I guess I should take some time and collect my thoughts regarding the ending, but I fear it's useless. It is what it is. It's an ending. Or, at least, it's a stopping point. For all I know, they could both get hit by a bus the next day.

And for that reason, I'm going to abstain from characterizing this as a "happy" ending. The fact that everything is smiles and lollipops in the end doesn't change what happened. Ultimately, nothing was resolved. And, if you pay close attention, there are signals of what's to come. The tree at the amusement park on which they carved their names? It's not long for this world. The reaction of Nanoka's classmates? The damage has been done. Thoughts of suicide? They'll return.

This is by no means a happy story, and I think the show manages to make that point in the end, subtle and understated as it may be. That's how I prefer to interpret it, at least.

Why? Because the alternative is just too damn absurd.

Hmm.

Well, at least the material is finally being treated in a serious manner. Before, it seemed to receive a light enough treatment to convince me it would never get this far. But now that it has?

Well...

I don't know how this is going to end. There's no way there'll be a "happy" ending, however, for an irreversible tragedy has already occurred.

But don't get me wrong: I'm loving every minute, horrible as it may be.

There's something refreshing about Chidori's reaction upon discovering what's going on between Koushirou and Nanoka. It sort of brings everything back down to Earth.

Speaking of which, at the rate things are going, Koushirou should be jumping off a tall building soon.

It's funny how Koushirou considers Nanoka's feelings to be genuine even while being ashamed of his own. Of course, Nanoka seems to think she's the one that's "not quite right", so I guess they're both equally tormented.

Perhaps I should pull out my copy of Totem and Taboo - if I had such a thing, that is. Maybe I can find some answers in Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Wow. I was prepared to whine about the drop in animation quality, but the final scene kind of distracted me. I didn't expect that - not so soon, at least.

Of course, I assume this means the end of Koushirou and Nanoka's happy relationship, at least for the time being. It's kind of a shame, because they were awfully cute together.

Wait...forget I said that.

For the most part, this is a flashback to when Koushirou and Nanoka were still young - before their parents separated. It's not integral to the story in any way, but it does a little to flesh out the character backgrounds, Koushirou in particular.

It's nice to see their mother for a change, both in the past and in the present. With their father being such a hopeless fellow, it's easy to forget they have parents. Thankfully, Mom has a good head on her shoulders.

Interesting. I don't think the story is necessarily any better told from Nanoka's point of view, but it's refreshing to hear her thoughts for a change.

The story is definitely moving along now, with Nanoka realizing her own feelings for Koushirou. As much as that development should leave one feeling uncomfortable, I can't help but get a kick out of the direction in which the story is headed. As a work of fiction, it's rather intriguing.

Koushirou the jerk returns. But, once again, he makes things right in the end. Sort of.

This is becoming a routine for him, isn't it?

Koushirou the insensitive jerk returns. I'm a bit surprised he's so torn up over what he did, but I guess the guilt doesn't arise from the act, but rather the thoughts that drove him to do it in the first place.

Thankfully, he makes things right in the end. Or not.

Poor Koushirou. I pity the guy.

It may be easy to beat up on him given everything he does, but this new life of his just has to be difficult to adjust to. And what makes this show so good is how realistically he reacts to everything going on around him. The show is perhaps a little discomforting in its realism, but it's refreshing.

Everyone aboard the innuendo train! First stop, Incestville!

I have no idea how far the story's truly going to go, but it's laying it on thick. But as creepy as it may be, I'm really fascinated. Then again, I never had a sister.

And, thankfully, Koushirou was less of a jerk this time. Rather, he was kind of dopey. Nice, but dopey.

You know, this show doesn't have very high production values, but because of the art style, it doesn't seem that big a deal. The simplicity and dated look works in its own weird way.

This episode really wasn't all that interesting in the story department, but it clears up a few things regarding Koushirou's character, the most important being that he's a pretty big jerk. Someone needs to slap him around a bit.

Nanoka is awfully cute, though...

The first time I saw the artwork for this show, I was instantly smitten. It's not that it's jaw-droppingly beautiful - I just have a soft spot for this style of character design and animation. It's very much like manga come to life.

So, of course, it's little surprise this episode is pretty much a scene for scene translation of the original manga's first chapter. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I guess.

Anyway, I don't want to spoil anything right off the bat, so I won't say much about the story. It's an interesting setup, however, and the potential is definitely there for some serious drama down the line - even despite the airy feel. Also, even though I fawn over the artwork, I should mention there's some serious talent in the vocal work. Even the music was wonderful.

I'm looking forward to more.