Kamisama no Memo-chou ~ some vague notion of virtue

Cliff-hanger!

Episode 7 of Kamisama no Memo-chou (God’s notebook) really surprised me. All previous mysteries have been resolved in one or two episodes, so, this being the third episode, and the initial mystery seemingly resolved, I expected a quick wrap-up. Instead the mystery deepened, and we ended with a cliff-hanger. I love it when a show defies my expectations (in a good way)!

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves: Final Thoughts

Otake, for almost the very last time.

I’m not going to comment directly on the final episode of House of Five Leaves. Instead my intention here is to provide my reaction to the series as a whole (hint: 🙂 ), and talk about the bigger themes (what does it all mean?). My intention is to remain as spoiler-free as possible.

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves 11: settled debts

A bloody event haunts some of our characters.

Episode 11 of House of Five Leaves revolves around Yaichi’s past, as was generally expected. Yaichi’s past as Seinoshin is echoed in the latest job, which has a profound effect on Yaichi. Jin, the man who kidnapped Yaichi as a boy, and bears a grudge against him to this day, discovers his new identity, and Masa and Yaichi have a falling out, when Masa declares his intention to probe the secrets of Yaichi’s past.

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves 10: footsteps in the dark

Yagi seems to have discovered the secret of Sarai-ya Goyou.

In episode 10 of the House of Five Leaves, Yaichi collapses in despair, while two men close in on his identity. Sachi also decides to leave, and, unfortunately, we get very little information about Otake’s background.

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves 9: an admirable man

The resolution of Matsu's situation leads to some new problems.

Episode 9 of House of Five Leaves begins with the resolution of Matsu’s captivity. Yagi’s assistance becomes troublesome. We also get surprising insight into Masa’s family, and a mysterious stranger starts asking about Yaichi.

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves 8: candle war

Masanosuke takes an unusually active role.

House of Five Leaves (Saraiya Goyou) episode 8 digs into Matsukichi’s character, we are reminded once more of the darkness that permeates society, Masa’s relationship with Yagi troubles Yaichi, and food is eaten.

Saraiya Goyou – House of Five Leaves 7: the SAD samurai

Otake doesn't get much screen time this episode.

Episode 7 of Saraya Goyou (House of Five Leaves) is subtly revealing. As expected from the close of last week’s episode, we do learn more about Yaichi, but what we do learn, only adds more mystery. Instead we get unexpected insight into Masanosuke and Yagi, the older samurai Masa has met a few times. Of course, this being the middle of the series, even these revelations mostly add fuel to the fire, complicating, in particular, the central question of whether Masa can make it in old Edo.