Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora ep.2

February 8, 2006 | 2 Comments

Okay, it's two episodes in and I still don't like any of the main characters. I find this to be rather problematic since I don't like watching series where I can't feel anything for any of the protagonists. I can see that the two protagonists in this series, Yuuichi and Rika, have their problems. But strangely their problem don't seem that compelling to me even though when one thinks about it, they are facing serious situation. I just feel that the situations presented thus far fail to make me care about them and I think I need to care about their fate in order for the series to be interesting. The series obviously wants to head towards a budding romance and a tragic end story. Unfortunately, the writing is not strong enough to the point that it makes the series feel mediocre.

Continuing from the previous episode, Yuuichi and Rika are found by the scary nurse. Yuuichi is quickly transported to the hospital again and is told that he needs to stay longer there because of this incident. After the doctor and the nurse left, Yuuichi begins to remember how the now dead old man once told him to 'give it all' when he finds someone that he loves. Man, that old geezer sure is a pervert. Oh wait, I guess he was referring to 'efforts' instead of what I was thinking. Anyway, the old geezer, whose name is Tada, also told Yuuichi that the biggest fools are those who give up without trying. These fools, regretably, include himself. Upon remembering these words, Yuuichi wakes up and sneaks his way to Rika's room. Once he gets there, however, Rika orders him to stay in bed because he's in no condition to stand up. Despite this, he manages to tell Rika that he's sorry for not being able to take her to Mt.Houda.

Rika is surprised to hear this and wonders if there is no other thing he'd like to talk about like the thing that he said to her that night. Just as Yuuichi gets excited and asks Rika what he told her, scary nurse returns to take him back to his room. Believe me, she'll be the cause of his death. The nurse complains that Yuuichi doesn't seem to understand the words "don't move around" and thinks that maybe his head is empty after the incident. After the nurse left, Yuuichi, who can't remember what he said to Rika, starts to believe that his head really is empty. The next day, Yuuichi visits Rika in her room again. She warns him that nothing good will come of being with her. She, however, is surprised when Yuuichi says that he doesn't mind. Because of this, she tells him that she may get a transplant because otherwise her condition will just get worse. She also adds that she's ready for it thanks to Yuuichi, causing the poor boy to blush.

The next day, Yuuichi's friend, Manishi comes to visit with the intention of taking a look at 'The Ezaki Collection' - that's a code word for inherited porn. Yuuichi protests the name and thinks that 'Tada Collection' is more appropriate since he's not the one who owns it. Manishi, however, doesn't really care and invites Yuuichi to take a peek. As the boys go 'ooh' and 'aah' at the various photos, Rika passes by much to Yuuichi's horror. She, however, pretends that all is fine and dandy. However, when Yuuichi comes to her room to grovel and apologise, she throws a dictionary-sized book at him. She also decides to lock him in the rooftop when she finds out he's waiting to ambush her. As a result, Yuuichi gets a cold and needs to be treated. The doctor on duty, Dr.Natsume, has just been on a long-vacation out in the mountain but was called back to deal with Rika. Natsume is surprised to know that Rika told her condition to Yuuichi.

He claimed that he's worked on her case for 6 years and he never recalls a single time she tells her illness to anyone. Moreover, she never had friend before. Because of this Dr.Natsume asks Yuuichi to keep being friends with Rika but not as boyfriend/girlfriend. Dr.Natsume looks evil here for some reason. Later on, as Yuuichi goes to the rooftop again, she sees Dr.Natsume smirking at him while he's inspecting Rika. A few days later, Yuuichi is seen studying on the rooftop but when scary nurse appears, he tells her that smoking is bad for her health and gets kick on his back as a thank you note. Anyway, Yuuichi tells Scary nurse that he still fight with Rika. Scary nurse thinks that Rika is depressed about this but can't say what's on her mind. Yuuichi is surprised about this because Rika always says anything and laughs whenever she wants in front of him. Upon hearing this, scary nurse tells Yuuichi that Rika is on her way to the rooftop. So she tells him to make things up with her.

Unfortunately before Rika arrives, Dr.Natsume shows up and gives him another porn mag. As a result, when Rika arrives on the rooftop, Yuuichi is caught red-handed looking at the magazine. She gets angry again and locks the door while, in the nearby staircase, Dr.Evil laughs his evil heart out. Later on, however, it is revealed that Dr.Evil seems to have a rather sad past involving a girl. A few days later, scary nurse asks Dr.Evil why he played tricks on Yuuichi. He claims that it's for fun. Scary nurse doesn't like this answer and proceeds to kick Dr.Evil. A few days later, Yuuichi is surprised to see Rika visiting him in the rooftop. Yuuichi at first apologises to Rika but he becomes angry when he finds out that Rika actually admires Dr.Natsume. He starts saying bad things about the doctor, prompting Rika to hit him with a book that her father gave her. Unfortunately the book bounces off Yuuichi and falls into one of the ledges.

Impression:

I'm such a sentimental fool. Everytime I hear Rika's voice, I can't help but visualising Yamada from Honey and Clover. It doesn't help that in that series there is also a character called Rika so I'm a bit confused now. Anyway, nothing much seems to happen here. Only minor misunderstanding which becomes out of proportion because both Yuuichi and Rika are teenagers. A more serious threat comes in the form of Dr.Natsume, who seems to find enjoyment from making fun of Yuuichi. I'll bet he's just a miserable person who lost his love and as a result, doesn't want other people to find happiness as well. I don't really dislike the guy since without him, the series will be lacking conflict. Moreover, it's not like I am terribly attached to either Yuuichi or Rika. Maybe I'm just tired with their passive-agressive act towards each other but at this rate, I won't she any tears if either of them finally bites it.

© memento 2003