While the events of these final two episodes were clearly necessary to tie the story up, the way in which they were presented does the show an awful disservice, in my opinion. I would have preferred a quick epilogue following the band's Grateful Sound performance - not two episodes of sullen dialogue, inexplicable story developments, and cheap animation. It's a horrible way to end such an otherwise wonderful show.
But, I'm not necessarily surprised. As much as I enjoyed Beck, I often found myself wishing it was better. That is, so much of the show was steeped in mediocrity: the animation, the direction, the storytelling - even the music, at times. It's as if some sort of inherent laziness weighed the entire production down from the very beginning. Pretension, perhaps? I'm not sure. Regardless of the reason, it's disappointing.
The show is getting to be a real downer. In some ways, it's hard to believe so much could go wrong at once. And, in all honesty, I don't see how Koyuki will be the one to pull everyone back together. For all I know, that might not happen. Perhaps the series will end with Beck's demise and Koyuki's ascension to solo stardom in America.
This episode really suffered from the sort of sloppy, quick-cut direction that's plagued Beck from the very start. Obviously, it's a stylistic choice - Kobayashi Osamu is far from a freshman director - but there are scenes in which it simply does not work.
I'm having difficulty understanding Leon's intentions. Clearly, the deal he struck with Ryusuke was designed to sink Beck. But, on the flip side, should the band somehow strike gold, Leon reaps the benefits. I would assume he cares more about money than retribution.
Furthermore, if he truly wanted the band to fail, he wouldn't have given Ryusuke Lucille and sent him on his way. Yet, upon learning Beck is pulling in the crowd like a Hayashibara Megumi concert, he gets bent out of shape and heads out to (presumably) pop a cap in someone's ass. The guy's a mystery inside an enigma wrapped in a bad voice actor.
Obviously, I'm interested in seeing what comes of this. And, for those of you who have read the manga, please note I'm simply thinking out loud here. Keep the spoilers to yourself for the time being.
Oh, and one last thing: Koyuki still can't sing. Then again, neither can Yoshito.
Poor Maho.
What was the deal with the animation in the first half of this episode? Sure, I've seen the style before, but I've always wondered: is it intentional, or is it about cutting corners? I've never known Madhouse to be a corner cutting studio, but I have to admit, Beck has looked pretty bad at times.
Anyway, with the release of the show's soundtrack this week, I've already had the opportunity to hear Koyuki's new song in its entirety. And, unfortunately, it suffers from the same nasty Engrish that plagues "Face". Actually, it's worse. I know it's hard to believe, but it's true. I'm not sure what to look forward to anymore.
There's been a lot of narration from Koyuki in recent episodes. Granted, he's always been the show's main character, but prior episodes featured little in the way of first person perspective. You can clearly feel the story "wrapping up" as Koyuki comes to terms with who he is and what he desires out of life.
The show has definitely found its groove.
Dude, that's just sad.
I'm going to be honest: I don't like Maho. I mean, it's not like Pretty Boy is being all that subtle when he's teasing Koyuki, yet Maho just shrugs her shoulders and accepts it. しょうがない。
And then she shows up at Koyuki's place in the middle of the night, wears his clothes, sleeps in his bed - but does she put out? Nope.
What a bitch.
I'm telling you, Koyuki, the gymnast girl is where it's at. I'm sure she's pretty bendy, if you catch my drift.
I think they increased the animation budget. The money would be better spent on decent English voice acting, though...
At least Mr. John Lee Davis sounded convincing. Why the show used the best acting talent it had for a character that only appears once, however, is beyond me. I'm starting to wonder if it's all a big joke.
I like the new girl. In fact, I secretly wish Koyuki would dump Maho for her. But, alas, I know it won't work that way. The story has far too much invested in the quirky Koyuki-Maho romance.
And, besides, I have a feeling Saku digs the new girl. Once Koyuki's finished teaching her how to play the guitar, perhaps Saku can teach her how to play the drums. She'll be a one-man bad. I mean, she's a gymnast, so I'm sure she could figure out a way to do both at the same time - among other things...
What was with the phone conversation between Eddy and Ryusuke? "Yeah, it looks like we're gonna die. So, you catch last night's Sex and the City?" Eddy is not what I expected.
Anyway, time's flying by. One minute, Koyuki's preparing for the high school entrance exams, the next minute, he's already there, being exploited (as usual) by bullies. Chiba to the rescue!
Wait. Chiba's in high school?
I always figured Eddy was Dying Breed's lead singer. I guess I haven't been paying close enough attention.
Anyway, my advice to Koyuki: if your Engrish really makes you that much of a chick magnet, by all means, get it while the gettin' is good. They'll wise up eventually.
Eddy sounds a little light in the loafers, if you catch my drift. And Matt sounds like he had a stroke.
The conversation between Ryusuke and Eddy in front of the shop window was rather bizarre. Is there really some sort of global conspiracy surrounding a freakin' guitar? Is that destined to become a major plot point? And did they check into a Love Hotel together after the credits rolled?
So many questions...
The music is starting to play a far greater role in the show. The quality is improving as well, although I think I'll take Koyuki's "Furu moon suuuuway!" over Chiba's "24-7, gonna pour hot sauce on your head, yeah, gettin' jiggy with it!"
Big Chiba style's all in it. Word.
You know, if the bullies were truly devoted to the fine art of delinquency, they wouldn't give a rat's ass about winning or losing a school swimming meet. They'd be down at the arcade, smoking cigarettes. Amateurs.
I like the new guy. Intelligent, but aloof.
I'm a bit surprised with the quick passage of time, but I guess there's no way around it. It makes for some choppy direction, however.
On the other hand, things are really coming together in the story department. The show has finally hit its stride.
I was a little surprised to hear Disintegration playing in the background at the hamburger joint. Weird.
Koyuki continues to get himself into trouble, but I guess it's good for him. He needs the confidence that comes with overcoming challenge.
And, no matter how many punks want to beat him into a bloody pulp, he can always take comfort in knowing Maho wants to jump his bones.
Yeah, I don't get it either.
What happened to the animation crew from the first episode? Did they get stuck in Niigata following the earthquake or something? It's not ski season yet, is it?
Yes, the animation has taken a serious dive, and being a Madhouse show, I don't understand why. It's odd. The poor English voice acting is getting annoying, too.
On the other hand, I do like the way the story is progressing. That's what's most important, I guess.
The background artwork for this show is very reminiscent of Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto. Both capture the feel of the city perfectly, I think. I wish the character designs didn't seem so "flat", though.
As expected, the music is top shelf. And I can't help but be reminded of my college days, hanging out in clubs, listening to bands play. Haven't done that in a long time.
I think it's safe to say I had already fallen in love with this show by the end of the distinctly American, punkish opening sequence. Good music, excellent style. It's evident the production team did their homework.
The show definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, however. It's quirky, but pretty well grounded in reality. The direction feels more live action, but with distinct anime touches. It's hard to describe, really, but I like the way it works. It's something refreshing and new.
Madhouse is responsible for the production, so the show looks great, of course. It's perhaps not as impressive as some of the studio's previous work, but the style doesn't exactly lend itself to flashy animation. And things definitely sound good in the music department. But that's to be expected. The show's about a band, after all.
This looks to be a real gem.
