Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 10 – Jumping Over Certain Marine Animals

I’m happy that you were pleased with the fanservice, erm I mean that you fixed this harmonica.

The 10th episode of Koichoco finally brought the series back to the mystery which opened the first episode. In the process, it had to go through Yuuki and Chisato’s relationship hitting the pointy rocks near shore. Then, it went to the mystery behind Michiru’s broken harmonica, which then led Yuuki into the darkest of the secrets of the Public Safety Commission. All the while, my interest was taken up by minor details that had nothing to do with the plot whatsoever. It was that kind of episode.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 09 – Blindly Running Against Traffic

This show isn’t even above having a “show me your papers” moment.

The 9th episode of Koichoco saw the beginning of the campaign proper and the continuing growth of Yuuki’s character with any female character. The campaign got underway as Mouri continued to seal up support amongst the Public Safety Commission for Yuuki’s candidacy. However, the first event was marred by bullying against Isara which led Yuuki to add something that would be deemed a losing issue by Chisato later on. Meanwhile, the very person responsible for the Public Safety Commission being unable to run a candidate returns from suspension poised to screw around with Yuuki’s campaign since she believes Yuuki will not be made a puppet.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 08 – We Still Don’t Know Who Won That Game of Shogi That Night

 

It’s so sad their game will end without a result

The 8th episode of Koichoco focused primarily on the relationship between the Shinonome sisters with a bit of added clarity on Yuuki’s relationship with Chisato. The episode begins with a game of shogi as I hinted at last week where Satsuki spent most of her time trying to tempt Yuuki while they waited for an opportunity to flee. Hazuki then entered the next morning to provide interference. The next night brought with it a test of courage and the aforementioned clarification to Chisato. Finally, Hazuki confesses to Yuuki leading to another game of shogi to compete for him with Satsuki, where a lengthy exposition dump revealed the origin of their conflict.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 07 – Emotional Blackmail

Judging by Chisato’s face, it’s time for drama.

The 7th episode of Koichoco has very little to do with the election and is more about Yuuki bouncing from girl to girl with predictable results. It starts with Mouri giving the Food Research club the true story about how many votes they will need to win in the general election and how they can get there. The episode then heads off into onsen episode territory where he ultimately ends up getting in the middle of the troubled relationship between the sisters Shinonome.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 06 – Election Returns

This type of drama will not matter for the purpose of this post

The 6th episode of Koichoco picks up from the cliffhanger of the last episode and ultimately takes the show through the completion of the primary. It begins with the prospect of Mifuyu’s romantic fiction being read by Yuuki, which is successfully avoided by clumsiness and improvisation at the speaker’s podium. Then, it comes down to the election returns and whether Yuuki can make the 10% threshold and more. He barely does, but the result reveals more troubling news about his support.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 05 – Speechwriting as Fiction

This would be the primary source of plot in this episode.

After seemingly an eternity being pushed back for athletic nationalism, Koichoco was back for 2 episodes this week. This first episode of the two was mainly about preparations for and fundraising during the bazaar. It was also about character development between Yuuki and Mifuyu. Also, much of the cast was in Madoka cosplay for a bit, so there’s that too.

Endings Without Context 5: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi

This edition of the series features film projector porn.

Something a little different for this installment of Endings Without Context, in the form of one of the few Gainax series I have never seen. Soon after watching this episode, I went off to some minor convention in Baltimore where kriz and I found single DVDs in a bargain bin for $5 each. It merely served as a reminder that I eventually had to get this post written. Gainax’s history of perplexing endings and my ability to comprehend them be damned.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 04 – The Dark Side of the Academy

An unlikely place for a destined encounter with Isara

The fourth episode of this series is primarily about money and how it should be spent on campus. Yuuki begins the episode by running into Isara, who is putting up new lightbulbs around the school to earn extra money. He then heads to the clubroom where campaign finance is the topic of discussion. After formulating a plan to raise campaign funds, the club members get to work. Yuuki later runs into Satsuki, who urges him to read her manifesto. At the same time Isara is confronted by a group of students who proceed to humiliate her.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 03 – The Campaign Begins

A rare sighting of a Bancho-sensei character

The 3rd episode focuses on a combination of planning the first part of the food research club’s push to get Yuuki beyond the primary and the differences between the two Shinonome sisters. The food research club gets some help early in the form of a visit from the current president, who passes down his knowledge of winning an election. However, he is doing it for the sake of his public safety committee’s chances of winning future elections. As the club members get to work on the campaign, Hazuki confronts her younger sister Satsuki to find out if this whole campaign is personal.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 02 – Playing the Game

This was supposed to be a show about elections, right?

The 2nd episode was about convincing the reluctant Yuuki to run for student council president even though that was the last thing he wants to do. For the most part, the episode was largely about Yuuki running into people and having to constantly correct his name as he tries to get to the food research club on a Sunday. Right before he does get there, he has conversations with the student council president and Satsuki, who both agree that it would be good if he ran. Then, at the food research club, he delivers a stirring speech trying to promote Chisato for the attempt to run the job, only to ironically have it convince the club members of his own merits.

Koi to Senkyo to Chocolate 01 – The Political Machine

Delicious SD memory cards, om nom nom.

The opening episode begins surprisingly with a story of political intrigue, attempted murder and scandal in the background as the food research club at the center of the story tries to ensure it’s own survival. The episode begins with one of the students capturing photos she was never meant to take, and is run down by a car because of what she knows. The story then resumes with the food research club getting together to sample some new candy before their advisor runs in to tell them the club might be disbanded. A meeting of the student council ensues and an attempted coup by the head of general affairs is stopped by the head of the financial affairs Shinonome Satsuki who both points out how it would make preparations for the upcoming presidential election harder, but shows suspicious data that implicates general affairs chief in a scandal of his own. Meanwhile, the food research club tries to find a candidate who is viable and will help keep their club alive before ultimately deciding that the protagonist Oojima Yuuki should run himself.

Asa Made Jugyou Chu! – Utterly Ridiculous

Just look at that absolute quality, also I wanted to avoid making this post NSFW.

For a single episode OVA that I suggested was “terribad,” I was not surprised after watching it to learn that it was in fact as I thought it would be. The story basically breaks down as a male protagonist named Yuuki is thought to be a girl by a teacher based entirely on his name, but is in fact male. So the teacher has to cover up this fact the best that she can. Of course, since this is an OVA lots of over attempts at erotic comedy ensue.

Mouretsu Pirates 26 – Normal End

That over the top suit that Marika is sporting is one of the major plot points in this episode.

The final episode of Pirates sees the fleet of assembled pirate ships face off with not 1, but 3 Grand Cross ships. Marika successfully guides the fleet through a complete tactical victory over the outclassed Quartz Christie. She then confronts her opponent and answers the question of why she is a pirate. Finally, Quartz Christie manages to escape with her pride in tatters before an epilogue that overtly hints at a future continuation of the story.

Sakamichi no Apollon 12 – Making Dreams Come True in ’76

Women dig men who know everything there is to modern railway networks

The final episode of Apollon takes place over the span of about 9 years from the aftermath of Sentarou’s departure all the way to the final reunion at the end. In that space in between Kaoru tries to burn his bridges with Ritsuko, then has an emotional departure as he heads to Tokyo. Then, 8 years in the future, characters make cameos which ultimately lead to Kaoru finding Sentarou on an island church where they play yet another set just as Ritsuko arrives.

Mouretsu Pirates 25 – Why Are They Fighting Again?

I’m a pirate who hunts pirates. Does that make me a cannibal?

The 25th episode of Pirates is a setup episode to next week’s clash between the ships with Letters of Marque and the Grand Cross. This week, Quartz Christie appeared in the pirate’s nest once again only to reveal that she was also a pirate, albeit one representing the Empire. While all of the pirates assembled calm down and eventually let her go off unharmed because of Marika’s desire to have a fair fight, one group to try to finish her off anyway, but are stopped by Ironbeard’s crew containing Ririka and Kain’s twin brother. The party continues until planning for the battle begins.

Sakamichi no Apollon 11 – The End of the Dream

“Listen to my song”

The 11th episode of Apollon begins with reconciliation and ends with a silent departure under a tragic cloud. Kaoru was camped outside of Sentarou’s place and manages to stop him from leaving. After seemingly tolerating his father’s return, Sentarou returns with a push to out perform Seiji at the festival, even dragging Ritsuko in to perform as a singer. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes on the night before in the form of a motorbike accident which injured Sentarou, but left Sachiko unconscious in the hospital with an uncertain prognosis. Kaoru and Sentarou end up meeting again on the roof of the hospital to comfort each other, after that Sentarou disappears perhaps never to return.

Mouretsu Pirates 24 – Shout Inducing Plot Twists

And Coorie now completes that objectification of all women in this show. Well played writers.

The 24th episode of Pirates begins with a clash between the Bentenmaru and the Grand Cross and ends with confusion on all counts. The story in this episode is essentially one of the Bentenmaru somehow escaping, and finding out how that had come to pass. They make it to the meeting point where Kenjo Kurihara gets Marika up to speed on what will happen. As she has plans of her own, she is confronted by the captain of the Grand Cross who doesn’t reveal much except that the Bentenmaru has a spy. Ultimately, this will hang over the crew’s head as more and more ships with unexpected guests continue to arrive.

Sakamichi no Apollon 10 – The Last Man

The moment when Kaoru realizes that he is experiencing the wrong kind of warm feeling

The 10th episode of Apollon begins with the effects of Yurika’s departure and ends with another departure that was entirely unexpected. News of Yurika’s elopement meant that any reminders of her existence had to be removed from the school, including the award winning painting that Sentarou modeled for. After trying to help Sentarou to help recover emotionally from Yurika, Kaoru ends up helping Sentarou pass the tests that he needs just to make it to the 3rd year of high school. Then, Kaoru has two separate conversations with Ritsuko that seem to go nowhere, but her departing words after the 2nd one convince him to successfully confess his feelings for her. Months pass before Seiji throws down the gauntlet at Kaoru and Sentarou over who can win at the school festival. Before they can play again, however, Sentarou’s father was about to return home.

Upotte!! 10 – Becoming More Human

This is the one moment of comedy in this episode.

The final episode of Upotte finishes with message that says more about people than the weapons themselves. The battle in the city commences as the enemy led by AK74 tries to defeat the four girls. Even with SAKO joining the fight, it appears to be a tough battle. It ultimately leads to a final confrontation between AK74 and FNC, which ends without a decisive winner.

Mouretsu Pirates 23 – Surreal Flashbacks

The writers put in a similar level of effort in this episode

The 23rd episode of Pirates is largely devoted to flashbacks as Marika tries to bring together a Pirate’s Council. In the conclusion to last week’s battle, the pirate hunter ship Grand Cross is driven away stylishly by the Parabellum, which is a pirate ship registered with the Galactic Empire. Chiaki returns to get Marika to share battle data on the pirate hunters and to search for a legendary chef. Marika immediately knows where to look and the Pirate’s Council is called. However, the Grand Cross would reappear before the Bentenmaru could get there.

Sakamichi no Apollon 09 – Taking Responsibility

Leave it to the Americans to unashamedly lead the way.

The 9th episode of Apollon heads for the finish as the relationships at the center of the story reach resolution. Kaoru continues to want to force Ritsuko and Sentarou together, but she would not have any of that. After calling Kaoru an idiot, she tosses her gift to him aside only to later regret it after talking to Sentarou. Meanwhile, Jun plans to head back to Tokyo to take on a publishing job and without Yurika. After Jun says his farewells to Sentarou in what can only be described as a confrontational jazz session, he is confronted by Yurika on the train platform.

Mouretsu Pirates 22 – Sheer Helplessness

All this state of piracy conversation is hard for me to understand.

The 22nd episode of Pirates dives straight in to the next plot in dramatic circumstances. Marika’s future still remains an open question even as she was made the new president of the yacht club. In the meantime, she has to maintain the pirate license for the Bentenmaru, take exams for school and much more seriously deal with a rumored pirate hunter. In the process of trying to take care of 2 of those 3 situations simultaneously, she learns more about the pirate trade and those involved. The Bentenmaru ends up escorting another pirate fleet when they encounter the pirate hunting ship, and this time things may not work out so well.

Upotte!! 09 – Meh, Terrorism

Spot the obvious joke here.

The 9th episode of Upotte is a beach episode that turns into something entirely different by the end of the episode. The girls are whisked away to a seaside city where the usual antics of beach and onsen episodes take place. Then, things take a dramatic turn as a group of shooters begin attacking the girls and then the city indiscriminately. The episode ends with the main cast preparing to counterattack as the city lies in flames.

Sakamichi no Apollon 08 – The Tragedy of Bad Timing

Those happy days can only last so long.

The 8th episode of Apollon brings with it the answer to Jun’s problems while also solidifying the direction the 2 relationship stories are headed. Very early on, it is revealed that Jun had quit college and had been disowned by his family, but he had moved to a small apartment nearby. Yurika sees where he is living and quickly their relationship steps up several levels despite her father’s objections. Meanwhile, Kaoru and Sentarou have new found popularity following their performance at the festival  while Ritsuko’s feelings appear to be wavering. Sentarou quickly finds out about Yurika staying with Jun and before long, Kaoru sets the stage for further confusion.

Endings Without Context 4: Mawaru Penguindrum

The episode opens with a lot of suffering, and it hardly lets up.

This fourth take on watching only the last episode of a series brings me back to another show I had not watched during my summer off last year. AJtheFourth at Altair & Vega remembered that I had not seen any of Mawaru Penguindrum, though that may be due to the fact that I did an entire post devoted to being 24 episodes behind on it. That said, there are many fans of this series while there is also the fact that the director of this series also created Utena.

Before I drag this introduction into why I chose this too long, they key thing she said about my watching it is that it may ruin any enjoyment I get from watching it the future. I didn’t really think something so acclaimed by people I trust could be ruined by just the final episode. Then again, maybe I would need a larger social circle to recommend shows to begin with? So how did I see it?