First Impressions / Samurai Flamenco

「正義とは」 (Seigi Toha)
“The Meaning of Justice”

So that brings us to the end of that relationship…
I called it last week but Mari and Masayoshi just weren’t meant to be. It’s clearly seen in this episode that while they may have the same objective in mind, their motives and their strategies for going about it, are very different. Mari seems to have a grudge against men and her way of punishing them for crimes is taken to large extremes. I think her attitude towards men in general (especially Masayoshi) is quite interesting, so can she be someone with daddy issues or an abusive boyfriend? That doesn’t why she has two different facades though – she appears energetic and outgoing at work, but at home, she’s rather bossy towards Masayoshi. I’d like to think that it’s because she has a hard time even identifying who she wants to be. She wants to be a superhero – but is the reason because she wants to hurt people or because she really wants to save people? On the other hand, she’s an idol that people look up to and she can’t misbehave like Flamenco Girl does.

The episode title gives away a lot of the main themes in this anime. This week, not only is it about Mari’s intentions of being a superhero, but the main bulk of it is why Masayoshi wants to be Samurai Flamenco. Samurai Flamenco isn’t just a made up name… it’s actually a hero that his grandfather made up for him. This explains a bit more about the passion behind Masayoshi’s actions and even reaffirms his desire to help better society. Whereas I thought it was kind of depressing that Masayoshi had doubts about superheroes, I thought the present from his grandfather was just what he needed. It’s true that superheroes are just made up – they take on the personalities of whoever plays their role or whoever created them… but I think the stronger message is that they were created based on someone’s desire. The message that Masayoshi’s grandfather left for him was that he hoped Masayoshi would also turn out to be a man that helped fight for the innocent. That’s exactly the hero that Masayoshi has turned out to be and it’s a good thing that it varies from Mari’s goals. It’s cheesy to say, but I think any parent (or grandparent in this case) would be proud to know that the child you’ve raised has ended up exactly where you wanted them to.

Other developments that took place that caught my eye includes Akira’s continuous insistence of Masayoshi’s identity. Obviously he’s right, but I find that he’s also bending the facts to his liking. He notices that Masayoshi’s been busy filming and notes that Samurai Flamenco isn’t appearing in public as often… well that could be for a variety of reasons. It’s only because Sumi believes in Masayoshi that’s preventing Akira from investigating further. Another offside is Hidenori’s relationship with his girlfriend. Whereas I’d like to believe that it’s going well for them, her constant absence is driving me insane! Why wouldn’t you go on a date with your long-distance boyfriend? I would assume that anyone in a LD relationship would jump at the chance to see their significant other when they could.. but I guess their relationship is complicated. Maybe next week we’ll get to see if either Moe or Mizuki are actually Hidenori’s girlfriend?

19 Comments

  8. the characters seem to develop, but each one has its own path. that’s what I saw this ep. yet there seem to be invisible axis that keeps everything stable and tied together. it’s hard for me to point out what really keeps the plot and characters tied together. but it’s there.
    and with everything balanced, we can feel that the ship is sailing nice. it’s crazy, weird and wild ride…but very very steady and welcoming as samurai flamenco is.

    I didn’t like some of the developments this time in SF:
    First, Masayoshi’s discovery about SF being created long time ago by his grandpa for him..it felt quite the easy and simple solution right now at his birthday.
    I did like the idea that his grandpa created it for him..but it was presented kinda simple-minded this ep.
    moreover, I think his grandpa didn’t mean Masayoshi should turn into a superhero or some version of Red-Axe in TV. he simply wanted Masayoshi will be a good man. a man of honor.

    Second, the ending when flamenco girls showing themselves. again, I like the idea, but I find it quite hasty as an ending

    well, Masayoshi has managed to stop the cooperation with Mari. I think it’s for the best for all of them to part ways for now. as I said above – even separated, the characters has invisible axis that tied them together.

    Mari still hasn’t change. she is eccentric and crazy and mostly dangerous as superhero.
    even after Masayoshi saved her there..I thought she’ll wake up a bit…but in fact she is a superhero for fun..it’s kinda problematic..but I like the idea.

    her attitude toward toward men is interesting. clearly she isn’t meant to be with Hidenori, and the relationship with Masayoshi isn’t going in that way..for now (;

    random thoughts:
    1. now we have flamenco girls..it’s quite worrying..they are going to kill all men in the streets..no, they are going to emasculate them. watch out Masayoshi and Hindeori! the latter is still quite ‘shocked’ I guess 😛
    2. poor Hidenori..or not if he is going to new department on his own will (or he is still quite ‘shocked’ 😛 ). maybe he wants to be superhero too.
    he can establish “justice league” with the flamencos and red-axe. he;ll be the mole at the police, getting the info. LOL
    3. what’s with the idiot calling Masayoshi’s manager all the time?he can’t understand “no” I guess
    4. you!yeah yeah, you! come on show up Hidenori GF. I am waiting for you to show up every episode..
    5. how’s that 3 successful idols doesn’t have a boyfriend?
    and how’s that there isn’t a single paparazzi?

    thedarktower
    Reply

    1. On your “random thoughts” number 5, it’s because there’s usually a “no dating rule” idols are not allowed to have boyfriends or girlfriends (it goes for male groups as well).

      If they do… they have to be very discrete in public, just like how Goto and his gf hardly go on dates and are usually only texting each other.

      mrdaftpunk
      Reply

      2. I didn’t think about that…but you’re right. that’s how it is in japan.
        even VA in anime today suffer from that, for example – if and when they get marry, they’ll find it hard to find a job. at least a main role. if I am not mistaken, Aya Endo (the VA of saki from shinsekai yori, now the VA of kmougi in HxH and probably other samll characters) is an example for that case.

        well..interesting though about Goto’s GF is an idol, but I am having troubles to get that idea as true. it’s simple…doesn’t feel right.

        thedarktower
        Reply

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