Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2: Episode 1 Summary and Review
This is going to be my first time writing a review for an anime episode, so please bear with me. I know that a lot has been said and done about the first two episodes of Sekaiichi Season Two, but all the same, I'd like to start somewhere, and I think it's best at the beginning. I love this series so much that, well, I feel like I want to do so much more for it.
Also, I'd like to do something substantial while I can't submit fanart due to the death of my scanner. XD
So, I'm launching my (possible) review series.
Warning: WALL OF TEXT. I tend to ramble on, but I guess I'm just too serious about this. SOMEONE TELL ME IF IT'S BORING.
Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2: Episode 1
A good beginning makes a good ending.
A Not-So-Brief Summary
The second season of Sekaiichi Hatsukoi picks up from the 3rd volume of the manga, where Onodera has just been named Program Director. In a nutshell, his job is to communicate and coordinate with the printers and his fellow editors to ensure that all manuscripts get published in time for the magazine's printing. However, not a single one of the editors have their manuscripts ready, and Onodera has already agreed to the printers' deadline. Takano points out, however, that the deadline has been set too early, considering their past work, and chides Onodera for his naivete. Onodera protests that there's no harm in finishing the work earlier, but he is further brought down by Takano telling him what the real job of an editor is, which basically involves forcing everyone in the process to overwork and force the printing out at the very last minute. Sadly, this seems to be the truth. However, even after this downward spiral of disillusion, Onodera finds happiness in the news that Mutou Yukina's new manga volume has been printed and is awaiting release in bookstores.
Onodera prepares to leave. Takano, displaying his talent for observing Onodera way too closely, picks out fuzz of unknown origin from his hair. Onodera reacts with a furious blush, denying that he has been sleeping on the floor, and walks out, only to overhear Takano say: "If you slept at my place, I'd wake you up anytime you wanted." Onodera goes home dwelling his many confused thoughts regarding Takano, especially regarding "the other night" (where he apparently came close to having sex with Takano).
A week later, he decides to stalk a bookstore (Marimo Books, where we see a quick cameo of Yukina), unable to resist seeing how the sales for Mutou-sensei's book will go. He is caught by Yokozawa, who criticizes him for butting into the sales department's work, but introduces him to a worker at Marimo Books anyway, displaying professionalism despite his obvious dislike for Onodera. They end up leaving the bookstore together, where Yokozawa once again orders him to leave Takano alone, implying that they are dating.
The next day, the Emerald Editors are getting nowhere once more, and Onodera is starting to feel the strain of being Program Director. As he goes to get a drink from the office vending machine, he overhears two female workers gossipping about seeing Takano and Yokozawa together last night. As he stands there dazedly thinking about it, Takano takes the opportunity to hand Onodera a piece of paper with instructions on how to negotiate with the printing office. He also tells him that Mutou's book was a success, needing a second printing. He invites Onodera to dinner and drinks to celebrate. Predictably, Onodera refuses, but Takano always has his way.
As soon as Onodera leaves the train station nearing home, Takano catches him by the collar with alcohol and snacks in tow. Predictably, the situation turns awkward as they drink at Takano's place, as they cannot seem to make proper conversation. Onodera gets drunk and collapses on Takano, who then kisses him (possibly in an attempt to sober him up). Onodera then dumps all his conflicting emotions on Takano, and he mentions knowing that Takano and Yokozawa are dating. Takano then pushes him down, telling him he's not just screwing around, and loves him. "How much do I have to love you in order for you to let me in?" he asks. "I don't care whether you have a fiance or not, I..."
Onodera, albeit in a drunk state, is driven to emotional tears, and calls him "Senpai".
The scene fades out with Takano calling him "Ritsu", and saying, "I love you."
The next morning however, Onodera remembers nothing of the previous night except for the fact that he and Takano toasted his achievements. He has woken up with a large number of hickeys on his person, as well as an ache in his lower body, which leads him to think the worst. Takano, of course, calls him a horrible person for forgetting, but as Onodera leaves, Takano tells him that he probably likes him more than he's willing to admit.
The episode then ends with Onodera escaping to his apartment, denying anything that could have happened the night before, forcing himself to believe it was a dream.
Rants and Raves
First of all, the new opening theme (Sekai no Hate ni Itemo) was a little unexpected after such a catchy, fast-paced song from season one, but it's the kind of song that grows on you after a while. It certainly has grown on me as well, and I love the opening animation, even though it certainly brings to mind memories of the animation from Junjou Romantica's second season. Oh well, they chose their scenes well, and that shot of Kisa and Yukina in the beginning! I think it's safe to say that they may get more of the spotlight this season, along with Chiaki and Hatori! In fact, I think the conflicts are only about to begin!
With regards to the episode itself, I find it interesting how Takano points out to Onodera that by simply agreeing to the printer's early deadline, it is a sign that they look down on him, and thus, the same attitude arises from the rest of the Emerald Editors. Sometimes, you can't tell if the team is doing it on purpose to rile Onodera, or if they're doing it to further challenge him.After all, they do know the cycle better than him, and Onodera still has much to learn about the process.
Interesting to note is the "fact" that Takano drops about being a manga editor:
"94% of an editor's job is to take the manuscript from the author, who doesn't want to hand it in, by any means necessary! And making the printer wait until the very last and final minute, and forcing the manucript into the production."
Takano has this talent for getting the best out of people, by hook or by crook. He does this to his authors to make them produce the best work possible (which is why he pushes and pushes them to edit their work even to the very last detail), as well as his fellow editors, who now know how he works and have found their own ways of getting the best out of their own authors. He has certainly found the perfect sequence of pushing Onodera's buttons to make him work and get the best results out of him. I believe that is the true meaning behind Takano's statement about an editor's job. Parelleling what he said in the first season, "if there's a hole to fill, stuff a diamond in there even if it's rough". Onodera, unfortunately, had this attitude of "this is good enough" whenever it comes down to the very last moment, while Takano believes he can still bring the best even when one only has the shortest amount of time left. This is probably what he wants to change in Onodera.
We also see Takano's sweeter side here, in wanting to celebrate Onodera's accomplishments, even with just a simple round of drinks. For Onodera, he's still learning to deal with his feelings for Takano, especially after coming close to getting intimate with him the other night. He knows now more than ever that his emotions always seem to be out of control whenever Takano is involved, and his usual approach is to forget and stay away, like he always has. However, Takano has such an effect on him that the memory of his touch won't go away. He continues to fight his feelings, because of his jaded outlook on love, and believes that only the worst can come out of this situation. He even tries to justify it with the idea that Takano was forcing himself on him, and that he doesn't like Takano at all. Right now, he's at the stage where he's trying not to believe that these bodily reactions to Takano are connected to emotions for Takano.
Yokozawa, on the other hand, I liked in this episode, because he is a clear example of what it means to be professional. Even with his obvious dislike of Onodera, and even after scolding him for what he believes to be butting into the sales department business, he finds the decency in him to put on a smile and introduce Onodera to a worker at Marimo. Afterwards though, he tries to get Onodera to stay away from Takano, still believing that Onodera is purposely sticking around in order to get Takano out of order. Of course, as a friend and former lover, Yokozawa has every right to be concerned, after what happened in their college years. Onodera, of course, has no idea of what happened, and so he continues to push that he has nothing to do with it.
I'm aware there were lots of expectations for this particular episode, it being the first ep of the season and all, plus in the manga, Takano basically stripped Ritsu down and they had emotional, drunken sex. However, the way it is depicted in this episode is just as meaningful and emotional as it was in the manga, sans sex. The music was perfect, the voice acting...I was really affected by how Takashi Kondo (Onodera) managed to bring out Onodera's vulnerability in his drunken moments. The tearful voice really choked me up.
A lot of feelings are confessed in this episode, and you start to see that it's not just Onodera, but Takano as well, who has overflowing emotions. He is right in saying that being around the person you like or love will have an effect on you, and one cannot keep it contained at all times. One surefire sign though that Ritsu is in love--the fact that he uttered "Senpai" in the middle of that highly emotional moment. He's drunk, his inhibitions are lowered, he's with "Takano-san", but the one word that he can say is "Senpai". I would say his feelings were made clear right then and there.
I honestly felt bad for Takano afterward, when Onodera couldn't remember what happened. I mean, after all that was said and done the night before, the worst thing that the person you love can tell you is that he remembers nothing. If I were in his position, it would really make me feel like, "Am I so unimportant that you would forget something like that?" It's a very sad thing, and I was able to see it in Takano's eyes as he sipped his coffee and lit up a cigarette. It also hurts when the person you love denies your feelings as a sick fantasy, or a delusion. Oh, Takano.
"You seem to like me better than you think."
It is also in this episode where Takano is starting to notice the pattern of Onodera mentioning Yokozawa whenever they are starting to get close, but as it is, he dismisses it as a drunken ramble. He was able to see right through the awkwardness during the evening, and knew that Onodera was finding it awkward to ask about their relationship. This was also the same conflict he must have felt when he was bandaging up Onodera in the previous episode (the last episode of season one). However, he keeps his suspicions slated away in his mind... at least until the next episode.
"A good beginning makes a good ending." Sadly this statement wasn't particularly true for Takano and Onodera's relationship, having started out so strangely since high school. However, we can always hope that no matter what, they'll have a good ending!
Also, I'd like to do something substantial while I can't submit fanart due to the death of my scanner. XD
So, I'm launching my (possible) review series.
Warning: WALL OF TEXT. I tend to ramble on, but I guess I'm just too serious about this. SOMEONE TELL ME IF IT'S BORING.
Sekaiichi Hatsukoi 2: Episode 1
A good beginning makes a good ending.
A Not-So-Brief Summary
The second season of Sekaiichi Hatsukoi picks up from the 3rd volume of the manga, where Onodera has just been named Program Director. In a nutshell, his job is to communicate and coordinate with the printers and his fellow editors to ensure that all manuscripts get published in time for the magazine's printing. However, not a single one of the editors have their manuscripts ready, and Onodera has already agreed to the printers' deadline. Takano points out, however, that the deadline has been set too early, considering their past work, and chides Onodera for his naivete. Onodera protests that there's no harm in finishing the work earlier, but he is further brought down by Takano telling him what the real job of an editor is, which basically involves forcing everyone in the process to overwork and force the printing out at the very last minute. Sadly, this seems to be the truth. However, even after this downward spiral of disillusion, Onodera finds happiness in the news that Mutou Yukina's new manga volume has been printed and is awaiting release in bookstores.
Onodera prepares to leave. Takano, displaying his talent for observing Onodera way too closely, picks out fuzz of unknown origin from his hair. Onodera reacts with a furious blush, denying that he has been sleeping on the floor, and walks out, only to overhear Takano say: "If you slept at my place, I'd wake you up anytime you wanted." Onodera goes home dwelling his many confused thoughts regarding Takano, especially regarding "the other night" (where he apparently came close to having sex with Takano).
A week later, he decides to stalk a bookstore (Marimo Books, where we see a quick cameo of Yukina), unable to resist seeing how the sales for Mutou-sensei's book will go. He is caught by Yokozawa, who criticizes him for butting into the sales department's work, but introduces him to a worker at Marimo Books anyway, displaying professionalism despite his obvious dislike for Onodera. They end up leaving the bookstore together, where Yokozawa once again orders him to leave Takano alone, implying that they are dating.
The next day, the Emerald Editors are getting nowhere once more, and Onodera is starting to feel the strain of being Program Director. As he goes to get a drink from the office vending machine, he overhears two female workers gossipping about seeing Takano and Yokozawa together last night. As he stands there dazedly thinking about it, Takano takes the opportunity to hand Onodera a piece of paper with instructions on how to negotiate with the printing office. He also tells him that Mutou's book was a success, needing a second printing. He invites Onodera to dinner and drinks to celebrate. Predictably, Onodera refuses, but Takano always has his way.
As soon as Onodera leaves the train station nearing home, Takano catches him by the collar with alcohol and snacks in tow. Predictably, the situation turns awkward as they drink at Takano's place, as they cannot seem to make proper conversation. Onodera gets drunk and collapses on Takano, who then kisses him (possibly in an attempt to sober him up). Onodera then dumps all his conflicting emotions on Takano, and he mentions knowing that Takano and Yokozawa are dating. Takano then pushes him down, telling him he's not just screwing around, and loves him. "How much do I have to love you in order for you to let me in?" he asks. "I don't care whether you have a fiance or not, I..."
Onodera, albeit in a drunk state, is driven to emotional tears, and calls him "Senpai".
The scene fades out with Takano calling him "Ritsu", and saying, "I love you."
The next morning however, Onodera remembers nothing of the previous night except for the fact that he and Takano toasted his achievements. He has woken up with a large number of hickeys on his person, as well as an ache in his lower body, which leads him to think the worst. Takano, of course, calls him a horrible person for forgetting, but as Onodera leaves, Takano tells him that he probably likes him more than he's willing to admit.
The episode then ends with Onodera escaping to his apartment, denying anything that could have happened the night before, forcing himself to believe it was a dream.
Rants and Raves
First of all, the new opening theme (Sekai no Hate ni Itemo) was a little unexpected after such a catchy, fast-paced song from season one, but it's the kind of song that grows on you after a while. It certainly has grown on me as well, and I love the opening animation, even though it certainly brings to mind memories of the animation from Junjou Romantica's second season. Oh well, they chose their scenes well, and that shot of Kisa and Yukina in the beginning! I think it's safe to say that they may get more of the spotlight this season, along with Chiaki and Hatori! In fact, I think the conflicts are only about to begin!
With regards to the episode itself, I find it interesting how Takano points out to Onodera that by simply agreeing to the printer's early deadline, it is a sign that they look down on him, and thus, the same attitude arises from the rest of the Emerald Editors. Sometimes, you can't tell if the team is doing it on purpose to rile Onodera, or if they're doing it to further challenge him.After all, they do know the cycle better than him, and Onodera still has much to learn about the process.
Interesting to note is the "fact" that Takano drops about being a manga editor:
"94% of an editor's job is to take the manuscript from the author, who doesn't want to hand it in, by any means necessary! And making the printer wait until the very last and final minute, and forcing the manucript into the production."
Takano has this talent for getting the best out of people, by hook or by crook. He does this to his authors to make them produce the best work possible (which is why he pushes and pushes them to edit their work even to the very last detail), as well as his fellow editors, who now know how he works and have found their own ways of getting the best out of their own authors. He has certainly found the perfect sequence of pushing Onodera's buttons to make him work and get the best results out of him. I believe that is the true meaning behind Takano's statement about an editor's job. Parelleling what he said in the first season, "if there's a hole to fill, stuff a diamond in there even if it's rough". Onodera, unfortunately, had this attitude of "this is good enough" whenever it comes down to the very last moment, while Takano believes he can still bring the best even when one only has the shortest amount of time left. This is probably what he wants to change in Onodera.
We also see Takano's sweeter side here, in wanting to celebrate Onodera's accomplishments, even with just a simple round of drinks. For Onodera, he's still learning to deal with his feelings for Takano, especially after coming close to getting intimate with him the other night. He knows now more than ever that his emotions always seem to be out of control whenever Takano is involved, and his usual approach is to forget and stay away, like he always has. However, Takano has such an effect on him that the memory of his touch won't go away. He continues to fight his feelings, because of his jaded outlook on love, and believes that only the worst can come out of this situation. He even tries to justify it with the idea that Takano was forcing himself on him, and that he doesn't like Takano at all. Right now, he's at the stage where he's trying not to believe that these bodily reactions to Takano are connected to emotions for Takano.
Yokozawa, on the other hand, I liked in this episode, because he is a clear example of what it means to be professional. Even with his obvious dislike of Onodera, and even after scolding him for what he believes to be butting into the sales department business, he finds the decency in him to put on a smile and introduce Onodera to a worker at Marimo. Afterwards though, he tries to get Onodera to stay away from Takano, still believing that Onodera is purposely sticking around in order to get Takano out of order. Of course, as a friend and former lover, Yokozawa has every right to be concerned, after what happened in their college years. Onodera, of course, has no idea of what happened, and so he continues to push that he has nothing to do with it.
I'm aware there were lots of expectations for this particular episode, it being the first ep of the season and all, plus in the manga, Takano basically stripped Ritsu down and they had emotional, drunken sex. However, the way it is depicted in this episode is just as meaningful and emotional as it was in the manga, sans sex. The music was perfect, the voice acting...I was really affected by how Takashi Kondo (Onodera) managed to bring out Onodera's vulnerability in his drunken moments. The tearful voice really choked me up.
A lot of feelings are confessed in this episode, and you start to see that it's not just Onodera, but Takano as well, who has overflowing emotions. He is right in saying that being around the person you like or love will have an effect on you, and one cannot keep it contained at all times. One surefire sign though that Ritsu is in love--the fact that he uttered "Senpai" in the middle of that highly emotional moment. He's drunk, his inhibitions are lowered, he's with "Takano-san", but the one word that he can say is "Senpai". I would say his feelings were made clear right then and there.
I honestly felt bad for Takano afterward, when Onodera couldn't remember what happened. I mean, after all that was said and done the night before, the worst thing that the person you love can tell you is that he remembers nothing. If I were in his position, it would really make me feel like, "Am I so unimportant that you would forget something like that?" It's a very sad thing, and I was able to see it in Takano's eyes as he sipped his coffee and lit up a cigarette. It also hurts when the person you love denies your feelings as a sick fantasy, or a delusion. Oh, Takano.
"You seem to like me better than you think."
It is also in this episode where Takano is starting to notice the pattern of Onodera mentioning Yokozawa whenever they are starting to get close, but as it is, he dismisses it as a drunken ramble. He was able to see right through the awkwardness during the evening, and knew that Onodera was finding it awkward to ask about their relationship. This was also the same conflict he must have felt when he was bandaging up Onodera in the previous episode (the last episode of season one). However, he keeps his suspicions slated away in his mind... at least until the next episode.
"A good beginning makes a good ending." Sadly this statement wasn't particularly true for Takano and Onodera's relationship, having started out so strangely since high school. However, we can always hope that no matter what, they'll have a good ending!