(CR) Hibike! Euphonium Season 2

[GMT]

Originally Posted by Bordix

Dude was just minding his own business eating yakisoba with his bro and then got told that he's a spineless coward behind his back. Pretty sure Kyoani likes torture him else I really dont know what's his purpose in the show anymore since Reina already got his role covered already.

I don't know about that. Kumiko and Reina's relationship seems to have arisen from Kumiko being caught up in Reina's drive to become "special." Granted, they like each other enough to tease each other relentlessly, and for Kumiko to show up to school early with her to practice more.

However, there is a pretty big disconnect between Kumiko and Reina. Kumiko's discovered that she loves the euphonium and appears to see playing music and being good at it as it's own end. Reina's desire is to be a unique snowflake, and she sees the trumpet mostly as a means to that end.

Kumiko seems to be maybe more like Nozomi, the flute girl. And she seemed to be very bothered when Reina was so harsh about Nozomi having originally quit the club. Though, to be fair, Kumiko had a lot on her mind at the festival, and didn't really seem as engaged in the date as Reina did. She was reminiscing about Shuichi asking her out to the previous festival, and as Reina pointed out, she didn't seem that enthusiastic after Shuichi was shown off.

Also, Reina is still hot for teacher (i.e. the ear blush the first time they go to ask for the room key ... which they do, even though Reina knows that the oboe chick always shows up and gets it before she does,) so she's not yet fully committed to Kumiko either.

So the options are pretty open for Kumiko and Reina. They can grow to discover their common affection outweighs the disconnect in their ambitions, and whatever headwinds are imposed by their past. Their relationship could also be a flash in the pan, extinguished by their own differences, or the club drama around them (especially given Kumiko's habit of showing up in places where things are getting interesting.) Both of these would be acceptable outcomes, since that's how relationships work in real world high school.

[Arya]

Originally Posted by FredFriendly

As an anime only viewer who does not know the intimate details as to why Nozomi quit, I will hold off on judging her before those details are revealed. Who knows, maybe it has nothing to do with the last year's fiasco. Maybe she was just bullied (perhaps by Asuka herself) to the point where she couldn't take it anymore. Even hardened criminals are given a chance to redeem themselves, so why not Nozomi? Just because the tyrant Asuka doesn't like her?

Well, I can hardly see Asuka bullying anyone and from the episode no one else seemed to have any doubt about Asuka's stance, I didn't notice any hint to that, like if Asuka was just pushing forward the general sentiment (not that her stance would have changed if the others had a different stance, but it doesn't matter here).
She also told it to the president, strengthening the feeling of being a general stance and not just Asuka's view. It's just that Asuka is just being Asuka, aka someone close to be the grounds of the band. That's why Nozomi wanted her approval IMO specifically.
Well, unless there's something more personal that we don't know until they won't tell us, but looking at the hints it doesn't seem the case here. If not tangentially.

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by GMT

she sees the trumpet mostly as a means to that end.

I disagree on this. I don't think the show ever implied something like that. When Kumiko asked Reina if she likes the trumpet, Reina says yes without hesitation. Being special is her goal, but she plays the trumpet because she loves it.

She was reminiscing about Shuichi asking her out to the previous festival, and as Reina pointed out, she didn't seem that enthusiastic after Shuichi was shown off.

What Reina points out is that Kumiko is indifferent about Shuichi. Reina was trying to tease her about him but Kumiko wasn't interested in Shuichi-related talk.

[Triple_R]

My take on the main Kumiko/Shu scene, putting aside the meta-side of things...

Reina loves spending time with her best friend Kumiko, and she doesn't want to lose that time to a guy interested in Kumiko. Shu is in fact interested in Kumiko, that much has been made very clear. Reina hinted to Shu that if he wants to hang out with Kumiko at the festival, then Reina's coming along as well. Shu wasn't interested in that arrangement, and basically conceded defeat to Reina, in this one instance. Reina viewed that as "spineless" on Shu's part, but Reina was nonetheless glad at the results.

I think Kumiko was oblivious to what was really going on here, which is why Reina viewed Kumiko's response as "indifferent". Kumiko has some positive feelings for Shu, but Reina is Kumiko's most important person right now, so Kumiko just casually rolled with it all.


As an aside, I'm trying hard to not see yuri in this show anymore, at least not from the two most important characters. Still, the Kumiko/Reina friendship is very important, and lies at the core of the narrative so far.

[MeoTwister5]

I have to agree. I keep telling myself that all this straight/yuri baiting and forum talk is really skewing the way I watch this series and I'm honestly feeling like I'm missing so many other things.

In that case I've already decided to take absolute neutrality when watching this show, and because of that I've actually enjoyed this episode immensely when I'm not wearing the straight/yuri goggles. In fact, the episode made me even more curious about THAT incident the previous year and even the clearly weird and sometimes awkward home situation of Kumiko's. I also love the fact that Reina's so much more... how you say... more vocal and less confrontational with people. The drama's all there but very subdued and not in your face melodramatic as is sometimes typical of a KA production, much like Hyouka before it.

[Anh_Minh]

Originally Posted by FredFriendly

As an anime only viewer who does not know the intimate details as to why Nozomi quit, I will hold off on judging her before those details are revealed. Who knows, maybe it has nothing to do with the last year's fiasco. Maybe she was just bullied (perhaps by Asuka herself) to the point where she couldn't take it anymore. Even hardened criminals are given a chance to redeem themselves, so why not Nozomi? Just because the tyrant Asuka doesn't like her?

That would be out of character for Asuka. The bigger question is why the oboeist is terrified of Nozomi.

And regardless of what went on before, if they have to chose, wouldn't the band member that didn't quit and participated in the competition be a lot more important than the one who did quit? I'd like to think there's a place for forgiveness too, but there are issues that have to be resolved.

[Marina2]

Yuko looks and feels much more mature when she is with Mizore (compare to when she is with Kaori or Natsuki). I like this side of her and enjoy her screen time with Mizore. Yuko's voice seems to be softer and sweeter than in S1 too. Relationship between Nozomi, Mizore, Natsuki and Yuuko as well as how Kumiko interact with them will be something I'm looking forward to see in future eps.

Unfortunately for Asuka, she can't avoid the drama like she did in S1 as the drama (Nozomi) comes to her directly.

[Triple_R]

Yuko's not a bad person. She's just loyal to a fault. If there's such a thing as too good of a friend, Yuko is it.

[Wandering Soul]

Originally Posted by FredFriendly

As an anime only viewer who does not know the intimate details as to why Nozomi quit, I will hold off on judging her before those details are revealed. Who knows, maybe it has nothing to do with the last year's fiasco. Maybe she was just bullied (perhaps by Asuka herself) to the point where she couldn't take it anymore. Even hardened criminals are given a chance to redeem themselves, so why not Nozomi? Just because the tyrant Asuka doesn't like her?

That sounds out of character for Asuka. She wouldn't waste time and energy bullying someone like that. It seems like she wants Asuka approval due to how serious Asuka is about the group.

Considering Asuka 's character it makes sense that she wants to focus on those that stayed. That probably is better for the band as a whole.

[RX-78GP04G Gerbera]

Originally Posted by Wandering Soul

That sounds out of character for Asuka. She wouldn't waste time and energy bullying someone like that. It seems like she wants Asuka approval due to how serious Asuka is about the group.

Considering Asuka 's character it makes sense that she wants to focus on those that stayed. That probably is better for the band as a whole.

Yeah, considering how much work it for them to get this far, they really can't afford to wait and let others play catch-up. And given the timing of her attempts, which just so happening to be after they win the Kansai competition and moving on further, and coupled with knowledge of the past failures, it could also look like, not that it's the reason but, that Nozomi is merely trying to rejoin just to live vicariously through the rest of the band who actually did all the work and practice to actually win.

[AB079]

Originally Posted by RX-78GP04G Gerbera

Yeah, considering how much work it for them to get this far, they really can't afford to wait and let others play catch-up. And given the timing of her attempts, which just so happening to be after they win the Kansai competition and moving on further, and coupled with knowledge of the past failures, it could also look like, not that it's the reason but, that Nozomi is merely trying to rejoin just to live vicariously through the rest of the band who actually did all the work and practice to actually win.

THIS, SO MUCH THIS.

That's what I first though about that scene in particular. Asuka is not trying to be an ass with Nozomi, is just that she left for a reason and conveniently just after all this time she wants to rejoin.

I'm not saying she don't deserve another opportunity but for now she needs to learn that lesson, at least I believe that's what Asuka is trying to do.

[Julio C]

Man, so much to say and not enough time for me to write a lot.

This was one hell of a premiere and a one hour long one at that.

Asuka really set her foot down on this one, and I'm glad she handle that well. I'm not saying that Nozomi doesn't deserved a second chance, but rather that this is not the right moment to rejoin the club again. It's better if she just waits til after the competition. Putting Nozomi in right now, will affect some of the members and it's not good for the competition.

Reina's comment on the quitters is harsh, sometimes true. Hopefully she stands up to that. I wonder what she would do if Kumiko somehow considers quitting?

Reina doesn't like spineless men, lol. Shuichi man up dammit.

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Julio C

I wonder what she would do if Kumiko somehow considers quitting?

Back when Reina and Kumiko started talking to each other, Kumiko's resolve was weak, and Reina was very concious of that. But Kumiko went through a lot of development and is stronger now. The way she is now, Kumiko won't quit no matter what, and Reina knows it.

[Pen3]

Originally Posted by AB079

THIS, SO MUCH THIS.

That's what I first though about that scene in particular. Asuka is not trying to be an ass with Nozomi, is just that she left for a reason and conveniently just after all this time she wants to rejoin.

I'm not saying she don't deserve another opportunity but for now she needs to learn that lesson, at least I believe that's what Asuka is trying to do.

Well you forgot the fact that she was only one person (shown anyways) that attended the competition outside of the band. Kumiko knows that Nozomi doesn't want to rejoin just because they won, maybe that is one of the reasons why Kumiko can't help but want to give her a hand. Well at this point we cant be certain, but i am leaning towards that Nozomi has been wanting to rejoin, but didn't have the courage to confront Asuka head on. Timing is obviously bad, but maybe this competition will be the last one for the 3rd years and she wants to play with them again. Even if Nozomi does join, it isn't like she is automatically on the lineup, with Taki in charge, she would still have to pass his auditions.

[Random Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Julio C

Reina's comment on the quitters is harsh, sometimes true. Hopefully she stands up to that. I wonder what she would do if Kumiko somehow considers quitting?

They've covered that, actually. Kumiko swore not to abandon her, and told Reina that Reina can kill her if she ever does. Reina responded that she really will kill Kumiko if Kumiko ever abandons her.

So, yandere end.

[night_sentinel]

The beginning is a bit weird, its snowing? Is that a flashforward? I'm pretty sure its still summer on this episode or at least fall.

Originally Posted by Julio C

Asuka really set her foot down on this one, and I'm glad she handle that well. I'm not saying that Nozomi doesn't deserved a second chance, but rather that this is not the right moment to rejoin the club again. It's better if she just waits til after the competition. Putting Nozomi in right now, will affect some of the members and it's not good for the competition.

Its interesting that Asuka seems to be the one of the pivot of the brand drama this time considering how she tried to avoid it like a plague last season. That said, Nozomi seems to be not leaving her any choice.

To be honest, I'm more surprised at Asuka taking a very clear side on this. And one which take in the rest of the band into account. I half expected her to give a non-answer to Nozomi's question.

The upperclassmen should also stop shutting out the first years and just talk about what happened. Their weird occlusion of the 1st years while can be interpreted as being just protective and wishing to solve it themselves may cause brand drama in the future.

[GMT]

Originally Posted by night_sentinel

Its interesting that Asuka seems to be the one of the pivot of the brand drama this time considering how she tried to avoid it like a plague last season. That said, Nozomi seems to be not leaving her any choice.

Yeah, I suspect that's probably the main reason Asuka doesn't really want to engage with Nozomi. That would require her to take a side, and she demonstrated a severe allergy to that last season. If she were to "sponsor" Nozomi's return to the club, then by extension, she'd be taking the side of those who decided to quit in the previous year's club drama.

Although it's not like Nozomi has much of a choice. Sure President Doormat Haruka's nominally in charge of the club, but she doesn't really have the force of personality to ease Nozomi's return to the club. It would be as bad as if Nozomi just signed up for the club by herself. She pretty much has to appeal to Azusa, since Azusa is, apparently, God.

To be honest, I'm more surprised at Asuka taking a very clear side on this. And one which take in the rest of the band into account. I half expected her to give a non-answer to Nozomi's question

It is a non-answer. If I remember correctly, her refusal revolved around the timing of Nozomi's request and said nothing about Nozomi as a person, a player, or whatever happened the year before.

Azusa seems to only have one interest, and that's to be really good at the euphonium. I'm not sure she really cares so much about the competition, since she greeted the band's victory at the local competition with absolutely no enthusiasm whatsoever ... so her refusal to engage with Nozomi is mostly a desire to not involve herself in a situation where she'd be seen as taking a stand in the club's interpersonal drama.

The upperclassmen should also stop shutting out the first years and just talk about what happened. Their weird occlusion of the 1st years while can be interpreted as being just protective and wishing to solve it themselves may cause brand drama in the future.

Arguably, it already is causing friction within the band. The new assistant instructor picked up on the fact that the band's players are all holding something back, and suggested to them that if there was something on their minds, that they should just get it out there.

[Peanutbutter]

Double episodes seem to be in vogue these days eh? And the yuri is already so heavy.

And so, Kyoani's big main production continues. We get more big dorama, and things are moving slowly but has to reach its climax sooner or later.

There's also something about Kumiko's voice that I am not used to, ever since season 1. It's almost like listening to a Gbihli MC, not anime-ish at all. Yet there are parts where she sounds typical in an anime series. Inconsistent? I'm not sure, I know I just can't and still can't get into it.

On another note, when I hear Yuko's voice now, I won't be reminded of Choi or Ai-chan now, but rather the snarky Yano-senpai from Shirobako. I was rather fond of her performance there and I'm glad I could already hear some of it here.

Is this one cour again? Will things be settled or will it be setup for a season 3?

P.S: Reina is getting more vocal, mischievous and imposing eh? I like this subtle change. It's well-paced and not an instant transformation so far. Hope to see more of her in the eye of the storm.

[Kuroageha]

Damn, sucks to be Asuka.

Wants to avoid drama? Drama comes for her.

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

P.S: Reina is getting more vocal, mischievous and imposing eh? I like this subtle change. It's well-paced and not an instant transformation so far. Hope to see more of her in the eye of the storm.

Well, she wants Taki to notice her and she wants to be as much of a special snowflake as possible.

[Kilian]

Can someone remind me what the tune was that Nozomi was playing? I know it, but can't remember...