Weekly Recap: Special A 03-04
These have been consolidated from individual posts.
Special A Episode 03
Divine @ Random Curiosity pointed out that this episode is not exactly the best for winning anyone over into the “must watch” camp. As someone with 50% like, 50% meh, I have to agree. The current stats sit at 60% like, 40% meh, but only because I’m a fan of beautiful bentos and as someone living by herself, I can sympathize with the desire to have anything cooked just for you.1 I like to cook for myself but every now and then, I want a break!
This episode touched on the oh so popular “girl can’t cook” theme. While these types of episodes are generally entertaining, this one didn’t stand out terribly to me. See, Hikari was making onigiri…and onigiri isn’t that hard to make. Even if you’re not good at cooking. Or a foreigner who’s never made Japanese food of any sort before. Screwing up onigiri is like screwing up toast; if you can’t make toast, you’re doomed for survival. 2 (The academic in me would like to point out that this episode highlights the importance of rice but I doubt the creators had that in mind.)
On the other hand, it’s nice to see that Kei can appreciate something as simple as onigiri. As much as I enjoy watching elaborate presentations with strange ingredients, such as in Yakitate!! Japan or Iron Chef, simple food is absolutely delicious. One of the best meals I’ve ever had is a simple onigiri, takuan, boiled spinach with soy sauce, and a small slice of salt broiled salmon.
Of course, if Hikari were to attempt that, the school would go up in flames, everyone would die, and the series would be finished.
Special A Episode 04
This was my facial expression for most of the episode
I am trying to continue watching Special A with the idea that the next episode will be The One. You know, The One that will make me love the series and watch it with rabid fangirl enthusiasm.3 I keep getting disappointed. Before I continue, I should note that I watched this one without subtitles. I generally avoid this because I’m not fluent (yet) and, like usagijen @ Scrumptious Anime Blog said, I don’t want to mislead anyone because of a bad translation.4 At the same time, I wondered if I should really start challenging myself so here I am, without a safety net. But you’ve had your disclaimer so no brick throwing.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that I understood most of what was said but sadly, this didn’t really make the episode any better. In fact, I fell asleep the first time, only to be awakened by the reduced rumblings of a 5.5 earthquake in a neighboring prefecture. Show how entertaining I found the storyline and the dialogue…and this was with me concentrating to listen!
On second watch, there were a couple amusing things, a few lines here, a slapstick action there. The new characters, Kei’s father and Sui, were okay but not memorable in any particular way. I should note that the father is strange - 36 years old with a high-pitched, girly voice - and amusing for his 30 seconds of screen time. There’s also (important) character insight, if you want to know more about Sui and his relationship with Kei, so watching it isn’t entirely a wasted effort. However, based on a really bland plot and lack of humor, I’m about 30% like, 50% meh, and 20% hate (that’s 10% for Kei and 10% for Hikari). I’m beginning to agree with issa-sa @ Incredible Nothing! that the series would be greatly improved without, or at least, a reduced, Kei and Hikari.
My only victory in watching this episode is that I got to test my listening skills and get a quick nap. Clearly, my body was trying to tell me that my time was better spent. Next week is the final chance for Special A to earn some points. If I get back up to 50% like, I’ll continue to watch it but at this time, it’s going to take a lot. But I still have (misplaced?) hope.
- This hasn’t happened since I was last home…oh, the inhumanity. [↩]
- Just like my thoughts on this series but still holding out until episode 5. [↩]
- I should admit that I lack this trait so acquiring it would be pretty difficult. [↩]
- Although, any translation runs the risk of being wrong somehow, even if you’re professional. [↩]
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Comments
Kei’s little back history pulled at my heart a bit. So sad to have a “cold” meal. ^^ and yea, onigiri is so simple :3
@Nagato: The funny thing is, you can get an onigiri form maker at the 100 yen store. If the SA kitchen doesn’t have one of those, it’s not well stocked!
@Ryan A: Kei’s back story is sad but unless he gets beaten, he hasn’t topped Fruits Basket. Yet.
Hikari’s rice ball battles lettuce for top position of QUALITY.
Also I’m rather fond of random pastel watercolor art panel. =p