"Is the Ocean Burning?" Simulwatch II: Real Drive.

[ilmaestro]

Man, I don't know that I expected a clip ep right here... after the last ep was title "intermission" I half thought that that might be, but they actually did it pretty well.

The live action sequence was kind of cool, the low resolution was noticable though. ^^;

The next ep preview was potentially quite worrying, I agree, as MR says it has had a habit of being the opposite of what you might suspect, and that was almost too tranquil.

Screenshot, I would personally have gone for Minamo's feet in her cute slippers, but that's an issue I'm working through with my therapist. The idea of Minamo on work experience at Section 9 is certainly an entertaining one. :lol:

 

[Professor Irony]

Screenshot, I would personally have gone for Minamo's feet in her cute slippers

Again, I very nearly went for that... In the end though, I couldn't think of a suitable penguin drum gag.

EP 15 - Eat (Imotare)

My guess as to the content could not have been more wrong, but that was an interesting episode all the same. I'm rather digging the show's habit of exploring how future tech can be applied to more everyday circumstances than cyber-crime and world domination.

Ultimately, I suppose the adventures of the cyber-gourmet club didn't really tell us anything the sex episode wasn't already hinting at, but it's intriguing to see the same issues manifest themselves outside of straight-up vice. For the record though, I quite like green peppers and I can't understand Minamo's problem at all. I did like Holon's quip about the natural oil though - definite reference back to SAC, methinks.

Oh boy, was this one ever silly-face city. So hard to choose...

The mighty hunter.



and, bonus:

"Et tu, Haru?"

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Ep 15 -

I feel like a bit of a broken record but again I don't have much to add to what Prof's already said. Another nice episode, which was kind of sureal in a way. But yeah it did feel quite like the erotic metal episode.

Another hint from Kushima as well when discussing tea - "because my body has retained my old customs"

It seems to try and convey at times that prosthetics are bad. I guess it'll fit into the whole overarcing plot near the end. But the next episode looks quite interesting - Sota Vs Holon! However how many times has the preview led us astray?

 

[Professor Irony]

I think this one was more or less what the preview showed us for a change

Ep16 - "Transparent Power (ism)"

Again, nothing too earth shattering, but still enjoyable and quietly contemplative. Souta's interest in Holon certainly takes on a whole new dimension if she's modelled on the Secretary General. I'm really hoping they aren't setting up the SG as the show's villain. I think it's a bit distasteful in this day and age to demonise the sexually active woman and place the virginal innocent on a pedestal, even if it is unintentional.

Saying that, I'm still hopeful there's more to it. The SG does (I think) seem to be interested in Souta for more than just sex and I feel they raise some potentially uncomfortable questions about how much independent thought Holon is actually capable of. However much Souta makes googly eyes at her, the show (and indeed Holon herself) seems keen to remind us that she's still just a machine and any emotion is just a line of code for her. Souta gets to play hero and rescue the girl, but I have no doubt Holon would be fully aware that crying out his name would spur him on to finish the fight rather than being any serious indication of her own distress.

tl;dr - I want them to make Blue Velvet: The Sci-fi Anime.

There were a couple of silly faces this episode, but we had quite a bit of that last time, so:



Way to kick a man when he's down there, Minamo. Next time, just buy him a dress :?

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 16:

This episode actually struck every cord right with me. Possibly one of my favourite ones so far. It's the kind of episode I wanted before the end. Nothing too major but some very decent character development.

Looks like you guys were bang on the money with Sota being in love with Holon. It's certainly an interesting dynamic and the whole love between an android and a human, and whether it's real or not is an interesting one that Sota is obviously tussling with.

The secretary general bit was interesting, but again I find myself wanting some more information on her. I think you might be right in that she is likely to get painted as a villian, although i'm not sure what her stands on The Metal and Prosthetics are apart from that she doesn't want sexbots of herself! I think if there's one thing this show has done though is that it's gone against what we think; with it being a Masamune Shirow show as well I don't think it'll be left poorly explained.

Speaking of the show everytime it gives us fight scenes they seem to always be very well choreographed. This episode continuing that with some very nice fluid fights between Sota and Holon, Holon and Scwartz V2, and Sota and Scwartz V2

Way to kick a man when he's down there, Minamo. Next time, just buy him a dress

I laughed when she said this and then immediately thought that this was, quite possibly, the most unintentionally harshest thing she could say

 

[ilmaestro]

Weird, I thought I posted about ep 15. Will add it with my ep 16 thoughts in a bit.

 

[ilmaestro]

EP 15 - Eat (Imotare)

I did like Holon's quip about the natural oil though - definite reference back to SAC, methinks.

Haha, absolutely imo! I wonder how Holon would get on with the Tachikomas. I think they'd love her. ^_^

Another hint from Kushima as well when discussing tea - "because my body has retained my old customs"

Great catch. It's been such a slow-burn in terms of finding out stuff about Kushima, any little comment feels massive!

--

I thought this ep was just another good example of how the show has its story telling down pretty well. Fully enjoyable even if somewhat abstract in the context of the main body of the series, but certainly the kind of ep that makes me glad the show wasn't just 12 episodes long.

Screencap... there were just too many possibilities, haha. I did think you would go back to a silly Minami face though, this episode deserved it completely.

 

[ilmaestro]

Ep16 - "Transparent Power (ism)"

Again, nothing too earth shattering, but still enjoyable and quietly contemplative. Souta's interest in Holon certainly takes on a whole new dimension if she's modelled on the Secretary General. I'm really hoping they aren't setting up the SG as the show's villain. I think it's a bit distasteful in this day and age to demonise the sexually active woman and place the virginal innocent on a pedestal, even if it is unintentional.

Hmm, interesting potential reading of it, I still think we don't know enough about the SG to draw any conclusions, and it also doesn't entirely feel like a show that "needs" a main villain, but it's certainly not impossible with the evidence of her wide-reaching influence becoming more apparent

Speaking of the show everytime it gives us fight scenes they seem to always be very well choreographed. This episode continuing that with some very nice fluid fights between Sota and Holon, Holon and Scwartz V2, and Sota and Scwartz V2

Yep, I thought the fights were both exciting and brutal in this ep. Certainly a great change of pace from the serene nature of much of the show.

--

And hot damn if my absolute favorite branch of sci-fi (androids developing emotions or not - there's a reason that Time of EVE is virtually my favorite anime ever) wasn't what this ep was largely about. Really enjoyed it, and Souta/Holon had earned some more dedicated screentime over the course of tidbits that had been throw our way. I don't think their relationship is quite as unique or important as Minamo and Haru's, but this episode did a lot for it, not least of all by doing nothing overly cheesy with it.

Pic is an excellent choice, I was tempted to say Souta in his "I'm just unsuspiciously looking for some android hookers" outfit (the glasses in particular) had a chance, but if there was something that summed up the emotion of the ep nicely it was that comment.

 

[Professor Irony]

Yeah, I'd definitely chime in on the fight choreography - it's been very nicely handled. You certainly couldn't accuse the show of shying away from action because it's something it can't handle; it just chooses not to.

I completely forgot to mention Souta's 'undercover' garb though - it was pretty hilarious, right down to the frat-boy popped collar...

Sadly, I think ep17 will need to wait until tomorrow morning for me. Mountain Dew has not lived up to its reputation

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 17 - Home/Inherit

Trust Minamo to miss hear a plant as food!

This episode started off very interestingly with her Grandmother finding her seemingly "following the wind". I think we wondered earlier about if she had a connection to what Minamo could do. And they can also smell what the weather will be. I have a polyp in my nose so I can't smell *anything* (I have tested this in REALLY stupid and idiotic ways in the past!) but I assume that people with a sense of smell can't sense when it's going to rain!

Was I the only one that thought The 8th, A nano-machine plant, looked kind of ominous like a battleship? Anywho, Sota and Minamo's father is back working as a researcher. At this stage the episode had only been going for 7 minutes and it felt strangely like I had a lot to talk about already. In a way it felt like something big was coming...

And then we kind of got something! The confirmation that Kushima got a prosthetic body. It kinda feels like a big thing even though we've suspected it for quite some time.

Anyways this episode felt quite Shirow-esque without being too overly handed with the technology. Another rather good episode. Although was that stuff at the airport some foreshadowing? Or is the show throwing another curve ball?

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Episode 18 - Tjuta Forest/Ion

From the start of this episode it felt like they were pushing Minamo's ability with the wind a lot. The tour guide also seems to have something similar that she simply called intuition. I suspect her words of "That's why we must be prepared to live alongside nature" will come back in some fashion towards the end.

Again one of the things mentioned in the background was terrorism. It made me think that this show could easily go down that route but it's managed to stay entertaining and true to it's strengths even without. I do wonder if it'll be a bit more prolific in the last few episodes though.

That was an interesting little twist towards the end as well with a subtle bit of how Holon works. If there is indeed a Metal/Non-Metal debate how would Sota side considering his feelings for Holon? But will that even matter seeing what happend after the credits? I assume they'll take her back to somewhere where she can access the Metal easier so that she can control herself again.

But again it raises a kind of interesting point with the whole terrorism side. They clearly were able to do some kind of damage to the Metal/connection to the Metal with that pod. I really do wonder if this will factor into the last few episodes. Still, another good episode!

 

[Professor Irony]

I promise I have watched both 17 and 18 (I even know what I'm screencapping), but I haven't yet found the time to give them a proper write up - should get it done tonight.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

I promise I have watched both 17 and 18 (I even know what I'm screencapping), but I haven't yet found the time to give them a proper write up - should get it done tonight.

Excellent. I was beginning to think I was coming across as talking to myself!

Episode 19 - Raindrops that return/Ichor

I'm actually kinda glad we got a look at the world map at the start. I was wondering if the landscape of the world had changed or not. Anyways! Clouds that are bad; those are the reason for Holon's lost link? That's...A bit of a shame. I was expecting something on a larger scale! Also something that's been bugging me for such a long time.....Every time Holon says "Master" towards Haru I keep envisioning Saber from F/sn thanks to Ayako Kawasumi

The short round table discussion at the halfway point was interesting again. The noise effect having a bigger problem. It also feels like the world and those who influence behind the scenes is a lot bigger than we know, but the show just does not explain or show it. The secretary general being a prime example of this.

But still the foreshadowing in this episode was strong! And it of course answered that with Haru standing up of his own accord. The whole becoming one with nature thing...

Another good solid episode!

 

[Professor Irony]

Episode 17 - Home/Inherit

Not much I can really add to that. I think the mention of Kushima's prosthetics is probably the most notable thing this ep. I did think it was strange that Minamo's grandmother didn't show more of a response when she met Haru. I thought the picture of them together in the past was leading up to something...

I find it amusing that they simply call the artificial island "Artificial Island" though. Surely they could have come up with something a bit more imaginative (Atlantis!).

Also, I don't think this is the first reference to a "Jenny En" - could be the real name of the Secretary General?

Screengrab had to be this - it's made of d'aww...



Ep18

That NNN jingle was a bit intrusive in this ep.

Am I horribly cynical to think that Umuran could be behind this in some way? In true Scooby Doo fashion, she's the only adult left who's not entirely accounted for. Then again, as ilmae said, I guess this isn't the sort of show to really ascribe 'villains' in the normal sense. I kind of hope they don't push the terrorism aspect too hard in the last few episodes - the inclusion of a terror subplot in the closing stages of Planetes (perhaps a more apt comparison for Real Drive than GitS is) rather brought the series down a notch for me.

I think, regarding the metal, it'll definitely be interesting to see what note the show ends on though. Most things Shirow's been involved with are heavily pro-technology, but this still feels like it could go either way. Minamo and Haru are in tune with the nature and the earth's biorhythm, but the show seems very sympathetic towards Holon and the metal gives Haru a rich livelihood he would otherwise have lacked.

Were I feeling more frivolous, I'd have this for an avatar:

 

[Professor Irony]

E19

Well, I feel a bit of a dick now. Wasn't Umuran at all - I should have known better than to expect something so conventional.

I'll write a bit more tomorrow.

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

Also, I don't think this is the first reference to a "Jenny En" - could be the real name of the Secretary General?

I'm 90% certain this is the male at the meetings that isn't Kushima. He was introduced in a very early episode (i'm thinking the Iron Schwartz one. Can't check right now)

Maybe we'll never get any more on the Secretary General! I wouldn't put it past this show

E19

Well, I feel a bit of a dick now. Wasn't Umuran at all - I should have known better than to expect something so conventional.

I'll write a bit more tomorrow.

I've got to admit that I read your post of ep 18 and had the smile of someone who knew what was coming

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

We're getting closer and closer to the end with only 6 episodes to go!

Episode 20 - With those legs/Identity

This episode felt like it covered a few different bases. Starting off with Haru and walking; with his want of diving in the Ocean again. Before moving onto Minamo and the possibility of a cyber brain. It was interesting how they introduced it as a "simple procedure" with only "two injections". I kinda thought it'd be a full blown surgery thing where they...change your brain...I hadn't given it much thought I find it very interesting though that we are always perceived with the fact that Minamo is one of the only ones not to have a cyber brain. Sure Umuran from the last episode didn't but if you look at all the main cast members and even her classmates then she's the only one not to have one. It felt like they'd be taking an important character point away from her if she got a cyber brain.

The bit in the hospital with the man was interesting because the first time he started speaking my mind instantly went "That's Kushimas voice...in a young Haru like body..." and how interesting that it seemed to actually be him! I knew the show wouldn't just reuse a main va like that for a minor character. Still...This throws up the interesting possibility that people can get their cyber brains switched into other bodies...? And how interesting to see the process and inside of a prosthetic head!

Minamo~ That form had your name on! You'll get done for littering~

Now the previews have been misleading before but...Sota...Is he about to confess his love?

 

[Professor Irony]

E19, cont.

Every time Holon says "Master" towards Haru I keep envisioning Saber from F/sn thanks to Ayako Kawasumi

That's a good spot, I'd totally missed that was the same va. But yeah, I think the actual conclusion to 19 was rather anticlimactic (although Haru walking was admittedly cool). The show's apparent determination to avoid having a definite villain character is interesting though. Episodes like this one make me think the only 'villains' the series points to are ignorance and complacency.

The desire to control the weather on Artificial Island is interesting too. I'd guess it almost certainly harks back to this catastrophe that seems to have affected the world and presumably sets up the island as an experiment to create a living space that could withstand a repeat performance.

Another clear choice for the screengrab, I think:

 

[Professor Irony]

Episode 20 - With those legs/Identity

It felt like they'd be taking an important character point away from Minamo if she got a cyber brain.

Yeah, I always felt it was pretty much a forgone conclusion though that Minamo wouldn't be undergoing cyberisation. Much like Togusa in GitS, I think it's her lack of cyberisation that gives her a unique perspective on the world and I can't see them changing that.

It was pretty blatant that the man in the hospital was making things up to hide his identity, but I didn't clock Kushima's voice, so that did surprise me. The empty void in their artificial heads is creepy though - the entire brain seems to be stored down in the neck! At least GitS had the reassurance of a familiar-looking brain case...

I'll be disappointed if we don't get something more about the shopkeeper's missing wife though - surely they can't just bring that up and leave us hanging! :?

Speaking of bringing things up, Minamo's met her old nemesis, Sgt. Pepper...

Now the previews have been misleading before but...Sota...Is he about to confess his love?

Hmm, I dunno. Souta's obviously quite keen on Holon, but she's basically told him to his face that love is just an on/off switch to her. I'm really curious to see how this is going to go down, but I can't spare the time to watch ahead right now

 

[MercenaryRaiden]

This episode felt like we're starting to move into end game territory here...

Episode 21 - Eternity/Infinity

THE SECRETARY GENERAL HAS A NAME. Also a nickname. "First Princess". Although her name is Takanami so she has no relation to anyone we've seen thus far. So Holon was made in her image. That might explain Sotas fixation after we saw him earlier on in bed with the Secretary General. Still what an interesting episode from our point of view; we got some development for her! The roundtable discussion near the middle did feel very "WE'RE THE BAD GUYS"

And there seemed to be a little explanation of that catastrophy. When the earths biorhythm appears, the effect is reflected inside of the Metal. This caused the power station to go boom and when they were building the Artifical Island.

And yet even with all this "A-Plot" going on we managed to get ourselves some good character development between Sota and Holon! Another full episode that was really good. And another cliffhanger! Oh my.