[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Honey and Clover I episode 2: The two affections start to turn
This episode kicks off with, disappointingly, another scene in which Morita upsets Hagumi but things soon pick up as it becomes clear exactly what he’s up to. At this stage Morita is the most interesting of the bunch with the ‘mysterious’ job that causes him to be absent, only to return home and sleep solidly for 48 hours straight. My fears concerning Hagumi’s character are allayed when we learn more about her: it turns out that she’s an extremely talented artist and she interacts more with those around her as well.
We’re still in the earliest stage of the series here. That is to say the characters are still being introduced and their backgrounds are only just beginning to be explored. Hagumi and Ayumi meet and get along right away, no doubt due to their mutual interest in ornamental clay work; a phone call and inner monologue hints that the teacher brought Hagumi to the college for very particular, if still unknown reasons; and Takemoto’s good nature is shown to great effect as he helps out Morita…again.
As Takemoto’s sempai, Mayama is the more laconic and laid-back fellow amongst them and comes across as quite analytical and intellectual. Takemoto in contrast seems to decide things using his heart rather than his head but his kindness and selflessness do not go unnoticed by his friends (unless they’re asleep, obviously!). Even Morita is shown in a more positive light as the episode progresses: while he seems to be exploiting Hagumi to further his art career a generous gesture he makes later on says a lot about his good side.
Honey and Clover is still getting into its stride I think, but the thoughtful way in which the characters are portrayed compliments the picturesque, soft-focus visuals, making it one of the most ‘easy on the eyes’ type of shows I’ve seen so far. Just the thing to watch after a long, busy week!
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