Oh shit /r/anime SSY rewatch hit that episode. Hospital episode so good.
Oh shit /r/anime SSY rewatch hit that episode. Hospital episode so good.
I can't help but feel Zestiria is a prime example how quality animation and directing can make an anime. The story is generic as fuck(Exploiting nature bad, environment good, war bad, peace good, such politics, much conspiracy), MC pair(Sorey/Princess) is as bland and stock as it gets and only some of the side characters are at all interesting(Kitsune guy and trader girl assassin)... and yet I watch it with pleasure simply because it's a feast to the eyes.
Last edited by mmocab3a46fee3; 2016-07-26 at 09:39 PM.
Amaama to Inazuma 04 - eat your goddamn veggies you little brat
Oops! I missed the discussion on S&W E11-13+OVA. Well, I'll post this a day late, I suppose. Sorry!
First time watcher here.
Episode 11:Spoiler:
Episode 12:Spoiler:
Episode 13:Spoiler:
So, my thoughts on season one: good, not great. I'm thinking 7/10. To those that enjoyed the show more than I, what specifically did you enjoy? I found the plot to be contrived and arbitrary (armor just happening to be worthless just after he procures them, for example). The characters were the highlight for me, with Holo being the (obvious) standout, and while I understand (and appreciate!) Nora as a foil to Holo, I found Nora to be rather boring. I liked the setting because it is something that I haven't seen in an anime before...but due to that setting, I feel like I've missed out on a lot of stuff (such as not understanding Lawrence's problem with bringing Holo along when trying to fix his debt). I vaguely, perhaps mistakenly, remember hearing that season two focuses more on the relationship of Holo and Lawrence, and less on merchant stuff, which is exactly what I want out of this show.
Episode 00Spoiler:
After reading Neichus' comments on Episode 00, I can't say I agree about the 'fan service'. I don't think 'entertaining the audience' is 'terrible', especially considering that the previous few episodes have been super serious, not to mention none of this 'fan service' is a betrayal of character. When they change a character like, say, Yuna in FFX --> FFX-2, yeah, that I have a problem with. But this? Holo's jealousy has been a reoccurring thing - to the point that I've both laughed and (more often) groaned about it. Nora's innocence is her character. I can understand not enjoying some of these elements, but I can't understand why this is singularly on this episode. Do you dislike these things in general, Neichus?
Anyway, I liked this episode a lot. In my eyes, this is what I want, and this is Spice and Wolf at its best. I haven't been a fan of the conflict in S&W (only their resolution and growth), but the banter? Sign me up. Like Neichus touched on, the best part of the episode was Holo's dreams, although I didn't pick up on Lawrence dying...I thought it was about having to leave him (or him leaving) in a general sense. I can see what you're saying though, and I like it. I'm eager to continue watching the rest of it.
The same things you did for the most part. The series runs on its relationships and I'm fond of the setting as not being the same as most anime. I also remarked on this early on, but I give the series extra points for creating Holo as a character who is difficult to define as well as handling nudity so tastefully. It settles at an 8/10 for me, so a bit higher than you but not by much.
I didn't feel that the plot elements were as contrived as you did. With regards specifically to the armor they give multiple hints along the way that something is wrong. The merchant in particular suddenly becomes contemplative when Lawrence asks for armor and then gives in to the demands far too easily; if Lawrence weren't so excited about making a killing he might have picked up on this, but the fact that it just slides costs him.
As to Episode 0, the reason I dislike it is because the interactions have no impact. That is, normally their banter has something to do with the plot or is part of shaping their relationship. As much as Holo's teasing drives you (and me at times) nuts, the constant testing also tends to result in certain situations where she realizes she's pushed him too far, or suddenly there bursts through a moment of genuine interaction. These give insight into each of them and are what help us appreciate how their relationship works.
However, during this episode nothing of the sort happens. They play out their parts as established from previous episodes, but as it is adrift between the two seasons it has no relationship to progressing a plot or affecting their relationship. What happens in episode 0 stays in episode 0. I suspect I'm also influenced by some knowledge from S2: (minor spoiler) We never see Nora again. Because of this I can't help but feel that the design of this episode was meant to pander to people who enjoyed the little three-way relationship before it vanishes.
non anime but... wth Cat Cosplay
I think it's time I finally watch Monster. I've been putting it off forever and that's definitely something I need to rectify. I've actually started it twice but each time wasn't really in the mood for that type of show and didn't want to force it.
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Also, I watched the One Piece Heart of Gold special that takes place before the movie. Fantastic. While it wasn't a "movie" per se, it was easily the best one. Olga was such a great character. Hopefully the movie carries on the special's momentum.
Last edited by Hemoglobin; 2016-07-27 at 02:06 AM.