Summary
Another loop.

Onibaku

Why am I not suprised?  Partly because the rumor that I mentioned last week looks to be true, or rather I hope it is true.  The only reason I was able to bear with these past episodes was because of my deep appreciation for what this show is and the amazing work Kyo-Ani has done with five episodes of the same plot.  I really do have sympathy for Kyo-Ani because they are the ones who are tanking all the hate from the fans when it is actually Kadokawa screwing us over in the background.

Although the symbolism used this episode was not as obvious as last week’s plane, it is just as important.  If you were sharp enough to notice, you would find butterflies flying around in some scenes.  What do butterflies have to do with Haruhi?  Nothing really, but they have something to do with Yuki. The butterfly is a powerful symbol for transformation. It leaves the safety of the cocoon in it’s new form. This is an excellent image for anyone contemplating, or in the midst of a major change. A butterfly is a strong symbol of metamorphosis, with distinct stages. Oh snap! Since everyone has spoiled themselves anyway I might as well say that butterflies forshadows Yuki in the up and coming (hopefully) disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya arc.

Call me an idiot but I just noticed that the title Endless 8 may not be Endless Eight at all.  When I saw the 8 Kyon was doodling in the paper, it hit me that it could actually be seen as a loop instead of the number 8.  I was always wondering why would they call it “endless eight” but the title “endless loop” makes much more sense.

Next week if the rumor is true we will finally have closure the the endless loop.

Summary
I’ll make this simple. It’s another loop.

Onibaku

Another loop but don’t take this episode lightly.  Besides the fact that haruhi was HOT <3 this episode was artistic genius! The most obvious form of symbolism shown of course the airplane. What does an airplane symbolize you ask? Here are a few:

~Wanting something to happen quickly.

~Changing your priorities.

~Getting started on something.

The airplane may have symbolized how Haruhi feels as though she wants “something to happen” or she wants a certain event to take place during the summer. It could also apply to Kyon in a sense that he has to get his “priorities straight” and “get started” in finishing the endless loop.

Then there was the scene towards the end where it shows the movie of a couple on a beach then the woman suddenly turns into Haruhi.  It felt like Haruhi whispering to the guy in the movie was actually Haruhi trying to give a hint to what she wants.  Judging by how engrossed she was in the movie it suggests she wants a summer romance, which is exactly the “something” she wants to happen.  At least in my opinion.

P.S. There was a certain rumor going around that there will be 6 endless eight episodes in all because of a screw up on Kadokawa’s part. I however, agree that it is just a marketing strategy to pull funds from the fans. Read the full rumor here.

Summary
Arima Teppei is a typical guy with a loving family. Two years after the death of his parents he witnesses men chasing a seemingly rich girl inside a horse-drawn carriage. Being the guy that he is, Teppei decides to help save the girl. He does manage to rescue her but in the process of doing so, falls off a cliff with her. The trees below provided a cushion for them to fall on. He accidentally gropes the girl’s breasts and she awakens. She identifies herself as Charlotte Hazelrink. He later sees her off to her butler.

Teppei then goes to his grandfather’s house who has recently adopted him. It turns out the grandfather, Isshin, is the head of the Arima group. Isshin leads Teppei to a party and introduces him as the next successor to the Arima group. The only reason Teppei agreed to being adopted by Isshin is to find the people who killed his parents. A man named Vincent Hossen introduces himself as Teppei’s personal escort.

Later, Teppei sees a girl fencing outside. He suddenly has the urge to polish his “ken-po” on a western swordsman. The girl was threatened by the wooden sword he was carrying and decided to attack. The two exchange blows but are interrupted by Isshin. Isshin introduces her as Sylvia van Hossen, Teppei’s fiance.

Onibaku

Coming in to this season I was sure that this show would be just another harem love-comedy that had no particular merit, but I was definitely wrong. The animation quality was good and coupled with a surprisingly engaging story. They depicted a loving family that made me want to say “aww I wish I had parents like that”. This alone evoked good amount of emotion early on in the story which was great.

I also liked the personality of the main character Teppei. In most Harem shows, the male lead is always some useless guy. It’s good to see a guy that can actually rescue a damsel in distress and hold his own against a fencer.

The only thing that I don’t like about the series is the size of those breasts o_O Those things could poke a friggin eye out or something. I personally don’t like big breasts because when women get old, their “assets” sag down to their waist and scar the minds of poor kids like a 7 year old Onibaku. I prefer palm sized ones myself… don’t read into it too much.

All in all, great show! I am looking forward to the next show and to what they will bring into this story.