I really couldn't imagine a more fitting ending for the show. I like bittersweet endings as much as the next person, but some shows simply deserve a happy ending, no matter what. I mean, the show had an episode about panty snatching, for Christ's sake! Did you honestly think they'd kill everyone in the end?
That said, I didn't expect HiME sentai. Or Super Taters to the rescue.
You could perhaps argue Mai-HiME was never intended to be taken all that seriously. That's how I approached it, at least. Otherwise, I would have dropped the show like a hot potato during the "Alyssa tries to blow up the world" arc. Unfortunately, anime fans have an innate tendency to take things a little too seriously (you don't say?), so I wouldn't be surprised to find a sharp dichotomy between those who genuinely enjoy Mai-HiME for what it is - a sack full of clichés - and those who despise it for what it is (a sack full of clichés).
Personally, I rather enjoy a good sack full of clichés every so often.
Kazu's going to be so confused after the reset.
Is it just me, or is Lord Kokuyou a total poser? Does he have any "power" to speak of? Sure, he can order Mikoto around, but that's pretty much it. Mai needs to hurry up and toast that marshmallow.
I'm with Momotato - using the same ol' music for Tate's swan song was kind of cheap. He deserves something a little more poignant.
Oh, and what exactly did Shizuru do with those little old ladies? Do I even want to know?
Haruka, dear, if you've got a problem with the yuri, you sure picked the wrong show.
I'm not going to speculate about future events, although it's nice to know I was correct about Miyu's return. Now that she's back, though, I haven't a clue what they intend to do with her. Skewer Nagi, preferably.
You don't say?
This is getting out of hand. Soon, the streets will run with green sparklies.
The story is starting to get just a wee bit convoluted now. It's like the writers have managed to throw so much at the wall such that nothing truly sticks anymore. But, if I were to let poor writing get to me, I would have stopped watching Mai-HiME a long, long time ago. Que sera sera.
This episode offers a hint of a happy ending, at least. The idea that the HiME curse could be lifted provided the reigning Super-HiME defeats Rico Suave smells an awful lot like an escape clause to me.
It's a good thing Natsuki showed up just in time to remind Mai and Mikoto there's six episodes left. They came pretty close to blowing up the world there.
Honestly, I love how the story has developed - HiME vs. HiME is much fun - but, if the drama remains at such a high level to the very end, it could get to be overwhelming in a hurry.
Fiendishly clever disguise, Holmes!
I don't understand Takumi. I'm assuming he needs a transplant or something, so what's with the "First, I must collect my thoughts," routine? Hurry up, dude, before they give your lungs to an 83 year old chain smoker from West Virginia!
Oh, and there's a big fight. Lots of blood. Alliances shattered, secrets revealed, lines drawn in the sand, all that jazz.
Boring. I was promised HiME on HiME action!
Seriously, though, I like the direction in which the story is headed. And, if Mikoto's performance in the final act of this episode is indication of anything, the coming battles should be fun to watch. More sparklies, please. I'm easy like that.
Mikoto is really starting to grate on my nerves.
The karaoke segment was a nice respite given the seriousness of recent episodes, but now it's time for the HiME Olympics. Does Mai have what it takes to become the next Cosmo Beauty? University Satellite is calling!
First of all, the "launch sequence" was (delightfully) cheesy. I couldn't stop humming the battle theme from Evangelion. You know, the one with the timpani and the tone-deaf junior high trumpet section.
That said, this was an enjoyable episode. For one, there was plenty of eye candy in the action sequences. But, most importantly, it wraps up (I hope) a story arc dripping with so much stupid that it almost killed the whole show for me. Adios, Alyssa, you annoying little brat.
Anyway, now that Mai has fused with her Eva - I mean, Child - I'm hoping she'll return with super-HiME powers or something. After all, she's gonna need them when Miyu shows up in the final episode (you know it's gonna happen) to avenge the loss of her dearly departed.
I'm sorry, but am I supposed to take Alyssa seriously as a villain?
And, for that matter, am I'm supposed to take the show as a whole seriously anymore? Because, well, you know...
Oh well. At least Natsuki made herself useful again. I'm sure Duran Duran was starting to feel neglected.
Since Reito and Shiho are both looking for some action, they should just hook up and leave Mai and Tate to save the world from Alyssa and the Golden Fleet (I guess the Moonies finally bought themselves the White House).
Meanwhile, I'll be sitting here tying to figure out what the hell is going on.
I think it's clear now where Takumi gets his fashion sense.
Anyway, from what I can gather, the Catholic church is using a little girl to summon monsters that attack unsuspecting teenagers in the middle of the night, stripping them naked...
Is there some sort of social commentary in there?
With the end of the series rapidly approaching (or not), it's time for the final showdown! Who will be crowned Iron Chef HiME?
Sorry, but I'm going to have to take back every good thing I've said about the show. No amount of dinky xylophone music could save this episode from itself.
Oh, and Takumi? Give it up, already. You're not fooling anyone.
Breaking and entering is apparently easier when one is wearing a swimsuit. Just ask Natsuki.
This was surprisingly well-executed. The comic timing was perfect, with Natsuki's backstory nicely woven in to give the episode some actual substance. The voice acting also seemed better than usual (not that it's bad in the first place), Mai in particular. Nakahara Mai has a bright future.
I'm glad the show hasn't gone monster of the week on us, as was my initial concern. In fact, I believe Mai's giant dragon thingamajig has only shown up on two occasions. That's six times less than I had expected by now. Once again, the show continues to exceed expectations.
Talk about cramming too much material into a single episode. I'd have felt sorry for Akane had the show given me enough time. Oh well. Them's the breaks, kid.
And now that the story has taken on a darker, more sinister tone, it's time for the requisite beach episode (of course!). I dig the fanservice as much as anyone else, but talk about poor timing. Why not earlier? You know, before characters started dying?
So, let me get this straight: Nagi's standing there, surrounded by a pack of angry HiMEs (excluding Midori, on account of the vomiting), and yet, he escapes with his life? I mean, surely they're as annoyed with the little dweeb as us poor viewers, if not moreso!
Oh well.
The story is progressing nicely. I figured the show would be collapsing under the weight of it's ridiculously giant cast by now, but everything seems to be working out for the time being.
I guess the rest of the Fantastic Four couldn't afford the airfare to Japan.
Obscure references aside, the comedy is back, and the action scenes continue to amuse. Midori, surprisingly enough, kicks major ass. And, as usual, Natsuki is late to the party. She's clearly not trying hard enough. She shall now be known as Freeloader HiME.
Mai's brother sure wears some fruity outfits. Sorry, Takumi, but all signs point to "Yes".
Anyway, even though I keep praising the comedic aspect of the show, it's only fair to say I enjoyed this episode a lot, despite being pretty heavy on the drama. Mai's a far more complicated character than I thought. Furthermore, the chemistry between her and Yuichi is perfect - I got that feeling from the very first episode, but it's now confirmed. I'm looking forward to the inevitable romantic subplot.
Ah, the classic Japanese tale of underwear thievery. A fine tradition it is.
I really enjoy the show when it's playing for laughs. The action sequences, on the other hand, are pretty painful. Funny, yes, but not in a good way. My concern is that, as the show progresses, the poorly executed drama and action will take center stage, thus leading to much sucking.
The writers, however, can compensate by killing off Nagi. Now.
The action sequences are definitely interesting.
Deep down, I want to hate everything about this show. Unfortunately, I'm too entertained to stop watching. Oh well.
Comedy, fanservice, drama, action, and goofy transformation sequences. This show's got all the bases covered.
But, surprisingly enough, it's not a mess. Everything's pretty well balanced. And even though the cast looks to be ridiculously large, those already introduced are interesting enough. Even the obvious secondary characters have unique personalities. That should make it easier to tell them all apart once they start dropping like flies.
I can't help but think this show will turn out to be much sillier than advertised, but that aside, this was an impressive first offering, with a nice balance of action, humor, and suspense. A little bit of everything, actually.
The animation was definitely impressive, although I expected a slightly more refined style based on earlier previews. It's still nice, though, with interesting character designs, vibrant colors, and some nifty battle sequences. I was somewhat surprised to see so much humor expressed in the characters' facial expressions - a clear indication the show may not be as serious as I anticipated. It's a good thing, though.
Kajiura Yuki provides the score, although it's relatively understated compared to her previous work. The OP theme is pretty generic, but I enjoyed the ED quite a bit.
Overall, not a bad first episode to kick things off. With plenty of excitement, solid animation, and the promise of many cute girls to come, I'll keep watching.
