Honey and Clover ep.17

August 14, 2005 | 17 Comments

It's a great feeling to realise that even after 17 episodes, this series is still capable of producing stories that are interesting, powerful, and relatable in many ways. I'm also still amazed at the ability of the writers in juggling the comedy and the serious part of the story. Prior to watching this episode, I was actually a bit worried that the anime will cut short Takemoto's storyline in favour of the funnier part of the story. Thankfully that is not the case here. The writers somehow managed to give Takemoto's arc a main priority while carefully utilised the comedic scenes to lighten up the episode. On top of this, the episode comes with a surprise cliffhanger ending which I'm sure will make some viewers happy.

The episode itself begins with Nomiya and Yamazaki from Fujiwara Designs talking about how Miwako lately looked like an old lady after Mayama left the office. Much to their surprise, however, Miwako is still quite sharp and able to give them advice in regards to their professional and private life. Meanwhile, Yamada has finally told the guys from the shopping mall about her true feelings for them. She feels really lousy about having to say it but her friend, Ippei, encourages her to just be herself. At the same time, Takemoto returns from one of his job interviews feeling like a complete failure. He realises that even after going to University for 4 years, he still doesn't know what he wants to do nor where he is heading at the moment. Compelled by his uncertainty, Takemoto decides to destroy the tower he's built for the exhibition.

A couple of weeks later, Yamada and Hagu are seen helping Ippei selling Christmas cake as usual. Yamada at first feels awkward having to work in an area where she has to face some of the guys she has rejected. Much to her surprise, however, everyone is being kind and protective of her. Later on during Christmas night, Takemoto, Shuuji, Yamada, and Hagu celebrate Christmas together. Takemoto, who's already depressed becomes even more so when he remembers how last year was the year when he got to spend Christmas with all of his friends. He, however, manages to forget his sorrow a little bit after Shuuji stuffs him with foods and alcohol. A couple of alcohol later, the group finds themselves playing the dangerous Twister game created by Morita. Everyone seems to be having fun playing the game until Shuuji breaks his leg trying to reach one of the colors.

A few days later, Takemoto and the others find out that their graduation project is due in one month. Takemoto is stressed out about this since he is not close to finishing off his new project. On top of things, he continually fails at his job interviews. The only thing that makes him feel better is the knowledge that at least his mother gets along well with his stepfather's family. In the end, however, the stress takes its toll on Takemoto and he ends up coughing blood then falling unconscious in front of Yamada and Hagu. As Takemoto is hospitalised, the others find out that he's suffered from stomach ulcer. Eventually, Takemoto has no choice but to take it easy and study for one more year. The episode then ends with Takemoto and the others watching Mochademy Awards in Hollywood. They, however, are surprised when the winner of the special effects award is announced.

Impression:

This is another brilliant but quite difficult episode to watch for me. Despite my attempt to see the episode as nothing more than a well-written story, I can't help but feeling sad when I saw the scene where Takemoto remembers the last Christmas he spent with his friends. Everytime I see that scene, I wish that I'm as drunk as Takemoto so that I am not reminded of my own situation. It doesn't help that the rest of the episode continues in this same vein. Just like Takemoto, I'm also at the point where I don't really know where I'm going with my life and my career. All I know is that I don't want to be doing the same job that I'm currently doing for the rest of my life. The problem is, it's not easy to re-orient your path especially after taking a particular one for the last four or five years. I'm so used to working in my current profession that I have no idea what else I can possibly do if I have to switch career.

Anyway, back to the series itself, I'm interested to see how things progress from here on for Takemoto. It seems to me that rebuilding his project does not help him much when it comes to figuring out what he wants to do in life. If anything, the decision only causes harm to his health. I hope that the writers will have the chance to address this storyline before the anime ends. Right now, however, I'm guessing most viewers are more excited about the possible return of Morita. After a couple of serious episodes these past couple of weeks, it'll be nice change to see a funny and happy episode.

Timeline:

The episode begins probably a couple of days after the previous episode. However, halfway through the episode, the storyline jumps to the Christmas season, suggesting that at least a couple of weeks have passed within this episode itself. The episode then concludes possibly a couple of weeks after New Year's Day.

© memento 2003