Despite Iroha being one of the most false-seeming of all characters, second only to Haruno, Hachiman is able to have extremely fun conversations with her, able to dissect her elaborate social constructions. He observes that she was trying to make herself look like a love-struck fool in order to win over Hayama (no good: shot down at once), and wonders aloud why she bothered: "You knew it wouldn't work." Clever camera angles emphasize that their two trains of thought are parallel without ever meeting, because what got her excited, worked up, and caught up in the moment was not a romantic time with the most popular boy in school, but overhearing Hachiman's plea to Yui and Yukino. In a rare second of openness, she reveals that "I'm starting to want the real thing too." And just like that, becomes a little less hateful.
Of course, there's still plenty of facades left, and Hayama, whose intuitive intelligence continues to impress, had already picked up on that, claiming Iroha isn't really interested in him at all, right before moving into a entree-size compliment for Hachiman being able to change people around him, giving us a clue to his unstated opinion. Whether or not he's right, Iroha promptly tries to hide behind her own cynical, manipulative calculations - after all, it's familiar territory. At least some miniscule progress has been (maybe? Hopefully?) made, but odds are it's infinitesimal.
As if to emphasize that the whole Iroha Christmas party request was simply the stage to explore the trio's relationships, Yukino solves the dilemma in one sledgehammer dialogue, banters comfortably with her friend afterwards (who gives as good as he gets, Iroha being only a third wheel), and the event proceeds as a fait accompli. More important is the aftermath, where in the clubroom Yukino reaffirms her intent to fulfill Hachiman's request - something genuine. That room, bathed in rich evening light, is now the site of deep and comfortable communion between the three, which Yui intuits with a warm smile and Hachiman is just barely beginning to realize. Yukino has also realized it, and she is radiant in these scenes. It's like a long-lasting sigh of relief. The tension is (for now) out of the air. What's more, the chemistry between Hachiman and Yukino is incredible, and watching them together is matched only by Komachi and her brother, who have a small moment illustrating family at its best.
Family at its worst is reintroduced by Haruno & Family. Seriously this woman is evil. Black heart incarnate. She manipulates Yukino by using her feelings for Hachiman to arrange an embarrassing meeting for her younger sister, culminating in Haruno getting her way and Yukino looking small and petulant by comparison. Her mother makes an appearance, and it is clear that Haruno exceeds expectations, whereas Yukino fails to meet them in her mother's eyes.
Three episodes till the season (and probably series) finale, and the real work to be done is still relationality. Whereas the first season and a half focused on friendship, the rest seems destined to look at slow-burning love in the context of poisonous family - i.e. Yukino, Hachiman, and that domestic mess. The last two arcs demonstrated how easily bonds can be frayed and broken, and this last arc will be the biggest test yet. The three have moved beyond fear and insecurity with each other, and are growing in true freedom - but Haruno in particular is a paralyzing agent, easily capable (I hate that she's furiously smart and intuitive! I wouldn't hate her so much if she were dumb!) of ruining all the good progress that's been made.
Of course, there's still plenty of facades left, and Hayama, whose intuitive intelligence continues to impress, had already picked up on that, claiming Iroha isn't really interested in him at all, right before moving into a entree-size compliment for Hachiman being able to change people around him, giving us a clue to his unstated opinion. Whether or not he's right, Iroha promptly tries to hide behind her own cynical, manipulative calculations - after all, it's familiar territory. At least some miniscule progress has been (maybe? Hopefully?) made, but odds are it's infinitesimal.
As if to emphasize that the whole Iroha Christmas party request was simply the stage to explore the trio's relationships, Yukino solves the dilemma in one sledgehammer dialogue, banters comfortably with her friend afterwards (who gives as good as he gets, Iroha being only a third wheel), and the event proceeds as a fait accompli. More important is the aftermath, where in the clubroom Yukino reaffirms her intent to fulfill Hachiman's request - something genuine. That room, bathed in rich evening light, is now the site of deep and comfortable communion between the three, which Yui intuits with a warm smile and Hachiman is just barely beginning to realize. Yukino has also realized it, and she is radiant in these scenes. It's like a long-lasting sigh of relief. The tension is (for now) out of the air. What's more, the chemistry between Hachiman and Yukino is incredible, and watching them together is matched only by Komachi and her brother, who have a small moment illustrating family at its best.
Family at its worst is reintroduced by Haruno & Family. Seriously this woman is evil. Black heart incarnate. She manipulates Yukino by using her feelings for Hachiman to arrange an embarrassing meeting for her younger sister, culminating in Haruno getting her way and Yukino looking small and petulant by comparison. Her mother makes an appearance, and it is clear that Haruno exceeds expectations, whereas Yukino fails to meet them in her mother's eyes.
Three episodes till the season (and probably series) finale, and the real work to be done is still relationality. Whereas the first season and a half focused on friendship, the rest seems destined to look at slow-burning love in the context of poisonous family - i.e. Yukino, Hachiman, and that domestic mess. The last two arcs demonstrated how easily bonds can be frayed and broken, and this last arc will be the biggest test yet. The three have moved beyond fear and insecurity with each other, and are growing in true freedom - but Haruno in particular is a paralyzing agent, easily capable (I hate that she's furiously smart and intuitive! I wouldn't hate her so much if she were dumb!) of ruining all the good progress that's been made.
No comments:
Post a Comment