Ginban Kaleidoscope Discussion Thread

[Suwako Moriya]

Yes, I know the series is from 2005 and thus I'm late to the party, but I don't care. I've toyed with the idea of doing an episode by episode discussion thread for the series. Rather than hesitate until it's too late and regret it, I'm just going to go for it. So time for the usual.

ANN Entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6050)

Official Site 1 (http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Animation/ginban/)

Official Site 2 (http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/ginban/)

Note
As usual, please try to follow these three easy forum courtesy habits when replying... No really, I mean it, please do:
1) If you're the first person to post about an episode, 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.

[Suwako Moriya]

Poor Sakurano Tazusa, she gets possessed by some random ghost in what may be one of the most uneventful possessions ever. Instead of being shown some dramatic possession scene, you simply have the ghost provide her with the information that it happened.

I can see why Tazusa calls her Ms.Nasty. I think Ms.Nasty probably scares small children. Both due to personality and look. Also it's clear that Dominque is a bit of a bitch, but that's another story.

Tazusa's methods for trying to get rid of her unwanted guest once she realized he could feel what she felt were definitely a highlight of the episode. Although him being able to see what she can see could be a problem. That and talking to herself.

[Suwako Moriya]

So Pete Pumps has to wait until 100 days to go to heaven? Pumps? What kind of name is that? I'm not even sure I want to know what's going with that or the 100 days thing, but well it gives some explanation.

Regardless Pete is messing up Tazusa's life. She can't even do "that". I can probably guess what that is. Still at least she discovered the guy hates tomatoes. Pretty effective weapon for her to use. Although it can definitely backfire on her. On a side note, I'm not fond of tomatoes either. Unless they are made into a sauce like for pasta for example.

[Suwako Moriya]

So apparently, Tazusa has figured out that she may as well take advantage of the fact she's possessed by Pete in order to solve at least one problem she's having. Maybe it's not ethical to rely on a ghost, but hey it's not like she chose to be possessed.

So she failed the move the first time, second time, and now a third time? Clearly the solution is some overly dramatic training episode doing stuff that clearly has nothing to do with skating. Sorry, I had certain other series on my mind.

In any case, I have to confess that I pay way too much attention to the scenes showing her cleavage. Wait a minute here. Why am I speaking like that's a bad thing? It's only natural given how attractive and wonderful she is.

With this episode, I'm 1/4 the way through the series. So far the series is working for me. That could change later, but for now I'm going to continue watching more. Just a matter of fitting the episodes in my schedule. I think the main negative is more on my part. Ie the fact I took so long to try it.

[Splitter]

So Pete Pumps has to wait until 100 days to go to heaven? Pumps? What kind of name is that? I'm not even sure I want to know what's going with that or the 100 days thing, but well it gives some explanation.

Regardless Pete is messing up Tazusa's life. She can't even do "that". I can probably guess what that is. Still at least she discovered the guy hates tomatoes. Pretty effective weapon for her to use. Although it can definitely backfire on her. On a side note, I'm not fond of tomatoes either. Unless they are made into a sauce like for pasta for example.

No mention to the "Ode to Joy"? Easily one of the best parts of the series.

[pianocello]

Poor Sakurano Tazusa, she gets possessed by some random ghost in what may be one of the most uneventful possessions ever. Instead of being shown some dramatic possession scene, you simply have the ghost provide her with the information that it happened.

I can see why Tazusa calls her Ms.Nasty. I think Ms.Nasty probably scares small children. Both due to personality and look. Also it's clear that Dominque is a bit of a bitch, but that's another story.

Tazusa's methods for trying to get rid of her unwanted guest once she realized he could feel what she felt were definitely a highlight of the episode. Although him being able to see what she can see could be a problem. That and talking to herself.


The whole ZOMG I can't look at my own naked body because he will see it too fails so hard. Massive fail. Birdy the Mighty handled this issue much better.

[Suwako Moriya]

No mention to the "Ode to Joy"? Easily one of the best parts of the series.

Well it was a curious moment, but for some reason I didn't feel like mentioning it. Either that or it's a result of deciding only after finishing the third episode to create a discussion thread.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's kind of curious how much interest Pete seems to be taking in the skating stuff that Tazusa's part of. I can probably guess this is some form of foreshadowing. Either that or he's simply figuring he might as well enjoy the situation since he's along for the ride anyway.

I was expecting Tazusa to completely screw up and she did screw up a bit. Although after that she went all fancy and such. She also made sure to wear an outfit I an approve of during it.

The mass media continues to be a bunch of jerk save for exceptions, but that seems par the course. Still if there's one thing I like about Tazusa, it's the way she's willing to talk back to them as she does.

Youko continues to be cute and curious. There needs to be an episode heavily focused on her sooner or later. Not sure what it would involve, but that doesn't change the fact there needs to be one.

[Quarkboy]

I'm happy someone is going back to this lovely little series no one paid much attention to (except me and a few others, it seems at the time). Not sure if you're watching my old fansub or not, actually I'll be honest and say I don't think mine was the best quality translation for this one :(. This was probably one of the earliest translations I did where I really had to struggle through some parts... I think it was a bit above my level at the time, probably because it was based off light-novels and not manga, making the dialog a bit higher level. I remember the press conference scenes were a total bitch...

But the final episode was yet another one of those where I ended up breaking into tears, but only while I was actually typing the translation... It's funny how there's a really different emotional connection for me between watching passively and actively translating the dialog.

[Suwako Moriya]

Apparently Pete has quite the interest in stuff related to aviation and of course the episode helps to explain that and a few other things at the same time. In any case, there's just something odd about going on a date with the very being possessing you. Well, whatever works in the long run. Since it did make for a decent episode.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm happy someone is going back to this lovely little series no one paid much attention to (except me and a few others, it seems at the time).

It would be nice if shows like this got a bit more attention, but then again given how long it took me to notice the show exists, I probably shouldn't talk. Actually talk may be the key word here.

Since sometimes even when a person watches a series, they may not say much about it. If I didn't make any mention of the fact, I'm watching this then no one here would know I'm watching it. It's only because I'm saying so that a +1 is created.

Not sure if you're watching my old fansub or not, actually I'll be honest and say I don't think mine was the best quality translation for this one :(.

I can't really answer that, but I think for now I'll just stick with the way I'm watching it. Since I don't really feel like spending time doing comparisons and such.

It's funny how there's a really different emotional connection for me between watching passively and actively translating the dialog.

Probably because the latter requires one to pay extra attention to what's going on. There's also merit to being actively involved in a situation in some form.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's now Tazusa's turn to deal with that classic dilemma. Where your performance in part or in whole is going to end up the same as another person. In this case Ria is going to use the same piece as her. Fun times for all.

In the end her final decision is to simply change everything. Even if there's only a month left. Make that 25. Err make it 24 days. In any case I like the new outfit she's going to end up wearing. Waitress on Ice!

Poor Youko and Coach are going to end up being eternally confused by Tazusa constantly talking to herself and some of her other actions. Even more so than others due to living with her.

[Suwako Moriya]

Is it too much to ask for some random character to come in and burn certain members of the mass media alive? You know that would make everything better. The guys continue to be hateful and essentially evil.

As expected "Waitress on Ice" was one of the most awesome events ever and an interesting take on the imagining scene. It worked even better than I expected to. Okay part of it was a bit silly, but in some ways that probably helped to.

Regardless what matters is Tazusa was chosen. Her efforts and the efforts of those supporting her paid off. Speaking of which, Mikan and Youko make for some pretty decent support characters. So the more focus they get the better.

[bci110]

Is it too much to ask for some random character to come in and burn certain members of the mass media alive? You know that would make everything better. The guys continue to be hateful and essentially evil.

As expected "Waitress on Ice" was one of the most awesome events ever and an interesting take on the imagining scene. It worked even better than I expected to. Okay part of it was a bit silly, but in some ways that probably helped to.

Regardless what matters is Tazusa was chosen. Her efforts and the efforts of those supporting her paid off. Speaking of which, Mikan and Youko make for some pretty decent support characters. So the more focus they get the better.

The one thing I noticed about this series is how well Tazusa handles herself when facing the media, especially since they clearly show a substained hatred for her. She doesn't seem to get intimidated as some athletes in her position when facing amounting pressure by the media, especially in something more upscale like the Olympics. I really like her composure and demeanor, but still even she started to lost it when those reported brought up her parents' divorce. Thankfully that freelance reporter save her bacon, and he was able to help her foil their plan to bring her down.

Though I would like to see how Tazusa would handle a far more ruthless mass media outlet like the New York media. They can get very vicious if you know what I mean ;) .

And I like the supporting characters Mika and Yoko too, most especially Tazusa's kid sister. She seems more level-headed than Tazusa's up-tight coach, and has somewhat of a sarcastic streak which adds to her charm in my view.

In any event I should wrap up this series tonight; hopefully before 8:00 PM.

[Suwako Moriya]

The attacks against Tazusa are getting more and more vicious. Bringing up stuff like the divorce of her parents was just cruel. Thankfully through the free reporter aka Kazuya was able to help her out in his own way. The guy is definitely proving his worth as a character. So far anyway.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah yes nothing like rumors of a love triangle. Of course it turns out both guys, the coach and Kazuya aren't actually interested in Tazusa that way. Rather each have a different girl in mind. Go figure on that one.

Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that Pete is blatantly jealous. Although the "kissing" stuff does make me wonder what things would be like for Pete is Tazusa actually had a sex life. It would be wrong on so many levels.

I have to feel sorry for Mika. She's got to have some of the worst timing ever. That and the accumulative effect must be painful. I suggest Tazusa make it up to Mika by <insert yuri fantasy here>.

[Suwako Moriya]

And I like the supporting characters Mika and Yoko too, most especially Tazusa's kid sister. She seems more level-headed than Tazusa's up-tight coach, and has somewhat of a sarcastic streak which adds to her charm in my view.

There are times I expected the coach to just completely fall apart. He's definitely quite the nervous one. That being said you described part of what makes Youko charming. As for Mika, it's probably how close she seems to be to Tazusa. That and she's has nice look to her.

In any event I should wrap up this series tonight; hopefully before 8:00 PM.

I'm three episodes away from finishing the series myself since I just finished episode 9. I'm actually progressing through the series faster than expected. Especially since I originally planned to stop around episode 06 today and save the rest for later. So much for that idea.

[Suwako Moriya]

February 23rd, it marks both the date for Tazusa's performance and the end of Pete's 100 days. Which definitely creates a conflicting situation and issues for Tazusa who has been growing used to Pete's presence.

So in the end with all the hurdles, Pete makes it clear that he feels the situation is "fate" rather a coincidence. Thus he wishes for her to continue on with her goal and not give up on it. Meanwhile she makes a request for a kiss. I'm not even sure how that's supposed to work, but ah well.

In any case, with this episode I'm nearing the end of the series. So pretty soon I'll see the conclusion. Hard to say how soon. Since sooner or later, I'll need to go to sleep. Hmm to stay up a bit longer or save the last two episodes for later?

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, so apparently the kiss thing was a joke. *Finishes Episode* Or maybe not. Either way, we got more fun with "Waitress on Ice" which if I'm reading right results in second place for Tazusa. Which all things considered is a decent position given that she only lost to one person.

In any case, some of the other skaters definitely have a nice look to them. The key word being some. Don't care much for Dominque, but I do like the look of Ria. Go figure on that one.

[Conri]

Looks like you marathon kind of like I do. I have a hard time stopping when watching interesting series.

This is a pretty nice show. Low budget animation, but the nice characters and story are far more important. Hope you enjoy the last episode.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ria's performance and her outfit are both things that I can approve of. While I didn't get to know her as well as some other characters, she did make a good impression on me. That has to be stated.

So instead of "Waitress on Ice", Tazusa gives us a flying through skating. Or whatever you want to call it. Regardless I love the outfit she wore during it. It helps that she the type of body that I can approve. I like to pay extra attention to certain things.

The parting between Pete and Tazusa was a pretty strong scene. Especially with Tazusa having trouble with the timing of her confessing. Just her luck to fall in love with a guy who's already dead and only there on borrowed time.

Interesting to have the ending credits show various scenes from the series in what seems to be a random order. Plus after that we get some random scenes. Such as the Coach's wedding. Youko has some boy she likes? Mikan drawing some interesting design. Tazusa of course being Tazusa. Some things never change.

All right, now that I've finished the series I can give my basic opinion on it. I'm not going to get long winded since I should actually be sleeping. Instead I'll keep it short and simple for now. Maybe I'll get long winded later. So here goes nothing.

The series as as a whole was pretty good and I feel I definitely made the right choice trying the series out. Tazusa and Pete had a rather interesting relationship. I also liked how this was one of those shows where the sports aspect flows with the story as opposed to either being an after thought or a distraction.

I think the only downside is I would have liked to gotten to know certain characters a bit better, but to be fair there's only so much one can do in just twelve episodes. Still all things considered, they made pretty good use of the twelve episodes.

Tazusa, Ria, Tazusa, Youko, Tazusa, Mikan, and Tazusa are all girls that I can approve. There's a clue hidden in that statement. So yeah I grew quite fond of Tazusa. She makes for a rather strong lead and one that was quite interesting to watch. She's also rather attractive and looks good in a variety of outfits.

Wait, I was supposed to keep this short. I guess I'll end it for now by saying that I definitely approve of the series. I may or may not have more to say later. It depends on how I feel. As well as if/when I can get such thoughts together, but that's another story.

[Suwako Moriya]

Looks like you marathon kind of like I do. I have a hard time stopping when watching interesting series.

When the conditions are right the urge to marathon can be quite strong. Access to all the episodes? Reasonable amount of time to watch them? Enjoyable series? If the conditions are met then a marathon is likely. Although obviously it's easy to marathon 12 episodes as opposed to say 52.

This is a pretty nice show. Low budget animation, but the nice characters and story are far more important. Hope you enjoy the last episode.

In regards to the low budget animation, I really don't pay that much attention to such things anyway. I don't really notice it half the time. Not sure why that is. Maybe I just have a weird mindset.

As for the last episode, my comments in the episode 12 thread will make it clear that my feelings on the series over all are pretty positive. That's probably the best way to put it.

[bci110]

The series as as a whole was pretty good and I feel I definitely made the right choice trying the series out. Tazusa and Pete had a rather interesting relationship. I also liked how this was one of those shows where the sports aspect flows with the story as opposed to either being an after thought or a distraction.

I think the only downside is I would have liked to gotten to know certain characters a bit better, but to be fair there's only so much one can do in just twelve episodes. Still all things considered, they made pretty good use of the twelve episodes.

Tazusa, Ria, Tazusa, Youko, Tazusa, Mikan, and Tazusa are all girls that I can approve. There's a clue hidden in that statement. So yeah I grew quite fond of Tazusa. She makes for a rather strong lead and one that was quite interesting to watch. She's also rather attractive and looks good in a variety of outfits.

You basically summed up my feelings about the series, though I was very disappointed that Tazusa didn't medal at the end of the event (she finished 4th). But that shows how fickle figure skating - or any other sport that involves judging - can really be.

Overall I'm very glad that I was able to watch this series. As you said, Tazusa is a very strong protagonist, and despite her somewhat crass and stubborn behavior, she did manage to open her heart up thanks to Pete. While her relationship with Pete was somewhat strange and at times comedic, it was very well written in my view. Part of me wished that Pete was still alive and he and Tazusa can go off and get married; they do made a very cute, perfect couple :catgirl:.

Another thing that I liked about Ginban - and another point that you mentioned that I agree with - was how well the creators blended the figure skating aspect with the main concept of the story. Even in Princess Nine - my favorite sports anime - there were issues where the baseball aspect took a backseat in favor of the main storylines. I didn't really had that feeling watching these 12 episodes of Ginban, and I think that's what made this series click in my view.

Right now I would rank Ginban second to Princess Nine among my favorite sports anime (and well ahead of Slam Dunk). It's definitely a show that I will watch repeatedly and still enjoy every minute of it.

[Quarkboy]

Keep in mind that one of the reasons Tazusa finished 4th in the anime was that it was based on a series of light novels (I think 4 books, I'm not sure), and the anime only covered volume 1 if I recall. I never did read them (my kanji skills were too poor at the time) however there is a whole lot more to Tazusa's story then what was shown in the anime (I'm pretty sure that's it for Peat, though).

Maybe I should try my hand at novel translation one of these days in earnest... But I'm not sure I have the time.

[Suwako Moriya]

You basically summed up my feelings about the series, though I was very disappointed that Tazusa didn't medal at the end of the event (she finished 4th). But that shows how fickle figure skating - or any other sport that involves judging - can really be.

It was kind of disappointing that she didn't get a medal. Then again in some ways having her not get the medal does help keep things a bit more grounded. Sometimes having things be too perfect can backfire. Then again if she had gotten a medal, I'd probably be talking about how it was a joyous moment. So maybe I'm trying to have it both ways.

Regardless what matters most here is how the audience reacted to it. Sure the "few" didn't reward her with a medal, but the "many" made it clear that they were quite impressed by her. So in the end she still made the positive impression that she needed to make.


Part of me wished that Pete was still alive and he and Tazusa can go off and get married; they do made a very cute, perfect couple :catgirl:.

There's nothing like already being dead to get in the way of a perfectly good relationship. Still then again it's being dead that helped lead to the relationship. Talk about a blessing and a curse.


Even in Princess Nine - my favorite sports anime - there were issues where the baseball aspect took a backseat in favor of the main storylines. I didn't really had that feeling watching these 12 episodes of Ginban, and I think that's what made this series click in my view.

It's been awhile since I watched Princess Nine, but if I remember right part of my problem with it was how it handled the baseball aspect. That and the lightning ball stuff got old rather fast. On a side note, the legendary maneuver stuff in Kaleido Star is also getting old.:sweat: For the record I've seen 24 episodes of that.

Right now I would rank Ginban second to Princess Nine among my favorite sports anime (and well ahead of Slam Dunk). It's definitely a show that I will watch repeatedly and still enjoy every minute of it.

It goes without saying that I'd rank Ginban above Princess Nine. In regards to Slam Dunk, I've never watched any of that and I'm not sure if I ever will. So it falls into the category of "No interest and thus no opinion".

In general the amount of "Sports" anime I've tried is actually kind of limited. Princess Nine, Ginban Kaleidoscope, and Bamboo Blade are the only ones that come to mind. Aside from random sports parody episodes in shows like Galaxy Angel.

I wonder if Angelic Layer and Shion no Ou could be considered close enough. If so then I have a couple more to add. Regardless there seems to be a pattern to the shows I've tried that either fall under the category of "sports", "tournament", "competition", "hobby", or "career". Well stuff along those lines anyway.