I'm not sure if the scene where Yumi faints from exhaustion while standing at the blackboard was intended to elicit laughter or not, but something about the screeching of the chalk as she collapsed left me in stitches. I guess that's a testament to the show's oft dry humor.

So far, it would appear this season is following the template of the first, focusing on simple stand-alone stories to start, eventually giving way to longer, meatier story arcs that provide real insight into each character's personality. Sachiko's "transformation", ignited by her relationship with Yumi and the events of the first season's final episodes, seems to be receiving more attention this time around. That makes sense, of course. Along with Yumi, Sachiko is the leading lady of the story.

Nah... Sei is the de facto 2nd main character.

Without her, Sachiko wouldn't have made the bet, Yumi wouldn't make it into the council, and we wouldn't have Shimako, Shiori, and Rosa Canina goodness.

I'm suprised you didn't mention the dancing Sachiko chibis, or post a screenshot - I think that was the funniest thing in the entire episode. Also, Mellow RG has a point, and it looks like in the next episode something weird is going to happen.

Well, Rosa Gigantea is on her way out. And while she had a little arc enlightening her background, she had basically no character development at all. She is who she was since then, a well-meaning but mischievous source of little bizarre issues. Therefore, she _triggers_ most developments, but she doesn't develop herself. This is why I personally would not list her as the second main character.

Sachiko and Yumi on the other hand do change and develop, and lately, visibly so. It's interesting to see Yumi's "uwaaaaaaaah"-kind of reverence towards Sachiko slowly feel a little bit more at ease, and likewise how Sachiko's overly earnest and sometimes even cold outwardly shown attitude mellows up.

I really really dig series who have character development without a reset button. This is what attracted me to anime early on. And right now, I want more of this ^_^

Well, to me Yumi's real Onee-sama is Sei.

Sei is the one who listens to Yumi, Sei is her shoulder for Yumi to cry on, Sei is the one who enlightens Yumi about the Ogasawara truth that no else would ask otherwise, and Sei the one that guides Yumi to her answers (and occasionally into her troubles)

Sachiko is closer to a problematic girlfriend

**EPISODE 4 SPOILERS**

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

and Sei isn't "leaving"

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Hehe ... well yeah, at least Sei is more like her _effective_ Onee-sama, true :) ... nevertheless, I still think that Yumi and Sachiko are the main characters, because it's their issues the show mostly revolves around. The show would easily go on once Sei graduates without major changes. It would dramatically alter its course if for example Sachiko "left".

As much as I love Sei's Yumi-handling, I still think she'll be gone soon. How do you expect her to remain a key player once she graduates?

We might be watching a different show, since to me it seems that a lot more events intertwine with Sei compared with Sachiko.

Sachiko has her subplot with her dysfunctional family / childhood and... her subplot involving her dysfunctional family / childhood

Sei has ties to more things.

And I think you're confusing character growth/regression with character development. Sei has a lot more development than Sachiko, but it's true that she didn't change much since her coming out of the closet a year ago.

Sei is Yumi's true listening ear, and she'll remain that for a while until Yumi can work out her relationship problems with Sachiko by herself, which won't happen any time soon.

I have other things to say, but I'll wait until episode 4 is subbed.

Hi!! I like your site very much!!! I love anime!!!
When you have time, go to my blog and live there a menssage for me, Ok?
I would like to link you. Tell me if is possible.
Kisses!!!! Bay!!! Bay!!!!

i know what you mean the episode was so so, still i cant wait to see the 4th episode is a shame they havent fansub it yet i just hope they dont take a long time because i would love to see what is going to happen next btw i know you are a Rosa Gigantea fan, am i correct? and a guy who knows japanese told me that the episode number 6 is another episode dedicated to Sei and all the Sei fans are going to love it so i cant wait to see that one as well.

i know what you mean the episode was so so, still i cant wait to see the 4th episode is a shame they havent fansub it yet i just hope they dont take a long time because i would love to see what is going to happen next btw i know you are a Rosa Gigantea fan, am i correct? and a guy who knows japanese told me that the episode number 6 is another episode dedicated to Sei and all the Sei fans are going to love it so i cant wait to see that one as well.

Oh, I stumble here again. I got here first while searching for Ultra Maniac mp3s, ohohohohoho!

Anyways, I'm dying to see Marimite. I wish they air this show on animax! >_<

Ja!!