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True Tears: Episode 4

Rating: 8.8/10

Impressions:

A few scary thoughts…perhaps Jun is not related to Noe, which would sort of explain his actions while putting on the bike helmet for her…But still I can’t see an ending where the two end up together. I’m confident to say that True Tears isn’t weird enough to do that…I hope. And the other: Maybe Shinichiro’s actually related to Hiromi…Shin’s mother definitely seems to have something against her, which implies a close relationship…perhaps she’s like, Hiromi’s real mother or something. That would be the worst possible revelation ever though, as it means Hiromi and Shin won’t be able to get together…(which will probably make me cry).

But man, I love this show. I’d have to say I like it as much as Gundam 00 and Shakugan no Shana (which is pretty damn good after both Gundam and Shana crossed their midpoint and got significantly better). It’s probably because this show, to me, is a harem that’s actually done right. Well, I’m not so sure it’s explicitly a harem at the moment, since everyone doesn’t have a clear objective of wanting Shinichiro, but they’re close enough…I also like all of the characters—they’re believably, unlike most members of harems, which means they don’t go emo, aren’t super happy-go-lucky, aren’t extraordinarily shy and don’t ‘present’ themselves to the male lead at every chance they get.

It’s troubling for me right now though, as I really don’t get what a lot of the characters are thinking. Noe for one—she seems like she just wants Shinichiro’s tears, but what the hell does this even me? I don’t really see a romantic relationship happening here, as neither seems to like the other, but her actions do indicate her desire to get closer to Shinichiro. Aiko, on the other hand, definitely likes Shinichiro, but also seems content with moving things further with Nobuse. I thought the hand-holding thing was incredibly cute, but also made me wonder what was going on in her head at the time. Perhaps she’s preparing him for a fallback boyfriend in case Shin rejects her…

There’s more: Jun (Noe’s older brother), seems to have a sister complex…or maybe he just likes admiring Noe’s cheeks/neck. I was desperately trying to comprehend his actions when I saw it happened, but to no avail. And then he goes and asks Shinichiro to go out with Noe, which I’m sure neither actually want. And also, the first relationship to occur in a harem is usually not the final turnout. Which means, Noe’s probably out of the love game already (but then again, I doubt she was ever in it). On a side note, I wonder if Jun is going to become a main character in the show. Hopefully not, or else Hiromi might actually have something to do with him.

And finally, there’s Hiromi, who I just don’t understand. Is she really content with simply being able to talk with Shinichiro now? She continues to speak of Jun, who she supposedly admires, but I’m sure a normal person wouldn’t go to such lengths to cover up her secret crush in front of the very person she likes. Perhaps she’s not even aware of her true feelings for Shinichiro, if there is any (and there better be, since I find her character the most likeable). The ending I see would go something like this: Hiromi ends up with Shin, Aiko gets rejected or ends up with Nobuse, and Noe just becomes happy with her newfound tears…Nah it can’t be that predictable can it?

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12 comments

12 Comments so far

  1. `x_Fenrir January 29th, 2008 12:37 am Number of comments posted: (1)

    the part when Jun is looking at her neck, i think he was looking for the necklace and he probably thought she gave it to shin, least thats what i think thats how it is >_>;;

  2. Shin January 29th, 2008 3:27 am Number of comments posted: (60)

    Funny how this episode suddenly made everyone think that there will be cases of sister-complexes… well, kind of on Shin’s behalf, since we don’t fully know Hiromi’s story just yet. A lot of other bloggers seem to say the same thing about the direction of the series so far, which probably means that the production staff is not trying to hide too much with suspense.

    I also love this show very much as it is consistent and have believable characters. The guy’s not a total idiot or a pervert, and the girls are real, like you said, not overly shy or happy-go-lucky. I think this is arguably the best winter series of 2008, not including Shana and Gundam since they already started a while back.

    Directly regarding the episode, I think Noe had the cutest expression so far when she ate those chicken feeds. In my opinion, I think Noe will be included in the final relationship count, either with Shin or, gulp, Jun.

  3. kenshin514 January 29th, 2008 7:13 am Number of comments posted: (64)

    Hell yeah, SISCON FTW !!! It was the high-light of this episode. It seems like you don’t like Hiromi that much. Even though, we know that her cold expression within Shin’s house is due to her feel indebt once she moved to live with them. However, I think there should be more than just that. Her laugh in the end really make me like her even more. I don’t know I just find it interesting and looking forward to find out more about her personality. I am rooting for Hiromi x Shin ending.

    Based on the picture in the preview, a lot of people guessed that Shin’s dad may had some sort of relationship with Hiromi’s mom in the past, which make Shin’s mom doesn’t like Hiromi. They even think that due to that situation Hiromi may be Shin’s half sister. If that happen I’ll be pissed. What do you think???

  4. Danny January 29th, 2008 8:23 am Number of comments posted:

    ‘x_Fenrir: hmm, thats certainly a more logical reason…>_>

    Shin: or we could all just be stupid and the show takes a complete turn…and yes, i agree that its the best winter series

    kenshin514: really, did I give that impression. well, if there are any misconceptions, HIROMI FTW. i love hiromi. must have a hiromi ending. if not i’ll cry. >_<

  5. Naota January 29th, 2008 9:51 am Number of comments posted: (21)

    Knowing how most series end, it’ll probably end with Hiromi. Unless this is like Ichigo 100%, god I hope it isnt.

  6. kenshin514 January 29th, 2008 10:09 am Number of comments posted: (64)

    Sorry, Danny. I meant to type Noe since you don’t seem to mention about her that much, but my mind was all about Hiromi at that time so I kinda space out =)

    Anyway, I want to know what your comment about the thing I mentioned in my last comment about Hiromi & Shin relationship due to Shin’s mom/Hiromi’s mom/Shin’s dad in the past. Do you think it’s too cliche or not??

  7. Shin January 29th, 2008 3:16 pm Number of comments posted: (60)

    Oh man, I just realized that I’m using my name as Shin and the main character’s name is Shin. I keep getting confused whenever I read Shin. D’oh…

    Anyway, I hope the show doesn’t take a complete turn because my impression will also change [for the worse].

  8. Danny January 29th, 2008 4:31 pm Number of comments posted:

    Naota: i sure as hell hope it’ll end like that =)

    kenshin514: ummm, i think i mentioned it in the first paragraph of this post…i dont think its that cliche, since i hardly see it happening, but it is predictable. so i dunno. i definitely hope that this isnt the case, since you know im rooting for hiromi.

    Shin: lol, its not that confusing for me =/ hmm, im not sure how i would react for some kind of massive twist…it depends on how the characters turn out afterwards.

  9. FlameStrike January 30th, 2008 3:33 pm Number of comments posted: (76)

    Probaly the best winter seires, although their aren’t many good ones x.x Out of the girls Hiromi is the most likeable to me. I didn’t think much about Noe at first but she’s pretty intresting. However Akio just feels like dead weight or a third wheel haha. Shin however seems to be your usual stock harem lead so far… I prefer the KyoAni/key ones but I guess he fits the mood more here.

  10. Naota February 1st, 2008 9:49 am Number of comments posted: (21)

    Eh… it’s been licensed by Bandi… So much for tracking this all winter.

  11. Tommykn February 4th, 2008 4:54 am Number of comments posted: (2)

    I prefer Ai-chan over Noe and Hiromi.

    But I wouldn’t like the ShinXAi combination. Well, actually i always like characters who has a similar look like Ai-chan i.e. Oga-chan from Shakugan no Shana. ^^ Let’s not talk about taste. =P

    I don’t like Noe’s brother, i don’t want him to be in the anime for long, too. He is very irritating, I hope he is not goin to be one of the super cool guys. TO HELL WITH YOU NUMBER 4!!!

  12. Danny February 4th, 2008 4:10 pm Number of comments posted:

    FlameStrike: nonetheless, i find it a good series =]

    Naota: the effects of licensing are gradually becoming less of an influence on people who watch subs tho…

    Tommykn: i actually like all three girls, which is quite a surprise for me, but still number one would be hiromi.

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