Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue. – 06

「つながるものの」 (Tsunagarumonono)
“What Connects Us”

I definitely had some reservations after watching episode four and five. Subaru had ventured into the outside world a little more and friendships began to blossom. In any other slice of life or comedy series, I’d say: “Sure. The story’s moving ahead. Let’s keep it going.” But in this case, I almost want to lock up Haru and Subaru in a little hidden miniature world and watch as they grow and bond with one another.

Episode six definitely turned things around for me. I’ve come to accept, maybe even appreciate supporting characters such as siblings Ookami Nana and Yuugo. For once, rather than thinking of them as ‘intruding’ I see them as a necessity. Subaru’s novel was alluded to in episode two when Kawase, his manager, called and asked him to give the feline character a name. This was the only real information we’d been given about the novel. The series is relatively slow paced but has great timing when revealing key information.

Without knowing the author of the story they love is sitting right across the table, the Ookami siblings get carried away discussing it. Hoping to convince Subaru to read it, Yuugo tells him the story is about a solo detective and a cat character who’s an an assassin and reminds him of Haru. Such small revelations, but enough to keep me hanging on. Based on the OP theme, I have a feeling we’ll find out more about this story as their relationship evolves.

Additionally, without the Ookamis, Haru’s memories of her past wouldn’t have resurfaced. Through what I think is one of the most heart-wrenching flashbacks in the series yet, Haru reveals how she and her younger siblings were abandoned. They first recognize the situation as a big world adventure but very quickly are faced with the hardships of life as strays. I don’t want to reveal anything just in case this entry entices you to watch the series so I’ll leave it there for now. However, I will say that I let out a few tears which isn’t uncommon for me.

If you’ve watched the series thus far you know each episode likes to drag you around full circle on an emotional turntable. So don’t fret. The sadness you’ll encounter will wash away towards the end of the episode. You might even find yourself walking away feeling an impossible-to-contain bubbly warmth in your heart.

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