Mawaru Penguindrum – 11
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「ようやく君は気がついたのさ」 (Youyaku Kimi wa Kigatsuita no sa)
“You Finally Realized It”
It was as if the stars penguin drums aligned this episode, as all my suspicions last episode somehow turned out to be correct. From Masako and her obsession with Kanba to Mario and the need for Ringo’s diary, there were plenty of confirmations to around. Best of all, they’re pushing the Shouma x Ringo pairing like I’ve been hoping. As funny as it was to watch Ringo smack Shouma around and give him those repeated forehead flicks (gotta love those crazy forehead flicks), I was more amused by the thought of her going all “tsuntsun” on him without even realizing it. Even as Shouma got his ass handed to him on a silver plate, all that came to mind was, “Aww, you got the stalker girl to fall for you. Good for you Shouma! She’s a keeper!” Because of that, I found the second round of beats he received really well played after Yuri helped Ringo realize her feelings for Shouma. I was kind of disappointed that she didn’t try his curry cabbage rolls (mmm, curry cabbage rolls), but that was a mere afterthought once Himari finally took rocked over Japan (minus the song) and told Himari’s “monkey bitch ass” to cry her heart out. (lol)
You just KNOW it’s serious when she doesn’t react to that, so I’m pretty pleased with the late curve ball they threw us. We already knew that Ringo was born on the day that Momoka died, so the whole “reincarnation of Momoka” bit was a strange yet understandable explanation. That left Shouma’s blurb about being responsible for Momoka’s death as the new plot development/cliffhanger. There are only so many things that come to mind on how his birth could’ve caused Momoka’s death and almost all of them involve Momoka sacrificing herself to save Shouma and Kanba’s mother, Chiemi. For all we know it could’ve been saving her from an oncoming car just like Shouma saved Ringo. I can only really see it being something along those lines, hence why I’m not really dying to know exactly what Shouma’s alluding to. However, I do like the idea that their characters are intertwined every since they were born, which while a bit cliche and convenient, does emphasis the notion of fate, destiny, and all that jazz. It also builds on what Ringo went through with the frog rituals that surprisingly work and kind of forces the issue that she’s fated to be with Shouma whether her “maiden” heart is ready to open up to him or not. Judging from how she stopped Tabuki from sleeping with her, it looks like she was already aware of feelings for Shouma on some subconscious level.
As for the suspicions that hit the mark, they were 1.) Masako is Kanba’s stalker and may not have ever gone out with him, 2.) Mario’s life is only being preserved by the penguin hat just like Himari, and 3.) Ringo’s diary is needed for both their survival strategies. The question is of course is who has the other half. I just assumed the voice-changed phone call that Ringo received at the hospital was someone working for Masako, but this episode clearly indicated otherwise. The only other character listed in the credits last time was a “nurse” played by Ashiro Megu (亜城めぐ), so the plot does thicken given that there’s some unaccounted character joining the fray. Hmm… not sure what to make of that yet.
P.S. Yuri is a fearsome woman, going with the flow like that when Tabuki was all, “I love you Ringo! Have my babies!”
Preview & End Card
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September 23, 2011 at 3:38 amDdadain
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Weird, weird, weird, weird…
This anime is weird. >_>
September 23, 2011 at 8:40 amAni_BEE
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Considering the Director/Writer I expect nothing less. ^____^
September 23, 2011 at 3:52 amCroos
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I think Yuri has the other half.
I’ll definitely make of Ringo smacking Shouma.
I wonder what other song they will insert in Survival Strategy.
September 23, 2011 at 5:24 amhurin
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“There are only so many things that come to mind on how his birth could’ve caused Momoka’s death and almost all of them involve Momoka sacrificing herself to save Shouma and Kanba’s mother, Chiemi.”
One thing that comes to my mind is maybe their parents were members of Aum Shinrikyo. And thats why they had to disappear.
September 23, 2011 at 5:25 amhurin
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Ups, wrong tread.
September 23, 2011 at 8:30 aminfinite
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I thought about that to but I dont think that it holds any ground. I forgot the episode number but it was when Kanba and his dad were rushing Himari to the hospital. That took place way after the gas attack. If there parents were part of the attack they wouldnt of been around for that many years after the fact. I agree with Divine. Momoko dying that day saved them somehow.
September 23, 2011 at 3:55 amishruns
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weird but legendary
September 23, 2011 at 3:57 amren
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I’m actually pleasantly surprised at the way this show made me like Shouma/Ringo. I wasn’t into it at first, but after this episode, it all fell into place for me.
Kanba and Masako belong together, in my opinion.
Also, Mario is wearing heels. Color me confused.
September 24, 2011 at 9:17 amPlika
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Is Mario really wearing heels? At what time? I can’t find a shot of that in this episode.
September 23, 2011 at 4:09 amJunk
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The Tokyo subway sarin attack was on March 20, 1995. Since before the series began to air, there was speculation that the show would clearly reference it because of the (95) graphic and the Mawaru subway line is one of the real lines affected in the attack.
It was shown earlier that Momoka died and Ringo born on 3/20, year unknown. Now we know it was 1995 and the boys were also born on that day.
The ending scene in the train was the clearest reference that whatever occurred on that day within the story and ties these characters together was a fictional major event inspired (at minimum) by the sarin attacks. It seems unlikely that the incident back then was a small one of a personal level. How would Shoma know who Ringo’s sister had been back then and what had happened on the day he was born and how it related to Ringo? He didn’t even know she had a sister earlier and Ringo hadn’t said anything about how she died yet he knew when she said the date.
I agree, Yuri is awesome. The confidence of a mature woman can be unnerving! Why she’s interested in that princess-type man is still a mystery. She’s at least twice the prince he is!
Masako appears to have the front of the diary which is the piece Ringo dropped at the hospital. The missing piece seems to be the back half which was taken by the motorcyclist which totally looked like Masako. Maybe I need to go back and re-watch both scenes.
September 23, 2011 at 11:35 amOther
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Maybe it’ll turn out that ambulances were limited and there was a choice between Shouma/Kanba’s mom being taken to the hospital or Ringo’s sister. In any case, I doubt it’s actual fault on their case and more of an “as a consequence of this action, your sister couldn’t be saved”.
September 24, 2011 at 12:54 amhurin
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That would be nice, but this is not a slice-of-life anime, it is guaranteed to be more twisted than that.
September 23, 2011 at 9:30 pmAnon123
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So Shouma and Kan are twins…? I always thought Kan was the older one by at least 2 years (18 years old).
September 23, 2011 at 4:10 amricz
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Love love love this episode
This anime is quite catchy(for me)
September 23, 2011 at 4:13 amJunk
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By the way, I’m really happy you got that cap of Kanba standing in the tiger’s mouth. Hilarious!
September 23, 2011 at 4:16 amJunk
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And the cap of #1 in his samurai outfit with the 1 on his crotch. That;s some Escheresque punning there.
September 23, 2011 at 5:28 amhurin
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There is something fishy about Yuri. But if she wanted the diary she could just have taken it at the park when Ringo fell in the water.
September 23, 2011 at 6:13 amDer Fur Shur
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I’m not sure why Shouma thinks they’re responsible, my best guess is like what hurin said and their parents were members of Aum Shinrikyo.
But yeah this episode was another good one, the part with Tabuki trying to get Ringo was again dark and hilarious, I’m liking now that the whole cast is starting to get involved, can’t wait til next week, hopefully I’ll find some time to watch this while I’m at AWA!
September 23, 2011 at 7:41 amFling
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No. 2 discovers the portable microwave.
These penguins are seriously distracting. I find myself focusing on the penguins, rewinding and then focusing on the subtitles that I didn’t read properly. Not complaining though, they’re hilarious.
September 23, 2011 at 9:45 amGuardian Enzo
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That was funny, but also a Sarin reference. #2′s “gas attack” on the subway is no coincidence.
September 23, 2011 at 7:42 amx
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The only entertaining part of this episode was watching Shouma get beat up. Sigh, can’t wait for the new season to pick up a new show to replace this one. The plot is starting to feel bland…
September 23, 2011 at 9:02 amRonIron
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You on drugs bro? This is probably one of the most interesting series airing right now.
September 23, 2011 at 9:15 amricz
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@^ lolz well we do have different taste on anime :p
well for me the story is quite enjoyable now after ringo’s stalking arc
September 23, 2011 at 11:46 amx
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Well, I’ve been free of meds for a while now :p. Seriously though, I find that this anime has a lot of twist and turns. However, every time the story behind a so called mystery is revealed, it turns out to be something really bland.
The presentation and visuals might be really impressive. There’s tons of symbolism and references to popular culture. References to historical and for some in Japan, very close to home events. Lots of hints of the supernatural and many conspiracies. But I find that there’s a disjunct between all that and what has been revealed to be the story behind the main characters, which so far has been really bland in my opinion. Additionally, besides the main characters, the rest of the story feels very weakly tied together. Maybe I’m not smart enough to see what ties all those elements together, but it feels like a mess of lots of ideas that doesn’t do much for the story except to give an excuse to present a fancy or exotic visual.
Right now, I’ll still continue watching it, but this is not enough for me to go on watching if something else that interest me more comes along. I think there are too many good anime coming up that will make me drop some anime. This is one of the first on the chopping block.
September 23, 2011 at 9:52 pmVyseLegend
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Hey man I totally agree with you. This season overall was rather bland, and for that reason Mawaru stands out with all of its quirks and humor. But I don’t think this is a profound or amazing show or anything – at best its a curiosity and an oddball that I’m just watching because there’s nothing better really.
September 23, 2011 at 7:49 amEroThraX
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Surprised no one else has mentioned the earlier reference to 16 years ago in this episode.
Masako refers to the “curse of 16 years ago” and how it has ended up with both Her and Kanba in the same situation.
September 23, 2011 at 9:49 amGuardian Enzo
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I can’t think the timing of the Sarin attacks is coincidental to what Shouma was talking about, though I don’t buy the idea that his parents were cultists. They were present in the typhoon flashback and the Mom in the mirror one, so it’s unlikely they’re in jail. Perhaps Momoko somehow sacrificed herself to save them from the attacks.
September 23, 2011 at 11:05 amdeafvader
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Doubt Momoka saved them or what not. Not directly anyway or their 2 families should know each other. Shouma clearly does not know Ringo or her mum. I’m thinking it is some weird or disjointed reason. Troll cliff hanger like the Shouma being run over.
September 23, 2011 at 2:03 pmDivine
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Why would Shouma not knowing Ringo matter? They weren’t even born yet and it was Momoka who died. For all we know, she could have sacrificed herself to save a pregnant mother and didn’t actually know the Takakuras.
September 23, 2011 at 9:38 pmdeafvader
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@Divine: if that is so, Shouma shouldn’t know Momoka saved them or even know she existed. He does not know Ringo’s mum either (i think). If Shouma knew who saved him/his brother/ and his mum. certainly, Ringo’s family should be come something like a family friend.
September 23, 2011 at 3:10 pmGuardian Enzo
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Momoko = Campanella?
September 23, 2011 at 11:40 amOther
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It surprises me that the Sarin Subway attacks would be touched upon by anime, even after more than a decade. I guess I shouldn’t be since in America we started putting 9/11 things in films and shows within a couple of years. Maybe it’s more of the comedic, lighthearted nature of Mawaru Penguindrum that’s making me question the choice. But I’m not Japanese so I have no way of assessing or speaking for possible lingering feelings from that attack.
September 23, 2011 at 9:41 pminfinite
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Why should it surprise you that the attacks are touched upon in a anime? The dropping of the atomic bombs were made into a anime(Barefoot Gen). Anime can touch upon this tragedy just as good as any other way of doing it. Sure there is comedic nature to MPD but I never felt Ikuhara or Ikami were making fun of the Sarin attacks. If anything they are trying to make us understand how these attacks changed the destinies of the people affected.
September 24, 2011 at 1:30 pmRickyMack
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“The dropping of the atomic bombs were made into a anime(Barefoot Gen).”
not to mention godzilla
September 24, 2011 at 9:20 amrr
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Supposedly the sarin attacks were very shocking at the time because Japan was known for having virtually no organized crime. The sarin attack is very similar to the anthrax attacks in America, not so much to 9/11.
September 23, 2011 at 12:14 pmjingoi
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Yes! Now that the Tabuki rape plot is over (and didn’t consume 19 mins of the ep) I can hopefully enjoy this in full…..but I’m not looking forward to tsun bs from Ringo.
September 23, 2011 at 12:30 pmSeishun Otoko
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What a waste of good cabbage rolls. I’m pretty sure Yuri’s more than what she seems. She has crazy bitch no.3 written all over her face.
September 24, 2011 at 6:09 amdeafvader
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cabbage rolls was scary. i didn’t know what it was till reading this post; seeing that the penguin was pulling it out from below him (his bottom) + it was brownish + it looked really sticky + it was THAT kind of shape + recent mental imagery of frog sitting and going all slimy = ARGH!!!!!!! MY EYES!!!!
September 24, 2011 at 1:53 pmR.T.S.
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I wouldn’t be THAT surprised. This anime is full of crazy bitches.
September 23, 2011 at 3:20 pmCroos
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I get the feeling its related in the first episode saying “I hate the word fate”
September 23, 2011 at 8:47 pmKelfistan
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Let’s have some fabulous tea!
September 24, 2011 at 1:04 amYttrium
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Remember the money Kanba got from some masked “loan sharks” earlier on in the series; so that he could continue living together with his siblings? Well, I’m surprised that it hasn’t come back to bite him in the ass yet, and I suspect that it has something to do with his wealthy “stalker” Masako- she might have been his secret benefactor, and when the truth comes out it may allow Kanba to see her in a more positive light- which may have some romantic implications; much like his younger brother, he might fall for a stalker…
I could be wrong, of course; it’s just my speculation. But I’m almost 100% certain that Kanba borrowing money to save his house was a plot-significant event related to happening which will take place later on.
September 24, 2011 at 4:55 amchiyoko
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my munny is on yuri having the other half >3
September 24, 2011 at 5:58 amdeafvader
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I agree. Rich Blonde controlling rich red head seems perfectly logical.
As well as what Divine said: Since “nurse” is unlikely the possible candidates are Tabuki (too much of a whim), Himari (why would she?), or Yuri.
September 24, 2011 at 4:39 pmDivine
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The woman who picked up the diary looked like she was in a trench coat similar to the one that Yuri had on this episode, so you might be onto something.
September 24, 2011 at 7:32 pmmisc.
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That was Masako since she has the first half that Ringo dropped at the hospital. The one riding the bike is of interest. Probably Yuri. We’ve never seen her use the train so she could in all likelihood use the bike to get around.
September 24, 2011 at 8:19 pmDivine
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Hmm, I didn’t think it would be the other way around, but I don’t see why it can’t be. Thanks for pointing that out.
September 25, 2011 at 1:08 amdeafvader
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@misc.
Keen eyesight. Salute you.
September 24, 2011 at 8:01 am3242
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The nurse Masako tied up got her revenge without even knowing what it was! It makes sense!!
…nonotrlly
September 24, 2011 at 8:30 amPlika
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I wonder what relationship that stalker girl (Kanba’s stalker) has to Mario. Does she love him or something? Mikage loved Mamiya, but so far we haven’t seen the pink-haired Utena/Mikage near Mario.
September 24, 2011 at 2:15 pmboingman
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Isn’t she his sister?
Man, Ringo in her stalker mode made me constantly roll my eyes, but thankfully the episode ended way more positive than I had expected. Hopefully that “Ringo chases Tabuki” arc is finally over.
September 24, 2011 at 10:39 amJo
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Oh Penguindrum.
Quite frankly, I expected an anime like this to be coming from SHAFT.
I thought they were the weird ones.
Oh well ~ Gotta love SHAFT & Brain Base.
September 24, 2011 at 1:58 pmR.T.S.
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I’ve gotta say, I’ve been watching from the start, and it STILL feels like I missed an episode. Lots of things didn’t have a proper introduction, especially Mario. Who is he?
September 24, 2011 at 6:01 pmTSouL
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This show mixes enough humor with serious story, though #2 warming up food in the same manner they keep their eggs/youngs warm is kind of distracting…
September 24, 2011 at 8:27 pmパメラ
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I guess that if Masako is the hunter that would explain the shouting of “Survival Strategy”
September 24, 2011 at 10:22 pmYuumei
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There’s so much going on in this show, it’s hard to keep track. I can’t get by without reading this blog, lol.
September 25, 2011 at 6:34 pmYuumei
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Hey also, I gotta mention the fabulous work done by the voice actors. Ishida Akira (Tabuki) was awesome even in the background.
September 25, 2011 at 9:52 amMedoi
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ah frog porn
kero
September 27, 2011 at 2:29 pmKamion
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Was the preview a nod to the first Card Captor Sakura Ending?
September 28, 2011 at 2:26 amlongtimefirsttime
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I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought of Card Captor Sakura when I saw that!
I’m not sure how many references this show has been making to other shows, but that one definitely seemed like a legitimate (and very subtle) reference.