Zen Exclusive - Bakemonogatari Episode 2 Reaction

It sure surprised me with the themes that this show is exploring. This already looks like a special anime. Loved this episode.

Thanks for that detailed analysis Kairos, I can definitely see where you are coming from. I hope you are well. Take care!

The Zen Reaction

Whilst true that there is a story reason for the shower/picking the right clothes to wear scene, I believe it also serves as a re-introduction to Hitagi and how she interacts with the world around her. Even before the reason is spelled out for us, it's clear she didn't feel comfortable with someone knowing her secret (stapler incident) and leaving her weaponry, going as far as to threaten Araragi and his family, in an effort to still be the one on top. And in this scene, just as before, she's trying to be in charge, both in the conversation and in how we (through Araragi's eyes) should see her. Outside of specific shots, where she's trying to get a reaction out of him, it just feels like an uncomfortable situation, not "eye candy". Well, at least that's what I personally got from it, haha. I could be wrong. Great reaction as always, by the way. I'm glad you're enjoying the series! It's a special one, both story and animation-wise

カイロス

Yep, very short ones particularly at the start, the later ones tend to be 4-5 eps in length most of the time but the occasional 2 or 3 episode one still slips in, and then there's a few 6 and 7 episode ones. The arcs are a bit more interconnected than most other shows that separate them so clearly but as you've seen with the next one there can certainly be a bit of tonal whiplash haha.

Stealth Potato

I really like it so far, ah so that is the end of the first arc, makes sense, I get a little shocked in the next episode. Thanks Stealth, take care!

The Zen Reaction

I will just roll with it then. Thanks Toby, take care!

The Zen Reaction

And we're done with the first arc already! The arcs in this show are pretty short but as you've seen they can pack a lot of weight into those few episodes. Speaking of that the metaphor used between weight and emotions here isn't a particularly original one but the show's execution of it is really great, and gives a pretty solid idea of the kind of things we're gonna be dealing with for the rest of it. That of course being people dealing with some serious personal issues that often come into contact with an appropriate supernatural entity for that issue. I think its a pretty great way to approach such topics and make them more entertaining than just handling them normally would, and allows for some really nice metaphors like Araragi being given Senjougahara's weight in addition to his own, since he's now helping her carry it in some sense.

Stealth Potato

if you really want to go back you can but its not necessary, any important text will be present for a longer amount of time, i personally didn't go back as its fun to catch certain words/phrases/jokes from the flashing text that might stand out for you personally

toby