Dear Saiunkoku Monogatari, I WAS USING THAT BRAIN.
I really needed to do schoolwork this weekend. REALLY NEEDED. I'll spare you the details but the situation is dire -- and despite this, all I've done since Friday is watch Saiunkoku Monogatari, scour the web for Saimono blog posts, read translations of the Saimono novels, read every Saimono fanfic in existence EVEN THE BAD ONES, and generally fail every measure of academic productivity yet devised. It's not that I don't want to write these papers, but that all I can think about are the court politics of a certain fictional country.
Don't watch this show. It is EVIL and ADDICTIVE.
General notes:
I commented to baka_neko that Shuurei goes above and beyond being a smart, sensible heroine who won't annoy the audience (as Miaka of Fushigi Yuugi famously did) and is instead someone who's good at everything. She cooks, she cleans, she does paperwork! She's cheerful and hardworking and diligent but at the same time, incredibly tough-minded and composed. And refined. She can make a perfect cup of tea and play difficult music flawlessly. She's also caring and kind, and (scarily) good with children. Though she has moments of weakness, she doesn't allow them to compromise her goals. Her character flaws -- obsessive about money, modest -- are actually strengths. And then, on top of everything else, she's young and idealistic and determined to do right by her country!
In fact I wondered if she didn't have too many things going for her. Then I realized that my mistake was in thinking of Shuurei as the audience avatar of a bishounen harem show. ^^ From that perspective, she's overqualified. But if you turn the scenario around, and treat Saiunkoku Monogatari as the story of an extraordinary young woman who struggles to become her country's first female civil servant -- suggesting all sorts of other modern liberal improvements to her country's T'ang-inspired government along the way -- her accomplishments are a perfect fit. They fit her background, too.
In short, though there are indeed a great many pretty men in long hair and Chinese robes lying about, Saiunkoku Monogatari is not (primarily) a harem series -- which isn't to say that the anime is NOT liberal with the Emperor x Shuurei scenes, or that there aren't a surfeit of characters interested in Shuurei (or each other XD).
The story mainly follows the shifting politics of the imperial court. There are a lot of flashbacks -- not only does every character have a story, every character is the main character of his or her own story. Because the cast is large and because there's so much going on at once -- or maybe because the anime is erring on the side of TMI by following the original novels verrrrry closely -- episodes tend to include a lot of short scenes strung together, rather than sticking to a single story or having a plot and a subplot.
It's hard to know who knows what in this show, because 1) they all seem to know a whole lot, and 2) most of them tend to keep what they know to themselves. On the one hand, it's nice to have characters who know all the things someone in their position would be expected to know, and who are as quick or quicker than the audience when it comes to new information. (Shuurei is "slow" but that just means that what the rest of the cast figures out one-third of the way through the episode, she figures out two-thirds of the way through.) On the other hand, this is yet more information to keep track of (though depending on your disposition, this could also be a plus).
Though it's usually my pleasure to piece together these kind of fragments into a complete picture of who knows what and when and what happened and why, Saiunkoku frustrates me. XD; that's because key pieces of information are often missing. Flashbacks are often partial or not fully explained, and as a result some of them make very little sense ESPECIALLY SHOU TAISHI'S. (Seriously, I could never figure out what that man was thinking.) Motivations are explained in ways that aren't supported by (currently) available evidence. Characters who were never introduced suddenly play prominent roles. Scenes start abruptly, without any kind of transition from the previous scene. And, foreshadowing? What is this thing you call foreshadowing -_-.
Hmm, what else. The characters seem to take a lot of risks -- letting things alone until the last possible moment, personally fighting off bandits and assassins. It seems like a lot is left to chance with these "traps" everyone is always laying, and that as a result, the main cast is in CONSTANT personal danger -- though probably less constant than it appears, since many of them can't be killed without the killer wishing he had never been born ahaha.
On the other hand everyone is magical and sparkly so maybe they aren't in danger at all. XD; Shuurei is in some ways on the same level as the other "unreal" members of the court who are all mysteriously good looking and accomplished and like, magical swordsmen who can defeat dozens of assassins with ease -- sort of inhabiting another plane of existence due to being PERSONAGES. And indeed, she does have the background. But she's very clearly separated from them, because she has to work, while they are effortlessly flawlessness (Ryuuren is the best example of this). I guess she's in a kind of middle tier with Kouyuu, which makes sense, given plans by Kou clan to pair the two of them off.
I bet if I read Water Margin or watched more Chinese imperial dramas this would all make sense. :p
Some notes from when I was struggling to understand the end of the first arc:
The treason thirteen years ago and civil war eight years ago are very murky. All I know is that things were bad, and I'm only obliquely getting a sense of how bad. This might be because the characters having these flashbacks -- Seien and Ryuuki -- were too young to really grasp all of it. But, even so! I don't know WHY they were so bad, or WHAT the former emperor and Shou hoped to accomplish by allowing the situation to STAY bad, or why all those ASSASSINATIONS were necessary, or...
Obviously, there was a power vacuum, and Shou refused to let anyone but the next "qualified" emperor fill it, maybe out of loyalty to the Shi family or respect for the office of the emperor. (That's what he says, anyway.) But the fact was, well before Ryuuki showed any real aptitude, he did fill it. What was the point of stepping back, then suddenly bringing things under control, then? Just to make a point? "This is what happens when there is no stable leadership, this is why the central government is important?" If that's the case, he...convinced Shuurei. XD But no one else seems to have taken the point, and while he was making statements, thousands of people starved to death. On some level I just inanely resent the idea of killing lots and lots of innocent people primarily to make a statement.
And what the heck was up with Sa Enjou's coup, anyway? It's...no, I don't even know. It makes no sense. Enjou decides to gain power over Ryuuki by marrying him to his daughter, Ryuuki refuses, Kourin takes matters into her own hands trying to get rid of Shuurei, and suddenly it's become a plot to assassinate Ryuuki and re-install Seien? The only way it makes any sense is if Enju really doesn't know Seiren that well, because Seiran would never go along with it. Even if he were the last Shi alive and the kingdom was about to collapse if he didn't take the throne. (Maybe?)
It's also hard to understand why Shou was let him go so far with it. Just like letting the kingdom all into ruin, I fail to see what kind of benefit could possibly outweigh the risks...what kind of lesson does Ryuuki learn from a failed coup? That occasionally people will try to assassinate him and/or his consorts? Didn't he know that already? Maybe it was so he'd agree to give up Shuurei as his consort at the end of the month, since with him, she's in danger. Ahhhh, I don't know!
And the third arc (highlight to read):
An entire dead clan = spilled milk?!!! (Just like in every flashback involving Shou, this one makes NO SENSE. Did Eiki bewitch Enjun into accidentally murdering the clan? (hi i have a certain mecha show on the brain.) Also it occurs to me, we have yet to SEE this supposed kind-hearted Enjun everyone keeps blathering about. He's pretty much been a villain in every appearance so far.) It seems that in this series, the upper echelons are like forests -- in need of a good brush fire every now and then. (Someone explain to me why Kokujun's father had to die!)
Sakujun is evil, but he can't be the only evil person in Brown province, can he?
Aha! So THAT'S why Enjun orchestrated the coup in the first arc. That makes sen- WAIT. If Sa Enjun's plan was to start a rebellion so that the emperor would take disciplinary action against the Sa clan...his timing SUCKED. I mean, he worked in the capital for FIFTY YEARS. Are we seriously supposed to believe that he had NO chances to put this plan into effect earlier? Also, does EVERY plan to "purify" the country have to involve mass slaughter of the current leadership? It's like every time you turn around, someone else is gettin' purged.
I didn't even realize the Yuu reveal was supposed to be a plot point because I thought of him as Tei Yuushun all along....XD; Guess I wasn't paying enough attention in the scene where he was introduced. (I also missed the introduction of the Chivalrous Thieves...wait, was there an introduction?)
Character notes!
Shi Seiren: I feel like I am walking into a trap here, but who cares? He's pretty and kind and secretly, A HORRIBLE PERSON. ^_^ Also, when he and Ensei are on screen together. When he and Ryuuki are on screen together! *diesssssssss*
Uh, I swear that not all of my comments are this shallow. (But Seiran is SO PRETTY *_*.)
Rou Ensei: My favorite character.Scruffy bandits ftw! Also, the scene where HE STANDS PROTECTIVELY BETWEEN SEIREN AND MEISHOU AHHHHHH <3333333.
In conclusion, more Ensei. (The second opening: NOT ENOUGH ENSEI.)
Eigetsu: Don't really care for him. He's so contrived. That kind of split personality is obviously a ploy by the author to make an uninteresting character, interesting. Of course this could also have to do with how abruptly he was introduced and how fast he becomes everyone's darling. (OH MY GOD, I sound like those fanclub girls who are always like, "You're not special enough for Our Prince!") Actually, in a way, I feel bad for disliking him, because he's the scholarship student.
Kou Shuurei: I love it when she uses her schoolteacher's voice on Ryuuki and Sakujun. XD You know the reason it works is that those two are overgrown (oversexed) children. Sakujun is crazy, her hair looks much better up. Also, I wish her eyes weren't quite as enormous.
Kourin: Also has large eyes, but ACTUALLY IS thirteen.
Shi Ryuuki: Favorite scene: the one where he propositions Seien. XDXDXD when's the next time we get to see that predatory expression? Ryuuki acts childish (and he is) EXCEPT when sex is involved. Speaking of sex, you notice his interest in Shuurei begins when he learns whose daughter she is. I can't help but think that as much as he wants to marry Shuurei, what he really wants is to MARRY INTO HER FAMILY. ^^; Also, he seems to confuse sex and love, or rather, to only understand intimacy in terms of a sexual relationship. (And yet I can't seem to find any Ryuuki/Seiran where Ryuuki initiates the pr0n out of some misguided attempt to bridge the gap...)
It's actually pretty sad that at the start of the series, Ryuuki takes a different man to bed every night because he's afraid of the dark. Having that much teenage sex can't possibly have been good for him. It's no wonder Shuurei was brought in to advise as a consort. Good on her for keeping their relationship nonsexual. (Though you notice, he's still trying to develop it that way. Honestly, I think they're better as friends...I like Ryuuki A LOT but I don't see how it could ever work for him and Shuurei.)
To the smut writers: Ryuuki is experienced and eager to please. *hides*
Li Kouyuu: I wish we got to see a little more of this supposed genius side. He just seems bookwormish. On the other hand, when he falls asleep on the trail in episode 29, Shuuei has the BEST fond expression on his face. XD Practically speaking, Shuurei is better off with Kouyuu than the Emperor, But, even I am not so much of a cold-hearted pragmatist as to wish them together. (Kouyuu "hates" women but not Shuurei -- because he doesn't think of her a woman, probably. ^^;)
Kouyuu and Shuuei take top prize for BL potential. Well, after Sa Enjun and Shou-tashi since those two are pretty much canon. And considering how many men Ryuuki has slept with (six months @ 1 per night = 183)...XD.
Ran Shuuei: Proof that the attitude makes the man? He's not drawn hot but he acts like he's Roy Mustang. XD And the odd thing is, it works -- somehow he pulls it off DESPITE the awful haircut. I get the feeling that the most interesting thing about Ran is his relationship with his family and since the anime doesn't really go into, that, he's honestly a bit boring. -_-; It's like if Roy Mustang weren't secretly plotting to be furher, but was only a straightforward flirt. Though Shuuei does seem to always know what's going on, and to be the first to realize someone's family background/the significance of events.
Reishin/Hojou/Yuushun: There's a huge gaping hole in this series where Terrible Threesome High School Backstory should be. ^^; Wouldn't Reishin have been head of the clan before sitting for exams?
Sa Sakujin (highlight for later-season spoilers):
Sakujun is ridiculously evil. GUESS WHO HIS VA IS. XD;;; When I realized, I died. The scene where he sleazily hits on Shuurei with no clothes on! It was like Touga Kiryuu risen from the grave. ^^ I was actually laughing a little toward the end of the "install Shuurei as governor" arc when it was revealed that he was secretly behind EVERY bad thing that ever happened to anyone in Sa province.
(It wasn't Choujin killed Shunki's parents, it was Sakujin! It wasn't Kokujun killed his father, it was Sakujin! Meishirou was bad, but who was he working for? 15-year old Sakujun! If this series had time travel, I swear Sakujun would also have been responsible for the deaths of the members of the main house fifty years ago.)
Hyou Eiki: If I were her I'd have it in for Shou too. XD
If you are somehow less prone to obsession/don't mind signing away your brain, here's where you can find the series:
Anime:
1-23 (Shadow Dreams)
28-39 (We Suck - grab 'em before they come down!)
on Youtube:
1-7
5-8 minus 7
9-36
31-39
Novels:
1-10
11
commentary and random translation
Manga:
1-5 (scroll down)
Don't watch this show. It is EVIL and ADDICTIVE.
General notes:
I commented to baka_neko that Shuurei goes above and beyond being a smart, sensible heroine who won't annoy the audience (as Miaka of Fushigi Yuugi famously did) and is instead someone who's good at everything. She cooks, she cleans, she does paperwork! She's cheerful and hardworking and diligent but at the same time, incredibly tough-minded and composed. And refined. She can make a perfect cup of tea and play difficult music flawlessly. She's also caring and kind, and (scarily) good with children. Though she has moments of weakness, she doesn't allow them to compromise her goals. Her character flaws -- obsessive about money, modest -- are actually strengths. And then, on top of everything else, she's young and idealistic and determined to do right by her country!
In fact I wondered if she didn't have too many things going for her. Then I realized that my mistake was in thinking of Shuurei as the audience avatar of a bishounen harem show. ^^ From that perspective, she's overqualified. But if you turn the scenario around, and treat Saiunkoku Monogatari as the story of an extraordinary young woman who struggles to become her country's first female civil servant -- suggesting all sorts of other modern liberal improvements to her country's T'ang-inspired government along the way -- her accomplishments are a perfect fit. They fit her background, too.
In short, though there are indeed a great many pretty men in long hair and Chinese robes lying about, Saiunkoku Monogatari is not (primarily) a harem series -- which isn't to say that the anime is NOT liberal with the Emperor x Shuurei scenes, or that there aren't a surfeit of characters interested in Shuurei (or each other XD).
The story mainly follows the shifting politics of the imperial court. There are a lot of flashbacks -- not only does every character have a story, every character is the main character of his or her own story. Because the cast is large and because there's so much going on at once -- or maybe because the anime is erring on the side of TMI by following the original novels verrrrry closely -- episodes tend to include a lot of short scenes strung together, rather than sticking to a single story or having a plot and a subplot.
It's hard to know who knows what in this show, because 1) they all seem to know a whole lot, and 2) most of them tend to keep what they know to themselves. On the one hand, it's nice to have characters who know all the things someone in their position would be expected to know, and who are as quick or quicker than the audience when it comes to new information. (Shuurei is "slow" but that just means that what the rest of the cast figures out one-third of the way through the episode, she figures out two-thirds of the way through.) On the other hand, this is yet more information to keep track of (though depending on your disposition, this could also be a plus).
Though it's usually my pleasure to piece together these kind of fragments into a complete picture of who knows what and when and what happened and why, Saiunkoku frustrates me. XD; that's because key pieces of information are often missing. Flashbacks are often partial or not fully explained, and as a result some of them make very little sense ESPECIALLY SHOU TAISHI'S. (Seriously, I could never figure out what that man was thinking.) Motivations are explained in ways that aren't supported by (currently) available evidence. Characters who were never introduced suddenly play prominent roles. Scenes start abruptly, without any kind of transition from the previous scene. And, foreshadowing? What is this thing you call foreshadowing -_-.
Hmm, what else. The characters seem to take a lot of risks -- letting things alone until the last possible moment, personally fighting off bandits and assassins. It seems like a lot is left to chance with these "traps" everyone is always laying, and that as a result, the main cast is in CONSTANT personal danger -- though probably less constant than it appears, since many of them can't be killed without the killer wishing he had never been born ahaha.
On the other hand everyone is magical and sparkly so maybe they aren't in danger at all. XD; Shuurei is in some ways on the same level as the other "unreal" members of the court who are all mysteriously good looking and accomplished and like, magical swordsmen who can defeat dozens of assassins with ease -- sort of inhabiting another plane of existence due to being PERSONAGES. And indeed, she does have the background. But she's very clearly separated from them, because she has to work, while they are effortlessly flawlessness (Ryuuren is the best example of this). I guess she's in a kind of middle tier with Kouyuu, which makes sense, given plans by Kou clan to pair the two of them off.
I bet if I read Water Margin or watched more Chinese imperial dramas this would all make sense. :p
Some notes from when I was struggling to understand the end of the first arc:
The treason thirteen years ago and civil war eight years ago are very murky. All I know is that things were bad, and I'm only obliquely getting a sense of how bad. This might be because the characters having these flashbacks -- Seien and Ryuuki -- were too young to really grasp all of it. But, even so! I don't know WHY they were so bad, or WHAT the former emperor and Shou hoped to accomplish by allowing the situation to STAY bad, or why all those ASSASSINATIONS were necessary, or...
Obviously, there was a power vacuum, and Shou refused to let anyone but the next "qualified" emperor fill it, maybe out of loyalty to the Shi family or respect for the office of the emperor. (That's what he says, anyway.) But the fact was, well before Ryuuki showed any real aptitude, he did fill it. What was the point of stepping back, then suddenly bringing things under control, then? Just to make a point? "This is what happens when there is no stable leadership, this is why the central government is important?" If that's the case, he...convinced Shuurei. XD But no one else seems to have taken the point, and while he was making statements, thousands of people starved to death. On some level I just inanely resent the idea of killing lots and lots of innocent people primarily to make a statement.
And what the heck was up with Sa Enjou's coup, anyway? It's...no, I don't even know. It makes no sense. Enjou decides to gain power over Ryuuki by marrying him to his daughter, Ryuuki refuses, Kourin takes matters into her own hands trying to get rid of Shuurei, and suddenly it's become a plot to assassinate Ryuuki and re-install Seien? The only way it makes any sense is if Enju really doesn't know Seiren that well, because Seiran would never go along with it. Even if he were the last Shi alive and the kingdom was about to collapse if he didn't take the throne. (Maybe?)
It's also hard to understand why Shou was let him go so far with it. Just like letting the kingdom all into ruin, I fail to see what kind of benefit could possibly outweigh the risks...what kind of lesson does Ryuuki learn from a failed coup? That occasionally people will try to assassinate him and/or his consorts? Didn't he know that already? Maybe it was so he'd agree to give up Shuurei as his consort at the end of the month, since with him, she's in danger. Ahhhh, I don't know!
And the third arc (highlight to read):
An entire dead clan = spilled milk?!!! (Just like in every flashback involving Shou, this one makes NO SENSE. Did Eiki bewitch Enjun into accidentally murdering the clan? (hi i have a certain mecha show on the brain.) Also it occurs to me, we have yet to SEE this supposed kind-hearted Enjun everyone keeps blathering about. He's pretty much been a villain in every appearance so far.) It seems that in this series, the upper echelons are like forests -- in need of a good brush fire every now and then. (Someone explain to me why Kokujun's father had to die!)
Sakujun is evil, but he can't be the only evil person in Brown province, can he?
Aha! So THAT'S why Enjun orchestrated the coup in the first arc. That makes sen- WAIT. If Sa Enjun's plan was to start a rebellion so that the emperor would take disciplinary action against the Sa clan...his timing SUCKED. I mean, he worked in the capital for FIFTY YEARS. Are we seriously supposed to believe that he had NO chances to put this plan into effect earlier? Also, does EVERY plan to "purify" the country have to involve mass slaughter of the current leadership? It's like every time you turn around, someone else is gettin' purged.
I didn't even realize the Yuu reveal was supposed to be a plot point because I thought of him as Tei Yuushun all along....XD; Guess I wasn't paying enough attention in the scene where he was introduced. (I also missed the introduction of the Chivalrous Thieves...wait, was there an introduction?)
Character notes!
Shi Seiren: I feel like I am walking into a trap here, but who cares? He's pretty and kind and secretly, A HORRIBLE PERSON. ^_^ Also, when he and Ensei are on screen together. When he and Ryuuki are on screen together! *diesssssssss*
Uh, I swear that not all of my comments are this shallow. (But Seiran is SO PRETTY *_*.)
Rou Ensei: My favorite character.Scruffy bandits ftw! Also, the scene where HE STANDS PROTECTIVELY BETWEEN SEIREN AND MEISHOU AHHHHHH <3333333.
In conclusion, more Ensei. (The second opening: NOT ENOUGH ENSEI.)
Eigetsu: Don't really care for him. He's so contrived. That kind of split personality is obviously a ploy by the author to make an uninteresting character, interesting. Of course this could also have to do with how abruptly he was introduced and how fast he becomes everyone's darling. (OH MY GOD, I sound like those fanclub girls who are always like, "You're not special enough for Our Prince!") Actually, in a way, I feel bad for disliking him, because he's the scholarship student.
Kou Shuurei: I love it when she uses her schoolteacher's voice on Ryuuki and Sakujun. XD You know the reason it works is that those two are overgrown (oversexed) children. Sakujun is crazy, her hair looks much better up. Also, I wish her eyes weren't quite as enormous.
Kourin: Also has large eyes, but ACTUALLY IS thirteen.
Shi Ryuuki: Favorite scene: the one where he propositions Seien. XDXDXD when's the next time we get to see that predatory expression? Ryuuki acts childish (and he is) EXCEPT when sex is involved. Speaking of sex, you notice his interest in Shuurei begins when he learns whose daughter she is. I can't help but think that as much as he wants to marry Shuurei, what he really wants is to MARRY INTO HER FAMILY. ^^; Also, he seems to confuse sex and love, or rather, to only understand intimacy in terms of a sexual relationship. (And yet I can't seem to find any Ryuuki/Seiran where Ryuuki initiates the pr0n out of some misguided attempt to bridge the gap...)
It's actually pretty sad that at the start of the series, Ryuuki takes a different man to bed every night because he's afraid of the dark. Having that much teenage sex can't possibly have been good for him. It's no wonder Shuurei was brought in to advise as a consort. Good on her for keeping their relationship nonsexual. (Though you notice, he's still trying to develop it that way. Honestly, I think they're better as friends...I like Ryuuki A LOT but I don't see how it could ever work for him and Shuurei.)
To the smut writers: Ryuuki is experienced and eager to please. *hides*
Li Kouyuu: I wish we got to see a little more of this supposed genius side. He just seems bookwormish. On the other hand, when he falls asleep on the trail in episode 29, Shuuei has the BEST fond expression on his face. XD Practically speaking, Shuurei is better off with Kouyuu than the Emperor, But, even I am not so much of a cold-hearted pragmatist as to wish them together. (Kouyuu "hates" women but not Shuurei -- because he doesn't think of her a woman, probably. ^^;)
Kouyuu and Shuuei take top prize for BL potential. Well, after Sa Enjun and Shou-tashi since those two are pretty much canon. And considering how many men Ryuuki has slept with (six months @ 1 per night = 183)...XD.
Ran Shuuei: Proof that the attitude makes the man? He's not drawn hot but he acts like he's Roy Mustang. XD And the odd thing is, it works -- somehow he pulls it off DESPITE the awful haircut. I get the feeling that the most interesting thing about Ran is his relationship with his family and since the anime doesn't really go into, that, he's honestly a bit boring. -_-; It's like if Roy Mustang weren't secretly plotting to be furher, but was only a straightforward flirt. Though Shuuei does seem to always know what's going on, and to be the first to realize someone's family background/the significance of events.
Reishin/Hojou/Yuushun: There's a huge gaping hole in this series where Terrible Threesome High School Backstory should be. ^^; Wouldn't Reishin have been head of the clan before sitting for exams?
Sa Sakujin (highlight for later-season spoilers):
Sakujun is ridiculously evil. GUESS WHO HIS VA IS. XD;;; When I realized, I died. The scene where he sleazily hits on Shuurei with no clothes on! It was like Touga Kiryuu risen from the grave. ^^ I was actually laughing a little toward the end of the "install Shuurei as governor" arc when it was revealed that he was secretly behind EVERY bad thing that ever happened to anyone in Sa province.
(It wasn't Choujin killed Shunki's parents, it was Sakujin! It wasn't Kokujun killed his father, it was Sakujin! Meishirou was bad, but who was he working for? 15-year old Sakujun! If this series had time travel, I swear Sakujun would also have been responsible for the deaths of the members of the main house fifty years ago.)
Hyou Eiki: If I were her I'd have it in for Shou too. XD
If you are somehow less prone to obsession/don't mind signing away your brain, here's where you can find the series:
Anime:
1-23 (Shadow Dreams)
28-39 (We Suck - grab 'em before they come down!)
on Youtube:
1-7
5-8 minus 7
9-36
31-39
Novels:
1-10
11
commentary and random translation
Manga:
1-5 (scroll down)