Hyouka improves a fair degree, much in thanks to the fact that the mentally challenged moeblob character has only a minimal role in the episode – annoyingly interceding with her ineptitude at only a few points.
Assuming Kyoto Animation can continually keep the moeblob out of any significant developments as they’ve done here – this series may very well succeed. Normally, the attempt at plot for the episode would be driven by vehement stupidity arising on part of the moeblob – she’d assert her curiosity, and then the anecdote would simply unfold from there, every episode, every mystery, without exception.
Yet the series is seemingly aware that she has no educated contributions to make, and thus, it has adapted her role accordingly – a facet which aides greatly in making this an overall respectable episode.
Continuing from the point of last, the series initiates as the kotenbu crew is to meet and discuss with three individuals who contributed to the remedial film witnessed previously. Being left in a room with the first individual, a sizable fellow who doesn’t particularly appear reminiscent of a highschooler, the two-way questioning begins – as does the elimination of the moeblob from any meaningful scenes. Given the fact that the moeblob won’t provide anything substantial towards the story to begin with, this is truly a perfect tact.
The moeblob has brought chocolate consisting of a mix with alcohol – and as result of her gluttony, she graciously manages to intoxicate herself, effectively resulting in that she sits out from the conversations to transpire. Still being considerate of those moeblob lovers however, Kyoto Animation did include several interruptions of moeblob idiocy for them to revel in – yet appreciably, not enough to hinder any logical events too seriously. Amusingly, she’s hardly any more a dunce while drunk as she’s already a complete imbecile in her regular state.
Forgetting the moeblob, the chat with each of the three film staff members is particularly relevant to the issue of the incomplete film near-exclusively in that all of their beliefs are totally incorrect.
Individuals one, two, and three all come separately in sequence after the other – entering the room, facing the kotenbu, and sharing their theory, each of which is shot down by the three main characters with fully operating thought processes. The tsundere was taking the lead in speaking to their guests – all the while, Neon Lights was simply providing support, as was Oreki. Interestingly, all three of the characters to come and share their ideas with the kotenbu would specifically pick out Oreki for his point of view on the matter.
It’d not be a surprise if some sort of ulterior motives were in play – the episode’s title of “Why didn’t she ask Eba?” also suggests such, not to say the spartan film isn’t an actual problem either, though surely there’s more to it, and the lengthy debates throughout the episode merely act as a ramp leading up to the final minute. Within the closing scene, walking home from a wastefully tiring day, Oreki is approached by upperclassman who originally enlisted him and company to solve the issue of the half-baked film.
As she invites him for tea, so do we see the episode conclude – if Hyouka can truly make something of this within its upcoming installment, it’d be a praiseworthy transition from dull to definitely captivating. While of course not made explicitly clear what shall be seen in the chapter to follow, the next episode preview does look intriguing as various characters make shocked expressions – and the name of the coming affair is “What No One Noticed”.
Some spectacular detail slipping under the radar of all would easily succeed to engage and entertain – though that is assuming the revelation of such is made well-presented. Otherwise, anything can fail – something which Hyouka has done well to show earlier with its, hopefully former, horrid lack of reasoning.
Jun 17, 2012 @ 23:31 CDT
As a resident of the state of Kentucky, I will tell you that whiskey/bourbon chocolates can be a dangerous treat to the uninitiated. I have made them myself at home, and they are really that intoxicating; the moeblob lies like a rug, she knew what she was getting into…that saucy moeblob.
Several things I can remark on. Each theorist had their own prejudices. I recall a scene from the program House MD; in which Holmes has a degree of influence. Given a mystery disease an oncologist will see cancer, a neurologist will see brain abnormality, and an immunologist will see late onset viral infection. Your job can bias your opinion. In this case each theorist sees the mystery only in terms of the job they did for the production.
Also, the notes left in the Sherlock texts: Most of the ones circled or triangled contain stories in which identity is either mistaken or an eyewitness has bias. The x’s have no pertinence to the film script.
A guideline: drama delivers upon expectations, comedy goes in the opposite direction, a mystery obfuscates expectations.
Jun 17, 2012 @ 23:36 CDT
And Hyouka smothers with moeblob.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 1:25 CDT
I’ve noticed that the last few post’s relating to Hyouka have the “moeblob” in the title. Do you secretly like her, Seven? :)
Yay for prolonging the Film Mystery, and I’m curious as to what the conclusion will be. Wonder if what the MC & Co. will think of would have been what the author would have done?
Jun 18, 2012 @ 17:20 CDT
They have “Moeblob” in the title because this animation goes out of its way to include scenes of moeblob, even at the expense of degrading itself.
Jun 19, 2012 @ 23:42 CDT
If Eru is real, she may lights up in purple aura and shout out a “I’m Curious” to find out why Seven dislike her so.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 7:34 CDT
Gotta hand it to Oreki, he puts up with a lot of shit. Pretty much the only person who doesn’t annoy/pick on him/push him around is that librarian from a few episodes back.
By the way, why do you call the database guy Neon Lights lol
Jun 18, 2012 @ 8:00 CDT
He called himself a neon light in some episode – I decided it was fitting.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 8:34 CDT
Huh did he now. What could that possibly mean? Is he hinting he wants a bromance with Oreki? This could be Hyouka’s biggest mystery, one even Oreki can’t solve. At least, I hope he doesn’t solve it.
Jun 18, 2012 @ 8:40 CDT
It’s too obvious to need solving.