Finally, it's the last episode. I'm actually glad it's over. It's been a little tedious to watch. Unfortunately, Nodame Cantabile: Paris Hen is no where as good as the its predecessor.I can't help but feel that Nodame Cantabile: Paris Hen is a little boring. It's still funny but it has little surprises and few memorable events take place. All these make Nodame Cantabile: Paris Hen very forgettable. In my opinion, the only interesting thing that happened was when Chiaki discovered how pathetic his Orchestra was. However, unlike in the 1st Season, he did nothing really spectacular to try to turn things around. Also, as mentioned in the previous review, the side characters just aren’t as interesting as those of the 1st Season.This season focus too much on NodaXChiaki and there's too little emphasis on Music. For example, they actually put the entire Platini arc in a single episode (Episode 2) that only lasted 20 minutes. The Live Action went through the same Platini arc in 1 Special episode but that episode lasted for 1 hour!!Plot: 7/10Characters: 7/10Entertainment Level: 5/10Animation: 6/10Episode 11 is below average. The pace is slow but yet it's easy to tell that they are rushing through. In a single episode, Roux Marlet Orchestra manages to turn from bad to good. Why not throw in another episode to show how Chiaki transform the Orchestra? Lack of Budget? Well, it couldn't be as the 3rd Season is now under production. (¬_¬)I'll follow the 3rd Season and I cross my fingers and hope that they will bring more Music and fun back to Nodame Cantabile. (^-^)Episode 11The audition for Roux Marlet Orchestra finally begins. On the first day of audition, Chiaki and the concertmaster select a cellist and a violinist. Everyone is impressed with their play but some of the older members disapprove of their entrance as they feel threatened. But Chiaki and the concertmaster have decided on it.The next day, Kuroki comes for audition. Both Chiaki and the concertmaster are very impressed with his play.After the audition, he thanks Tanya for helping him with the piano accompaniment.Paul also comes for the audition with his mommy (at the back) and his Bassoon. He totally ignores the fact that they are looking for a Fagot player, not Bassoon player. (Episode 8)Italian Fagot is more widely use and more popular than French Bassoon.He manages to impress Chiaki and the concertmaster, who speak up for him when other oke members are protesting.James Depriest, the Music Director of Roux Marlet Orchestra, finally contacts Chiaki.James apologizes for not being to go to Paris to help him. The reason is he is being dragged to Nagano by Stressman. Chiaki asks if Stressman is the reason why he becomes the Conductor of Roux Marlet Orchestra. James' answer is no. He chose Chiaki because he saw how Chiaki performed before.After ending the call, James tells Stressman that Chiaki may have surpassed him.Nodame tells Charles Auclair sensei about her recital. She also informs him about Chiaki's upcoming performance with Roux Marlet Orchestra.When Nodame is playing the piano, Rui happens to be outside listening. (From her expression, it's easy to tell that she now sees Nodame as a rival.)Chiaki's style of Conducting has incurred the wrath of many oke members.Chiaki feels exhausted and burnt out after a long day of practicing. He questions himself whether he is setting his expectation too high.At that moment, Nodame comes into his room and Chiaki vents his anger on her. However, he recovers almost immediately and asks Nodame to go for a walk outside with him.After the walk and a good talk, Chiaki feels better.The next day, after practice, the leader of Oboe department, pleads Kuroki to pick up his daughter from kindergarten as he has work to do and the baby-sitter suddenly just quit.Kuroki decides to help him. He brings her to Nodame's place.Tanya makes dinner for everyone. When Kuroki comments that her food is nice..Tanya blushes and smiles. (It's so obvious that she's in love! She even notices Kuroki has lost weight!)Well, the girl is sharing about what her father feels about the Conductor. According to her father, Chiaki is fussy, picky and definitely will have no luck with girls. (haha..) That certainly p*sses Chiaki off.The girl also says that Recently her father has been practicing extra hard. (Must be the Chiaki effect!)Upon hearing that, Chiaki tells her he knows about that as he could hear her father's improvement.The day of Performance finally arrives. Chiaki conducts with grace. In his mind, he wishes to have the 'magic' of Viera and Stressman. He will continue working hard to be like them.Everything goes on smoothly and the Roux Marlet Orchestra plays beautifully.They receive a standing ovation from the audience.After the performance, looking at the Orchestra (probably only at Kuroki), Tanya decides to take part in a concour.Nodame is very touched.The end!
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