It took me almost a week and nearer to the final episode than to this one, but I'm finally writing my thoughts.
Let me just say, this was an amazing episode. Beautiful, amazing, well-written episode.
Hiratsuka-sensei is probably the best sensei I've seen in anime. Not only is she kind and cute in her own way (somebody please marry her), but she is wise and truly cares for her students, especially those that are sidelined or separate from mainstream society like Hachiman. And she doesn't just call them, give them some encouraging words, and send them on their way. She truly guides them, and that's just something I admire so much and wish everyone could have. Her words were really good.
If you can't convey something by words alone, then use actions to complement them. Do all that you have to do to convey what you need to convey, like dots that eventually connect to form the words, the message.
Hachiman's blushing at Hiratsuka-sensei's "スキ" though. I totally understand lmao.
Yui... my heart. If Hachiman hadn't said that "but", I think that was the moment Yui would've confessed. It was painful to see how she held back, and I could really feel it in me too. I'm glad that the relationship between Hachiman and Yui had progressed to this extent that they're very comfortable with each other and lean on each other, especially this season with Yukinon being quite far away with her duties. Yui was so expressive here. The animations on her face conveyed so many varied emotions. It was such a great treat to see.
I'm guessing Yui has two wishes that she could say. One was her wish to be together with Hachiman, something she would've said if Hachiman hadn't said "but". And the other one is the one that she said today. To have Yukinon be a part of their afternoons. But to do so would mean to have Hachiman and Yukinon keep "associating". Sigh...
Also can't get enough of Yui when she said she had been waiting for Hachiman. Cute face and cute voice there.
Yui crying in the doorway in her mom's embrace really hit hard. It really, really hit hard. And what words she said too. They, the three of them, are truly experiencing romance for the first time.
Always love seeing Irohassu and how sharp and foxy she can be. Cute, innocent-looking, yet cunning and can be cruel. Loved her voice and expressions there.
Conversation between Hachiman, Haruno, and Yukino in that room was great. Really loved the dynamic between Hachiman and Haruno. In fact, I really love seeing the two of them interact, ever since season 1. But this season is definitely the best in terms of that.
And finally. The single best scene of this entire episode, and one of the best scenes in this entire series and the entirety of anime, in my opinion.
"Allow me the privilege of distorting your life."
This was amazing. These two overcomplicate things. They can't say things straight, they can't do things the way 'normal' people do. But in their own way, they can finally communicate. Finally, the facade of their relationship is broken. Finally, we have something genuine, Hachiman has found, has made that genuine thing.
This is probably, in my own opinion, the single best confession I have ever seen in anime. It does not have the standard "好きだ", but it has so much more. I don't know how to describe it. It's unique, it's heartfelt, it's true to their characters. Maybe the best word is that it feels genuine. Realistic? No. But that's not the point either. But even so, it's still genuine.
Yukinon too, with her line.
"Please allow me to have.. your life."
I have never really found Yukinon to be that cute. But in this scene, she was beyond cute. Her expressions, her reactions, her body language, her words, her voice. Everything was amazing. Cute, adorable, lovely. Especially loved the part where she wanted Hachiman to at least deny the part where she said she wasn't cute. Also loved every time she hit him.
In conclusion, that was one of the best confessions I have ever seen. It's probably the best for me in the entirety of anime, and it's not something I'll forget soon.
And the way the music started playing, and it picks up just as we're shown the episode's title... just speechless. It was perfect.
I have to give my gratitude to Studio feel. for making this adaptation so amazing and successful. They haven't been faultless. By no means was this adaptation perfect. I still don't know some things our characters were thinking or feeling. But despite it all, despite the limitations in budget, time, and even medium, I think they did an amazing job. Kudos to them. I really appreciate and admire how they've adapted this series.
And I particularly like this episode's composition and animation, the latter of which is the highlight from a technical perspective! The emotions conveyed on the faces here were just superb! It was so awesome to see.
Even though I am a definite Yui fan, I find this ending, which is of course not favourable to Yui, to be very satisfying. Of course I feel sad that Yui did not get her true wish (even though I already saw it coming). But even so, I'm not angry or bitter, nor do I dislike the ending. It feels natural. It feels like a true, satisfying ending. And I think that just goes to show how good the writing is, by both the author of the original LN and also those responsible for bringing it to life in anime form.
It's ending soon, and I don't know how to describe my feelings. OreGairu was the first true anime that I watched, as in it was my gateway anime. Without OreGairu and what it is, how it's always been like, I never would've entered this wonderful world of anime where I've found so much depth and joy. I find myself in a bittersweet mood knowing that it's coming to an end, that the beginning of my journey in anime is ending. I look forward, and not look forward at the same time, to the final episode that is coming in a few hours. We've passed the peak, and I know there's nothing that can make me feel disappointed anymore with this series. It was beautiful, and I loved every second of it.
10/10. |