Hanasaku Iroha 03
…And now for something completely different. While a lot of us in my last post speculated that the next episode would brush off the kinky cliffhanger from last week, returning instead to our standard order of headstrong girl going through her coming-of-age, HanaIro goes along with the pervy writer’s story line. Lovely. And the reactions I’ve seen are usually at one end or the other of the spectrum– either they’re disturbed by the sudden change of tone, or absolutely loving the more ‘humorous’ events that take place. I guess I’m still in the group who didn’t totally hate it, but I can’t say it’s an improvement over the past two episodes. And even though I sound negative at the start of this post, the last few moments of this episode were near-perfect, so it’d definitely still be worth a watch.
The beginning of the episode is nice enough, and it certainly didn’t seem as risqué as the screenshots I’d seen featuring… erm, yurilicious things. I really liked the quiet conversation between Nako and Minko as they worry about Ohana’s revenge dishes. We even get a bit of remorse from Nako early on, and it’s not a melodramatic apology or anything– just a few lines, but I’m slowly warming up to her and Minko.
That being said, the writer’s antics just fell a little flat for me. Strangely enough, I actually enjoyed the short scenes before Ohana comes to the hot springs inn the most; the strained relationship between her and her mother, worrying about the future with her best friend– it felt so real. But I suppose that just means that I can understand how terrible Ohana must feel to be in such an unwelcoming place :P
The animation is still a contender for best of the season; the backgrounds are gorgeous as ever, but did anyone else notice that the faces/expressions looked just a little bit off? We’re only a few episodes in, though, and HanaIro still has a whole lot of promise– I can only hope that the quality of each episode doesn’t decline any further. This little roadbump looked like some sort of ratings stunt, or maybe they’re still experimenting with the audience for the show. It did seem to come out of nowhere, though.
High points of the ep include Nako’s spectacular rescue (who would’ve guessed she’d be the one to save the day?) and some pretty amusing moments; whenever the writer-dude started going off into his fantasies only for the music to fizzle out made me grin a few times (it’s not often that I laugh out loud when I watch a show) but I just don’t think it fit with the rest of the atmosphere they’ve been building up to this point.
I love lighthearted episodes, but this didn’t do it for me. A major complaint for Angel Beats was the slapstick gags that seemed a little out-of-place, and it’s not that I want HanaIro to be a drama-heavy show; maybe it’s because the spotlight turned to the most unlikable character at the inn. Either way, it’s only so-so story and execution-wise. I’ve rewatched the other two episodes more than once, but I doubt I’ll do the same for this one. I was completely ambivalent towards Ohana’s little forgiveness speech at the end, but the last part of the episode ended on a very satisfying note.
We see that the grandmother was close to her late husband, and that she isn’t as cold after all, but it’s quite brief and not overdone in the slightest. And then Ohana discovers Minko’s notebook, and I loved how that girl just dumped all her frustration into words instead of confronting Ohana outright. It’s different, amusing, and light on the melodrama, while nudging the character development along at just the right pace. Not to mention Ko’s text, which showed us several things in one small action– that Ohana has a new appreciation for small gestures that she used to take for granted, and that she’s still determined to try her best. Unlike the writer’s subplot, it ties together with the previous episode nicely and I really enjoyed it. On another note, balut looks like a particularly nasty dish… let’s just say I regret googling it.
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I think you summed up my feelings as well. I was enjoying what seemed like a pretty convincing drama in episodes 1 & 2, and here … it kind of took the wind out of the sails. My favorite part was Ohana's declaration that she would make them food they didn't like. It seemed like an incredible way to combine her (well justified) frustration, with an attempt to actually get to know these other people better.
This episode seemed to abandon the realism they had established in episodes 1 & 2, by having Ohana go along with the bondage thing. Honestly how could the author have ever concluded that that would do anything besides get him arrested? At that point I was left to conclude that we aren't supposed to be taking the situations in this show seriously. WTH? Is this a serious drama, like episodes 1 & 2? Or is it some sort of ecchi comedy?
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Exactly. It was almost as if they just let some other writer be in charge of this episode, because it's so different from the excellent writing of the first two. And now we'll have the same backlash from P.A. Works' previous tone-switching in AB!, which is a shame since there's some really nice moments as well… I hope this is a one-time thing. It looks like next week will take place at the school, which I really, really, can't wait to see.
The saving throw was that they didn't ignore the previous plot threads (the gross food/Nako getting Ohana into trouble) but other than that, I thought it was just disappointing. It doesn't have to be in super-serious drama mode all the time, but I don't think this was the best way to experiment with a more comedic plot…
I just realized how unknowledgeable in English I am. I didn't understand some of the complicated words Mint! Either way, I still understood the concept of what you were trying to express.
I didn't think episode 3 was a bad episode, nor was it worst than episode 1 and 2. Maybe it's just my low expectations or my consistency to look over things. The art is stunning as always and I never realized how the character expressions were out of place, I thought they were alright to be honest. Although the episode mainly focused on the author and his perverted story I didn't mind.
Considering I relate this to Love Hina in some cases, I didn't mind the change. Also, HanaIro is going for 24 episodes if I'm correct. If they only focus on Ohana throughout the 24 episodes, the only way they can do that is to really slow down the pace and I'm sure heaps of people hate slow paced series if they aren't supposed to be slow paced.
Nako coming out of her shell was great! I'd really love to see more Nako's feelings come out more often and relating to the preview, it looks like we're finally going to see what school is like for the three. Overall, a great episode in my opinion, loved it.
A great post as always Mint ^^
Nooo Tofu I'm just failing at expressing myself with words! I tend to make up terms and phrases, don't mind me lolol XD
I think that, possibly, what I loved best about the first episode of HanaIro is how unexpectedly good it was. High expectations are always a curse ;_; You're a lot less critical than I can be, which is a much better way to approach an easygoing show like this.
I didn't watch or read Love Hina, but the ecchi moments just didn't seem right in my touching/believable drama of the season… I was also surprised that it's going to be 24 episodes, and I'm not sure what to expect at this point. If the series really slows down, that could really do some damage to all the praise its received up till now. I hope that doesn't happen ):
It was really cute how Nako offered to teach Ohana how to swim (or something along those lines ;D). I can only imagine what it'll be like when Minko is more kind as well. Thanks for reading and commenting, Tofu!
Lies, it's all lies, as if you fail at expressing yourself :P
Although my low expectations tend to also relate to whatever 'score' I give that show thus the big "what the hell is this" top 10 post, so it's not so good to have low expectations xD It goes either way I guess.
I think the only thing I relate Hana to Hina is the spa resort and how the story jumps around like what they did in episode 3 (this episode).
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I think you just need to experience a broader variety of shows, which comes with time ^^ There's a lot of really awesome series out there that aren't exactly as mainstream as some of your favs, and it can affect your view on what's considered good and average. (My tastes are much different from what they were a couple of years ago!).
Either way, it's always good to have a diverse view– it'd be boring if everyone had the same opinions. We can't all be cynical, jaded people like me… "OTL
The bit about Nako was perhaps the best part of the episode. I can really believe that she is a great swimmer, despite being so shy. It is a very humanizing other side to her character, and I liked that.
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Ugh, not a great episode. The episode sort of went the moe fanservice direction people feared in the previews. I'm also hoping this will be a roadbump.
I was a little disappointed the grandma was humanized so soon, but I agree it wasn't overdone. I was also happy that Ohana got that text at the end and her "new appreciation for small gestures that she used to take for granted." Still definitely looking forward to next week. I like the last girl's design and the school uniforms. B)
Averting the usual moe and fanservice tropes was one of the few things I thought that HanaIro did even better than Ano Hana (they're both my favorite shows of the season), but this episode kind of knocked my opinion of it down by a fair bit. >:
Now that I think about it, that sympathetic scene with grandma was a little out of place given the rest of the episode's focus. And seconded on looking forward to episode four– those uniforms are cute. ;D
Interesting episode this week even a little bit of fanservice thrown in hahaha poor Ohana getting all tied up by mr Creeper, most have dropped this due to that happening oh well I don't mind it! Not like she was in real danger that guy was kinda "slow"
Nako! So cute and awesome how she saved that guy! Go girl :D
Ohana you need a hug <3
Lol I liked how Ohana was so pragmatic about being tied up XD Definitely not a high-drama rape scene, thank goodness.
I kinda wish that that perv succeeded in offing himself. But at least we got to see Nako revealing her badass lifeguard skills! XD
Yeah, this episode was something. The comedy wasn’t horrible, but the subject matter kind of made me uncomfortable and I just don’t know if the show has the chops to support many more comedy episodes. I also rolleyed at some of the fanservice, which the show had really gotten along fine without, and Ohana cheering the writer up by saying he wrote her well in his porno just felt kind of wrong. I’m hoping that the writer doesn’t become the focus of too many more episodes like this, because he really sticks out like a sore thumb in this show.
On the other hand, it did have a lot of the character driven moments that I enjoyed so much in the other episodes. Learning more about grandma and Nako was pretty nice, and I always like seeing more minor characters like the head cook and old janitor interact with the rest of the cast. Ohana getting that message from Ko was a nice moment, and Minko’s journal of insults was a surprisingly touching bit of character development.
Really I think I’m being so easy on the episode despite its many, many faults because the show’s been so good up to this point. I can say that were this the first episode of the show I’d have dropped it without a second thought, and I really hope that this type of ecchi comedy isn’t a direction we’re going to see more of from now on. I’m on the Hanasaku bandwagon for the character building and drama, and I hope that the end of the episode is more representative of the rest of the show than the middle.
"Were this the first episode of the show I'd have dropped it without a second thought.." I really have to agree with you there. I'd really hate it if the rest of the story lines were as weak as this one, because the first two episodes were pretty much everything I love in a drama.
I almost forgot about the old guy XD For some reason I get the feeling that he'll play an sort-of important near the end. The head cook is also a lot more intriguing than the writer, and I'm still wondering what that guy is doing in this show in the first place. Maybe it has something to do with Ohana's mom being a writer :P
Anyways, I would be really disappointed if the show has a great start and solid ending, but goes up and down to much in that middle part. I definitely won't drop it because of one iffy episode, but next week will probably make up for it with the new setting and characters (:
I was hoping for them to approach this issue in a much more serious and realistic tone, kind of like how the past two episodes were handled. Instead, we got treated to a bit of a farce really, since the comedic-ness of it all kind of soften the impact of such an incident.
Can't say that I didn't enjoy it somewhat, since it was still pretty entertaining. The way that Ohana reacted to being tied and gagged was so naive that only Ohana can pull off. Anyone else and it would have probably turned into one of those proper hostage situations (which I was hoping for).
But I guess some of the comedic timing worked off, as I found myself chuckling during some of the writer's antics. I'm surprised that the grandma is willing to let off such a troublesome person and actually accommodate him as well. I would have at least expect a verbal beatdown or better yet, a slap to the face for tying up a minor.
Oh well, at least next week will be fun. But yea, good episode, just a bit off-kilter.
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I wonder what the first episode would've been like if the slapping scene was played for laughs instead of the more serious way they actually went with. It makes the tone shift in this ep really noticeable, and imo the characters benefit from the more realistic scenes.
I wanted them to just move on from the writer's perviness in general haha. There was that one scene in the first episode where he checked her out though, so I can't say it came of nowhere… a slap to the face would've been nice though. :P
Aha, off-kilter was the word I was looking for ;D A little unexpected, but I still want to learn more about the rest of the cast in the rest of the show's run.
The direction this episode went in was completely unexpected, but I did find myself enjoying it. It was a bit strange how helpful Ohana was when she was held captive, suggesting where to tie the rope next, and offering to read Taro's drafts. The episode was asking a lot of my suspension of disbelief there, but I'll give the benefit of the doubt that maybe her unorthodox upbringing made her act like that.
I'd love to see Taro finding himself competing against Ohana's mom in a writers' competition at some point in the series. Even better if it turns out Ohana's mom has been writing smutty novels this whole time too. :p
While the episode was hardly what I expected, going with the humorous tone was still fun, and I applaud PA Works for showing that they could pull it off. At least it shows a bit of versatility, though I wouldn't want them to make this change of gears too much of a habit.
Oh, I could have done without the fan service bits, though. I want Ohana to stay good, and pure, don't be giving me images like that again, PA Works, tyvm. >:-(
Haha yes, it matches with her confusion when she was reading the manuscript at the end of the last episode. But she's definitely going to react a little differently than the average person, given the other results of having such a different upbringing. And I bet the trials she goes through at the inn will only add to that XD
That would be an interesting development! If it did turn out to be true, it would be even worse if Ohana's mom and him started dating… what a nightmare. xD
Staying away from too much drama is always a good idea. This would be a nice breather episode, so it does show that we don't need to take everything /too/ seriously.
I actually found the silly antic of the writer to provide some very interesting character development. So much more respect for Ohana after that.
Also, I didn't expect Nako to be a hero either. It was a pleasant surprise.
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I really liked your post about the other implications behind the the events in this episode, Yi :3 I agree, it was nice to see Ohana and Nako react to the situation in such a positive way.
Comedic episodes like this one will probably be needed throughout this show, if they keep and form of drama for a full 26 episodes its going to put a lot of people off so balancing comedy and slice of life like this episode is a nice change of pace. Was it too early? possibly but it was an enjoyable episode where or the dickheaded of characters got a whole lot better.
Why no threesome bath scene screenshots? tehehe
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finally, someone who thinks that this episode wasn't as good as everyone else was saying. Ohana gets on my nerves and the writer's antics were old. moving on…
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Carry on, nothing to see here ;D I read a lot of posts that said that this was a failworthy episode, lol. I still like Ohana but I think the rest of the cast should be at least a bit more likable by now…
Gaaahh, of course I had to go google balut right after reading this! o.0
Am I the only one who thought Minko's notebook obsessing about Ohana was just…creepy, though? Somebody kinda needs a life….>.>
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Doesn't it look tasty? I recognized the images right away, haha. There's some balut in the bottom drawer of the fridge at my house… it's been there for a while. >_<
LOL. I guess I just thought Taro's behavior was creepy enough to overshadow that. It makes me wonder if she left it there on purpose, or if it was more of a subconscious way to show that Minko wants to apologize to Ohana… eventually… XD
Hurrah for Nako! That's what this episode was all about.
The Ko text/mail made me think of you.
Indeed! Her moments made it worth waiting for the writer to finish his wangst-filled escape.
XD Thanks for the trackback. :)
I also thought there'd be less kink rather than more. I wonder if Ko will make the trip out or if he will continue his lame waiting game and hope that Ohana somehow has no other choice but to fall for him. And how long did he wait before sending that text?
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I'm kinda surprised that they didn't advertise the kinky scenes in the episode preview more. That's a way to attract more viewers :P I can't imagine seeing Ko show up at the inn or Ohana's new school, but hopefully there'll be some closure at some point in the show.
A few days at least, it seems :o