Karin ep.7

December 16, 2005 | 9 Comments

Okay, I only have one hour before the party so unfortunately this will be really short. I think this episode demonstrates that the animators have done a good job in the visual style of the series. Karin's flower-shaped nosebleed looks especially good in this episode when contrasted against the green grass. I am also starting to get used to the story, which I think is lighter and less serious in comparison to the manga. I think this is one of those series where I just have to switch off the brain. Having said that, there are a couple of things about this episode that annoys me and unfortunately, one of them has to do with the addition of the new vampire hunter character. I simply think his character is a wasted opportunity for the series.

The episode begins with Karin being teased by Maki for bringing bento for Kenta again. Their conversation, however, is immediately interrupted by the sound of squealing fangirls admiring the new student at the school. The new student turns out to be the guy that arrived at the airport on last week's episode and after a few seconds of sleazy soft-core introduction jazz, he suddenly pounced on a very surprised Karin. To make things worse, Kenta then arrives and asks Karin what she is doing with the guy. Karin immediately goes out of her way to explain that this is not what Kenta thinks much to Maki's amusement. The weird guy, on the other hand, is not happy upon seeing Kenta and starts to point his gun at the poor student. Before anything can happen, however, a teacher takes the weirdo's gun away and tells him not to bring such toy into the school. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that the gun is not a toy.

Once everything is settled, the teacher introduces the new student as 'Winner Sinclair'. Having said that, everyone in the class is transfixed on him because he's a foreigner. They're even more impressed with him when they find out that he can speak Japanese fluently. Unfortunately, Winner is only interested in Karin, whom he refers to as his 'ideal person'. It doesn't take long before he approaches Karin and comes on to her. He tells her that he knew that night/day was a fate. Everyone, especially Karin is confused upon hearing this because it seems he knows Karin. Karin attempts to tell guy that this is the first time she sees him but the guy claims that is not true because they met several years ago and fell in love. Cut to a shot of naked Karin and Winner kissing together. Everyone is shocked to hear this but quickly becomes disappointed when they hear Winner admits that the whole thing was only in his dream.

Nevertheless, Karin is not happy about the entire thing especially after Kenta looks upset and other girls start to become jealous. It doesn't help that Winner turns out to be an idiot and a weirdo. To illustrate this point, he brings the entire chunk of meat kebab as his lunch. Karin, however, is more surprised to know that Winner is a vampire hunter. She becomes even more afraid of him when she remembers how her mother used to tell her horror stories about vampire hunters trying to stake vampires. Karin becomes upset about this and decides to flee to safety. Maki eventually joins her and the two have a lunch together. Maki once again teases Karin but Karin returns the favour and tells her friend that maybe she's the one who's interested in Winner. Unfortunately their conversation is interrupted by the sound of Winner looking for Karin. However, Karin manages to hide from the guy thanks to Kenta's help.

Kenta seems to sympathise with Karin's problem but this makes Karin remember about Kenta's own problem, aka his mother. Kenta tells Karin that his mother is still looking for work everyday. Anyway, Kenta then laughs and points out how Karin's behaviour towards Winner is exactly how she behaved towards him not too long ago. Upon realising this, Karin tells Kenta that she's sorry for behaving that way back then. Unknown to the two, their conversation is observed by jealous Winner . Because of this, Winner decides to confront Kenta when the later finished his work at Julian's. Winner wants to know why Kenta is always near Karin's side. It doesn't take long before Winner incorrectly assumes that Kenta is Karin's boyfriend and challenges the other guy in a fencing battle for Karin's hand. Kenta tries to ignore Winner's silly request but can't help but changes his mind when Winner accuses him of running away from the battle.

Meanwhile, Karin is trying to inform her family about the vampire hunter but ends up getting laughed at when she tells them that the so-called vampire hunter refers to her as his 'ideal girl'. Karin, however, doesn't get the chance to be angry with her family because she receives a message from Maki informing her about Kenta and Winner's battle. At the same time, Winner is angry when Kenta manages to catch his sword with bare hands and wants to know why Kenta is always around Karin. Kenta doesn't answer the question but he quietly tells himself that it's because he promised Karin that he'd protect her secret. Thankfully before the two can fight again, they are stopped by Karin's arrival. Karin, however, nosebleeds again when she gets near Kenta. This seems to shock Winner, who is afraid of blood, to the point that he passes out. Later on, Winner cries when he realises that Karin has gone home with Kenta. Strangely, Maki seems to be interested in Winner when she sees the guy crying.

Impression:

I like how the episode tries to hint that Winner is probably that boy that Karin bite in her dream back in episode 1. The thing is, I am not sure how this will be an issue for Karin or Kenta. Sure, Winner will annoy them to death from time to time but I don't think he'll be a serious threat for Karin and Kenta's relationship. Because of this, I think his character is kind of useless and I hate it when an anime creates a rival for the main character but then reveals that rival as nothing more than comic relief. Oh well, maybe he will eventually becomes Maki's love interest because it's obvious now that Maki has a crush on him. Although I seriously wonder why because the guy is portrayed as the typical obnoxious gaijin. This last point also bothers me a lot. For once, I'd like to see an anime that does not portray gaijin as bumbling, obnoxious, idiot. I think such character will provide a nice change and it'll actually provide a serious contender for the main character.

© memento 2003