Arakawa Under the Bridge Discussion Thread

[Fencedude]

Guy meets homeless girl who live under a bridge. ??? ensues.

ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=11188)
Official Site (http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/arakawa_ub/)

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[Fencedude]

Well, that certainly was...different.

Kamiya Hiroshi, once again playing Kamiya Hiroshi, is saved by a very strange homeless woman when he falls off a bridge.

Due to various issues regarding his upbringing, he's incapable of accepting help without payment, so he has to pay her back. She asks him to become her lover.

Oh and she's from Venus.

And the mayor of the town under the bridge is a Kappa.

[HitokiriShadow]

...... Uhhhh.... I'm not sure what to say about that. That was one of the oddest first episodes I've seen in a long time. It wasn't laugh out loud funny, but it was pretty entertaining. I'm definitely in for more and can't wait to see what other kinds of whackjobs they introduce.

[Nosredna]

Very odd, but I found it quite humorous. Took me longer than it should have to realize that was Kamiya Hiroshi :sd:. I'm just wondering how much weirder it's going to get.

[TheGreenMan]

I really don't know what to make of this show. Weird to be sure. I like Nino's hair. It has a mind of it's own. Nino's pretty awesome, IMO.

[Ingraman]

Itoshiki Nozomu is saved by Fujioka Haruhi? That's all that came to mind when I heard them, anyway.

That was a little different. I'm not sure what else to say. ^_^;

[Ingraman]

Kamiya Hiroshi, once again playing Kamiya Hiroshi, is saved by a very strange homeless woman when he falls off a bridge.

Playing himself? Itoshiki Nozomu is the only voice that came to mind when I heard him speak, even though I watched only 6-8 episodes of the first Zetsubou-sensei, and I've heard him voice a few characters since then (at least in Macross Frontier and Drrr; SuperGALS! did not come to mind). Well, according to ANN, he's voiced a lot of characters in shows that I haven't seen. Maybe all of the rest of them do sound alike.

[Ashyukun]

I really don't know what to think of it, but I know I'll be watching more of it. I'm not sure which of them all is the most nuts though- Nino & the Mayor seem to have more common sense at least. :P

[Shiroi Hane]

Oh dear, SHAFT/Shinbo... time will tell if I can stick this one out.
Bose CD player and Netgear router.
She clearly has eyes in the back of her head. Never being indebted to anyone is a hard way to live. Oh dear, especially paying back 3 years of childraising. Never mind the burping I don't want to know about the nappies.
Episode 2 already?
Episode 3.
Episode 4.
Those "stepping stones" are awfully far apart from this angle.
Kappa? Or not.
Episode 6. Did I miss 5 or did they?
Episode 7.
He's going to get a name based on hie tie isn't he? Or not.
I don't get the joke here.
Episode 8.
We saw the class number on her jacket earlier so she's in gym uniform, but I just noticed she has school shoes on also.
Why doesn't he have an inhaler?
Episode 9

Err.. well, I'll probably give it at least one more episode.

[Johnny]

Just watched the first episode. Brilliant! :D Completely insane, but it had me laughing out loud to myself and it seems like it could be a fun series. Definitely keeping up with this :)

[something]

Episode 1:

- HAH! This show is, from the first scene, fantastic. Kamiya Hiroshi has his trandemark "fast monologue" skills working in ovrdrive. And it's all perfectly shaftily absurd.
- XD! The eraser. Brilliant.
- So now that she's saved his life he needs to find a way to repay her. But how do you repay a Venusian?
- ...A Venusian?? XD Also Sakamoto Maaya.
- Whe he's indebted to someone he gets asthma attacks >_>
- Fall in love with her? Go for it! Also, lol, "Episode 3"
- "At what temperature would you die?" XD
- Episode 5... KAPPA. A Fujiwara Keiji kappa. lol.
- Or a man in a kappa suit.
- RECRUIT! And Ni no San. Nino-san. >_>
- Hah she's forgotten who he is already.
- I love her hair.

Yep... that was interesting. :sd:

[something]

Playing himself? Itoshiki Nozomu is the only voice that came to mind when I heard him speak, even though I watched only 6-8 episodes of the first Zetsubou-sensei, and I've heard him voice a few characters since then (at least in Macross Frontier and Drrr; SuperGALS! did not come to mind). Well, according to ANN, he's voiced a lot of characters in shows that I haven't seen. Maybe all of the rest of them do sound alike.
You really need to watch Bakemonogatari. Kamiya is channeling Araragi like nobody's business.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's nice to know that in just under a half hour, I was able to finish several episodes of this.

As strange as the world, he's becoming a part of may be, the male lead can't deny that he's also insane.

Nino has some potential.

One danger the show could run into is becoming reliant on having a lot of "By the way I'm strange" characters.

It's over all a decent start, but it's hard to say yet if it's a keeper. I guess it depends on what the true flow is like.

[Ingraman]

Playing himself? Itoshiki Nozomu is the only voice that came to mind when I heard him speak, even though I watched only 6-8 episodes of the first Zetsubou-sensei, and I've heard him voice a few characters since then (at least in Macross Frontier and Drrr; SuperGALS! did not come to mind). Well, according to ANN, he's voiced a lot of characters in shows that I haven't seen. Maybe all of the rest of them do sound alike.
You really need to watch Bakemonogatari. Kamiya is channeling Araragi like nobody's business.

I've only seen the first episode of that one, and I never got around to looking at more of it. I barely remember what happened in that first episode beyond their usual animation style (and a light-weight girl and a stapled cheek, but that alone wasn't enough to keep me watching). Since I never watched any more of it, I stayed away from all discussions about it to avoid any spoilers in case I got around to going back to the show.

So for me, he's only Zetsubou-sensei.

[Senku]

.....

This show made by brain cells become estranged to themselves; they had to meet again for me to function properly.

It felt like I watched nine episodes. Don't think I'll be keeping up with this :sweat:

[Ashyukun]

So, a proper OP and ED this time. And they're appropriately weird (especially the OP).

I don't want to know how he managed to hollow out the inside of one of the pillars... but at least he's got a halfway respectable house. He's at a complete loss as to what to talk to Nino about though...

I'm inclined to agree with Ric in lamenting that Nino chooses then to show some common sense. And we get further proof that Ric's family- or at least his father- is completely and totally messed up. The bath scene was rather touching though at points...

We then get introduced (at least in passing) to a number of the other denizens of the Mayor's domain, though only a few are named. Including the wholly inappropriately (well, other than attire...) Sister, a massive blonde dude in a nun's habit carrying an Uzi. Though I have to admit, his idea of Mass IS rather appealing.

ED shows off a number of other characters we've yet to meet, at least one of which is, according to ANN's cast list, apparently Ric's sister...

This 'episode' was a bit less on the purely over-the-top in its absurdity than the first (beyond the masks/outfits all the characters are wearing...) and worked fairly well for me overall. I moves on fairly well from one gag to the other, which works well for it.

[Fencedude]

Lets not get too creative with the topic title, they get truncated easily

Anyway, that was...uhh...something. I'm not really even sure anymore. It was kinda sweet at points though.

[TheGreenMan]

The OP was cute and weird. Nino is hardcore, biting the head off a piranha like that.

[ilmaestro]

Nino-san is exceptionally cute. ^_^ And seems genuinely nice. Shame she's likely batshit crazy. :D

Hasn't stopped entertaining me yet, that's for sure.

[Nosredna]

When the 'Sister' showed up I couldn't stop laughing. That was just hilarious. Looks like he's made quite a few enemies being her lover though. At least she seems to care for him. Oh and I like the improvements he's done to his place.

[Ashyukun]

When the 'Sister' showed up I couldn't stop laughing. That was just hilarious. Looks like he's made quite a few enemies being her lover though. At least she seems to care for him. Oh and I like the improvements he's done to his place.
Yeah, that was probably my biggest laugh of the episode, followed shortly by cracking up at the highly-abbreviated Mass. Ric's made at least three enemies at least: Starman and the twin masked kids (given their reaction to finding out about Nino & Ric I assumed they're boys... but their wearing Seifuku in the ED... :sweat: ).

So far the show has kept up both its weirdness and entertainment factor... it'll be interesting to see how it holds up once it's through introducing all the weird & shocking characters. I think it'll probably do fairly well though- just watching Ric and Nino interact is amusing enough...

[Nork22]

"Hello, my name is Recruit. And Nino is my lover"

Way to crush the community's angelic view on Nino dude...

And LOL at the Sister. Go Takehito Koyasu.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'm not sure why, but in some ways this was a bit better than the first episode. Still it feels like it's missing something.

[Johnny]

Just watched episode 2 and yup, it's still as insane :sd: :D

Meeting all the other people who live by the river was brilliant, some real weirdos here! Loving the atmosphere of this series :)

[TheGreenMan]

When the 'Sister' showed up I couldn't stop laughing. That was just hilarious. Looks like he's made quite a few enemies being her lover though. At least she seems to care for him. Oh and I like the improvements he's done to his place.

Is the "Sister" twelve feet tall or something?

[Nork22]

When the 'Sister' showed up I couldn't stop laughing. That was just hilarious. Looks like he's made quite a few enemies being her lover though. At least she seems to care for him. Oh and I like the improvements he's done to his place.

Is the "Sister" twelve feet tall or something?

It's voiced by Takehito Koyasu put it that way... ;)

[something]

Yeah, about the subject lines, the truncation in threaded is really bad so all you see is: "Episode.... er, 'Collection..." then it cuts off. Stupid VB.

Episode 2:

- ::watches OP:: ...Fish!
- Now it's time for episode 2. I mean 10. Uhhh.
- Huh, Rec/Riku did some interior decorating. ...Rec or Riku? It's short for "Recruit" thus Rec, but part of the joke in the previous episode is that he wanted a Japanese name, hence you could turn it into Riku (rikuruuto).
- Hahahah, he runs through eevry possibly conversation topic but they'd all be impossible with her.
- Bwahaha! He finally has a go at a conversation topic and all she's got is ::stare:: "Saaa..."
- 2-3-chan wears a towel. Boo.
- ...Only because she used to get arrested for indecent exposure. :sd:
- A nice moment as she washes his hair. Sooorta. >_>
- Awww. She's so cute. Sooooorta. >_>
- Welcoming party! Meeting the neighbors. Telling them you're Nini-san's lover. Oops...
- AHAHAHA! The "sister" is Koyasu Takehito. Perfect.

Huh, the ED is pretty nice. Is that... Yep, same ones who did the H&C EDs. Knew he sounded familiar.

[Ashyukun]

Yeah, about the subject lines, the truncation in threaded is really bad so all you see is: "Episode.... er, 'Collection..." then it cuts off. Stupid VB.

If I end up being the one who leads off any more, I'll either just use 'Episode XX' or 'Collection XX'... it's hard to refer to them as just 'episodes' when we're internally up to... 13? 14? Higher? :sweat:

[HitokiriShadow]

I'm still not sure how I feel about about this show. It has its amusing moments, and some somewhat touching ones, but most of it is just odd.

[HitokiriShadow]

That was quite a dress Nina had.

The humor is occasionally worth a chuckle or smile, but it doesn't do much for me overall. This kind of thing either clicks with you or it doesn't, its just not for me. But I like the more serious bits, like the end (before the ED) of this episode, which can be rather sweet. If I make it to the end of this series, it will be for that aspect of the show.

[Johnny]

But I like the more serious bits, like the end (before the ED) of this episode, which can be rather sweet. If I make it to the end of this series, it will be for that aspect of the show.

Yup, was just thinking that myself while watching episode 3. It was a lot less crazy than the previous two, but I enjoyed the change of pace. I do love the humour in this series though, I just hope there's something of a balance between it and the more personal, quiet scenes with Nino.

[Nosredna]

I don't think he'll ever learn he can't impress Nino with the stuff he finds important. Of course when he realizes to go by what she wants, they do make a 'nice' couple. The Star guy is definitely his nemesis though, although I doubt Nino will even care about him. She definitely did look good in that dress though. Oh and I liked them making fun of the mayor at the end when they were talking about the trick he pulled.

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh and I liked them making fun of the mayor at the end when they were talking about the trick he pulled.

They weren't making fun of him. They were genuinely impressed because they don't get that he's not actually a kappa.

[BigPants]

The Star guy is definitely his nemesis though, although I doubt Nino will even care about him.

Hoshi has killed me since he showed up haha.

My favorite part was the dinner in his plan (or really, the whole 'Plan' segment). "Maybe I should let you run the country for a bit;" oh boy. Oh, and Sister's joke at the very end. Which I am now going to tell everybody.

[Nosredna]

Oh and I liked them making fun of the mayor at the end when they were talking about the trick he pulled.

They weren't making fun of him. They were genuinely impressed because they don't get that he's not actually a kappa.

Sorry I meant the show was making fun of him (and itself), not the people he was with.

[Ashyukun]

I'm liking the balance they're starting to strike between the humor and seriousness- the bits earlier on with Sister and Star were great as was the complete absurdity of Ric's plans, and the sweetness of things once he stopped thinking of himself and more about her was quite nice. I LOVED the bit after the ED though.

[something]

Episode 3:

- Sister is awesome. Rec is awesome. Hoshi is... pathetic, but it makes for an awesome scene.
- Meanwhile Nino-san sits outside eating cookies while butterflies flit about. <3
- Date time! Rec must live in the spiffiest bridge support dwelling in all of Japan.
- Rec, I really think she'd be more impressed by a fish. Don't you know anything about her yet?
- Hah! There's not a lot to comment on in this episode but I really like the flow. The most amusing moment of the attempt at a date so far is when Rec asks Nino-san where she wants to go, and she tries to say Venus. :sd:

Oh wow, over already. Nino-san's dress was quite nice - loves the translucent effect along the edges.. The roses were a bit much but she looks quite pretty. I really like how these two are shaping up.

Oh wait, not over.

Post-ED:
- Ahahaha, the "punchline" to Sister's joke... XD

[Fencedude]

This show is just so weird.

Nino's hot though.

The signs the pink haired girl held up during the gag contest amused me.

[Ashyukun]

The signs the pink haired girl held up during the gag contest amused me.
Yeah, that was one of the highlights of the episode. I hope we get a formal introduction to her soon, she seems like she'll be fun.

[Ashyukun]

First, we get the second half of Ric & Nino's date. Unfortunately, she's not in the dress but instead in her normal clothes. This segment is alternatingly the funniest thing I've seen in this show thanks to Ric's failed attempt at a Princess Carry (I was LOL'ing at Nino's little 'oofs' through that) and some of the sweetest at the end.

The rest of the episode introduces two more of the girls/women in the cast- a sweet, harmless little girl from the orphanage Sister used to run in England named Stella (voiced by the ever-awesome-and-perfect-for-this-role Chiwa Saito) who is even more amusing than I'd hoped she would be (she reminds me a lot of the similar-looking girl from what I watched of Needless in personality :P) and finally introduces the pink-haired girl from the 'gag contest' at the end of the last episode- and she again is even more awesome than expected. Her name is Maria (voiced by Sawashiro Miyuki), and she runs the riverbank's farm. I think if the fact this riverbank has a farm complete with cows and chickens surprises you, you should probably stop watching the show now. :P Maria is every bit as angelic and beautiful as her name would imply- assuming you don't mind being insulted and pretty much being told to die continually. I submit that the reason Sister brought the cart along was so that whoever he got to help could haul him back on it. Still haven't met the red-haired girl in the ED yet- I'm going to assume she's Goto Yuko's character. The cast for this show truly is stupidly good.

The gag contest segment for this time isn't nearly as amusing, either in the gags or the signs.

[Nosredna]

Nino just maybe falling for Ric. Of course if he tries to carry her like a princess again, she may just send him to the river. Can't say I was a big fan of Stella, but really Ric can't catch a break. Maria will be interesting with her insults, I wonder if Nino will feel threatened by her.

[Johnny]

This segment is alternatingly the funniest thing I've seen in this show thanks to Ric's failed attempt at a Princess Carry (I was LOL'ing at Nino's little 'oofs' through that) and some of the sweetest at the end.


Haha I was thinking the same thing as I was watching :sdsmiley: Stella was great too. I laughed at Sisters "only do 3-hit combos on normal people" :P

[something]

Episode 4:

- I think I like the OP more every time I hear it. So cute~

Episode 25
- HAHAHAHAHA. WHat just happened? The entirety of "Episode 25" was amazing. Rec was channeling Itoshiki Nozomu something fierce in parts of it.
Episode 26
- Oh god, this is already almost the best episode yet. Rec, you're doing it wrong.
- Wait, that's right, the dress. Why isn't she wearing it? Well, it's not really appropriate for walking along a riverbank...
- Wow, I feel like their relationship advanced as much in this "episode" as in all the others before, combined.
- BLUSHING NINO-SAN!
Episode 27
- Stella! Saitou Chiwa + adorable = awesome character!
Episode 28
- She's being much too cute and sweet. Clearly she must be evil.
- She's working on him... she wants to play... she wants to...
- FIGHT.
Episode 29
- BWHAHAAHAH!
- Stella is hereby one of my favorite characters in the show, easily.
Episode 30
- She's already collecting minions.
- Maria! Sawashiro Miyuki!
- ...Horrible cold-hearted bitch! FUCK YEAH!

Holy crap did that episode ever fly by. Quite possibly the best yet, at least in terms of being consistently hilarious, *and* having some sweet Rec/Nino moments.

Oh right, post-ED:
Episode 31
- Sister is totally in love with Maria.
- Maria is awesome. Fuck yes Sawashiro Miyuki, I love hearing you trash talk with a sweet voice.

[Fencedude]

Oh god Stella and Maria are awesome.

Just too much.

[Fencedude]

New OP. Its Maria berating Sister. And its AWESOME.

And we meet a new girl, the redhead, her name is P-ko, she's in charge of vegetables, and she's voiced by Omigawa Chiaki (NAZUNA!!!!)

And then Ric snaps after being called a leech by Maria.

[Nosredna]

That was an interesting OP. I wonder what type of job Ric is going to get, he certainly doesn't like being called a leech. Oh and his competition with Hoshi in music should be quite funny (I hope).

[Johnny]

P-Ko is great, the banana scene had me laughing. Also, lol @ Ric's face after Maria's leech insult :sdsmiley:

[Nosredna]

The Hoshi/Ric music battle didn't go how I expected it. I actually thought they were going to have Nino really be sleeping. My favorite part of the episode was Ric teaching the boys how to swim. I loved the fact they couldn't float with those masks on. Oh and Ric being a teacher should be evil and hilarious at the same time.

[Ashyukun]

The Hoshi/Ric music battle didn't go how I expected it. I actually thought they were going to have Nino really be sleeping. My favorite part of the episode was Ric teaching the boys how to swim. I loved the fact they couldn't float with those masks on. Oh and Ric being a teacher should be evil and hilarious at the same time.
Yeah, I expected more humiliation of Ric than the other way around- especially with his maniacal expression throughout all of it.

Having Ric being a teacher should be a lot of fun and a good chance for some character development for him as well. Not to mention no shortage of pain as well, given Stella's likelyhood of being in the 'class'....

[Johnny]

Oh and Ric being a teacher should be evil and hilarious at the same time.

Heh, yeah I'm looking forward to seeing how that pans out :sweatdrop: Ric and Nino seemed a lot more like a couple with kids when teaching the boys how to swim too. Will be interesting to see if that develops further.

[something]

Episode 5:

- Holy... shit. The OP is Sawashiro Miyuki horribly verbally abusing you? That's amazing. MORE PLEASE!!
Episode 33
- ...Maria is a goddess.
- So the next time you want to go hide in a hole, make sure you have your hand grenades!
Episode 34
- Ohh hey! It's Omigawa Chiaki again.
- Bananas? Nobody ever slips on banana peels. Right, Hitagi-san?
- Haha, the delivery guy is the dude who plays about 600 no-name roles in Lucky Star.
- Anyway, Omigawa Chiaki. I really feel like her true niche is cute voices a la Nazuna from Hidamari. I wasn't really feeling her Maka in Soul Eater. And she sounds more or less the same here (though it's even more Jun from Natsu no Arashi of course). Still, she should be good enough for the role.
Episode 35
- Paprika! And she loves Nino-san! And Rec, you idiot, you had a chance to get in good with someone for once. And you insulted her peppers. ;_; Not that I don't undestand. Peppers are utterly foul. Not fit for human consumption!
Episode 36
- Well, I guess things worked out in the end with P-ko. More or less.
- P-ko is into the Chief? And of course kappa need their cucumbers. And Cucumber soda!
Episode 37
- Stella's name will be... Stella! And she's already gathering more minions.
Episode 38
- Rec is... a freeloader. The absolute worst thing he could ever be described as.
- I looove the face Maria makes when she's orgasming over the emotional anguish she causes.
Episode 39
- Goto Yuuko is a bee lady!
Episode 40
- Stuff.
Episode 41
- Stuff.

Badly need more Sawashiro Miyuki being a horrible, horrible person.

[something]

Episode 6:

- Well that's a fairly serious opening bit.
Episode 43
- Haha, I love Rec's face when he starts on the violin. FEARSOME!

Episode 44
- I love Rec when he's being ruthless. Even if it never quite goes how he expects.
- ...Yep.

Episode 45
- FFFFFFFFFFFF::headexplode:: WANT SUKUMIZU NINO FANART RIGHT NOW.
- ...ander the blitz! (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/671101)

Episode 46
- Breathing underwater? Easy!

Episode 47
- Ahaha, they (say they) have superpowers.
- Nino, please wear that swimsuit forever.
- Rec will become a teacher? Kinda hard when every single person in the bridge makes him want to kill himself except for Nino. :sd:

Episode 48
- ...Kappa broth.

Episode 49
- Stuff.

Episode 50
- Hmm, moving more toward Rec really becoming their teacher.
- Imagining everyone with common sense. That... THAT'S TOO WEIRD!

And he really may not be capable of understanding common sense anymore...

Heh, Nino yawning in ep 51 was very cute. And really nice Nino image by Okama at the end.

[Fencedude]

Sukumizu Nino! And then stuff.

[Nosredna]

Ric's teaching debut wasn't bad. I really liked when the boys put the helmet on his head. He also had another nice moment with Nino. Stella normally doesn't interest me, but she had her moments this episode. P-ko is quite dangerous. And it will be interesting to see Nino and Maria's reaction to seeing the Mayor with long hair.

[Johnny]

The first half of this episode reminded me how great Stella is...then I was reminded in the second half that P-ko is infinitely better :catgirl: <3 Loved that picture after the ED too :nosebleed:

Also, lol @ the Mayors hair :P

[Nosredna]

Well that was the best episode for me so far. It was absolutley hilarious. Maria was wonderful as his 'employee' and Whitey was surprisingly useful. Plus finding out Sister was watching Ric after he found out about Nino and Ric was great. Oh and Nino and Ric coming even closer with that kiss. Poor Hoshi has no chance now. Looks like Ric's father is going to try and interrupt the happy couple.

[something]

I don't feel like mentioning all the episode numbers anymore!

Episode 7:

- Uh, thanks for your thoughts, Nino-san?
- Classroom! Sorta, kinda. I want to hear the rest of Nino-san's list of common senses.
- Oh wow, Nino-san took classes over concerts without hesitation. Now you know she loves you, Rec!
- Hahaha, Stella is amazing. She does not like her henchmen being distracted by someone else. Meanwhile, Nino-san is ensuring the rocket willnot anger the Venusians...
- Saitou Chiwa's bitchy, snotty "Heh!" is fantastic. Mobster Stella!
- And the way she immediately slips back into super cute. <3
- P-KO! Oh she's so cute. And deadly. Seems to be a theme. She must not be allowed to get a car.
- And she has terrible taste in men. But hah, long-haired Chief. :sd:
- Oh and Rec brought up something I had been wondering about. His real job, away from the bridge. I couldn't tell if he was still doing that or not but he seemed to indicate he was. How is he always under the bridge during the day then?

Oh wow, got pretty awesome at the end there. Having Rec and P-ko talk about common sense and living as you please while the ED plays made for some seriuosly good stuff. And then a bit of plot at the end... Nice episode, definitely.

!!!!!! Holy shit, P-KO illustration at the end... Awesome!

[Fencedude]

!!!!!! Holy shit, P-KO illustration at the end... Awesome!

The entire episode (which was pretty awesome) was more than worth it just to get to that.

[Fencedude]

Oh that was just too funny. The show really needs more Maria. And Shiro was surprisingly the most useful of the three.

And then there was the kiss...which I actually expected, Nino being Nino, but the aftermath was just awesome.

[Johnny]

Well that was the best episode for me so far. It was absolutley hilarious.

I completely agree :) Takai was amazing, he would definitely have fit right in living under the bridge :sweat:
The flashback to Ko's childhood and him being alone all the time was quite a touching moment and really stood out in such a weird (even for this series!) episode.
All that was really missing was P-ko :P

It'll be interesting to see what Ko's dad does now that he sees what his son has been doing.

[Nosredna]

Stella vs. Maria! Can't say the result was unexpected, but Maria is quite cunning, especially teasing sister by using Ric. Hoshi's past is interesting, we can see why he fell in love with Nino.

[Nosredna]

Okay the mayor is useless, but everyone loves him. Guess that makes sense. I guess we need some sort of 'plot' in this show, so it will be interesting to see them stand up to Ric's father.

[Nosredna]

Sister dressed as a bear and concealing his weapon in that honey pot was hilarious. Oh and Nino not remembering what Ric looks like was quite funny, glad they didn't give up on that gag. I liked how everyone was being selfish and wanting the development project to include someone else. But poor Ric's plan was rejected and he can't even contact his father, what are they going to do?

[BigPants]

Sister dressed as a bear and concealing his weapon in that honey pot was hilarious. Oh and Nino not remembering what Ric looks like was quite funny, glad they didn't give up on that gag. I liked how everyone was being selfish and wanting the development project to include someone else. But poor Ric's plan was rejected and he can't even contact his father, what are they going to do?

Was this the episode where Hoshi's face was melting? I was dying when I saw that :laugh: :laugh:

Also glad they didn't give up on the gag of Nino not remembering what he looks like.

[Nosredna]

Was this the episode where Hoshi's face was melting? I was dying when I saw that :laugh: :laugh:

I think that was during the fire drill which was the last episode?

[BigPants]

Was this the episode where Hoshi's face was melting? I was dying when I saw that :laugh: :laugh:

I think that was during the fire drill which was the last episode?

That makes sense. :P

[Nosredna]

Was this the episode where Hoshi's face was melting? I was dying when I saw that :laugh: :laugh:

I think that was during the fire drill which was the last episode?

That makes sense. :P

Opps I meant to say episode 10 :sd:.

[Johnny]

Great episode! Especially when it became a Fist of the North Star parody :sweat: Stella completely stole it but no P-ko again :(

Also interesting that we got some insight into Star's back story. And younger, shorter-haired Nino! :catgirl: <3

[Nosredna]

So that was the mayor who saved the area under the bridge right? Ric's father getting caught in the same trap as him was hilarious. It was also nice to hear Ric wants to stay with Nino and she agrees with him. That was a really nice moment for the couple.

[Johnny]

Haha the whole fire scene was ridiculous :sweat: :sdsmiley: Also, P-ko is back! :catgirl:

So it looks like the gang may be forced to move from under the bridge! Oh no!

[Johnny]

So Ric leaves to try and sort out a deal where he will outbid his dads company and buy the land under the bridge. It's not quite that simple though and the plan is in trouble, not to mention he can't even phone his dad :sweat:

[Johnny]

It was also nice to hear Ric wants to stay with Nino and she agrees with him. That was a really nice moment for the couple.

Yeah it was nice and moments like that really stand out amongst the usual madness and mayhem of this series :P

So looks like we're all good again and the construction has been halted. I'm really interested to see how this is finished off and sad too as I've really enjoyed watching this.

[Johnny]

So, it may be the last episode but the madness doesn't end :sdsmiley: Firstly, we're introduced to three new characters - a samurai barber, a bee-woman and a parrot-man :sweat:

Then Ric decides to take Stella and the brothers to an amusement park by building them one until he realises he's never been to one and doesn't know where to begin :P
But Nino and the others build one in three days and while it's a little, odd, at least they made the effort. It also results in Ric being reminded of the time he and his dad spent a day together and brings he and Nino closer together.

It was a great episode to end a fantastic series. I really, really enjoyed watching this. So glad to hear that a second season has been given the go ahead :sdsmiley: Now this just needs to get a licence for DVD/BD :)

[Nosredna]

Creepiest amusement park ever, but still pretty funny. I loved the 3D movie the best. The Last Samurai was pretty interesting too, he can cut some hair, but it seems him and the Sister have had some good battles.

I'm looking forward to season two as well. Oh and I saw some decent looking Arakawa cosplayers at AX. I was surprised there were some already.

[something]

Since I've given up on being able to watch more Night Raid, this completely finishes 1 cour Spring for me! Well, when I get through eps 9-13 as well, which I intend to do now...

Episode 8:

- Ah yes, people from Rec's company had found him when I last watched, uh, a month and a half ago?
- Maria, Sister and that dude with the lines are the most normal looking people Rec could find. That says a lot. :sd:
- But... MARIA! MARIA! MARIA-SAMA! She is seriously the best thing in this show.
- HAH. Oh wow, the way Rec just backhands the chief to the ground was comedic timing perfection.

- Hoshi and Takahi are natural allies. To Rec's dismay.
- ..Until Nino-san sets off a nuke. =D

Their first kiss!

[something]

Episode 9:

- Stella is going to cook Hoshi and feed him to Sister. o_O
- And she has a metal "bra".
- And she thinks Maria-sama is, uh, Maria-sama of the Marimite variety. I know I called her Maria-sama in ep 8 but, lol...
- Oh god, did I just fall into HxH:Greed Island again somehow? And holy crap, is this still really Saitou Chiwa? :sd:
- Stella vs Maria. This will be the most epic thing ever. Or they'll become the best of friends.
- Maria has no fear at all. Oh man I can't wait.
- ...Even a monstrous Stella can not fuck with Maria. Hah. Maria is death itself!
- "I suddenly forgot." Bwhahaha.
- HAHAHAAHHAAH YES. Stella and Maria team up! Holy crap, our little ghetto under the bridge is screwed.

- ORE NO T-SHIRT
- Ahahaa, oh Rec. You've been so... infected. Your immediate conclusion: Hoshi ate the man.
- "Of course it's a mask." XD
- His stage name was "Ore" >_>
- Oh hey, Nino with shoulder-length hair is quite cute.

And what a surprise, Hoshi really is delusional. :sd:

Second part was okay, but holy shit Stella/Maria is the best and they need to delve into that soooo much more.

[Fencedude]

Stella vs. Maria went as expected, but was still very amusing.

Hoshi is meh.

[something]

Episode 10:

- Fire. And P-KO!!
- Not a lot to say about this so far but I am consistently amused by Rec's absolute desperation and frustration regarding the Chief.

- If it's not nukes, it's not worth worrying about. Clearly.
- And here comes the government!
- ...But they are, of course, no match for Maria. Hooooly crap. She's as hot as she is vicious. She already ranks highly among my favorite Sawashiro Miyuki roles.

Nino-san objects!

And such a cute Stella image at the end.

[something]

Episode 11:

- There's really not a lot to say about the more serious pre-OP scenes this show does, but they're almost always pretty good.
- And speaking of the OP, I love it, as I've mentioned. I think I love the ED just as much too.

- Rec's counterattack begins!
- But that means no Rec at the river. At least Shiro is a semi-useful backup.
- ...Nino-san forgot what Rec looks like. XD
- So yeah, this won't be as "easy" as Rec was hoping.
- P-Ko should wear that bikini from the one ED illustration...

There's less to say about this show when plot is happening. :sd:

[Fencedude]

Maria~~~

Yeah. Thats all I've got.

[something]

Episode 12:

- I really hope we get something about Nino-san's backstory. Although there's already a second season announced so there's plenty of time.

- MARIA! MARIA! MARIA! As always, she's the best. Create some shooting stars!
- The wish is granted! With a bit of help from... the true form of the Chief!
- Hah, Maria is still kicking them off.
- Really awesome Nino/Rec's dad scene.
- And bwhahaha, the face Maria makes when she's aroused by others' misfortune is beautiful.
- I love love love Nino-san's spinning hair.

- THE PANTS ARE SINGING!
- Awwww, Nino-san with the phone <3 <3

Part 100... But one episode is left!

[Fencedude]

Episode 11:
There's less to say about this show when plot is happening. :sd:

Plot, what plot?

Anyway, I think the joke in the preview for 12 was actually the funniest thing in the episode. Though the Gag contest was actually pretty funny this time.

I wonder if Ko's dad will ever not be a massive dick.

[something]

Episode 13:

- So for the final episode, we introduce three new characters (I think they appeared before but never interacted). :sd: Well, prep for the second season.
- Nino-san's hair is amazing. P-KO is adorable.
- Oh man, Last Samurai is awesome. Other than the bit with Sister, the best part was Hoshi's mask flying upwards for a moment as Last Samurai cut his hair.
- Sexy bee-girl is Gotou Yuuko! Hah, yay.

- The amusement park is... >_> Heh the 3D Theater and more Maria abuse were totally the best bits.
- And thenm all the girls in pretty dresses... followed by terror. :sd:

Woo, 1 cour Spring done. I can get started on Summer tomorrow. Wish I weren't so damn tired or I'd watch K-ON!! 14 right now. Arakawa ended up being better than Natsu no Arashi, I'd say. As far as low-profile Shaft comedies with occasionally dramatic moments sprinkled throughout that end up going into second seasons go.

[Fencedude]

Maria~~

Nino was pretty awesome this episode too, and the final scene at the end with the phone was <3

[Fencedude]

Jacqueline~!

And the Amusement Park was amusing and kinda sweet, in the weird, Arakawa sort of way. Though the pretty girls at the end definitely helped.

Not sure what to make of "Treasure" or the very last scene.

[pianocello]

The whole concept of "guy gets weird girlfriend who claims she is an alien in the 1st episode" concept has been done much better in Narue's World. The spring season this year has not been very good. After Tatami Galaxy, Working and Durarara, we just had to have another anime which is full of annoying supporting characters that just takes away time from great characters who should have gotten more focus on. The show should have just focused on the romance between Rec and Nino and how Nino learns to adjust to every day life. Instead we get too much screen time on annoying characters that I wish would get chainsawed. In the 1st 3 episodes, I was groaning at the prospect of this show turning into a sausage fest but unfortunately, most of the other females that subsequently showed up (with maybe the exception of P-ko) are no better (and I truly truly hate two-faced characters). The show sees to think these bizarre characters are funny but they didn't even get a chuckle out of me and these weirdos are better off in a shounen action show like Rave Master than a romantic comedy.
Whether of not I continue the 2nd season will depend on how it ends. As it is now, only Nino's moeness is keeping me watching and if the 2nd season develops on her background with a conclusive plot and romantic development then I'll continue. My biggest fear is that the 2nd season could just turn into something like the later seasons of Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei by continuing to introduce more inane unfunny characters and making no attempt to resolve and develop any plot or romance with a definitive ending.

[Fencedude]

The whole concept of "guy gets weird girlfriend who claims she is an alien in the 1st episode" concept has been done much better in Narue's World.

...except Narue actually was an alien. Nino, as far as has been revealed, is just weird.

And other than that one, highly tangential intersection, the shows have nothing in common. So I don't see how you can say its been "done better" when they weren't doing remotely the same thing to begin with.

[Suwako Moriya]

So much for carrying her like a princess....

It didn't take long for Stella to show she wasn't normal either....

I wonder if Maria would even insult her own reflection.:sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

On one hand, the OP is amusing. On the other hand, it does show that there's a danger of Maria's character wearing thin.

Aside from Nino, I think I might end up liking P-Ko best.

[Suwako Moriya]

So an episode focused on the idea of teaching. Don't have much else to say.

[Suwako Moriya]

This episode makes me feel sorry for teachers.

I'm half expecting it to be revealed that even as a fetus, Stella was ruthless and evil.

P-Ko is amazing. Plus I have to admit that her line about common sense reminds me of the problem with the concept of normal. Who decides what normal is?

Ending illustration is amazing. Well, being P-Ko in a swimsuit helps.

[Suwako Moriya]

Being kissed by Nino is the most important event ever.

Yeah, the father seems dedicated to making me dislike him a lot.

[Suwako Moriya]

In this episode, Stella reveals her true self! Command?

You know after this episode, I'm now forced to wonder if some of the claims by the others may not be as far fetched as I thought. I mean if Stella can end up like that....

[Suwako Moriya]

Maria is more amazing than I thought.

Stand tall and defend your home, Nino!

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, it looks like the battle against the final boss may be harder than expected. Rico should have gained a few more levels first.

[Suwako Moriya]

Rico's desire to be with Nino forever was nice and the defining moment of the episode. One to episode 13 now.

[Suwako Moriya]

A bit different than expected, but in the end, they still got to go to an amusement park.

I'll try a different method for cutting my hair.