An Angel Passing By: Haibane Renmei Simulwatch - ep 05 29/12

Episode 12

Fireworks and reconciliation. Wasn't expecting a fireworks episode in this show but the tolling bells at the year's end celebration brought a very peaceful vibe to the town. The distribution of presents by the Haibane, in silence, to the humans that had nurtured them over the year was heartwarming.

Reki fortunately didn't come out of her room sleepless in the early hours transformed into a moody goth. Rather she has been very much the resolute adult (whilst of course still rebelling against Haibane dude heh, do we ever stop rebelling against our elders??) in accepting her fate, whatever that may be. Rakka, and her apparently no longer estranged bff, demonstrate that, underneath it all, Reki is not as alone as she may think. Hopefully this can count towards absolving her of her crime against the wall, the same as Rakka was able to achieve thanks to the bird that was looking out for her.

On another note, some cryptic chat was had between Rakka and Haibane dude about their true name reveal on ascension to the throne of heroes (apologies for the terrible reference, been playing too much FGO). I'm shocked and disappointed that we have not had any overt hauntings inside the wall tunnel workspace for Rakka after all the ominous warnings... Onwards to see how this wraps up now.

Edit: Oops I had accidentally labelled this episode 11 when it was 12, having forgotten I'd done 11 with 10; apologies
 
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Episode 11
  • Its time for one of the children to go back to the Abandoned Factory and the way in, is of course, a hole in the fence.
  • The smell of the river remind Rakka of something, from her forgotten past?
  • Skateboarding is cool.
  • Hyohko almost died because of Reki. Could this be one of things holding Reki back?
  • Inside the wall, laughter can be heard from drops of water in the waterway, a fading wave.
  • Time is up for Reki at the end of winter.
  • The consequences of not having a Day of Flight are revealed.
  • Saving Reki also means losing her.
  • No more bike slides in winter.
  • Reki is determined to end it, but in what way?
 
Episode 11
Not too much to add from above, but as The Communicator was explaining what would happen if Reki didn't get her Day of Flight, he first said she would lose her wings and halo I was thinking "ah, that's what happened to Hyouko", but then he added that she would have to move far away from everyone else. Wonder if you can get far away from everyone else within the walls or maybe that's who the Toga are? They can go outside the Wall, but maybe not to the same place as the other Haibane?

The scene at the end reminded me of the Fast Show skit:
 
Episode 13

A lovely way to end a lovely little gem of a show examining themes around redemption through the lense of SOL, and at times psychological horror.

In the end, Reki's main test was to open her heart again to trust others enough to be able to ask for much needed help. Both Rakka and Reki demonstrated insight to be able to pass their tests, one accepting how her weakness and self denial took a toll on a loved one, and the other doing good for the selfish purpose of obtaining salvation. The latter for Reki was very interesting. It is very human to do good for one's own benefit, just that it's very easy to delude oneself into thinking that such actions are purely out of benevolence. I still believe that is a noble purpose, as overall all parties benefit, as opposed to doing harm to others for one's own benefit. Conversely, a good deed is not purely for selfish reasons either, but does indeed carry benevolence and kindness within which is also just as human a drive. Humanity just loves a good paradox in all it does. And despite what both Reki and Haibane dude state about her kindness being bourne out of a selfish desire for salvation alone, her actions and demeanour throughout the show definitely have me of the opinion that there was a lot of magnanimity in Reki's kindness to those around her. Rakka agrees. It was therefore a relief that, after all the so-called betrayals she had been through, to see Reki trust Rakka enough to plead for her help to attain forgiveness and finally send her off.

Her dreamscape was certainly hellish and boy did Haibane dude play high-stakes reverse psychology to push Reki out of her rut. Unlike with Kuu, there were no surprises for anyone with this day of flight, but rather relief. And now it's Rakka's turn to look after twins! Lastly, the halos really are just for comic relief after all!
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Episode 12
  • Reki has given up smoking and is getting her affairs in order.
  • Reki's fear of the wall is justified.
  • Is Hyohko not able to go into the south district his punishment for touching the wall?
  • Rakka deciphers the symbols.
  • Haibane have true names when they go beyond.
  • Shake those nuts for gratitude.
  • Fireworks = reconciliation.
  • One more episode left.
 
Episode 12
Reki seems convinced she'll be going away soon and that everyone will forget her, but before she goes she give Hyouko a symbolic gift asking for forgiveness as part of the equivalent of New Years festival.
Then we find out why Midori turned against Reki. Hyouko tried to help Reki climb the wall because she was missing Kuramori, but fell off it. To add to the injury he was punished by the Haibane Renmei.

Rakka figures out that symbols on the plaques are the sign language used by the Toga and The Communicator (I was thinking the same, but never wrote it here). The Communicator then tells Rakka that Kuu's plaque shows her real name and then produces box with the carving of her true name too, "Involved Nut"! The Communicator says it was because she sprouted here and connected with others, showing why the OP had a sprouting nut rather than a cocoon when her spirit lands. The Communicator gives Rakka one for Reki too which might give her a clue.

The Haibane go off to the festival, but Reki stays home. Everyone gives out their gifts and when Rakka visits Abandoned Factory Midori asks after Reki, but she's not in town so they have to rush to make sure she sees the fireworks. They are yellow, meaning reconciliation? We don't get a straight answer, but that's what the section is called. Then we hear the walls sing!
 
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