Aion
Time-Traveller
Note: I posted this earlier on today in the "What have you just watched?" thread. After thinking, I figured it's a better idea to put my thoughts in this section.
For reasons unknown, I just sat through episodes 1-7 of Spice and Wolf even though I was tired to begin with. Not knowing anything going into it, I didn't expect the series to be too complicated going on the title alone. It wasn't a nice surprise to have to sit through fairly complex (for me at least) trading discussions after expecting a fun and simple show. I have to admit to understanding very little of the economic elements of the story, and blogs aren't helping me much when the typers seem to be remaining vague on purpose. I'm just glad that reviewers on MAL do mention that the trading chatter is confusing and not simplified as much as it could be - they've made me feel slightly less dumb and I can now continue watching without worrying about the size of my brain.
What's kept me watching, like pretty much everyone else who has watched it, is the relationship between Lawrence and Horo. Horo, a wolf God in human form, shows intelligence, playfulness and weakness depending on the situation, which makes her both loveable and interesting. I believe the term for her type of character is 'tsundre', which I think describes a character who acts tough but has a hidden weak side she shows to select few. The character she shows her weakness to, Lawrence, is a kind-hearted yet very smart trader, and his personality blends well with his loveable companion, with the two often flirting and having intelligent conversations at the same time. I can see myself watching the remaining episodes later today, and the only reason is to see more flirty/fun scenes involving the unlikely trader and wolf couple.
After 7 episodes, I don't think it's the best series ever, the dull and fairly complex trading chatter weighing the series down, but it's also unique thanks to it being a story that focuses on trading and the relationship between the main two make it a hard series to stop watching. I can see Horo entering into my favourite character list and me becoming an animal lover by the time the series ends!
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In addition to my above thoughts, I'd like to add that it's going to be interesting to see how the relationship between the two develops on a sexual level when Horo only disguises herself as a human - her true form is a scary looking (and huge!) wolf. Unless the transformation allows for more than good looks, their relationship is going to have to be one without any 'fun'. It's reminiscent of the situation Chi found herself in in Chobits.
And, talking of Horo's true form, I found it moving in episode 6 when Lawrence looked fearfully at Horo and she walked away from him. It was only natural for him to react like that in the face of a huge monster, but the hurt in Horo's eyes made it quite painful to see him act like that after she saved him. At least he tried to repair the damage by attempting to prevent her from leaving...
I'm now going to go and rewatch 1-7 to try to gain a better understanding of the trading chatter. I forsee much pausing and head banging.
For reasons unknown, I just sat through episodes 1-7 of Spice and Wolf even though I was tired to begin with. Not knowing anything going into it, I didn't expect the series to be too complicated going on the title alone. It wasn't a nice surprise to have to sit through fairly complex (for me at least) trading discussions after expecting a fun and simple show. I have to admit to understanding very little of the economic elements of the story, and blogs aren't helping me much when the typers seem to be remaining vague on purpose. I'm just glad that reviewers on MAL do mention that the trading chatter is confusing and not simplified as much as it could be - they've made me feel slightly less dumb and I can now continue watching without worrying about the size of my brain.
What's kept me watching, like pretty much everyone else who has watched it, is the relationship between Lawrence and Horo. Horo, a wolf God in human form, shows intelligence, playfulness and weakness depending on the situation, which makes her both loveable and interesting. I believe the term for her type of character is 'tsundre', which I think describes a character who acts tough but has a hidden weak side she shows to select few. The character she shows her weakness to, Lawrence, is a kind-hearted yet very smart trader, and his personality blends well with his loveable companion, with the two often flirting and having intelligent conversations at the same time. I can see myself watching the remaining episodes later today, and the only reason is to see more flirty/fun scenes involving the unlikely trader and wolf couple.
After 7 episodes, I don't think it's the best series ever, the dull and fairly complex trading chatter weighing the series down, but it's also unique thanks to it being a story that focuses on trading and the relationship between the main two make it a hard series to stop watching. I can see Horo entering into my favourite character list and me becoming an animal lover by the time the series ends!
---------
In addition to my above thoughts, I'd like to add that it's going to be interesting to see how the relationship between the two develops on a sexual level when Horo only disguises herself as a human - her true form is a scary looking (and huge!) wolf. Unless the transformation allows for more than good looks, their relationship is going to have to be one without any 'fun'. It's reminiscent of the situation Chi found herself in in Chobits.
And, talking of Horo's true form, I found it moving in episode 6 when Lawrence looked fearfully at Horo and she walked away from him. It was only natural for him to react like that in the face of a huge monster, but the hurt in Horo's eyes made it quite painful to see him act like that after she saved him. At least he tried to repair the damage by attempting to prevent her from leaving...
I'm now going to go and rewatch 1-7 to try to gain a better understanding of the trading chatter. I forsee much pausing and head banging.
