melancholy of haruhi suzumiya 6
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If there’s one thing crystal clear about Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, it’s that whatever they say will happen, happens. You just know they’re going to lower the hammer and do the opposite one of these days… please?
(Okay, how big was your haruhigasm this week?)
The previous episode had explained that Haruhi is, indeed, God-like, and episode 4 showed how she can will an outcome into play. So, of course, with Itsuki and Kyon leading off the episode by discussion a “closed circled” situation (where people are stranded), naturally, they’re going to end up in a “closed circle” situation before the episode is over or else we get our money back.
Haruhi announces that the club is taking yet another overnight trip (due to the episode skippage, we haven’t seen the first overnight trip yet… am I disappointed that we don’t get to see Haruhi or Mikuru or Yuki in their nighties?). Itsuki just so happens to have a wealthy relative who just so happened to have completed a vacation home on a secluded island and invites the gang there. In the context and flow of the overall story, all the characters are assembled, and Kyon seems to be going along with Haruhi’s deeds, and Mikuru is still as puppy-like as ever. Kyon is almost dreading whatever Haruhi has planned, yet can’t escape, kinda like a moth to a fire.
While the gang travels to Itsuki’s relative’s island, they’re noticably bored. Mikuru also somehow gets appointed as photographer, only Haruhi is a bit jealous of how Mikuru was taking pictures of sleeping Kyon. I hope it doesn’t end up like poor Tomitake (though he deserves to die for interrupting K1’s double date with Shion/Mion, oh wait, forget I said that). If Mikuru weren’t such a doormat and Haruhi didn’t have such ample melonpan, I’d say that she’s the Yoshida to Haruhi’s Shana. Is everyone oblivious to how Haruhi is pulling this tsundere act to Kyon? She even tried to make him jealous by promoting Itsuki. I’m kinda hoping there’s some insight to why Kyon is Haruhi’s catalyst. Is it because of love? Or is Haruhi like Kyon and Mikuru’s love child sent back into the past?
Anyway, Haruhi tries to pass the time thinking and dreaming of mysteries and such and comes up with some far-fetched scenarios, thus guaranteeing that the episode will end with at least one of them. She thinks she’s an “ultra detective” and believes there’s a mystery to solve on this island. Shame. I preferred “ultra director” or “ultra bunny girl” Haruhi. The thing is, once they get to the island, Haruhi and the gang engage in many typical activities shown in a nice montage — swimming (sadly, not only was Mikuru wearing a non cleavage-spilling swimsuit, there were no lost tops), eating, staying up late, orgies, courage tests, et al — and Haruhi completely forgets about her mysteries.
(The best part was before they start swimming, Haruhi is still going on about her murder predictions, and pinpoints Mikuru as the victim with Mikuru doing an “uguu~~”-type Mesousa impersonation in the background with Kyon’s blood pressure continuously rising. Haruhi’s the best. For the record, she said the rich dude is the murderer.)
Like any good murder mystery, they’re not the only people on the island. There’s also the butler (the obligatory “the butler did it!” scenario), the meido (the obligatory “the meido seduces Mikuru and… wait… n/m”), the rich dude (Itsuki’s relative), and the wild card (the relative’s brother). The real mystery to me is, “How can this manor be, ‘just built’?” It’s fully-loaded! Even has a plasma, pool table, mah-jong, lobsters, everything! I’m surprised there’s no prototype PS3 around. If you want to buy your own private island, Fortune had a nice article late last year about it. I thought about it when watching this episode… I think I need a new hobby.
Like clockwork, Itsuki’s and Kyon’s “closed circle” scenario occurs when a typhoon suddenly pops up and traps them on the island. Normally, I wouldn’t say that watching an anime where they tell you what’s going to happen in the first two minutes is fun, but it’s kinda like I’m trying to figure out what doesn’t go as planned. Is there something obvious that I’m missing? Or is it as straightforward as it seems?
The typhoon traps them on the island, and the next day, the Scooby-gang (Kyon = Shaggy?) learns that the younger brother has gone missing and the rich dude isn’t answering the intercom. Since the rich dude is named K1, I’m guessing (1) he’s dead (2) a killer loli or two is involved. Interestingly, before Haruhi and Scooby and reach K1’s room, Haruhi pauses and seems disoriented for a second. Why? Did she just will something to happen? Did she feel something is about to happen? Did she think something else is wrong? Why are we seeing these events through Haruhi’s eyes when Kyon has been the primary narrator/viewpoint thus far? After opening the door (I fully expected Yuki to open the door for them, but it didn’t happen), they see…. K1… dead and leaves the cliffhanger as much as WHUDUNIT as “how much influence did Haruhi have on these events?”
(Obviously, since Mikuru is still alive and moe’ing, and K1 is dead, Haruhi’s prediction didn’t come true… is this why she paused? Dammit. I want episode 10!)
The SOS Brigade Awesomeness Index
DOWN DOWN DOWN Episode skipping. It’s one thing to skip self-containted episodes or arcs. It’s another to show episode “9,” which ends in this cliffhanger… then jump to “8” instead of showing “10.” Can you imagine if they jumped around in Higurashi? I may go on my own killing spree if that occurred. *sigh* It was cute the first two or three times they did it. Now it’s almost as bad as waiting for another seven months for more Battlestar Galactica. The worst part is that they teased us with Haruhi’s slight hesitation… and I want to know what it’s about. Let’s get back to a normal schedule, desho desho?
UP UP UP Meido! A real one to boot! I just loved how Mikuru stared at Mori… yet…
UP Haruhi’s complete and utter domination of Mikuru… I had a good laugh seeing Mikuru stare at Mori because it just shows how much Haruhi has control over her. Then, at the end, she’s practicing that “turn around and say 好㔠move. Pantheon-level. I may dump Haruhi from my harem just to add Mikuru… mmm… Mikuru & Meer symmetrical docking. I’d enjoy it for a few moments before the Haruhi Fan Club kills me.
(The more I think about it, isn’t Mikuru like the stereotypical, ideal Japanese wife?)
UP Kyon’s saracasm… whew! I thought he’d lost it, but he’s still nice and bitter. I also like this brief periods of lucidity where he’s focusing on Mikuru rather than, uh, the situation at hand. I find it odd that he tries to stay distant to Haruhi now. Though, while I enjoy his sarcasm, there’s a limit…
DOWN Kyon… Kyon just looks too unhappy about spending a night at a luxurious mansion with three hawt chix0rs. That’s an indication of reaching the “too sarcastic, too cynical” point in one’s life. Haruhi and Mikuru in swimsuits… good food… enjoy it a bit! Life is short. I’d be smiling, chomping on a cigar, and trying to convince Mikuru to sneak into my room after imouto falls asleep. Speaking of whom…
UP Blatant pandering to a core audience… let me by the 1,003,393 person to mention, “loli-smuggling.” Still, Haruhi has been doing an A+ job of giving various niches their fanservice… bunny girl? Check. Meido? Double check. Cheerleader? Check. Quiet Rei Ayanami clone? Check. Now? Loli smuggling. Check. I’m eager to see what’s up next… symmetrical docking? Twincest? MILF? Tentacles? Skies the limit.
UP Kyoto Animation’s cinematography… always a strongpoint of the series, and I just loved some of the whacky camera angles. I’m also impressed how they kept up using realistic depth of field since the first episode. It’s like the complete opposite of every Da Capo SS scene.
UP Attention to detail. I can’t stress this enough. This anime doesn’t overlook things… I like how all of their clothes aren’t the same as the previous episodes, and the gang makes costume changes as the days churn. They’re also playing 13 tile mah-jong, which is the more popular style in Japan (16 tile more popular in Chinese culture). Then there’s the ping pong table… I liked how the company name is reminiscient of Bouken Desho Desho‘s second version.
DOWN The invisible Yuki. I don’t think she even says one line. Isn’t she supposed to be keeping an eye on Haruhi? Kinda hard to do that if she’s too deep into a John Grisham novel.
UP Itsuki… that HAWT bod… I was cheering for Itsuki and Kyon to share a room together because he seems to know the most out of everyone, yet is extremely coy and mysterious about it. We all know that he has some “odd” friends, he’s an esper, yet… what else? Why is he more vocal in his interest in Haruhi than, oh, Mikuru (who probably knows what’s going to happen) and Yuki? Neither Yuki nor Mikuru talk to Kyon about Haruhi this episode. Also, Itsuki deserves props for advancing two ranks… whatever that means…
UP SOS Brigade ranking… I wonder what rank Kyon is at? Stuck at potato still?
UP Detective Imouto (does she have a name?)… I like her, “is that fraud?” question. Seems like she overheard something. She could be the smartest one of them all.
30 Responses to “melancholy of haruhi suzumiya 6”
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Invisible Yuki? Did you miss the moe-dripping “suki…” repeats? And Yuki doesn’t need to ‘watch’ to observe. She’s a data-entity remember? She just ‘knows’. :p
Episode order… I think this time around even the novel readers were caught off-guard. Its probably no exaggeration to say that noone expected them to jump in the middle of a sidestory.
All the blogs with the imouto-in-a-bag picture should be added with that ultra super cute giggle she did. WHY KYOANI? TEASING US.
I loved this episode, even the cliffhanger! A friend of mine is extremely irrate with the episode order, but personally I find it just curious. Of all instances, though, this time seemed the most severe considering the ultra-cliffhanger ending. I just hope they do finish this beach island arc.
You forgot to promote a Mikuru-ran diet of green peppers to promote the formation of big bust, cosplay versatility, cute face, and moe-ness. Bananas are purely optional. Also your right about the consequences of dropping Haruhi (I work at SFO near the armory be very afraid, be very afraid…), since you wrote the rules you could easily cheat and no one would do a bloody thing since it’s your game rule it. :)
I do think that Kyon was enjoying time spent with Mikuru especially his when his ego told him that he was in high demand, and when going for the beach ball.
Also Haruhi finally willed herself some HaruhixKyon time during the ping pong tourney. I think Kyon is a bit afraid of Haruhi since if he does go for her it may not be of his own free will.
As for the Haruhigasm index you forgot:
Down: No Haruhi pillow fight involving Yuki, Imouto-san, and Mikuru. (Old Maid over interesting variations of poker optional)
Up: The beginning of Mikuru’s Moe Academy. Mikuru giving moe lessons to Imouto-san was so uplifiting. Carrying on the legacy of super moe.
Maybe all this episode skipping is going to be similar to the chapters in Higurashi?
Perhaps the first half of the show is the “Cliffhanger Arc”, while the second half ends up being the ” We are finally going to find out WTF is going on!”
Haruhi saves my day (of depression), once again~
How does not believe in the almighty Haruhigasm these days?
Jason
Haruhi pauses and seems disoriented for a second. Why?
She didn’t know which room it was. Hence her scanning of the doors.
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Yuki got to say two lines in the entire episode. If VAs really get paid by episodes, Yuki’s VA wins in this one.
Though on must note that when Yuki wants to speak… she really speaks!
Trivia: The book that Yuki was reading at the beach is an old Japanese detective novel.
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In the dubious old-time tradition of drawing parallels out from one’s arse, I present to you some anime parallels. Coincidence, or not?
..) We have two main female leads named Haruhi. Both shows have been widely acclaimed as awesome.
..) We now have two cases of Keichii-named males dying. We can make it three if the Belldandy one kicks it too( which he nearly has, on multiple occasions).
Oddly enough, the two Keichiis that died, died because it was implied that they did not have divine favour. Oyashiro in Higurashi, Haruhi in SHaruhi. Belldandy’s Keichii seems to live because he has the divine favour of a Goddess.
..) Kyon’s imouto-san battles Aruruu of Utawarerumono for the title of most spoilt imouto-san. Kyon’s imouto-san’s( I really, really need a name to refer to her) cries of “dame” in this episode rivals Aruruu’s cries of “dame” in Utawarerumono Ep05( when she tries to prevent Eruruu and Hakuoro from entering the warehouse).
~~~~ ~~~~
What other ludicrous parallels can you think of? ;)
I am _shocked_ you didn’t mention Haruhi’s lack of underwear.
You’ll have to note that the usual reason for an episode skip in MoSH, IMHO, is that something in the episode will give a clue or idea about the following episode.
Maybe there’s something “Mysterious Sign” that would be neccessary to understanding the solution episode?
My theory on the murder is that it’s fake – Itsuki’s Agency is trying to set up a situation where they can subtly influence Haruhi’s desires or something similarly metafictional.
Anyway, fun episode overall – and Yuki probably gets to talk a lot next episode. ^_^
>>Itsuki… that HAWT bod… I was cheering for Itsuki and Kyon to share a room together
Good Lord.
I didn’t know it was this fast.
Still needs more ItsukiXKyon.
I don’t follow the novel, or whatever it is, but I gotta admit, the episode hopping gets a little irksome sometimes.
>>(The more I think about it, isn’t Mikuru like the stereotypical, ideal Japanese wife?)
Uhh… not if she becomes ruined for marriage :D
>>A friend of mine is extremely irrate with the episode order, but personally I find it just curious.
Hey, if you watch them out of order at random after the show has finished, you have a somewhat better chance at continuity!
> I am _shocked_ you didn’t mention Haruhi’s lack of underwear.
I reckon she’s on T-String :D
BTW, is it time for a Haruhi-related poll? ;)
The obligatory beach episode. I’m not as pissed off at the episode jumping as most people are because I’ve sorta resigned myself to expect the unexpected in this series. We should all just come along for the ride that KyoAni is taking us on.
In the credits, they refer to Kyon’s sister as… Kyon’s sister, so that’s probably her official name for the time being.
Interesting mystery. Hopefully we see the resolution soon. As in, episode after next? Please, KyoAni?
> DOWN Kyon… Kyon just looks too unhappy …. Haruhi and Mikuru in swimsuits… good food… enjoy it a bit!
Haruhi and Mikuru in swimsuits, Kyon lazing on the beach, saying, “This is perfect” isn’t enjoying it enough?
>>Kyon just looks too unhappy about spending a night at a luxurious mansion with three hawt chix0rs.
That’s because Kyon is actually wanting to spend some time alone, with Itsuki, in a room all by themselves.
I’m sure you get the drill.
>>Kyon’s imouto-san battles Aruruu of Utawarerumono for the title of most spoilt imouto-san.
Aruru has the tail. Kyon’s sister does not. Aruru also has a HUGE ALMOST INVINCIBLE TIGER that’ll rip you a new asshole while Kyon’s sister has one perpetually indifferent brother who would want some Itsuki lovin’ rather than 3 hawt chix0rs.
…Ugh. I think I’ll take the tiger.
Hey, Kyon’s sister can defeat an almost omnipotent being in ping-pong. That’s gotta amount to something.
>Hey, Kyon’s sister can defeat an almost omnipotent being in ping-pong. That’s gotta amount to something.
I doubt Yuki even moved during the entire match. And who says Yuki’s omnipotent? The only being we know is omnipotent on the show is Haruhi and she won the table tennis tournament.
Some random question… If you watch the Hare Hare Yakai video, in the part when shimasen and kyon’s sis are on the screen… in that moment, can you hear a “meow” sound behind the song????? i’m almost sure i hear it.
>> BTW, is it time for a Haruhi-related poll?
Maybe a Mikuru vs. Mori meido-off if/when we get the solution episode?
> I doubt Yuki even moved during the entire match.
I know, i was kidding. Too bad they didn’t animate it, though.
>in that moment, can you hear a “meow†sound behind the song?????
I just listened, and it sounds more like a siren than a “meow” to me.
I agree, the episode skipping is getting kind of old. It’s ironic that the order Haruhi numbers the episodes in is the one that makes sense, I’d think Kyon would be the more rational one. After this is over, I’ll definitely sit down and watch it in logical order. I love Kyoani, but if they do this with Kanon, I’m going to have to fly to Kyoto and smack someone.
>I love Kyoani, but if they do this with Kanon, I’m going to have to fly to Kyoto and smack someone.
So far, Kyoani seems to be doing the episode shuffle just to make a point about Haruhi’s percetion vs Kyon’s perception in the next episode preview portion, so I doubt it’ll spillover to Kanon. ^_^;
I hope this whole shuffle somehow makes a worthwhile contribution to the series instead of being a general annoyance/conspiracy to get people to buy the DVDs…
cool site :)
i’m no time to indulge so much in anime as before, but i do like to keep my self updated..
Speaking of polls, I thought of a good one.
Who would you rather go out on a date with? Higurashi’s Rena or Haruhi on PMS?
On the one hand, Rena could cleave you up, on the other Haruhi could will you out of existence.
>>On the one hand, Rena could cleave you up, on the other Haruhi could will you out of existence.
Or swat you out of existence with a lightning bolt.
I’d take Rena to a medieval fair and wear plate-mail armor.
> I’d take Rena to a medieval fair and wear plate-mail armor.
I think doing that you are losing the point of taking in the first place :D
well, at least now we see that next week’s episode will indeed be the concluding episode 10. good.
I searched this entire page. I could not find a single occurence of ‘Conan’ in it. Get your act together man.
That said, really interesting glob.