Clannad Discussion Thread [Archive]

Classical

05-13-2009, 12:20 PM

All right, now it's time to start an episode by episode discussion thread on Clannad (the first season). I'm planning to watch two episodes of the show each day. However, I might not watch it on weekends, or there may be a random day here or there that I just decide to take a break from watching. With that said, if you, who are reading this, want to go ahead and post about an episode ahead of me (or anyone else for that matter), feel free to do so. No, seriously, don't be afraid to post, I'm not going to go after anyone. :catgirl: However, if you do so, don't lump two episodes in one post (i.e. post about episodes 11 and 12 in one post), and don't post out of episode order (i.e. don't post about episode 12 before posting about 9 or 10).

With that said, please read the following rules and guidelines for posting in this thread, especially the last one, because you know, spoilers aren't cool:
1) If you're first to post about a certain episode (i.e. no one has posted about episode 5) please reply to the root post (the root post is this post you are reading right now) using the quote button and don't forget to put in the subject line the episode you are posting about (i.e. if you're the first one posting about episode 5 put "Episode 5" in the subject line, but without the quotation marks) . If you don't, the episode sub-threads will go out of whack and we'll have posts about episode 5 in the episode 4 sub-thread, not to mention spoilers.
2) If someone has already made a post about a specific episode before you have, respond to that post (or any relevant reply to that post). However, when doing so, please use the quote button to respond to the episode post your are replying to because using the blue "Post Reply" button will cause you to respond to the last post made and this will, in many cases, mess up the episode sub-threads (i.e. you'll get an episode 4 reply in the episode 5 sub-thread).
3) This one is very important. This is a discussion thread about the first anime season/series of Clannad. That means that there should be no discussion about Clannad After Story (i.e. Clannad's second season) in this thread. That also means there should be no discussion about the visual novel Clannad is based off of. This is all to avoid spoilers about Clannad After Story as well as avoiding spoilers about any possible scenarios with the characters that may occur in future episodes that have yet to be talked about in this thread. I haven't seen Clannad After Story, neither have I seen all of Clannad, so I'm pretty sure me and a few others here wouldn't want to get spoiled about future events. Thank you for understanding.

On a side note, I'm using episode 5 as some random example. I haven't seen episode 5 of Clannad yet, so it's not like it's because there's anything special about it that I'm using it as an example episode.

Anyways, I'll be posting my thoughts on the first two episodes some time today.

Classical

05-13-2009, 01:09 PM

Episode 1: "On The Hillside Path Where The Cherry Blossoms Flutter."

-We see a dude with blue hair talking about how he hates the town he lives in. Nothing but the same routine everyday. He then meets this girl talking to herself. Something about how she likes fun things and she doesn't want them to change. The guy tells her to go find more fun things. Something about that line is golden. The background music is also nice. Something about the last line that is said as both the guy and the girl walk off seems kind of "heavy."
-The OP song is okay. I don't have much else to say, but the OP animation certainly is nice. There's lots of cute girls in this show.
-Sunohara, Okazaki's friend, is being mauled by some sports guys. The animation for this show is fantastic, to be expected since it's KyoAni, but I especially like it in this sequence where Sunohara is getting tossed around. The guy is so pathetic it cracks me up, in a good way.
-The hot dorm mother comes to Sunohara's rescue. I just love how scared Sunohara is of the Rugby team. I already like the guy. I just love how Okazaki messes with his head.
-The scene with the abandoned room is rather odd. At this point I don't understand what role it's going to play in the story.
-Okazaki's a slacker. I kind of feel bad he's being talked about that way. Ryou is cute, her sister Kyou, not so much. Ryou seems like the type who has problems asserting herself. Her fortune telling is oddly specific.
-Okazaki meets the cute girl again. She's all alone, and she's repeating a grade ;_;. I'd be her friend. She wants to join the drama club. She doesn't stand out much, so she doesn't seem to have very many friends. ;_;
-LOL at Okazaki sitting on Sunohara. Sunohara is like "WTF!?"
-This hot girl, Tomoyo, comes and kicks biker butt. I love the little "spectator's view" bit. Tomoyo is awesome.
-The brown haired girl's name is Nagisa. She's so moe.
-Sunohara assumes the Tomoyo butt-kicking was all staged, and then he gets a little taste of Tomoyo power. It's an interesting legend behind Tomoyo. If only you had told Sunohara sooner, Tomoya.
-Hamburger!?? The Drama Club room is empty, so Nagisa can't join the Drama Club. ;_;
-Ryou blushes when she sees Tomoya and Nagisa. I wonder what that means? ;)
-Nagisa can still revive the Drama Club, and Tomoya vouches to help her, even if he doesn't know why. It's the power of moé! Still, I'm liking Tomoya.
-For a second, I thought that Tomoya walked by a house that a car crashed into. :sweat:
-Furukawa Bakery! Tomoya disses Nagisa's mom's pastry. Doesn't he know she has a sensitive heart, and a devoted husband, to boot?
-Nagisa's parents are just plain awesome. I was cracking up this whole scene. Tomoya Okazaki Eternal, sounds like some band or mecha name. Apparently Nagisa's dad wants Tomoya to steal his daughter away, that is, if he's man enough.
-Tomoya's got Dad issues, that sucks, and his mom died too. He wants to be whisked away by Nagisa.
-The ED is kind of nice. A big dango family!

Overall, a very good first episode. This show already has a lot of characters I like, and the humor is awesome.

Classical

05-13-2009, 01:37 PM

Episode 2: "The First Step."

-Do it Tomoya, run off with Nagisa to the Las Vegas of Japan and marry her! Her dad approves.
-Nagisa decides to revive the Drama Club. You can do it!
-Another one of those weird scenes featuring the girl. She seems to be building something. She kind of reminds me of Nagisa.
-Kyou runs over Tomoya. She must not have a license for her to be that reckless. Yes Sunohara, Kyou is violent. Poor Tomoya is the victim here.
-Sunohara tries to beat up Tomoyo again. Tomoya vouches that Tomoyo fighting back will be in self-defense. Isn't he suppose to have Sunohara's back? I love the little hit counter.
-Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.
-Apparently the odd girl is a genius. I'm not sure I quite understand why smart people are considered to be so weird and eccentric. Her name is Kotomi Ichinose. I like that name.
-Kyou is "bi!" Nice way to get back at her, Tomoya. :sdsmiley: Ryou can't believe that her sister would keep such a secret from her. Kyou doesn't want her to tell mom. Kyou is so violent.
-Poor Nagisa seems so depressed. Tomoya makes a suggestion that Nagisa should say that the hottest girl on campus will be waiting for men if they join the Drama Club. Nagisa should do it, she has moé power!
-Tomoya pokes fun at Nagisa's favorite song. Poor Nagisa. Tomoya seems to feel bad for doing so.
-There's this weird girl with a fascination with stars. She's funny and cute.
-Sunohara's anti-club ramblings really ticks Tomoya off. I feel the same way Tomoya does. Although, I must say, how can you "hate" club activities after Nagisa makes that sad face Tomoya?
-Tomoya tries to make some dango family members. That's really nice of him, but Dad comes in and more Dad problems ensue.
-Poor Nagisa is always so lonely, just like that little girl in the park that they're in.
-Tomoya used to play basketball, and Sunohara played soccer. Nagisa wants to play against Tomoya because she has mad skillz. Not really, she wants to play against him as pay back for all the help he's given her. That's really sweet.
-Poor Nagisa has been waiting in the rain all day for Tomoya. Tomoya, how could you!? Nagisa looks sick.
-It turns out, that because of a fight with his dad, Tomoya's right arm can no longer be raised above his shoulder. That really sucks. Yeah, he could use his left hand, but it's really hard to shoot baskets with you non-dominant hand unless you've had lots of practice.
-Nagisa collapses. ;_;

Overall, another great episode. The drama continues.

EmperorBrandon

05-13-2009, 02:22 PM

-Sunohara tries to beat up Tomoyo again. Tomoya vouches that Tomoyo fighting back will be in self-defense. Isn't he suppose to have Sunohara's back? I love the little hit counter.

The hit counter in combination with Tomoyo's attacks on Sunohara is hilarious. I love the way they do it.

-Kyou is "bi!" Nice way to get back at her, Tomoya. :sdsmiley: Ryou can't believe that her sister would keep such a secret from her. Kyou doesn't want her to tell mom. Kyou is so violent.

Haha... she was so worried about Tomoya saying "bike", but when he spread that embarrassing rumor around, she had no choice but to make a correction. Haha... Tomoya can be mean with his jokes, but they're usually pretty amusing.

-Tomoya pokes fun at Nagisa's favorite song. Poor Nagisa. Tomoya seems to feel bad for doing so.

Well, he should. Dango Daikazoku is the best song ever. Nagisa thinks its cute and she's right, of course. Nice to get an introduction to what the ending song is, and it's always cute when Nagisa is enthusiastic about Dango Daikazoku (whether singing or talking about it).

Classical

05-13-2009, 03:51 PM

Haha... she was so worried about Tomoya saying "bike", but when he spread that embarrassing rumor around, she had no choice but to make a correction. Haha... Tomoya can be mean with his jokes, but they're usually pretty amusing.Yeah, some of Tomoya's jokes are harsh, but they've so far been all funny.
Well, he should. Dango Daikazoku is the best song ever. Nagisa thinks its cute and she's right, of course. Nice to get an introduction to what the ending song is, and it's always cute when Nagisa is enthusiastic about Dango Daikazoku (whether singing or talking about it).
Nagisa really does love Dango Daikazoku, doesn't she? The variation of the theme song that played in the opening scene of the show was also very nice. I think Nagisa mentioned that she wanted to be one of the family members of the big dango family. Sadly, no current technology exists that can turn people into dangos. Now that I think of it, I wonder if any moé anthropomorphisms for dangos exist, something more human-like like AOD's recent Swine Flu-Tan. :sdsmiley:

Dack Ralter

05-13-2009, 06:58 PM

Episode 1: "On The Hillside Path Where The Cherry Blossoms Flutter."

-We see a dude with blue hair talking about how he hates the town he lives in. Nothing but the same routine everyday. He then meets this girl talking to herself. Something about how she likes fun things and she doesn't want them to change. The guy tells her to go find more fun things. Something about that line is golden. The background music is also nice. Something about the last line that is said as both the guy and the girl walk off seems kind of "heavy."
I suppose it wouldn't be a Key adaptation if it didn't start gloomily. It's a perfect introduction, though. I really like Nagisa's character design (antennae seem to have fallen out of fashion of late).

-The OP song is okay. I don't have much else to say, but the OP animation certainly is nice. There's lots of cute girls in this show.
I really like this OP (although I think I like Kanon's just a little better), but I would normally skip it...if it weren't for Kyou dribbling that basketball...

-The hot dorm mother comes to Sunohara's rescue. I just love how scared Sunohara is of the Rugby team. I already like the guy. I just love how Okazaki messes with his head.
Between Misae and Sanae, why do we need the rest of the cast again? :P Sunohara is....I like Sunohara too, but I can't really explain why. I shouldn't, but...

-The scene with the abandoned room is rather odd. At this point I don't understand what role it's going to play in the story.
It is rather free floating. It's been so vague I can't even really speculate about it, so I tend to forget about it.

-Okazaki's a slacker. I kind of feel bad he's being talked about that way. Ryou is cute, her sister Kyou, not so much. Ryou seems like the type who has problems asserting herself. Her fortune telling is oddly specific.
Aw, both Ryou and Kyou are cute. I guess I was destined to be a Kyou fanboy, though.

-Okazaki meets the cute girl again. She's all alone, and she's repeating a grade ;_;. I'd be her friend. She wants to join the drama club. She doesn't stand out much, so she doesn't seem to have very many friends. ;_;
I know what you mean about her not really standing out, but she's so compelling for some reason.

-This hot girl, Tomoyo, comes and kicks biker butt. I love the little "spectator's view" bit. Tomoyo is awesome.
Scary-cool, she is. It seems weird to see punk-asses in a production like this, though.

If only you had told Sunohara sooner, Tomoya.
Where would the fun be in that? :P

-Furukawa Bakery! Tomoya disses Nagisa's mom's pastry. Doesn't he know she has a sensitive heart, and a devoted husband, to boot?
He'll pay in hell.

-Nagisa's parents are just plain awesome.
So far the coolest parents in the history of anime. Although I wonder how Akio ended up with antennae too? :sd:

-Tomoya's got Dad issues, that sucks, and his mom died too. He wants to be whisked away by Nagisa.
It's interesting to see a character challenge like this so soon. Rather than Okazaki being a cipher for most of the show, they get some serious stuff out in the open early (as far as I can tell, at least).

-The ED is kind of nice. A big dango family!
I didn't like the song the first time I heard it, but that sure changed in a hurry.

Aside from Aria, I've only been watching silly comedy stuff for a while recently. Clannad is an extremely welcome change of pace.

something

05-13-2009, 06:58 PM

With the Narue thread and 18+ currently airing shows I won't be able to keep up at 2 eps a night, but I might sometimes comment before watching and posting my own thoughts. That said, I think I'll watch both eps 1-2 tonight if I can. Since I'm not doing my super detailed subthread-starting posts this time, maybe I can get it watched a bit faster. The Aria the Natural posts took me on average between 50 and 90 minutes per ep. Although Clannad as it aired averaged more like two hours per episode, so I'll really need to cut down. :sd:

Episode 1:

- Damn. Just the music on the menu (BGM: "Town, Flow of Time, People") is giving me goosebumps. I'm hesitant to even start the episode because I want to sit here listening to it... but then I remind myself that I have the OST and can listen to it whenever. :sd:
- And this opening scene. This wonderful, beautiful opening scene that's made me tear up so many times. First Tomoya's frustrated, disgusted tirade against the town and his own troubled life (with the menu track above), melting away suddenly into BGM: "Nagisa" as he encounters a strange girl at the foot of the hill leading up to school.
- The color, oh god the color! Timed perfectly with the music it flashes in, tentatively at first but then with full force when Tomoya tells her to just go and find new things to enjoy and she looks over at him and the the sakura petals blow past and oh god Nagisa you are the most beautiful person and the hands down my most beloved character in anything ever and then those solitary notes one by one sounding out as Nagisa and Tomoya flash by the screen and start that long, long uphill climb... ::shivers:: I love it. Still the best opening scene to any anime.
- Then... Mag Mell. <3 OP
- Oh Sunohara Youhei. You're so adorably pathetic. And damn Misae is stacked. It's interesting to watch Tomoya here, because he's so disillusioned with the world and yet seems unexpectedly outgoing when with Youhei.
- Suddenly we're in a different world! A young male voice talks about a world that has ended, an empty room, and a young girl, all alone...
- Fujibayashi Ryou!! God damn she is so hot. She's easily one of the most attractive Clannad girls (I actually prefer her to her sister Kyou in that respect. Er, although they are twins). Also, zettai ryouiki! Tomoya seems up for teasing her a little here, but you don't really sense any malice in it. When she starts getting flustered he quickly backs off, though without making any promises about coming to school on time.
- Fortune telling, failure. Otome no inspiration~ Flying dictionary!
- A ghost? Hmm.
- Nagisa! Eating, appropriately, anpan. I always sort of wondered... is this the same day as the opening scene? That scene matches Ryou's fortune, and here Nagisa is with the anpan she mentioned at the foot of the hill (her reward to herself for going to school?) But then Tomoya is late, and I find it hard to think that someone as responsible as Nagisa would be late to school. Then again there's nothing requiring him to have actually gone straight to school after meeting her, and she may have still been on time. I like the idea that it is the same day, so let's go with that. It makes more sense.
- And fairly quickly her story comes out. She had to repeat due to bad health, and now everyone she knows has graduated, and doesn't have any friends, and she's hesitant to apply to the one club she'd like to join because she's physically weak and doesn't know if she can handle drama. =(
- Tomoya starts cheering her on almost immediately. Again, it's really interesting to see the gap between his inner feelings and his outer actions. Maybe it's because she's an outcast as well, and so very timid at first.
- Then suddenly, a motorcycle gang! And a pretty long haired girl...
- ...who wipes the floor with them. Spectator View. XD Yay Tomoyo! Once again, there's Tomoya ready to jump in and help out. And once again... why?
- ::twitches:: How I wish I could throw DVDs into Aegisub and fix the stupid name order flipping like I can for the rare fansub that does it. Oh well. Anyway, Tomoya and Nagisa finally and formally introduce themselves to each other. About time! <3
- Hah, Youhei makes the terrible mistake of challenging Tomoyo.
- ::tilts head:: "Hamburger?" Muahahah, I love that shot so very much. Yet again, Tomoya can't help but check in on Nagisa. He's like... unconsciously drawn to her.
- ::looks up:: "What's with the hand?" Looooove that bit too. They're just amazing together.
- And Nagisa asks what I've been asking all episode: "Why are you being so nice to me?" ...he realizes he isn't even sure. Hah.
- SANAE-SAN!!! Yes, oh yes you are the hottest mom ever! And the best! And you're married to the best dad! Her little mannerisms when Tomoya is about to try the bread are brilliant. The excited bobbing up and down when Tomoya bends down to pick up the vile bread. The look of elation when he's about to bite down. The way her eyes close in a moment of almost fist-pumping victory when he bites into the cracker inside. And then her reaction when he tells her it's a total failure. :sd:
- "Like mother like daughter. I at least hope the father is sane." ...XD
- I love Akio'a magical never-dropping cigarette. And his endearingly overbearing attitude when talking to Tomoya.
- They get along so well already that they're renaming him! Okazaki Ginga! Even better, Daiuchuu Ginga! Then the ultimate name, Okazaki Tomoya Eternal! You can sort of see why Nagisa has turned out to be such a nice, but weird, girl. :sd:
- A heartwarming scene together with the happy, smiling Furukawa family... and then a trip back into his own dark home. What a juxtaposition.

"...If you wish, shall I take you? To the place in this town where wishes come true..." I would go absolutely anywhere you take me, Nagisa.

And because I love pointless statistics:
Best Nagisa moment: The opening scene... but pretty much the whole ep.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 1; Total - 1
This space reserved
This space reserved
This space reserved
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 1; Total - 1
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

Something about the last line that is said as both the guy and the girl walk off seems kind of "heavy."
"We are embarking on that long, long uphill climb..." I absolutely love that line. So much emotion and meaning packed into one line.

-Okazaki meets the cute girl again. She's all alone, and she's repeating a grade ;_;. I'd be her friend. She wants to join the drama club. She doesn't stand out much, so she doesn't seem to have very many friends. ;_;
If I wanted to perfectly explain the real meaning of moe to someone, the best thing I could possibly do is upload my feelings for Nagisa straight into their brains. That is what a feeling of moe is really about. Of course my feelings for her go far beyond that and touch on almost every imaginable emotion. Oh Nagisa. <3

-Sunohara assumes the Tomoyo butt-kicking was all staged, and then he gets a little taste of Tomoyo power. It's an interesting legend behind Tomoyo. If only you had told Sunohara sooner, Tomoya.
Tomoya's timing is just totally unrivaled in that respect. So is the comedic timing on absolutely everything in the very comedy heavy portions of this show.

-Ryou blushes when she sees Tomoya and Nagisa. I wonder what that means? ;)
She must be gay for Nagisa!! </thegoggles>

Hmm. The whole "watch this faster and comment less" thing sure didn't happen here, I guess. Oops. It's Clannad though, I can't really help myself. There's so much emotion, so much meaning behind everything that I could go on forever. And that even without touching on any connections to After Story, without commenting on things that take on a new light after watching the full show and then coming back for a rewatch. What a triumph of a show.

something

05-13-2009, 07:17 PM

I really like this OP (although I think I like Kanon's just a little better), but I would normally skip it...if it weren't for Kyou dribbling that basketball...
There's no way I can skip "Mag Mell". I guess "Last Regrets" might edge it out slightly, if at all, but of course Tori no Uta dominates them both. But it in turn has serious competition from Toki wo Kizamu Uta, the After Story OP. It's very hard to decide which I like more... As far as KeyAni EDs go, "Dango Daikazoku" is definitely one of my favorites, well ahead of Kanon's "Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho" and better than Air's "Farewell Song". Although After Story's "Torch" comes close.

Between Misae and Sanae, why do we need the rest of the cast again? :P Sunohara is....I like Sunohara too, but I can't really explain why. I shouldn't, but...
Because he's absolutely awesome.

It is rather free floating.
Free floating is a pretty good way to describe it. It's like the 800 pound gorilla in the room, sitting their quietly, but not giving you any idea of what it's thinking. You try to ignore it but... it's there for a reason, right? I guess.

So far the coolest parents in the history of anime. Although I wonder how Akio ended up with antennae too? :sd:
It's totally genetic.

It's interesting to see a character challenge like this so soon. Rather than Okazaki being a cypher for most of the show, they get some serious stuff out in the open early (as far as I can tell, at least).
Oh yeah, nothing cipher about Tomoya. This is why he is my favorite male character in all of anime - he matters. He matters a hell of a lot, and he is every bit as important and fascinating and deep as any of the girls, and in fact far more than nearly all of them. His emotions are real, his problems are deep, his actions meaningful, and Clannad most certainly doesn't treat him simply as a Cute Girl Delivery Vehicle who bounces from one bishoujo to the next, never really adding anything other than setting up a pantyshot or awkward "Oops I fell on your boob!" cliche. Not that there's anything wrong with such characters, necessarily, but Clannad just goes miles and miles beyond all that.

I didn't like the song the first time I heard it, but that sure changed in a hurry.
I wasn't sure what to think about "Dango Daikazoku" initially, but like you I really warmed up to it. Hearing the beautiful renditions of it (or rather, I think it's a rendition of them, as it's not on the original OST; the two "Nagisa" tracks and "Chiisana Te no Hira" have the same base structure, maybe more but I'm not musically inclined to pick up less obvious similarities) during emotional scenes certainly hastened that change of heart.

Dack Ralter

05-13-2009, 07:27 PM

Episode 2: "The First Step."

-Another one of those weird scenes featuring the girl. She seems to be building something. She kind of reminds me of Nagisa.
Hrm. I hadn't really been trying to compare her to others, but hrm...

-Kyou runs over Tomoya. She must not have a license for her to be that reckless. Yes Sunohara, Kyou is violent. Poor Tomoya is the victim here.
She's just spirited, is all. Okazaki had it coming anyway. :P

-Sunohara tries to beat up Tomoyo again. Tomoya vouches that Tomoyo fighting back will be in self-defense. Isn't he suppose to have Sunohara's back? I love the little hit counter.
Would he have any better chance? He might as well just enjoy the show (How Not to Approach Young Ladies, a lecture presented by Sunohara Youhei).

-Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.
I've been an English dub guy until recent circumstances forced my hand, so paying attention to the Japanese voices is still a bit of a novelty. However, Kotomi has an extremely nice voice. But yes, she's quite odd.

-Apparently the odd girl is a genius. I'm not sure I quite understand why smart people are considered to be so weird and eccentric. Her name is Kotomi Ichinose. I like that name.
Just thinking about other things we mortals can't comprehend (or so the idea goes).

-Kyou is "bi!" Nice way to get back at her, Tomoya. :sdsmiley: Ryou can't believe that her sister would keep such a secret from her. Kyou doesn't want her to tell mom. Kyou is so violent.
Like I said, spirited. :) But she is "bi" and I refuse to consider other options.

-There's this weird girl with a fascination with starfish. She's funny and cute.
Asteroideaphilia is a real threat to our world as we know it.

-Tomoya tries to make some dango family members. That's really nice of him, but Dad comes in and more Dad problems ensue.
I'm really feeling for Okazaki, which is another welcome change of pace.

-Tomoya used to play basketball, and Sunohara played soccer. Nagisa wants to play against Tomoya because she has mad skillz. Not really, she wants to play against him as pay back for all the help he's given her. That's really sweet.
-Poor Nagisa has been waiting in the rain all day for Tomoya. Tomoya, how could you!? Nagisa looks sick.
Well, she wouldn't be so cute if she wasn't willing to risk her very life for somebody she hasn't known all that long. :P

-It turns out, that because of a fight with his dad, Tomoya's right arm can no longer be raised above his shoulder. That really sucks. Yeah, he could use his left hand, but it's really hard to shoot baskets with you non-dominant hand unless you've had lots of practice.
Poor Okazaki.

EmperorBrandon

05-13-2009, 07:31 PM

I really like this OP (although I think I like Kanon's just a little better), but I would normally skip it...if it weren't for Kyou dribbling that basketball...

Kyou dribbling the basketball is awesome. I've rather liked the OP from the start, but it's one (as with a lot of KyoAni OP/ED's) that I've gotten to like even more as time goes on, particularly more recently (for reasons I'll not elaborate on at the moment)

It only took a few times of Dango Daikazoku for me to get overly addicted to it, though. I don't think I ever want to skip it, even in marathon viewing. It's so adorable and uplifting. :)

Dack Ralter

05-13-2009, 07:39 PM

There's no way I can skip "Mag Mell". I guess "Last Regrets" might edge it out slightly, if at all, but of course Tori no Uta dominates them both.
Actually I prefer Tori no Uta myself, but I overloaded on the Megurine Luka version a few weeks back and am trying to cut back. :P In truth, I rarely skip OPs or EDs save when I'm desperate to see what happens next.

Classical

05-13-2009, 07:47 PM

I really like Nagisa's character design (antennae seem to have fallen out of fashion of late).
Yeah, Nagisa's design is really nice. I'm a pretty big fan of hair antennae so her hair being like that is a real plus.

I really like this OP (although I think I like Kanon's just a little better), but I would normally skip it...if it weren't for Kyou dribbling that basketball...Heh, I remember the first time I saw the OP, I couldn't help take my eyes of Kyou dribbling the basketball for "aesthetic" reasons.

Between Misae and Sanae, why do we need the rest of the cast again? :P Sunohara is....I like Sunohara too, but I can't really explain why. I shouldn't, but...Yeah, Sunohara doesn't exactly have a lot of redeeming qualities at this point, but he's a hoot.

Aw, both Ryou and Kyou are cute. I guess I was destined to be a Kyou fanboy, though.I can't deny, Kyou is cute, it's just that she's kind of violent. Still, I do like her a little.

-The ED is kind of nice. A big dango family!
I didn't like the song the first time I heard it, but that sure changed in a hurry.I do have to admit, the very first time I heard it the song didn't quite catch on to me, but the more I hear it the more I like it.

The Great Bear

05-13-2009, 08:01 PM

Classical

05-13-2009, 08:05 PM

Since I'm not doing my super detailed subthread-starting posts this time, maybe I can get it watched a bit faster. The Aria the Natural posts took me on average between 50 and 90 minutes per ep. Although Clannad as it aired averaged more like two hours per episode, so I'll really need to cut down. :sd:Yeah, my Clannad posts took me quite a while too. It's a problem, but I'm really liking the show so I can deal with it. Although it gets very difficult to remember what happened all in one episode, so I had to pop in disc one and fast forward through this first and second episode.

Episode 1:
- Oh Sunohara Youhei. You're so adorably pathetic. And damn Misae is stacked. It's interesting to watch Tomoya here, because he's so disillusioned with the world and yet seems unexpectedly outgoing when with Youhei.Misae *is* deliciously stacked. It is funny though how outgoing Tomoya is with Sunohara. Still, their interactions are hilarious.

-Fujibayashi Ryou!! God damn she is so hot. She's easily one of the most attractive Clannad girls (I actually prefer her to her sister Kyou in that respect. Er, although they are twins).I have to agree that Ryou is the hotter of the twins. Not to mention her type of personality is one that is more appealing to me.

- Tomoya starts cheering her on almost immediately. Again, it's really interesting to see the gap between his inner feelings and his outer actions. Maybe it's because she's an outcast as well, and so very timid at first.That's one thing I really like about Tomoya. Even though he has some issues going on inside him, he's still willing enough to help Nagisa. Perhaps it's because he can relate to her that he wants to help her. Then again, no one can resist Nagisa's charm so who knows?

- ::looks up:: "What's with the hand?" Looooove that bit too. They're just amazing together.The hand bit was really cute, it almost makes them seem like brother and sister to me.
- And Nagisa asks what I've been asking all episode: "Why are you being so nice to me?" ...he realizes he isn't even sure. Hah.It's her moé power, I just know it! :sdsmiley:

-They get along so well already that they're renaming him! Okazaki Ginga! Even better, Daiuchuu Ginga! Then the ultimate name, Okazaki Tomoya Eternal! You can sort of see why Nagisa has turned out to be such a nice, but weird, girl. :sd:It's proof that weirdness is a genetic trait. :sdsmiley:

-Sunohara assumes the Tomoyo butt-kicking was all staged, and then he gets a little taste of Tomoyo power. It's an interesting legend behind Tomoyo. If only you had told Sunohara sooner, Tomoya.
Tomoya's timing is just totally unrivaled in that respect. So is the comedic timing on absolutely everything in the very comedy heavy portions of this show.I agree. The comedic timing on everything is just pure gold. It all works so very well.

Fencedude

05-13-2009, 08:13 PM

Classical

05-13-2009, 08:14 PM

-Kyou runs over Tomoya. She must not have a license for her to be that reckless. Yes Sunohara, Kyou is violent. Poor Tomoya is the victim here.
She's just spirited, is all. Okazaki had it coming anyway. :PYou know, I think looking her as spirited actually makes me appreciate Kyou a little more. It's not a bad way to describe her.

-There's this weird girl with a fascination with starfish. She's funny and cute.
Asteroideaphilia is a real threat to our world as we know it.That starfish(?) girl is seriously dangerous. Knife+cut up hands+starfish(?)=psycho(?). She's psycho, I just know it. :sdsmiley: Okazaki is the only one who can save the world by running off with her carving knife.

EmperorBrandon

05-13-2009, 08:34 PM

Ah yeah, before it become too late to say so (her birthday is May 13th), happy birthday to Kotomi! :bigsmile:

I had thought of starting my rewatch of Clannad where I left off (at the end of Kotomi's arc) when this thread caught up, but I'm already feeling tempted to start from the beginning and follow along. Even not taking following the thread into consideration, there are some things I want to watch again already (even though it's only been like three months), and I ended up watching a few scenes again after Classical started up the thread. I might as well. :)

William K

05-13-2009, 08:43 PM

-There's this weird girl with a fascination with starfish. She's funny and cute.

The question is, did you think that what she was carving was a starfish when you first watched? Or were you 'spoiled' on that from somewhere else? :)

Classical

05-13-2009, 09:00 PM

The question is, did you think that what she was carving was a starfish when you first watched?

Well, I actually *did* think that when I first saw this episode. I know it seems weird, but I did. I guess I just thought that the idea of the carved figure being anything else other than that to be odd.

something

05-13-2009, 09:30 PM

Episode 2:

- Didn't mention this last time, but the way Tomoya unconsciously replies "yes" to Nagisa's invitation is something I really, really love. When he sees her he's just completely swept up in her words, her pace, her beauty.
- But alas they're just lines for a play. This scene has always interested me because it's almost something of a reversal of Tomoya and Nagisa's episode one role. In episode one, Nagisa was weak, unsure, worried. Tomoya was strong, helpful, encouraging. But things shift radically when he sees that, despite her outward weakness, Nagisa has a much stronger foundation back at home than he has. He spends time with Nagisa's wonderful, loving family, and then returns home to his own broken house, drunk father, and lack of hope for the future. Upset, he runs out and seems unconsciously drawn to the Furukawa house, and to Nagisa. And when he meets her, suddenly she's the one with the sense of confidence in their conversation. She seems to have quickly taken Tomoya's encouragement to heart, and is willing to try her best against the odds to get the drama club back together. And Tomoya himself seems uplifted a little by her determination. Nagisa and Tomoya have an exceptionally symbiotic relationship in that way. It's subtle, but speaks volumes.
- We return to the "Illusionary World", this time with the girl building something, that turns out to be a robot. A robot for the disembodied voice we've been listening to? He can have the body, if only he makes the wish to be born into this desolate world. The girl beckons. What should he do?
- "I won't charge you for any repairs." Hah, so very Kyou-like. I have to mention how much I adore Hirohashi Ryou in this role. I may find (Fujibayashi) Ryou slightly more attractive than her sister, but Kyou's seiyuu totally wins for me. Hirohashi Ryou is always a delight because she's easily one of the most versatile seiyuu in the business. I just got done watching her as Alice in Aria the Natural, and here she is in a very very different role as Kyou. She handles both brilliantly.
- And Youhei is still an idiot. <3 Now we get... the kick counter! 528 hit combo! She totally juggles him. Chun Li has absolutely nothing on Tomoyo.
- Bwhaha, Tomoyo totally deadpans her delivery when dropping him down the chute. "Did I go to far?"
- A ghost that gives you a cursed item?
- But before we worry about that, we have a barefoot, purple haired beauty to meet. Ichinose Kotomi! Her theme music (BGM: "Etude Pour Les Petites Supercordes") is so cute and strange, fitting her to a T. I also think the phrase "my pace" was unknowingly invented in anticipation of Kotomi's birth. "Food and drink aren't allowed in the library!" "...Want some?" She speaks so slowly and yet manages to keep Tomoya off balance. :sd:
- "Bi?" Bwhahaha, this is one of Tomoya's greatest comedic creations. The reaction from the class is fantastic. There's this silence, and then they suddenly all react at once. I can't tell if the girl in front is disgusted, or planning how to best make a move. ...Oh who am I kidding, it's totally the latter! Ryou's reaction is great too. She cries at the drop of a hat.
- Nagisa looks depressed. Did something happen? ;_;
- She seems in high spirits again when they're making flyers. And oh crap, May 15th! That's less than two days away, I better make it on time.
- "Can I draw my favorite picture on it?" Yes, yes you can. Dango, dango, dango, dango, dango daikazoku! OHGODSOCUTE.
- Fuuko!! She has the most absurd, yet endearing, mannerisms. Nonaka Ai is a genius in this role. Especially the growling type noises. And "Dribble... shoot!"
- Tomoya is walking around school with a knife. He'd be expelled so fast.
- He walks into an awkward encounter. Nagisa just had to be there to hear what Youhei said, didn't she? I wonder who Tomoya is truly mad at here. Youhei? To an extent, sure, but it's not like Tomoya ever really did anything to give Youhei a different impression. Is he mad at himself? Or just mad in general at life. Nagisa doesn't seem too convinced with his reassurances, and it seems to have upset her a little. =/
- Things aren't any better at home, are they? Man, we're just thrown into Tomoya's problems without any explanation yet, but it's easy enough to see that there's something running really deep and bad between Tomoya and his father. It's easy to think Tomoya overreacted here, but you just know there's no way this came out of nowhere.
- And where does he find himself when he runs away? In front of Nagisa, again. She's a bit depressed too, having been left behind by her classmates again. And though she doesn't say it, you just know she's been worrying over what Youhei said.
- But the incredible symbiosis is back at work as soon as Nagisa and Tomoya meet. He cheers her up with the dango daikazoku he made. She tries to cheer him up by offering to play basketball with him after hearing that he used to be good at it.
- The time comes and it's raining. She... wouldn't be waiting, would she?
- Oh Nagisa. It's incredibly sweet of you but not very smart. Bring an umbrella at least! But at least she and we find out the real reason why Tomoya can't play basketball... and get a good glimpse into why Tomoya has such a tense relationship with his father. And then she faints. Nagisaaaaaaa ;_;

Best Nagisa moment: Conversation on the park bench with Tomoya, where she offers to play basketball.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1
This space reserved
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep -1; Total - 1
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 528; Total - 528
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 1; Total - 2
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Kyou runs over Tomoya. She must not have a license for her to be that reckless.
Hah, well, she said she had one, but only as of a week ago... :sd:

-Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.
NOTO MAMIKO!!!! <3 <3 <3

-Poor Nagisa is always so lonely, just like that little girl in the park that they're in.
Oh god, I want to know more about that little girl. Every time I see that scene I just want to give her a big hug, but we have no idea who she is. What a wonderful little touch it was to put her in the front of the frame there though.

something

05-13-2009, 09:34 PM

The question is, did you think that what she was carving was a starfish when you first watched?Well, I actually *did* think that when I first saw this episode. I know it seems weird, but I did. I guess I just thought that the idea of the carved figure being anything else other than that to be odd.
That just means you're on the same wavelength as Fuuko, which is never a bad thing! ...Well, more or less.

something

05-13-2009, 09:35 PM

Ah yeah, before it become too late to say so (her birthday is May 13th), happy birthday to Kotomi! :bigsmile:
Hah, fantastic timing. Happy Birthday こ～と～み-chan!

I had thought of starting my rewatch of Clannad where I left off (at the end of Kotomi's arc) when this thread caught up, but I'm already feeling tempted to start from the beginning and follow along. Even not taking following the thread into consideration, there are some things I want to watch again already (even though it's only been like three months), and I ended up watching a few scenes again after Classical started up the thread. I might as well. :)
Doooooo it.

The Great Bear

05-13-2009, 09:57 PM

Episode 2:
-Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.
NOTO MAMIKO!!!! <3 <3 <3

I suspect that I could give you a recording of Mamiko Noto reading the Tokyo Phone Book and you would find it the sexiest reading ever :P

EmperorBrandon

05-13-2009, 10:25 PM

NOTO MAMIKO!!!! <3 <3 <3

I suspect that I could give you a recording of Mamiko Noto reading the Tokyo Phone Book and you would find it the sexiest reading ever :P

It's amusing that I have a sort of double dose of Noto Mamiko with Kotomi on my mind and watching World of Narue again lately. Her voice is actually quite discernibly different between the two roles (despite being distinct as ever) in my mind. Sakaguchi Daisuke is in both shows too, and quite different as well (he makes a nice good-natured Kazuto as well as delinquent goofball Sunohara).

EmperorBrandon

05-13-2009, 10:29 PM

Doooooo it.

I probably will. I'm juggling a few things around (the Narue rewatch and catching up on my Lucky Star with Vol. 5-6), but it should be no big deal. I'd be commenting whether I actually watch again or not, as I have already. :)

05-13-2009, 10:52 PM

05-13-2009, 10:55 PM

I'd be commenting whether I actually watch again or not, as I have already. :)

I find myself being rather the opposite. I intend to watch (probably at a faster pace than this thread will go starting this weekend), but I generally don't feel a need to discuss on a repeat viewing. It feels like part of the experience for some shows when watching the first time, especially give how helpful it is to hear difference interpretations and points of view on things. The second time through since I know the story I really like to just take in the feel and mood of the show, and it leaves me with little to say because I'm not doing a lot of analytical thought or analysis on what I just watched. I do feel rather regretful of missing out on these particular types of threads but I don't think I would be doing myself or others any favors by forcing myself to comment just for the sake of showing up.

Dack Ralter

05-13-2009, 11:18 PM

Episode 2:

Nagisa and Tomoya have an exceptionally symbiotic relationship in that way. It's subtle, but speaks volumes.
It's a real wonder to behold. Such natural chemistry doesn't seem forced, even though they haven't known each other for that long.

- "I won't charge you for any repairs." Hah, so very Kyou-like. I have to mention how much I adore Hirohashi Ryou in this role. I may find (Fujibayashi) Ryou slightly more attractive than her sister, but Kyou's seiyuu totally wins for me. Hirohashi Ryou is always a delight because she's easily one of the most versatile seiyuu in the business. I just got done watching her as Alice in Aria the Natural, and here she is in a very very different role as Kyou. She handles both brilliantly.
Gah! I didn't even notice.... Wow, that is some flexibility.

- And Youhei is still an idiot. <3 Now we get... the kick counter! 528 hit combo! She totally juggles him. Chun Li has absolutely nothing on Tomoyo.
- Bwhaha, Tomoyo totally deadpans her delivery when dropping him down the chute. "Did I go to far?"
Ah, Sunohara. The designated chew-toy.... He must be an unstoppable force on the soccer field, at least if his ability to absorb damage is any indication.

DJ_72

05-14-2009, 02:44 AM

I guess the earlier thread is being cast aside, so I'm going to repeat what I said there. I've just finished part one (through episode 12) and am thoroughly enjoying this series so far.

Fuko: I can tell you that the fun has only started by the end of episode 2---she is easily one of the quirkiest, most entertaining and FUN characters I've ever seen. She, Nagisa and Tomoya have tremendous chemistry together. :sdsmiley:

Kotomi: This character is giving off some Alice Caroll (ARIA) vibes (the prodigy loner who slowly opens up and starts making friends). Thrilled to hear Mamiko :beatingheart:Noto again...there is a possible nod to Hell Girl in episode 12; see if you agree when you get there.

Nagisa: Her cuteness and vulnerability are carefully measured out--I thought these same things were really forced with Misuzu in AIR.Another big plus for Nagisa is that she's actually capable of setting aside her own problems and focus on helping other people with theirs. Of course, that wasn't possible for Misuzu since she was under that curse.

Other thoughts: This show has my all-time favorite school uniforms.
Very classy looking with the beige, navy and red

Looking forward to part two soon (Netflix has already shipped disc 1).I am starting a new class this Tuesday, so will probably not post every day...

EmperorBrandon

05-14-2009, 03:29 AM

- "I won't charge you for any repairs." Hah, so very Kyou-like. I have to mention how much I adore Hirohashi Ryou in this role. I may find (Fujibayashi) Ryou slightly more attractive than her sister, but Kyou's seiyuu totally wins for me. Hirohashi Ryou is always a delight because she's easily one of the most versatile seiyuu in the business. I just got done watching her as Alice in Aria the Natural, and here she is in a very very different role as Kyou. She handles both brilliantly.
Gah! I didn't even notice.... Wow, that is some flexibility.

She's got some marvelous range. Totally doesn't sound much like her Aria role, but then she fits both roles so very well and quite pleasing to listen to each in their own way.

I've always preferred Kyou over Ryou, both in looks and personality. She just seems much more interesting out of the two sisters to me. Ryou does have plenty of cute moments, though (I think some of the best may be soon to come. Heh...)

- And Youhei is still an idiot. <3 Now we get... the kick counter! 528 hit combo! She totally juggles him. Chun Li has absolutely nothing on Tomoyo.
- Bwhaha, Tomoyo totally deadpans her delivery when dropping him down the chute. "Did I go to far?"
Ah, Sunohara. The designated chew-toy.... He must be an unstoppable force on the soccer field, at least if his ability to absorb damage is any indication.

I watch this whole scene twice again today (once just checking it out again, and then on the full episode watch), and it just never stops being hilarious. I totally liked how KyoAni handled this scene. Kuwashima Houko knows how to sound both cool and beautiful at the same time.

The Great Bear

05-14-2009, 08:07 AM

I suspect that I could give you a recording of Mamiko Noto reading the Tokyo Phone Book and you would find it the sexiest reading ever :PAre you telling us you wouldn't? :P I would probably pay money for a recording of that.

I like Kotomi, don't get me wrong, but I don't really find the voice used for the character to be particularly sexy.

*runs from the mob carrying pitchforks and torches*

Draneor

05-14-2009, 08:56 AM

[B]ut I don't really find the voice used for the character to be particularly sexy.

It's certainly Japanese sexy as opposed to English sexy. But to be honest, Kotomi is my least favorite character, although probably the one I'd enjoy having the most as a teacher.

05-14-2009, 10:49 AM

I like Kotomi, don't get me wrong, but I don't really find the voice used for the character to be particularly sexy.

Kotomi isn't one of my favorite characters honestly. Mamiko is what makes her work for me.

something

05-14-2009, 10:53 AM

I like Kotomi, don't get me wrong, but I don't really find the voice used for the character to be particularly sexy.
*runs from the mob carrying pitchforks and torches*
It's okay, you don't care for yuri either so we already know you're a lost cause =P

Draneor

05-14-2009, 11:08 AM

It's okay, you don't care for yuri either so we already know you're a lost cause =P

I resent that. ;) I think one can appreciate romance, regardless of gender, without also always wanting to see anything that's female yuri-it-up. At least for me, it needs to make sense in the context of the story and be consistent with the nature of the characters. Doujinshi excepted.

something

05-14-2009, 11:11 AM

I resent that. ;) I think one can appreciate romance, regardless of gender, without also always wanting to see anything that's female yuri-it-up. At least for me, it needs to make sense in the context of the story and be consistent with the nature of the characters. Doujinshi excepted.
...Of course. The main romance in Clannad is my absolute favorite romance in anything, ever, regardless of the gender of the participants. I was teasing TGB about it because it's a running joke between us.

Suwako Moriya

05-14-2009, 11:14 AM

There's lots of cute girls in this show.

With some being cuter than others. The cutest of course being Ibuki Fuko.

Ryou is cute, her sister Kyou, not so much.

Perhaps, but I still like both of them. Then again for some odd reason I tend to have trouble deciding between twins. This is regardless of whether they're identical or fraternal.

Sunohara assumes the Tomoyo butt-kicking was all staged, and then he gets a little taste of Tomoyo power.

Heh, I have to be honest and say the guy deserves the punishment he got completely.

Nagisa's parents are just plain awesome.

When it comes to parents, they rank pretty highly up there.

This show already has a lot of characters I like, and the humor is awesome.

And the best part is that over time the show gets better. It's always nice for a show to start good and get better.

Draneor

05-14-2009, 11:16 AM

Perhaps, but I still like both of them. Then again for some odd reason I tend to have trouble deciding between twins. This is regardless of whether they're identical or fraternal.

I think it's best to just consider them a two-for-one set.^^ You just can't separate Kyou and Ryou.

Suwako Moriya

05-14-2009, 11:20 AM

Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.

Ichinose Kotomi is like all kinds of hot. She might in some ways be the most attractive girl in the series. In some ways, since the other girls have their own charm points. That and most of them have nice chests.

Kyou is "bi!" Nice way to get back at her, Tomoya.

Ah, yes, that was a rather evil way to get revenge.

There's this weird girl with a fascination with stars. She's funny and cute.

She's also the type of girl that I can highly approve of.

Classical

05-14-2009, 11:20 AM

Episode 3: "Once More After the Tears."

-The soul looking for the one warm spot in the world manages to find one in the girl that built a body for him/her(?). This scene kind of reminds me of a mom trying to get her toddler to walk toward her.
-The OP song "Mag Mell" is slowly starting to grow on me.
-Tomoya comes to Furukawa Bakery to check on Nagisa, and Nagisa's dad starts acting all weird again. I can't argue with the statement that he's the coolest ever. Heh, I couldn't help but crack up when he was doing that.
-Nagisa's been sick most of her high school life. I can't help but feel bad for her. Akio offers to give some free pastries to Tomoya, but Sanae gets offended and runs off. It's funny, but sad at the same time. Nagisa's mom seems really nice, and both her and Akio really do make an excellent couple.
-Some strange lady shows up at Furukawa Bakery. Tomoya gives the free pastries to her. I guess he doesn't believe in the saying "The best things in life are free," does he?
-Some guy kidnaps Tomoya off the street to vouch for him that some electrician dented his car. The electrician denies doing such a thing. I wouldn't want to be caught up in a mess like this either, Tomoya.
-The electrician guy starts spamming off hammy lines with such conviction. Something about love, and I imagine it's something that perhaps Tomoya could relate to, even if his face doesn't really show it.
-It turns out the Big Fat Cat dented the guy's car. That cat must weight a lot for it to make a dent like that. It almost seems unbelievable.
-Apparently the electrician was some famous guy named Yusuke Yoshino. Yeah, I'm like Okazaki, I'm not too well versed in the lives of the "famous." Sunohara starts playing a CD by Yoshino that his sister gave him. Wait, Sunohara has an imouto?
-Okazaki proceeds to imagine how Sunohara's imouto may look like. You never know Okazaki, she might actually be hot, or maybe not. Now that I think about it, I wonder how Sunohara's family is like.
-Sunohara goes off the deep end. Tomoyo, a guy? His life as a pervert has just begun. I couldn't help but laugh.
-Sunohara tries to prove to himself that Tomoyo is a guy, but Tomoyo proceeds to royally kick his butt again. Sunohara never learns, does he? Oh well, I get a good laugh out of his delusions.
-Tomoya notices Nagisa eating outside. It just occurred to me, but does Nagisa eat her mom's pastries when she's on her break/lunch?
-Nagisa waves to Tomoya. She's so cute. Tomoya sits with her. Nagisa proceeds to apologize for yesterday, but Tomoya feels guilty too. Nagisa's says she's silly, but Tomoya says it's okay. Yes Nagisa, I think it's okay to be silly too. She's more cute that way. Tomoya says he's just like Nagisa. This whole scene is awesome. Tomoya offers a shoulder to cry on for Nagisa. How nice, I'm touched!
-That girl with the hurting hands shows up again and demands that Tomoya give her the carving knife back, or else(?). Crud, she's so freaking cute. I just love how she gets all serious and determined, and then her hand starts to hurt again when trying to hold Tomoya's.
-Tomoya proceeds to mess with the girl's head some more. It's illegally cute how she acts. Tomoya gives her the knife back. Wait, Tomoya was carrying that all along!? What would the teachers says? Anyways, the girl proceeds to give Tomoya her greatest artistic creation. It'll be worth a fortune way into the future.
-Sunohara wakes up a hundred years later into the future. He's such a fool, but that's why I like him so much. It's kind of hilarious how he at first acts all casual about being in the "future" but then proceeds to freak out.
-Tomoya notices a really cute creature outside the school. Sunohara proceeds to harass the poor thing. Violent Kyou hurls a book at him. Let's see, Kyou books hurled count at 3 now. (I think)
-The animal is an urinko, and it's got a tasty name. It's so cute!
-Nagisa proceeds to give a practice speech to Tomoya. There's a stark difference in how passionate she gets about Dango Daikazoku and about the Drama Club questions.
-Tomoya's words stab at Nagisa. Poor Nagisa, but she decides to BELIEVE in her own words. Nagisa's an amateur at acting, but she really wants to work together on something with people. She must really be lonely. ;_;
-Nagisa's poster was taken down. She's a bad kid! Yes, I would have freaked out too for being called to the Council room, I was never the kind of person to get into trouble at school so I can relate to Nagisa.

Once again, another super awesome episode.

Suwako Moriya

05-14-2009, 11:22 AM

Suwako Moriya

05-14-2009, 11:23 AM

I think it's best to just consider them a two-for-one set.^^ You just can't separate Kyou and Ryou.

I'll go with that because it makes things simpler for me.

Classical

05-14-2009, 11:24 AM

There's lots of cute girls in this show.

With some being cuter than others. The cutest of course being Ibuki Fuko.I take it that she's your favorite of the whole cast huh? But yeah, she is really, really, cute.

This show already has a lot of characters I like, and the humor is awesome.

And the best part is that over time the show gets better. It's always nice for a show to start good and get better.I really looking forward to watching this as I go along. It's just too fun and good to stop watching.

Classical

05-14-2009, 11:25 AM

I think it's best to just consider them a two-for-one set.^^ You just can't separate Kyou and Ryou.

I'll go with that because it makes things simpler for me.

It's all about teh twincest. ;)

The Great Bear

05-14-2009, 11:29 AM

Classical

05-14-2009, 11:36 AM

- Didn't mention this last time, but the way Tomoya unconsciously replies "yes" to Nagisa's invitation is something I really, really love. When he sees her he's just completely swept up in her words, her pace, her beauty.Yeah, that was just plain awesome.

-Nagisa and Tomoya have an exceptionally symbiotic relationship in that way. It's subtle, but speaks volumes.That's been the beauty of the relationship so far, and it just makes it lovely to watch.

- "Bi?" Bwhahaha, this is one of Tomoya's greatest comedic creations. The reaction from the class is fantastic. There's this silence, and then they suddenly all react at once. I can't tell if the girl in front is disgusted, or planning how to best make a move. ...Oh who am I kidding, it's totally the latter! Ryou's reaction is great too. She cries at the drop of a hat.Everyone's reaction is absolutely hilarious. "Well, she (Kyou) is a little masculine."

- Fuuko!! She has the most absurd, yet endearing, mannerisms. Nonaka Ai is a genuis in this role. Especially the growling type noises. And "Dribble... shoot!" Her mannerisms are what make her so awesome. They're just too cute.

Tomoyo kick combo counter: 528
I suppose it's a good thing that the kick counter was put in, there's no way any human can count that fast. :sdsmiley:

-Kyou runs over Tomoya. She must not have a license for her to be that reckless.
Hah, well, she said she had one, but only as of a week ago... :sd:Actually, I had known about the license, but I just plain forget to mention it in my post. :sd:

Suwako Moriya

05-14-2009, 11:41 AM

I take it that she's your favorite of the whole cast huh? But yeah, she is really, really, cute.

Yes, Ibuki Fuko would indeed be my favorite girl in Clannad.

Classical

05-14-2009, 11:46 AM

Some barefoot girl tries to cut up library books. She so odd, but sexy! She has a sexy voice.
Ichinose Kotomi is like all kinds of hot. She might in some ways be the most attractive girl in the series. In some ways, since the other girls have their own charm points. That and most of them have nice chests.
I can definitely agree with each girl having her own charms. Kotomi is probably the sexiest of the bunch so far, but Nagisa is the most moé, Tomoyo is beautiful, Fuko is too cute, Ryou is hot, and Kyou, well...Kyou is Kyou. :catgirl:

There's this weird girl with a fascination with stars. She's funny and cute.

She's also the type of girl that I can highly approve of. I can tell that you're a really big fan of hers. I can easily see why. Her whole existence is awesome.

Classical

05-14-2009, 01:45 PM

Episode 4: "Looking for Friends."

-Nagisa can't put up recruitment posters to get members for the Drama Club. It presents a rather precarious situation, and Tomoya gets ticked off about. However, he tells Nagisa not to give up. That was awesome. Youhei was spying on them though. He's onto something.
-Sunohara starts to question Tomoya about why he's hanging out with Nagisa. After all, Tomoya isn't the type to want to be in a club. Tomoya tells him it's because Nagisa's mom makes such great pastries. Sadly, that's a lie. It kind of irritated me that Sunohara said Nagisa was "plain." What exactly is wrong with plain? She's a really nice person.
-Sunohara needs breasts for his next class. Breasts are not optional body parts that women can just detach, and Tomoyo has to be a girl. Sadly, Youhei doesn't realize that and gets his butt handed to himself for acting like a fool again.
-Knife girl shows up again and calls Tomoya weird guy. She's so cute. She freaks out about how Youhei's hair color isn't natural. Eh, it looks golden blond on my set. I wonder if Sunohara's imouto is blonde. Although, if anything, shouldn't Okazaki's hair color be the one that is most weird. I guess in the anime world natural human hair color is strange but anime hair colors, like blue, aren't.
-Weird Girl™, I'm going to call her that now, starts spouting off all angrily. It's soooo cute!
-Weird Girl™ asks Tomoya if he has anything to say, but Tomoya just goes and starts messing with her again. He just doesn't want to take her very seriously.
-The girl then proceeds to ask Tomoya to attend her sister's wedding. She's getting married to some guy named Yusuke. Wait a minute, could she be marrying Y2? Anyways, the girl's sister was an art teacher at the school she's at now. That's probably why she likes carving things. Tomoya doesn't know the teacher though, so it only seems natural that he not want to attend.
-The girl then talks about how she's been giving everyone at school her sculptures so they would attend her sister's wedding. She then proceeds to have a "stargasm." Hilariously enough, while the girl's brain is being enveloped in intense "pleasurable" sensations, Tomoya proceeds to stick a straw up her nose. (Un)fortunately, she doesn't drink up any of the liquid through her nose.
-Poor star girl, even though no one may attend the wedding, she vows to not give up. She's really passionate about it; it's admirable.
-Youhei's at it again with Tomoyo. Apparently she went all out on the last kick. They then take a lovely trip to the men's restroom and Youhei goes flying out the window. Some random girl gets really scared as he came flying out. Hilarious.
-Tomoyo can only take so much harassment. She should report Youhei. Anyways, Tomoyo seems to want to act more feminine. I feel bad that she feels that way.
-Sunohara Youhei joins Nagisa's party in their epic quest to revive the Drama Club. I so cracked up at the RPG bit. I wonder what job class each of them would have?
-Kyou and Ryou are off ditching class. Are Sunohara and Okazaki anything more than lackeys to them?
-This next scene is so freaking hilarious and wrong. Nagisa proceeds to confess her love to Ryou, and Ryou doesn't know what to say. something was right! Ryou is gay for Nagisa! Their conversation gets all hot and heavy that even Youhei starts getting all excited, only to get whacked by Tomoya.
-Ryou is surprised that Nagisa wasn't confessing to her, to her disappointment. Kyou mauls Sunohara and Okazaki. I supposed that's understandable.
-Kyou thinks that Youhei and Tomoya have ulterior motives for helping Nagisa out. It's Sanae's awesome pastries. No one can resist them.
-It's sweet of Nagisa to not abandon Tomoya. Sunohara on the other hand, I'm not too sure about.
-It's really telling of how much Tomoya has an aversion to clubs. He really wants to help Nagisa out, but he doesn't want to join. It's fascinating. He has a really big heart when it comes to Nagisa.
-Youhei proceeds to foolishly seduce Tomoyo. Those squats he was doing were so wrong.
-Youhei surprise-attacks Tomoyo, but Tomoyo juggle-kicks him into the air again. Okazaki kicks him back into the air to complete the Tomoya-Tomoyo combo for MASSIVE DAMAGE!! In fact, it's so massive that Youhei's whole head has been censored out. That's going to need cosmetic surgery.
-Tomoyo can't join the Drama Club because of Student Council elections. Is she going to run, I wonder?
-Tomoya proceeds to try to recruit Kotomi. Crud, Kotomi's got nice legs and feet. I think I'm starting to develop a foot fetish. :sd: I just loved how she shuffled her legs to turn around. She's so weird.
-Tomoya and Nagisa then proceed to recruit Weird Girl™ into their party. However, Ibuki Fuko is too busy carving night and day, never leaving school. Hmm, that's really odd. The poor girl seems to have problems.
-Fuko is Nagisa's former art teacher's sister. It makes sense, since Nagisa's a repeater. There's hope yet for Fuko!
-Weirdness ensues, apparently Fuko was involved in a car crash, and her sister has been visiting her at the hospital. However, that's not possible if Fuko has been at school all along. Maybe she's the ghost people have been talking about? Stay tuned.

Isuzu Inugami

05-14-2009, 03:43 PM

Sooo.... where's the Irish music? (http://www.clannad.ie/) =P

Episode 1: "On The Hillside Path Where The Cherry Blossoms Flutter."

- Something about how she likes fun things and she doesn't want them to change.

Heh, it's the essential problem in Buddhism!

The guy tells her to go find more fun things.

Although I don't know if that's quite the Buddhist answer, heh... :sweat:

- The color, oh god the color! Timed perfectly with the music it flashes in, tentatively at first but then with full force when Tomoya tells her to just go and find new things to enjoy and she looks over at him and the the sakura petals blow past

I love this bit. Everything is monochrome, but the moment they connect with each other the world explodes into color! I have no idea of its significance yet, but it's beautiful.

-Sunohara, Okazaki's friend, is being mauled by some sports guys.

He's... become the rugby ball.... What was his sin? Playing the same music every morning?

-The scene with the abandoned room is rather odd. At this point I don't understand what role it's going to play in the story.

A little later there's mention of a ghost overheard, so I think it must be connected with that... unless it's all a red herring. I already obsessed over it too much, figuring Nagisa (been out of school! Friends all graduated!) was herself the ghost, but no ghost could quite have her family....:sweat:

-Okazaki's a slacker. I kind of feel bad he's being talked about that way. Ryou is cute, her sister Kyou, not so much.

I think Kyou's more my type, though--I liked her barging in to her sister's rescue.

-This hot girl, Tomoyo, comes and kicks biker butt. I love the little "spectator's view" bit.

Heh, that was an awesome little replay.

-Sunohara assumes the Tomoyo butt-kicking was all staged, and then he gets a little taste of Tomoyo power.

That... idiot....

-Furukawa Bakery! Tomoya disses Nagisa's mom's pastry.

It strikes me as inventive, yet awful. I have such mixed feelings!

-Nagisa's parents are just plain awesome.

Akio seems to be for both threatening to beat the crap out of Tomoyo for looking at Nagisa, and encouraging him to hot-bloodedly elope with her. At any rate, he's enthusiastic. Will Tomoyo come to accept his new name (if they ever settle on it?)

Fun first episode.

The Aria the Natural posts took me on average between 50 and 90 minutes per ep.

Oh thank heaven, I'm not the only one! These threads are fun to run, but can be a bit exhausting too.

EmperorBrandon

05-14-2009, 03:45 PM

Well, he should. Dango Daikazoku is the best song ever.

I'm not sure I'd go that far, but the song is definitely soothing and effective. The best song ever is... actually I'm undecided on what to mention.

Well, I'm not sure if I really think it's the best song ever, but it certainly comes close to tops among KyoAni ED's. I would say the tops for sure if it weren't for the fact that I'm obsessed with Don't Say "Lazy" lately (though of course I like it for completely different reasons).

Daniel_Perales

05-14-2009, 05:18 PM

something

05-14-2009, 06:15 PM

something

05-14-2009, 07:11 PM

Oi, 7pm already, not sure if I can get two in tonight given how long it takes me to watch and post (and I want to get Sorakake 18 in soon), but let's see how this goes...

Episode 3:

- Back in the Illusionary World! It looks like the voice has taken the girl's invitation. Now he's in the cold metal body, giving up the chance to be born into a different world, all in order to be with this girl. The only warmth in an otherwise dead world...
- Hah, Akio. <3 I can just iamgine he has a dozen different voices in his head all arguing with each other. Sub screwup here - Tomoya says "Furukawa" and it's subbed Nagisa. I was horrified when I saw that at first because that was back when I was just skimming to make sure my discs worked. I got terrifying flashbacks of Viz's stupidity in Hana Yori Dango. Thankfully ADV only does it here, and it was just bad luck that it's the first scene I glanced at. :sd:
- Sanae bread breakdown #2! And while they're gone... what a pretty customer we have. I wonder what happens when she realizes it's all Sanae bread. :sd:
- Ah yes, the meeting with an eccentric electrician. Or, electrician / MC, Yoshino Yuusuke! And... Youhei has a sister! Who happens to be a Yoshino Yuusuke fan.
- Haha, Youhei's delusions just keep growing. Tomoyo must be a man! Tomoya gives him a wonderful "Are you fucking kidding me?" face. Love the fake-out freeze frame too. "I can totally hear everything you're saying."
- And of course it lands Youhei more time on the combo counter =D
- Ohhhhhhh god. One of my favorite Nagisa/Tomoya scenes. Nagisa works up the courage to wave. Tomoya can't stop himself from offering to be there for her when she needs a friend. Adorable tension and BGM: "Nagisa" again, then suddenly broken up by two small hands poking at Tomoya. :sd:
- Tomoya is in top form here. More "Dribble... shoot!" and even better "Boxer and trainer!" <3 Fuuko. But then we head straight into "Actually, I'm a cyborg." XD
- And then more pain for Youhei. He has this amazing ability to piss off the two most dangerous girls in the school, doesn't he? At least he gets to see something nice before having his skull fractured.
- Yukine!! My lovely little cafe-librarian!
- Heh, and Nagisa reveals the ugly truth: She knows nothing about theater. That's a great way to start a recruitment session.
- But when the topic changes to Dango Daikazoku... :sd:
- Their chemistry is absolutely beautiful. When she's not trying Nagisa is finally able to explain exactly why she wants to do drama, and the explanation is so earnest and beautiful that it makes me tear up every time at the end there when she pauses, takes a breath, and says "I just like it." <3
- But she gets called in. Drama!!

Hey only an hour. Think I'll jump into episode 4 now.

Best Nagisa moment: Her real explanation for why she wants to do theater, just barely edging out the "I'll come to you if I feel like crying" discussion.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: 2
This space reserved
Fuuko starfish trance counter: 1
Tomoyo kick combo counter: 743
Visits to the "Illusionary World": 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Tomoya comes to Furukawa Bakery to check on Nagisa, and Nagisa's dad starts acting all weird again. I can't argue with the statement that he's the coolest ever. Heh, I couldn't help but crack up when he was doing that.
-Nagisa's been sick most of her high school life. I can't help but feel bad for her. Akio offers to give some free pastries to Tomoya, but Sanae gets offended and runs off. It's funny, but sad at the same time. Nagisa's mom seems really nice, and both her and Akio really do make an excellent couple.
Talking about amazing chemistry... Akio x Sanae <3 <3

-Tomoya notices Nagisa eating outside. It just occurred to me, but does Nagisa eat her mom's pastries when she's on her break/lunch?
Hah, maybe. It'd be more economical, I suppose, since we always see high schoolers buying bread from the school cafeteria anyway. Why not just leftovers from home? Knowing Nagisa, she can probably eat and enjoy Sanae's bread just fine. Or at least she'd never complain even if she couldn't. :sd: Still, most of the Furukawa bakery bread looked to be unpackaged, and in a previous scene Nagisa was definitely eating packaged anpan. You see her fold and put away the plastic wrapping. So I dunno, maybe half and half.

-Tomoya proceeds to mess with the girl's head some more. It's illegally cute how she acts. Tomoya gives her the knife back. Wait, Tomoya was carrying that all along!? What would the teachers say?
I thought I remembered him saying he sharpened it for her when I last watched, but I must have been imagining it. I sure hope he did though, or she'll just cut herself up again. :sd: And yeah, nothing like a notorious delinquent carrying a knife around school with him for days. That'd really go over well...

-Tomoya notices a really cute creature outside the school. Sunohara proceeds to harass the poor thing. Violent Kyou hurls a book at him. Let's see, Kyou books hurled count at 3 now. (I think)
Youhei hasn't really learned how to dodge it like Tomoya can, though. =P

The Great Bear

05-14-2009, 07:22 PM

Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: 2
This space reserved
Fuuko starfish trance counter: 1
Tomoyo kick combo counter: 743
Visits to the "Illisionary World": 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

You really like your counters :sd:

I can think of more than one more counter to go though.

Dack Ralter

05-14-2009, 07:37 PM

Episode 3: "Once More After the Tears."

-The soul looking for the one warm spot in the world manages to find one in the girl that built a body for him/her(?). This scene kind of reminds me of a mom trying to get her toddler to walk toward her.
Robots (sort of, in this case) in lonely worlds have given me the creeps since "Silent Running". I sure hope this turns out well...

-Apparently the electrician was some famous guy named Yusuke Yoshino. Yeah, I'm like Okazaki, I'm not too well versed in the lives of the "famous." Sunohara starts playing a CD by Yoshino that his sister gave him. Wait, Sunohara has an imouto?
Ah, another seemingly-random encounter. I said this in the other thread, but has this town only got one hundred people in it or something?

Now that I think about it, I wonder how Sunohara's family is like.
They have a thriving business serving as crash-test dummies for Japanese auto manufacturers. Youhei's desire to play soccer caused them to throw him out.

-Sunohara tries to prove to himself that Tomoyo is a guy, but Tomoyo proceeds to royally kick his butt again. Sunohara never learns, does he? Oh well, I get a good laugh out of his delusions.
At this point he must be getting some enjoyment out of it. Isn't a definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? :P

-Tomoya notices Nagisa eating outside. It just occurred to me, but does Nagisa eat her mom's pastries when she's on her break/lunch?
One would have to imagine that she would have similar tastes, unless Akio cursed her with his normal taste buds.

-Nagisa waves to Tomoya. She's so cute. Tomoya sits with her. Nagisa proceeds to apologize for yesterday, but Tomoya feels guilty too. Nagisa's says she's silly, but Tomoya says it's okay. Yes Nagisa, I think it's okay to be silly too. She's more cute that way. Tomoya says he's just like Nagisa. This whole scene is awesome. Tomoya offers a shoulder to cry on for Nagisa. How nice, I'm touched!
More Nagisa/Okazaki chemistry. This is already one of my favorite relationships in any show I've watched. At some point Nagisa might actually be happy about being held up for a year.

-That girl with the hurting hands shows up again and demands that Tomoya give her the carving knife back, or else(?). Crud, she's so freaking cute. I just love how she gets all serious and determined, and then her hand starts to hurt again when trying to hold Tomoya's.
Okazaki just has a way with the gullible. Fuko is extremely cute, almost too cute. Her mannerisms are irresistible.

-Tomoya notices a really cute creature outside the school. Sunohara proceeds to harass the poor thing. Violent Kyou hurls a book at him. Let's see, Kyou books hurled count at 3 now. (I think)
She's just trying to hammer some sense into him (literally, in this case). Maybe Okazaki has been hanging around with Sunohara since all the bad stuff seems to happen to him instead.

-Nagisa's poster was taken down. She's a bad kid! Yes, I would have freaked out too for being called to the Council room, I was never the kind of person to get into trouble at school so I can relate to Nagisa.
Clannad seems to like mini-cliffhangers for episode endings. I was actually kind of scared for Nagisa, but what are they going to do that would be so terrible? :sd:

Dack Ralter

05-14-2009, 08:10 PM

Episode 4: "Looking for Friends."

-Sunohara starts to question Tomoya about why he's hanging out with Nagisa. After all, Tomoya isn't the type to want to be in a club. Tomoya tells him it's because Nagisa's mom makes such great pastries. Sadly, that's a lie. It kind of irritated me that Sunohara said Nagisa was "plain." What exactly is wrong with plain? She's a really nice person.
Sunohara is obviously just a superficial prick who's destined to die a lonely virgin. :P Actually, I always get a kick out of anime characters being labeled as "plain" (either by themselves or others) when there isn't really any effort made to make them look so.

-Sunohara needs breasts for his next class. Breasts are not optional body parts that women can just detach, and Tomoyo has to be a girl. Sadly, Youhei doesn't realize that and gets his butt handed to himself for acting like a fool again.
There's no filter between that "brain" and his mouth, that's for damn sure. Maybe Okazaki is at fault, though. His pranks have detached Sunohara from reality.

-Youhei's at it again with Tomoyo. Apparently she went all out on the last kick. They then take a lovely trip to the men's restroom and Youhei goes flying out the window. Some random girl gets really scared as he came flying out. Hilarious.
I rewatched that several times. I just love watching him flying out into space....

-Tomoyo can only take so much harassment. She should report Youhei. Anyways, Tomoyo seems to want to act more feminine. I feel bad that she feels that way.
She's plenty feminine enough for me! Sunohara is just blind, is all.

-Kyou and Ryou are off ditching class. Are Sunohara and Okazaki anything more than lackeys to them?
Ah, to be a lackey for those two....

-This next scene is so freaking hilarious and wrong. Nagisa proceeds to confess her love to Ryou, and Ryou doesn't know what to say. something was right! Ryou is gay for Nagisa! Their conversation gets all hot and heavy that even Youhei starts getting all excited, only to get whacked by Tomoya.
After multiple rewatches of this scene, Clannad has secured its place as the most entertaining show I've watched in a long while. Nagisa and Ryou would be just perfect....:beatingheart: Good grief, I think I've been converted.

-Ryou is surprised that Nagisa wasn't confessing to her, to her disappointment.
A non-confession from Nagisa would be enough to destroy anybody, so that says something about Ryou's strength.

-Youhei surprise-attacks Tomoyo, but Tomoyo juggle-kicks him into the air again. Okazaki kicks him back into the air to complete the Tomoya-Tomoyo combo for MASSIVE DAMAGE!! In fact, it's so massive that Youhei's whole head has been censored out. That's going to need cosmetic surgery.
...and the reason I decided to watch Clannad in the first place. I was convinced to watch this clip over and over again. Okazaki just kicking him back to Tomoyo made my year. :)

-Tomoya and Nagisa then proceed to recruit Weird Girl™ into their party. However, Ibuki Fuko is too busy carving night and day, never leaving school. Hmm, that's really odd. The poor girl seems to have problems.
-Weirdness ensues, apparently Fuko was involved in a car crash, and her sister has been visiting her at the hospital. However, that's not possible if Fuko has been at school all along. Maybe she's the ghost people have been talking about? Stay tuned.
Poor Fuko. The idea of her just sitting at school all night makes me sad.

EmperorBrandon

05-14-2009, 08:46 PM

- "Bi?" Bwhahaha, this is one of Tomoya's greatest comedic creations. The reaction from the class is fantastic. There's this silence, and then they suddenly all react at once. I can't tell if the girl in front is disgusted, or planning how to best make a move. ...Oh who am I kidding, it's totally the latter! Ryou's reaction is great too. She cries at the drop of a hat.Everyone's reaction is absolutely hilarious. "Well, she (Kyou) is a little masculine."

Poor Nagisa is always so lonely, just like that little girl in the park that they're in.
Oh god, I want to know more about that little girl. Every time I see that scene I just want to give her a big hug, but we have no idea who she is. What a wonderful little touch it was to put her in the front of the frame there though.

Ah, I took particular notice of both of those scenes. It's really amusing that KyoAni has you care about the background characters at times in some of their series. But yeah, the reaction to the "bi" announcement was amusing (I had to watch over that scene again even).

I took notice of the cute little lonely girl in the park too. :(

something

05-14-2009, 09:01 PM

You really like your counters :sd:
I can think of more than one more counter to go though.
Definitely, I had a lot of stuff I considered doing, but realistically once we get out of the first half or so, I'll be paying less attention to such things and would just wind up missing stuff. When certain counters are retired, I might replace them, though.

something

05-14-2009, 09:06 PM

Ah, another seemingly-random encounter. I said this in the other thread, but has this town only got one hundred people in it or something?
I'm not there, but I'd like to be! (=P) And yeah, it's pretty tough to gauge the size of Hikarizaka. We haven't really seen a lot of it yet - just Tomoya and Nagisa's homes, and the route to school. A bit of the town when Tomoya was avoiding going home too. But he must live close by the Furukawa house, seeing as how he always unconsciously ends up there when troubled.

At this point he must be getting some enjoyment out of it. Isn't a definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? :P
Or just masochism.

Clannad seems to like mini-cliffhangers for episode endings. I was actually kind of scared for Nagisa, but what are they going to do that would be so terrible? :sd:
I don't know, Student Councils are inherently dangerous places in anime. :sd:

Fencedude

05-14-2009, 09:16 PM

Clannad seems to like mini-cliffhangers for episode endings. I was actually kind of scared for Nagisa, but what are they going to do that would be so terrible? :sd:
I don't know, Student Councils are inherently dangerous places in anime. :sd:

Depends, is it the First, Second or Third Student Council?

(also, I do plan to watch and comment at some point, but SRWOGSEF distracted me yesterday. I may just watch in batches. Of course it doesn't take me 4 hours to watch a single episode like some people here)

something

05-14-2009, 09:28 PM

Episode 4:

- What a shitty catch-22 they put Nagisa in. She's can't recruit because the club is inactive. She can't activate the club if she can't recruit. Tomoya gets surprisingly intense about all this. It really shows how emotionally invested he's let himself become in Nagisa.
- ...And Youhei finds out what's got Tomoya so fired up about clubs. Pretty girls work wonders don't they? =D
- Tomoya is brilliant. He simultaneously dodges Youhei's question, makes a great excuse, and sets up hilarity down the line if Youhei does wind up tasting the bread. :sd:
- Ahaha, Youhei's brain is clearly rotting. Detachable breasts!
- Fuuko!! She's fantastic here. "Double weird people!" "Your hair is weird. His whole existence is weird!" XD
- Ah, the reason for her carved presents. They're wedding invitations! And her sister's fiance's name is familiar.
- Back to Youhei. And a single kick. Even Tomoyo is caught off guard at how much power she put into it. :sd: And even Tomoyo has her own issues, apparently... Youhei's attacks unknowingly touch on a sore spot for her.
- Oh Youhei. I love his solution for Nagisa's problem - beat up the student council! She's just horrified, and we get that absolutely fantastic Ghobli-esque hair raising thing KyoAni does so well.
- "Slay, Smoke Bomb, Magic." XD Clannad RPG!
- I always liked how Youhei says "Nice idea~" here. Anyway, surprising as it seems, he has a pretty good idea in asking Ryou for help. But more importantly, this sets up one of the most epic scenes in anime history...
- "The one who wanted to see you is... her!" (BGM: "Phase of the Moon"). Nagisa unknowingly plays perfectly into their hands. Ryou is adorably flustered and doesn't know how to respond. But then she sees how serious Nagisa is. How troubled she is. The music changes pace, the wind blows, Nagisa and Ryou join hands, roses appear, they blush, Tomoya has a strange look on his face (nervous excitement?) and Youhei is about to jump out of his pants. Nagisa's face gets ever closer. Ryou is overwhelmed. Nagisa makes her request. Ryou, not hearing her, immediately agrees. Then she... HOLY SHIT SHE AGREED! When she thought Nagisa was asking her out! One of the Fujibayashi sisters, TOTALLY BI! Just... not Kyou! And we get this (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/KMP-DVD00006921-23-15.png), one of the single best frames in all of anime, and the shot that forever puts Ryou above Kyou for me. <3
- Kyou invites Nagisa to become friends with her and Ryou instead! =D
- Ahaha, back to Tomoyo. I'd feel sorry for Youhei if he weren't so wonderfully domb. Tomoya gets hit 950 for the combo! We break 1000, for 1013 hits!
- Yet another example of why R1 companies fail for leaving off honorifics. "Oh hey she suddenly responded... when he used the exact same name." No. No, she responded when he called her Kotomi-chan. At least they include a note a couple lines later, which is much better than nothing. But having a scene where you include a couple honorifics and then explain why they're important, only to completely cast them aside every other time...!? Ah, the deeply ingrained deficiencies of "professional" translations. Alas. I probably should just finish my rewatch of this with my "alternate" versions.
- But anyways, knee walking!! Oh god, Kotomi. <3
- (Oh yeah, I also hate the practice of translating first/second/third-years as sophomores/juniors/seniors because it totally misses the point, but again, what can you do?)
- Nagisa and Fuuko together in one place? The degree of cuteness is well, well past the LD50.
- And there's another of those little mini cliffhangers Dack noted. We find out quite a lot about Fuuko in a short amount of time here, although the details seem to conflict and the explanation that can be drawn from it doesn't quite make sense. What's going on with this girl? I like how she reacts when Nagisa says she knows her sister, Ibuki-sensei.

...Man I love the next episode previews for this show. They're always following some strange theme. Last time it was lines by Youhei, this time it's characters making non-word noises, save the woman's voice near the end.

Best Nagisa moment: Absolutely no competition. The roof scene!
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 2
This space reserved
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 1; Total - 2
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 270; Total - 1013
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

It kind of irritated me that Sunohara said Nagisa was "plain." What exactly is wrong with plain? She's a really nice person.
I don't think he meant it in a negative sense, necessarily. Youhei does express at a few points that Nagisa is attractive, so he's not downplaying her looks, I don't think. He's just saying that she's really not the kind of girl you'd expect the delinquent Tomoya to be interested in. She's very conscientious, responsible, proper, and in terms of looks, "plain" as opposed to wild looking, or overtly sexual, or anything like that. She's like a pretty, clean plain bagel... which is just fine because plain bagels are totally my favorite!

-Knife girl shows up again and calls Tomoya weird guy. She's so cute. She freaks out about how Youhei's hair color isn't natural. Eh, it looks golden blond on my set.
They're in Japan though, where blond hair would be quite odd, and is assumed to be bleached or dyed if the person isn't a foreigner. See also, say, Ichigo in Bleach, who gets made fun of for having orange hair. But no, the show isn't terribly consistent on that point given how we have the epic purple hair brigade (Kotomi and the Fujibayashi sisters) who nobody finds odd. =P

Some random girl gets really scared as he came flying out. Hilarious.
That girl squealing and cringing totally makes the scene a hundred times better.

-This next scene is so freaking hilarious and wrong. Nagisa proceeds to confess her love to Ryou, and Ryou doesn't know what to say. something was right! Ryou is gay for Nagisa!
EVERYONE IS GAY FOR NAGISA!

-Kyou thinks that Youhei and Tomoya have ulterior motives for helping Nagisa out. It's Sanae's awesome pastries. No one can resist them.
I so read that as panties, mostly because during this scene I keep wondering what Tomoya and Youhei must have seen when Kyou, sitting at perfect eye level, reaches her foot out and points to them with it...

-It's really telling of how much Tomoya has an aversion to clubs. He really wants to help Nagisa out, but he doesn't want to join. It's fascinating. He has a really big heart when it comes to Nagisa.
Part of it also seems to be that he doesn't want her to rely on him too much. If she takes the easy way out (just has Tomoya and Youhei sign up to make the requirements), then that's not really giving it her all, that's not really realizing her dream. Well that and he genuinely doesn't have an interest in drama. :sd:

Crud, Kotomi's got nice legs and feet. I think I'm starting to develop a foot fetish. :sd:
Hah, I'm still really, really not info feet but Kotomi has softened many, many a person's stance on that particular fetish. Even I have to admit hers are absolutely adorable.

EmperorBrandon

05-14-2009, 09:29 PM

She freaks out about how Youhei's hair color isn't natural. Eh, it looks golden blond on my set. I wonder if Sunohara's imouto is blonde. Although, if anything, shouldn't Okazaki's hair color be the one that is most weird. I guess in the anime world natural human hair color is strange but anime hair colors, like blue, aren't.

Well, keep in mind they're supposed to be Japanese, and blonde isn't natural. On the other unnatural colors, I usually just take it that they appear as natural colors to the characters.

-Tomoyo can only take so much harassment. She should report Youhei. Anyways, Tomoyo seems to want to act more feminine. I feel bad that she feels that way.

Tomoyo does seem to be really self-conscious about her femininity, even if Youhei was just being a idiot, and she's plenty feminine and awesome. :) It was kind of a cute moment there, not getting mad at Tomoya for bringing it up.

-Youhei surprise-attacks Tomoyo, but Tomoyo juggle-kicks him into the air again. Okazaki kicks him back into the air to complete the Tomoya-Tomoyo combo for MASSIVE DAMAGE!! In fact, it's so massive that Youhei's whole head has been censored out. That's going to need cosmetic surgery.

Hahaha... I love the combo attack. :sdsmiley:

-Tomoya proceeds to try to recruit Kotomi. Crud, Kotomi's got nice legs and feet. I think I'm starting to develop a foot fetish. :sd: I just loved how she shuffled her legs to turn around. She's so weird.

Heh, yeah, that bit with her shuffling around is always really cute. She does have nice legs. Also interesting that she calls him more familiarly with "Tomoya-kun".

-Weirdness ensues, apparently Fuko was involved in a car crash, and her sister has been visiting her at the hospital. However, that's not possible if Fuko has been at school all along. Maybe she's the ghost people have been talking about? Stay tuned.

With her being goofy up to that point, it was quite a change having this part with her being a little shook up over her situation. The expressions used are quite telling... and I just love the BGM for this scene. I really seem to remember it from one of my favorite episodes way later in After Story. Maybe someone who's very familiar with the soundtrack knows the title of it? I'd be curious at least (haven't researched the music much or own any soundtrack, but I'd like to be familiar with some of the titles of ones I like)

something

05-14-2009, 09:30 PM

(also, I do plan to watch and comment at some point, but SRWOGSEF distracted me yesterday. I may just watch in batches. Of course it doesn't take me 4 hours to watch a single episode like some people here)
Hey hey! Episode 4 only took me ::checks:: two and a half hours!

...Good god what was I doing?

something

05-14-2009, 09:33 PM

Actually, I always get a kick out of anime characters being labeled as "plain" (either by themselves or others) when there isn't really any effort made to make them look so.
Agreed, although in Nagisa's case it fits, somewhat. At least compared to the other girls, with their unnatural hair colors and/or strange behavior. Nagisa seems kind of homey (in a positive way, so maybe that's not the best word) by comparison.

After multiple rewatches of this scene, Clannad has secured its place as the most entertaining show I've watched in a long while. Nagisa and Ryou would be just perfect....:beatingheart: Good grief, I think I've been converted.
Yesssss.

EmperorBrandon

05-14-2009, 09:37 PM

something

05-14-2009, 09:40 PM

Dack Ralter

05-14-2009, 10:15 PM

One of the Fujibayashi sisters, TOTALLY BI! Just... not Kyou! And we get this (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/KMP-DVD00006921-23-15.png), one of the single best frames in all of anime, and the shot that forever puts Ryou above Kyou for me. <3
Well, I'm not made of stone. That pic certainly vaults Ryou above and beyond Kyou for the time being.

She's like a pretty, clean plain bagel... which is just fine because plain bagels are totally my favorite!
She just doesn't stand out. She's like a very cute iceberg.

-Kyou thinks that Youhei and Tomoya have ulterior motives for helping Nagisa out. It's Sanae's awesome pastries. No one can resist them.
I so read that as panties, mostly because during this scene I keep wondering what Tomoya and Youhei must have seen when Kyou, sitting at perfect eye level, reaches her foot out and points to them with it...
...and here comes Kyou again. :nosebleed: Girl likes her legs, so I can't argue.

DenpaWa

05-15-2009, 07:14 AM

Daniel_Perales

05-15-2009, 07:14 AM

I've been meaning to rewatch this whole show again, but this time, in a more relaxing pace.
At least it's nice to read about it. I'm catching things here that I haven't noticed before during my initial viewing.
If you're going to post here please mind the rules in the top post regarding subject lines and the rest. You must have used the blue "Post Reply" button which nixed the subject line in your reply within the ep 2 subthread.

But I actually did try and reply to the very first post in this tread (like I'm doing with this post right now). I don't know what happened. A momentary glitch, maybe?

Anyway, back to the show.:cool:

Danny

Suwako Moriya

05-15-2009, 10:31 AM

It's all about teh twincest. ;)

Yes, and even better when it's the yuri kind.

Classical

05-15-2009, 10:36 AM

- And then more pain for Youhei. He has this amazing ability to piss off the two most dangerous girls in the school, doesn't he? At least he gets to see something nice before having his skull fractured.It's really amazing how he can tick people off easily, but it's even more amazing how he can survive all the brutal assaults he gets.

- Yukine!! My lovely little cafe-librarian! Like Tomoya says, the town is full of a lot of interesting people. There's something different about her, I can't quite put my finger on it.

- Heh, and Nagisa reveals the ugly truth: She knows nothing about theater. That's a great way to start a recruitment session.
- But when the topic changes to Dango Daikazoku... :sd:

The large difference in passion she puts into both topics is just amazing. Maybe Nagisa should have started a Dango Daikazoku club instead? Still, listening to the ED and reading the lyrics more and more has given me an increasing understanding as to why Nagisa likes Dango Daikazoku so much. The dango all seem like such a nice family.

-Tomoya notices a really cute creature outside the school. Sunohara proceeds to harass the poor thing. Violent Kyou hurls a book at him. Let's see, Kyou books hurled count at 3 now. (I think)
Youhei hasn't really learned how to dodge it like Tomoya can, though. =P
No wonder Youhei can't beat Tomoyo. Although, it might just be better for him to stay out of trouble. How many enemies has he made? Let's see: Rugby team, Tomoyo, and Kyou. I expect there to me more later on. :sdsmiley:

Suwako Moriya

05-15-2009, 10:46 AM

Anyways, the girl proceeds to give Tomoya her greatest artistic creation. It'll be worth a fortune way into the future.

Yes, screw the idea of investing in gold. Invest in her artistic creations.

The animal is an urinko, and it's got a tasty name.

Sometimes I wonder if it's required by law to give pets such names.

Nagisa proceeds to give a practice speech to Tomoya. There's a stark difference in how passionate she gets about Dango Daikazoku and about the Drama Club questions.

It's a classic case of having your priorities straight if you ask me.

Classical

05-15-2009, 10:48 AM

Now that I think about it, I wonder how Sunohara's family is like.
They have a thriving business serving as crash-test dummies for Japanese auto manufacturers. Youhei's desire to play soccer caused them to throw him out.
That's sounds about right. Youhei's ability to survive even the worst wrecks is amazing. You know, know that I think about it, I assume Tomoya quit basketball because of his arm, but I wonder why Youhei would have quit soccer? I suspect he was getting beat up by the soccer team or something. :sdsmiley:

-Sunohara tries to prove to himself that Tomoyo is a guy, but Tomoyo proceeds to royally kick his butt again. Sunohara never learns, does he? Oh well, I get a good laugh out of his delusions.
At this point he must be getting some enjoyment out of it. Isn't a definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? :PI suspect the next time Youhei tries to come up with an explanation for Tomoyo being so strong it's going to involve something about Tomoyo being an alien invader from outerspace. Then he's going to say it's his noble duty to stop her. Let's hope he's not that crazy.

More Nagisa/Okazaki chemistry. This is already one of my favorite relationships in any show I've watched. At some point Nagisa might actually be happy about being held up for a year.Tomoya really seems to open up to her more than any other person. I suspect at some point he would have been glad to met her too. He really seemed miserable before he met her, and now he doesn't seem like it so much anymore.

Classical

05-15-2009, 10:53 AM

Ah, another seemingly-random encounter. I said this in the other thread, but has this town only got one hundred people in it or something?
I'm not there, but I'd like to be! (=P) And yeah, it's pretty tough to gauge the size of Hikarizaka. We haven't really seen a lot of it yet - just Tomoya and Nagisa's homes, and the route to school. A bit of the town when Tomoya was avoiding going home too. But he must live close by the Furukawa house, seeing as how he always unconsciously ends up there when troubled.The more I watch this show, the more I suspect that Tomoya lives near Nagisa's home for reasons you have stated something. Hikarizaka is the town's name huh? I've been dying to know what the name of the town is, since I haven't seen any mention of it.

At this point he must be getting some enjoyment out of it. Isn't a definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? :P
Or just masochism.I think it's more along the lines of masochism. Tomoya did say Youhei was beginning his life as a pervert. :sdsmiley:

Classical

05-15-2009, 10:57 AM

Clannad seems to like mini-cliffhangers for episode endings. I was actually kind of scared for Nagisa, but what are they going to do that would be so terrible? :sd:
I don't know, Student Councils are inherently dangerous places in anime. :sd:

Not to mention in Key series, there always seems be at least one arrogant jerk guy on the student council.

I guess I'll get to see that in one point or another. The only other Key anime I have right now is Kanon 2006. Still, I hope no one is so heartless as to be so cruel to poor Nagisa.

Classical

05-15-2009, 11:08 AM

The animal is an urinko, and it's got a tasty name.

Sometimes I wonder if it's required by law to give pets such names.Botan is so cute though, I don't think I would have the guts to make dinner out of the animal. The power of cute is a very strong force.

Nagisa proceeds to give a practice speech to Tomoya. There's a stark difference in how passionate she gets about Dango Daikazoku and about the Drama Club questions.

It's a classic case of having your priorities straight if you ask me.

I suppose that makes Nagisa and Fuko alike in a way. Nagisa is passionate about Dango Daikazoku, and Fuko about her artistic creations and so much so, that it hurts.

Classical

05-15-2009, 11:20 AM

-Tomoyo can only take so much harassment. She should report Youhei. Anyways, Tomoyo seems to want to act more feminine. I feel bad that she feels that way.
She's plenty feminine enough for me! Sunohara is just blind, is all.If only Sunohara could look through Tomoyo's exterior. Tomoyo may be strong, but I believe she puts that strength to good use. She seems like a really nice girl, and she's really beautiful. Plus, she's a legend. :cool: I wonder why exactly it is that she wants to be more feminine.

-Kyou and Ryou are off ditching class. Are Sunohara and Okazaki anything more than lackeys to them?
Ah, to be a lackey for those two....I wouldn't mind being Ryou's lackey, but I'm not too sure about Kyou. I think though, that deep down inside, Kyou really is a nice person. She comes to her sister's aid and stuff.

-Ryou is surprised that Nagisa wasn't confessing to her, to her disappointment.
A non-confession from Nagisa would be enough to destroy anybody, so that says something about Ryou's strength.Ryou seems like the type who has some trouble asserting herself, and I normally think that Class Reps should be more of the assertive type. Ryou must have a lot of strength to be able to fulfill that role.

Classical

05-15-2009, 11:53 AM

- What a shitty catch-22 they put Nagisa in. She's can't recruit because the club is inactive. She can't activate the club if she can't recruit. Tomoya gets surprisingly intense about all this. It really shows how emotionally invested he's let himself become in Nagisa.The situation Nagisa has been put in really is ridiculous. Luckily, Tomoya is willing to do all he can to help her out. He really does care.

- Oh Youhei. I love his solution for Nagisa's problem - beat up the student council! She's just horrified, and we get that absolutely fantastic Ghobli-esque hair raising thing KyoAni does so well.I thought it was kind of cute of her when she said that violence wasn't the answer. Just what a girl like Nagisa would say. :sdsmiley:

- And we get this (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/KMP-DVD00006921-23-15.png), one of the single best frames in all of anime, and the shot that forever puts Ryou above Kyou for me. <3A picture really is worth a 1000 words. That is priceless.

It kind of irritated me that Sunohara said Nagisa was "plain." What exactly is wrong with plain? She's a really nice person.
I don't think he meant it in a negative sense, necessarily. Youhei does express at a few points that Nagisa is attractive, so he's not downplaying her looks, I don't think. He's just saying that she's really not the kind of girl you'd expect the delinquent Tomoya to be interested in. She's very conscientious, responsible, proper, and in terms of looks, "plain" as opposed to wild looking, or overtly sexual, or anything like that. She's like a pretty, clean plain bagel... which is just fine because plain bagels are totally my favorite!That makes sense. I just thought that Youhei said there were no redeeming qualities about her.

On a random note, I like plain bagels the best, especially when they're fresh.

-Knife girl shows up again and calls Tomoya weird guy. She's so cute. She freaks out about how Youhei's hair color isn't natural. Eh, it looks golden blond on my set.
They're in Japan though, where blond hair would be quite odd, and is assumed to be bleached or dyed if the person isn't a foreigner. See also, say, Ichigo in Bleach, who gets made fun of for having orange hair. But no, the show isn't terribly consistent on that point given how we have the epic purple hair brigade (Kotomi and the Fujibayashi sisters) who nobody finds odd. =PI see, it does make more sense that natural blond is considered to be an odd color since I don't think I've ever seen any naturally blonde Japanese people.

-Kyou thinks that Youhei and Tomoya have ulterior motives for helping Nagisa out. It's Sanae's awesome pastries. No one can resist them.
I so read that as panties, mostly because during this scene I keep wondering what Tomoya and Youhei must have seen when Kyou, sitting at perfect eye level, reaches her foot out and points to them with it...I wonder if Kyou was wearing the same panties as the last episode, when Youhei caught a glimpse of them.

Crud, Kotomi's got nice legs and feet. I think I'm starting to develop a foot fetish. :sd:
Hah, I'm still really, really not info feet but Kotomi has softened many, many a person's stance on that particular fetish. Even I have to admit hers are absolutely adorable.
It's amazing how anime can cause people to develop so many different fetishes. :sweat:

Suwako Moriya

05-15-2009, 12:51 PM

What a shitty catch-22 they put Nagisa in. She's can't recruit because the club is inactive. She can't activate the club if she can't recruit.

Seriously, catch-22s such as that are essentially heartless and I'm tempted to say pure evil as well. I mean there's no other reason to have them to crush the dreams and hopes of others. It also makes you wonder how the heck a club ever gets formed in the first place.

Draneor

05-15-2009, 02:02 PM

I mean there's no other reason to have them to crush the dreams and hopes of others. It also makes you wonder how the heck a club ever gets formed in the first place.

This is really a shikata ga nai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikata_ga_nai) situation. While I am sure there would be a method to forming a new club, I suspect--whatever it is--the process needs to be followed to the letter and is most likely quite burdensome. It's Japan.

I see, it does make more sense that natural blond is considered to be an odd color since I don't think I've ever seen any naturally blonde Japanese people.

It has to do with the concept of markedness. For the most part, all hair colors in anime are perceived to be common in that world except yellow (occasionally red/orange). As others have stated, yellow hair is typically used to indicate a character is not Japanese or that the character is a social rebel because they dye their hair a color Japanese people don't have. In this case, it's the latter. Matt Thorn wrote an interesting essay on the subject of markedness and anime character designs (http://www.matt-thorn.com/mangagaku/faceoftheother.html), if you would like more information.

something

05-15-2009, 02:10 PM

But I actually did try and reply to the very first post in this tread (like I'm doing with this post right now). I don't know what happened. A momentary glitch, maybe?
VB is retarded, so you have to hold its hand a bit - you have to use "Quote" when replying (and use it on the specific post you're looking to reply to, whether one of the posts in the thread or the top post), or it does stupid things. Unfortunately this is the software we're stuck with, oh well.

something

05-15-2009, 02:16 PM

Hikarizaka is the town's name huh? I've been dying to know what the name of the town is, since I haven't seen any mention of it.
I actually can't remember if they ever come out and say the name, but that's it. For example, Tomoya and the rest attend Hikarizaka High School, and that strange Yuusuke person we met works for Hikarizaka Electric. And since Japanese production committees love their clever little names, the production committee for Clannad is called the "Hikarizaka High School Theater Department".

something

05-15-2009, 02:20 PM

This is really a shikata ga nai (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikata_ga_nai) situation. While I am sure there would be a method to forming a new club, I suspect--whatever it is--the process needs to be followed to the letter and is most likely quite burdensome. It's Japan.
I think what Ryou said was that you can't officially recruit via posters or whatever, but you can of course show up to the student council or whoever administers clubs in that school with a list of 3-4 people and an adviser and get your club recognized. But that makes things burdensomely difficult for a shy person like Nagisa. You basically have to have interested friends already and while Nagisa is now getting friends, unfortunately none are interested in theater. :sd:

Classical

05-15-2009, 02:29 PM

Episode 5: "Scene with Sculptures." (Is this meant to be a play on words?)

-Nagisa and Tomoya decide to go off to Ibuki-sensei's house to talk to her about Fuko. Fuko, interestingly enough, doesn't want to go with them.
-Tomoya discusses some possibilities as to why Fuko, who is supposedly hospitalized, is at school. I think she has to be the real thing.
-Nagisa is Tomoya's boyfriend, or not. She speedily denied such accusations in such a cute manner.
-Ibuki-sensei is getting married to someone, but the only person who is supposed to know is comatose Fuko. Things have taken a strange turn of events. Fuko's sister may not wind up getting married. I get the feeling Fuko and her sister share a real deep bond.
-Nagisa vows to help Fuko with her problem. Nagisa is so kind. Tomoya helps too.
-In order to hide her identity, and so she can stay at Nagisa's place, Fuko adopts a new family name. It turns out she has taken the same family name as Nagisa's neighbors. Okazaki runs like crazy to verify, and it's true. This was so freaking hilarious. Nagisa and Tomoya are desperately trying to cover up everything.
-Nagisa's parents are really so awesome. Tomoya is touched by their kindness.
-It turns out Nagisa and family were working with Fuko to make all these starfish. Akio freaks about one of them getting some blood spilt on it.
-Fuko *was* carving starfish. It seems me, Nagisa, and Fuko were on the same wavelength after all. Nagisa thinks they're really cute. Tomoya just doesn't comprehend the awesomeness that is starfish.
-Fuko can't reach her sister through any means, that's why she's working so hard handing out starfish. I wonder why exactly she can't reach her.
-Fuko falls into another wondrous trance, and Tomoya proceeds to trick her into thinking her turned into a girl. "It comes off sometimes." That is so wrong. "Three Okazakis?" Fuko is so gullible, but that's in part what makes her so fun.
-"Switching Conversation Partner ~ Mastered!" I cracked up. It even came with it's own 8-bit-like tune.
-More hilarious Fuko mannerisms ensue, and Kyou decides to use the starfish as a weapon. Kyou's got ninja skills.
-Fuko meets a girl she knew, and her name is Mitsui. Fuko offers a starfish to her, but Mitsui coldly declines. That was messed up.
-Poor Fuko never had a chance to attend one class. However, she's got friends willing to help her out.
-Sanae is the teacher for Fuko's class today. Sanae looks so awesome, and is an awesome teacher. I would so want to be her student. I wonder if she used to teach? This whole scene was just pure win.
-Fuko becomes class iincho. This whole class scene was just great. Everyone comes around together and gives Fuko emotional support.
-I just love how this episode ends.

This episode wins on so many levels. Even though I've only watched it once, I think I can say it's a personal favorite.

Classical

05-15-2009, 02:36 PM

Episode 6: "The Sisters' Founder's Festival."

-Inspired by Fuko, Sanae makes starfish pastries. Okazaki just can't believe it, and Akio abandoned Sanae. Poor Sanae, it seems like there's no one out there that likes her creations. I wonder how these pastries would have tasted?
-Akio accidentally confesses his love to Fuko, and Fuko goes into a starfish trance again. Nagisa believes Tomoya's starfish story. Nagisa is so cute!
-Fuko is having such a wonderful time, and she looks so cute in that subliminal image (I'm going to make an avatar out of it). Tomoya finally masters the "Causing Someone to Drink Juice Through the Nose" skill. Nagisa gets angry. That was funny. Good job Okazaki.
-Nagisa decides to have Fuko and her sister meet. Things should get interesting.
-Some guys wanting to make a "Fuko Fan Club" show up. Yes, Fuko is awesome enough to have her own fan club. Fuko thinks the guys are weird like Okazaki, and rejects their proposal to make the FFC, as well as their help.
-Okazaki devises a plan to have Fuko spread starfish love during the Founder's Festival.
-I do think that Fuko might be strong enough to beat up Youhei. Nagisa and Tomoya think so.
-Carving competition. The theme, a Nue. Nagisa innocently thinks Nue are real. That was so cute.
-Fuko makes a frog!? She almost lost, but Youhei sustained injuries during the face off, so he had to forfeit.
-More romantic tension ensues between Tomoya and Nagisa. That was brilliant.
-Fuko's sister *is* marrying that Yusuke Yoshino guy. I knew it. Nagisa and Tomoya want to try to convince Ibuki-sensei to come to the festival.
-Kouko agrees to go to the festival. Nagisa is touched by the bond that Kouko shares with Fuko. That was beautiful. Nagisa is so great.
-Tomoya carries Fuko to the festival because of all the hard work she's been doing. Fuko's dedication and hard work is really something to admire about her.
-While Fuko was asleep, she had a weird dream that she was playing with a starfish!? Whoa. A beefed-up version of Okazaki wants to whisk Fuko away to the "Starfish Festival." That was hilarious.
-Fuko tries to cheer up Nagisa as she thinks about the Drama Club. That was real nice of her.
-The Fuko Fan Club is off to sell merchandise. They probably do have the same sense that Sanae has.
-Waitress/Maid Fuko looks so cute! Nagisa does too! Apparently, the Fujibayashi twins are both class chairwomen, so they made a cafe.
-Another skill has been mastered. Not count the Tomoyo-Tomoya combo, that makes 3?
-It seems Fuko's efforts are starting to pay off. Beautiful, just beautiful.
-Nagisa vows to do whatever it takes to revive the Drama Club from its earthly grave. That's the spirit!
-Youhei tries to hit on a girl, but then gets beat up by Teddie Tomoyo. Tomoyo, the knight of innocent girls. Why am I not surprised there are all kinds of girls are giving her things? It's the power of yuri. Anyways, Tomoyo is famous, in a sort of bad way, that's why she's in the costume.
-Fuko finally manages to reach Mitsui's heart. That was beautiful, and so was that shot of the yellow flower in the stair step.
-Hikarisaka Private High School, so that's the name of the school Tomoya and co. go to.
-Kouko finally arrives at school, but shockingly and sadly enough, she doesn't notice the presence of Fuko right in front of her. I feel bad for Fuko.

Another great episode. I'm hooked and I want to see the next episode real badly soon, but I think I'm going to take a break over the weekend. It'll also give a chance for anyone to catch up on this thread. Or if anyone wants to, they can post about the upcoming episodes if they want, as long as the rules in the root post of this thread are followed.

Classical

05-15-2009, 02:43 PM

Tomoyo does seem to be really self-conscious about her femininity, even if Youhei was just being a idiot, and she's plenty feminine and awesome. :) It was kind of a cute moment there, not getting mad at Tomoya for bringing it up.

I was actually a little surprised that Tomoyo didn't get mad at Tomoya for bringing it up, but I guess the fact that she didn't makes her more mysterious.

Draneor

05-15-2009, 03:55 PM

and I just love the BGM for this scene. I really seem to remember it from one of my favorite episodes way later in After Story. Maybe someone who's very familiar with the soundtrack knows the title of it? I'd be curious at least (haven't researched the music much or own any soundtrack, but I'd like to be familiar with some of the titles of ones I like)
It's not from the OST, I can confirm that much.

It's "Hikari Afureru Yurikago no Naka de" from CLANNAD arrange album "MABINOGI". Mabinogi was included with the LE version of Clannad (PC). I was lucky enough to find a used copy about a year ago of just the CD. For the record, it happens to be one of my favorite Key Sound Albums.

On another note, my Clannad R3 Vol 1 + Box (with Nagisa, Ryou and Fuuko on it!) shipped today! YES! YesAsia was able to find one after all.

Oh cool. I guess persistence pays off. Glad you could find it. I thought about getting the R3s for the heck of it. But lack of a box...^^U

Dack Ralter

05-15-2009, 06:50 PM

Episode 5: "Scene with Sculptures."

-Tomoya discusses some possibilities as to why Fuko, who is supposedly hospitalized, is at school. I think she has to be the real thing.
Okazaki maintains healthy scepticism while trying his darndest to help out. Such a nice guy...

-Nagisa is Tomoya's boyfriend, or not. She speedily denied such accusations in such a cute manner.
I love watching these two interact, even when things should be predictable it's still cute to watch. I love that Nagisa orders him to forget what he's heard....

-Nagisa vows to help Fuko with her problem. Nagisa is so kind. Tomoya helps too.
She even puts the Drama club situation on hold. I like how they have Okazaki ask about it. Nagisa is such a sweetie. :beatingheart:

-It turns out Nagisa and family were working with Fuko to make all these starfish. Akio freaks about one of them getting some blood spilt on it.
Boy, they really are a closely-knit family. They all just pitch in without really thinking about it.

-Fuko *was* carving starfish. It seems me, Nagisa, and Fuko were on the same wavelength after all. Nagisa thinks they're really cute. Tomoya just doesn't comprehend the awesomeness that is starfish.
I had already heard about the starfish before I started watching, but I'm pretty sure I would be like Okazaki. ....starfish?

-Fuko falls into another wondrous trance, and Tomoya proceeds to trick her into thinking her turned into a girl. "It comes off sometimes." That is so wrong. "Three Okazakis?" Fuko is so gullible, but that's in part what makes her so fun.
Hilarious! I get Fuko falling for it, but you'd think Ryou would know better. Okazaki is lucky Nagisa isn't the swatting type. And his reflexes fail him when he's assaulted with a starfish. A hidden weakness? Well, that's what he gets for calling Kyou a gorilla.

-Poor Fuko never had a chance to attend one class. However, she's got friends willing to help her out.
-Sanae is the teacher for Fuko's class today. Sanae looks so awesome, and is an awesome teacher. I would so want to be her student. I wonder if she used to teach? This whole scene was just pure win.
-Fuko becomes class iincho. This whole class scene was just great. Everyone comes around together and gives Fuko emotional support.
Okazaki just charges into action. I love this entire scene. I'm not sure I would normally be crazy about Fuko, but it's so hard to resist when you get to see her like this. But it is really touching to watch.

Dack Ralter

05-15-2009, 07:14 PM

Episode 6: "The Sisters' Founder's Festival."

-Inspired by Fuko, Sanae makes starfish pastries. Okazaki just can't believe it, and Akio abandoned Sanae. Poor Sanae, it seems like there's no one out there that likes her creations. I wonder how these pastries would have tasted?
They must have been pretty bad if Akio had to run away. Okazaki has just decided to assume that they're all bad though. He knocks her out twice!

-Akio accidentally confesses his love to Fuko, and Fuko goes into a starfish trance again. Nagisa believes Tomoya's starfish story. Nagisa is so cute!
I wanted to hear Akio freak out, after being mistaken for a perverted caller. As for our bleak and dark future where starfish are our only hope....:sd: I wonder why Nagisa liked the idea so.

-Fuko is having such a wonderful time, and she looks so cute in that subliminal image (I'm going to make an avatar out of it). Tomoya finally masters the "Causing Someone to Drink Juice Through the Nose" skill. Nagisa gets angry. That was funny. Good job Okazaki.
Well, he got an assist from Sanae's pastries. He owes her an apology, as they were indeed useful.

-Nagisa decides to have Fuko and her sister meet. Things should get interesting.
Nagisa and Okazaki are both hot to get Fuko and Kouko to meet, but for different reasons.

-Carving competition. The theme, a Nue. Nagisa innocently thinks Nue are real. That was so cute.
-Fuko makes a frog!? She almost lost, but Youhei sustained injuries during the face off, so he had to forfeit.
Nagisa is a bit too innocent at times. What I'd like to know is how Fuko managed to carve a non-starfish object.

-More romantic tension ensues between Tomoya and Nagisa. That was brilliant.
Too cute! It was sort of a natural thing to say, though. Nagisa shouldn't be so embarrassed.

-While Fuko was asleep, she had a weird dream that she was playing with a starfish!? Whoa. A beefed-up version of Okazaki wants to whisk Fuko away to the "Starfish Festival." That was hilarious.
Sort of creepy, I thought. But I suppose Fuko would dig the beach setting.

-Waitress/Maid Fuko looks so cute! Nagisa does too! Apparently, the Fujibayashi twins are both class chairwomen, so they made a cafe.
They were all pretty damn cute. I wish they could have worked Kotomi in there somehow... I'm sort of tired of standard festival episodes, so it's nice when they just use one as a setting instead of the end objective.

-Youhei tries to hit on a girl, but then gets beat up by Teddie Tomoyo. Tomoyo, the knight of innocent girls. Why am I not surprised there are all kinds of girls are giving her things? It's the power of yuri. Anyways, Tomoyo is famous, in a sort of bad way, that's why she's in the costume.
You just put "Tomoyo in a teddy" into my head, you realize. Heh, she does seem like the cool, popular-with-the-girls sort. I'm glad they remembered the counter, even though it was only one hit.

-Kouko finally arrives at school, but shockingly and sadly enough, she doesn't notice the presence of Fuko right in front of her. I feel bad for Fuko.
You can see it coming from a million miles away, but it still hurts. Okazaki should have known that it might end up like this, in his selfish pursuit of rationality.

EmperorBrandon

05-15-2009, 10:02 PM

-Fuko becomes class iincho. This whole class scene was just great. Everyone comes around together and gives Fuko emotional support.

I loved the classroom scene. It's fun and nice to see everyone coming together around Fuuko. The music theme is yet another one I like and remember from a scene in CAS. Anyone know this one? (thanks for the info on the last one, Draneor!)

Heh, and when Kyou was wondering if Sanae was Nagisa's older sister, Tomoya played along with it (duping them there is rather easy, given how young she looks). I guess Nagisa didn't correct that because the atmosphere was good there as it was.

And even though the focus is Fuuko, it's so great that there's some awesome Nagisa-Tomoya scenes in these eps. too.

05-16-2009, 12:56 PM

The music theme is yet another one I like and remember from a scene in CAS. Anyone know this one?

It's Moegiiro no Ishidatami o Kakeru (Run Along the Yellow-Green Pavement) from the Mabinogi Clannad Arrangement Album. The song is an arranged remix of Country Lane by Magome Togoshi. It's really a shame you cannot buy this CD because it's fantastic.

something

05-17-2009, 06:34 PM

Let's see if I can do this a little more quickly this time. Since Classical is already handling the blow by blow I'm going to see if I can curb my more verbose tendencies and just comment on the best scenes while watching.

Episode 5:

- Love the meeting with Kouko! Nagisa just stopped my heart with the cuteness. Kouko, I love you for stirring them up like this. "Oh no there's nobody I'm seeing." "...Really?" "It's your chance, Nagisa!" FUCKING EPIC CUTENESS ENSUES. One of my favorite scenes ever!
- The scene after is fantastic as well, and it really shows how selfless Nagisa is. She fights off the tears and resolves to help Fuuko!
- <3 <3 <3 The start of many many scenes with Nagisa hugging Fuuko. I could die happy when I see that. Nagisa just grabs on to her and shelters her like a mother bird protecting her from the world. It's mind bogglingly sweet.
- "Therefore, give me tea." XD Tomoya always knows how to keep Youhei off balance and unable to delve into what he's thinking.
- I will never get over how fantastic and adorable the Fuuko Joint the Furukawa Family stuff is. They're carving together! And Nagisa in a cute blue shirt and skirt!
- Bwhahah, Tomoya seems to be the only one who doesn't know they're starfish =D
- A DOUBLE DOUZO! YES! I can add that counter now!
- Nagisa hugging Fuu-chan again! ::twitches with glee some more:: Also, Nagisa hugs put Fuuko in her trance!!
- YES!!! "It falls off." Another of Tomoya's greatest comedic creations. Fuuuuck this is so epic. It's all the more enjoyable to watch when Tomoya is cracking up just as much as I am. There are three Okazakis!! Fuuko approves of shuriken starfish!
- Stupid Mitsui. ;_;
- More adorable casual clothes Nagisa. I guess Fuuko is wearing Nagisa's old clothes. And Tomoya has an idea!
- Oh how I love the classroom scene. It's a bit silly how nobody really pushes hard for an explanation, but who cares? Also, Furukawa-sensei~~!

Hey that was relatively short. Well, for me.

Best Nagisa moment: Totally the conversation with Kouko! Mind boggling cuteness. I should have done this initially. I should go back and do eps 1-4. [Edit: Done... fixed the "Illisionary" typo too. Oops.]
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 2
Fuuko "douzo" counter: 4. This might to be harder than I anticipated.
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 1; Total - 3. It was a Nagisa induced trance, but that's even better.
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1013
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Nagisa's parents are really so awesome. Tomoya is touched by their kindness.
That little close-up smile he gives always sticks with me. Partly because it's in the next episode preview the scene before, but it's just a really nice addition in general.

-It turns out Nagisa and family were working with Fuko to make all these starfish. Akio freaks about one of them getting some blood spilt on it.
I think he's referring to himself - you see him putting a bandage on in the next shot.

-"Switching Conversation Partner ~ Mastered!" I cracked up. It even came with it's own 8-bit-like tune.
I could totally add a counter for these but... I have enough =P

something

05-17-2009, 06:48 PM

Okazaki is lucky Nagisa isn't the swatting type.
She was giving him such an adorably angry look when he started cracking up. XD

And his reflexes fail him when he's assaulted with a starfish. A hidden weakness? Well, that's what he gets for calling Kyou a gorilla.
Kyou said starfish come with a damage modifier, so maybe the lower defense and have an always-hits modifier too.

Dack Ralter

05-18-2009, 01:19 AM

And Nagisa in a cute blue shirt and skirt!
- More adorable casual clothes Nagisa. I guess Fuuko is wearing Nagisa's old clothes.
Yay casual clothes! It's nice to see characters wearing different outfits from time to time. Although productions are getting better about that sort of thing as the years go by, I've always considered it a good mark when a cast has more than just a school uniform and one set of casual clothes.

Dack Ralter

05-18-2009, 01:23 AM

Kyou said starfish come with a damage modifier, so maybe the lower defense and have an always-hits modifier too.
What sort of wedding is Fuko planning on, exactly? Ah, nothing says nuptual bliss like an armed wedding audience. :sd: I'm guessing that we're confronting one of those subtitling inconsistancies. Was it supposed to sound like Kyou was making a gaming reference (damage modifier), or am I reading too much into that?

something

05-18-2009, 07:58 AM

What sort of wedding is Fuko planning on, exactly? Ah, nothing says nuptual bliss like an armed wedding audience. :sd: I'm guessing that we're confronting one of those subtitling inconsistancies. Was it supposed to sound like Kyou was making a gaming reference (damage modifier), or am I reading too much into that?
I don't remember if that's how ADV did it, because at some point during this ep I switched over to watching an alternate version instead. The DVDs are perfectly on par for an R1 release, but for a couple different reasons I decided to use something I like better. So take anything I quote as a paraphrase rather than exact. Actually, do that in general because I do tend to paraphrase from memory a scene or two later rather than quote a translation directly. :sd:

Suwako Moriya

05-18-2009, 08:50 AM

Tomoya just doesn't comprehend the awesomeness that is starfish.

In other words, he's just not worthy of their greatness.

"Switching Conversation Partner ~ Mastered!" I cracked up. It even came with it's own 8-bit-like tune.

Scenes like that can be somewhat nostalgic. In part thanks to the 8-bit tune stuff.

More hilarious Fuko mannerisms ensue, and Kyou decides to use the starfish as a weapon. Kyou's got ninja skills.

There needs to be an RPG based on Clannad with starfish included as a weapon. Or maybe a fighting game.

something

05-18-2009, 09:03 AM

There needs to be an RPG based on Clannad with starfish included as a weapon. Or maybe a fighting game.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Fuuko were available for Mugen and had numerous starfish projectiles.

Draneor

05-18-2009, 09:09 AM

There needs to be an RPG based on Clannad with starfish included as a weapon. Or maybe a fighting game.

There are already many doujin Clannad fighting games. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a RPG too.

Suwako Moriya

05-18-2009, 09:15 AM

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Fuuko were available for Mugen and had numerous starfish projectiles.

Speaking of which, maybe one day I'll actually figure out how this whole Mugen things works, but I'm lazy.

Suwako Moriya

05-18-2009, 09:16 AM

Classical

05-18-2009, 10:06 AM

Hilarious! I get Fuko falling for it, but you'd think Ryou would know better. Okazaki is lucky Nagisa isn't the swatting type. And his reflexes fail him when he's assaulted with a starfish. A hidden weakness? Well, that's what he gets for calling Kyou a gorilla.

Okazaki really is lucky Nagisa isn't the type to get really mad about the pranks he pulls. I guess Tomoya needs to learn how to dodge starfish. Kyou's got really good hearing.

Classical

05-18-2009, 10:10 AM

-Fuko becomes class iincho. This whole class scene was just great. Everyone comes around together and gives Fuko emotional support.

The music theme is yet another one I like and remember from a scene in CAS. Anyone know this one? (thanks for the info on the last one, Draneor!)

Heh, and when Kyou was wondering if Sanae was Nagisa's older sister, Tomoya played along with it (duping them there is rather easy, given how young she looks). I guess Nagisa didn't correct that because the atmosphere was good there as it was.

The music really helps out on a lot of the scenes that occur in Clannad. It really adds power to the events. Sanae really does look young enough to be Nagisa's sister. If Kyou ever finds out that Sanae is actually Nagisa's mom, she'll probably freak out.

Classical

05-18-2009, 10:18 AM

- <3 <3 <3 The start of many many scenes with Nagisa hugging Fuuko. I could die happy when I see that. Nagisa just grabs on to her and shelters her like a mother bird protecting her from the world. It's mind bogglingly sweet.This is just another instance that show how awesome Nagisa is. She'd make the perfect wife. :beatingheart:

- Nagisa hugging Fuu-chan again! ::twitches with glee some more:: Also, Nagisa hugs put Fuuko in her trance!!Whoever knew Nagisa's hugs could be that powerful and heartwarming?

- Fuuko approves of shuriken starfish!I just love how Fuuko shows her approval by giving a thumbs up. It's so cute.

Akio freaks about one of them getting some blood spilt on it.
I think he's referring to himself - you see him putting a bandage on in the next shot.I see, I was off. I was trying to remember off my head what exactly he was freaking out about.

Classical

05-18-2009, 10:31 AM

There are already many doujin Clannad fighting games. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a RPG too.

Ah, I should have figured that was the case. Whether or not I try out one of them remains to be seen.

-"Sunohara Youhei appears. What will you do?"

Command:
-Chuck a starfish
-Summon the Rugby Team
->Tomoyo Kick
-Use a "Sanae Pastry" on the enemy

-"Tomoyo Kick does 9999 points of damage. Sunohara Youhei is sent flying. You get 1 exp. point and ¥0. However, the enemy left behind his wallet. You find ¥5,000."

Yes, I should be ashamed, but I couldn't help myself. :bigsmile:

Classical

05-18-2009, 10:39 AM

-Inspired by Fuko, Sanae makes starfish pastries. Okazaki just can't believe it, and Akio abandoned Sanae. Poor Sanae, it seems like there's no one out there that likes her creations. I wonder how these pastries would have tasted?
They must have been pretty bad if Akio had to run away. Okazaki has just decided to assume that they're all bad though. He knocks her out twice!First Akio doesn't like them, and then Tomoya doesn't want to eat them. Is no one man enough to try Sanae's pastries and say they're good?

What I'd like to know is how Fuko managed to carve a non-starfish object.It really is bizarre that Fuko could carve something other than a starfish. I guess she's got potential to be a talented artistic. I'll say it again, her artistic works will be worth a fortune in the future. She just needs to autograph/sign them.

Draneor

05-18-2009, 11:42 AM

The music really helps out on a lot of the scenes that occur in Clannad. It really adds power to the events.

Maeda Jun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeda_Jun) happens to be one of my favorite Japanese composers, as well as scriptwriters (non-adult). I love that KyoAni doesn't see the need to try produce (inferior) arrangements of his pieces like Toei does.

Suwako Moriya

05-18-2009, 12:06 PM

-Use a "Sanae Pastry" on the enemy

You know, if Sanae found out her pastries were being used as weapon against random enemies...

Classical

05-18-2009, 12:29 PM

-Use a "Sanae Pastry" on the enemy

You know, if Sanae found out her pastries were being used as weapon against random enemies...

Yeah, on one hand, I don't think she'd be too happy about that, but on the other hand, maybe she should be thrilled that people may have found a use for her pastries. What kind of effect they have on the enemy, no one knows.

Classical

05-18-2009, 12:30 PM

Episode 7: "Star-Shaped Feelings."

-As shown in the previous episode, Kouko can't see Fuko for some strange reason.
-Nagisa tries to tell Kouko about Fuko being right next to them, but Fuko stops Nagisa from doing so.
-Tomoyo and Nagisa try to convince Kouko to marry Yusuke. After all, that's what Fuko's been wanting all along. It's nice to see that, even if Fuko herself can't do anything to reach her sister, Okazaki and Nagisa are trying to help her out.
-Kouko really cares about Fuko, and sees her everyday. She really wants her to be happy, even if she's only dreaming. Quite touching, but at the same time it's something sort of surreal.
-Botan wants to attend Kouko's wedding. Nagisa and Tomoya feel responsible for the pain they caused Fuko. I can't really fault them though, they didn't do it out of malice or anything. They were only trying to help her.
-Fuko is working even harder passing out starfish. It's rather sad that she had to suffer through some emotional pain, but she's more determined to accomplish what she's set out to do.
-It's kind of weird, but Kotomi will only respond to Tomoya calling her Kotomi-chan. I wonder if there's deep meaning to that, especially since they both hardly know each other. Kotomi has a lot of knowledge of starfish, and that impresses Fuko. Kotomi accepts her gift.
-Tomoya and Fuko have a tongue twister face-off. Fuko was so cute when she tried doing hers. Youhei does something "bad" to Fuko, and then Fuko summons her minions (the Fuko Fan Club?). Youhei is taken into an unknown realm.
-Tomoya and Nagisa visit Kouko again to make sure that she wants to get married. They also inquire as to how Fuko was like before the accident that sent her into a coma.
-Kouko tells them that Fuko was a rather unsociable person. Fuko liked spending a lot of time with her sister, but she hardly tried talking to other people. For that reason, Kouko decided to distance herself from Fuko a little. This way, Fuko would seek out friends. I can understand her reasons for doing so, but it still seems a little sad to brush someone close to you off like that. Anyways, one day Fuko said she would try to make friends. That was the day she got into the accident.
-It was kind of cute seeing Nagisa crying hearing about Fuko's story.
-Tomoya tries to come up with a plan to get more people to attend Kouko's wedding. Nagisa and Fuko have a "Dango Daikazoku vs. Starfish" face-off and proceed to diss each other's fascinations. In the end, they both decide they're the co-winners. Nagisa is really cute when she gets all passionate about Dango Daikazoku. Fuko's shuriken are actually starfish, but the news may be too shocking for the school.
-Youhei's "beautiful" face gets poke around by Fuko. Another skill has been mastered by Tomoya.
-Tomoya and Nagisa visit some old dude to ask him if he can convince the school to allow Kouko to have her wedding there. It seems the old man remembers the wrong Ibuki-sensei. I cracked up. The man tries to do what he can to have the wedding at the school.
-Sadly enough, Kouko tells Nagisa and Tomoya that Fuko's condition has gotten worse. Tomoya and Nagisa are both devastated.
-Youhei witnessed a rather strange occurrence, even though he could see Fuko, others were starting to no longer be able to see her. People are forgetting her, much to Okazaki's dismay.

Classical

05-18-2009, 12:32 PM

Episode 8: "The Breeze Fading at Dusk."

-Fuuko's sister's wedding has been set to happen in the school after all.
-People really are starting to not notice and they're forgetting Fuko all together. Tomoyo couldn't remember about the starfish.
-Nagisa gives another heartwarming hug to Fuko, and Fuko calls Tomoya the "mini-worst." Fuko has grown accustomed to Tomoya's tricks. Fuko just can't openly admit it, but she really does like Tomoya, even if they don't always get along well. Still, it's nice that they do care about each other.
-Mitsui has also forgotten Fuko, and Fuko is devastated. It seems that as her life begins to fade, her "out-of-body" existence starts to fade away too. It's rather sad. ;_;
-Nagisa tries to hold back the tears of Fuko being forgotten, and Akio doesn't want to attend to one of his customers. He gets seriously injured, ouch.
-Nagisa and Tomoya vow to do their best to support Fuko, until the very end. That shots of the starry sky was beautiful.
-Youhei has been doing some investigating regarding the Fuko incident. He's not satisfied with what he knows, so he's going to go visit Fuko at the hospital. It was really interesting seeing Youhei in a different light during this scene.
-Just as Tomoya suspected, Youhei has forgotten about Fuko after having gone to see her at the hospital.
-Kyou has started to forget Fuko too. One after another, people forget Fuko, and it's rather disheartening seeing it.
-Youhei randomly blurts out Fuko's name, but he then can't remember her very well. In a rather moving fashion, Youhei admits that he didn't dislike Fuko. Something about this whole scene was very powerful.
-Fuko, Tomoya, and Nagisa go shopping for Fuko. Fuko really is such a child. She's so cute.
-Fuko finally admits to liking Okazaki, and regards him as being higher than a sea slug. Looking at some real life pictures, sea slugs actually look kind of pretty, so I guess for Tomoya that's a good thing. Tomoya makes a rather interesting comparison in his head.
-Tomoya doesn't seem to be very receptive of Nagisa's compliment. I guess he's not used to such things. Nagisa promptly follows Okazaki. She much have really taken a liking to him.
-There's a beautiful shot of a water fountain and Nagisa and Tomoya talking. Fuko smiles as she's sitting on the bench. This just has so much meaning to me.
-Akio has also forgotten Fuko. He likes to play baseball? That explains the bat.
-Sanae has also forgotten Fuko after having visited her at the hospital. It's very touching that Sanae and her family think of Fuko as family, and that Sanae doesn't want to forget Fuko, even if she can no longer see her. :cry:
-With no where else to go, Fuko marches along with Nagisa and Tomoya to their school so she can stay there for the night. It's so sad. :cry:

Dack Ralter

05-18-2009, 06:43 PM

Episode 7: "Star-Shaped Feelings."

-Botan wants to attend Kouko's wedding. Nagisa and Tomoya feel responsible for the pain they caused Fuko. I can't really fault them though, they didn't do it out of malice or anything. They were only trying to help her.
Ah, but they broke the rules of this sort of thing. You can't just run around applying normal emotional logic to supernatural affairs! :P It makes sense that they would try, but I wonder if Fuko ever tried herself, or if she just knew it would end up like that?

-Fuko is working even harder passing out starfish. It's rather sad that she had to suffer through some emotional pain, but she's more determined to accomplish what she's set out to do.
Girl's like a superball. Always bounces back. That might explain why Sunohara has such a hard time handling her.

-It's kind of weird, but Kotomi will only respond to Tomoya calling her Kotomi-chan. I wonder if there's deep meaning to that, especially since they both hardly know each other. Kotomi has a lot of knowledge of starfish, and that impresses Fuko. Kotomi accepts her gift.
Although she claims to know little, Kotomi still rattles off more information than most people would know. Damn overacheivers... I love how Fuko flails around when she's excited.

-Tomoya tries to come up with a plan to get more people to attend Kouko's wedding. Nagisa and Fuko have a "Dango Daikazoku vs. Starfish" face-off and proceed to diss each other's fascinations. In the end, they both decide they're the co-winners. Nagisa is really cute when she gets all passionate about Dango Daikazoku. Fuko's shuriken are actually starfish, but the news may be too shocking for the school.
I love Nagisa giving the cute "move on" to Sunohara. Total relationship smackdown! The idea of Fuko sneaking around telling people about the starfish is chilling, in a good way. :) As for the starfish/dango battle, Sunohara and Okazaki are reduced to fight commentary, but ultimately they're the losers. Nagisa has rubbed off on Fuko in all the right ways.

-Youhei's "beautiful" face gets poke around by Fuko. Another skill has been mastered by Tomoya.
I love the energy rings that get thrown off when she's smacking Sunohara. You'd think Sunohara would develop some kind of self-preservation instinct after hanging out with the pranking Okazaki all the time.

-Youhei witnessed a rather strange occurrence, even though he could see Fuko, others were starting to no longer be able to see her. People are forgetting her, much to Okazaki's dismay.
An unexpected occurrence. Poor Fuko...

Isuzu Inugami

05-18-2009, 07:27 PM

GREATEST UTILITY WORKER EVVVAAARRRRR!!!!

...uhhh, I fell behind so quickly....:sweat:

William K

05-18-2009, 07:29 PM

something

05-18-2009, 07:49 PM

Episode 6:

- Sanae! <3 Tomoya is so cruel, but it results in hilarity. Ganbatte, Sanae-san!
- Fuuko and nagisa together again! And we get another Fuuko trance. Also... Final Hitode Tsukai Fuuko! Nagisa is interested =D
- Ah yes, the Fuuko fanclub. :sd: Fuuko is COOL and WILD!
- Ahahaa, Fuuko's interactions with Tomoya and Youhei are classic. She's so incredibly blunt and irreverant.
- "Do you find Nue in zoos?" XD Nagisa cracks me up.
- Fuuko crosses the street in the cutest way. I adore like this scene because it's the start of Tomoya and Nagisa seeming almost like Fuuko's parents. "Can she get home alright?" "I'm sure she'll be fine, she's a big girl." XD I forever love Fuuko because of what a fantastic role she plays in drawing Nagisa and Tomoya closer over the shared goal of helping her out.
- "We're almost like Fuu-chan's mother and father!" <3 <3 More adorableness ensues. It's all the better because Tomoya is shy about it too. Moments like this where he can't muster up a witty retort make me love him all the more. Damn straight he's the best male character ever.
- Oh my god Nakahara Mai's crying here is perfect. Nagisa <3 She's so emotionally invested in Fuuko.
- Hahah, Akio is so MANLY. Real men ought to be able to carry multiple girls to school without breaking a sweat!
- She qualified the "horrible", that makes it different! And oh god, that dream.
- Fuuko trance, shifting into maid Fuuko! Also, Fujibayashi maids! And "hito de/hitode" pun!
- Best of all... MAID NAGISA YESSS!!! She may be "plain" but right now she's just plain sexy. Nagisa absolutely has the looks and body to go beyond "cute" when she wants to.
- Fuuko is becoming famous. <3 And add one to the kick counter! And Tomoyo won so many points with me here when she noticed Fuuko's cut up hands and gladly made an exception and accepted the starfish gift.
- A douzo for Nagisa <3
- And here's where I cry. The Mitsui scene has always been one of the most moving scenes of the Fuuko story and of season one in general for me. It was just as powerful for me this time, though in truth I already started tearing up the second BGM: To the Same Heights started playing. It's just damn near the most beautiful minute and fifty-nine seconds ever composed. But then throw on top of that Mitsui's warmer attitude, Fuuko's second attempt to give her a starfish, and the elation on everyone's faces (especially Nagisa) when Mitsui says she might be able to go and even moreso when she wishes Fuuko good luck. God damn it's so wonderful.
- And we continue right through to the high point of To the Same Heights as Nagisa calls out to Kouko, Fuuko stops mid-step, and we go into slow motion as the camera gradually steps in closer and closer to Fuuko...
- And then the song ends and everything come crashing down with the sickening realization that Kouko really can't see Fuuko. Fuuko was right.

And they leave us right there.

Best Nagisa moment: So difficult to choose between the mother/father remark and the epic Nakahara Mai crying, but I have to go with the latter. But the best scene of the episode overall is absolutely the Mitsui/Kouko scene.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 1; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - 7; Total - 13
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 2; Total - 5
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 1; Total - 1014
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-I do think that Fuko might be strong enough to beat up Youhei. Nagisa and Tomoya think so.
She just needs to use her throwing star[fish].

-Hikarisaka Private High School, so that's the name of the school Tomoya and co. go to.
Interesting that they romanize it as such, as everything else I've ever seen uses Hikarizaka. But you know, alternate readings of kanji in names and all that. And I haven't seen anything Japanese romanize 光坂 officially nor do I think the name is ever actually spoken or displayed in English in the show, so it could go either way.

Another great episode. I'm hooked and I want to see the next episode real badly soon, but I think I'm going to take a break over the weekend. It'll also give a chance for anyone to catch up on this thread.
I should have used the weekend to catch up on ep 6 rather than just 5. Now even getting this ep watched I'm two eps behind. :sd: Maybe I can squeeze 7 in tonight.

Isuzu Inugami

05-18-2009, 09:09 PM

Episode 4:

- What a shitty catch-22 they put Nagisa in. She's can't recruit because the club is inactive. She can't activate the club if she can't recruit.

Whose stupid idea was that?! Down with the student council!!!!

- Ahaha, Youhei's brain is clearly rotting. Detachable breasts!

I adore his attempts to lay "subtle" traps for her.

Nagisa's face gets ever closer. Ryou is overwhelmed. Nagisa makes her request. Ryou, not hearing her, immediately agrees. Then she... HOLY SHIT SHE AGREED!

Bwa-ha-ha! Oh, did she ever slip up! I think partly she was just trying to encourage Nagisa to be forthright, but still, that was epic!

And we get this (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/KMP-DVD00006921-23-15.png), one of the single best frames in all of anime, and the shot that forever puts Ryou above Kyou for me. <3

I thought I preferred Kyou, but you may have a point there....

Tomoya gets hit 950 for the combo! We break 1000, for 1013 hits!

Now, are these cumulative, or do we start from zero each time...?

- But anyways, knee walking!!

That was amazingly cute. And definitely the KyoAni touch.

- (Oh yeah, I also hate the practice of translating first/second/third-years as sophomores/juniors/seniors because it totally misses the point,

Hmmm? What do you mean? It seems like a reasonable equivalent to me, so what am I missing?

something

05-18-2009, 09:25 PM

Episode 7:

- Talk about a double shock for Fuuko. Well, shock and a half. She knew Kouko wouldn't be able to see her, but she didn't expect to run into her. And she certainly didn't know Kouko was holding off getting married because of her. And when she's been working so hard to make the wedding happen...
- Botan likes starfish!
- I think this episode was a turning point for some people. I figure if you can't or don't want to suspend disbelief far enough, the relatively unsurprised reaction and quick acceptance by Nagisa and Tomoya that Fuuko is some sort of weird spirit can be off-putting. Realistically, they'd be confused out of their minds and doing everything they could to explain this situation rationally, right? ...Well, yeah, sure, but what's the logical continuation of that? Reporting the situation to the police, performing scientific experiments to see if Fuuko can physically interact with Kouko, calling witnesses from the school, administering lie detector tests and psychiatric evaluations, watching sensational stories get published in tabloids? It's just so damn abnormal that there's no way it'd go down so easily with Tomoya and Nagisa. And so I'm pretty sure there were people who got turned off and dropped the show at this point. I suppose I can't blame them, objectively. It's just a difference in how different people approach this sort of storytelling device. Being a veteran of such "pseudo supernatural" stories in visual novel/romance anime I guess I hardly thought twice about it, and just kinda rolled with it. At the very least, a "truly realistic" approach to the story as outlined above would totally derail the pacing and message of he show. It's much more enjoyable if you just accept it. Besides, there's also the desire to keep watching and get to the bottom of it. Yeah, it's a bizarre situation that might seem jarring contrasted against the adorably mundane lives Nagisa and Tomoya have led do far... but that's what interests me! And when you consider the very odd and mysterious scenes with the robot and girl in the "Illusionary World", it becomes clear that Clannad has already been at least flirting with the notion of the otherworldly, long before we found out something was weird about Fuuko. Anyway, back to the ep, anyone reading this post likely already feels the same way I do. :sd:
- A starfish for Kotomi! "Ijimekko?" <3 <3 I considered making a counter for that, but I have enough. =P Hahah, Fuuko has found a soul mate. She looks so satisfied when Kotomi accepts.
- Tongue twisters! These always make for cute scenes, but Fuuko really wins it by bungling it (typical) and then asking, dead serious, how she did (totally not typical). The delivery is perfect.
- And then... the Hitode Squad. "Where did they take him?" "I don't know." Again, brilliant deadpan delivery from Nonaka Ai.
- Oh hey I was wrong. They *do* explicitly speak the name of the school/city, in the very next ep, and it is indeed Hikarizaka. ::switches over to check the DVD:: Heh, though they still sub it Hikarasaka.
- Ah, the backstory on Fuuko. Aww.
- Ahahaha, Youhei. I never really disliked him, but it's around this point that I really, really start to like him. And Nagisa totally rejects him, immediately, and oh so over seriously. XD Even if he's just trying to suck up, that has to be a major blow to his pride. :sd:
- This whole conversation is epic. Nagisa will be reserved about most things, but oh man, get her started on Dango Daikazoku at your own risk. Dango vs Hitode!! ...They can share first place. XD "Hitode, hitode, hitode, hitode, hitode daikazoku!"
- And yeah, those comments about how Fuuko could probably take Youhei? ...Yep. He's no match against a starfish sneak attack.
- FUUKO MASTER! I love the effects when she's pounding his face.
- Haha we totally need more Koumura-sensei.
- Bad news. Nagisa breaks down. It's heartbreaking. ;_; Even Tomoya has to cry a little. Again, I really love how well developed and human he is.
- Back to what I was saying about Youhei, *this* is the true turning point. When he sees Fuuko ignored by those two guys, he gets mad and defends her. He's really bought into her struggles on an emotional level, which has to be a really huge step for someone like him. I really respect him for that and it really deepens his character for him to play this sort of role.
- And things start to get even weirder at the end... Fuuko is being forgotten?

As usual, an utterly fantastic episode.

Best Nagisa moment: Dango vs Hitode! The depth of her feelings for Fuuko is more significant, of course, but it's spread out across multiple scenes so no one takes the cake.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - 10; Total - 23
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 1; Total - 6
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1014
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Botan wants to attend Kouko's wedding. Nagisa and Tomoya feel responsible for the pain they caused Fuko. I can't really fault them though, they didn't do it out of malice or anything. They were only trying to help her.
It's interesting here to see their motivations. For Nagisa, it was a pure desire to help Fuuko reunite with Kouko. For Tomoya, there was still skepticism and while he did want to help Fuuko, he still hadn't come to fully trust that she was who she said she was. This really illustrates one of the early points that really won me over with Clannad. I honestly think that of the two, it's definitely Nagisa, not Tomoya who has the tighter emotional bond with Fuuko. That's not to downplay Tomoya's hard work for Fuuko, but it's such a significant point for the lead female in a multi-girl visual novel based romance anime to have the deeper relationship with one of the girls than the lead male/game protagonist. We're not just looking at the tale of a boy bouncing from girl to girl solving their problems like something off an assembly line. And it's quite fortunate Clannad takes the more nuanced approach because it plays much truer to the theme of family that pervades this show. After all, Fuuko really is like a child to Nagisa and Tomoya, with Sanae and Akio looking much more like grandparents than parents for Fuuko. It's all very significant and satisfying and well depicted.

Dack Ralter

05-18-2009, 11:46 PM

- I think this episode was a turning point for some people.
I can see why some folks might bail out at this point. I saw Kanon first of the Key series, so I was totally bushwhacked by the importance of the supernatural in it. I watched Air after that, and it wasn't as much of a shock (although Air doesn't really beat around the bush with that sort of thing), so I came into Clannad expecting some kind of crazy stuff. I did think about Nagisa's and Okazaki's reactions to this sort of thing being a little off, but it wasn't too hard to roll with. If nothing else, Fuko is endearing enough that people (like Nagisa and Okazaki) might be forgiven for overlooking the seeming impossibility of her circumstances. What I found a little weird (upon rewatching) was Kouko's reaction to Nagisa and Okazaki's out-of-the-blue interest in her marital status, followed up by her on-the-dot but clueless response to them when she came to the school festival. It seems like she should be asking more questions.

- Back to what I was saying about Youhei, *this* is the true turning point. When he sees Fuuko ignored by those two guys, he gets mad and defends her. He's really bought into her struggles on an emotional level, which has to be a really huge step for someone like him. I really respect him for that and it really deepens his character for him to play this sort of role.
The same here. I really didn't care for him at first (the cocky wise ass is usually the first on my character hit list), but he did show a surprising amount of depth when he joined up with Team Starfish.

I honestly think that of the two, it's definitely Nagisa, not Tomoya who has the tighter emotional bond with Fuuko. That's not to downplay Tomoya's hard work for Fuuko, but it's such a significant point for the lead female in a multi-girl visual novel based romance anime to have the deeper relationship with one of the girls than the lead male/game protagonist.
I was going to bring this up a little later, but it's evident from watching the three interact as of now. He even follows Nagisa's lead when she decides to put the drama club on the back burner. It is a very welcome change of pace.

Dack Ralter

05-19-2009, 12:20 AM

Episode 8: "The Breeze Fading at Dusk."

-People really are starting to not notice and they're forgetting Fuko all together. Tomoyo couldn't remember about the starfish.
Considering her lack of interaction with the others at this point, I'm kind of surprised she lasted that long. It's certainly a mark in her favor.

-Nagisa tries to hold back the tears of Fuko being forgotten, and Akio doesn't want to attend to one of his customers. He gets seriously injured, ouch.
After watching Sanae and Akio in everyday life, I suddenly see where Nagisa's nacent love of drama comes from. :sd: I love Sanae bopping his head up and down...

-Youhei has been doing some investigating regarding the Fuko incident. He's not satisfied with what he knows, so he's going to go visit Fuko at the hospital. It was really interesting seeing Youhei in a different light during this scene.
Thus continuing his ascension from pain in the ass to important and cherished sidekick (but never love interest :P) Nobody ever learns...you never attempt the rational solution! All the same, he cares enough to go to this extreme.

-Just as Tomoya suspected, Youhei has forgotten about Fuko after having gone to see her at the hospital.
-Kyou has started to forget Fuko too. One after another, people forget Fuko, and it's rather disheartening seeing it.
-Youhei randomly blurts out Fuko's name, but he then can't remember her very well. In a rather moving fashion, Youhei admits that he didn't dislike Fuko. Something about this whole scene was very powerful.
This (including Kyou's reactions too) was really painful to watch. What Nagisa says about Sunohara is right on the mark. The way this phenomenon was handled was very well done. As opposed to the typical complete absence of memory (Fuko? Who the heck are you talking about?), we get the far more painful partial recollection (even worse when we get to Akio and Sanae).

-Fuko finally admits to liking Okazaki, and regards him as being higher than a sea slug. Looking at some real life pictures, sea slugs actually look kind of pretty, so I guess for Tomoya that's a good thing. Tomoya makes a rather interesting comparison in his head.
It's still climbing the ladder, so he should be grateful. That Fuko is willing to admit it shows something is going on, though...

-There's a beautiful shot of a water fountain and Nagisa and Tomoya talking. Fuko smiles as she's sitting on the bench. This just has so much meaning to me.
A beautiful scene. Whether Okazaki and Nagisa like it or not, Fuko has made Nagisa's cute little parent statement more truth than fiction.

-Akio has also forgotten Fuko. He likes to play baseball? That explains the bat.
I would have thought the bat would also serve double-duty in protecting his daughter (from would-be suitors) and his wife (from his own pathetic inability to choke down a simple pastry).

EmperorBrandon

05-19-2009, 12:50 AM

- Best of all... MAID NAGISA YESSS!!! She may be "plain" but right now she's just plain sexy. Nagisa absolutely has the looks and body to go beyond "cute" when she wants to.

:beatingheart::beatingheart: I totally agree.

It was just as powerful for me this time, though in truth I already started tearing up the second BGM: To the Same Heights started playing.

I really noticed that BGM on my second go through the series, particularly because it makes me think of Toki o Kizamu Uta too. Ahh... so awesome...

05-19-2009, 12:51 AM

Maeda Jun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeda_Jun) happens to be one of my favorite Japanese composers, as well as scriptwriters (non-adult). I love that KyoAni doesn't see the need to try produce (inferior) arrangements of his pieces like Toei does.

At this point I'm pretty sure he is my favorite Japanese composer, not just one of but the favorite. I really love his writing too. His talent in general is quite literally an inspiration to me. He has a grasp of the three-dimensionality of music and how to take advantage of it that Key's other composers just lack. I've read that he laid down the pen to focus more on his musical work after finishing Little Busters! which made me really happy. If I had to pick one creative talent for him to be exclusive to that would've been it for sure.

EmperorBrandon

05-19-2009, 01:01 AM

Tomoya gets hit 950 for the combo! We break 1000, for 1013 hits!

Now, are these cumulative, or do we start from zero each time...?

They're cumulative. :)

- (Oh yeah, I also hate the practice of translating first/second/third-years as sophomores/juniors/seniors because it totally misses the point,

Hmmm? What do you mean? It seems like a reasonable equivalent to me, so what am I missing?

Sophomore is supposed to mean a second-year student, though, which in the Japanese, the equivalent of 10th grade is the first year of high school. It's kind of odd applying the terms as you have to cut one out and they won't line up completely with the common US high school terminology no matter how you do it (I think of Magic User's Club translation, it's different, 1st year=freshman, 2nd year=sophomore, 3rd year=senior - which is more true to English definitions, but still could cause confusion...)

05-19-2009, 01:01 AM

To the Same Heights started playing. It's just damn near the most beautiful minute and fifty-nine seconds ever composed.

This song is what started my total love affair with Maeda's work in general. He has a natural talent for choosing complementary sequences of notes that just sound so right, so full of emotional energy. Between Winamp and the CD itself I have listened to this song more than 150 times now. Each time, and I really mean every single time the song hits those 5 repeating notes at the 1:04 mark I tear up. It is that feeling which makes music special to me in the first place and I've never found so many sources of it in the same place as I have in the Clannad OST. Each and every song that does it was composed by Jun Maeda too.

EmperorBrandon

05-19-2009, 01:11 AM

- Oh hey I was wrong. They *do* explicitly speak the name of the school/city, in the very next ep, and it is indeed Hikarizaka. ::switches over to check the DVD:: Heh, though they still sub it Hikarasaka.

Yeah, it does clearly sound like a "zaka" to me too. Perhaps this was one instance where the Japanese company may have requested the wrong spelling, though. It's in the copyrights throughout the release.

- Haha we totally need more Koumura-sensei.

Yeah, there's really not enough of him, I'd think. He was rather amusing in this episode.

- Bad news. Nagisa breaks down. It's heartbreaking. ;_; Even Tomoya has to cry a little. Again, I really love how well developed and human he is.

There's several times with Nagisa crying in the past few episodes about Fuuko's situation.It's heartbreaking, and really shows the beauty of her feelings, both physically (Nagisa seems so pretty in those moments) and emotionally.

Best Nagisa moment: Dango vs Hitode! The depth of her feelings for Fuuko is more significant, of course, but it's spread out across multiple scenes so no one takes the cake.

I'm totally on Nagisa's side - the Dango Daikazoku are always cute! And Fuuko plagiarized the song! It's good they come to a consensus, though. :)

EmperorBrandon

05-19-2009, 01:26 AM

-Nagisa tries to hold back the tears of Fuko being forgotten

Yeah, more of what I was alluding to with my response to something on ep. 7. Poor Nagisa was trying not to show how sad she was to her mother and father...

I like the cute little scenes in one point of the episode with Fuuko and Sanae in the bath and then Nagisa brushing Fuuko's hair. So awesome... Now that I think about it, the former seems like one of the most ecchi scenes in the general context of Clannad (barely any "fanservice" of the type of seeing girls in the bath and the like). And I didn't even really remember that from the first time, but for some reason it makes me really notice on the second and third goes through. It's more adorable than anything else, though, as with most Fuuko stuff.

Isuzu Inugami

05-19-2009, 10:37 AM

It's kind of odd applying the terms as you have to cut one out and they won't line up completely with the common US high school terminology no matter how you do it (I think of Magic User's Club translation, it's different, 1st year=freshman, 2nd year=sophomore, 3rd year=senior - which is more true to English definitions, but still could cause confusion...)

Oh, I see it. I had a brain fart, sorry. Yeah, I think the Magic User's Club style is at least more sensible.

Classical

05-19-2009, 10:46 AM

- Being a veteran of such "pseudo supernatural" stories in visual novel/romance anime I guess I hardly thought twice about it, and just kinda rolled with it. At the very least, a "truly realistic" approach to the story as outlined above would totally derail the pacing and message of he show. I generally tend to throw "realistic approaches" to anime out the window when I watch. Or rather, it's more like deep down in my heart I "believe." Either way, the supernatural aspects of the show don't really bother me, and if anything, it makes the show a lot more interesting.

- Back to what I was saying about Youhei, *this* is the true turning point. When he sees Fuuko ignored by those two guys, he gets mad and defends her. He's really bought into her struggles on an emotional level, which has to be a really huge step for someone like him. I really respect him for that and it really deepens his character for him to play this sort of role.
Seeing Youhei in a different light was rather amazing. I like the guy, but before this episode I saw him more as comic relief than anything else. Now he feels more "human-like."

Classical

05-19-2009, 11:01 AM

-Sanae has also forgotten Fuko after having visited her at the hospital. It's very touching that Sanae and her family think of Fuko as family, and that Sanae doesn't want to forget Fuko, even if she can no longer see her. :cry:

I have to admit. The Sanae scene where she knows that Fuko is there even though she can't see her was the first time I cried watching Clannad...

In general, the whole episode was depressing, but that particular scene was one of the biggest defining moments of Nagisa's parents thus far, especially for Sanae. She is truly sadden about the fact that she cannot see Fuko, but she doesn't let that stop her from caring about her.

Classical

05-19-2009, 11:12 AM

-Youhei has been doing some investigating regarding the Fuko incident. He's not satisfied with what he knows, so he's going to go visit Fuko at the hospital. It was really interesting seeing Youhei in a different light during this scene.
Thus continuing his ascension from pain in the ass to important and cherished sidekick (but never love interest :P) Nobody ever learns...you never attempt the rational solution! All the same, he cares enough to go to this extreme.It was actually a little surprising to me that Youhei would have gone so far as to go visit Fuko at the hospital. Then again, he was rather serious about verifying if Tomoyo was a girl.
-Just as Tomoya suspected, Youhei has forgotten about Fuko after having gone to see her at the hospital.
-Kyou has started to forget Fuko too. One after another, people forget Fuko, and it's rather disheartening seeing it.
-Youhei randomly blurts out Fuko's name, but he then can't remember her very well. In a rather moving fashion, Youhei admits that he didn't dislike Fuko. Something about this whole scene was very powerful.
This (including Kyou's reactions too) was really painful to watch. What Nagisa says about Sunohara is right on the mark. The way this phenomenon was handled was very well done. As opposed to the typical complete absence of memory (Fuko? Who the heck are you talking about?), we get the far more painful partial recollection (even worse when we get to Akio and Sanae).I really liked how things were handled here. As you said, rather that make it complete forgetfulness of Fuko, the story has the characters partially recollect her, and it does make things more painful for the characters. It makes them have a loss of words for what is going on and it shows they really care.

I would have thought the bat would also serve double-duty in protecting his daughter (from would-be suitors) and his wife (from his own pathetic inability to choke down a simple pastry).
The bat being used to "protect" Nagisa would have also made sense. Then again, he was encouraging Tomoya to elope with Nagisa. I think most dads that love their daughters wouldn't want them to run off with some random guy. Although at this point, Tomoya is no longer a random person.

Classical

05-19-2009, 11:23 AM

I like the cute little scenes in one point of the episode with Fuuko and Sanae in the bath and then Nagisa brushing Fuuko's hair. So awesome... Now that I think about it, the former seems like one of the most ecchi scenes in the general context of Clannad (barely any "fanservice" of the type of seeing girls in the bath and the like). And I didn't even really remember that from the first time, but for some reason it makes me really notice on the second and third goes through. It's more adorable than anything else, though, as with most Fuuko stuff.

Those little moments featuring Fuko with Nagisa and Sanae were really nice. It shows that they do spend time together. Clannad definitely doesn't have much ecchi scenes, if at all, so far. Whether that's good or bad, I can't really say. Still, the lack of such scenes doesn't really bother me. The show has plenty of strong points to it that, ecchi scenes or not, I don't really notice the lack of such things.

something

05-19-2009, 12:22 PM

I think partly she was just trying to encourage Nagisa to be forthright
No. Your explanation sucks. She's clearly gay. =P (Okay, bi I guess.)

Now, are these cumulative, or do we start from zero each time...?
You can see the numbers picking up where they left off each time on the counter.

- (Oh yeah, I also hate the practice of translating first/second/third-years as sophomores/juniors/seniors because it totally misses the point, Hmmm? What do you mean? It seems like a reasonable equivalent to me, so what am I missing?
One practice is based on a three year system, the other is based on a four year system. They're not good equivalents, and easily misleading to people who don't know the difference in systems. I tend to dislike "cultural approximations" like this in general, especially when they convey an inexact meaning and are used in place of a direct translation that would have been eminently translatable and understandable already. It's like doing a dollar/yen translation, but worse.

Edit: ah, EB beat me to it.

Fencedude

05-19-2009, 12:25 PM

- (Oh yeah, I also hate the practice of translating first/second/third-years as sophomores/juniors/seniors because it totally misses the point, Hmmm? What do you mean? It seems like a reasonable equivalent to me, so what am I missing?
One practice is based on a three year system, the other is based on a four year system. They're not good equivalents, and easily misleading to people who don't know the difference in systems.

I really, REALLY don't get why people feel compelled to use the Western year titles at all.

Isn't "First Year", "Second Year" and "Third Year" perfectly descriptive already?

Draneor

05-19-2009, 12:32 PM

Isn't "First Year", "Second Year" and "Third Year" perfectly descriptive already?

The issue is that no native American English speaker talks that way about high school students. As with all translation, it's a trade off between naturalness and technical accuracy. And, of course, various translators will use a different balance.

Another way is just to go by grades (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th). There are a few middle schools here that include ninth grade so it's not entirely foreign.

something

05-19-2009, 12:32 PM

I really, REALLY don't get why people feel compelled to use the Western year titles at all.
Isn't "First Year", "Second Year" and "Third Year" perfectly descriptive already?
1st, 2nd, 3rd also has the added benefit of being consistent with Japanese three year middle school terminology too. Plus it makes a lot of sense when viewed in the context of how those ubiquitous class numbers are assigned (middle school Class 2-4, or high school class 1-3 for example). Ah well.

something

05-19-2009, 12:37 PM

The issue is that no native English speaker talks that way. As with all translation, it's a trade off for naturalness and technical accuracy.
This is going to get off track but... that's really not an issue at all. It's a bad trade off because there's little to no benefit, but significantly obscured meaning. Really, people who watch anime, even a little, are perfectly capable of understanding that much (let's give people a little credit). Then again, the impression I get in past discussions is that you and I have very different philosophies of what a translation should be. So I guess there's no benefit in me arguing this with you at length...

(Well, outside of our shared hatred of title changes =P)

Draneor

05-19-2009, 12:52 PM

So I guess there's no benefit in me arguing this with you at length...

It really just comes down to which value one prioritizes over the other. I certainly don't think there is ever a "perfect solution" to any translation quandary. On the other hand, I do think it helps to try to understand there is a reason things are translated the way they are.

(Well, outside of our shared hatred of title changes =P)

Due to potential trademark issues and wanting to cover up for Maeda's misunderstanding of Irish, the English title of Clannad will officially be Totem (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=totem&searchmode=none).

something

05-19-2009, 01:11 PM

On the other hand, I do think it helps to try to understand there is a reason things are translated the way they are.
I do, but that often makes it worse. If it's an accident or ignorance, there's hope it will one day change. If it's a wholly intentional and deeply ingrained company-/industry-wide policy, then you're hosed, which is why I find it frustrating. You just have to live with it (or go with an alternative, as I subsequently have in this case). Every decision has a reason, no matter how weird or convoluted the logic that begets it. But that's a separate matter from whether I think the decision is actually any good.

Suwako Moriya

05-19-2009, 01:12 PM

While Fuko was asleep, she had a weird dream that she was playing with a starfish!?

It just goes to show much love and dedication she has towards starfish. It makes you wonder when the path to the starfish side started for her.

Draneor

05-19-2009, 01:25 PM

It just goes to show much love and dedication she has towards starfish. It makes you wonder when the path to the starfish side started for her.

Fuuko is the kind of character I just want to eat starfish around just to see how she would react... Or maybe get Sanae to cook starfish pan and trick Fuuko into eating it. ^^

something

05-19-2009, 01:31 PM

Fuuko is the kind of character I just want to eat starfish around just to see how she would react... Or maybe get Sanae to cook starfish pan and trick Fuuko into eating it. ^^
Starfish would be honored to be eaten by Fuuko. It's how she gets her energy! I bet Nagisa likes dango too.

Although, eww... seafood is one thing I cannot, ever, eat. I think I'd rather dine on some of Fuuko's wooden starfish. Or Sanae's star[Edit:-fish] shaped bread...

Classical

05-19-2009, 02:43 PM

Episode 9: "Until the End of the Dream."

-Tomoya and Nagisa decide to stay together with Fuko at Hirakizaka High. Nagisa has told her parents that she was going to be away for the night so she won't get grounded later on.
-Actually, I have to admit, the trio has guts staying at the school, what if they *did* get caught? Fuko probably got used to it but it must have really sucked being alone at school during the night.
-Another great track plays in the background. Fuko goes into another trance when she opens her gift up. She claims to be more of an adult than Tomoya.
-Amusingly enough, Fuko reverts to "child mode" and starts chasing after her hat, which is in Tomoya's possesion. Eventually, they both crash and wind up in a rather interesting position. :sd:
-Fuko talks about how Kouko and her fiancée refer to each other more familiarly with more familiar honorifics because they're so close.
-As such, Fuko tells Tomoya and Nagisa that if they want to be more adult-like, they need to do the same as Kouko and Yusuke. Amusingly enough, Tomoya can't refer to Nagisa as "Nagisa-chan" and Nagisa can't refer to Tomoya as "Tomoya-kun." In the end they compromise and stick with adding -san to each others first names. It really is interesting, both of them have become so close yet they struggle with talking to each other in a more familiar and intimate manner. At least they're one step closer to doing so. I liked seeing them struggle. It just seemed kind of cute.
-Fuko finally confesses that she really likes both Nagisa and Tomoya a lot. She wants them to be happy together, that's why she was so bossy with them a few seconds ago. Fuko really is a kind and caring person in her own unique way. This particular scene made me like her even more.
-Fuko and her "parents" decide to have an advanced celebration to commemorate her sister's wedding. The whole celebration was heartwarming to watch. Fuko seemed to be having a lot of fun. There was just something nice about the whole thing. There's another point I want to make with this celebration, but I'm going to reserve it for another post.
-During the next day, Fuko is goine, and sadly enough, Nagisa and Tomoya have lost their memories of Fuko. I supposed this was going to happen eventually. :( Both of them struggle to remember what it was they were doing. The only memory of Fuko they have is the starfish. The fact that they can't remember seems to be especially devastating to them. After all, they were the closest to Fuko more than anyone else.
-Oh, geez, the whole second half of this episode had me crying from start to finish. Words are perhaps not even remotely close to doing justice to what ensues next, but I'll try.
-Ah, Mr. Koumura, so mysterious. Nagisa and Tomoya try to remember what it is they never wanted to forget, and with the aid of Mr. Koumura they do. The remember Fuko, who was aside them all along. Tomoya and Nagisa break down. Beautiful, just beautiful. They vow to stay together with Fuko until the day of the wedding.
-On the day of the wedding, the trio goes off to see Kouko and Yusuke get married. That line about the shape of the wedding ring and what it symbolizes was just amazing. There's a certain allure to that line.
-Nagisa, Tomoya, and Fuko run like crazy to go see Kouko and Yusuke off after getting married. It was loads of super awesome and it was just another emotional high.
-The people who were given starfish by Fuko remember that the wedding was on that day and they show up. Their memory still seems fuzzy, but Fuko's dream finally came true, her thoughts reached the people. I cried some more.
-Fuko talks about how she had such a great time hanging out with Nagisa and Tomoya. It was like a starfish festival everyday. She proceeds to thank them for such a great time. :cry:
-Tomoya gives a very moving speech as to how Fuko worked so hard to make her sister's wedding and her happiness possible. I was so touched.
-Fuko leaves some starfish for Nagisa and Tomoya, and she finally manages to reach her sister with her feelings to wish her eternal happiness. (On a related note, as she does so a song in English? plays in the background.) It was a powerful moment. Fuko gives her sister a hug, and then some pink stuff flies off to the sky and then...Oh, geez, it was just so beautiful!
-Kouko confirms that her sister's feelings reached her. By being happy herself, she can keep Fuko happy too.
-Youhei, Kyou, Nagisa, and Ryou talk about the rumors of a girl running around school, Fuko. It seems they've mostly forgotten, but there's a subtle memory of her within them all. They all know that Fuko's invitation is a starfish, they don't know how, but they just do.
-Tomoya, seemingly exhausted or perhaps just in deep though, thinks about the day he and the others are waiting for the girl to appear, and, with a starfish in hand, greet them and ask them to be her friend. This last part was just especially touching. It's all so "magical," although magical is probably not quite the right word to use, and surreal doesn't seem to be the right word either.

Fantastic episode, just so beautiful and moving. I absolutely loved it. :cry: :cry: :cry:

Classical

05-19-2009, 04:01 PM

-Fuko and her "parents" decide to have an advanced celebration to commemorate her sister's wedding. The whole celebration was heartwarming to watch. Fuko seemed to be having a lot of fun. There was just something nice about the whole thing. There's another point I want to make with this celebration, but I'm going to reserve it for another post.

All right, the point being that I wanted to make was that if Fuko knew that she was going to disappear the day of the wedding. If so, it would make sense as to why she wanted to celebrate early. I probably answered my own question. :sd:

Actually, at the end of this episode I first thought that Fuko might have been dead or something, that is because she disappeared after the wedding. However, it appears that she's still in a coma, it's just that she's no longer having a dream that affects the world around her. Kouko did ask of Tomoya and Nagisa to support and be with Fuko until the end of her dream, and her dream does end the way she wanted, with the school attending Kouko's wedding and her sister getting married, not to mention her wishes of happiness for Kouko reach her. I suppose in that sense then, that is why people, especially Tomoya and Nagisa, can no longer see Fuko's "out-of-body" form, because her "dream" is over. Not to mention, Tomoya mentions about waiting for the day that Fuko wakes up.

something

05-19-2009, 08:52 PM

Episode 8:

- They aren't taking the starfish. ;_; At least Tomoyo remembers, vaguely. But even her memory seems to be fading.
- Nagisa hug trance!! A moment of cuteness before things get bad again with the Mitsui scene. Poor Fuuko. And now Nagisa knows for damn sure that something is wrong.
- Man, KyoAni is really good at getting you to put your focus on something other than the people having the discussion at hand. While Fuuko and Nagisa's parents talk about the starfish, the focus is on Nagisa who starts tearing up. I love how the show moves farther away and you see her wipe her tears and try to occupy herself with carving. Akio notices something is wrong though. And more casual clothes for Nagisa!
- Oh god, Akio and Sanae. <3
- Man, you know your ruse is falling apart when even Youhei has you cornered on it. On the other hand you know Youhei must be seriously invested in Fuuko when he's willing to do research on her.
- "It's fine if she's a fake." Youhei is just wonderful here, and exceeds his character type's typical niche by quite a lot even this early on.
- But he goes... and forgets. Tomoyo and Ryou forget as well. She disappears from those who know her less, so now that's even affecting the major characters. =(
- Tomoya confirms what I was saying earlier. Nagisa is closer to Fuuko than anyone. Nagisa loves Fuuko more than anyone. Nagisaaaa =(
- Heh, you know, although this scene (Youhei saying Fuuko's name and not knowing why he did) reflects very well on Youhei and I appreciate it for that, I always felt like it was weighed down a bit too heavily with melodrama. Which I know is odd to say about this show, but I think the issue for me is that it's, well, Youhei. Even taking into account his more serious moments, this just feels too out of character. An important scene anyway though, and oh god one of the most protective, loving hugs yet from Nagisa to Fuuko.
- You tell em Nagisa! Parents don't need a reason to buy their daughter a present! lol party hats.
- Ahaha yes, the official ranking. Starfish > Tomoya > Sea Slugs! And then Tomoya wants so badly to hazukashii serifu kinshi Nagisa. XD
- And Fuuko looks so happy that Nagisa and Tomoya are getting along. I love that little satisfied nod.
- Then... the ending. Interestingly, I think Akio's reaction is the most natural one. Frustration, confusion, anger. Sanae's is really heartbreaking though. You can just see the pain people go through in the day or so between starting to forget and finally fully forgetting.

I don't know if it was intentional but the way they animated Sanae's hand hovering over Fuuko was quite curious, and fascinating. Fuuko appears somewhat flat, and Sanae's hand seems to hover over her, with a shadow beneath it but no sign of contact. Never quite touching, but she knew from what Nagisa said that she was there. They skirt the issue of what sort of physical presence Fuuko has, and do it so well that you almost don't think about it. See also where Fuuko gave Youhei the starfish. He didn't see it until it was suddenly in his hands. It took me awhile to even think, "So what would happen if they just pushed Fuuko into Kouko's arms? What if Fuuko had grabbed Sanae's hand? What would they feel? Would Fuuko just pass through them?" They depict Fuuko as a presence that slips between corporeal and ethereal, sometimes there, sometimes not, sometimes a hazy presence. Sometimes her voice reaches people, sometimes it doesn't. She can interact physically with those who remember her, but somehow avoids contact with those who don't. Very very interesting.

Best Nagisa moment: Hard to choose. I'll say any time she gave Fuuko a big, loving, protective hug.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - 4; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 1; Total - 7
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1014
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Tomoya doesn't seem to be very receptive of Nagisa's compliment. I guess he's not used to such things.
It's sooooooooooooo an Aika/Akari dynamic for a moment. Just spot on.

-Akio has also forgotten Fuko. He likes to play baseball? That explains the bat.
That's just what he beats bread thieves to death with.

Jimmie M

05-19-2009, 08:53 PM

Episode 9: "Until the End of the Dream."
Fantastic episode, just so beautiful and moving. I absolutely loved it. :cry: :cry: :cry:

Yeah, I enjoyed it too. It was good to see Fuko's efforts for her sister pay off (Even if everyone didn't exactly remember why they came to the wedding). Also, can we officially declare Tomoya & Nagisa a couple now (Even though they both deny it)? They make a good team & I'm seeing a little more of this as I watch each episode. I'm up to episode 11 now & I'll try to keep up with the discussion as best I can from here on out. This has been a really nice change-of-pace for me & I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes from here.

Isuzu Inugami

05-19-2009, 08:59 PM

I think partly she was just trying to encourage Nagisa to be forthright
No. Your explanation sucks. She's clearly gay. =P (Okay, bi I guess.)

Hah! You know, as I think about it, she's extremely encouraging by the time they get to where she's expecting Nagisa to confess....

I tend to dislike "cultural approximations" like this in general, especially when they convey an inexact meaning and are used in place of a direct translation that would have been eminently translatable and understandable already. It's like doing a dollar/yen translation, but worse.

I'm probably a bit more lax on translating into cultural equivalents than you (although I hate hate hate when idols or movie stars get converted to their American "equivalents", so maybe not) but I have to admit "first year" etc. is pretty self explanatory.

Isuzu Inugami

05-19-2009, 09:44 PM

Episode 6: "The Sisters' Founder's Festival."

-Inspired by Fuko, Sanae makes starfish pastries. Okazaki just can't believe it, and Akio abandoned Sanae.

She hams up the melodrama beautifully. Also, those pastries looked good, dammit!

Tomoya finally masters the "Causing Someone to Drink Juice Through the Nose" skill. Nagisa gets angry.

I like his prankster nature, although that one was a little mean. Fuko seems not all that traumatized, though....

-Nagisa decides to have Fuko and her sister meet. Things should get interesting.

This seems like the sort of good idea that turns out to be a horrible idea....

-Some guys wanting to make a "Fuko Fan Club" show up.

I don't know if they're a little bit creepy, or awesome. But how could you reject their sincerity, Fuko?

- Tomoyo, the knight of innocent girls. Why am I not surprised there are all kinds of girls are giving her things? It's the power of yuri.

Heh, I think she misinterprets Fuko's starfish as another love declaration, too.

-Fuko finally manages to reach Mitsui's heart.

Yaaay! I love that scene. She's a little bit tsundere about it, too.

-Kouko finally arrives at school, but shockingly and sadly enough, she doesn't notice the presence of Fuko right in front of her. I feel bad for Fuko.

:depressed: Of course, it's to be continued before we see the full fallout....

Dack Ralter

05-20-2009, 12:01 AM

Episode 9: "Until the End of the Dream."

-Fuko finally confesses that she really likes both Nagisa and Tomoya a lot. She wants them to be happy together, that's why she was so bossy with them a few seconds ago. Fuko really is a kind and caring person in her own unique way. This particular scene made me like her even more.
This really sealed the deal for me too. Even given her predicament she went out of her way to help out her "parents".

-Fuko and her "parents" decide to have an advanced celebration to commemorate her sister's wedding. The whole celebration was heartwarming to watch. Fuko seemed to be having a lot of fun.
During the whole time I was sort of expecting to see Nagisa or Okazaki leave the room for a minute and then forget what they were doing there. I'm glad it didn't go down like that.

-During the next day, Fuko is goine, and sadly enough, Nagisa and Tomoya have lost their memories of Fuko. I supposed this was going to happen eventually. :( Both of them struggle to remember what it was they were doing. The only memory of Fuko they have is the starfish. The fact that they can't remember seems to be especially devastating to them. After all, they were the closest to Fuko more than anyone else.
I was happy that they didn't have one of them forget Fuko first, instead opting to just have them drift off.

-Ah, Mr. Koumura, so mysterious. Nagisa and Tomoya try to remember what it is they never wanted to forget, and with the aid of Mr. Koumura they do. The remember Fuko, who was aside them all along. Tomoya and Nagisa break down. Beautiful, just beautiful. They vow to stay together with Fuko until the day of the wedding.
Major points for the old dude! I like how they had Nagisa and Okazaki leave some space between them.

-Fuko leaves some starfish for Nagisa and Tomoya, and she finally manages to reach her sister with her feelings to wish her eternal happiness. (On a related note, as she does so a song in English? plays in the background.) It was a powerful moment. Fuko gives her sister a hug, and then some pink stuff flies off to the sky and then...Oh, geez, it was just so beautiful!
-Kouko confirms that her sister's feelings reached her. By being happy herself, she can keep Fuko happy too.
The whole wedding scene was perfect; a wonderful ending for Fuko's story.

I can't really say much about the ending to Fuko's arc, here. I just loved it.

05-20-2009, 01:33 AM

Fuuko is the kind of character I just want to eat starfish around just to see how she would react... Or maybe get Sanae to cook starfish pan and trick Fuuko into eating it. ^^

Aren't they poisonous?

Isuzu Inugami

05-20-2009, 05:14 PM

Spirit Of The Stage

05-21-2009, 10:34 AM

Episode 7:

[quote]
- And then... the Hitode Squad.

I thought, the poor girl can't do tongue twisters OR whistle! But it seems she was just pitched outside of the range of human ears... which means the Hitode Squad are her dogs!?

- Nagisa will be reserved about most things, but oh man, get her started on Dango Daikazoku at your own risk. Dango vs Hitode!!

I love Fuuko's plagiarism, and how scandalized Nagisa is. And then an instant later "they're both number one!"

- And things start to get even weirder at the end... Fuuko is being forgotten?

No... oh no.... :depressed:

I think this ep was what turned me into a big Clannad fan - the fact that all the characters are so fleshed out (who would have thought Sunohara would be so awesome?) combined with their little quirks (even Nagisa can get passionate at the things she believes in! Of course, she becomes sweet lil' Nagisa a few moments later...:P) - and then it hits you with the drama out of nowhere. I'm sure this was where the tears began to start for me...and the 'tears' counter came out - seeing if it would topple the record holder currently held by Full Moon wo Sagashite of 14 times

So to join in and blatantly steal something's counter idea (if you wanna sue me, I got 2p and a packet of peanuts...)

Spirit's Tears Counter (1)

Draneor

05-21-2009, 11:43 AM

I'm sure this was where the tears began to start for me...and the 'tears' counter came out - seeing if it would topple the record holder currently held by Full Moon wo Sagashite of 14 times

For me, it would be easier to count the moments where I didn't cry.^^ Although Clannad didn't generate nearly as many tears as Kanon or Air did.

Classical

05-21-2009, 12:15 PM

Episode 6: "The Sisters' Founder's Festival."

-Inspired by Fuko, Sanae makes starfish pastries. Okazaki just can't believe it, and Akio abandoned Sanae.

She hams up the melodrama beautifully. Also, those pastries looked good, dammit!
Heh, watching her ham it up was rather amusing. She sure bounces from depressed to happy rather easily. Still, for some reason or another I can't but find Sanae to be attractive.

-I don't know if they're a little bit creepy, or awesome. But how could you reject their sincerity, Fuko? Yeah, I don't know how I would react to having my own fan club, but I guess it's nice to have your own admirers so in a way Fuko should be a little happy at least.

Classical

05-21-2009, 12:20 PM

Classical

05-21-2009, 12:27 PM

-Akio has also forgotten Fuko. He likes to play baseball? That explains the bat.
That's just what he beats bread thieves to death with.

You mean for when the thieves don't steal the bread? :sdsmiley: If more bread is gone, then Sanae will think her pastries are selling. Then again, her profits and sales of bread may not add up quite right.

Classical

05-21-2009, 01:38 PM

Episode 10: "The Girl Genius' Challenge."

-Another sequence featuring that peculiar world ensues. The person inside the mechanical body talks about strange things. The light is strange to him, but it doesn't seem to be the case for the girl. I'm still not sure where this is going at this point, but it should be interesting to see where it leads to.
-Well, after the awesomeness that was Fuko we see many of the characters of Clannad going back to everyday life. Which is nice. Something about those shots of the characters adds a nice touch to the show. The music, once again, is great.
-Reckless driver Kyou runs over Tomoya, who happened to be walking together with Nagisa. I don't think Kyou really did get her license. She must have a fake one or something.
-Anyways, Kyou asks Tomoya and Nagisa if they're dating or something. Tomoya gets flustered about the question and he and Nagisa both deny that they are. There's a little flashback as they try to remember why they've started calling each other by their first name.
-Tomoya is back to search for members for the Drama Club, and goes off to meet Miss Ichinose. Before that though, he gets Youhei to go meet her. Ah Youhei, he's so gullible and will easily attach himself to any girl.
-Once again, she only responds to Tomoya's "Kotomi-chan." Tomoya has her meet with Nagisa. They both get into a meaningless exchange. Kotomi seems to really have a problem with bullies or something, I wonder why?
-Tomoya notices that Kotomi doesn't know many other people and that she doesn't know how to converse with others real well. She's the shy type (I like the shy types :sd:).
-Anyways, Kotomi and Tomoya head off to a bookstore. Kotomi wants to become a great person, and that's why she reads so many books. She once again tries to cut up some books.
-Since she can't socialize well, Tomoya has Kotomi meet other people. The first one is Kyou. Kotomi, amusingly enough, introduces herself to Tomoya again. Kyou says that friendship isn't just something that is given, it's built upon.
-Kyou wonders why Tomoya is helping Kotomi out. He responds by saying that he's good at helping people. At this point, I have to say that's true. For whatever reason, he'll go help other people out, which is really nice of him.
-"Another rival appears on the scene." I wonder what Kyou means by that?
-Tomoya tries to get Kotomi to get more friends, and proceeds to tell her that she needs to become proficient at retorts.
-Then they go off and meet Ryou, and Kotomi once again is scared of being bullied. Ryou says Kotomi won't make friends when she gives her the fortune. Poor Kotomi-chan. I liked the line where Tomoya tells Kotomi to confront reality.
-Tomoya gets Kotomi to practice her introductions to people. First off, she introduces herself to Kuma-chan. She likes teddies. It was so cute seeing her blush. Youhei sees the teddy and proceeds to get "regenve" for the last time it kicked his butt. It was funny seeing this transpire.
-Kotomi introduces herself to a lady who happens to know the Ichinoses. Apparently, they're great scholars, and for some reason, that bothers Kotomi.
-Kyou goes gay/bi for Kotomi, maybe. That shot with Kyou "sexually harassing" Kotomi was evil, in a yuri kind of way.
-Wait, is Ryou also gay for Kotomi? What's this about stepping it up? Everyone introduces themselves to Kotomi, and Kyou's hobby is tormenting the weak. Kyou should face off with Tomoyo. Anyways, being the noble teacher that he is, Tomoya sacrificed himself to teach Kotomi about retorts.
-Kotomi hears a voilin, and then proceeds to follow her ears to it's location. Kotomi is given a chance to play it, and then...
-It's like the dimensions have become distorted and time has been warped or something. It's awful, just awful! There were no survivors after the catastrophe.
-After Kotomi smiles, a weird dude shows up at the end of the episodes. For some reason this guy reminds me of a certain character from the Negima! manga. Anyways, he's probably going to be bad news at some point in the show.
-For specific reasons, I normally don't watch the next episode previews, but for some random reason I watched the ones for episode 11. It was really funny how Kotomi asking "Why?" was matched up with the comments for the next episode. Not to mention she kept asking so in a cute way.

A very good episode. I really, really like Kotomi, and it was amusing and thrilling to see a good chunk of character development for her.

I suppose I should mention at this point that I've decided to stick to watching one episode of Clannad each day rather than two. The viewing format seems to have a lot of advantages for this show, and I do still plan taking a break over the weekend.

Classical

05-21-2009, 04:29 PM

Episode 11: "Afterschool Rhapsody."

-We hear Kotomi's lovely voice as she calls out to Tomoya, who is sleeping. Kotomi wakes him up with her amazing violin skills. "Divine." <3 Kotomi's violin is a weapon of mass destruction. I don't think I've ever had the displeasure of hearing someone play an instrument so badly, so I supposed I can't relate to Tomoya and everyone else.
-Kotomi goes acting all cute while saying "Bonjour." Kyou freaks out. It's all thanks to the music club people that everyone gets to hear Kotomi's beautiful music. Poor Kotomi, she gets tackled trying to play the violin again. She looked so sad. =(
-Kotomi tries to practice her retorts on Tomoya and the others, but doesn't do such a good job. Kyou had her doing that so she wouldn't go off playing the violin. She's evil.
-Drama Club props. There's a magical girl wand, reminds me of Cardcaptor Sakura. She then starts chanting off some magic spell off in Japanese, I think. It definitely doesn't sound like Latin.
-Magical Girl Kyou-chan! It's so not happening! :P Kyou is offended by Tomoya.
-Nagisa and Ryou, perhaps rather ignorantly, told Kotomi she was better at playing the violin. That wasn't a very smart thing to do now, was it?
-Kotomi enjoys "playing" the violin, and she's sad that she's going to have to say bye to it eventually, so Kyou is going to have her play in front of a group of people. I feel bad for the audience already.
-Kyou stays with Tomoya so Kotomi isn't hanging out with her so much. Kotomi plays the violin yet again, and poor Nagisa and Ryou are cowering in fear. I don't know whether to laugh, or feel bad for them.
-Kyou has a nice little chat with Tomoya about whether he'd date a girl who didn't care if he was a delinquent. I sense something deeper going on here.
-Tomoya wakes up to a depressing Sunday morning that isn't beautiful to him, even if it will be to most other people. I feel bad for the guy.
-Kotomi's at the school playing. Apparently she's the honorary library monitor because she hangs out there so much. Kotomi has such a cute demeanor, there's something about her that I can't quite explain that makes me like her.
-Ichinose made a pie for two, apparently she was expecting Tomoya. She seems to be good at cooking, which makes me wonder if Nagisa is too?
-As she opens the window and the wind carries cherry blossom petals into the room, Kotomi talks about some rather mysterious things. There's something enchanting about that little scene.
-Kotomi thought about reading together with Tomoya, but Tomoya doesn't think it's going to be fun. However, he has her read to him instead. Listening to her voice would definitely be very appealing to me.
-This next part was just bizarre. What the heck happened? I think it might have been all a dream. Actually, checking back on it, it was.
-Kotomi was happy that she got to spend some time with Tomoya, even if he was asleep most of the time. She must be lonely. =(
-It's another Dango Daikazoku poster, however, Kyou isn't as reluctant about it as Tomoya was.
-It's the day of the concert. Some people were duped into coming, others were threatened by Kyou. She's a shady person. Silly Youhei, you don't know what's coming to you.
-Misae Sagara (so that's her last name) was apparently a famous Student Council President at Hikarizaka, and Tomoyo wants some tips from her because she's aspiring to be one too. It's interesting to find out that it is what Tomoyo wants to do.
-Kotomi's become proficient at playing, so maybe there's nothing to worry about?
-I guess I was wrong. One after another, casualties ensue. First it's Youhei (who, amusingly enough, gets kicked by Tomoyo again, but why?), then it's Botan and Mr. Cat, and then it's Sanae (Love is so tragic).
-Apparently toward the end of the concert, Kotomi got better at her performance. I wonder if it really is true that she did? Nagisa isn't the type to lie, at least, not much, but maybe Akio wasn't serious about Kotomi having gotten better.
-Ryou says she'd be willing to do anything for Kotomi, is she "bi" too, like her sister?
-I see now. I think Ryou must have the hots for Tomoya. That would explain the blushing way back in the first episode when she saw Tomoya and Nagisa, and I guess Kyou isn't the one who had the crush on Tomoya, like I thought. That also explains the rival comment by Kyou back in episode 10. My conclusion, Ryou is "bi" because she's got the hots for Tomoya and Nagisa, and she wants to have a threesome with them (okay, maybe I'm only being half serious about the last thing I said). Although, with Kotomi, that would be a foursome, and Kyou could join in too, but she doesn't seem like the type to do that kind of thing, unless the "bi" rumors are true.
-The weird guy with the hat and sunglasses shows up and tries to do something to my poor Kotomi. She's scared so much that she's shaking. Poor Kotomi, she just seems so helpless. :( "A bad man.."

Fencedude

05-21-2009, 04:31 PM

I'd put forth the first 3 minutes or so of this episode as some of the funniest material ever animated.

Bo~N~Jo~Ru~

Isuzu Inugami

05-21-2009, 05:43 PM

Man, if you ever find yourself wanting for eyewash, just watch eps 8 & 9 of Clannad! :sweat:

Episode 8: "The Breeze Fading at Dusk."

-Mitsui has also forgotten Fuko, and Fuko is devastated. It seems that as her life begins to fade, her "out-of-body" existence starts to fade away too. It's rather sad. ;_;

I'm actually kind of amazed at how strong Fuko is through all of this. She has a stoic side to her that seems to let her calmly accept it and move on, for the most part. Maybe it's seeing how torn up Nagisa and Tomoya are that lets her know she's not really alone.

- Heh, you know, although this scene (Youhei saying Fuuko's name and not knowing why he did) reflects very well on Youhei and I appreciate it for that, I always felt like it was weighed down a bit too heavily with melodrama. Which I know is odd to say about this show, but I think the issue for me is that it's, well, Youhei. Even taking into account his more serious moments, this just feels too out of character.

Well, I think it give a sense that under his flighty exterior, he does take some things very seriously. It didn't really bother me. And I found that after all the depressing forgetfulness so far, it offers a hope that there's a chance Fuuko may still be remembered.

It's an interesting scene too, because it seems like a subconscious part of Youhei can see her, but his conscious mind is blocked from her.

-Fuko finally admits to liking Okazaki, and regards him as being higher than a sea slug. Looking at some real life pictures, sea slugs actually look kind of pretty, so I guess for Tomoya that's a good thing. Tomoya makes a rather interesting comparison in his head.

These moments of levity make the episode bearable. KyoAni does a beautiful job in keeping things balanced.

-Sanae has also forgotten Fuko after having visited her at the hospital. It's very touching that Sanae and her family think of Fuko as family, and that Sanae doesn't want to forget Fuko, even if she can no longer see her. :cry:

So heartbreaking!

Isuzu Inugami

05-21-2009, 08:18 PM

Episode 9

<sniff... sniff...>

WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!:cry::cry::cry:

I got nothing. Beautiful, wrenching, happy-sad episode. I see why people love this show so much.

Oh, wait, here we go:

All right, the point being that I wanted to make was that if Fuko knew that she was going to disappear the day of the wedding. If so, it would make sense as to why she wanted to celebrate early. I probably answered my own question. :sd:

I think perhaps also Nagisa and Tomoya were afraid she would fade away, or at least fade from their minds before the wedding. So they wanted to be sure they could celebrate it with her before that happened, even if that meant anticipating it a bit.

Dack Ralter

05-21-2009, 11:40 PM

Episode 10: "The Girl Genius' Challenge."

-Reckless driver Kyou runs over Tomoya, who happened to be walking together with Nagisa. I don't think Kyou really did get her license. She must have a fake one or something.
Well, she might have used force to intimidate whoever was responsible... :sd: I still :beatingheart::beatingheart::beatingheart: Kyou, but it does seem a bit bizarre. I do love how Kyou didn't buy Okazaki's act for a second.

-Anyways, Kyou asks Tomoya and Nagisa if they're dating or something. Tomoya gets flustered about the question and he and Nagisa both deny that they are. There's a little flashback as they try to remember why they've started calling each other by their first name.
We return to the story at large, but not without reflecting on what has happened before (even if characters can't quite remember it). I love this show.

-Tomoya is back to search for members for the Drama Club, and goes off to meet Miss Ichinose. Before that though, he gets Youhei to go meet her. Ah Youhei, he's so gullible and will easily attach himself to any girl.
Sunohara is just so loyal to Nagisa.... Silly Sunohara. He's a bit of a thug too, if the bookshelves are any indication. As for his running off after the mystery girl, he should remember that all the cute, pure, smart, single girls are usually single for a reason. :sd:

-Once again, she only responds to Tomoya's "Kotomi-chan." Tomoya has her meet with Nagisa. They both get into a meaningless exchange. Kotomi seems to really have a problem with bullies or something, I wonder why?
...and the Drama Club pitch! come meet the Drama Club leader! She has something she wants to confess to y--oh, wait. Damn. Kotomi is sure worried about being bullied. Too bad she's so cute when she's fretting about bullies... I love Okazaki freaking out about the course of the conversation. She does seem to get along with Nagisa effortlessly.

-Tomoya notices that Kotomi doesn't know many other people and that she doesn't know how to converse with others real well. She's the shy type (I like the shy types :sd:).
Okazaki asks about it...and is that a crafty answer, Ko~to~mi? She gets him all flustered by asking about Nagisa.

-Anyways, Kotomi and Tomoya head off to a bookstore. Kotomi wants to become a great person, and that's why she reads so many books. She once again tries to cut up some books.
Judging by her choices, she's interested in being an Aquan gravitational engineer. :P

-Since she can't socialize well, Tomoya has Kotomi meet other people. The first one is Kyou. Kotomi, amusingly enough, introduces herself to Tomoya again. Kyou says that friendship isn't just something that is given, it's built upon.
-Kyou wonders why Tomoya is helping Kotomi out. He responds by saying that he's good at helping people. At this point, I have to say that's true. For whatever reason, he'll go help other people out, which is really nice of him.
-"Another rival appears on the scene." I wonder what Kyou means by that?
More cowering in fear.... I love Kyou's reaction to Kotomi's introduction, as well as zinging him for being a "healthy, low-intelligence guy". Kyou does the right thing when it counts here, though. Okazaki is good at helping people. It's nice to seem him admit that, rather than being all overly modest, as one might normally expect.

-Then they go off and meet Ryou, and Kotomi once again is scared of being bullied. Ryou says Kotomi won't make friends when she gives her the fortune. Poor Kotomi-chan. I liked the line where Tomoya tells Kotomi to confront reality.
Forget Kotomi, it's Ryou that's the crafty one! :sd: But Kotomi gains a friend! (Where's the 8-bit fanfare?)

-Tomoya gets Kotomi to practice her introductions to people. First off, she introduces herself to Kuma-chan. She likes teddies. It was so cute seeing her blush. Youhei sees the teddy and proceeds to get "regenve" for the last time it kicked his butt. It was funny seeing this transpire.
Sunohara should know better. No kick counter this time. :(

-Kyou goes gay/bi for Kotomi, maybe. That shot with Kyou "sexually harassing" Kotomi was evil, in a yuri kind of way.
-Wait, is Ryou also gay for Kotomi? What's this about stepping it up? Everyone introduces themselves to Kotomi, and Kyou's hobby is tormenting the weak. Kyou should face off with Tomoyo. Anyways, being the noble teacher that he is, Tomoya sacrificed himself to teach Kotomi about retorts.
EVERYBODY SHOULD BE GAY FOR KOTOMI! ...I've been hanging out here too long.
So this is Okazaki's idea of a group date? Boy needs some help. Nagisa and Ryou are far too impressed with Okazaki's sacrifice...

-Kotomi hears a voilin, and then proceeds to follow her ears to it's location. Kotomi is given a chance to play it, and then...
-It's like the dimensions have become distorted and time has been warped or something. It's awful, just awful! There were no survivors after the catastrophe.
My favorite part of this episode. The opening credit sequence had me convinced that Kotomi was some sort of sad violin virtuoso. And then... :cry: Funnier than hell, though.

-For specific reasons, I normally don't watch the next episode previews, but for some random reason I watched the ones for episode 11. It was really funny how Kotomi asking "Why?" was matched up with the comments for the next episode. Not to mention she kept asking so in a cute way.
I love the episode previews. The one for episode ten...Nagisa the bully...

Classical

05-22-2009, 12:15 PM

Episode 12: "Hidden World."

-Kotomi goes off to return the violin. She really likes it, and asks the girl, Rie, to ask the teacher in charge to not throw it away. She makes another friend, and sheds some tears. It's kind of touching seeing her so attached to the violin.
-Kotomi hasn't been going to the library much lately, and she's managed to make some more friends. In fact, she's been helping some people out with their homework. She seems really happy, which is nice.
-Kyou goes all out at Kotomi about retorts and gag lines and stuff. Kotomi seems to have gotten so fed up with Kyou's criticism that she tries pulling out her best gag. Unfortunately, the others don't find any humor in what she's doing. It was really interesting seeing Kotomi get all super serious like that.
-The group has lunch, and they discuss what they do when there's no school. Kotomi just reads, Tomoya hangs out with Youhei (Tomoya should be with Nagisa instead), and Nagisa stays home (She should be with Tomoya). Kyou says they're at the peak of their youth and that they shouldn't be wasting it and all, but it turns out she doesn't do anything either. :sd: Kyou plans a group activity.
-The next day everyone goes off together to various places. Kotomi's birthday is coming up soon (Happy Birthday Kotomi!), and Kyou's trying to get a huge stuffed animal, but has constantly been failing at the task. The others don't have much confidence in getting the stuffed animal either, and so...
-As if to answer some call of desperation, Fuko appears! Huh!? The group doesn't remember her (obviously), but Tomoya recalls having had a few similar conversations with her in the past.
-Fuko claims she's the master of the crane game, and as such, she attempts to get the huge stuffed animal. She manages to win at the game, sort of. It seems her affinity to star(fish) has landed her a star plushy. :sd: She then disappears. This whole sequence was awesome.
-Tomoya walks Kotomi home after the group's day is over. Kotomi gives Tomoya a book as a gift for him to keep. The shady guy shows up again, and Kotomi and Tomoya hide off behind some bushes.
-Tomoya has a strange dream featuring two kids that look like him and Kotomi. There's also a rabbit and a deer. The bad man shows up and tries to put out a fire. I wonder if Tomoya and Kotomi knew each other when they were children, and if so, why has he forgotten?
-Tomoya really has been having weird dreams lately. Maybe he hasn't been sleeping enough? He does seem to sleep off a lot at school.
-Someone gets behind Tomoya and covers his eyes. It's Kotomi, and her boobs are pressing against his back. Lucky guy. I've kept forgetting to mention, but Kotomi has a nice rack. No school uniform can cover that up. This scene was kind of cute, with the way Kotomi was acting and all. However, Kyou put Kotomi up to the task.
-Nagisa shows up and asks Kyou if Ryou commutes to school on bus, and there was a bus accident, so it's possible something bad may have happened to Ryou. Kyou says that's not possible, since her twin senses weren't tingling.
-It turns out Ryou was fine, and that there was no one else on the bus aside from the driver. The other person that crashed with him looks familiar. Kyou really loves her sister, it's sweet.
-Kotomi freaks out at the crash site, and breaks down. It was rather sad seeing her like that, and the music made it more sad. As if wanting to avoid being punished, she says, "I'll be a good girl, so..." Tomoya seems concerned.
-Apparently a personal matter has been bothering Kotomi, and she left for home. Tomoya obtains her address, but is asked by the teacher to not force himself upon her. Then Tomoya and the girls go off to visit Kotomi, but no one is there. The house looks like it's been abandoned or neglected.
-Tomoya, bothered by what's been happening, goes off to try to visit Kotomi. In the process, the shady guy shows up. Apparently, the guy knew Kotomi's parents and Kotomi herself when she was little. The guy mentions Kotomi's situation being a personal matter.
-Kotomi's parents were great scientists, and they were the first to discover a hidden dimension, or rather, they were supposed to discover it (I wonder if it has anything to do with the robot and the girl?). He doesn't talk about anything else.
-The man tells Tomoya to give Kotomi a message, that they regret what has happened and they don't expect to be forgiven.
-Tomoya goes around the back of the house, and a shadow butterfly appears. Tomoya recalls another forgotten memory. He then enters Kotomi's house, and along the way more shadow figures appear, like a rabbit and a deer. Then logically, Tomoya appears behind Kotomi after opening the door to her room.
-Kotomi is all alone and depressed in her room, which looks very different from normal rooms. A piece of a newspaper falls down, confirming that Kotomi's parents are dead. =(
-Tomoya has another flashback, featuring some people along with a shadow of a boy and a girl who looks like Kotomi. It seems Tomoya and Kotomi knew each other when they were kids.

Things should be getting real interesting. I find myself hoping for a Tomoya x Kotomi pairing, but I supposed it's hopeless. :sweat: Kotomi has really grown on me.

Classical

05-22-2009, 04:04 PM

-Tomoya is back to search for members for the Drama Club, and goes off to meet Miss Ichinose. Before that though, he gets Youhei to go meet her. Ah Youhei, he's so gullible and will easily attach himself to any girl.
Sunohara is just so loyal to Nagisa.... Silly Sunohara. He's a bit of a thug too, if the bookshelves are any indication. As for his running off after the mystery girl, he should remember that all the cute, pure, smart, single girls are usually single for a reason. :sd:Kotomi seems to drag people to her own pace, but seeing her go at her own pace is rather interesting. Not to mention she seems to live off in her own world, like Youhei said.

...and the Drama Club pitch! come meet the Drama Club leader! She has something she wants to confess to y--oh, wait. Damn. Kotomi is sure worried about being bullied. Too bad she's so cute when she's fretting about bullies... I love Okazaki freaking out about the course of the conversation. She does seem to get along with Nagisa effortlessly.Nagisa is really easy to get along with, so it really helps that Kotomi talked to her. It would have been hilarious to see another confession but with Kotomi instead of Ryou. :sdsmiley:

Forget Kotomi, it's Ryou that's the crafty one! :sd: But Kotomi gains a friend! (Where's the 8-bit fanfare?)"Getting smartest girl in school to make a friend ~ Mastered." :sdsmiley:

Sunohara should know better. No kick counter this time. :( Ah yes, I noticed that the kick counter was not included this time. It's a shame.

My favorite part of this episode. The opening credit sequence had me convinced that Kotomi was some sort of sad violin virtuoso. And then... :cry: Funnier than hell, though.I guess intelligence can't make you good at everything. Maybe she'll get better with practice?

I love the episode previews. The one for episode ten...Nagisa the bully...
I had to go back and watch that one, but yeah, it was pretty evil of KyoAni making Nagisa look like a bully. :sdsmiley: I don't think I could picture her as one, she's just too nice.

EmperorBrandon

05-22-2009, 07:35 PM

For some reason, I forget how awesome this episode is, and I just watched it again a few months ago. (I guess giving the theme of Fuuko's arc and a part in this episode, that's kind of ironic now that I think about it :) ) But really... there's a lot I really like here in the ending of Fuuko arc. The bit near the beginning where Fuuko was trying to get Tomoya and Nagisa to call each other by first name is quite notable in my mind, and I liked how the "forgetting but then remembering again" thing was handled (Tomoya saying that he's the worst and Fuuko actually correcting him was great). It's interesting that Koumura-sensei, in his old age, is the one who seems to remember things there.

Ah, and the wedding... ah, it's absolutely beautiful. Even if she was never really "awake" the whole time, what Fuuko was really wishing for came true - to see it accomplished really added to the impact, and it was nice that she finally reached Kouko in a way. Tomoya has definitely started to show his emotional side a lot more now too.

EmperorBrandon

05-23-2009, 01:02 AM

Heh, Kotomi's adventures in making friends is pretty adorable. Like her hugging Tomoyo in bear suit and then Kyou being...er... close with her (it's amusing to see the look on Kotomi's face in that part).

-For specific reasons, I normally don't watch the next episode previews, but for some random reason I watched the ones for episode 11. It was really funny how Kotomi asking "Why?" was matched up with the comments for the next episode. Not to mention she kept asking so in a cute way.

Nandeyanen!

I suppose I should mention at this point that I've decided to stick to watching one episode of Clannad each day rather than two. The viewing format seems to have a lot of advantages for this show, and I do still plan taking a break over the weekend.

Probably will work out fine, and it will give some a chance to catch up (I burned through a few eps. today - up to 11, and it was good fun). I've really only got to ep. 14 on last rewatch. Anything ep. 15 and up I haven't seen since it first aired, so that's going to be interesting for me.

EmperorBrandon

05-23-2009, 01:14 AM

-As she opens the window and the wind carries cherry blossom petals into the room, Kotomi talks about some rather mysterious things. There's something enchanting about that little scene.

It has nice music, too. Anyone know the name of that piece of music?

Kotomi's feet are rather cute. :)

Anyway, this episode has some rather awesome moments. The dream is so incredibly weird...

Heh, and the violin concert is always hilarious - everyone's reactions are great, love Tomoyo beating up Sunohara in the middle of the chaos, Sanae and Akio doing their dramatic thing, and then the cat and Botan falling out next to each other. There certainly capture the destruction and chaos caused by Kotomi's ultimate weapon well.

Classical

05-24-2009, 05:02 PM

Heh, Kotomi's adventures in making friends is pretty adorable. Like her hugging Tomoyo in bear suit and then Kyou being...er... close with her (it's amusing to see the look on Kotomi's face in that part).I just love Kotomi's adventures in making friends. Her interactions with the others are all just so fun and cute to watch.

-For specific reasons, I normally don't watch the next episode previews, but for some random reason I watched the ones for episode 11. It was really funny how Kotomi asking "Why?" was matched up with the comments for the next episode. Not to mention she kept asking so in a cute way.
Nandeyanen!

I think that line of Kotomi's is easily one of my favorites. I just love when she says it.

Classical

05-24-2009, 05:19 PM

Kotomi's feet are rather cute. :)Ah yes, Kotomi's feet continue to fascinate me. I think I get disappointed every time she wears shoes. She should just walk barefoot everywhere, or at least wear sandals.

something

05-24-2009, 07:55 PM

Alright! Haruhi half-rewatch to sync up to the renewed airing and major currently airing show catch-up complete, so it's time to get seriously caught up on Clannad.

Episode 9:

- Hey another track not on the OST. KyoAni definitely seems to have gone outside the OST a good bit for the Fuuko episodes.
- Fuuko just can't resist that party set. I have to half agree with her when she says that, inside, she's the more mature one. It sounds absurd but the scene where she tells Nagisa and Tomoya to refer to each other by their given names illustrates it perfectly. As childish and silly as Fuuko acts on the outside, she's got her priorities straight on the inside. I've always liked Fuuko, but this scene above all others is why I love her so much. It's just impossible to overstate how much she's given to Nagisa and Tomoya by helping them grow closer and get to know each other better. And the kiss! The adorable little kisses she gives them after getting them to address each other more familiarly, and telling them she likes them both very much. It's... just wonderful. She really does seem to know what's going to happen to her, and come hell or high water she will do everything she can to make not just Kouko and Yuusuke's wedding a sucess, but also to repay the two people that have become to close and dear to her. There is so much love in her eyes when she watches over them with a smile on her face. She's just an amazing, beautiful, wonderful girl.
- Things really do wind down aterwards, and just like those burning candles, Fuuko knows her time is short. They all huddle together. The music here is fantastic (BGM: "Roaring Tide II"), and the way it builds up really hits me strongly. I listen to that one a lot at night, because it's so early on the disc and thus it always gets to play through before I fall asleep.
- And then Tomoya almost gets killed by Akio. How do you explain this one? :sd:
- Oh god, this scene! I've seen it multiple times but it still completely and utterly got me. With Koumura's help they remember the wedding... then Kouko... and then... When Nagisa suddenly remembers and says Fuuko's name and they turn and see Fuuko and BGM: "Shining in the Sky" hits its high point there was no way I could stop from tearing up. How utterly perfect. Particularly when you realize that Fuuko has been following them the entire time. She's been there all along. Seeing the two people she cares about most in the world other than her sister forget about her, and stuggle with their sudden feeling of confusion and loss. And she just stays there silently, blaming no one, bearing no ill will to no one. It's beautiful.
- And then the shot from behind of the three holding hands at the wedding. ;_;
- All the students show up (Heh! I never noticed Kotomi fretting nervously behind Mitsui before!), and everyone cheers the newlywed couple on, and then Fuuko thanks Nagisa and Tomoya. And disappears. ;_;

And the rest of it just... god I don't think I cried even half that much the first time I watched it. I'm attributing the difference to the music. I've listened to the Clannad OST very extensively since I bought it during After Story and become intimately familiar with many of the songs. The biggest change is my reaction to the insert song, "Ana". When I first watched this episode I kinda felt like the vaguely engrishy lyrics pulled me out of the scene a little. But I've heard the song dozens of times since and gotten used to it, so I didn't feel any disconnect this time. What an absolutely gorgeous episode of anime.

On a completely different note, the next episode preview this time has to be one of the best of the lot. I find the way they spliced the convresations together to be absolutely hilarious. "Ijimekko?" "Hai!" ::smile:: XD It's Kotomi time!

Best Nagisa moment: When she remembers Fuuko, and then gives her a big hug! ;_;
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - 0; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - 1; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - ; Total - 1014
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 3
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-Tomoya and Nagisa decide to stay together with Fuko at Hirakizaka High. Nagisa has told her parents that she was going to be away for the night so she won't get grounded later on.
I still find it odd that Akio and Sanae let their cute teenage daughter spend the night out (and where? where would they stay?) with a boy on the premise of hanging out with someone who they can't fully remember the existence of. :sd:

-Actually, I have to admit, the trio has guts staying at the school, what if they *did* get caught? Fuko probably got used to it but it must have really sucked being alone at school during the night.
Tomoya would be lucky to be with Nagisa in that case. She's a goody goody (rogue poster placement aside) and he'd probably get off a lot easier if she were there than if he were caught trespassing by himself.

-Youhei, Kyou, Nagisa, and Ryou talk about the rumors of a girl running around school, Fuko. It seems they've mostly forgotten, but there's a subtle memory of her within them all. They all know that Fuko's invitation is a starfish, they don't know how, but they just do.
The way they talk about Fuuko here is one of my favorite parts of the episode. I think what I like best is when Kyou says that Fuuko must have been cute, and then Youhei has a brief flash of memory and agrees.

Classical

05-24-2009, 09:12 PM

- I've always liked Fuuko, but this scene above all others is why I love her so much. It's just impossible to overstate how much she's given to Nagisa and Tomoya by helping them grow closer and get to know each other better. And the kiss! The adorable little kisses she gives them after getting them to address each other more familiarly, and telling them she likes them both very much. It's... just wonderful.I too thought those kisses were very sweet and they displayed just how much Fuko grew to care about Nagisa and Tomoya.

- Particularly when you realize that Fuuko has been following them the entire time. She's been there all along. Seeing the two people she cares about most in the world other than her sister forget about her, and stuggle with their sudden feeling of confusion and loss. And she just stays there silently, blaming no one, bearing no ill will to no one.The fact that she blamed no one and made it no big deal just made it sadder that Nagisa and Tomoya forgot about her.
- All the students show up (Heh! I never noticed Kotomi fretting nervously behind Mitsui before!)...I must have missed Kotomi. :sweat:

something

05-24-2009, 11:08 PM

I intended to get through a bunch of episodes in quick succession but after the emotional hit of 9 I needed to wind down a bit with some other stuff. I think I'm ready for some Kotomi now though! =D

Episode 10:

- Back to the Illusionary World. This time the girl speaks! I believe this is the first time she's done so. To her, this world is not strange. She's been here all along. But to the robot, the lights in the sky are strange. What are they? And what are these memories he knows he has but can't quite dig up?
- Nagisa is waiting for Tomoya! And he's calling her Nagisa now. <3 Though she can't yet call him Tomoya. And in comes Kyou to stick her nose into it. She doesn't look entirely pleased.
- Recruiting Kotomi! Heh she looks up with such a cute smile when Tomoya calls her Kotomi-chan.
- Nagisa and Kotomi conversation = much much win! Kotomi likes the dango daikazoku!
- Heh, Kotomi changes subjects on a dime, with no warning at all nor heed for the person she's talking to. :sd:
- Smart one Tomoya, have Kotomi meet with Kyou, of all people. Not exactly the warmest, easiest to approach person around. =P
- NANDEYANEN! Noto Mamiko Kansai-ben! YES!
- Ah, Ryou, that's a much better choice Tomoya. ...Although it doesn't seem so at first with that fortune. :sd:
- Tomoyo next! It's so... weird... that she doesn't speak a word. When I first saw this I half expected someone completely different to be in the suit, a la that scene from Azumanga. And oh god, Kotomi hugging bear-suit Kotomi = LOOOOOVE.
- "Rezombie!" XD
- Next is the lunch lady!
- SYMMETRICAL DOCKINGGGG!!!!!!!! Kotomi is about to burst into tears but Kyou hugging Kotomi makes for such a glorious image.
- Even if she's just doing it to try and mooch food or karaoke off Tomoya. ...Or rather, to create an opportunity for Ryou to be with Nagisa! Er, I mean to be with Tomoya! Or maybe Kotomi! (...I still think she's bi) So that explains the "rivals" comment.
- I think Nagisa should scrap the theater club and start a manzai comedy club.
- "A strange group has formed." Nagisa/Ryou/Kotomi team FTW!!
- Oh no. It's time for... THE VIOLIN. Rie is playing Kanon =P
- ...and so starts Kotomi's reign of sonic terror.

Oh and some very ominous looking man.

Nandeyanen!

Best Nagisa moment: Waiting to walk to school with Tomoya and then getting flustered with Kyou asks if they're going out.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - ; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - ; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1014. Oddly, we got a kick but it didn't count.
Number of lights on title screen: 2
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 1; Total - 4
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-For specific reasons, I normally don't watch the next episode previews, but for some random reason I watched the ones for episode 11. It was really funny how Kotomi asking "Why?" was matched up with the comments for the next episode. Not to mention she kept asking so in a cute way.
They're all safe in Clannad from what I can remember. Not only that, they're often fairly hilarious.

I suppose I should mention at this point that I've decided to stick to watching one episode of Clannad each day rather than two. The viewing format seems to have a lot of advantages for this show, and I do still plan taking a break over the weekend.
Sounds like a good idea, it's a lot easier for everyone to keep up that way. I can see in threaded mode how the bulk of replies has been sort of trailing a few eps behind the newest posts like a flowing wave. At least I know I should be able to keep more current at 5 eps a week, once I finish catching up to where you are now. ...Which I should have done by now since it's midnight. Time to step up my pace.

something

05-24-2009, 11:20 PM

...and the Drama Club pitch! come meet the Drama Club leader! She has something she wants to confess to y--oh, wait. Damn. Kotomi is sure worried about being bullied. Too bad she's so cute when she's fretting about bullies... I love Okazaki freaking out about the course of the conversation. She does seem to get along with Nagisa effortlessly.
I think it's not getting along with Nagisa that would take effort. Or at least disliking her would. Unless you badmouth the Dango Daikazoku, in which case you're dead meat.

But it's really important here to stop and look at how much Nagisa has changed already. At the start of the show she was barely able to go to school at all, let alone take any initiative to make friends. She was shy, slow, constantly worried, unable to communicate with her classmates. Now look where she's come in so short a time. She's grown very close to a supposed "delinquent" like Tomoya, and more surprisingly, Youhei. She's acted as Fuuko's most intimate source of emotional support. She's gotten on fairly friendly terms with Kyou and Ryou and can talk with them openly. And now she hits things off immediately with Kotomi, a complete (and somewhat odd) stranger.

So many people immediately labeled Nagisa as a boring, weak, helpless sick girl heroine and then never saw any of this growth, and that's really a shame. I find watching her changes to be absolutely fascinating and even more than that, hugely rewarding. What a different person she's become in such a short time, while still keeping true to her core personality as a caring, sensitive person. Now that's how you do character development.

My favorite part of this episode. The opening credit sequence had me convinced that Kotomi was some sort of sad violin virtuoso. And then... :cry: Funnier than hell, though.
She seems to be hearing something completely different from everyone else. :sd:

EmperorBrandon

05-25-2009, 12:00 AM

-Someone gets behind Tomoya and covers his eyes. It's Kotomi, and her boobs are pressing against his back. Lucky guy. I've kept forgetting to mention, but Kotomi has a nice rack. No school uniform can cover that up. This scene was kind of cute, with the way Kotomi was acting and all. However, Kyou put Kotomi up to the task.

Kotomi is the bustiest out of the main girls. And I love how Kyou set that up. Rather adorable. :)

Kyou says that's not possible, since her twin senses weren't tingling.

Is that a widely held superstition (to say in this case, in Japan)? That one twin can sense if another is in danger?

The other person that crashed with him looks familiar.

Heh, I think this is the first time that I noticed, that the guy in the car was the same guy that had a cat fall on his car in an earlier episode. He really seems to have some bad luck. :P

Dack Ralter

05-25-2009, 01:02 AM

Episode 11: "Afterschool Rhapsody."

-Kotomi goes acting all cute while saying "Bonjour." Kyou freaks out. It's all thanks to the music club people that everyone gets to hear Kotomi's beautiful music. Poor Kotomi, she gets tackled trying to play the violin again. She looked so sad. =(
Kotomi is just too damn cute. "Bonjour..." :beatingheart::beatingheart::beatingheart: Kyou wasn't really trying to take her out, she was just trying to...Never mind.

-Kotomi tries to practice her retorts on Tomoya and the others, but doesn't do such a good job. Kyou had her doing that so she wouldn't go off playing the violin. She's evil.
Nah, she's just pragmatic. Might as well kill two birds with one stone, right? I love Kotomi's little hip shake... Her voice is so good too. The nice, slow pace is a nice contrast to most of the helium speakers (not in Clannad, mind, but elsewhere).

-Drama Club props. There's a magical girl wand, reminds me of Cardcaptor Sakura. She then starts chanting off some magic spell off in Japanese, I think. It definitely doesn't sound like Latin.
She's saying it so seriously, like she's expecting something to happen. :sd:

-Magical Girl Kyou-chan! It's so not happening! :P Kyou is offended by Tomoya.
Hilarious! She's got the red eyes, boy! Run for yer life! Kyou's kind of asking for it by phrasing it that way, though. Considering the apparent dynamic, it's weird to see how well Kyou and Okazaki get along as compared to him and Ryou.

-Nagisa and Ryou, perhaps rather ignorantly, told Kotomi she was better at playing the violin. That wasn't a very smart thing to do now, was it?
I say it was an alternative objective. They noticed Kyou and Okazaki getting all chummy in the corner and opted for a surprise attack.

-Kotomi enjoys "playing" the violin, and she's sad that she's going to have to say bye to it eventually, so Kyou is going to have her play in front of a group of people. I feel bad for the audience already.
Playing the violin is not allowed! :P

-Kyou stays with Tomoya so Kotomi isn't hanging out with her so much. Kotomi plays the violin yet again, and poor Nagisa and Ryou are cowering in fear. I don't know whether to laugh, or feel bad for them.
Why not do both? They're so cute, all huddled up like that. I wonder if "damage incurred by genius students" is covered in the school bylaws. As for Kyou and Okazaki, Kyou does make a pretty good observation, even if it might be motivated by other things. For all of her current social growth, Kotomi is very attached to Okazaki.

-Kyou has a nice little chat with Tomoya about whether he'd date a girl who didn't care if he was a delinquent. I sense something deeper going on here.
Is it for the obvious reasons, or for others? I already feel sorry for Kyou. I do wonder why Okazaki doesn't ponder more about her sudden relationship question. That, and poor Sunohara gets shot down even though he's not around. :sd:

-Tomoya wakes up to a depressing Sunday morning that isn't beautiful to him, even if it will be to most other people. I feel bad for the guy.
A very depressing home life. I'd spend all of my time out of the house too. Does his father work a steady job? I know it's Sunday for this episode, but how does he afford to drown his sorrows?

-Kotomi thought about reading together with Tomoya, but Tomoya doesn't think it's going to be fun. However, he has her read to him instead. Listening to her voice would definitely be very appealing to me.
The longer I watch her, the more her voice is making the character for me. Noto Makimo's performance is my favorite so far.

-It's the day of the concert. Some people were duped into coming, others were threatened by Kyou. She's a shady person. Silly Youhei, you don't know what's coming to you.
-Misae Sagara (so that's her last name) was apparently a famous Student Council President at Hikarizaka, and Tomoyo wants some tips from her because she's aspiring to be one too. It's interesting to find out that it is what Tomoyo wants to do.
-Kotomi's become proficient at playing, so maybe there's nothing to worry about?
-I guess I was wrong. One after another, casualties ensue. First it's Youhei (who, amusingly enough, gets kicked by Tomoyo again, but why?), then it's Botan and Mr. Cat, and then it's Sanae (Love is so tragic).
Sunohara fell for it again, so he deserves it. As for Kyou, as I said, she's pragmatic. Maybe the same principle as killing one man to keep the other ten in line, writ large. :sd: Charging for the earplugs was a bit much, though. It's Sanae's turn to stare down death, this time. Maybe her parents really are the reason Nagisa is interested in the Drama Club... I do feel sorry for the cat and Botan, though. It's strange to see Tomoyo interested in something other than maintaining order or kicking Sunohara's ass (at least until she does).

Dack Ralter

05-25-2009, 01:17 AM

So many people immediately labeled Nagisa as a boring, weak, helpless sick girl heroine and then never saw any of this growth, and that's really a shame. I find watching her changes to be absolutely fascinating and even more than that, hugely rewarding. What a different person she's become in such a short time, while still keeping true to her core personality as a caring, sensitive person. Now that's how you do character development.
I agree entirely (although I've only seen up to the end of Kotomi's arc, so maybe she'll still turn into a bully for all I know =P). Nagisa has come around completely from her introduction. I started wondering what sort of character she was after her little monologue to Okazaki, when he came to her house in the night. There are so many romances/romantic subplots killed by insisting on having a weak willed pushover as a main character (not that that sort of character isn't occasionally interesting, but a little too common). That, Nagisa ain't.

something

05-25-2009, 01:33 AM

Episode 11:

- Konnichiwa. Gokigenyou? Bo~n~jo~u~r? Bwahaha, Kotomi is the perfect foe for Kyou. Kyou can't use her force on her, and Kotomi's mind works on a completely different plane so there's no angle of attack there either.
- Although Kyou does tackle her. :sd: Gotta feel kinda bad for Kotomi, to her ears it sounds quite nice, but everyone keeps telling her it's deadly.
- "Tomoya-kun jya aaaaaaarimasen ka?" XD Nagisa returns it with this fantastic smile on her face and I melt.
- Magic wand... and that means... Noto Mamiko calls down the elder gods! (And damn, I wanted to watch more quickly but I just got sidetracked reading Lovecraftian articles on Wikipedia for the stuff Kotomi is referencing. :sd: )
- Also, MAHOU SHOUJO KYOU-CHAN!! I'm surprised Tomoya got away with that without bodily harm.
- Ryou and Nagisa are brave. They agree to go practice with Kotomi. Seeing them huddle together in terror is hilarious.
- Kyou wasn't very subtle when she asks Tomoya about if he's go out with a girl, but Tomoya seems to have let her off the hook with a joke.
- lol, Kotomi's explanation of her pun is much more "advanced" than the pun itself. :sd:
- Ohhh the apple pie scene. God damn the bit where she walks to the window and opens it is gorgeous. And there they go with her feet again.
- Heh, Tomoya totally got his hopes up for hot sexxin' in the library.
- ...And I still have no words for this dream.
- "I have a history of putting up recruitment posters and getting yelled at." Bwhahah, what a bizarre reputation to have.
- The whole recital thing is just bizarre. But it's awesome to see so many of the characters together. Also: AHAHAH NAGISA WITH CASTANETS! Duet with Yui, NOW!
- So, yeah, first song doesn't go over well. :sd: From the way they talk though, it seems like she did well after she calmed down. It's something of a shame that we didn't get to hear her play normally.
- Ohh! This scene! I've gone on at length multiple times before about how much I love this scene. Keeping it shorter this time, all I have to say is that it exemplifies the idea that Clannad is about much more than one boy interacting with a series of girls in some isolated fashion. First Nagisa puts herself in harm's way to literally hold the man back despite him having at least a foot and a half on her, Ryou steps in front of Kotomi to shield her, Tomoya jumps in and pushes the man back from Nagisa, and Kyou gets up in his face and basically tells him he's going to need to go through her first. God damn yes, they all come flying to her aid and I just LOVE it. Especially Nagisa's role. Who would have thought in episode one that Nagisa would be able to do that?

Best Nagisa moment: Nagisa wrestles a dangerous looking man!
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - ; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - ; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1014. More kicks but no counter. I'm trying to remember if the counter joke is done now - I think it is, but I'm not sure.
Number of lights on title screen: 2
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 4
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-This next part was just bizarre. What the heck happened? I think it might have been all a dream. Actually, checking back on it, it was.
Would be pretty disturbing if it wasn't. :sd:

something

05-25-2009, 01:44 AM

-As she opens the window and the wind carries cherry blossom petals into the room, Kotomi talks about some rather mysterious things. There's something enchanting about that little scene.It has nice music, too. Anyone know the name of that piece of music?
Another one not on the OST. I'd like to pick up some of the other CDs, but the OST has to be by far the most bang for the buck. There is an insane amount of music on it, like three and a half hours, and I only paid about $43 for it all told. Some of the others are going to be harder to find. And heck, some like Mabinogi were never sold individually. Granted there are ways to get around that, but that's still kind of a shame. I'm not sure what of the remaining CDs would be worth the cost, since a modest number of good track would be spread across the five or so other discs for the original visual novel besides the OST.

Dack Ralter

05-25-2009, 01:50 AM

Episode 11:

- Magic wand... and that means... Noto Mamiko calls down the elder gods! (And damn, I wanted to watch more quickly but I just got sidetracked reading Lovecraftian articles on Wikipedia for the stuff Kotomi is referencing. :sd: )
Ah, that explains that. Going from Clannad to Lovecraft (or the other way around, for that matter)? I think I'd need some aspirin...

- lol, Kotomi's explanation of her pun is much more "advanced" than the pun itself. :sd:
I knew I'd forgotten something about that exchange. :sd: I love her academic dissection of it.

- Ohhh the apple pie scene. God damn the bit where she walks to the window and opens it is gorgeous. And there they go with her feet again.
It does seem like it's on purpose.... How odd.

- Heh, Tomoya totally got his hopes up for hot sexxin' in the library.
He still should have seen it coming. Only Kotomi would consider it embarassing to read with a guy...

- ...And I still have no words for this dream.
Since all forms of rational analysis I've applied have failed spectacularly, I'm only going to make the standard lame observation about creepy butterflies and wonder just what the fumes from Sanae's bread have been doing to Okazaki.

Nagisa really did just jump in there, didn't she. I hadn't really thought to notice, although I was caught up in how the group as a unit performed. They all came to help Kotomi right away. I like how Kyou took the lead (in a firm but reasonable manner, no less).

EmperorBrandon

05-25-2009, 02:11 AM

Since all forms of rational analysis I've applied have failed spectacularly, I'm only going to make the standard lame observation about creepy butterflies and wonder just what the fumes from Sanae's bread have been doing to Okazaki.

Heh, I was thinking about the butterflies, is there some sort of Japanese cultural connection with dreams and butterflies? I remember there was a connection in the Cardcaptor Sakura dream episode.

Hmm... not sure if ancient Chinese philosophers relate here, but I remembered something (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhuangzi#The_butterfly_dream) I had studied in a religious studies class before. Maybe that's it.

05-25-2009, 02:15 AM

It has nice music, too. Anyone know the name of that piece of music?

Since nobody else answered I'll step in for this one too. ;) This too is from Maginogi. As something noted they step outside the game OST on occasion (moreso than I originally realized after I got the OST myself and became more familiar with them all), and when they do it's a pretty safe bet that it either came from Mabinogi or the Memento remix album. They used the former more in Clannad and the latter a bit more often in After Story I'd say.

I assume you're referring to the choral music that appears for a few seconds as the sakura blow into the window right EB? Believe it or not that is actually the Mabinogi remix version of Distant Years. It doesn't begin to sound like the original song until it's a few minutes in. The remix track is titled A New Life Reborn for the record, and it's a beautiful song from beginning to end.

EmperorBrandon

05-25-2009, 02:21 AM

Since nobody else answered I'll step in for this one too. ;) This too is from Maginogi. As something noted they step outside the game OST on occasion (moreso than I originally realized after I got the OST myself and became more familiar with them all), and when they do it's a pretty safe bet that it either came from Mabinogi or the Memento remix album. They used the former more in Clannad and the latter a bit more often in After Story I'd say.

I assume you're referring to the choral music that appears for a few seconds as the sakura blow into the window right EB? Believe it or not that is actually the Mabinogi remix version of Distant Years. It doesn't begin to sound like the original song until it's a few minutes in. The remix track is titled A New Life Reborn for the record, and it's a beautiful song from beginning to end.

It's rather interesting that all three pieces of music I specifically asked about ended up being ones on that remix album. It definitely seems to be kind of a shame knowing (from yours and Draneor's previous posts) that it was never released separately.

05-25-2009, 02:22 AM

Another one not on the OST. I'd like to pick up some of the other CDs, but the OST has to be by far the most bang for the buck. There is an insane amount of music on it, like three and a half hours, and I only paid about $43 for it all told. Some of the others are going to be harder to find. And heck, some like Mabinogi were never sold individually. Granted there are ways to get around that, but that's still kind of a shame. I'm not sure what of the remaining CDs would be worth the cost, since a modest number of good track would be spread across the five or so other discs for the original visual novel besides the OST.

I went on an quest to find a used copy of Mabinogi which ended in failure. I suspect you need to be living in Japan to have any shot at all of getting it now, like from a used CD store. We both have the OST and the Toki wo Kizamu Uta/Torch single. The only other disc that is probably worth it is Memento, but I think Mabinogi is way better. Sorarado and Sorarado Append are both Image albums if that sort of thing is up anybody's alley, but I wasn't that impressed with either one.

I'm running out of ways to get my Jun Maeda music fix sadly. I broke down and got the Little Busters! OST already just like I did with the Tomoyo After OST because I was craving something new from him. One of the "unused tracks" (the last one specifically) on the Little Busters! OST is a huge gem that I believe was left there on purpose by Maeda for the fans. Once you hear it you understand why I think that and why it was never used in the game. It was worth the $45 I paid for the set just to hear that one song. :)

Aye, I guess that'll be enough of my music rambling since it's getting off topic now.....

05-25-2009, 02:26 AM

It's rather interesting that all three pieces of music I specifically asked about ended up being ones on that remix album. It definitely seems to be kind of a shame knowing (from yours and Draneor's previous posts) that it was never released separately.

Because the album cannot be bought (and actually never could be) I think one can get this the "other" way without feeling guilty. You really should hear some of these tracks you've been asking about in their entirety. Particularly the one just asked about. I usually prefer the original version of a song to its remixes but Mabinogi really builds upon a few of the best pieces from Clannad in a positive way. If you hear the entire song you'll realize it sounds familiar from somewhere else too btw. ;)

something

05-25-2009, 02:30 AM

It's rather interesting that all three pieces of music I specifically asked about ended up being ones on that remix album. It definitely seems to be kind of a shame knowing (from yours and Draneor's previous posts) that it was never released separately.Because the album cannot be bought (and actually never could be) I think one can get this the "other" way without feeling guilty. You really should hear some of these tracks you've been asking about in their entirety. Particularly the one just asked about. I usually prefer the original version of a song to its remixes but Mabinogi really builds upon a few of the best pieces from Clannad in a positive way. If you hear the entire song you'll realize it sounds familiar from somewhere else too btw. ;)
Heh, I was just coming back to answer his question after, uh, procuring this myself.

I see Memento is on Amazon so I might order that through my friend if a quick listen-through impresses me at all. Same with checking Sorarado/Sorarado Append and seeing if they're worth picking up as well.

something

05-25-2009, 02:34 AM

I went on an quest to find a used copy of Mabinogi which ended in failure. I suspect you need to be living in Japan to have any shot at all of getting it now, like from a used CD store. We both have the OST and the Toki wo Kizamu Uta/Torch single. The only other disc that is probably worth it is Memento, but I think Mabinogi is way better. Sorarado and Sorarado Append are both Image albums if that sort of thing is up anybody's alley, but I wasn't that impressed with either one.
Sorarado apparently has "Shoujo no Gensou" (listening right now) which is reason enough for me to pick up that particular CD. I love the ZTS Remix on the Mag Mell/Dango Daikazoku OP/ED CD.

And if I'm gonna get that I might as well go ahead and get Memento and Sorarado Append... now to pester my friend to put in an order when she wakes up. :sd:

05-25-2009, 02:40 AM

Sorarado apparently has "Shoujo no Gensou" (listening right now) which is reason enough for me to pick up that particular CD. I love the ZTS Remix on the Mag Mell/Dango Daikazoku OP/ED CD.

And if I'm gonna get that I might as well go ahead and get Memento and Sorarado Append... now to pester my friend to put in an order when she wakes up. :sd:

I tend to prefer the instrumental tracks over vocal ones. I think you'll probably like the image albums better than I did.

There is a CD full of vocal tracks that are all written and composed by Jun Maeda (and performed by familiar names such as Lia) which aren't associated with any game or series. The disc is called Love Song and I ordered it blind just the other day because I was fascinated by the possibilities it may hold. You might want to look into that one too.

something

05-25-2009, 03:06 AM

I tend to prefer the instrumental tracks over vocal ones. I think you'll probably like the image albums better than I did.
Yeah, I tend to value a CD more if there's a fair number of vocal tracks, which is why I like the GITS:SAC OSTs so much. Listening to Sorarado Append, it seems to have the insert song that played during the "party" scene in episode 9 for Fuuko - "Kaze no Shoujo". I'm definitely liking both of these Sorarado discs a lot.

But now it's 4am and I haven't watched ep 12 yet. Damnit. :sd:

Draneor

05-25-2009, 03:13 AM

Because the album cannot be bought (and actually never could be) I think one can get this the "other" way without feeling guilty.

I managed to acquire it. Because it's not as common as the others, it make take a bit more effort and a good deal of luck but it's possible.

I'm running out of ways to get my Jun Maeda music fix sadly. I broke down and got the Little Busters! OST already just like I did with the Tomoyo After OST because I was craving something new from him.

At Anime Central, Kinokuniya had so many copies of Key Sounds (and Mosiac.wav) CDs. I picked up the Clannad OST, the Little Busters EX! OST, Piano no Mori, the Tomoya After OST and Torch (along with two Mosiac.Wav CDs--I like my doku denpa). They also had CDs I already had, like the Little Busters! and Kanon OSTs. I was pretty amazed how much they had, as I wasn't expecting it at all. So if you make it to a convention this year, it's worth it. They might also do online sales. Anything is better than paying Himeya's insane shipping.

The only other disc that is probably worth it is Memento, but I think Mabinogi is way better.

There is also "Natsukage" (http://vgmdb.net/album/284) which, while technically an image single for Air, does have the first picture of Nagisa published by Key, long before the game was announced.

The only other disc that is probably worth it is Memento, but I think Mabinogi is way better.

Memento was a bit too hard on the techo remixes for me, personally.

Listening to Sorarado Append, it seems to have the insert song that played during the "party" scene in episode 9 for Fuuko - "Kaze no Shoujo".

My personal favorite is "Over." "Shoujo no Gensou" is another good one that is also briefly used in the anime.

Draneor

05-25-2009, 03:33 AM

As something noted they step outside the game OST on occasion (moreso than I originally realized after I got the OST myself and became more familiar with them all), and when they do it's a pretty safe bet that it either came from Mabinogi or the Memento remix album.

For the record, KyoAni also used music from multiple CDs for Kanon, such as Anemoscope and Recollections.

something

05-25-2009, 04:52 AM

Episode 12:

- Nishina Rie! <3 It's a bit odd that Kotomi launches into her introduction just now, but nonetheless she's really grown by leaps and bounds in these few episodes. Just seeing her get along with friends in her class makes me so happy.
- Ahahah Kyou (wtf I typed "Kyon" initially) is epic here. Hirohashi Ryou FTW! TSUKKOMI EVERYWHERE, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! But my favorite part of the scene is seeing just how goddarn photogenic (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-12DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H-1.png) Nagisa and Ryou are together. I'm going to go ahead and say that no two Clannad characters look better together in a frame than these two. They balance each other out absolutely beautifully. Gah, so perfect! Really, there's just no possible way (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-04DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H-1.png) I can argue against all this evidence (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-04DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H264.png). Doesn't hurt to have a Kotomi (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-12DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H264.png) in between them either.
- Kotomi is hilariously serious about this. XD
- Tomoya you bastard~! A weekend out with four unspeakably gorgeous girls in their wonderful casual clothes. And he's got them all to himself.
- More cuteness! (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-12DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H-2.png) Gah, Ryou x Nagisa grows more perfect every scene.
- Hah, now there's a familiar looking anteater.
- ...And a familiar looking girl. "FUUKO, SANJOU!" Bwhahaha. I'd forgotten this appearance was so soon after her arc. And she's so gloriously Fuuko-like, from her hilarious entrance animation to the nonchalant way she tells Nagisa not to worry about trying to remember anything. And then gives up when the starfish catches her attention. :sd:
- Jeeze, could the "bad guy" possibly be more awkwardly creepy in approaching Kotomi? "Yeah I'll just stroll up to you in the dark with a hat and trenchcoat and frickin sunglasses, no worries, I'm totally not going to hurt you!" >_>
- And talk about another weird dream.
- Ahaha, that should totally be Kotomi's nickname from now on. Munegasawatteru Munega-san! I'm not sure what to call the sound effect made when her breasts pressed against his back. :sd:
- How quickly things turn upside-down, though. I don't even know what to say about this part. Noto Mamiko delivers a chillingly perfect performance as a broken and shattered Kotomi and it just gives me chills and makes me tear up. Almost as moving afterward is seeing how everyone - not just Tomoya, but Nagisa, Ryou and Kyou as well - is terribly concerned about her and tries to go visit her. (On a lighter note, lol at who the driver who got into the accident is :sd: )
- Then we find out that the bad man might not be so bad, assuming we believe him. He also has some other very interesting things to say about the Ichinoses' research. Other worlds eh?
- Oooh, that image of Kotomi all alone in that room washed in red-orange light with clippings all over the walls is haunting.
- And so it seems Tomoya used to know her when he was young, but seems to have forgotten...

Yeah, it looks to be one of those plots. =P But that's okay, because Clannad can, and does, do anything and everything well. This episode being no exception at all.

Best Nagisa moment: Tempted to go with all the glorious Nagisa x Ryou shots but instead I'll go with her reaction to the whole accident issue.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - ; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - ; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - 0; Total - 1014. I'm going to retire this one for now unless we get more.
Number of lights on title screen: 2
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 4
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

I should have started a Kotomi-related counter but there's nothing that really happens often enough. Well, self-introductions could have worked. Maybe violin casualties... nah too hard to count reliably and too late to start now anyway.

-Kotomi hasn't been going to the library much lately, and she's managed to make some more friends. In fact, she's been helping some people out with their homework. She seems really happy, which is nice.
Genius girl who is given special treatment to skip class all the time and suffers, despite her improvement, from a significant degree of social awkwardness suddenly shows back up in class and is welcomed with open arms by classmates!? Are we still watching anime? This never happens. :sd: Jeeze, too bad things weren't that easy for Nagisa.

-As if to answer some call of desperation, Fuko appears! Huh!?
Haha, "Huh!?" was basically everyone's reaction when this first aired. :sd:

-Someone gets behind Tomoya and covers his eyes. It's Kotomi, and her boobs are pressing against his back. Lucky guy. I've kept forgetting to mention, but Kotomi has a nice rack. No school uniform can cover that up.
Kotomi is the reigning queen in that respect, at least among the highschoolers. Pretty sure she'd have to admit defeat to Sanae or Misae though.

Fencedude

05-25-2009, 05:04 AM

Kotomi is the reigning queen in that respect, at least among the highschoolers. Pretty sure she'd have to admit defeat to Sanae or Misae though.

I dunno, I think she beats Sanae. Misae is iffy though.

I don't know if I've ever seen three sizes for any but the main 5.

Edit: And regardless, Kotomi clearly wins in voluptuousness.

Dack Ralter

05-25-2009, 06:01 AM

Episode 12: "Hidden World."

-Kotomi hasn't been going to the library much lately, and she's managed to make some more friends. In fact, she's been helping some people out with their homework. She seems really happy, which is nice.
Okazaki and co. have pulled her out of her shell, thankfully.

-Kyou goes all out at Kotomi about retorts and gag lines and stuff. Kotomi seems to have gotten so fed up with Kyou's criticism that she tries pulling out her best gag. Unfortunately, the others don't find any humor in what she's doing. It was really interesting seeing Kotomi get all super serious like that.
When did Sakuya from Hayate get here? :P Nagisa and Ryou flinch at the nandeyanen.... I don't get Kotomi's joke, but I love her red face and chortling.

-The group has lunch, and they discuss what they do when there's no school. Kotomi just reads, Tomoya hangs out with Youhei (Tomoya should be with Nagisa instead), and Nagisa stays home (She should be with Tomoya). Kyou says they're at the peak of their youth and that they shouldn't be wasting it and all, but it turns out she doesn't do anything either. :sd: Kyou plans a group activity.
Well, I'd say any combination of this groups components would be nice, but yes, Nagisa and Okazaki should spend more time together! They compliment each other nicely (although I would expect Okazaki to spend more time wandering around town just so he didn't have to be at home).

-The next day everyone goes off together to various places. Kotomi's birthday is coming up soon (Happy Birthday Kotomi!), and Kyou's trying to get a huge stuffed animal, but has constantly been failing at the task. The others don't have much confidence in getting the stuffed animal either, and so...
-As if to answer some call of desperation, Fuko appears! Huh!? The group doesn't remember her (obviously), but Tomoya recalls having had a few similar conversations with her in the past.
-Fuko claims she's the master of the crane game, and as such, she attempts to get the huge stuffed animal. She manages to win at the game, sort of. It seems her affinity to star(fish) has landed her a star plushy. :sd: She then disappears. This whole sequence was awesome.
Now where have I seen that stuffed animal before? Ah yes, a serious WTF moment that tells us we're (hopefully?) not done with Fuko yet. And she just grabs the star and runs! The casual clothes! I like the school uniforms (although it took some time to warm up to the color combination), but this is a very welcome change of pace. I wonder what was going on while they were eating, though. Nagisa and Ryou looking all embarrassed...

-Someone gets behind Tomoya and covers his eyes. It's Kotomi, and her boobs are pressing against his back. Lucky guy. I've kept forgetting to mention, but Kotomi has a nice rack. No school uniform can cover that up. This scene was kind of cute, with the way Kotomi was acting and all. However, Kyou put Kotomi up to the task.
Kotomi is stacked all right, although all the girls seem to do okay, depending on what they're wearing. Kotomi didn't think about it until it was too late, though.

-Nagisa shows up and asks Kyou if Ryou commutes to school on bus, and there was a bus accident, so it's possible something bad may have happened to Ryou. Kyou says that's not possible, since her twin senses weren't tingling.
-It turns out Ryou was fine, and that there was no one else on the bus aside from the driver. The other person that crashed with him looks familiar. Kyou really loves her sister, it's sweet.
I hadn't noticed that the guy at the crash site was somebody we'd seen before...somebody ought to take him off the streets. This is as good a time as any to comment about the lack of cell phones (or other common hand-held technologies) in this or any of the Key adaptations. I like it, mind you, but in situations like this it seems odd to have Nagisa running up huffing and puffing to tell the others about the crash.

-Kotomi freaks out at the crash site, and breaks down. It was rather sad seeing her like that, and the music made it more sad. As if wanting to avoid being punished, she says, "I'll be a good girl, so..." Tomoya seems concerned.
It was shocking to me to see Kotomi like that. It was actually really disturbing. After she had come so far...

-Tomoya, bothered by what's been happening, goes off to try to visit Kotomi. In the process, the shady guy shows up. Apparently, the guy knew Kotomi's parents and Kotomi herself when she was little. The guy mentions Kotomi's situation being a personal matter.
Nothing ominous about black butterflies at all. Nope. "I guess my behavior is bound to arouse suspicion." Ya think? Sneaking around in a trenchcoat and sunglasses in the middle of the day, walking up behind young couples at night, accosting violinists in the middle of the street... I'm guessing Kotomi's parents really were the brains of the operation.

-Kotomi's parents were great scientists, and they were the first to discover a hidden dimension, or rather, they were supposed to discover it (I wonder if it has anything to do with the robot and the girl?). He doesn't talk about anything else.
What he tells Okazaki has all the trappings of string theory about it, but they keep it suitably vague. It's probably not important, but they might mean a variety of things by it.

-Kotomi is all alone and depressed in her room, which looks very different from normal rooms. A piece of a newspaper falls down, confirming that Kotomi's parents are dead. =(
-Tomoya has another flashback, featuring some people along with a shadow of a boy and a girl who looks like Kotomi. It seems Tomoya and Kotomi knew each other when they were kids.
So there really was a childhood friend.... :sd: It does explain a lot of Kotomi's reactions to Okazaki. In the meanwhile, I feel really sad just watching Kotomi sitting by herself....

something

05-25-2009, 06:43 AM

What he tells Okazaki has all the trappings of string theory about it, but they keep it suitably vague. It's probably not important, but they might mean a variety of things by it.
Yeah, they even mention Calabi-Yau manifolds in the article that flutters down in front of Tomoya's eyes, although... ::switches over to check the DVDs:: ADV didn't translate that part. All that heavy hardcore mathematics and physics Kotomi has been reading all series seems to have something to do with her parents.

Classical

05-25-2009, 03:44 PM

Episode 13: "A Garden of Memories."

-As Tomoya suspected, it turns out Kotomi knew him from when they were little. However, it seems that Tomoya forgot about Kotomi when they were kids for some strange reason. Kotomi knew about Tomoya and their past when she met him yet again at their high school, but she never said anything because Tomoya didn't seem to remember her. Poor Kotomi was conflicted between reminding him about their shared past and just not having him remember at all. I get a sense from this scene that Kotomi really cared about Tomoya a lot, and that she really grew to like him more even though he didn't remember who she was.
-Kotomi recollects her past memories of her parents, and the origins of her name and the meaning behind it. Watching this scene, it was just so touching to see that Kotomi's parents really cared for her and loved her a lot, and she loved them a lot back.
-Interestingly enough, when she was a child, Kotomi practiced playing the violin. I guess that's where her love for the violin arose from in this present time, and perhaps part of the reason she's so attached to playing it is because her memories of playing it came from a time that she was with her parents.
-While practicing playing the violin, for the first time Kotomi meets Tomoya as a child in her home. Kotomi was quite different from the other children at her school, but then again, so was Tomoya. They both seemed to have spent so much great time together, and Kotomi seemed really overjoyed about it. It's all so sweet.
-Kotomi discusses what she wants for her birthday with her parents. She wants a stuffed animal, but not really. She's trying to act more normal it seems. Judging by what Kotomi has said, it seems she had a hard time fitting into the crowd because of her different lifestyle.
-Kotomi's parents are going off on an important trip, but she gets disappointed that they're leaving and she'll have to celebrate her birthday without them. Not aware of what she said at the time, and never truly having meant it, she tells her parents that she hates them.
-No one, not even Tomoya, came to Kotomi's birthday party. :cry: I wonder why Tomoya didn't come?
-While she was home alone, that strange man that knew Kotomi's parents came to visit her and brought some bad news to her. The plane her parents were on broke down and sunk deep into the ocean, their work sinking along with them. It's rather horrible and sad news, even more so to Kotomi who really cared about them. Due to the fact that she believe the man was after something important from her father, Kotomi considers the man a bad person.
-Believing that her parents death was diving retribution for having been a bad girl and saying that she hated her parents, Kotomi asks for her parents back and vows to become a great person. I couldn't help but cry during this part, poor child, that she would think that it's her fault when it isn't.
-Poor Kotomi cries alone as she watches the news and hears of the possibility that there may have not been any survivors of the crash.
-Selfishly, Kotomi burns the copy of her parent's thesis, believing it was the reason that her parents are gone from her life forever. It's just so sad seeing her hopelessly cry out for her parents. :cry:
-To atone for what she did, Kotomi cut out every article and book page(s) that she could find that was related to her parents. That would explain her habit of cutting out books as I assume some of them mentioned the names of her parents.
-Wanting to follow in her parents' footsteps, Kotomi studies very hard to be like them and make the world aware of their "words." If not, she feels she can never be forgiven for having burned the thesis. Her heart seems heavy. She never wants to lose someone she loves ever again. :cry:
-According to one of the teachers, Kotomi had been thinking about studying abroad in America, but she never really considered doing so, that is, until she called the teacher to tell her that she would want to study. It would be sad to see Kotomi leave.
-Without Nagisa, Tomoya heads over to Kotomi's house. Seeing the garden all ruined, Tomoya gets to work on trying to restore it. While doing so, a concerned Nagisa comes to see him. I though it was so sweet of Nagisa to come and see him. It just shows how much she's grown close to him.
-The Fujibayashi twins are planning something for Kotomi's birthday. The fact they're doing so shows how they're grown to appreciate Kotomi as a friend. Nagisa says that Tomoya is the only one who can get Kotomi back to school. Something about that statement shows just how much faith Nagisa has in Tomoya. There's something about that I can't help but like.
-Seeing Tomoya have so much dedication in fixing up the garden was just amazing, and it really helps me appreciate his character more. He even tries to get better tools to help fix it up. He also remembers how the garden used to look like. He's also wearing an interesting shirt, which I assume stands for "Tomoya Okazaki?"
-Okazaki meets up with Nagisa and the Fujibayashi twins at a burger joint. It seems the surprise that the female trio had in store was the violin that Kotomi was so attached to. I think it was really nice of them to give that as a present to her. The sad part is, that it's busted. Kyou and her reckless driving? :sweat:
-Desperately trying to get the violin fixed, Tomoya and the gang go from store to store to see if anyone can (and will) fix it. They're really going out of their way for Kotomi, which is nice. Anyways, someone says they'll fix it, but the violin may not be repaired in time for the birthday. I don't know why, but I thought the group riding the bus was kind of a nice touch.
-Tomoya decides to go back to work late at night to fix the garden. The girls wanted to help him out, but if they do their parents may worry so Okazaki declined their offer. Tomoya ponders if what he is doing may be pointless, and if so, what would he do? Fortunately, Tomoya becomes aware of the fact that he has friends, and that they are there to support him. I though this scene was really nice in showing that. Before, Tomoya didn't really have anyone to fall back on, but now with the friends he's made he has people there to help him out. Nagisa gives Tomoya a friendly smile. It was all so nice.
-Nagisa notices that the curtain in Kotomi's room may have moved. Whether she was watching them, who knows?
-Seeing the next episode previews, it's quite a fascinating name for the next episode, and a purdy shot of the cosmos.

This episode was all kinds of win. I thought Kotomi's recollecting of the past was quite sweet and saddening at the same time, and I cried a few times throughout it. After this episode I find myself becoming more and more a Kotomi fan, and hopelessly wanting for a Tomoya x Kotomi pairing. That's not to say that Nagisa herself isn't awesome, she is. I guess I'm just a sucker for the childhood friend type of stories.

Classical

05-25-2009, 03:52 PM

But it's really important here to stop and look at how much Nagisa has changed already. At the start of the show she was barely able to go to school at all, let alone take any initiative to make friends. She was shy, slow, constantly worried, unable to communicate with her classmates. Now look where she's come in so short a time. She's grown very close to a supposed "delinquent" like Tomoya, and more surprisingly, Youhei. She's acted as Fuuko's most intimate source of emotional support. She's gotten on fairly friendly terms with Kyou and Ryou and can talk with them openly. And now she hits things off immediately with Kotomi, a complete (and somewhat odd) stranger.

So many people immediately labeled Nagisa as a boring, weak, helpless sick girl heroine and then never saw any of this growth, and that's really a shame. I find watching her changes to be absolutely fascinating and even more than that, hugely rewarding. What a different person she's become in such a short time, while still keeping true to her core personality as a caring, sensitive person. Now that's how you do character development.

It really is quite amazing how much Nagisa has grown. It may not be "smack on the face" obvious (at least to me), but she's grown. Thanks to her empathetic nature, she herself has grown as a person. If it weren't for her understanding of Fuko, she probably would have given up on reviving the Drama Club long ago. It's her understanding nature that also causes her to reach out to help to others as well.

Classical

05-25-2009, 03:56 PM

- Smart one Tomoya, have Kotomi meet with Kyou, of all people. Not exactly the warmest, easiest to approach person around. =PNow that I think about it, having Kotomi meet Kyou wasn't one of Tomoya's best decisions. Oh well, as least as Tomoya said, Kotomi survived. She deserves a medal.

Classical

05-25-2009, 04:08 PM

Kotomi is just too damn cute. "Bonjour..." :beatingheart::beatingheart::beatingheart: Kyou wasn't really trying to take her out, she was just trying to...Never mind.Kyou was trying to kiss Kotomi but then decided not to? Maybe there were too many witnesses? Anyways, I just love the faces Kotomi makes when saying "Bonjour."

-She's saying it so seriously, like she's expecting something to happen. :sd:I think Kotomi was hoping that the spell would have made her a better musician with the violin. Whether it did or didn't, who knows? :sdsmiley:

-Considering the apparent dynamic, it's weird to see how well Kyou and Okazaki get along as compared to him and Ryou. It really is odd, Tomoya and Kyou seems to have an easier time conversing with each other compared to Ryou communicating with Tomoya. Must be the power of love.

-Nagisa and Ryou, perhaps rather ignorantly, told Kotomi she was better at playing the violin. That wasn't a very smart thing to do now, was it?
I say it was an alternative objective. They noticed Kyou and Okazaki getting all chummy in the corner and opted for a surprise attack.They're a jealous bunch, don't let their exterior fool you. :sdsmiley:

-Kyou stays with Tomoya so Kotomi isn't hanging out with her so much. Kotomi plays the violin yet again, and poor Nagisa and Ryou are cowering in fear. I don't know whether to laugh, or feel bad for them.
Why not do both? They're so cute, all huddled up like that.I do know for certain that the both of them looked cute, but I still have mixed feelings as to how to react to that particular scene.

The longer I watch her, the more her voice is making the character for me. Noto Makimo's performance is my favorite so far.In general, the cast for this show is great, but the performance I've enjoyed the most so far is definitely Mamiko's.

Classical

05-25-2009, 04:19 PM

- Also, MAHOU SHOUJO KYOU-CHAN!! I'm surprised Tomoya got away with that without bodily harm.I was totally expecting for Tomoya to get whacked by Kyou but it was kind of surprising that she didn't. There must be too many witnesses. :sdsmiley:

- Ohh! This scene! I've gone on at length multiple times before about how much I love this scene. Keeping it shorter this time, all I have to say is that it exemplifies the idea that Clannad is about much more than one boy interacting with a series of girls in some isolated fashion. First Nagisa puts herself in harm's way to literally hold the man back despite him having at least a foot and a half on her, Ryou steps in front of Kotomi to shield her, Tomoya jumps in and pushes the man back from Nagisa, and Kyou gets up in his face and basically tells him he's going to need to go through her first. God damn yes, they all come flying to her aid and I just LOVE it. Especially Nagisa's role. Who would have thought in episode one that Nagisa would be able to do that?

That scene was definitely amazing. It was rather surprising to see Nagisa stand up to the guy like that, not to mention a little dangerous. Still, people need to be careful not to mess with Nagisa the bully or they shall suffer her wrath.

Classical

05-25-2009, 04:36 PM

...And I still have no words for this dream.
Since all forms of rational analysis I've applied have failed spectacularly, I'm only going to make the standard lame observation about creepy butterflies and wonder just what the fumes from Sanae's bread have been doing to Okazaki.

I think it had to be a dream for sure. As to why it was so whacked out though, that's where I'm lost. Clannad has made it apparent that there are supernatural elements within the show, so maybe the supernatural has something to do with it but as to why, it's hard for me to say. There's also another angle to this. Isn't there some kind of superstition, or something, that eating certain foods, or eating right before you to sleep gives you bad dreams? If so, maybe that's why Tomoya's dream was so whacked, because he ate the pie Kotomi made and not long after he went to sleep. Then there's the "drug" explanation, but it's a fat chance that happened.

Either way, I'm thinking that the dream is some kind of doorway to the subconscious mind of Tomoya. Perhaps his association with so many girls so suddenly has caused him stress and has caused him to have the strange dream. If I recall correctly, there's a theory behind dreams that links memory consolidation to dreaming. Perhaps Tomoya's dream was a representation of the consolidation of the memories that he has obtained by being with the girls. After all, Nagisa loves Dango Daikazoku, Ryou likes fortune telling, and Kotomi's trying to practice puns. I think I'll stop rambling now. :sweat:

Classical

05-25-2009, 04:46 PM

Kotomi is the bustiest out of the main girls. And I love how Kyou set that up. Rather adorable. :)I just love how Kotomi starts freaking out when she becomes aware of the fact that her boobs were pressed against Tomoya's back. Her heart was suddenly beating.

Is that a widely held superstition (to say in this case, in Japan)? That one twin can sense if another is in danger?
I don't know how widely held the superstition is, but I have seen similar superstitions (ie one twin can know what the other is thinking even if they're a good distance apart) from a certain JRPG that takes place in a modern day Japan. Looking at that, I guess it's safe to say that some people in Japan believe that twins can sense what the other is thinking.

Heh, I think this is the first time that I noticed, that the guy in the car was the same guy that had a cat fall on his car in an earlier episode. He really seems to have some bad luck. :P
The guy just seems to be at the wrong places at the wrong times. I wouldn't be surprised if he shows up again after something bad happens to him later on in the show.

Fencedude

05-25-2009, 07:13 PM

- All the students show up (Heh! I never noticed Kotomi fretting nervously behind Mitsui before!)...I must have missed Kotomi. :sweat:

I've been working on catching up (not commenting really because I can't generate massive commentary on episodes most of the time), but I felt that this event needed to be documented (http://www.fencedude.com/Images2/lolKotomi.jpg).

Anyway, 9 is definitely one of the most emotional episodes of the first season, and while Fuuko is not my "favorite" by any stretch of the imagination, my appreciation for her role increases each time I watch the series.

Fencedude

05-25-2009, 08:13 PM

- SYMMETRICAL DOCKINGGGG!!!!!!!! Kotomi is about to burst into tears but Kyou hugging Kotomi makes for such a glorious image.

Well, by the end she definitely seemed to be enjoying it... (http://www.fencedude.com/Images2/KyoKotomi3.jpg)

Fencedude

05-25-2009, 09:05 PM

KOTOMI AND KYOU GIF PARADISE BANZAI!!!!!

Kotomi Turret! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KotomiTurret.gif)

Bouncy Kyou! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KyouBounce.gif)

SYMMETORICARU DOCKINGU! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KKHug1.gif)

Kyou and Kotomi Friendship! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KKHug2.gif)

BO~N~JU~O~RU! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Bonjour.gif)

Magical Girl Kyou-chan! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/MGKC.gif)

Ijimeko? (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Bully2.gif)

Ijimeko! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Bully1.gif)

Blink (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KotomiBlink.gif)

NANDEYANEN! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Nandeyanen1.gif)

Dack Ralter

05-25-2009, 09:13 PM

KOTOMI AND KYOU GIF PARADISE BANZAI!!!!!

Kotomi Turret! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KotomiTurret.gif)

NANDEYANEN! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Nandeyanen1.gif)
You, sir, have made my day.

05-25-2009, 09:14 PM

Piano no Mori
I don't know how I forgot to include this in my recommendations. I love this CD to death, along with Re-feel. Piano only music isn't everybody's cup of tea but for those who like it these two CD are special. Ah, a general note to anybody who might be interested though: Piano no Mori is a half-and-half CD with tracks from both Clannad and Tomoyo After. That never concerned me but it might some people.

Memento was a bit too hard on the techo remixes for me, personally.

Yeah, this is why I like Mabinogi so much better. Memento has a few nice pieces but the rest is techno which I don't like at all. Apparently Maeda has a thing for techno and trance music, something I never would've guessed by my exposure to his work.

I didn't pick up Little Busters! EX because there are so few new pieces. Most of it is borrowed or remixed from Little Busters!, though I have to say the new version of the opening theme song kicks even more ass than the original. I didn't think such a thing could be possible. :) One of the things that impressed me most about Tomoyo After is that it didn't re-use anything from Clannad music-wise, it was an entirely fresh soundtrack. Since it was a big pet project of Maeda's we get an unusually large percentage of tracks from him too.

Jimmie M

05-25-2009, 09:23 PM

Magical Girl Kyou-chan! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/MGKC.gif)

:bigsmile:
This almost begs for a spinoff, doesn't it? I'd pay to buy Magical Girl Kyou-chan if it were ever made. ;)
Kotomi's use of atonality with the violin & her recital (If you can call it that) were hilarious IMO.

something

05-25-2009, 09:26 PM

Well, by the end she definitely seemed to be enjoying it... (http://www.fencedude.com/Images2/KyoKotomi3.jpg)
I always kind of took that face to be something closer to terror. :sd: But gayness works too. After Nagisa x Ryou (and Nagisa hugging Fuuko), the best pairing you can get in a frame may be Kotomi x Kyou. There aren't nearly as many awesome opportunities though.

Suwako Moriya

05-25-2009, 10:51 PM

Bouncy Kyou! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KyouBounce.gif)

The bouncing reminds me of two of the best aspects of Clannad.

SYMMETORICARU DOCKINGU! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/KKHug1.gif)

Still one of the best moments in the series ever.

Magical Girl Kyou-chan! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/MGKC.gif)

I'm still waiting for the none-existent anime series.

Classical

05-26-2009, 11:49 AM

Episode 14: "Theory of Everything."

-The episode starts off with Tomoya fixing up the yard. Kyou, Ryou, and Nagisa show up and offer to help Tomoya at the expense of skipping class (not a bad deal, right? ;)). Tomoya declines their offer because ditching class would make them look bad. Nagisa doesn't want to spiral down the path of delinquency, does she?
-Tomoya starts working on the garden alone again, and then it starts getting late during the day and Kyou, Ryou, and Nagisa come and help Tomoya out. While they're fixing the garden, Nagisa and Tomoya have a nice little chat. What they're talking about, who knows, but Nagisa seems awfully happy.
-It starts getting late, and Kyou and Ryou leave. Tomoya is going to stay the night fixing the garden, and Nagisa wants to help, but knowing her very well at this point, Tomoya shoots down her offer before she could finish. It was nice of Nagisa to offer help though.
-Having stayed working overnight on the garden, Tomoya starts getting exhausted. However, he notices Kotomi look out the window. Then, as he gazes at the sky, he starts thinking about the hidden world Kotomi's parents were talking about.
-It's morning, and the garden is finally fixed up. Tomoya sits down and gives the book Kotomi gave him a read. It's from that book that Kotomi got the lines about the deer and the rabbit. As he's reading the book, Tomoya goes into a deep slumber.
-Tomoya starts remembering the memories he had of Kotomi when he was a child. He sort of wandered into Kotomi's backyard, perhaps because he heard her violin. The encounter just seems so cute.
-Then, Tomoya starts remembering about the times he and Kotomi spent together playing. Kotomi was a sheltered person even in her childhood, and felt that going outside her home was dangerous.
-The significance of the book Tomoya got from Kotomi is shown during the scene where Kotomi is reading the book to Tomoya. I guess it's for that reason that Kotomi wanted to give Tomoya the book as a present to him. She had read that book to him when they were children.
-As children, one day Tomoya told Kotomi that he would bring friends over to her birthday party. However, in the process of asking his classmates, Tomoya got shot down. Kotomi was a girl, and the kids hardly knew her, so they had no reason for going. Children can be very cruel at times, especially with each other.
-Feeling ashamed, Tomoya didn't visit Kotomi during her birthday because he couldn't bring friends. Eventually, he made up his mind to go and apologize to her at night, the night that Kotomi burned her parents' documents.
-Tomoya desperately tries to put the fire out, but in the end it does no good. Then the man with the sunglasses shows up and puts the fire out. He claims that Kotomi didn't burn the thesis.
-Sadly, since that fateful day, Tomoya sought Kotomi out, but to no avail. He eventually wound up forgetting about her. It's kind of sad, since he was Kotomi's only friend and they both got along well.
-After waking up, Tomoya is greeted by Kotomi, and she explains how she really liked him because he was her only friend. I guess that's why Kotomi has been so attached to him in the present time, she was quite fond of him.
-Seeing Tomoya cry and reach out his hand to Kotomi was touching. Kotomi finally ventures out into the outside world again.
-The next day, Kotomi goes off to school and meets up with Kyou, Ryou, Nagisa, and Tomoya. They were all worried about her. Kyou gives Kotomi a violin gift certificate for when her violin gets repaired. She seems happy.
-Kotomi's sensei shows up and tells her that her guardian is here to see her. Kotomi is reluctant to meet him, but everyone offers to give her support to make it through. That's really nice.
-In the Drama Club room, the shady man shows up. He seemed determined to give Kotomi the suitcase that day, especially given the significance of the day.
-Kotomi was reluctant in opening up the suitcase, but she finally did and inside was not the thesis, but a stuffed bear. Kotomi finds a letter written in English (heh, it seemed a little awkward that I could actually read what something says in an anime), and it's contents are to be relayed to Kotomi.
-This scene made me tear up. It was all quite so beautifully conveyed. Kotomi's parents really loved her, up until the very end. Nothing, not time nor distance nor hardship could stop their love from reaching Kotomi. That suitcase went through a lot, and Kotomi was always first in her parents' mind. The fact that they threw out the thesis from the suitcase and instead put the teddy and their letter in it to protect them proves it. To do such a thing, when a plane is crashing/sinking is even more amazing. The result, Kotomi receives their wishes for a happy birthday years later, and discovers how much her parents loved her. This scene is another example of one of Clannad's themes, that, if people really desire so, their feelings can reach those they love the most no matter the circumstances, just like Fuko's arc in the show. Not to mention the OP, "Mag Mell," mentions something about conveying feelings faithfully.
-Some time later, Tomoya and the gang show up at Kotomi's house and Kotomi finally gets the violin she so adored. Youhei and Miyazawa are going to show up, along with a bunch of other people (now that I think of it, Youhei hasn't made many appearances lately). Kotomi doesn't mind that there are so many people coming over because she has a big yard.
-We then end the episode with a shot of the two gifts that represent the feelings of those closest to Kotomi, the old violin, and the teddy bear. Now that I think of it, the violin went through quite a trial itself, having been broken and all. Yet Tomoya and everyone else didn't despair, and, like Kotomi's parents, managed to repair and give it to Kotomi despite the hardship.

This episode was a nice finish (I'm assuming it's finished) to Kotomi's arc. I hope we continue to see more of her though. It should be an interesting next episode judging by the previews.

Classical

05-26-2009, 11:57 AM

Well, by the end she definitely seemed to be enjoying it... (http://www.fencedude.com/Images2/KyoKotomi3.jpg)
I always kind of took that face to be something closer to terror. :sd: But gayness works too.
Yeah, I think Kotomi looks more scared than enjoying it, but I supposed it's just better to pretend that she's enjoying and that Kyou and Kotomi are gay for each other. Although, looking at the bottom image Fencedude posted it looks like Kotomi was coerced by Kyou into enjoying it, especially because of the tears (I doubt they're tears of joy). :sweat:

Classical

05-26-2009, 12:04 PM

KOTOMI AND KYOU GIF PARADISE BANZAI!!!!!

BO~N~JU~O~RU! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Bonjour.gif)

NANDEYANEN! (http://fencedude.com/Images2/Nandeyanen1.gif)

The "BO~N~JU~O~RU!" is easily one of my favorites, and I just love the "NANDEYANEN." "Bouncy Kyou!" is easily one of the best aspects of the Clannad OP.

Classical

05-26-2009, 12:18 PM

- Doesn't hurt to have a Kotomi (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-12DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H264.png) in between them either.That shot of the three is especially cute.

- Kotomi is hilariously serious about this. XDI just love how Kotomi is cracking up as she's trying to tell the joke and everyone else is just like "Huh?"

- And she's so gloriously Fuuko-like, from her hilarious entrance animation to the nonchalant way she tells Nagisa not to worry about trying to remember anything. And then gives up when the starfish catches her attention. :sd:Fuuko's fascination with starfish is just a little too amazing at times. Not that that's a bad thing.

- Jeeze, could the "bad guy" possibly be more awkwardly creepy in approaching Kotomi? "Yeah I'll just stroll up to you in the dark with a hat and trenchcoat and frickin sunglasses, no worries, I'm totally not going to hurt you!" >_> You'd think the guy would realize that the way he dresses makes him look especially suspicious. He should dress up in a bear costume like Tomoyo.

-Kotomi hasn't been going to the library much lately, and she's managed to make some more friends. In fact, she's been helping some people out with their homework. She seems really happy, which is nice.
Genius girl who is given special treatment to skip class all the time and suffers, despite her improvement, from a significant degree of social awkwardness suddenly shows back up in class and is welcomed with open arms by classmates!? Are we still watching anime? This never happens. :sd: Jeeze, too bad things weren't that easy for Nagisa.

It helps that Kotomi has a reputation around school of being a genius. People seem to be receptive of that fact so I guess it makes it easier for Kotomi to make friends. Sadly, Nagisa doesn't have much of a reputation at school, seeing as that she missed most of her senior/3rd year previously.

Classical

05-26-2009, 12:26 PM

Now where have I seen that stuffed animal before? Ah yes, a serious WTF moment that tells us we're (hopefully?) not done with Fuko yet. And she just grabs the star and runs! The casual clothes! I like the school uniforms (although it took some time to warm up to the color combination), but this is a very welcome change of pace. I wonder what was going on while they were eating, though. Nagisa and Ryou looking all embarrassed...I hope we do get so see Fuko more, at least once in a while, even if it involves these bizarre sudden appearances. Everyone looks nice in casual clothes, but I especially love the way Kotomi looks. She looks so pretty. Now that you mention it, I do wonder what Nagisa and Ryou were embarrassed about. Maybe it was something regarding Nagisa's confession to Ryou?

I hadn't noticed that the guy at the crash site was somebody we'd seen before...somebody ought to take him off the streets. It seems that the guy is the type that brings misfortune to himself along with others who happen to just be innocent. He probably doesn't belong on the road.

something

05-26-2009, 07:06 PM

Episode 13:

- Kotomi knew it was him all along. Man, how tough it must have been for her. She talks about how she struggled with whether or not to tell him, and you can see it in the way she would drop hints but never come out and say it.
- Mini-Kotomi! <3 <3 Her father is talking about the world being composed of harps, apparently another reference to superstrings when you consider the strings that give harps their sound. It's amusing to see how complicated physics sounds when passed through a Key filter.
- So much falls into place when Kotomi tells us her story. Her relationship with Tomoya, her fear of the "bad man", her familiarity with violins, her reaction to Tomoyo in the bear suit, her deep emotional scars regarding vehicular crashes, her singleminded pursuit of her studies, her social awkwardness, her book cutting.
- And now it's time for "Clannad: EXTREME GARDENING"! I loved how serious Nagisa was at the halfway point. Tomoya tries to take in stride her comment about him being the one who needs to bring Kotomi out, and she insists that, no, she's being absolutely serious. He's taken aback. I love seeing how worried she is about Kotomi too.
- I kinda have to wonder where Tomoya was saving money up from. His dad doesn't look like he's making loads of money so I doubt Tomoya gets much of an allowance, and Tomoyo doesn't work either, so...? Gardening is frickin expensive.
- Kyou is so serious too~ It must be that violin, and no other!
- And good lord, Nagisa walking between the Fujibayashi sisters makes for one of the most beautiful visuals imaginable. =D
- Another wonderful Nagisa x Ryou (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t299/anon09876/Clannad-13DVDSS-Eclipse1280x720H264.png) shot! They want to help. Let them help, Tomoya!
- Hah, he says no but they come back anyway. I absolutely adore this scene because it's yet another example of how this isn't just about Tomoya, about how he isn't in this alone. Just as he's about to totally despair... the girls show up, give him renewed confidence, and help him out. <3

Best Nagisa moment: The bit right before he halfway point where she gets all serious.
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - ; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - ; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - ; Total - 1014.
Number of lights on title screen: 3
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 4
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-No one, not even Tomoya, came to Kotomi's birthday party. :cry: I wonder why Tomoya didn't come?
Kinda seems like a dick move right now, doesn't it? Jeeze, skip her birthday party and then never visit her again? What?

-While she was home alone, that strange man that knew Kotomi's parents came to visit her and brought some bad news to her. The plane her parents were on broke down and sunk deep into the ocean, their work sinking along with them. It's rather horrible and sad news, even more so to Kotomi who really cared about them. Due to the fact that she believe the man was after something important from her father, Kotomi considers the man a bad person.
No wonder she's so wary of him - what a horribly awkward and insensitive way to go about it.

-Seeing the next episode previews, it's quite a fascinating name for the next episode, and a purdy shot of the cosmos.
More 'o that physics stuff.

Dack Ralter

05-26-2009, 07:41 PM

Episode 13: "A Garden of Memories."

-As Tomoya suspected, it turns out Kotomi knew him from when they were little. However, it seems that Tomoya forgot about Kotomi when they were kids for some strange reason. Kotomi knew about Tomoya and their past when she met him yet again at their high school, but she never said anything because Tomoya didn't seem to remember her. Poor Kotomi was conflicted between reminding him about their shared past and just not having him remember at all. I get a sense from this scene that Kotomi really cared about Tomoya a lot, and that she really grew to like him more even though he didn't remember who she was.
I guess he left an impression. It certainly explains her immediate warming up to him, as well as only responding to "Kotomi-chan" :sd:

-Kotomi recollects her past memories of her parents, and the origins of her name and the meaning behind it. Watching this scene, it was just so touching to see that Kotomi's parents really cared for her and loved her a lot, and she loved them a lot back.
Which makes it all the more sad when thing go wrong.

-Interestingly enough, when she was a child, Kotomi practiced playing the violin. I guess that's where her love for the violin arose from in this present time, and perhaps part of the reason she's so attached to playing it is because her memories of playing it came from a time that she was with her parents.
So when did she learn to kill with it? :sd:

-While practicing playing the violin, for the first time Kotomi meets Tomoya as a child in her home. Kotomi was quite different from the other children at her school, but then again, so was Tomoya. They both seemed to have spent so much great time together, and Kotomi seemed really overjoyed about it. It's all so sweet.
Hrm. While chasing butterflies. Maybe Okazaki's subconscious was trying to help him out with his whacked-out dream?

-Kotomi discusses what she wants for her birthday with her parents. She wants a stuffed animal, but not really. She's trying to act more normal it seems. Judging by what Kotomi has said, it seems she had a hard time fitting into the crowd because of her different lifestyle.
That put a knot in my throat (not that most of this didn't already). The fact that she knows she's different makes it even more painful.

-Kotomi's parents are going off on an important trip, but she gets disappointed that they're leaving and she'll have to celebrate her birthday without them. Not aware of what she said at the time, and never truly having meant it, she tells her parents that she hates them.
Ah, the classic bad end flag that guarantees that the person you're yelling at is going to die. I do wonder if her parents really had their priorities straight at the moment.

-No one, not even Tomoya, came to Kotomi's birthday party. :cry: I wonder why Tomoya didn't come?
This must have been the day he met Sunohara. :devil:

I couldn't help but cry during this part, poor child, that she would think that it's her fault when it isn't.
-Poor Kotomi cries alone as she watches the news and hears of the possibility that there may have not been any survivors of the crash.
I was tearing up here too. Poor Kotomi, all alone in that big house. I don't like thinking about it.

-To atone for what she did, Kotomi cut out every article and book page(s) that she could find that was related to her parents. That would explain her habit of cutting out books as I assume some of them mentioned the names of her parents.
It was interesting to rewatch this arc, because so much of her behavior is noticeable on the first watch through, but I know I didn't pick it up the first time (I just thought she cut stuff up because she was eccentric :sd:)

-Wanting to follow in her parents' footsteps, Kotomi studies very hard to be like them and make the world aware of their "words." If not, she feels she can never be forgiven for having burned the thesis. Her heart seems heavy. She never wants to lose someone she loves ever again. :cry:
I understand her line of emotional reasoning, but I wonder how she could study so much related to the origins of the universe and how to observe it and still be absolutely convinced that she was being punished for her acts. It seems at odds with the course of study she's chosen (although real, necessary emotions are often at loggerheads with rationality...)

-Without Nagisa, Tomoya heads over to Kotomi's house. Seeing the garden all ruined, Tomoya gets to work on trying to restore it. While doing so, a concerned Nagisa comes to see him. I though it was so sweet of Nagisa to come and see him. It just shows how much she's grown close to him.
It seems like Okazaki has the need to do take some action to help Kotomi, even if it's only a superficial one (at least on the surface) like cleaning up the yard. I like that he can't just sit there and has to move instead. As for Nagisa...I wonder how much of a connection to the rest of the cast Okazaki would have now with out Nagisa?

-The Fujibayashi twins are planning something for Kotomi's birthday. The fact they're doing so shows how they're grown to appreciate Kotomi as a friend. Nagisa says that Tomoya is the only one who can get Kotomi back to school. Something about that statement shows just how much faith Nagisa has in Tomoya. There's something about that I can't help but like.
And none of this happens if Nagisa didn't want to restart the Drama Club. This whole story just collapses if she isn't around...

Dack Ralter

05-26-2009, 07:52 PM

- Mini-Kotomi! <3 <3 Her father is talking about the world being composed of harps, apparently another reference to superstrings when you consider the strings that give harps their sound. It's amusing to see how complicated physics sounds when passed through a Key filter.
I have to wonder if implying that a possible proof of part of string theory went down with Kotomi's parents is an attempt to torture string theory enthusiasts. :sd: String theory is at its most elegant when music is used to explain it (at least to someone casually interested like myself) so I like the use of harps.

William K

05-26-2009, 07:54 PM

I understand her line of emotional reasoning, but I wonder how she could study so much related to the origins of the universe and how to observe it and still be absolutely convinced that she was being punished for her acts. It seems at odds with the course of study she's chosen (although real, necessary emotions are often at loggerheads with rationality...)

I think of it as more like she realizes she made a mistake of burning the thesis which were like her parents' life work and legacy, and which could probably never be duplicated again since there were only limited copies. Of course, in the next episode, she'll realize that SHE is the most important thing that her parents have left behind in the world

And none of this happens if Nagisa didn't want to restart the Drama Club. This whole story just collapses if she isn't around...

Yeah, Nagisa is like the pebble you drop into a pond that starts all the ripples. She's not my number 1 favourite of all the girls in the show but Clannad truly wouldn't work without her.

EmperorBrandon

05-26-2009, 07:58 PM

- Hah, he says no but they come back anyway. I absolutely adore this scene because it's yet another example of how this isn't just about Tomoya, about how he isn't in this alone. Just as he's about to totally despair... the girls show up, give him renewed confidence, and help him out. <3

I love that scene too for some of the same reasons, ah, and nice music again...

No wonder she's so wary of him - what a horribly awkward and insensitive way to go about it.

Yeah, he totally didn't approach that situation in the right manner (I bet he's always felt bad about that since then), though it seems he wasn't aware that Kotomi didn't know yet.

And gosh little Kotomi was so adorable. I saw this was an episode with animation direction by Horiguchi Yukiko. They all tend to look cutesier in those episodes. :)

something

05-26-2009, 08:00 PM

Episode 14:

- By giving Tomoya lunch, Kyou and Ryou are totally enabling truancy! For shame, class reps, for shame!
- Ah, they all pick something a bit more practical to do their gardening and landscaping in next time. Too bad Tomoya didn't let Nagisa stay with him. I always find it a bit... amusing... how much the place transforms in one night though. :sd: And I can't even imagine how much all the plants and bushes and sod such would have cost. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
- Cup of water vs raging fire. Fire wins! And jeeze, Kotomi's lucky she didn't die from smoke inhalation.
- But we get our explanation for why Tomoya didn't show - of course it's not because he was being mean. =P Pretty sad that he didn't get to see her again after that though. And only a romance anime male lead could possibly forget something like that. :sd: It's, like, their special talent.
- I love the violin coupon. <3
- "Otou-san, okaa-san, okaerinasai." ;__; That's definitely the high point of this episode. I also love the "My yard is big" line at the end, and seeing the girls in their, as usual, fantastic casual clothes. The suitcase journey bit is fabulously cheesy in a very Key sort of way, not to mention utterly impractical, but hey, that's okay. :sd: I just like seeing Kotomi happy. Nonetheless, my emotional reaction to the Fuuko storyline is a lot stronger than to this one. Kotomi's storyline is great. It just ends with unexpected, uh, normalness. She's so lovely though. <3

Hmm. As we move into the rest of the series from this point, it'll be quite interesting to see how first-timers react to the structure and pacing of the series. From here on is where some people fell out because they misjudged the type of show Clannad is and the story it's trying to tell. (And hey, I'm getting better at watching these eps a bit more quickly and commenting less. :sd: )

Best Nagisa moment: When she excitedly offered to stay with Tomoya, but got cut off mid-sentence. :sd:
Sanae "My bread is..." breakdown counter: Ep - 0; Total - 3
Fuuko "douzo" counter: Ep - ; Total - 27
Fuuko starfish trance counter: Ep - ; Total - 8
Tomoyo kick combo counter: Ep - ; Total - 1014
Number of lights on title screen: 3
Visits to the "Illusionary World": Ep - 0; Total - 4
My love for Nagisa: Infinite.

-It starts getting late, and Kyou and Ryou leave. Tomoya is going to stay the night fixing the garden, and Nagisa wants to help, but knowing her very well at this point, Tomoya shoots down her offer before she could finish. It was nice of Nagisa to offer help though.
He no doubt had to be thinking of himself too at that point. Akio might have forgiven him for keeping Nagisa out all night once, but try it a second time and he'll likely find a baseball bat lodged in places it very much should not be lodged.

-The significance of the book Tomoya got from Kotomi is shown during the scene where Kotomi is reading the book to Tomoya. I guess it's for that reason that Kotomi wanted to give Tomoya the book as a present to him. She had read that book to him when they were children.
Yeah, that and repeatedly quoting the line from it seems to be her way of tossing out hints to him and seeing if he'd bite. She was too scared to come right out with it so she went about it a bit indirectly, although he didn't quite get it until the very end. Poor Kotomi, knowing him all along and feeling she had to keep quiet about it. It's like a smaller scale version of what Fuuko went though.

-As children, one day Tomoya told Kotomi that he would bring friends over to her birthday party. However, in the process of asking his classmates, Tomoya got shot down. Kotomi was a girl, and the kids hardly knew her, so they had no reason for going. Children can be very cruel at times, especially with each other.
Clearly Tomoya needed Kyou around to show him how a master does it. She would have had that house packed with the whole damn grade. Though really it's better they didn't go. Boy it'd be awkward to be at the house of some girl you'd never met and then have a creepy looking man come by and tell her her parents are dead.

-Kotomi finds a letter written in English (heh, it seemed a little awkward that I could actually read what something says in an anime), and it's contents are to be relayed to Kotomi.
Suitscase!

The fact that they threw out the thesis from the suitcase and instead put the teddy and their letter in it to protect them proves it. To do such a thing, when a plane is crashing/sinking is even more amazing.
Of course, if this weren't Key and I were feeling a bit more cynical, I'd point out that it was also an unbelievably stupid thing to do. But jeeze, can't just back the thing up on a hard drive somewhere? Was he using a frickin' typewriter? :sd: I don't remember if it was someone in this thread or in another thread but someone (DKL?) made a point that Key anime (or maybe they were saying KyoAni more broadly) adaptations seem to be largely devoid of some of the technologies that we'd sort of take for granted. Does anyone in Clannad have a cell phone? How often if ever do we see people using computers? It's odd that the lack of such things doesn't seem far more obvious.

-Some time later, Tomoya and the gang show up at Kotomi's house and Kotomi finally gets the violin she so adored. Youhei and Miyazawa are going to show up, along with a bunch of other people (now that I think of it, Youhei hasn't made many appearances lately). Kotomi doesn't mind that there are so many people coming over because she has a big yard.
Though it might have been funny, I'm glad they didn't go for a slapstick ending here with a violin playing from hell joke. The smile on Kotomi's face and her last line is a perfect ending.

Draneor

05-26-2009, 08:01 PM

Gardening is frickin expensive.

Not nearly as much as anime. :)

Does anyone in Clannad have a cell phone? How often if ever do we see people using computers? It's odd that the lack of such things doesn't seem far more obvious.

For some works--like Kanon--it's just more that they're really old (1999). As for Clannad, I suspect it was intentionally left out. There are cell phones in Little Busters! though.

EmperorBrandon

05-26-2009, 08:43 PM

-Seeing Tomoya cry and reach out his hand to Kotomi was touching. Kotomi finally ventures out into the outside world again.

Yeah, that scene was rather touching, and Kotomi looks so cute when she's blushing in this episode. Showed her bare feet again too...

-Kotomi was reluctant in opening up the suitcase, but she finally did and inside was not the thesis, but a stuffed bear. Kotomi finds a letter written in English (heh, it seemed a little awkward that I could actually read what something says in an anime), and it's contents are to be relayed to Kotomi.

"Suitscase" may sound nice to the Japanese, but shouldn't it be "suitcase"? :P

Ah, and the room was full of those many mysterious lights upon the revelation of Kotomi getting the letter passed from person to person (it's kind of a bit unreal that it managed to make it to her, but maybe that's kind of the point here...). Seeing the flashbacks on Kotomi's arc was nice in that it showed that Kotomi had already started to accomplish what her parents wanted. That was so sweet.

Kotomi's arc ends with "To the Same Heights" (I think that's the name of it...) playing in the background. Nice...

Well, these two eps. are the only one I saw after I got my second collection in. From here on out, I'll be seeing episodes for the first time since I saw them when it was first airing (seems like it's been a long while...). It's going to be interesting as there are some parts I remember well and really love in this part of the series. Nice to finally revisit them.

Classical

05-26-2009, 08:44 PM

-While she was home alone, that strange man that knew Kotomi's parents came to visit her and brought some bad news to her. The plane her parents were on broke down and sunk deep into the ocean, their work sinking along with them. It's rather horrible and sad news, even more so to Kotomi who really cared about them. Due to the fact that she believe the man was after something important from her father, Kotomi considers the man a bad person.
No wonder she's so wary of him - what a horribly awkward and insensitive way to go about it.I'm starting to get the feeling that the guy is just how Kotomi was before she broke out of her shell in that he doesn't really know how to interact with other people very well. I guess he fits that genius stereotype in which they don't know how to get along with others.

Classical

05-26-2009, 08:53 PM

Gardening is frickin expensive.

Not nearly as much as anime. :)I wonder just how much money Tomoya must have blown on trying to restore the garden? That's a whole lot of work, but Tomoya must be commended for his dedication.

Classical

05-26-2009, 09:07 PM

-Interestingly enough, when she was a child, Kotomi practiced playing the violin. I guess that's where her love for the violin arose from in this present time, and perhaps part of the reason she's so attached to playing it is because her memories of playing it came from a time that she was with her parents.
So when did she learn to kill with it? :sd: That's a good question. How did she get so horrible at it? Maybe she just sort of forgot how to play?

-No one, not even Tomoya, came to Kotomi's birthday party. :cry: I wonder why Tomoya didn't come?
This must have been the day he met Sunohara. :devil:And thus the start of a beautiful friendship. :P I'd rather be Kotomi's friend though. On a random note, there needs to be a Kotomi Fan Club.

I was tearing up here too. Poor Kotomi, all alone in that big house. I don't like thinking about it.I wonder how Kotomi survived all these years living alone. She's good at cooking so she probably didn't have problems making food, but being socially isolated for so long is kind of tough but it makes it all the more amazing.

-The Fujibayashi twins are planning something for Kotomi's birthday. The fact they're doing so shows how they're grown to appreciate Kotomi as a friend. Nagisa says that Tomoya is the only one who can get Kotomi back to school. Something about that statement shows just how much faith Nagisa has in Tomoya. There's something about that I can't help but like.
And none of this happens if Nagisa didn't want to restart the Drama Club. This whole story just collapses if she isn't around...

Nagisa is definitely the trigger point for the whole story, as well as the development of the characters.

Dack Ralter

05-26-2009, 09:21 PM

Episode 14: "Theory of Everything."

-This scene made me tear up. It was all quite so beautifully conveyed. Kotomi's parents really loved her, up until the very end. Nothing, not time nor distance nor hardship could stop their love from reaching Kotomi. That suitcase went through a lot, and Kotomi was always first in her parents' mind. The fact that they threw out the thesis from the suitcase and instead put the teddy and their letter in it to protect them proves it. To do such a thing, when a plane is crashing/sinking is even more amazing. The result, Kotomi receives their wishes for a happy birthday years later, and discovers how much her parents loved her. This scene is another example of one of Clannad's themes, that, if people really desire so, their feelings can reach those they love the most no matter the circumstances, just like Fuko's arc in the show. Not to mention the OP, "Mag Mell," mentions something about conveying feelings faithfully.
I've discovered I don't have much to say about the conclusions of character arcs. :sd: Like with Fuko's arc, I'm just happy that things ended up the way they did, with everybody more or less happy. The idea of Kotomi's parents taking their last moments to send a message to their daughter was extremely touching. While the notion of the suitcase being passed from person to person was quite romantic, I have to echo others sentiments (as well as my own from ep. 12) about cell phones (or phones in general in this case). It would have killed somebody to pick up the phone and then put the case on a friggin' UPS truck? :sd:
It's sort of surprising to me, but the lack of supernatural interaction in Kotomi's arc is faintly disappointing (to me, at least).

Dack Ralter

05-26-2009, 09:39 PM

Episode 14:

- Ah, they all pick something a bit more practical to do their gardening and landscaping in next time. Too bad Tomoya didn't let Nagisa stay with him. I always find it a bit... amusing... how much the place transforms in one night though. :sd: And I can't even imagine how much all the plants and bushes and sod such would have cost. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
They did sort of let the logical stuff slide here, towards the end (not that it dimmed the impact of the story). It's sort of a silly question, but is there a well-stocked lawn and garden store just around the corner or something? :sd:

- "Otou-san, okaa-san, okaerinasai." ;__; That's definitely the high point of this episode. I also love the "My yard is big" line at the end, and seeing the girls in their, as usual, fantastic casual clothes. The suitcase journey bit is fabulously cheesy in a very Key sort of way, not to mention utterly impractical, but hey, that's okay. :sd: I just like seeing Kotomi happy. Nonetheless, my emotional reaction to the Fuuko storyline is a lot stronger than to this one. Kotomi's storyline is great. It just ends with unexpected, uh, normalness. She's so lovely though. <3
Yeah, the emotional peak (for me, at least) was the big reveal of her past association with Okazaki. Everything after that was touching, but sort of anti-climactic.

Hmm. As we move into the rest of the series from this point, it'll be quite interesting to see how first-timers react to the structure and pacing of the series.
This is as far as I got before the thread got going. I'm not going to race ahead, as much as I'd like to.... I've discovered that digesting this show a few episodes at a time is better for me anyway.

-The significance of the book Tomoya got from Kotomi is shown during the scene where Kotomi is reading the book to Tomoya. I guess it's for that reason that Kotomi wanted to give Tomoya the book as a present to him. She had read that book to him when they were children.
Yeah, that and repeatedly quoting the line from it seems to be her way of tossing out hints to him and seeing if he'd bite. She was too scared to come right out with it so she went about it a bit indirectly, although he didn't quite get it until the very end. Poor Kotomi, knowing him all along and feeling she had to keep quiet about it. It's like a smaller scale version of what Fuuko went though.
I understand Kotomi's reluctance to come out and say it, but how many dramatic plots in anime would be shortened if somebody would just spill the beans?

I don't remember if it was someone in this thread or in another thread but someone (DKL?) made a point that Key anime (or maybe they were saying KyoAni more broadly) adaptations seem to be largely devoid of some of the technologies that we'd sort of take for granted. Does anyone in Clannad have a cell phone? How often if ever do we see people using computers? It's odd that the lack of such things doesn't seem far more obvious.
It didn't really stand out to me in Air or Kanon (maybe during Nayuki's arc, but otherwise...). It seems more conspicuous to me here. I remember thinking when Okazaki looked at his watch when he was working at Kotomi's that that was the most advanced technology we'd seen... :sd:

Classical

05-26-2009, 09:53 PM

- Cup of water vs raging fire. Fire wins! And jeeze, Kotomi's lucky she didn't die from smoke inhalation.That carbon monoxide poisoning can be nasty, it really is surprising she's not dead.

- But we get our explanation for why Tomoya didn't show - of course it's not because he was being mean. =P Pretty sad that he didn't get to see her again after that though. And only a romance anime male lead could possibly forget something like that. :sd: It's, like, their special talent.The ability for the leads to forget things like this is just amazing.

- I love the violin coupon. <3It's awesome. You can so tell Nagisa worked on the coupon. I think it even has the Dango Daikazoku, though I can't remember off the top of my head.

- I just like seeing Kotomi happy. Nonetheless, my emotional reaction to the Fuuko storyline is a lot stronger than to this one. Kotomi's storyline is great. It just ends with unexpected, uh, normalness. She's so lovely though. <3Overall, I thought that Kotomi's storyline was rather emotional to me, perhaps not as much as Fuuko's (especially when compared to the end of Fuuko's arc), but it was emotional nonetheless.

-(And hey, I'm getting better at watching these eps a bit more quickly and commenting less. :sd: ) I really need to start making my posts a lot shorter. :sweat: It's amazing though how much content there is in just one episode of Clannad. I often forget a lot of the events that occur in just one episode (It doesn't help that I post about them like half a day after I've watched them) so I often have to skip through episodes quickly before commenting.

Of course, if this weren't Key and I were feeling a bit more cynical, I'd point out that it was also an unbelievably stupid thing to do. But jeeze, can't just back the thing up on a hard drive somewhere? Was he using a frickin' typewriter? :sd: I don't remember if it was someone in this thread or in another thread but someone (DKL?) made a point that Key anime (or maybe they were saying KyoAni more broadly) adaptations seem to be largely devoid of some of the technologies that we'd sort of take for granted. Does anyone in Clannad have a cell phone? How often if ever do we see people using computers? It's odd that the lack of such things doesn't seem far more obvious.There must be computers in the world of Clannad because Tomoya did have a daydream about what it would be like if the Drama Club recruitment process were to be like an RPG or something. For RPGs to exist in Clannad there has to be computers. As far as Kotomi's parents making a copy of their thesis goes, maybe their printer sucks and can't print out a 100+ pg thesis that quickly (I know, I'm stretching things a little). Or maybe during Kotomi's childhood computers weren't that common or advanced, which is a possibility given that even during the current time the story takes place we don't see cell phones.

Edit: on a random note, I wonder if Kotomi's dad felt that he was the kind of person who didn't need to make a second copy of the thesis because he had it all memorized in his brain? After all, Kotomi's is able to memorize massive amounts of information. It's in the genes.

Classical

05-26-2009, 10:10 PM

Yeah, that scene was rather touching, and Kotomi looks so cute when she's blushing in this episode. Showed her bare feet again too... I should have made a Kotomi bare feet counter, oh well.

-"Suitscase" may sound nice to the Japanese, but shouldn't it be "suitcase"? :P I can't believe I missed that, I read through the letter a little too quickly. :sweat: Oh well, hooray for Engrish! :sdsmiley:

Ah, and the room was full of those many mysterious lights upon the revelation of Kotomi getting the letter passed from person to person (it's kind of a bit unreal that it managed to make it to her, but maybe that's kind of the point here...)I can certainly understand as to why many posters here are at disbelief about the whole "suitscase around the world thing." It does seem a little crazy, but I think it drives home the point that Kotomi's parents feelings managed to reach her regardless. It's also possible that the whole "suitcase 'round the world" thing might have been exaggerated by Tomoya a little when he was thinking about it. I was at disbelief a little myself at first, but I suppose that the reason it doesn't bug me now and why I embrace the concept is because I'm somewhat of a romantic. :sweat: I just think it's more beautiful if I believe that it was possible.

William K

05-26-2009, 10:46 PM

I can certainly understand as to why many posters here are at disbelief about the whole "suitscase around the world thing." It does seem a little crazy, but I think it drives home the point that Kotomi's parents feelings managed to reach her regardless. It's also possible that the whole "suitcase 'round the world" thing might have been exaggerated by Tomoya a little when he was thinking about it. I was at disbelief a little myself at first, but I suppose that the reason it doesn't bug me now and why I embrace the concept is because I'm somewhat of a romantic. :sweat: I just think it's more beautiful if I believe that it was possible.

The suitcase travelling around the world is ok, it's similar to the message in a bottle. But for it to take its tour around the world just in time to get there for Kotomi's birthday.... Maybe I should just think of it as the spirits of her parents guiding the suitcase to its destination :)

something

05-27-2009, 05:02 AM

So when did she learn to kill with it? :sd: That's a good question. How did she get so horrible at it? Maybe she just sort of forgot how to play?
The violin is made of superstrings, and Kotomi's playing is the sound of the big bang!

something

05-27-2009, 05:09 AM

There must be computers in the world of Clannad because Tomoya did have a daydream about what it would be like if the Drama Club recruitment process were to be like an RPG or something. For RPGs to exist in Clannad there has to be computers. As far as Kotomi's parents making a copy of their thesis goes, maybe their printer sucks and can't print out a 100+ pg thesis that quickly (I know, I'm stretching things a little). Or maybe during Kotomi's childhood computers weren't that common or advanced, which is a possibility given that even during the current time the story takes place we don't see cell phones.
Oh I definitely think they exist (they were just at an arcade after all), and at pretty much the same level as today. There's no real sign that the Key games take place outside the present day. It just makes the absence of these things more notable because it means they must be intentionally shying away from having the characters get very involved with them.

something

05-27-2009, 05:14 AM

something

05-27-2009, 05:17 AM

Kotomi's arc ends with "To the Same Heights" (I think that's the name of it...) playing in the background. Nice...
The "party" scene? Right. The suitcase scene was "Shining in the Sky" again.

Dack Ralter

05-27-2009, 06:54 AM

It's sort of surprising to me, but the lack of supernatural interaction in Kotomi's arc is faintly disappointing (to me, at least).
The supernatural plays a much more subtle role in much of Clannad compared to Air or Kanon, although where it is and is not used all comes to make complete sense in the end. But there's plenty of story in Clannad where everything is, like, 99% down to earth.
Ah. I think I'm used to shows going whole hog one way or the other. No matter how I try and guess, Clannad just won't be pinned down. Just another welcome change of pace. :)

Spirit Of The Stage

05-27-2009, 10:55 AM

-This scene made me tear up. It was all quite so beautifully conveyed. Kotomi's parents really loved her, up until the very end. Nothing, not time nor distance nor hardship could stop their love from reaching Kotomi. That suitcase went through a lot, and Kotomi was always first in her parents' mind. The fact that they threw out the thesis from the suitcase and instead put the teddy and their letter in it to protect them proves it. To do such a thing, when a plane is crashing/sinking is even more amazing. The result, Kotomi receives their wishes for a happy birthday years later, and discovers how much her parents loved her. This scene is another example of one of Clannad's themes, that, if people really desire so, their feelings can reach those they love the most no matter the circumstances, just like Fuko's arc in the show. Not to mention the OP, "Mag Mell," mentions something about conveying feelings faithfully.

Spirit's Tears Counter: 2 - Kotomi is love. She seems to be the only one of the girls who doesn't seem to have complete significant romantic interest in Tomoya, but she makes up for it for being a really unique friend to Tomoya, both past and present. May she be happy now, she deserves it.

Classical

05-27-2009, 11:57 AM

Episode 15: "A Problematic Matter."

-The episode starts off with another visit to the strange world with the girl and the robot. Another "light" is born, and the girl discusses with the robot about the worlds out there and if he was ever lonely and if the robot feels lonely now. I liked how the robot responds, by reaching out to her hand.
-Back to the usual, everyone is trying to help Nagisa form her Drama Club. Youhei is trying to score points on her by lending his name to her, and it's not like he has to attend the club or anything. The problem is, Kyou already did the same thing. Silly Youhei. Now the club has enough "members." (not every is going to be taking part in it.)
-Nagisa's Drama Club goes to visit Mr. Koumura because in order to become an official club they need an advisor. There's one little problem though, the choir club (who lent Kotomi the violin) already got dibs on Mr. Koumura. What is poor Nagisa-chan to do? She's not going to give up, is she?
-On another note, all the girls look awesome in what I'm assuming to be spring uniforms? Nagisa and Kotomi look especially sexy.
-Hilariously enough, Sunohara is still stuck at school during the night. :sd: His imouto calls him, but he's not there to take the call. This leads to Okazaki playing a horrible prank on Youhei's sister. It was hilarious, but Youhei's sister doesn't seem to be much like Youhei. Still, the whole sequence was hilarious.
-Nagisa receives a threatening letter from someone to stop the Drama Club. What makes it more messed up is the fact that Nagisa is such a sweet person, and she'd never hurt anyone. Honestly, it kind of angered me. Youhei suspects it's the work of the Choir Club (I think so too) but Nagisa is too, for lack of a better word, naive to think that. It's really nice that she doesn't doubt people, but sometimes that's kind of dangerous, as we can see here with the threat letter. Anyways, Youhei is going to check up on the matter, and later...
-The Choir Club member who threatened Nagisa shows up, but Nagisa just wants to talk to her. The girl talks about the tragic accident that happened to the club leader and how they can't give up the dream to form the Choir Club for her, and quite honestly, I thought it was very nice of them to go such lengths. The problem now becomes, is Nagisa willing enough to continue her dream while shattering someone else's? Youhei gets extremely angered at the sob story. This whole scene was very dramatic and quite moving. It's another fine example of why I love Clannad so much. I feel very bad for Youhei.
-Tomoya tells Nagisa the story of Youhei, who is in a similar situation to Tomoya. I wonder if they became friends after giving up their respective clubs? I can understand why Youhei got so ticked off at the sympathy display in the previous scene. Still, it's a rather hard and messed up situation. If it wasn't for the freaking Student Council, Nagisa wouldn't be in this absurd (in the sense that people shouldn't have to go through so much hardship and fight over Club Advisors) situation. I just think it's such an unfair situation that Nagisa has been put in, then again, life isn't fair. Also, it's possible the girl from the Choir Club could be lying, but I highly doubt it.
-Nagisa has gotten stronger, and it's amazing, that even in difficult times, she still finds positive things in even the worse situations. I just love the music in the background. Nagisa starts crying, and Tomoya comes and comforts her. :cry:
-But then Kyou kills the moments. :sd: I thought Nagisa and Tomoya were finally going to kiss.
-Left without knowing what to do, Youhei and Tomoya head off to Yukine Miyazawa's Cafe. It's there that Yukine reads Youhei's fortune, and it's an odd fortune at that. With that in mind, Youhei gets an idea. These seemingly out of nowhere acts of kindness for others is in part why I really like Youhei.
-Tomoyo gets harassed by the leaders of some Judo clubs, and then, out of the blue, Fuuko shows up, but fails to be of any help. Oh, well, I still love you Fuuko, and I'm glad she shows up again.
-Tomoya acts all like a tough guy and steals Tomoyo away from the club leaders, and they go off on a nice little walk. Tomoyo is intent on world domination, and she wants to start off at the Student Council level. Tomoyo hasn't been making many appearances overall in Clannad, but after this scene I find myself liking her a little more. Plus, she's a sexy lady.
-Youhei comes up with some crackpot plan that involves Tomoya and basketball in order to try to sway the emotions of the Choir Club and prove to them something about handicaps not mattering. Yeah, the plan is so not practical, but I love Youhei's unrealistic thinking. It just makes things funnier, though at the same time it's nice that he wants to do something for Nagisa.
-Like some stalker, Youhei pursues Tomoya through the whole day of school asking him to join in on his plan, and he even asks him in the restroom. That was hilarious.
-Nagisa is wondering why Tomoya is avoiding Youhei. He tells her the shocking "truth." Youhei is gay for Tomoya. Amusingly enough, Nagisa says that Tomoya shouldn't ignore Youhei's feelings, but Tomoya tells Nagisa that he's not into guys, and the sooner Youhei gets over him, the better.
-Youhei then comes over and starts pestering Tomoya. I just love the dialogue here, and Nagisa's reactions to it.
-Tomoya is Nagisa's boyfriend, and she doesn't want to give him up. She's just trying to protect him, but it's so cute how she goes about it. They really have grown a lot closer. Hilariously enough, Youhei runs off crying (I feel bad for him). He got dumped by both love interests, Tomoya and Nagisa.
-Youhei's sister, Mei, shows up. She's that girl that shows up toward the end of the OP. Finally, now we know who she is. I get the feeling she really cares about Youhei.
-The next episode looks like it's going to be epic, judging by the previews. Will Nagisa and Tomoya take their relationship to the next level by turning Youhei's room into a love nest? Wait, what the heck?

This episode was just pure excellence, and it just makes me think about how awesome this whole show has been so far. I totally failed to make this post shorter, but there's just so much to comment on.

something

05-27-2009, 02:15 PM

Kotomi is love. She seems to be the only one of the girls who doesn't seem to have complete significant romantic interest in Tomoya
Fuuko definitely didn't have any romantic feelings either, and overall her relationship with him is by far the least romantic. I do agree that Kotomi sees him as an important childhood friend, not a potential lover.

At this point in Clannad, Nagisa clearly likes him, Ryou (though not one of the main five) clearly likes him. Kyou has shown signs but it's all mixed up in the question of whether she's doing it for herself or her sister or both. Tomoyo has shown up very infrequently and can't really be read yet, but she hasn't shown any sign of liking him so far. None of the other females have any romantic feelings for him.

There's actually a surprisingly small amount of romance going around considering the origins as a bishoujo visual novel, but that's quite in line with the nature of Clannad, I think.

Classical

05-27-2009, 03:45 PM

- Ah, they all pick something a bit more practical to do their gardening and landscaping in next time. Too bad Tomoya didn't let Nagisa stay with him. I always find it a bit... amusing... how much the place transforms in one night though. :sd: And I can't even imagine how much all the plants and bushes and sod such would have cost. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
They did sort of let the logical stuff slide here, towards the end (not that it dimmed the impact of the story). It's sort of a silly question, but is there a well-stocked lawn and garden store just around the corner or something? :sd:I have to admit, they really did throw logic out the window. I just found it kind of amusing that the garden just transformed from ugly to beautiful in less than half a day. It seems that in Clannad the impossible becomes possible. I know Tomoya used money saved from his part time job to pay for gardening supplies and stuff, but I can't imagine it being close to enough for everything, unless he had some serious money under the mattress.

Classical

05-27-2009, 03:58 PM

Oh I definitely think they exist (they were just at an arcade after all), and at pretty much the same level as today.I see, it's my mistake for misunderstanding. I assumed that you thought they (technology) didn't exist.

There's no real sign that the Key games take place outside the present day. It just makes the absence of these things more notable because it means they must be intentionally shying away from having the characters get very involved with them.

I can't speak for the other Key game anime adaptations, but I kind of wonder why they shy away from making technology more prominent within Clannad. Maybe they want characters to interact on a more face-to-face basis? In the end, outside one or two instances (bus accident, suitcase), technology lacking a strong presence within the show doesn't really bother me, but I am a little curious about reason behind it.

stfram

05-27-2009, 05:50 PM

There's no real sign that the Key games take place outside the present day. It just makes the absence of these things more notable because it means they must be intentionally shying away from having the characters get very involved with them.

I can't speak for the other Key game anime adaptations, but I kind of wonder why they shy away from making technology more prominent within Clannad. Maybe they want characters to interact on a more face-to-face basis? In the end, outside one or two instances (bus accident, suitcase), the lack of technology doesn't really bother me, but I am a little curious about reason behind it.

I've always wondered about that myself.

I've deduced that Clannad takes place around 96-97 (with the primary characters being born around 1981) when cellphones weren't as prevalent (even in Japan, especially in the relatively small town where the story takes place).

something

05-27-2009, 06:05 PM

I've deduced that Clannad takes place around 96-97 (with the primary characters being born around 1981) when cellphones weren't as prevalent (even in Japan, especially in the relatively small town where the story takes place).
Hmm, any particular reason? The game was released in 2004 so it can't be related to when it was made. I don't think that modern technology doesn't exist in Clannad, I think the story just mostly ignores it.

reboman

05-27-2009, 07:07 PM

Well... there's an episode later on which establishes/implies that the absolute earliest that Akio was in high school was 1980, but could be any year after that. Even assuming Nagisa was born 2-3 years afterwards (likely more, given that it is also likely/implied Sanae and Akio went to college), and that Nagisa is slightly over 18 during the first season, I'd think that puts us after 2000.

Draneor

05-27-2009, 07:26 PM

just found it kind of amusing that the garden just transformed from ugly to beautiful in less than half a day. It seems that in Clannad the impossible becomes possible. I know Tomoya used money saved from his part time job to pay for gardening supplies and stuff, but I can't imagine it being close to enough for everything, unless he had some serious money under the mattress.

As an avid gardener, my opinion is that it wouldn't really cost that much to do what Tomoya did. Most of the work was restoring the untended garden that was already there. Something that just costs time. Buy a few annuals to give it some color and you're done.

Gardening really isn't that expensive of a hobby. Especially for a small one like that.

I can't speak for the other Key game anime adaptations, but I kind of wonder why they shy away from making technology more prominent within Clannad. Maybe they want characters to interact on a more face-to-face basis?

Ask that question after you have seen all of it and I'll answer it.

Fencedude

05-27-2009, 07:29 PM

Ask that question after you have seen all of it and I'll answer it.

I'm curious. Either PM me or put in the After Story thread.

05-27-2009, 11:40 PM

Ask that question after you have seen all of it and I'll answer it.

I'd like to be in on that PM as well. I've found your angle on the story to be enlightening in the past.

stfram

05-28-2009, 12:52 AM

Ask that question after you have seen all of it and I'll answer it.

I'd like to be in on that PM as well. I've found your angle on the story to be enlightening in the past.

Thirded. :)

Dack Ralter

05-28-2009, 02:01 AM

Episode 15: "A Problematic Matter."

-On another note, all the girls look awesome in what I'm assuming to be spring uniforms? Nagisa and Kotomi look especially sexy.
Pretty damn nice indeed. I find I'm suddenly missing the other uniforms though. :sd:

-Hilariously enough, Sunohara is still stuck at school during the night. :sd: His imouto calls him, but he's not there to take the call. This leads to Okazaki playing a horrible prank on Youhei's sister. It was hilarious, but Youhei's sister doesn't seem to be much like Youhei. Still, the whole sequence was hilarious.
I'm still a fan of Okazaki, but this episode had me wishing somebody might kick his ass from time to time.

-Nagisa receives a threatening letter from someone to stop the Drama Club. What makes it more messed up is the fact that Nagisa is such a sweet person, and she'd never hurt anyone. Honestly, it kind of angered me.
I was surprised to find myself kind of pissed off...big time. Death to the Choir Club! :devil:

Youhei gets extremely angered at the sob story. This whole scene was very dramatic and quite moving. It's another fine example of why I love Clannad so much. I feel very bad for Youhei.
This whole exchange had me rather firmly in the Sunohara camp. I wish he had gotten to tell off the girl in question. While I run the risk of apostasy, I have to say this was the first time that I felt frustrated by Nagisa.

-Nagisa has gotten stronger, and it's amazing, that even in difficult times, she still finds positive things in even the worse situations. I just love the music in the background. Nagisa starts crying, and Tomoya comes and comforts her. :cry:
...and then she make it up again by being so resilient. Damn Clannad and its emotional complexity...:P

-But then Kyou kills the moments. :sd: I thought Nagisa and Tomoya were finally going to kiss.
Even I'll admit that Kyou did sort of stomp on the moment. But I think she was right to do so.

-Tomoyo gets harassed by the leaders of some Judo clubs, and then, out of the blue, Fuuko shows up, but fails to be of any help. Oh, well, I still love you Fuuko, and I'm glad she shows up again.
Fuko Fail mk. 2! I'm glad she came back again, though.

-Tomoya acts all like a tough guy and steals Tomoyo away from the club leaders, and they go off on a nice little walk. Tomoyo is intent on world domination, and she wants to start off at the Student Council level. Tomoyo hasn't been making many appearances overall in Clannad, but after this scene I find myself liking her a little more. Plus, she's a sexy lady.
I like that...world domination. :) I like Tomoyo's voice quite a bit too, now that I get to hear it.

-Nagisa is wondering why Tomoya is avoiding Youhei. He tells her the shocking "truth." Youhei is gay for Tomoya. Amusingly enough, Nagisa says that Tomoya shouldn't ignore Youhei's feelings, but Tomoya tells Nagisa that he's not into guys, and the sooner Youhei gets over him, the better.
-Youhei then comes over and starts pestering Tomoya. I just love the dialogue here, and Nagisa's reactions to it.
-Tomoya is Nagisa's boyfriend, and she doesn't want to give him up. She's just trying to protect him, but it's so cute how she goes about it. They really have grown a lot closer. Hilariously enough, Youhei runs off crying (I feel bad for him). He got dumped by both love interests, Tomoya and Nagisa.
Like I said, somebody needs to kick Okazaki's ass. :catgirl: That being said, it was awesome watching the conversation take the worst possible turns available when Sunohara finally caught up with them. I couldn't stop laughing...

something

05-28-2009, 06:42 AM

Ask that question after you have seen all of it and I'll answer it.I'd like to be in on that PM as well. I've found your angle on the story to be enlightening in the past.Thirded. :)
At this point it makes a lot more sense to just post it in the After Story thread, because anything and everything Clannad (note, nothing Tomoyo After of course) is fair game in that thread now, since it's completely done the story.

Isuzu Inugami

05-28-2009, 11:46 AM

Heh, I'm lagging behind as usual....

Episode 10: "The Girl Genius' Challenge."

-Reckless driver Kyou runs over Tomoya, who happened to be walking together with Nagisa.

Kyou shows no concern and no guilt! It's kind of impressive in a way.... :sd:

There's a little flashback as they try to remember why they've started calling each other by their first name.

I really like that Fuko still echoes through the show. I was afraid we'd get past her arc and there'd be no more references to her, which would be too cruel after how wrenching her storyline was.

- Kotomi seems to really have a problem with bullies or something, I wonder why?

She is pretty focused on that angle, isn't she.

-Kotomi hears a voilin, and then proceeds to follow her ears to it's location. Kotomi is given a chance to play it, and then...

Amazing and hilarious. And of course she's oblivious to the reaction.

Classical

05-28-2009, 12:16 PM

Episode 16: "3 on 3."

-Whoa, Youhei's room is a dump. Then again, this isn't the first time I've seen it in such a mess. I just love how anime exaggerates the messiness of people's rooms and houses.
-Mei-chan does a very amazing job cleaning up Youhei's mess. She's an awesome little sister. I would definitely want her as a sister too. She's just so cool. She kind of looks more like Tomoya's sister though, but that's because they have a similar hair color. I couldn't help but be amused how easily Nagisa spilled the beans about Youhei being "in love" with Tomoya. Mei is shocked.
-I just love how Youhei freaks out at the sight of Tomoya and Nagisa being together and the possibility of his room being turned into a love nest. Youhei really is a sucker for girls, and doesn't realize that Mei-chan is the one who came to see him.
-Tomoya clears up the mess that he created with his little lie to Nagisa. I suppose it's for the best. I'm going to miss seeing Nagisa freak out everytime Youhei tries to "make a move" on Tomoya.
-Mei-chan is going to stay with the coolest family on Earth, the Furukawas. That little bit with Akio and the scar on Nagisa's butt was funny, but a little weird too. Alas, Sanae clears up the lie that Akio fed to his daughter. Akio is a horrible, horrible parent. :p
-The next day, Tomoya walks at a turtle's pace to school and meets Tomoyo along the way. For some strange reason, Tomoyo starts taking an interest in Tomoya's delinquency and has him arrive to school early.
-At school, Tomoya gets into quite a mess with Tomoyo. It's bizarre and fascinating at the same time seeing Tomoyo take such an interest in Tomoya. Youhei shows and gets a piece of food stuck up his nose. He got lucky because Tomoyo's aim was off. I didn't know Sakagami was an underclassmen.
-Kyou comes in all ticked off and stuff that Tomoyo is talking to Tomoya and starts scolding Sakagami. Sakagami wonders if Kyou is interested in Okazaki and they ask if he has a girlfriend. That argument between Tomoyo and Kyou was epic. I was kind of hoping for a catfight. :sdsmiley: I just love the relationship confusion that's been transpiring in this show. It makes for awesome drama and hilarious moments.
-Kyou drags off Tomoya with her and says that she'll offer her help to Tomoya and Youhei by playing in the basketball match with them if Tomoya does her a favor. I think at this point it's become obvious to Tomoya that Ryou has an interest in him, but does Kyou have interest too?
-Kyou looks super hot in the clothes she's wearing for the basketball match. I officially declare Kyou to be hotter than her sister Ryou. Ryou is still the lesser violent one though. Kyou doesn't seem to know the rules of basketball real well. Mei introduces herself to Ryou and Kotomi. She's there to watch her brother mess up big time. :p Why is Tomoyo watching the match?
-The match starts but not before the rules are set. Dang, Okazaki is amazingly fast. Kyou is good at shooting. Youhei is good at passing. Nagisa has no clue about any of the rules of basketball. :sd:
-Kyou has her own fan club. Why is it that she, Tomoyo, and Fuko are adored by many others but Kotomi and Nagisa aren't? Kotomi has at least made friends, but I feel bad for Nagisa-chan.
-The Drama Club is winning the game, but then the real players show up and the Drama Club gets easily outclassed. It's not surprising at all, really.
-Time's running out, and Tomoya gets the last shot. It was fascinating seeing him think about why he's even trying so hard, but Nagisa encourages him. Tomoya realizes that he's found a home in a world where he didn't have much to look forward too. He shoots, and scores.
-It sucks that the Drama Club supporters didn't have time to celebrate, but then they would have gotten in major trouble. It's kind of funny that Youhei fell along the way when escaping. The whole basketball match was pure fun.
-Mei-chan's leaving. :cry: I'll miss her, she's just so cool. It's nice to see that she and Youhei have such a nice relationship. I hope we get to see Mei again.
-I just love how a party is set up behind Youhei's back and he gets upset that the party is happening in his room.
-The next episode looks depressing. =(

I just loved this episode.