Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
What did you think of this episode?
DO NOT discuss the source material beyond this episode. If you want to discuss future events or theories, please use separate threads.
DO NOT ask where to watch/download this episode or give links to copyrighted, non-fair use material.
DO NOT troll/bait/harass/abuse other users for liking or disliking the series/characters.
DO read the Anime Discussion Rules and Site & Forum Guidelines.
Pages (2) [1] 2 »
Jul 24, 2009 12:16 AM
#1

Offline
Jan 2009
1029
THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
----------------------------------------
So they have flying motorbikes and Akari chooses a job to row a gondola? Some people have a lot of patience.


Oct 13, 2009 11:33 AM
#2

Offline
Jun 2009
589
Sure there are faster ways of transportation than gondolas, but there are things you just can't experience while flying over a town @ 500 mph on a flying bike :P

I liked this episode quite a bit.
Feb 13, 2010 3:55 AM
#3

Offline
Nov 2008
2645
Kind of touching I guess... So the little girl who gave the letter to Akari was the cat...?
Feb 17, 2010 6:03 PM
#4

Offline
Aug 2009
1657
Wow, that letter really touched my heart. I'm guessing the letter is an old letter that was supposed to be sent before the accident.
HooHiraiBunny said:
So the little girl who gave the letter to Akari was the cat...?

Okay, I didn't think of it that way but there's some possibilities. I just thought she was the daughter of the family. Akari found her in the cat haven so I guess she can be a cat.

So, there are flying motor bikes that deliver the letters throughout the place. I wonder why the boats are still old school, lol. Also the mailman's speech about Sylph's delivering feelings and Undines creating feelings was also great.
Feb 20, 2010 7:11 AM
#5

Offline
Apr 2009
700
Really touching...I'm liking this anime a lot.
Also @Moonfrost: Your sig is awesome
Feb 22, 2010 1:30 AM
#6

Offline
Oct 2008
7711
Aww, this was a sweet episode.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.~
Mar 22, 2010 1:38 PM
#7

Offline
Jan 2010
1526
wow this anime is awesome :D,best thing to watch before going to sleep(or when starting a day)

this episode,like the other 3,had a lot of hidden meanings,but that's why it's so great :D

PS:did they really need to draw president aria's butthole?O.o
Sayonara,papa!


"Just how a mirror reflects you,people will also reflect your heart."
~Athena Glory,Aria

"Whatever happens,happens"
~Spike Spiegel's thoughts on dying(Cowboy Bebop)
Jul 13, 2010 6:51 PM
#8

Offline
Nov 2009
2021
At the end it didn't make me cry but i actually felt connected to that scene. The episode on a whole was okay since there wasn't a lot of character interaction though.
Aug 29, 2010 10:38 AM
#9

Offline
May 2008
29
Episode 4 continues right along with a bit of a shocker for me! Something I didn't notice the first time around when I watched the series. Apparently, after we meet Woody the Wind Messenger, when Akari, Alice and Aika are having tea and cookies, (right before the opening title card) off camera, Alicia quickly rowed up and promoted Akari to Prima! Way to go! (Of course I'm just kidding, but if you look back at that scene, you'll notice that Akari is not wearing her blue glove while Aika and Alice still have theirs on).

Back on subject. Episode 4 is another episode that, while it tells a very heartwarming and interesting story, it also sets up a couple things; namely Akari's connection to Neo-Venesia and the mystical abilities of the cats on Aqua. It's also the introduction of one of my favorite non-animal male characters in the series, Woody the Sylph. He has such a unique on-screen presence, and when he and Akatsuki get together, nothing but epic win can ensue!

I think it's funny that Alicia, unarguably the best Prima on Aqua, can't fly a bike in the city. Granted, she did explain that it's been a while since she's been on a bike, I still chuckle at the idea of Alicia wobbling slightly before she takes off. Ara-Ara indeed...
[font="TwitterChirp, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"]My Prostate is NOT the size of a lemon. [/font]
Sep 7, 2010 8:03 PM
Offline
Jun 2010
1308
That was confusing but was a little sad. Man I really hate their facial expression during comedy moments to be honest :-/

Dec 23, 2010 9:33 AM

Offline
Jul 2008
420
So sweet. ;-; The video answered my suspicions of the little girl being a cat, especially from the eyes. I wonder if we'll get a deeper understanding of the cats and their connection to the city.

KhakiBlueSocks said:
It's also the introduction of one of my favorite non-animal male characters in the series, Woody the Sylph. He has such a unique on-screen presence, and when he and Akatsuki get together, nothing but epic win can ensue!


OMFG YEEEEESSSSS!
Feb 24, 2011 5:11 AM
Offline
Jan 2011
3
Among the first four episodes, that stood out. The story is so beautiful! It make me cry...
Feb 28, 2011 9:16 PM

Offline
Apr 2009
4211
Well that was sad :( ... I have the nagging suspicion from the start that the girl was something else.
You see there's no need to wonder where your god is,
Coz he's right here! ...and he's fresh out of mercy.
Apr 6, 2011 1:28 AM

Offline
Feb 2011
894
it was a touching ep :(
Dec 17, 2011 2:42 AM

Offline
Jun 2009
15181
Still one of my favorite Aria episodes.
"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."

- Geralt of Rivia
Feb 24, 2012 3:03 PM
Offline
Jan 2010
1559
ColdBeans said:
Some people have a lot of patience.

Yeah, like the people watching this show.
Jul 12, 2012 5:06 AM

Offline
Aug 2010
2103
This was a surprisingly depressing episode...

As much as I love the general atmosphere of the show I still find it amusing that while interstellar travel is an everday occurrence, many aspects of life are akin to living in a 18th century town.

I wonder how long until there are no more names starting with A are left :D 4/5.
Aug 7, 2012 10:41 AM
Offline
Jul 2018
564612
wow, surprisingly this episode made me tear up. such a sweet, yet sad story.
Sep 5, 2012 6:53 AM

Offline
Sep 2012
3613
I don't have to read Tegami Bachi anymore, this episode was so touching...
Nov 27, 2012 2:23 AM

Offline
Jul 2008
10508
Ara Ara...more characters starting with A. And a kitty giving a letter to a dead person.
Jan 3, 2013 1:27 PM

Offline
May 2012
25827
Damn that was sad :( the relaxing atmosphere manages to just overtake you with the emotions! As I thought already that the girl was a spirit form of a cat "area full of cats; wearing a cat bell" really sweet and heartwarming episode!
May 4, 2013 4:54 AM

Offline
Nov 2012
170
that was the 3rd time this show has made me cry & i'm only 4 episodes deep
May 19, 2013 5:05 PM

Offline
Jan 2013
11047
samt2910 said:
that was the 3rd time this show has made me cry & i'm only 4 episodes deep

And I thought I cried easily when it comes to watching anime.

Anyways, good episode, love the ending song
Jul 1, 2013 9:20 PM

Offline
Dec 2012
16083
Interesting episode, I really like how this series looks at seemingly trivial things with an optimistic and heartwarming perspective.
Jul 6, 2013 8:40 PM
Offline
Jan 2013
432
I had a feeling from the moment I saw her wearing that bell that she was a cat.

They sure showed Aria's butt a lot in this ep.

Agreed on this being a surprisingly depressing ep.

Regarding hoverbikes: We have airplanes and cars, but a lot of people choose to walk around, or ride bicycles. And some cities have car-free districts. I guess Aqua is a place people go for a slower pace of life. Or, as Woody put it, to make precious memories/feelings.

I was a little surprised he didn't say something about having to also carry bad news and such. But I guess that wouldn't fit the tone of the show.
Your mean should be an even bell curve only if you watch every show that comes out. Having a high-slung mean doesn't mean you're rating improperly. It can also mean you're selecting shows well to watch mostly things you enjoy.
Aug 4, 2013 12:56 AM

Offline
Dec 2012
369
Hahaha, the president always cracks me up! Reminds me of my own cat, falling or running into something, and then just walking it off as if nothing happened at all hahaha. But it was a really touching episode. I'm really enjoying the softness of this anime (if that makes sense?)

It does seem like the screen pauses for a second or two too long... and then it becomes a little awkward. As if there's not a flow between cut scenes (Does that make sense too? omg)
Oct 22, 2013 3:13 PM

Offline
Nov 2010
1690
I'm falling in love with this anime.
Jan 5, 2014 7:59 PM

Offline
Aug 2011
2513
This anime is so relaxing.... <3

But yeah this was one of the more sad episodes ;__;
Apr 8, 2014 5:37 AM

Offline
Sep 2008
11495
Quite a sad episode. Next episode looks like...a beach episode.
Apr 11, 2014 6:23 AM
Offline
Apr 2014
49
Alicia riding an airbike was unexpected.

It was quite a refreshing episode with comedic bits(particularly Aika's panties comment), by the way.
Apr 20, 2014 1:57 AM

Offline
Apr 2012
77
god dammit I wasn't expecting such a morbid conclusion.. great episode tho, I'm really digging this show
なんとかなる
Jun 19, 2014 12:17 PM

Offline
May 2014
67
I'm really loving everything about this anime. The peacefulness of the world, the sweetness of the characters, the beauty of the atmosphere. It all comes together into one hell of a package.
Men always seem to think about their past before they die, as though he were frantically searching for proof that he truly lived.
Aug 26, 2014 4:54 AM

Offline
May 2014
75
I'm falling in love with Neo-Venezia, its beautiful atmosphere and interesting background helps establish it as a "character", so to speak.

I REMEMBER TOUCH. PICTURES CAME WITH TOUCH. A PAINTER IN MY MIND.
Nov 28, 2014 2:14 AM

Offline
Jan 2013
11680
A good episode. Was expecting a lot since it was an anime original and wasn't disappointed.
Kagami_Hiiragi said:
Idc if you think its weird, I have a life and friends and an income of money.

Dec 4, 2014 8:20 AM

Offline
May 2010
8099
Now that got a little supernatural but heartwarming.

I really love that ED.
Jan 31, 2015 7:29 PM
Offline
Jul 2013
15
The pioneers of Aqua died making Aqua what it is today. You'll truly be missed, especially me. ;_;7

That episode was really depressing but it also made me happy, it's a mixture of both I think. I thought the little girl was a manifestation of a younger version of the lady in the card reader video. They both looked quite similar in hair color and style to me. It might be the cat though I'm unsure, gotta rewatch it but my weekly fix has been fulfilled.

This series makes me way too relaxed that I can't do any more programming tonight, next time I'm going to watch this right before I head off to bed. That way I can be productive during Saturday evenings.
Feb 19, 2015 5:02 AM
Offline
Mar 2014
7255
Oh that was kinda touching, so that girl was actually a cat huh.
Mar 21, 2015 1:21 PM

Offline
Nov 2013
3641
those sky bikes somehow reminded me of the speeders they have in star wars lol.

this world is really cool :>
the official MAL hall of fame/cursed comments is now open for business - you are welcome to PM me any potential quotes to include
Apr 20, 2015 8:11 PM

Offline
Feb 2015
1002
Well that was surprisingly melancholy for what I expected from this show.

And that delivery boy had the weirdest character design ever.
Jun 18, 2015 9:48 AM
Offline
Nov 2014
26586
Great episode, damn feels though.
Jul 19, 2015 11:27 PM

Offline
Dec 2013
14941
I kinda want to try one of those bikes :P
Oct 17, 2015 9:16 AM

Offline
Aug 2015
2058
Man the feels in this ep.
Dec 19, 2015 4:57 PM

Offline
Sep 2015
137
Not too bad so far. The ending of this episode was really touching. Btw, anyone else noticed that almost every character's name starts with "A"?
I turn myself invisible.
Jan 5, 2016 8:35 PM

Offline
Mar 2013
111
So the little girl is the cat? She was wearing the bell around her neck & had the blue eyes when her and Akari first met. Also, when she got called inside, they called out "Ami", which was the cat in the video. Hm. And a whole cat town. Wonder what happens.
Jun 26, 2016 9:27 PM

Offline
Dec 2012
9692
Japan sure does love cats coming back to life as ghosts huh? This reminded me of Shima lol.
Oct 28, 2016 7:10 PM
Offline
Jul 2018
564612
I was expecting her to be a ghost, rather than a cat. As for the flying bikes, riding on the back like that seems rather dangerous.
Nov 2, 2016 7:31 AM

Offline
Oct 2012
7188
Woody, I like him.. He's saying embarrassing remarks like it's nothing xD
Awww, maybe the sender was that child's grandma? Or maybe the cat?
I wish Akari went back and tell her it's delivered

Eh? Next episode is a beach episode?
Isn't it too fast for fanservice episode? xD
Rayl1ghtNov 2, 2016 7:34 AM
"Signature removed"
Nov 29, 2016 2:18 PM
Offline
Feb 2015
1388
sad story and i bet the girl was a ghost
Jan 3, 2017 2:49 PM

Offline
Feb 2013
24143
That was depressing, the letter never got to him when he was alive, and his wife is still waiting on Earth for a response.
That girl was the cat, I figured that from the start because she was wearing that bell.
Mar 27, 2017 9:30 AM

Offline
Jun 2013
1245
This episode put me in a melancholic mood, starting from the moment Akari and the courier arrived at the graveyard. I still wasn't as touched as Akari was, my reaction was closer to Alicia's in that scene. Still, it seemed like her to react like that, so it's all good.

I think this episode was important in that Akari looked at her profession from a different angle. And also, it's revealed that, while Aqua may look like a perfect utopia, the process of terraformation involved some unfortunate incidents. It's kind of a "wham episode" in that way.

I think it makes sense that the gondolas are a popular ride in Neo Venezia. I assume people, mostly tourists, use it as an old-school sightseeing fare or romantic ride, not as an efficient means of transportation. Sure, you can go sightseeing on a flying bike, and it would be awesome, but it's just a vastly different experience, and you don't get to observe the scenery from the ground level.

I was initially confused, but now it seems more likely that it's not all of Aqua that's deliberately old school, it's just Neo-Venezia. Oh, and I still can't tell if Aria company is supposed to be just Alicia and Akari, or if there are more employees out there.
Pages (2) [1] 2 »

More topics from this board

Poll: » Aria Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

running_lemon - Apr 6, 2007

129 by eblf2013 »»
Mar 25, 6:29 PM

Poll: » Aria the Animation Episode 6 Discussion ( 1 2 )

WTFwasThat - Oct 2, 2008

75 by eblf2013 »»
Mar 25, 8:37 AM

» the big 3 Iyashikei Anime

mydaddy - Mar 8

9 by mydaddy »»
Mar 9, 8:45 AM

Poll: » Aria Episode 2 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

zq - Mar 23, 2008

108 by Matheus050 »»
Mar 3, 6:49 PM

Poll: » Aria the Animation Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

WTFwasThat - Sep 18, 2008

133 by WatchTillTandava »»
Feb 12, 4:55 PM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login