Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Episode 9 Discussion

Lelouch22 said:
Wow, this was definitely the best episode yet, as it brilliantly focused on the inevitable realization of the significance behind Rikka's feelings for Yuuta. It was particularly exceptional in it's execution, weaving a plethora of comedic moments into the thoroughly romantic nature of the episode. The atmosphere within this episode was of a more lighthearted tone, illuminating a rather effective contrast, but logical progression, from the last two episodes, as, for the most part, the developments that occurred throughout were displaying the establishment of a seemingly whimsical romance, rather than the dramatic touches that pervaded through the last two episodes.

The final sequence was amazing; easily my favorite moment in this episode, since it satisfyingly portrayed the momentous culmination of every specific romantic development that had transpired between them over the course of the show, and, in particular, these last two episodes. The scene in which Shinka devises a plan with her helpful guidebook for love and Rikka's failed attempts to faithfully adhere to it's wisdom was hilarious. I also really liked Rikka's brief conversation with Kumin, as it illustrated how helplessly and confusingly captivated she had become towards Yuuta, even mentioning that she found it difficult to look into his eyes, which was a nice touch.

Another one of my favorite sequences is the moment Rikka touched Yuuta's hand, interwoven with Shinka's perceptive understanding that the emotional quandaries Rikka had been struggling with are wholly representative of love, eventually resulting in an extremely flustered Rikka running away from Yuuta. This romantic interaction was heightened in effectiveness by the excellent direction and, as already mentioned, Shinka's words of insight into the true state of Rikka's unrealized feelings. As such, Rikka and Yuuta's dynamic continues to be the best element of the show, as their relationship has been suffused with beautifully simplistic, but poignant development throughout the last few episodes, highlighted even further by their superb chemistry and highly enjoyable interactions.

I really enjoyed the portrayal of Rikka's emotional struggles and vague indecision, as all these numerous reactions felt perfectly suited to her previous characterization. Of course, these moments were elevated to a greater level of satisfaction due to the manner with which they were used, since, rather than predictably stalling essential development from occurring, it was only ever meant as a very temporary sort of visual insight into the significance of her altered emotions.

Shinka was at her best throughout this episode, as her love advice to Rikka was unexpected, but thoroughly great. She has certainly become much more likable than she was initially. As such, her characterization is gradually transitioning into an entirely comprehensive acceptance of her chuunibyou inclinations, since, though still occasionally obstinate to the idea, she's gone so far as to quit her role as a cheerleader, which, though quite overshadowed by the other developments, was a rather meaningful and welcome change in her characterization.

The narrative progress, especially in regards to the romantic development, is exceptionally good, never detrimentally faltering into a dull monotony, rarely lingering on tedious or uninteresting situations. One of the greatest aspects of the narrative is that it hasn't, so far, been thoroughly weakened by the unnecessary inclusion of love rivals, absurd misunderstandings, or contrived complications. Instead, it excellently focuses on the natural, immensely compelling development of a singular relationship, while also filtering engaging secondary characters into each episode without sacrificing nuanced character or relationship development, thus creating a highly impressive balance between the many elements within the story. Really, though somewhat restrained in it's ambitions, this is fully indicative of a masterful sort of narrative execution.

The direction was really strong throughout, especially in the final sequence, as the deft movement of the camera allowed for a subtle accentuation of the various emotions that permeated Rikka and Yuuta's hug, evoking a wonderful sensation of wistful sentimentality. Visually, this episode, similar to all the others, was thoroughly creative and incredibly detailed, most evident in Shinka's initial conversation with Rikka, as well as the entirety of the final sequence, from the sunset to Rikka and Yuuta's final hug. The animation, though always great, was especially fantastic throughout several sequences, such as Touka's acrobatic leap over Yuuta and Yuuta's confrontation with Rikka and Sanae in the forest. Musically, this episode was very good, especially the selection that accompanied the moment Rikka delicately touched Yuuta's hand. The soft piano illuminated the deeply romantic atmosphere wonderfully.

All in all, Chuunibyou has been consistently satisfying, excelling with it's really well-developed romance, the very likable characters, and the nearly faultless execution of the narrative. I'm really looking forward to the next episode, and the remainder of the story, for that matter, since I'm expecting a gradual evolution of Rikka's character, as she could potentially be motivated to purposefully diminish her chuunibyou tendencies in a rather substantial manner, perhaps as an eventual result of her newly realized affections for Yuuta. Really, even during a season that's filled with an abundance of romantic comedies, this is easily the best of it's comparative nature all year, as this episode essentially solidified it's elevation beyond the terrific Ano Natsu.