As with everything, I think there's definitely a balance to be struck. Some films can nail it first time, others not so much.

Also forgot to say it was nice to put a face to solid snakes voice :lol

I didn't plan on taking such a big break, apologies!

While it was primarily real life getting in the way, there was alot going against this final stop in the Guyver franchise.

Despite my liking certain aspects of them, there just wasn't any version of the story so far that really clicked with me and, at worst, I found half the entries actually pretty annoying to get through. My desire to keep going was very low.

I began wondering if maybe Guyver in general just wasn't for me. It had managed to become a cult hit ever since the 80s OVA, which is arguably the entry I like the least. And my distaste for entries that fans claimed were "true to the source" such as the second live-action movie didn't help anything.

And that's why I'm now happy to talk about...


No, I am not joking here. The mid-2000s version of Guyver managed to catch me completely off guard in just how much I liked it compared to literally every other adaptation of the story that came before it. Literally everything about it was a gigantic step up from every other version, but most especially the OVA, of which I found myself being more harsh on as time went on.

The animation, while nothing ground breaking, is a major step up. The music is atmospheric and memorable. The action scenes, while lacking the gore of previous entries, are choreographed well. The dub, courtesy of ADV, is wonderfully done even if the audio balance could still use some fine tuning. And last but more importantly, the pacing, the atmosphere, and the character arcs are all given an appropriate space to breathe, making the cast and story very likable.

Sho is once again firmly the lead character with his own sense of agency, rather than Tetsuro being the main character in all but name. It's to the point that there's a scene early on wherein Tetsuro tries to boss Sho around like he would in the OVA, only for Sho to bite back and tell Tetsuro to back off. Tetsuro not only being given some humility but also getting an arc about the guilt he feels over causing the Guyver Unit to latch onto Sho made for some great character drama, and actually got me to like him!

Mizuki and Sho's' dad are also now actually fully realized characters who actively get involved in things to a degree. Mizuki's' arc being about how much she clings to her normal life while also in turn feeling guilty that she can't take a more direct approach to everything going on like how Sho and Agito do. Sho's' dad gets a good handful of scenes showing him bonding with his son, which in turn actually lends itself to the eventual tragedy that befalls him when he's converted into Enzyme II. Both of these are in majorly stark contrast to the OVA where Mizuki and Sho's' dad are barely even in it.

Stuff like this doesn't just go for major characters either. Murakami, the freelance journalist? In the OVA, his only real character trait was him being mysterious. The 2005 anime grants him not only a gentle side, but also immediately showcase his love of firearms in a kind of adorable scene where he describes his trademark gun to Tetsuro. Little things like that go a long way in terms of character building and growth, and made me attached to the cast as a whole and genuinely interesting in everything that they were going through. Even the villains were made way more interesting via the showcasing of their own interpersonal relationships! Apton and his quest for revenge ending up being a major highlight for me!

Now, this isn't to say everything in the show is perfect. There were a few moments here and there that I'd've preferred be done different, the final arc felt a bit forced in how events played out, and most damningly, the show doesn't actually have a proper ending. Like the OVA before it, the story just sort of... stops, with not a whole lot resolved. It makes me wonder if the anime got cancelled or something.

But, that's all minor compared to just the amount of fun I had when watching this version of Guyver. Would I have liked it nearly as much if I didn't have the other adaptations before it to compare it to? Honestly, I don't know. But regardless, I did rather enjoy my time with it, and if there's any one version of this story I'd recommend to anyone even remotely interested in the Guyver franchise, it would be this one.

I give Guyver (2005) a 4/6.

I think the sad thing about Guyver is that the creator didn't end the manga before personally losing interest. Because the manga has been in total limbo since volume 32.

I agree, desperately needed confirmation on Apollon identity. The story I heard was that the author only lost interest when their assistant passed away. Given the way the story threads were coming together, I don't think it would have lasted too much longer (subjective though considering the pace of releases)

Glad you liked the 2005 version though DS, I'm currently rewatching it (just finishing ep 8) it's definitely a different beast than the other editions, though there's been plenty of arguments over which is superior (Enzyme 1 fight comes up a lot). Sadly, as a franchise, I think guyver is over.

That's a damn shame. I hope one day he finds it in him to at the very least write an ending.

I didn't think of a way to naturally fit it into the post I made, but you wanna know what my favorite addition/change made to the 2005 version was?

Making Guyver II live long past the point he did in the OVA. Having him around for the entirety of the first arc, and making him the final boss ontop of it, made for some really great character drama ontop of development for him specifically.

Yeah, I think the second they had Sho go Gigantic they should've ended the story somehow instead of dragging stuff.

I liked that a lot as well, especially his moment with Zerberuth. I think the other change I liked, as you pointed out, was the increased focus on the other characters like Sho's dad. The 26 episode format was pivotal to allow room for things to breath. A shame that 13 episodes is the norm now, any attempt to carry on would inevitably mean another remake, rushed to meet the format.

As far as endings go, there's been a few attempts at fan made endings but most never felt like they would actually work. Oddly most seem to end with an alliance between chronos and the guyver.

When it comes to the 2005 anime specifically, I think it would've been better if they'd written the battle atop the Relic as the ending. Like, have Sho attain Gigantic there via fusing with the ship, they beat the Zoalords, and everyone gets a happy ending.

I think I could have gotten behind that (assuming the whole show was written with that end point in mind and making the necessary changes)

Now the important question:

What you watching next?

You'll find out soon. ;)

Exactly. Takaya should've wrapped it up when he went Gurren Lagaan with it before Gurren Lagaan. :lolol

And we're back! This time with an anime that I've seen before!

The last time I watched Star Driver was back when it first aired way back in 2010, and so I only really remember maybe half of it clearly.

So imagine my surprise when the very first episode was filled not only with some rather impressive foreshadowing, but so much imagery that would become iconic of the show itself. You have no idea how tough choosing a thumbnail was!

But, I'm getting ahead of myself. What exactly is Star Driver anyway? As the subtitle of Radiant Takuto might suggest, it follows Takuto Tsunashi, an ambitious boy who ends up washed up on the Southern Cross Isles. He's eager to join the academy and live his life to the fullest.

Unbeknown to most though, the Isles and their academy hold a dark secret: Many of the students there are members of a secret group known as the Glittering Crux Brigade. Their goal is to break a magical seal sustained by the islands' four Maidens, and proceeds to pilot giant mecha known as Cybodies for their own selfish gain.

Takuto, however, is the Galactic Pretty Boy, and thus is the only one who can fight against the Glittering Crux using his own Cybody known as Tauburn. There's alot of other details, such as time freezing whenever a Cybody is summoned, but if I went over it all we'd be here all day. You know what might be the absolutely most important detail in all of this, though? The soundtrack. The soundtrack is every bit as important as anything else in this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I08dllRhtTU

I spoke of iconic imagery earlier, and there is alot of it. The "Glittering Star!" salute, the morphing sequence for the Galactic Pretty Boy, Zero Time in general, but even more iconic than all of that is Star Driver's' soundtrack, which is all around beautiful and even plot important. Monochrome is easily the most popular song of it all, and why wouldn't it be? It's absolutely beautiful, and premieres right here in the very first episode. And get used to the Maiden Songs too, as they tend to play whenever Cybody action starts,

In terms of story content of the very first episode though, it throws a handful of stuff at the viewer rather quick, but it does alot to get you ready for the kind of show you're in for. Like, when people talk about the possibility of a Power Rangers cartoon, I'm not kidding when I say that Star Driver serves as a great example of how it could be pulled off. You've got all the makings of it and other tokusatsu: School life, mecha action, transformation scenes, you name it. Heck, if not for the fact that his suit as the GPB is primarily white, Takuto has all the makings of a Red Ranger.

It's a really fun start to a really fun show, and I can't wait to see what all I can pick up from it the second time around.

"Dang bro you're hungry? You almost died."

"Actually, it was your girl."

Minor twist on the formula was appreciated. But then they got real... Is CPR considered a kiss?

I remember wanting to check this out back in the 2010 season, but never got round to it for various reasons. At that time I'd watch any show if it so much as mentioned a mecha!

Looks like a fun one

It's a really fun show! Very much recommend checking it out whenever you have some spare time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiN3FIre3ys

"Gravity Phi" by Aqua Timez is the song I most associate with Star Driver.

That might be slightly surprising to read, given how much I talked up "Monochrome" with the previous episode, but it's true.

Not only does the song fits the overall spirit of the show best, but the imagery of the first opening sequence that goes along with it continues to stand out in my mind even now, nearly 15 years later.

And speaking of iconic imagery.


This episode is primarily about giving a bit of expansion as to what the deal with the Glittering Crux Brigade actually is and what they're about. And the "Glittering Star!" salute is very much a part of that to the point that it actually became a bit of a meme amongst anime lovers back when the show was airing.

And while their plan is relatively simple: Allow the Cybodies to be able to move in the real world so they can take over, man do I gotta note how much I love their overall aesthetic. I imagine younger viewers would see it all as a Persona 5 ripoff, but the idea to combine the playing card motif with that of masquerade balls and court jesters was done here first, and man do I dig it.

Outside of that though, well, let's just say that if Takuto's' absolutely fabulous transformation sequence in the first episode didn't tip you off that this show was very LGBT+ friendly, episode 2 all but yells it at you with many of the character interactions. Southern Cross Academy is filled with many a horny teenager, and on in particular ships Takuto and Sugata, with the former not seeming to mind in the slightest.

We're also introduced to the Drama Club, which houses the primary defenses against the Glittering Crux, complete with a cute mascot as their Vice President. Tauburn is also noted to be special as it's a Phase 3 Cybody, with the exact specifics of what that means being left in the air for now. And Sugata can summon something even more powerful than that if he so chooses, but is determined not to. Again, some nice foreshadowing done here that I totally didn't pick up on during my first watch.

Overall, the episode really is just a sort of extension to the first, to the point that I think for newcomers, watching the first two episodes as one big special would probably be best for getting into the show as both combined basically do give you all of the basics as to what you're in for with Star Driver. Mecha action, high school drama, and lots of fabulousness. Wrap all of that up in some really great looking animation and there you go.

Oh, and the motorcyclist is a virgin. This was important information that the episode itself needed subtitles to tell the audience. Top class.

Look, motorcycle man being a cherry boy is one thing, but episode 2 also grants us this.

https://i.imgur.com/BkzQyeI.png

Points for honesty!

That green haired girl we met last episode? She's alot more important than she seems.

Not only is she rich beyond belief, she's also one of the heads of the Glittering Crux Brigade and her company, the Adult Bank, technically owns the Cybodies.

As such, she has alot of personal interest in making sure the Glittering Crux succeeds in their plans; specifically with her team at the top of it. Something something money bad, whatever.

And while the character work done for this episode is rather nice(Watanabe is surprisingly perceptive!), really the big draw of the episode and, heck, nearly every episode of Star Driver is just how ridiculous and yet sensible everything flows. In terms of both characters and events.

Because really, I certainly wouldn't have expected that an episode wherein Takuto agrees to be a part time pool boy leads to him having a fencing match which then leads to his dual wielding stars as swords. And yet, the way inwhich one event leads to another makes alot of sense, and is both in character for everyone involved while also developing said characters.

While a bit minor compared to everything else in the episode, this one also showcases how Wako's' feelings for Takuto are starting to grow despite her arranged engagement to Sugata. But hey, atleast the show covered itself by having Sugata say he wouldn't mind if Wako found someone else in the very first episode, so I guess their relationship is an open one. And we all know that Takuto x Sugata is the real ship anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoMYirfHA9g

Since I highlighted the opening last episode, let's highlight the ending for this one. It's... alright. The song is "Cross Over" by 9nine, and the song itself is fine, but it's not their best work. You can look to The Reflection for that. And the same goes for the animation, pretty much. The visuals are pretty, but not nearly as striking as what the opening is. And while there are a few shots that stick out in my mind, I'd forgotten about the majority of the sequence until this rewatch. Atleast it establishes that our main trio hang out outside of school.

Overall, the episode is just fun. And I think that's how I'd sum up Star Driver in general, honestly.

This essentially what the "Dream" episodes of the Gridman anime should've been.

A plan is set in motion to trap Takuto and Wako in a world of memory and illusion, and what follows is an episode that's rather subversive of the usual formulas.

The two don't instantly fall in love or pour their entire lives out all at once. They just get to know one another and grow a step closer. Heck, there isn't even a big mecha fight at the end, and the catalyst for the memory world isn't a fighter, nor would she want to.

What really helps sell all of this is the general atmosphere, with the world the two are in really feeling rather empty and barren. Combine that with the primary goal of character development for both characters and you have a great episode.

There's some plot beats that get elaborated in a rather natural way too. Maidens can't leave the Island due to the magic seal placed on them, and as a Maiden they inheret memories of past Cybody users. Takuto also used to be a rather closed off kid, but grew to open up more over time. Both characters bond over the fact that they learned how to embrace who they are in different ways.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkV4_e2j46k

Anyway, the title of the episode is kind of clickbait, because while Wako does sing a bit of her Maiden Song in it, the show is gonna make you wait to hear the version that every viewer is gonna want. That said, the regular, non-vocal theme that's associated with Wako is actually rather clever in its use and composition. As it's primarily used during more lighthearted moments with the group, and the song itself is actually a rather subtle remix of Wako's' Maiden Song.

While I don't know if I'd say this is my favorite episode in the entire show(I actually don't remember if I even had a favorite beforehand), this one is definitely a contender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGhFtuBZMAU

Star Driver is a very horny show, if you couldn't tell by now.

Not in the sense that you're constantly seeing TnA everywhere or anything like, but more so the utter suggestiveness of alot of aspects of it.

And I'm sure that in some ways, that makes sense. The show does deal with alot of hormone-addled teens, afterall. And thankfully, it's less done for fanservice and moreso for humor than anything else.

But with that in mind, this episode kinda sorta goes a little bit too far with it? With the very end of the episode essentially being the final nail in the coffin for any sort of poignant point that it might've been trying to make. It really makes me wonder if there was any sort of lesson in mind to begin with.

Pretty much the entire episode deals with the school nurse, who's lusting after alot of the boys at South Academy. Problematic angle aside, the episode at first seems to be trying to showcase how her desires are a manifestation of her wanting to return to her youth, and how her utter defeat at the hands of Takuto are a lesson in not thinking with your nether regions, so the speak.

Only for the very end of the episode to not only give her exactly what she wanted, but play it off as a sort of positive/humorous outcome. It really didn't sit right with me. Not to say the entire episode ending up a total wash because of it; I did get some chuckles out of the episode, afterall(loved the scene with the Drama Club discussing the love letter). But the end did kinda paint the whole experience in a bit of an uncomfortable light.

This was the first episode that I had absolutely no memory of during this rewatch, and I can for sure see why. Such a waste of some cool ideas. Like that precognition system straight out of Gundam Wing. What a letdown.

KIRABOSHI!
Ah, Star Driver. The reimagining of The Little Prince starring Ultraman Zero and the current voice of Ultraman Mebius.

Huh. You know putting it that way, I guess my recent Gundam Wing comparison was actually kinda apt.

That's right Krillin, mondo cool. I mean, fanservice.

Just what is Sugata's' deal anyway?

We know what's going on with Wako and her duties as a Maiden of the islands, but what role do Sugata and his family play in all of this?

Well this episode is almost entirely about that, and as such there is alot of exposition. Not mecha battle, though the mechs are still important to everything going on and we even get a bit more insight into their magical nature.

There's been alot of talking of "Phases" in the show so far. Here we learn about the 1st and 2nd. A "First Phase" is a magical ability that someone gets when their Cybody awakens for the first time. A "Second Phase" is the Cybody in question gaining their true form that can be piloted in Zero Time.

So, since Sugata has a mark, and thus has a Cybody, what's going on with him? Well, his particular Cybody is actually the King of all of them, which ranks his family very highly on the islands. But as far as anyone is aware, the King Cybody is nonfunctional, with any attempts at calling it making the user fall into a coma. But because of the sheer power it wields, those bound to it are forbidden to leave the island and live lives of their own.

Sugata learned all of this on his birthday five years ago, and as such not only hates his own birthday now, but has grown rather aloof about life over time. He still loves Wako, but just because someone can smile on the outside and appreciate others doesn't mean they aren't holding alot of hurt on the inside. Wako herself notes how sad Sugata's' smile actually is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcLpWG4JXk

With all this in mind, it's only fitting that Sugata's' theme is not only quite somber in itself, but plays during alot of the more dramatic talky scenes in the show. The episode itself really excels in following up on that atmosphere too; With a story that starts off rather cheery slowly becoming alot more downtrodden. And it all culminates in an explosive climax that arguably does more harm than good. Sugata saves Wako, but at the cost of himself. And all on the combined birthday of both him and Takuto.

It's rather telling of Takuto's' character too. It's his birthday, and a day he wanted to celebrate. But once he sees the signs of his friends suffering, he doesn't make the day about him at all, and is instead putting everything into helping those he cares about.

I really liked this episode overall. It has some great character interactions and development ontop of making sure that the heavy exposition is never boring. And again, it's all carred by a solidly done atmosphere that kept me engaged. I have no complaints.

The evolution of the relationships in Star Driver is kinda what I wanted out of Dynazenon.

My biggest issue with the friendships in the latter show was that there was no real growth or journey. Everyone is BFFs from second one with little else to it.

Here in the former though, we not only see how the "Power Trio" meets and grows to care about one another, but also how much the inner workings and dynamics of the group have affected those involved.

Of course Sugata and Wako are going through the worst of it right now, and Takuto in his head realizes that, but he can't help but feel like he's possibly getting screwed over in some way as well. He's not even sure where he lies in the group dynamic, and it frustrates him, even if he doesn't vocalize it.

And if he really is a dear friend to the Island Couple, then he should be able to do something to help them, right? What good is he if he can't? These are feelings many of us, myself included, have struggled with before, and thankfully, the head of the Drama Club is there to give a solid answer: Sometimes, all you can do is be there, and that in itself is a wonderful thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-zgGdoShTg

This is very much the more action focused part 2 of the previous episode, and so I felt it fitting to finally highlight the battle theme here, which is surprisingly dramatic sounding for how swift many of the fights in Star Driver tend to be. Given all the tensions surrounding Sugata's' awakening and possible mind control during the climax though, it certainly fits the general mood. An invisible sword now hangs over our cast. It'll be interesting to see when it falls.

Man this show so is pretty.

This episode is all about answering the question as to whether or not Sugata is mind controlled, and what exactly that answer means.

Turns out he's not, and his behavior up to this point has been a mixture of frustration at the life he was born into as well as his immense dedication to protecting Wako. For better and worse.

So of course, it all results in a clash between him and Takuto, in an effort to get through to and understand one another. Both have their secrets and their ideals, and they plan to go all out in displaying just how much drive -- how much "libido" -- it grants them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAveiQokvzw

This episode is also notable in that it's the first time we see all four maidens on screen at once. See, I've neglected to mention it up to now, but the North Maiden, the one who got her seal broken at the start of the show? Her name is Sakana, and she's been imprisoned by Head(the literal head of the Glittering Crux) up to now.

Every episode has featured her telling Head the story of "Sam." A hero of the Fish Planet who had to do some not so savory things in order to achieve his dream of sailing across the galaxy. And while each segment had something vaguely to do with the plot of the episode at hand, given this episode, it's not hard to see that the story also mirrors Head himself in some ways. And, on rewatch, there's a nice little bonus to it for way later down the line as well.

Thus I felt it only fitting to have the the North Maiden song featured here, as it's what plays during this story segments. It's a rather somber remix of Monochrome, fittingly enough. And it's all capped in this episode with Sakana now free of the Crux's' control, as well as the island. And she uses her newfound freedom to try and make a better life for herself elsewhere.

It's a rather high emotion and dramatic episode of Star Driver, all things considered. But really, the tense melodrama is what makes it all work. Yes, even the minute long scene of panting at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

https://i.imgur.com/8c5KFex.png

https://i.imgur.com/M9wbaYE.png

The story of Sam seems super disconnected from everything during the episode string it's told! On rewatch, not so much.

It really is a wonderful bit of foreshadowing, ain't it?

This episode is all about introducing us to Mizuno and Marino, the twins.

Mizuno is a quirky girl. Riding ontop of a bus, being able to talk to animals, and is very cheery in loving in all that she does.

Meanwhile, her twin, Marino, is a bit more down to earth. But she's also an opp for the Glittering Crux. Serving as one of their higher ups while doing her best to make sure no one finds her sister, the West Maiden.

Both are likable in their own ways, with Mizuno getting most of the spotlight in terms of character as one should expect. Her sister however deals with more of the plot: As the Brigade realizes that in order to defeat Takuto, they'll need to break the next seal and thus level up their Cybodies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAq6TnWoIpk

Unfortunately it seems as though no one has uploaded the themes of either of the two girls, so I can't link them. As such, we'll highlight another way this episode stands out: It's the first to not have a Maiden song playing once the action starts. This, I now showcase the Battle version of Filament, which is the fight song that plays during the Cybody fight in this one.

This episode is very straightforward in what it does; with not alot of moving parts so as to easier set up the next segment of the story. And while it leaves me with not a whole lot to talk about, I did still enjoy the episode for what it was all the same. Liked the little shout outs the episode had here and there too.

https://i.imgur.com/BCICvPu.png
Expectation.

https://i.imgur.com/P1Vih9e.png
Reality.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

A baseball game that serves as a vehicle for bridging gaps and revealing jealousy.

As Mizuno grows closer to Takuto, Marino begins to as well. And this growing relationship has an effect one a handful of others on the playing field.

Outside of the baseball game, which really is just a straight up game with a few bits of character humor thrown in, we get a deeper looking into the backstories of the twins.

Turns out, they were abandoned by their parents when they were very young, and the two twins processed the experience in very opposite ways. Mizuno remained optimistic and looked towards a bright future. Marino, however, grew distrusting of people and is now willing to do anything to protect her sister.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ofVcyKOGk

We also get the debut of Mizuno's' Maiden Song, Innocent Blue. While it doesn't quite stand up to Monochrome, it's still a very beautiful song in its own right, and reflects the personality of its singer very well. One cool thing to note is how every Maiden Song also reflects a season. Sakana sang of Winter, and Mizuno sings of Spring.

Like alot of episodes of Star Driver, this one is rather straight-forward in what it sets out to do, and I like it that way because I really have grown to like the twins as characters in the short amount of time that they've been around.The charisma of the cast really is only boosted by the great handling of atmosphere that this show has. And once again, the music goes along way with it too. Such a great soundtrack.

Yeah, that's pretty much the core of it. Baseball shenanigans were a lot of fun and probably the episode that most feels like they leaned into the slice of life stuff, but the twins are the hook of this episode.

https://i.imgur.com/TNDXRqW.png
https://i.imgur.com/POk02d0.png

Had I any photoshop skill, I'd crop out that text and slap it on her drawing.

...As an aside, is it weird that I want to see her draw the entire cast?

No, for it would be a messterpiece.

I dunno if anyone was really demanding an episode focused on Simone.

If you don't know who that is, it's the secretary of Kanako Watanabe, the rich green-haired lady who likes to harass Takuto.

And, yeah, this episode is focused almost entirely on Simone. We get her entire backstory to the point that other characters such the Power Trio and the Maiden Twins are barely even in it.

The episode itself isn't terrible or anything(although the ending is kinda questionable), but like, I just don't care all that much about this character who's been nothing but a one-note antagonist up to now. And it's not like her backstory makes any sort of radical change to paint her in a new light.

Really, the biggest highlight of this episode for me was the very brief scene where Sugata meets Head and learns a lesson from him. We've had little bits of foreshadowing about Head in previous episodes, but this one is a very much the blatant signal that he's about to become alot more active in the plot. It paints a very pretty picture, I will say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rA9-XmQeBA

I decided to highlight "Zero Time" this time around. While you can probably guess that it's the song that plays whenever there's an extended scene while time is stopped(most notably premiering in episode 4), it also plays during certain atmospheric scenes as well. And I think the thing that I like the most about it is that it's a very subtle song; almost coming across like ambient noise despite not counting as that. It creates a mood very easily.

Anyway, yeah. Not a bad episode, but by the end I just kinda shrug.

An episode focused on Kanako, however, that I could see people wanting.

It's an interesting character study too; highlighting Kanako's' sense of duty and responsibility and explaining why she's the way she is.

Namely in how her personality is so awkward. Turns out she just legit has zero idea how to properly socialize due to her upbringing, and totally missed out on the simple pleasures in life.

While she does get some enjoyment in her teasing of Takuto, she's also actually being sincere whenever she stops class to ask him questions about marriage, her life, and the like. It's just that, you know, she also can get practically any guy she wants, so it all comes across very... provocative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_W-it7AjEw

And with all that in mind, here's Kanako's' theme! It's very dreamy, both in terms of the sensual and the imaginative. Very fitting for the scenes that play whenever she's trying to goad Takuto into talking to and/or kissing her. Color me surprised that this song is specific to her though, as while I wouldn't say she's a minor character, she's not a super major player in the grand scheme of things.

While I wouldn't say Kanako is one of my favorite characters in the show or anything, the episode dedicated to her was definitely an interesting one, and in turn made her character alot more interesting to think about. And hey, that's an overall win in my book.

Oh, and there are a few scenes with Head and Mizuno that foreshadow a bit more of the overarching plot, but we'll get to that in due time.

I found the episode to be fine, but it's definitely not about Simone, per se... It's mostly used to flesh out ADULT BANK'S motives and personality. In that respect, I think it's worth having.

https://i.imgur.com/bl0XtXY.png

props to this guy for making this face virtually every time glass kissing comes up