighhighs before Kyou =P

[mk2000]

Reviews over at ANN pretty much call this second season mediocre

How can anybody make a decision on how good a 24 episode series is, based on the first episode alone?

Well, in Clannad's case there were also 24 episodes before this, so one can expect it to be of similar quality. So if you don't care for the previous 24... there are also biases at play, particularly the one that gave it the poor score. I was hardly surprised to see Casey pan this, as she isn't exactly a fan of this kind of stuff and her reviews tend to be on the negative side regardless of genre. But two of the people doing the reviews haven't reviewed Clannad yet, and the other that did gave it a 3.5 out of 5, which isn't bad and a bit above mediocre.

I have this theory that all the reviewers' names are just aliases for Charles Solomon...

[Buster Blader 126]

You mean you haven't seen them wear them with buruma, right? There's no way you haven't seen thighhighs before Kyou =P

Yes, that's what I meant. :P :blush:

I'll just go ahead and fix that now.

[Nosredna]

Um, excuse me? :rolleyes:

Is there a certain reason why you bolded that word?

:P:P

(Sharing never hurt anybody, supposedly. Can't we all just share?)

You my friend came really late to the party, I've had my Kyou claimed for months and have been doing that for months ;). And I guess we could share, but I'm still bolding the word my.

[Ty]

Well, what to say that hasn't already been said. After Story is sort of like life reminding us that no matter how crappy things get it's really still okay. There are just no words to express how blown away I am by the new OP. I get into the music of a show more than most people do I think, especially since I'm usually the only person talking about it. To the Same Heights is my favorite piece from Clannad...... the arranged piano version is just beautiful. I wasn't sure what to think when I heard it was being adapted for the new OP. Then I reached that moment, the moment where it hit that slight little pause and I thought 'oh wow they're gonna go for it'........... and they did. I'm talking about that the short repeating series of notes that forms the intermezzo for the original song. I was digging through musical terms and I think it's referred to as a trill. :) I figured they wouldn't use that part of the song because, how do you really since it's such a big shift in tempo and feel. But they did it and it's beyond amazing. Just wow.

After listening to that about a half dozen times in a row the episode itself was what I was expecting. A nice reunion with the whole cast pretty much. The background art just seems to get more and more detailed with every new Kyoani production, but having just finished the last volume of Kanon the same afternoon I felt like the character animation was a bit rough here. Just a bit though, it's not like there's much else out there that looks better. I'm sure it'll improve once the show gets going again. I'm excited and apprehensious to see how this season plays out, having seen the movie already and knowing one of the possible story paths.

Oh, and w00t for 24 episodes! I was afraid it'd be 12.

[stfram]

Well, in Clannad's case there were also 24 episodes before this, so one can expect it to be of similar quality.


Realistically, it's also tough to top the drama of episode 22 (plus the sheer fun of 23) of the first season, or for that matter the 24th.

[Vegard Aune]

Well, in Clannad's case there were also 24 episodes before this, so one can expect it to be of similar quality.


Realistically, it's also tough to top the drama of episode 22 (plus the sheer fun of 23) of the first season, or for that matter the 24th.
Fuko's arc. There, drama of episode 22 topped. Honestly, compared to the other Key-series, the climax of Clannad season one was kinda weak. But I haven't got a shred of doubt that this season will exceed the first one, as people always say that After Story is the "heart" of Clannad, so to speak. I'm not so sure it'll manage to be the best of the Key/KyoAni-shows though. (Kanon is, in my opinion, gonna be REALLY hard to top.)

[Draneor]

For that matter the 24th.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Tomoyo ending. Especially as I was kind of neutral regarding her up until that point. It really changed my impression of her.


Fuko's arc. There, drama of episode 22 topped.

I suspect quite a few of us may disagree. I think I cried more for Kotomi than I did for Fuko. I tend to see her more as... comic relief? For personal reasons, Nagisa's relationship with her family as well as Tomoya's with his father impacts me the most. I suppose I can relate to that more as opposed to being a ethereal starfish lover.^^

[something]

Honestly, compared to the other Key-series, the climax of Clannad season one was kinda weak.
I would have agreed if episode 23 didn't come along. Ep 23 completed it perfectly.

[HitokiriShadow]

Well, in Clannad's case there were also 24 episodes before this, so one can expect it to be of similar quality.


Realistically, it's also tough to top the drama of episode 22 (plus the sheer fun of 23) of the first season, or for that matter the 24th.

While I enjoyed the final arc quite a bit, I'm quite sure it could be topped. It was very good, but not exactly the tearjerk stuff Key is known for.

[Buster Blader 126]

I agree with HitokiriShadow. The emotional impact was definitely there, but I personally felt that Kanon's finale had more of that emotional punch.


You my friend came really late to the party, I've had my Kyou claimed for months and have been doing that for months ;). And I guess we could share, but I'm still bolding the word my.

Just because I seldom posted on the Clannad thread of yore doesn't mean she wasn't claimed by somebody else before then. It just wasn't made public. :P

(How long are we going to keep this up? XD I'm just going to stop, because we're just going to keep on thinking up of different comebacks against each other and this silly squabble will never end. It sure was fun, though. :P)

[HitokiriShadow]

You my friend came really late to the party, I've had my Kyou claimed for months and have been doing that for months ;). And I guess we could share, but I'm still bolding the word my.

Just because I seldom posted on the Clannad thread of yore doesn't mean she wasn't claimed by somebody else before then. It just wasn't made public. :P

(How long are we going to keep this up? XD I'm just going to stop, because we're just going to keep on thinking up of different comebacks against each other and this silly squabble will never end. It sure was fun, though. :P)

Actually, I don't think that was from the Clannad thread. I *think* he started started doing the bold "my" after he and I were discussing who got Kyou in the early days of the Great Drift Thread. I may be wrong on that though; I may just not have noticed the "my" before that.

[Ty]

Honestly, compared to the other Key-series, the climax of Clannad season one was kinda weak.

Call me crazy but it makes sense to me that there was no climax because it was not the end. Wouldn't you think it a bit weird to go from a big emotionally charged climax into the new season that's all easy and light-hearted meant to re-introduce us to the show after the break? Every great show should have one and exactly one powerful and amazing story climax. Clannad's will happen at the end like it should, so it's perfectly normal that the first season ended on a mellow note.

[EmperorBrandon]

Call me crazy but it makes sense to me that there was no climax because it was not the end. Wouldn't you think it a bit weird to go from a big emotionally charged climax into the new season that's all easy and light-hearted meant to re-introduce us to the show after the break? Every great show should have one and exactly one powerful and amazing story climax. Clannad's will happen at the end like it should, so it's perfectly normal that the first season ended on a mellow note.

Well, yeah, that's a good point. Kaleido Star had a problem there because it was originally intended to be a 26-episode series and had a big climax that ended up being the midway point instead.

I like the original series Clannad ending more than Kanon's, but I'm kind of biased there as I'm a much bigger fan of the main character in Clannad.

[Ty]

I like the original series Clannad ending more than Kanon's, but I'm kind of biased there as I'm a much bigger fan of the main character in Clannad.

Kanon pulls off the Super Mega Happy ending extremely well, and makes it feel authentic and not cheesy too. It's one of the many reasons why the show sits fixed atop my top 10 list, right above Clannad. :) Clannad I believe will hit harder towards the end like Air did, but be more sincere about it. I personally didn't think so but I know some people thought Air was emotionally manipulative. This is just my speculation though, since I know nothing of the game storylines and the Toei movie was only one of a number of possible ways they could take things.

[Nosredna]

You my friend came really late to the party, I've had my Kyou claimed for months and have been doing that for months ;). And I guess we could share, but I'm still bolding the word my.

Just because I seldom posted on the Clannad thread of yore doesn't mean she wasn't claimed by somebody else before then. It just wasn't made public. :P

(How long are we going to keep this up? XD I'm just going to stop, because we're just going to keep on thinking up of different comebacks against each other and this silly squabble will never end. It sure was fun, though. :P)

Actually, I don't think that was from the Clannad thread. I *think* he started started doing the bold "my" after he and I were discussing who got Kyou in the early days of the Great Drift Thread. I may be wrong on that though; I may just not have noticed the "my" before that.

You are correct. But since we're stopping I guess there's nothing more to say about it :).

EDIT: But that doesn't mean I'm going to stop calling her my ;).

[something]

I like the original series Clannad ending more than Kanon's, but I'm kind of biased there as I'm a much bigger fan of the main character in Clannad.
I still think Air had the by far best climax/ending of the KeyAni shows. Between Clannad and Kanon... I don't know, have to wait until the end of After Story but I guess Kanon? And yet the order I like them is the opposite, Clannad > Kanon > Air. I have extremely high hopes for After Story though, and am looking for something to take down Nanoha at #2. Normally that'd be setting myself up for disappointment (I was convinced early on that ef wold be topping Nanoha, and here it just slipped out of my top 10 already instead) but with KyoAni I don't really have any such fears. At worst, maybe it'll only maintain its position as third best show eeeeever :sd: Clannad also has the advantage of coming after Strikers, which left me far more ambivalent about the whole Nanoha franchise than I was previously, which makes for a great opportunity for Clannad. My most recent Nanoha experience is 26 disappointing eps, while my most recent Clannad experience may just be 24 eps even better than the original.

[Suwako Moriya]

Call me crazy but it makes sense to me that there was no climax because it was not the end.

In other words it's better to consider 23 more of an intentional cut-off point rather than a conclusion. Which would indicate that even before Clannad finished airing they were intending on doing "After Story" and it was just a matter of making sure they didn't anything to make it impossible to do so. So in that light I'd say Clannad had a pretty effective cut-off point. We got to see Nagisa overcome a hurdle and the start of her relationship. A lot of shows would be satisfied with just that, but Clannad wants to show us what comes next.

Regardless unless they screw up Clannad is likely to surpass Kanon if for no other reason than sheer force. With more experience behind it both in regards to Key and Kyo-Ani due to plenty of practice and twice as many episodes. About the only way Clannad will not end up being better is the following. Again they some how screw up and the classic "I don't like the taste of ______ no matter how well made" scenario.

[Suwako Moriya]

My most recent Nanoha experience is 26 disappointing eps, while my most recent Clannad experience may just be 24 eps even better than the original.

The problem with Nanoha StrikerS was once the number of episodes doubled the series became well unfocused for lack of a better term. Perhaps they should go back to more focused 13 episodes. I wonder what Strikers would have been like as four 13 episode seasons with an actual budget. Regardless in some ways "After Story" is probably closer to "When They Cry 2" than "StrikerS" in terms of the challenge. I say that for the following reason.

Nanoha As ends in a way that both allows someone to feel more could be told in the future, but if this was the last we ever saw of the story it would make for a decent conclusion. However in the case of When They Cry, it ends in such a way that you're left feeling that it can't end there. That a proper second season is needed in order to truly validate the first.


In some ways After Story is the same way. Sure the conclusion or rather cut-off point for Clannad is pretty good. However at the same time it leaves you feeling that things are only getting started. That more still needs to be told. Hence why "After Story" is closer in vein to "When They Cry 2". The greater need for the previous season to hope the next goes right.

So while After Story has a good chance of being less disappointing than StrikerS, it also has potentially the stronger challenge. Regardless of how disappointed or not, one is in StrikerS both As and Original could stand on their own. However if After Story falls apart, it will reflect somewhat negatively on the first season of Clannad. I think that's the best way I can put it for now.

[something]

However in the case of When They Cry, it ends in such a way that you're left feeling that it can't end there. That a proper second season is needed in order to truly validate the first.
In some ways After Story is the same way. Sure the conclusion or rather cut-off point for Clannad is pretty good. However at the same time it leaves you feeling that things are only getting started.
Kinda... but from what I've heard of Higurashi, it doesn't seem nearly as much as 'requirement' to have a Clannad 2 as to have a Higu 2. After Story is of course MORE than welcome and appreciated, but I felt like season one stood very well on its own.

[Suwako Moriya]

Kinda... but from what I've heard of Higurashi, it doesn't seem nearly as much as 'requirement' to have a Clannad 2 as to have a Higu 2. After Story is of course MORE than welcome and appreciated, but I felt like season one stood very well on its own.

Without getting into spoilers, I'll just say that your assumption and reasoning is more or less on the mark. Regardless even if there isn't as much requirement for Clannad 2 as there was for Higu 2, Clannad 2 is still needed more than Nanoha 3 was. Still yeah Clannad's first season does stand on its own and heck as indicated before there are several series that would have been fine ending at that point it did. Either way Higu 2 fulfilled its purpose very well and I'm sure After Story will as well if episode 1 is any indication.

[Draneor]

Without getting into spoilers, I'll just say that your assumption and reasoning is more or less on the mark.

I think without Kai, the viewer doesn't understand and couldn't even understand what Higurashi is about. Whereas, with Clannad, its main themes have been pretty straight forward from the start. We might not know the ending to Clannad--and I don't--but its focus on family and Nagisa and Tomoya's relationship was clear from part A of the first episode.

Clannad 2 is still needed more than Nanoha 3 was.

Sigh. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who liked StrikerS more than the first two Nanohas. Well, what I saw of it anyway.

[Ty]

Sigh. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only person who liked StrikerS more than the first two Nanohas. Well, what I saw of it anyway.

Somewhere a certain future yuri couple is crying now thanks to you.

[Fudce]

Remember to respond to this post for all episode two posts.
To respond directly to a post, click the button labeled "Quote", or the furthest button right to quick reply to this post.


Well it definitly looks as if they're giving Sunohara his very own story arc in this one. From the looks of it he's having a hard time finding a girlfriend, and Mei has asked Tomoya to help him. He first attempts to pick up Ryou, but makes her cry. This gets him pounded very hard by Kyou. Next on his pick-up list is Tomoyo, but you think he'd know better by now. Finally is Kotomi, who appears to agree to make sweet music with him, unfortunatly the sweet music involves her violin.

Eventually (after scaring a background girl half to death - regardless of how cute she was) he sees Sanae, and then the Sanae fun begins! Lots of Sanae service this episode, lets just leave it at that.

[EmperorBrandon]

Hah... lots of great laughs in this episode, as I'd expect of a Sunohara episode. His attempts with Ryou, Tomoyo, and Kotomi all ended rather painfully for him - poor guy. They were all pretty funny but the first one with Ryou was the most amusing to me.

Lots of Sanae service this episode, lets just leave it at that.

And I mean "Whoa..." at that too. She's really beautiful in the different outfits we get to see her in this episode. Sunohara definitely seems to be liking the situation a lot. Perhaps a bit too much... (the preview kind of suggests a possibly more serious mood for the next ep., but I guess I'll have to see on that).

It was really cute seeing Nagisa get jealous when she thought Tomoya was liking her mom. Amusing near the beginning when she made the comment that she thought Tomoya was having too much fun with Sunohara.

Gosh... two awesome episodes in a row... Yay for Clannad After Story.

[HitokiriShadow]

I was reading the lyrics during the OP again, and I can just see this song being used as an insert song at some point to make me bawl even harder. Excellent opening, I liked it a lot to begin with, but I like it even more this time.

Kyou just looks so happy when she's shoving dictionaries into Sunohara's face...

Poor Kotomi wants to help, but she has a bit of a handicap.

Sanae's disguise at the end was impressive. :blush1:

[Nosredna]

I must be missing something, doesn't Mei know Sanae? She's staying with Nagisa's family after all......I can't imagine them being able to trick her very long no matter how good the disguise.

Overall a decent episode, not one of my favorites, but I forgot how poorly Kotomi played the violin so that was quite humorous. And while Tomoyo isn't my favorite girl, the scene between her and Sunohara was quite good as well. Of course my girl Kyou kicking his butt was great too, especially after he terrified poor Ryou.

[Sly05]

I laughed at Sunohara's "porn recruiting" attempt at picking up the random girl on the street. "I won't tell your parents! Everybodies doing it!" Indeed. Mei's reaction to the news that he had a girlfriend was also pretty fun. Anyone else get a slight "how dare she try to take away my oniichan" vibe?

Going from the preview, I did kind of feel sorry for Sunohara as it looks like he actually did fall for Sanae, the poor guy (not that the previews haven't been misleading before).

[HitokiriShadow]

I must be missing something, doesn't Mei know Sanae? She's staying with Nagisa's family after all......I can't imagine them being able to trick her very long no matter how good the disguise.


That's why they are disguising her and didn't initially think to ask her. I think Mei has already caught on, anyway. At the very least, she knows something isn't right.

[HitokiriShadow]

Anyone else get a slight "how dare she try to take away my oniichan" vibe?

I was getting a "You don't think I'm actually falling for this, do you? What the hell are you trying to pull?" vibe.

[Sly05]

Maybe Tomoya's fantasy from episode 23 is still too fresh in my mind. :sweat:

[something]

Episode 2:

- Wow, I think that was the longest girl/robot scene of the series thus far. I really love how they animate the girl, all her moves are frighteningly fluid. And I was surprised to see that other things live in their world... I was beginning to think there weren't even animals. I really do wonder how they're going to integrate these two into the Nagisa/Tomoya story. Will they remain simply metaphors? Will it be part of a play or something else Nagisa is involved with? I don't expect they'll tie in in a very tangible, supernatural way, however. Clannad is a very different show from, say, Air. [THE PREVIOUS IS BLIND SPECULATION. DO NOT SPOIL OR EVEN REPLY IF YOU KNOW.]
- ...And there I go againm watching the OP 11 times before moving on. I can't figure out where Lia stops to breathe once the "itsumademo oboeteru nanimo kamo kawattemo..." hits. From that bit to the end I'm just frozen in my seat, staring. What an amazing OP.
- And then after watching it all those times, I think I'm going to rewatch episode one (again), before watching this episode. Because I can, and because I'm in my happy place and want to prolong the feeling as much as possible.
- (And so I did, and oh god I loved it yet again. Now to ep 2 for real!)
- Youhei <3
- Mei is staying over Nagisa's place again? PERFECT! Imouto loooooooove~~. It's so cute that she's worried about Youhei.
- Hahaha, Baby Sunohara! Yet again Tomoya comes up with a great plan. Although Youhei screws it up by asking Ryou instead. :sd: This won't end well. After all, Ryou is in love with Nagisa! (...)
- Oh mooeeeeeeeeeeee, poor Ryou starts crying. Awww, silly Ryou. And then... EPIC KYOU ATTACK! BWHAHA! Oh she rampages. She rampages. Even Tomoya feels the wrath. XD
- Tomoyo, yeah, great choice guys. Haha Youhei is awesome, he looks terrified but goes for it anyway. The mental contortions he does to convince himself it's a good idea are fascinating.
- Tomoyo and Nagisa getting along = epic cute, waaaaant moooooooore.
- Haha, awww, poor Youhei... I can't exactly blame Tomoyo but I feel bad for him anyway.
- KOTOMI! AHAHA XD You know, one day I really do want to hear her play the violin properly.
- Now for Yukine, and hey, there's that dude! He's the only guy from the ED that I didn't recognize immediately. He's, uh, interesting. I wonder if they'll actually do a Yukine arc? Everyone else in the ED is at least moderately important so he'll definitely be back.
- Awesome! Sanae offers, though presumably Mei and Nagisa asked her to do so ahead of time, and she didn't just coincidentally run into them. Of course, that means he's trying to trick Mei, who in turn is tricking him. :sd:
- Oh god, she'll go in disguise? This can only be awesome.
- O__________O NEKOMIMI MAID SANAE, I CAME! I love Nagisa and Tomoya's reactions in the mirror reflection.
- And I can't emphasize enough how in love I am with slightly messy hair Nagisa, with her hair parted a little differently. When she looks up at the camera with those big eyes and that hair I just utterly melllllllllt in my seat. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww~~~~ ~~~~~~~
- There goes Sanae's teacher/mother side kicking into overdrive. She can't help but want to save a kind delinquent like Youhei. I guarantee she sees a lot of Akio in him.
- And I love how naturally mischievous Tomoya is. He really is genuinely concerned for Youhei, but can't help but play pranks on the side, such as not telling him that Sanae is really Nagisa's mom. Interestingly, it seems like Nagisa isn't in fact in on it ahead of time. She isn't acting like so anyway. And how would Mei ever actually not know it's Sanae? =P She's only like Mei's second mother.
- Awwww he's so embarrassed~~ <3 He's like, the cutest male character ever. :sd:
- Oh god, does she know what she's doing to him? She is far far too much woman for a boy Youhei's age to handle. He's completely out of his league.
- "Boys love game~" XD That suit really isn't working, Youhei.
- WOW. WOOOOOOOOW. Twin braid megane serafuku Sanae for the oh god this is too much for me. There's no way Nagisa can hold Tomoya's blushing against him, it's impossible to deny the majesty of this scene.
- Heh, Mei totally doesn't buy it.

Oh craaaap, the episode is over. Why does it have to end. =/ I think I need to watch it again! I also need to watch Kanon this weekend since disc 6 finally came =D it'll be my first full rewatch of that. Hopefully that will tide me over a little.

But this season is off to an absolutely incredibly start and the wait for each episode is going to be absolutely brutal. I love this show so, so, so, so, so, so much.

[something]

Going from the preview, I did kind of feel sorry for Sunohara as it looks like he actually did fall for Sanae, the poor guy (not that the previews haven't been misleading before).
It'll be especially harsh since he's under the impression that that's Nagisa's sister, and that she's presumably single. This is going to be one of those times where Tomoya is going to regret his prankster nature, I bet. Poor Youhei, this is going to hurt =/

[mk2000]

Sanae...Greatest Mom in Anime History EVER

XD

I don't usually admit to nosebleeds but Sanae's ending cos sequence is one for my record books :nosebleed::nosebleed::nosebleed::nosebleed:

Oh, and the green eyed monster seems to have reared its head :sd:

Can't wait.

EDIT: To elaborate, I don't think that Mei has caught on actually. At least that doesn't seem to be the case from the episode 3 preview (she seems jealous more than anything). However, I know I am probably in the minority opinion on this.

[mk2000]

I laughed at Sunohara's "porn recruiting" attempt at picking up the random girl on the street. "I won't tell your parents! Everybodies doing it!" Indeed.

I totally got that! HAHA

I actually got to see that once when I was in Shibuya. Guy looked like a pimp though and all the girls just ignored his retard attempts :bigsmile:

[spoofle]

I caught the AIR fan in episode one, and here's a reference again with Sunohara drinking Misuzu's juice (the Tomoyo imaginary scene he was having XD).

Aside from that, the best parts of the episode by far were when Sunohara called the whole thing a "boy's love game" - I literally LOL'd - and when he kept running back to Tomoya when Sanae did something. And the whole thing with him thinking that Sanae's Nagisa's sister :cool:. Tomoya is so evil...I love him :3.

I was a little worried with the first episode that they'd get too off-track from the good stuff, but if they're going to be covering Sunohara's hilarious side routes in addition to the overall story, I think I'm okay with it ;).

[Suwako Moriya]

Youhei's unsuccessful adventures in fake love were beneficial to us since we get multiple fun scenes. I need to decide whether or not Kotomi is worth the risk. Regardless I get the feeling in the case of Tomoyo, he'll never learn.

In any case Sanae is one of the best mothers ever. Why does she have to be taken already? The costume part was fun. Also I have to love her final choice near the end of the episode. The hair and the glasses work.

Looks like with this Sunohara arc, we'll get some screen time from the other Sunohara as well. Speaking of Mei, the scene near the end with her saying "This person is my brother's girlfriend?" has me wondering. The way she's saying it, you get the feeling she's upset about something.

Granted it could just be her not buying it and a case of her not approving of the idea of her brother lying. However it also seemed like it's possible that she may either not like the idea of him having a girlfriend or be the type that wants to make sure the girl is good enough for the guy.

[Suwako Moriya]

At least that doesn't seem to be the case from the episode 3 preview (she seems jealous more than anything). However, I know I am probably in the minority opinion on this.

You may be in the minority, but as indicated I'm also getting the feeling that it might be jealousy. Or at least a case of "Is she good enough for him?" What sort of tips me off her voice, the expression on her face, and the symbolic scene of the back side of X while looking at Y from a distance. Not sure what the right term for it is.

As for the preview you have the part where Mei says "Enjoy your time with her." She smiles as she's say it, but her expression changes when she turns around. Hard to tell because the scene is quick. Then there's the close up of her near the end. That being said even with this it's hard for me to conclude if it's the jealousy path, the approval path, or a combination of both. On a side note, sometimes I'm not sure if I'm supposed to leave previews unmarked or not.

[Draneor]

You may be in the minority, but as indicated I'm also getting the feeling that it might be jealousy. Or at least a case of "Is she good enough for him?" What sort of tips me off her voice, the expression on her face, and the symbolic scene of the back side of X while looking at Y from a distance. Not sure what the right term for it is.

I bet Mei's adopted. <3 Although the idea of Sunohara with anyone who doesn't beat the crap out of him makes me sad.

[Suwako Moriya]

I bet Mei's adopted. <3 Although the idea of Sunohara with anyone who doesn't beat the crap out of him makes me sad.

Just make sure to have your "I called it!" post ready just in case you end up being right. That being said if there is a "We're not blood-related" twist during the arc, it would end up putting anything that happens before the said scene in a different perspective. Still blood-related, adopted, clone, or whatever... I'm still going to default to assuming the jealously and/or approval scenarios.

[ArcticMech]

Awesome episode. The succession of failed attempts at securing a fake girlfriend were hilarious. I'm still scratching my head over the fugitive(?) hiding under Yukine desk - too funny. Sanae is pure win. She was real sweet to help out, however ill-advised that might be. Mei's reaction was hard to decipher, but definitely wasn't one of happiness. This was such a funny episode, but it did end on a tense note.

[Ty]

Mei is a smart girl. She's already seen through all of this silliness. I suspect just because it's Sanae she'll wait and see what they have in store for her. Speaking of Sanae the Key-MILF tradition has reached an all new untoppable high here. The humor doesn't quite feel like it's hitting on all cylinders yet, they may need a couple more episodes to work back into their groove. This random story material here is clearly meant to interweave Tomoya and Nagisa throughout and slowly show their strengthening relationship for the time being, but I hope it doesn't feel quite this random and directionless in the future. Of course we're at episode two so I'm probably getting ahead of myself with such comments.

I'm sad the OP's emotional gut punch effect is already wearing off. I think I listened to it too many times last week. Man one night it was just in my head for hours. It kind of felt like a fever.... I was just entranced by it for a few days and then poof it just feels normal now. Nothing changes the fact that it's a truly amazing piece, but it makes me sad I'm not feeling anything from it anymore.

[something]

Of course we're at episode two so I'm probably getting ahead of myself with such comments.
I think a lot of people are. When I read "It didn't make me cry yet", I think, "er... so what?" How long was it until season one brought out the big guns, emotionally? And we have 24 episodes to work with here. There's not even a requirement to 'arc' each girl again, and all the introductory development was handled in season one. The main characters are a couple from episode one this time around.

I'm really quite glad we're not starting off with intense drama right from the word go, because while that's the best feature of any Key story, it's hardly all Clannad has to offer. Personally, Clannad ranks as one of my all time favorite comedies without even being one, and that's not changed with this season. I also love seeing the characters interact under normal circumstances as much as in under emotionally intense situations. Sure, I want to cry (and did at the OP and final scene of episode one), but Clannad is a much more well rounded show than just all that.

There is plenty of time to do whatever this season wants to do, I feel.

OP hasn't lost anything for me yet either. I mean, obviously nothing will ever be exactly like the first time when it's all new and unexpected (pretty much by definition), but I still feel taken aback at the beauty of it every time.

[Suwako Moriya]

When I read "It didn't make me cry yet", I think, "er... so what?"

All I'll say is the following. It's far better for the show to gradually build up to the drama than to dump all over you in an instant. The first episode in a sense reintroduced us to the cast again and the second seems to be starting up a story arc. Hence it's doing its job already.

[EmperorBrandon]

When I read "It didn't make me cry yet", I think, "er... so what?" How long was it until season one brought out the big guns, emotionally? And we have 24 episodes to work with here. There's not even a requirement to 'arc' each girl again, and all the introductory development was handled in season one. The main characters are a couple from episode one this time around.

I am in absolute agreement here, and it's one reason I'm so excited that this is 24 episodes rather than a more compact series here. I think I could still use some fun episodes with the characters like the first two eps., and it doesn't bother me in the slightest that we're not into some major plot stuff.

[Suwako Moriya]

I am in absolute agreement here, and it's one reason I'm so excited that this is 24 episodes rather than a more compact series here.

I'm glad this is two cour in part because going from a two cour series to a one cour second season would have felt like all kinds of wrong. Not sure why, but it would have.

[something]

I am in absolute agreement here, and it's one reason I'm so excited that this is 24 episodes rather than a more compact series here. I think I could still use some fun episodes with the characters like the first two eps., and it doesn't bother me in the slightest that we're not into some major plot stuff.
And hell, I'm about to move onto the 6th disc of Kanon for my rewatch/first DVD watch, so I'm already up to my eyeballs in drama. =P Hope Chris gets a review thread for that up, I want to talk about it more...

But like Clannad, I'm finding it really keeps the emotional punch, at least so much as could be reasonably expected. Some arcs actually work better this time. And I found that pausing and chapter skipping immediately before the way-too-upbeat ED starts works wonders for enhancing and maintaining the emotional impact of the often somewhat abrupt arc endings.

I think the same will apply to Clannad the next time I rewatch it (I've seen it 3+ times already but trying to hold out until DVDs for my next watch, which will be a year at minimum). Often the most emotional scenes the first time aren't quite the same the next time, and instead some other little seemingly unimportant scene comes out and makes you cry the most... It's that depth of emotion - not in the sense of intensity but more like a 'deep bullpen', having such variety to draw on - that makes these shows memorable and keeps them in my top 10. So even if Clannad takes some time to turn the waterworks back on, you might be surprised when scenes in that "emotional downtime" really catch you in an unguarded moment the next time around.

[stfram]

Mei's reaction was hard to decipher, but definitely wasn't one of happiness.


Because she knows her brother, that's why. It's nice to see that Nagisa shares in that..discomfort.

I suspect Sanae will be the one that brings the situation to a satisfactory closure, though.

[Buster Blader 126]

Despite all the that I'm getting for this, a part of me really feels bad for Yohei. If what the next episode preview is what I think it is, I'm going to be a little mad at Tomoya for continuing to lead Yohei on like that.

I agree with Nosredna: there's almost no way that Mei can be fooled that easily.

And man, we've had some great anime moms come and go (Akiko, Hatsuho, Ama), but Sanae, OH MAN. :nosebleed: Can't blame Tomoya for blushing.

With that aside, I'm just going to go rewatch those Sanae moments again.

[Ty]

OP hasn't lost anything for me yet either. I mean, obviously nothing will ever be exactly like the first time when it's all new and unexpected (pretty much by definition), but I still feel taken aback at the beauty of it every time.

You're lucky. Then again, it's a bit more complicated with me. Every once in a while one clicks with me so very strongly, and this was one of them. They burn brightly like a flame and then go out when they're like that for me.

[ArcticMech]

Anyone else think that Nagisa should wear a hair clip more often?

[something]

Anyone else think that Nagisa should wear a hair clip more often?
And look like she just rolled out of bed. Utterly delicious.

[Fencedude]

Anyone else think that Nagisa should wear a hair clip more often?
And look like she just rolled out of bed. Utterly delicious.

Its a confirmed fact that girls always look cuter/hotter when mussed.

[Buster Blader 126]

OP hasn't lost anything for me yet either. I mean, obviously nothing will ever be exactly like the first time when it's all new and unexpected (pretty much by definition), but I still feel taken aback at the beauty of it every time.

After watching it a second time, I'm starting to like the new OP a little more now, though I think that it'll require a few more listsns before I really start to like it. But the potential is definitely there.

Ebullient Future, on the other hand...

*goes to watch it for the 70th or so time*

[Fudce]

Remember to respond to this post for all episode three posts.
To respond directly to a post, click the button labeled "Quote", or the furthest button right to quick reply to this post.


Absolutely awesome. The episode was so good I want to go back and rewatch it already.

First half is the date. Mei appears to have believed their fiction for now, and right now at least seems to really like Sunohara's new girlfriend. The little sister approves! Just not so much on her brothers date plan, which has them going to a cheap place to eat, listening to really bad music (Sanae lets out such an adorable little squeak here) and playing some strange fish game at an arcade. Eventually however things go awry when they find some kids fighting, and Sanae really wants to intervene. Her mothering nature coming out again. It's one of her best qualities.

The second half has Mei getting upset with Sunohara, and running out of his room crying. It looks like she was picked on a lot when they were kids, and he always came to her rescue, and she's really upset at how he has changed for the worse recently. Mei decides to have Tomoya as her big brother standin, which leads to some of the most moe-inducingly cute scenes involving Mei ever. Seriously I was wriggling with moe nearly as much as I did on the Nagi/Nishi episode of Hayate the Combat Butler. Sunohara sees the pair together, but refuses to say or do anything.


I was wrong. It seems it isn't Yohei's arc, it's as much Mei's arc as his. She's really stepping up to be one of my favourite characters, and she has the potential of even pushing Kotomi down to second. Can't wait for the next episode :)

[EmperorBrandon]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P She was really adorable throughout the episode. The fake date thing (two of them, now...) was fun and all, but it really looks like this focus is on the connection between the Sunohara siblings. Nice to finally get some insight on them, as the first series didn't cover them very much (especially Mei). I really wonder how Sunohara is going to take the truth next episode. He definitely seems in a pretty bad mood in the next-ep preview.

[Fudce]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P

Oh come on, give Tomoya a break. I'm sure nobody could stand up to this kind of an attack (http://d.imagehost.org/0284/1224181977400.gif).

[Fencedude]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P She was really adorable throughout the episode. The fake date thing (two of them, now...) was fun and all, but it really looks like this focus is on the connection between the Sunohara siblings. Nice to finally get some insight on them, as the first series didn't cover them very much (especially Mei). I really wonder how Sunohara is going to take the truth next episode. He definitely seems in a pretty bad mood in the next-ep preview.

Oh man, Mei was just devastating this episode. No one can handle that much imouto.

[mk2000]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P

Oh come on, give Tomoya a break. I'm sure nobody could stand up to this kind of an attack (http://d.imagehost.org/0284/1224181977400.gif).

I'm totally going to figure out a way to make that into my avatar!:beatingheart:

Hopefully, the gods of compression will look upon me and grant the power to stay within the 24.4k limit.:sd:

[Spirit Of The Stage]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P

Oh come on, give Tomoya a break. I'm sure nobody could stand up to this kind of an attack (http://d.imagehost.org/0284/1224181977400.gif).

No mortal man could have survived that attack, much less Tomoya. And the aftermath (especialy when Ryou, Kyou and Kotomi saw him) was absolutely priceless. Lesson learned: Fear Yukari Tamura lolis.

[mk2000]

Hah... Mei's "oniichan" act was a bit too much for Tomoya. :P

Oh come on, give Tomoya a break. I'm sure nobody could stand up to this kind of an attack (http://d.imagehost.org/0284/1224181977400.gif).

No mortal man could have survived that attack, much less Tomoya. And the aftermath (especialy when Ryou, Kyou and Kotomi saw him) was absolutely priceless. Lesson learned: Fear Yukari Tamura lolis.

Yeah, I myself was unprepared for Mei's awesomeness in this episode as she completely shattered my Clannad ranking order.

That's what I get for underestimating Ms Tamura.

(I should have paid attention after Nanoha and Higurashi... :relief:)

[HitokiriShadow]

It was difficult to watch Youhei in this episode. I was a really great guy in the first series, but fake dating Sanae is turning him into a jerk. I had felt sorry for how Youhei is going to feel when he finds out who Sanae really is, but not so much now. On a more amusing note, its a good thing Sanae is such a saint, because Youhei sucks at dating.

On the other hand, Mei was great. Mei wasn't jealous; she felt sorry for Sunohara's poor girlfriend and then witnessed his utter incompetence at dating. The power of "Onii-chan" is dangerous, as Tomoya is discovering. Unfortunately for him, Kyou, Ryou and Kotomi witnessed the effect it was taking on him. Mei is easily one of the best imouto ever.

[HitokiriShadow]

Yeah, I myself was unprepared for Mei's awesomeness in this episode as she completely shattered my Clannad ranking order.

That's what I get for underestimating Ms Tamura.

(I should have paid attention after Nanoha and Higurashi... :relief:)

I want to see and hear Mei do a "Niii-pah!"

[EmperorBrandon]

On the other hand, Mei was great. Mei wasn't jealous; she felt sorry for Sunohara's poor girlfriend and then witnessed his utter incompetence at dating. The power of "Onii-chan" is dangerous, as Tomoya is discovering. Unfortunately for him, Kyou, Ryou and Kotomi witnessed the effect it was taking on him. Mei is easily one of the best imouto ever.

This has been an awesome year for imouto, with Nogizaka Mika around too. :)

[EmperorBrandon]

Another thing I noted about this episode is the character design style. It really seemed like Horiguchi Yukiko (character designer of Lucky Star) to me, and when I got to see who was the animation director, sure enough it was her. Her style seems kind of distinct out of the KyoAni animators (I know I took note of it on my latest rewatch of Haruhi as well).

[stfram]

On a more amusing note, its a good thing Sanae is such a saint, because Youhei sucks at dating.


Practice makes perfect. :)

Youhei was kind of a jerk though...but at the same time, the thing that kept going through my mind was "you idiots are taking this thing too goddamn far."

When Mei found out about the deception, they should have ended it. But if they did, it wouldn't have been Clannad, either. :)

[Suwako Moriya]

So to make a long story short. Youhei needs to be slapped and Mei needs to be hugged. I think that's what it boils down to for me. In any case Mei has gained a lot bonus points in this episode. Now the question is. Do I want her as a sister or as a future wife?

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh come on, give Tomoya a break. I'm sure nobody could stand up to this kind of an attack (http://d.imagehost.org/0284/1224181977400.gif).

There's is no way to describe the effectiveness of that attack without understating it.

[ArcticMech]

Don't think that anyone came away from this episode smelling like a rose. Rather than stopping with the lying, Tomoya and Mei made a bigger mess of things. Sanae surely didn't help by continuing to see Youhei. But Youhei just came across as an apathetic, self-absorbed jerk. The whole Onii-chan fiasco provided a reel full of comedic moments. Mei was adorable of course. That Princess Crepe was larger than her head. Yukine next week!

[mk2000]

Oh, that humming-eerrie-chorus at the end of Okazaki/Mei's date was so haunting. I don't remember this long version popping up before in the series.

I wonder if it is just part of the regular game soundtrack?

[EmperorBrandon]

I'm totally going to figure out a way to make that into my avatar!:beatingheart:

Hopefully, the gods of compression will look upon me and grant the power to stay within the 24.4k limit.:sd:

I see you have an avatar of it now. I think it looks nice. :)

[something]

Episode 3:

- Isogai Sanako, 17 years old! BRILLIANT!
- Hahah! Oh Mei-chan. "You're so beautiful but... I feel sorry for you!" XD
- And the OP. Oh god the OP! I absolutely can't go past it without watching it multiple times.
- Twenty minutes later, I finally move on to the episode! I love the look on Mei's face when Youhei brings Sanae - I mean, ISOGAI SANAKO JYUUNANA-SAI - to some cheap looking place. But IS17's mothering instincts kick in and it's time for a delicious meal =D Where did she get that food from in a dorm anyway?
- Ahahaha, Mei is the best imouto ever! EVER! Every time she sees how nice Sanako is, she starts crying and apologizing.
- Also, did they bring in some of the main Lucky Star team on board for this episode or something? A lot of the "cute" scenes have the really soft puni-puni kinda feel to the characters faces, expressions and movements that I absolutely love about that show. I'm honstly taken aback at how incredibly well it works here, especially with Mei.
- For example, this shot of Tomoya laughing, sitting next to Nagisa. Oh god they both look unbelievably cute right now, I just want to hug them forever.
- Sanae's "kyaah~" when Youhei puts the headphones on her to listen to his odd choice of music was great~
- Youhei and Mei's reaction to the two lost children is hard to read. Is Youhei being callous for the sake of being callous? I sincerely doubt it, but why did he brush it off then? Mei also stopped Tomoya and Nagisa from doing anything, because it seemed like she expected Youhei would. Or was she just seeing what he would do? She definitely didn't like his reaction at all... I suppose he feels like he and Mei have had to get by on their own (have they? We don't really know their family situation but we do know he cares about Mei a lot) and if nobody gave them a helping hand then others can pull themselves up as well. At any rate I'm even more interested in those two now.
- "And a toilet cover!" Youhei is sparkling! XD But he's utterly head over heels for Sanae. Like, dangerously so. On the one hand it's having the effect Sanae hoped for. He's rethinking his goals, dreams, his current situation. On the other hand he's just set up for an even worse fall when this all comes apart. And a lot of the blame rests on Tomoya's shoulders, honestly.
- ...Which I think Tomoya just now suddenly realized.
- ;_; Oh god, Mei. ;_; She's really feeling like her brother is being stolen away and is disappointed with seeing what having a girlfriend would do so Youhei. Of course we also see the look on Youhei's face when Mei pretends to have a boy she's meeting. God she's so cute. I didn't think Mei could get cuter, but she did.
- Second part!
- So Mei did know, or at least assumed it was all a ruse. She also explains their reactions during that lost kids scene. It's not that Youhei and Mei were on their own, or that Youhei was being considerate in his own way... he was just being genuinely callous about it and that's what hurts Mei so much. The brother she knows would never have stood for that just to spend time with a girl.
- Hah! Akio sees Sanae! And he knows it's her immediately because only Akio is man enough to be Sanae's husband! Sorry Youhei...
- Ahahah, Mei miming the actions was gold, and then Tomoya totally throws Nagisa under the bus. Poor Nagisa, I can only imagine how much she's stammering right now trying to stall for time with Akio.
- Oh wow, Tomoya, you playboy you. Now he's on a date with Mei! ...I wanna go on a date with Mei too... And he says she should pretend he's her brother!
- But oh god, he completely underestimated her imouto powers. From the first onii-chan, he's fucking KO'd. Honestly, who wouldn't be?
- BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! Ryou, Kotomi, Kyou, PERFECT TIMING! And holy shit, I just went back to rewatch this part (like 8 times), and I noticed that you see the girls a little ways down the street before you actually see them in the next cut. That's a great little touch, and I totally missed it the first time. Kyou looks disgusted, Kotomi looks confused, Ryou looks heartbroken.
- And the scene only gets better. KotoRyouKyou go running away in fear. XD Tomoya can't decide if he wants Mei to do it or not. And then, KINSHIIII!!!!! Clannad truly is one of the funniest damn shis ever. Also, Tamura Yukari should voice ever imouto ever. Mei is now my favorite non-Nanoha role of hers, ever. You just KNOW Mei was having so much fun just now.
- And seeing Kotomi hanging out with Ryou and Kyou like normal friends makes me smile sooooo much.
- IMOUTO-SAMA WANTS THE PRINCESS CREPE. YOU BUY HER THE FUCKING PRINCESS CREPE. NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
- ICHIGOOO~~ > <
- Oh that is a scary looking Youhei. Looks like Sanae told him the truth. And now he's about to take it out on Mei and... Holy shit, Tomoya, what are you doing? This doesn't seem like his usual pranking, though. The look on Youhei's face should make it clear that this isn't the time for such things.
- Right, he was trying to provoke Youhei and get him to come after Mei, but yet again Youhei refuses.

This is turning into an absolutely incredible arc. How many shows would ever give this much quality development to the male lead's best friend and that friend's sister? And for it to be this good is just unbelievable.

Time to rewatch this episode (even though I effectively have already given all the times I rewound scenes and rewatched. I started this episode two and a half hours ago and just finished! :sd:


Edit: as a side note, I'm so looking forward to an epic throwdown between Youhei and Tomoya next episode. They looks they gave each other at the end of the preview were deadly.

[something]

I'm totally going to figure out a way to make that into my avatar!:beatingheart:
Hopefully, the gods of compression will look upon me and grant the power to stay within the 24.4k limit.:sd:I see you have an avatar of it now. I think it looks nice. :)
And the fact that his user title is Moe Little Sister just seals the deal. New rule: so long as you have that avatar, mk2000, you're not allowed to advance to the next user title level.

[something]

Another thing I noted about this episode is the character design style. It really seemed like Horiguchi Yukiko (character designer of Lucky Star) to me, and when I got to see who was the animation director, sure enough it was her. Her style seems kind of distinct out of the KyoAni animators (I know I took note of it on my latest rewatch of Haruhi as well).
Ah good, someone else did make note of this. I just can't get over how flawlessly the style meshed with Clannad. It enhanced there scenes where it was appropriate, and was kept out of the scenes where it wasn't. Not once did it clash or detract or stand out when it shouldn't have. I'm normally against changing designs for no good reason, but this was subtle in all the right ways and only served to make me love the show even more.

One wishes other studios would take note ::coughZettaiKarenChildren27coughfuckyoudirinafire Gonzocough::

[EmperorBrandon]

I'm normally against changing designs for no good reason, but this was subtle in all the right ways and only served to make me love the show even more.


Inconsistent character designs can be quite bother me quite a bit (I think my latest complaint there were a few eps. in Tweeny Witches), and who is credited as animation director for an episode tends to matter a good bit on the style of the characters from what I've noticed in several series. KyoAni is really good at keeping things consistent, though, and even though there is a bit of Horiguchi's distinct style in this episode, I think I agree it works pretty well (particularly with Mei :) )

[Suwako Moriya]

How many shows would ever give this much quality development to the male lead's best friend and that friend's sister?

Considering the fact some series act like there's only one character in existence, probably not very many. It also shows that Clannad is making good use of being a four cour series (counting both season here). It's not wasting the extra cour with pointless episodes. It's also not stretching a given plot thread. Instead it's adding mini-arcs to flesh out the greater whole.

[Suwako Moriya]

And the fact that his user title is Moe Little Sister just seals the deal. New rule: so long as you have that avatar, mk2000, you're not allowed to advance to the next user title level.

Ah, but that creates the dilemma. The less he posts the less we'll see the avatar.

[something]

And the fact that his user title is Moe Little Sister just seals the deal. New rule: so long as you have that avatar, mk2000, you're not allowed to advance to the next user title level.Ah, but that creates the dilemma. The less he posts the less we'll see the avatar.
If he hits the next level I'm totally going to propose his title get locked in manually =P

[Suwako Moriya]

If he hits the next level I'm totally going to propose his title get locked in manually =P

Ah yes that could work.

[EmperorBrandon]

- Isogai Sanako, 17 years old! BRILLIANT!

Wasn't "Isogai" the name Fuuko borrowed back in the first series too? I think it was mentioned that the family name belonged to the neighbors of the Furukawas or something like that.

[Fencedude]

- Isogai Sanako, 17 years old! BRILLIANT!

Wasn't "Isogai" the name Fuuko borrowed back in the first series too? I think it was mentioned that the family name belonged to the neighbors of the Furukawas or something like that.

Correct

[Suwako Moriya]

Wasn't "Isogai" the name Fuuko borrowed back in the first series too?
Correct

On that note, it would be funny if members of the real Isogai family randomly appeared eventually. Or maybe they did and I just forgot about it.

[something]

- Isogai Sanako, 17 years old! BRILLIANT!Wasn't "Isogai" the name Fuuko borrowed back in the first series too? I think it was mentioned that the family name belonged to the neighbors of the Furukawas or something like that.
Yep, I really hope it gets used at least once more, it's a great running gag.

[Suwako Moriya]

Yep, I really hope it gets used at least once more, it's a great running gag.

Yeah, but before they can use it a third time, they need to come up with another reason for it. As well as deciding who the next character to use the name should be. So far it's been Fuko and Sanae. I've got it. Kotomi realizing her violin skills can be used a weapon to defeat the forces of evil uses Isogai as her Super Heroine name. If that idea isn't the worst ever then I've failed.

[Nosredna]

My goodness Sanae is a mom, but I'm sure a mom all of us would like. I haven't been as big of a Mei fan as most people around here, but after this episode I like her a lot more. Of course never being a big Sunohara fan, this episode makes me dislike him even more, but I assume he's going to redeem himself. Oh and my only complaint is lack of my Kyou in the episode :P.

[Shiroi Hane]

Inconsistent character designs can be quite bother me quite a bit (I think my latest complaint there were a few eps. in Tweeny Witches), and who is credited as animation director for an episode tends to matter a good bit on the style of the characters from what I've noticed in several series. KyoAni is really good at keeping things consistent
You don't have to look any further than how well they handled the FMP character designs and the first series wasn't even animated by the same studio.

[mk2000]

If he hits the next level I'm totally going to propose his title get locked in manually =P

Ah yes that could work.

XD

Thanks guys. I'm glad you liked it.

I'm a small poster so my title and Mei should be around for a long time :)

PS - I'm actually hoping to improve the gif once I get a hold of a better source.

[lawson]

On that note, it would be funny if members of the real Isogai family randomly appeared eventually. Or maybe they did and I just forgot about it.

Actually, I think that happened in one of the very late episodes of the first season. Sanae was at the school shortly before Nagisa's play was to begin, and saw/called out to Mrs. Isogai in the hallway.

I'd have to go back and check the scene to make sure I'm remembering correctly, though.

UPDATE: Yup. It's Episode 22, about 6 minutes in.

[Fencedude]

On that note, it would be funny if members of the real Isogai family randomly appeared eventually. Or maybe they did and I just forgot about it.

Actually, I think that happened in one of the very late episodes of the first season. Sanae was at the school shortly before Nagisa's play was to begin, and saw/called out to Mrs. Isogai in the hallway.

I'd have to go back and check the scene to make sure I'm remembering correctly, though.

You are.

(also, haven't seen you around here in a while...)

[Suwako Moriya]

Sanae was at the school shortly before Nagisa's play was to begin, and saw/called out to Mrs. Isogai in the hallway.

Ah okay then and since this is confirmed by both you and Fencedude, I can only reach one conclusion. My memory when it comes to Clannad at least is poor.

[Ty]

So it looks like things are going to come to a head with Sunohara next episode. I hope this isn't the end of seeing Mei after this story arc. This episode is Clannad at it's best. It raises you up to the highest heights of laughter and fun and in a mere moment sends you flying back down into the depths of human drama and feelings when we go from Mei and Tomoya on their "date" to seeing her burying her face in sadness because nothing seems to be moving Sunohara to get a clue.

I hit rewind on nearly a dozen parts of this episode several times. This is the first time this season we really see Tomoya having fun in his uniquely goofy way but it's out in full force while he's goofing off with Mei. Having the girls run into them was priceless. Poor Ryou..... so shocked she dropped her ice cream. I really hoped that gets revisited too since there are clearly unresolved feelings with her (I'm 100% sure it will of course).

The opening theme just gets more amazing as you dig into it btw. I popped my K701's on and listened to it a few times with KMP set to ouptput via ASIO (sadly it doesn't work with all video files without skipping so I can't use it regularly). There are a number of subtle accompanying instruments in the background of the sound that you can't hear normally. I picked up on them for the first time listening this way, and they add a very rich layered harmony and texture to the song that only makes it even more amazing than it was before. Best part of all? Some of the background accompaniment shifts it's balance from the left channel to the right and vice-versa to follow the direction of the animation on screen (such as when the girls' names are "blown away" by the wind after they're spelled out). It was an amazing touch and also something you don't really pick up on unless you listen with with higher resolution equipment.

[Ty]

Oh, that humming-eerrie-chorus at the end of Okazaki/Mei's date was so haunting. I don't remember this long version popping up before in the series.

I wonder if it is just part of the regular game soundtrack?

The game OST has long and short variations on a number of tracks. Personally I'm hoping they incorporate some of the piano arranged versions from Piano no Mori to freshen the music up a bit this season the same way they used the Re-feel remix album in Kanon sometimes.

[stfram]

Poor Ryou..... so shocked she dropped her ice cream. I really hoped that gets revisited too since there are clearly unresolved feelings with her (I'm 100% sure it will of course).


It's fun to freeze-frame through that scene since you see the entire gamut of horrified expressions from her, with absolute cluelessness from Kotomi, and shock/anger from Kyou.

[something]

I really hoped that gets revisited too since there are clearly unresolved feelings with her (I'm 100% sure it will of course).
Think they will? Mmm, I feel like her little time in the spotlight is already over. I suppose it depends how much they spend on what is, apparently, just leftover 'School Life' arc. That is, we're not yet into actual 'After Story' stuff, or so I thought? Well, I don't actually even know what After Story covers, and I suppose I don't want to know, but I'm wondering (Note: as in speculating, not asking for answers!) if we're going to be keeping with all the same cast all the way through. Hmm. At any rate I think if there are any further obstacles to Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship, it won't be in the form of Tomoya developing feelings for any of the girls we've seen so far. So where Ryou would come in, if they put the focus back on her again, I really can't tell.

[something]

It's fun to freeze-frame through that scene since you see the entire gamut of horrified expressions from her, with absolute cluelessness from Kotomi, and shock/anger from Kyou.
Walking frame by frame when the girls turn around and run away from Tomoya was great. I just love the animation there, and all the little expressions and movements they make that you just can't quite catch watching at full speed.

[Suwako Moriya]

I just love the animation there, and all the little expressions and movements they make that you just can't quite catch watching at full speed.

Stuff like that makes me glad for the ability to re-watch things. So yeah I just had to double check the scene myself just to see the results.

[Fencedude]

I really hoped that gets revisited too since there are clearly unresolved feelings with her (I'm 100% sure it will of course).
Think they will? Mmm, I feel like her little time in the spotlight is already over. I suppose it depends how much they spend on what is, apparently, just leftover 'School Life' arc. That is, we're not yet into actual 'After Story' stuff, or so I thought? Well, I don't actually even know what After Story covers, and I suppose I don't want to know, but I'm wondering (Note: as in speculating, not asking for answers!) if we're going to be keeping with all the same cast all the way through. Hmm. At any rate I think if there are any further obstacles to Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship, it won't be in the form of Tomoya developing feelings for any of the girls we've seen so far. So where Ryou would come in, if they put the focus back on her again, I really can't tell.

I doubt we'll see much more of Kyou and Ryou's story, much like Tomoyo's everything thats left pretty much mutually contradicts Nagisa's arc, so its hard to work in.

I do hope we get Yukine (seems likely) and Misae's stories though.

[something]

I doubt we'll see much more of Kyou and Ryou's story, much like Tomoyo's everything thats left pretty much mutually contradicts Nagisa's arc, so its hard to work in.
Definitely one of the inherent issues with using a multi-path romance story as the base. You can only be "true" to one arc, as complete faithfulness to the whole story would create a narrative paradox. This is less problematic in a story like Clannad where all the girls are connected even independent of the male lead (that is, they can play a role even if they aren't always romantic interests), but it's not something that can be ignored completely.

I do hope we get Yukine (seems likely) and Misae's stories though.
Yukine seems like a given, though I'm not sure about Misae. I do wonder how many arcs there are... I'd really like for a major chunk (10 eps or more) of the show to focus very specifically on Nagisa and Tomoya's situations and relationship. Again, as everyone is intertwined this by no means has to be to the exclusion of other characters, but even a show like Clannad does still have "arcs" - just not as strictly defined and isolated as people expect in bishoujo anime. And when we're focusing to a degree on a specific character, only so much drama can be spared for other characters, Nagisa and Tomoya included.

But not knowing anything about the source material, not wanting to know anything about the source material, I'm not sure where it'll go... which is really one of the most exciting things.

[Nosredna]

I doubt we'll see much more of Kyou and Ryou's story, much like Tomoyo's everything thats left pretty much mutually contradicts Nagisa's arc, so its hard to work in.

Obviously it saddens me to hear this, although I'm sure those three have something more to contribute to the story. At least I'm hoping they do :P.

[something]

Obviously it saddens me to hear this, although I'm sure those three have something more to contribute to the story. At least I'm hoping they do :P.
At the very least we clearly should be getting more Kyou - and where there's Kyou, there's Ryou - just going by the OP. I mean, you can't show something as interesting as what seems to be KYOU-SENSEI (or something like it) and then just not cover it.

...And again, I'm not seeking confirmation, just speculating. But that's easily one of the most intriguing parts of the OP, next to a depressed looking Tomoya being driven away in what seems to be Yoshino's van. ...And one other thing I refuse to even speculate on, of course.

[Ty]

I really hoped that gets revisited too since there are clearly unresolved feelings with her (I'm 100% sure it will of course).
Think they will? Mmm, I feel like her little time in the spotlight is already over. I suppose it depends how much they spend on what is, apparently, just leftover 'School Life' arc. That is, we're not yet into actual 'After Story' stuff, or so I thought? Well, I don't actually even know what After Story covers, and I suppose I don't want to know, but I'm wondering (Note: as in speculating, not asking for answers!) if we're going to be keeping with all the same cast all the way through. Hmm. At any rate I think if there are any further obstacles to Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship, it won't be in the form of Tomoya developing feelings for any of the girls we've seen so far. So where Ryou would come in, if they put the focus back on her again, I really can't tell.

To clarify I didn't mean whole story arc. More along the lines of a conversation between them that sets things to right. He knows she had feelings for him, but it was just "let go" when it became clear how he and Nagisa were and not resolved. Some situation could put the two together for a few minutes so they can get to a point where they can be friends and move on I would think. Clannad is all about connecting with friends and family afterall.

And, no, based on what I know of After Story material we're not even touching it yet. We'll see a clear shift of gears in some ways with the story when that whole arc finally comes up.

[Draneor]

I'd really like for a major chunk (10 eps or more) of the show to focus very specifically on Nagisa and Tomoya's situations and relationship.

Clearly, KyoAni's next project will be Clannad Post-After Story, and Little Busters is going to be 216 episodes to do it properly (not entirely a random number).

[something]

and Little Busters is going to be 216 episodes to do it properly (not entirely a random number).
Just how damn long is that game? :sd:

[Vegard Aune]

and Little Busters is going to be 216 episodes to do it properly (not entirely a random number).
Just how damn long is that game? :sd:
If that number has any basis in reality, I'd guess about 6 times the length of the Bible. But from the way I understand it, it's more like every single path in LB is like Tomoyo's path here, as in, they can't actually fit with each other, and you kinda need to see all of them to understand the story. Of course, this is all just baseless speculation, as the only Key-VN I've actually "played" is Planetarian. (Which by the way would propably work quite well as a 90-minute/2-hour movie... God, I hope KyoAni will do that eventually...)

[Draneor]

Just how damn long is that game? :sd:

No comment. You wouldn't want me to say any more. ^^U Although I did include the Ex material in my calculations. Plus, every KeyAni series has doubled so far (12*, 24, 48, ... 216). It should be 96 at the minimum. :)

*I'm not including the re-cap episode.

[HitokiriShadow]

I'd really like for a major chunk (10 eps or more) of the show to focus very specifically on Nagisa and Tomoya's situations and relationship.

I know nothing of what occurs in After Story, but I've repeatedly heard that it is quite long. As I heard it was as long or longer than the School Life part, I'm kind of surprised they have time for focusing on the Sunoharas (though I'm certainly not complaining). I'm guessing we will cover some left over school life stories until around episode 8 or so (assuming we get at least the Yukine story and its about 3 episodes, add another one or two if they do Misae), then we will dive into After Story.

In short, I expect we will see at least 12 episodes for After Story, probably more like 14-16.

[Vegard Aune]

I know nothing of what occurs in After Story, but I've repeatedly heard that it is quite long. As I heard it was as long or longer than the School Life part, I'm kind of surprised they have time for focusing on the Sunoharas (though I'm certainly not complaining)..
But that raises another question: When people say "As long as the School Life-arc", do they mean as long as all the routes in it combined, or just say... Finish Nagisa's School Life-route, and you're about halfway through her story? Because if it's the latter, then they shouldn't have much of a problem doing justice to the real After Story, yet still include most of the stuff they didn't include in the first season.

[HitokiriShadow]

But that raises another question: When people say "As long as the School Life-arc", do they mean as long as all the routes in it combined, or just say... Finish Nagisa's School Life-route, and you're about halfway through her story? Because if it's the latter, then they shouldn't have much of a problem doing justice to the real After Story, yet still include most of the stuff they didn't include in the first season.

A good point. I was under the impression that it was longer than all or most of them combined. I believe you have to complete all of the characters' routes in School Life to be able to play the After Story segment. However, I don't recall if I ever saw it explicitly stated that it was longer than all of the routes combined, so I may be wrong on that.

[EmperorBrandon]

As I did with the first series, I have faith that Ishihara, Shimo, and KyoAni will pace the series appropriately. At this point, it's not really on my mind much, as I would rather not even speculate on what's going to be covered (I don't know the source material, and I don't want to spoil myself at all either... :P )

[HitokiriShadow]

As I did with the first series, I have faith that Ishihara, Shimo, and KyoAni will pace the series appropriately.

I don't think any of us are actually worried about anything like that. I was just a bit surprised due to my impressions of After Story's length and I think something was just expressing what he wanted to see, not any particular concerns over pacing issues or the like. And if anyone was, well, I'd agree, I think it will work out fine. While I was a tad disappointed that certain characters had a relatively small time in the spotlight in the first season, the series certainly hasn't had any pacing issues yet nor do I see any other reasons to worry about it at this point.

[Fencedude]

A good point. I was under the impression that it was longer than all or most of them combined. I believe you have to complete all of the characters' routes in School Life to be able to play the After Story segment. However, I don't recall if I ever saw it explicitly stated that it was longer than all of the routes combined, so I may be wrong on that.

To access After Story you just had to finish Nagisa's School Life arc, however to get the Good/True ending, you had to complete ALL the school life arcs, and at least 1 playthrough of After Story.

That is what the lights represent, a completed story arc. I think there were...14 of them? Some of them are gotten in After Story.

[Sly05]

I'm a little late commenting, but I'll chime in my continued enthusiasm for the series. Mei was awesome. I loved how she was able to manipulate Tomoya with her imouto act and Kyou, Ryou, and Kotomi running into them on the street was pure gold. Sunohara was a bit too much of an ass this episode to get much sympathy from me this episode (which I was a bit surprised at). I do, however, look forward to the inevitable reconciliation between him and his sister (man, I wish I had a little sister like Mei).

[stfram]

That is what the lights represent, a completed story arc.


It's good to know precisely what those glowing lights mean. :)

[Fencedude]

That is what the lights represent, a completed story arc.


It's good to know precisely what those glowing lights mean. :)

Ryou doesn't have one, she's a bad end

[Ty]

That is what the lights represent, a completed story arc.


It's good to know precisely what those glowing lights mean. :)

Ryou doesn't have one, she's a bad end

I still both am and am not curious about exactly what you meant when you said she's a bitch. I just cannot see that, unless there are story-related circumstances that would make it believable.

[Fudce]

Remember to respond to this post for all episode four posts.
To respond directly to a post, click the button labeled "Quote", or the furthest button right to quick reply to this post.


Now that is the way you conclude an arc. Yohei was quite a miserable git in the last episode, but now we get to see why. I don't know the specifics, obviously but it looks like his main problems were with the Football club, his explosive temper, and the fact that the club members are all first degree jerks. In order to get him back in the club, Mei, Tomoya and Nagisa agree to help with the teams practice. During the practice the team make no attempt to get goals, instead finding pleasure in making the three helpers run for the ball, and even kicking the ball at them. They hurt Mei! They deserve to die!
They conveniently forget the promise, and then start picking on Mei, at which point Tomoya snaps and goes to hit the captain, but he is beaten to the punch by babyface.

This was one of the most emotive conclusions to an arc, but what made it all the more special was that it was not the plight of one of the major girls that caused the emotion, but that of the "comic relief" sidekick.


Looks like Misae is getting an arc next.. I look forward to it :)

[Vegard Aune]

The widescreen-version of episode 1 has aired, and looking at it, it seems like they either:
A) Decided to not mess with the colors in this season, as so many people bought the DVDs last time that it's propably not necessary with pointless gimmicks to make people buy them this time too,
or
B) Decided to mess with the colors in both versions, so NEITHER of them look quite right... At least they both seem to have the same saturation, contrast, brightness and so on.

I'm hoping it's A, but I kinda suspect that it's actually B, as the colors don't always look all that sharp compared to Kanon and Air in my opinion.

[Sly05]

The soccer club were a bunch of asses. They got off lightly after what they did to Mei. I was hoping Tomoyo would lend a hand to put them in their place (or at least get their club disbanded), but alas that was not the case.

Yohei's entrance was superb. It really made the episode. I lost some respect for him after his being a total twit in episode 3 but he earned back some of that respect here. The scene with him and Tomoya laying beaten up in the rain also stood out. A great episode all around.

[EmperorBrandon]

They hurt Mei! They deserve to die!

Indeed. Those soccer club jerks were intolerable. Hurting Mei, making her cry... that's the absolute worst of sins. :P (not to mention they insulted Nagisa earlier too) I really don't think there was much of a need for Youhei to join back up with them - they were the real losers.

Anyway, it seems to me, the Sunohara story ended on a pretty good note. It was nice of them to get some story focus for once, and learn how Tomoya and Sunohara met. Seems that the next episode (possibly short arc?) is going to be focused on Misae. I'm curious how that will go.

[mk2000]

I guess the conclusion was that Sunohara still pulled through as a big brother at the end and Sunohara's complete trust in Okazaki led him to actually leave Mei in Okazaki's care.

I guess Okazaki still suffers from self-image issues. Which is why he figured that Sunohara wouldn't want Mei with a guy like "him". Of course, as I said earlier, Sunohara and him are great friends and Mei realized this as a great trait to admire in her Onii-chan.

And yes, those soccer guys were pure trash. I hope Misae rounds up the rugby team to go bash them a bit :beat:

[ArcticMech]

Wow, that was cathartic in a very guy sorta way. Everything finally came out into the open and everyone was better off for it.

The soccer club members were first rate pricks. To not only verbally abuse, but also physically assault and torment a little girl was beyond cruel. If it was only a fair fight, they would've received the pummeling they deserve. It was ugly, but it was probably something Mei needed to see to better understand her brother.

It was amusing that Youhei didn't realize Nagisa was around until the fight was long over.

So Yukine's brother was the guy that was hiding under table and leapt out through the window a couple of episodes ago?

Alright, an episode featuring Misae on deck!

[HitokiriShadow]

So, the soccer team is full of assholes and the suddenly it makes perfect sense that the (normally) more-or-less upright Youhei would knock heads with them.

But I sure wasn't expecting Tomoya and Youhei to duke it out. Excellent scene all around.

Also, Tomoya is evil for doing that to Youhei at the end.

[Fencedude]

Also, Tomoya is evil for doing that to Youhei at the end.

You weren't not expecting that, were you? I mean, it was a given from the moment the plotline started 3 episodes ago.

Also ZOMG Misae episode!

[Nosredna]

That episode was not one of my favorites, but I was happy with the way they ended that arc. Actually I wasn't a big fan of that entire arc, so I'm glad it's over. They did a really good job making the soccer club unsympathetic though. Those bastards!

[HitokiriShadow]

Also, Tomoya is evil for doing that to Youhei at the end.

You weren't not expecting that, were you? I mean, it was a given from the moment the plotline started 3 episodes ago.


Oh, I was expecting something like that to happen. It was still an evil (in a good way) thing to do

[something]

Alright! I give in! I've been checking for my preferred version literally every 10-15 minutes I've been awake since Friday afternoon, but I can't hold out any longer. ;_; I suppose I should just get used to this...

Episode 4:

- ::looks:: at least 230 posts... this thread is going to be huge.
- But before I can start episode four, I need to rewatch episode three again... and this lovely lovely OP. I can never watch it once, because it's like revving up an engine.I watch it once to get into the mood, twice to get speed up, thrice to hit peak speed, and then an indeterminate number of times thereafter until I can break the trance it puts me in. <3
- ::dies from imouto overload:: Oh my lord episode three is fantastic. Now for ep 4.
- Kyou-chan ijimekko~ Haha, oh Kotomi.
- Oh fuck those soccer club guys. Fuck them hard with a stick of dynamite. Who the hell would want to ve involved with them? Ugh. They even insulted Nagisa, arrrrrrgh. That definitely pissed Tomoya off, and me as well.
- Good for Yukine, she gets Mei to realize (I hope) that soccer isn't the only way to turn Youhei around. To hell with soccer.
- Or not. She's still on about soccer. I really feel like she's missing the point. Soccer might make him shape up, but not soccer with them. They're not the kind of people who allow someone to grow and develop as a person. As for Tomoya, god I wish he'd just slug Youhei. Soccer won't bring him back to his senses, but maybe a fist to the face will.
- More love for Nagisa, oh so much love for Nagisa. I love how she thinks this through rationally and reminds him that if he gets in a fight, someone has to be there to protect Mei and get her out of there.
- Gah, watching them work like dogs for these taint cancers makes me so mad. They can't be allowed to get away with this. The whole thing infuriates me and makes no sense at all.
- Oh holy shit. Fuck yeah for Tomoya and Youhei fucking up the soccer club! =D At least for a little while, clearly they succumbed to pure numbers eventually. And then their fight afterwards, that was seriously awesome stuff. We haven't seen an emotional high point so far in this show that revolved around beating the shit out of each other, seeing as how it usually involved a girl... :sd: This was great though, and I love how Youhei finally came out with his reasoning - he thought Mei would be okay if her boyfriend were Tomoya. Youhei, you idiot. :sd: Man, that was brutal though. Awesome.
- Heh, they look awful. It's like they found a way to get three black eyes.
- Whaaaaaat? Youhei still doesn't know about Sanae being Nagisa's mother. But then, what had him so pissed off when he saw Mei with Tomoya? Maybe his date with Sanae went fine, but he was still worried about Mei, hence the angry look on his face when he met them.
- Well that went about how I expected. :sd:

Heh, I think this Sunohara siblings arc was paced pretty much perfectly. It only took up three episodes of the show, but did a great job fleshing out Mei and Youhei and even Tomoya as well. Sure it ended a bit abruptly and there were a few weird leaps of logic in there - why was Youhei's first reaction "What about Nagisa?" instead of "But Mei is like 12!" [or whatever]? :sd: - but that's not really a problem in this case.

Especially since it looks like we're indeed getting a Misae arc next. Now that should be very interesting.

[something]

This was one of the most emotive conclusions to an arc, but what made it all the more special was that it was not the plight of one of the major girls that caused the emotion, but that of the "comic relief" sidekick.
I'm also glad they didn't end it with a soccer match. :sd: Don't get me wrong, the basketball and baseball episodes are two of my favorites ever, but it just wouldn't have really "fit". Having Tomoya and Youhei crack some skulls (and each others') was way truer to their friendship and how they met. It also gave us a kind of scene that we'd have no way to get in Clannad in any other character's story.

[mk2000]

This was one of the most emotive conclusions to an arc, but what made it all the more special was that it was not the plight of one of the major girls that caused the emotion, but that of the "comic relief" sidekick.
I'm also glad they didn't end it with a soccer match. :sd: Don't get me wrong, the basketball and baseball episodes are two of my favorites ever, but it just wouldn't have really "fit". Having Tomoya and Youhei crack some skulls (and each others') was way truer to their friendship and how they met. It also gave us a kind of scene that we'd have no way to get in Clannad in any other character's story.

I know this would be impossible but I would love to see a Tomoyo vs Kyou arc where it ends in an epic kick count battle.

XD

[Fencedude]

I know this would be impossible but I would love to see a Tomoyo vs Kyou arc where it ends in an epic kick count battle.

XD

I'm pretty certain they had a throwdown in the game, on Tomoyo's route I believe.

[Nosredna]

I know this would be impossible but I would love to see a Tomoyo vs Kyou arc where it ends in an epic kick count battle.

XD

I'm pretty certain they had a throwdown in the game, on Tomoyo's route I believe.

Well then I guess it's pretty obvious who wins that one :P.

[GrateSaiyaman]

The one thing that stands out for me in this episode . . . the soccer team's partisan mind-set. It reminds me of the kind of crap I had to put up with from the "Jock" set/clique, when I was in High school.

Don't misunderstand me, most of my best friends were athletes, there was just that bunch that thought they were better than everyone-else.

;)

[mk2000]

I know this would be impossible but I would love to see a Tomoyo vs Kyou arc where it ends in an epic kick count battle.

XD

I'm pretty certain they had a throwdown in the game, on Tomoyo's route I believe.

Well then I guess it's pretty obvious who wins that one :P.

Well, thinking about it, Kyou would indeed lose a kick battle but I'm pretty sure she could dodge long enough to lure Tomoyo into the Library.
At that point, Papermaster, er...Bookmaster Kyou would be unstoppable!:sdsmiley:

Although I guess Tomoyo could dodge those with her kicks for a while as well.

[Suwako Moriya]

They hurt Mei! They deserve to die

Just make sure the death is as painful as possible. That being said I spent the vast majority of the episode wondering why the ***** Mei was even bothering with them. I mean let's face it dealing with those monsters is akin to dealing with demons. Which is what they may as well be. Except demons are capable of having a heart. Still I suppose if she was trying to set up a situation for Youhei to play hero it might make a slight bit more sense, but that still ended up being a risky gamble.

[something]

At that point, Papermaster, er...Bookmaster Kyou would be unstoppable!:sdsmiley:
Although I guess Tomoyo could dodge those with her kicks for a while as well.
They'd both fall to Ko-to-mi when she reveals her true form: Patchouli Knowledge, the Unmoving Great Library!

[mk2000]

At that point, Papermaster, er...Bookmaster Kyou would be unstoppable!:sdsmiley:
Although I guess Tomoyo could dodge those with her kicks for a while as well.
They'd both fall to Ko-to-mi when she reveals her true form: Patchouli Knowledge, the Unmoving Great Library!

Yeah! And if that doesn't work she could always whip out her Violin and that'll put a stop to about anything rather quickly:eek:

[Suwako Moriya]

They'd both fall to Ko-to-mi when she reveals her true form: Patchouli Knowledge, the Unmoving Great Library!

I don't suppose she brought anyone else from the Scarlet Mansion with her.

[something]

I don't suppose she brought anyone else from the Scarlet Mansion with her.
Great, now I'm think about Mei cosplaying as Flandre (the imouto connection, naturally).

Which is awesome, except that then I had to think about Youhei cosplaying Remilia... ;_;

...he's better a Meiling anyway. Poor punching bags. :sd:

(Okay, I'll stop with the Touhou comparisons now =P)

[EmperorBrandon]

Just make sure the death is as painful as possible. That being said I spent the vast majority of the episode wondering why the ***** Mei was even bothering with them. I mean let's face it dealing with those monsters is akin to dealing with demons. Which is what they may as well be. Except demons are capable of having a heart. Still I suppose if she was trying to set up a situation for Youhei to play hero it might make a slight bit more sense, but that still ended up being a risky gamble.

It seems we are all united in our hatred of the soccer club. Most hated villains of the season? :P

[Shinmaru]

Damn good episode -- maybe my favorite so far, just for the epic fight between Sunohara and Tomoya. One of the best scenes in either season of Clannad. The soccer club struck me as a bit too much stereotypical jock, but those scenes worked well enough for me. I'm really interested to see how Sunohara will develop the rest of the season -- I don't think he'll become like Tomoya, but it will be cool to see him mature in his own way.

[EmperorBrandon]

- ::looks:: at least 230 posts... this thread is going to be huge.

Huge indeed. We're only 1/6th of the way through the series now (though granted, there was a good bit of pre-series discussion too). At what point does threaded/hybrid mode begin to break (if it still does that? Haven't been checking...). Probably will need to make multiple parts as with the original series.

[something]

At what point does threaded/hybrid mode begin to break (if it still does that? Haven't been checking...).
Thankfully, it doesn't anymore. We should be able to keep it in one thread, if wanted. Barring any oddities, anyway. For example, sometimes the huge Geass glitch thread on R1 would only load partially in threaded but that seems like an odd-ball exception.

However, for simple ease of reading, I wouldn't be against restarting it for the second half. Eventually threads get so large that they're just a pain to use, especially a disucssion thread where finding specific pieces o the discussion matters. As opposed to meandering bitch threads in R1 where there's no thread structure to begin with. But we can worry about that later, posting speed always drops off eventually in discussion threads. I doubt we'll see posting at this same rate through to the end.

Either way, as long as the subthread structure is properly maintained (thanks to Fudce and others for that), it's not as big a concern it once was.

[Fudce]

Just make sure the death is as painful as possible. That being said I spent the vast majority of the episode wondering why the ***** Mei was even bothering with them. I mean let's face it dealing with those monsters is akin to dealing with demons. Which is what they may as well be. Except demons are capable of having a heart. Still I suppose if she was trying to set up a situation for Youhei to play hero it might make a slight bit more sense, but that still ended up being a risky gamble.

It seems we are all united in our hatred of the soccer club. Most hated villains of the season? :P

Are they more hated than the dreaded "Steam" villain from strike witches? Computer says yes.

[something]

Are they more hated than the dreaded "Steam" villain from strike witches? Computer says yes.
After all, the DVDs have conquered the steam, but no DVD release will make the soccer club members less loathsome.

[Shiroi Hane]

Something I've been meaning to say: why is it, in this series, whenever they come upon a problem the solution nearly always involved sport?