What could have easily been a pair of episodes that pandered to the otaku database turned out to be two of the best episodes yet, utilizing the character development up to this point to create a great balance of slice-of-life and drama.
Episode 19
It looks like the show has learned its lesson from its earlier fanservice episode and decided to keep it classy this time around. So instead of the usual cliches that accompany these kinds of episodes, we get Yuina in an old-school waitress uniform and Ko in drag. The second of these two things was particularly amusing to me, even though it happened in a dream sequence. The fact that Ohana is still thinking about him (not a surprise) to the continued use of the festival lantern imagery, I think he'll be making a reappearance at that festival that was much-hyped in the first few episodes but has now been largely forgotten. I'm still wondering what the deal was with that fox kid too...
But possible foreshadowing is not the point in this episode. Now that most of the major characters have been fleshed out, watching them simply interact with each other and some new supporting characters is much more enjoyable to watch than if they had done this, say, five or six episodes ago. Basically, the extra information about these characters and their motivations that the last few episodes have set up let me view them in a more enjoyable light. Yuina is a great example; before, I found her a bit annoying but now that I know that's just how she is, I don't really mind her antics that much, especially since now she gives Ohana her due. But aside from the other characters, the real development in these episodes happened for Minko.
Episode 20
Breaking news: MINKO FINALLY MAKES A MOVE. Too bad a misunderstanding nullified any affect it may have had. I've said this before, but I'll say it again: Minko's stubbornness about admitting her feelings and taking out her frustration on Ohana has kept her from becoming a likeable character for me. The development in this episode has been long overdue and the buildup from episode 19 makes a suitable payoff in this episode, and, judging by the preview for the next episode, the show is going to continue to ride this sudden momentum in her character. I greatly welcome all of this, and the scenes in this episode from the flashback to writing "love" in ketchup were great to watch.
Most of the development in these two episodes came from the contrast between Minko and the supporting character who demanded to put omelet rice on the menu because she wanted to impress her crush. Their argument in episode 19 and resolution in this episode illustrates a key point that has made Minko had to identify with for me: her stubbornness prevents her from fully explaining her thought process behind her decision. She didn't want omelet rice on the menu for the simple reason that they couldn't make it with the equipment in the classroom; however, she was also mad that the girl was making decisions based on her crush, a problem that Minko has with herself, so she took out her personal frustrations on her. But with the events of this episode, maybe we'll see the end of Minko's stubbornness. Or the love triangle will blow up in everyone's face. Either way.
Images from Crunchyroll.com.
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Episode: Hana-Saku Iroha Episode 19
