[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Bokurano 21 and 22
And so, we lose one who is possibly one of my favourite characters in the show. His family issues are brought to a head and after a period of ‘they can all just die’ syndrome, he finds it in himself to fight for her sake - or rather, which is more telling, fighting so she can continue her work and allow the other kids to be freed from the contract. It echoes Kirie’s battle in some ways but crucially maintains the human element which could so easily be lost when there’s an entire universe at stake.
Under the circumstances it’s a darned good question, actually
I’ve always thought Kanji was a cool guy, and he went down in style accordingly - it was a really emotionally powerful exit, which is just as well since there isn’t likely to be another one unless Kana ends up fighting (a prospect that will depressing more than anything). The unexpected effects of the Zearth program, which I must confess found to be a bit confusing, reference the opening credits sequence too, which makes me inclined to believe that the writers knew where the story was going from the beginning(?). The whole Masterminds thing is leaving me a bit worried though, since it’s clearly a crucial aspect to the story but, with only a couple of eps to go, they’ve not been introduced properly yet. I foresee a rushed ending. Not a pleasant prospect.
Dung Beetle’s up to his tricks again
After Kanji’s demise the series inevitably turned its attention towards Jun and Kana and went further back into Jun’s life to explain just why he became such a bullying little shit. Actually, it didn’t explain why. Sure, his (adoptive) dad was pretty inattentive and any effort he made was misunderstood by Jun, but still…that ‘neglected elder sibling’ argument he seemed to give just didn’t hold water. I have two younger sisters but I don’t resent either of them, or my parents - Jun’s attitude was that of an unpleasant little kid, not some virtuous lad who’s been wronged. While I didn’t see his upbringing as a justification for his behaviour, it did allow me to understand him a little better - as so often happens in Bokurano, I found myself thinking, “you’re wrong to think that way but I understand your reasons for doing so.” Or something along those lines.
I never thought I’d say this but…kudos to him
What was great about Jun’s portrayal though is how the Zearth affair brought out his protective ‘brotherly’ feelings towards Kana, choosing to beg for Machi’s help instead of taking up Dung Beetle’s offer; just as well really, because Kana’s willing to put herself on the line to save him so I’d be disappointed at him for doing otherwise. It’s this that leads me to believe that, unless something really unexpected happens, he’s managed to redeem himself; he even tells Machi that he doesn’t blame Kana for her mother’s death any more (about bloody time, too). At any rate, I’m hating Jun a lot less and hope that Machi is able to save Kana somehow.
Posted on October 18th, 2007 @ 6:50 am
Jun does the right thing. I’m glad for him. I just wonder if that’s the last of the good things in this show. I think it wasted its potential after a glorious start. And so much time passes between releases, and the new season is in full swing, I’m finding it hard to really care.
And it’s a damn shame. A few months ago this show really had me. Maybe the final two eps will redeem much of it, but as I said, it’s hard to care now.
Posted on October 18th, 2007 @ 11:24 am
In the preview we see Machi with the pilot’s mark, so it seems that she will volunteer to take Kana’s place. We will see how Koemushi reacts to this.
Posted on October 18th, 2007 @ 10:32 pm
@Peter S: I’m also mildly disappointed with the way it’s going - I too am looking ahead to finishing other current shows and starting new ones. I’m finally warming to Jun’s character but with so many others gone, my interest is waning.
@Son Gohan: Seriously?! The idea of Machi piloting is an interesting one. It’ll certainly put a different spin on things with Dung Beetle! Anyway, the last two eps are subbed so I should have the series wrapped up before the beginning of next week.