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「銭湯の掟」 (Sentou no Okite)
“Bath House Rules”
Apologies for the delay: Oreimo 3 ep finale + podcast recording + 2 shows are hard to accomplish all on time. Forgive me! Don’t boil me in a hotpot! ;_;
A battle between Tanuki has begun, where anything goes to gain support for the upcoming Nise-emon election–a position still shrouded in relative mystery. Anywhere in Kyoto is fair game for both Shimogamo and Ebisugawa to gain ground, with bath houses being no exception. What a perfect place to engage your enemy when they’re most vulnerable–naked and relaxing without a worry in the world.
The Ebisugawa family holds strength when it comes to intimidation and circle-jerking reassurance, but some of their members let their Tanuki idiocy shine too much. Kintaku and Gintaku, though armed with incriminating evidence that is both emotionally and politically unstable, fail to achieve their intended goal of absolute victory through coercion–all they receive is a very cold bath and uncomfortable underwear to boot. Despite their role as antagonists, the two brothers are much less an actual threat and much more devices to progress the plot. Thanks to their antics, the Shimogamo family finally has a lead to close the books on a case shrouded in mystery for years. It’s a painful case to dig up, I’m sure, but if it means finding closure for every single member of the Shimogamo family (especially Yajiro), then so be it.
Today’s episode didn’t illustrate much in the way of new information or character development, but it did provide a reasonably good setup for the next episode’s reveal of Souichirou’s last moments and their implications. Yaichirou and Yajiro, the two eldest, have been the ones unable to move on from their father’s death, and understandably so–Yashirou and arguably Yasaburo were much too young back then to fully understand their father’s disappearance, not like the two elderly brothers who perhaps both feel a heavy responsibility for the act.
It now makes sense why Yaichirou and Yajirou act the way they do, though now it’s fully clear how polarized they are from one another. Yaichirou pursues the post of Nise-emon in memory of his father, most likely out of admiration for the work he did to unite the Tanuki families in relative harmony. Yajirou on the other hand does the exact opposite, instead withdrawing his participation in the world, perhaps out of shame for what he feels lead to his father’s death. It is easy to sympathize with Yaichirou’s motivation to pursue a position of leadership, but can we do the same for Yajirou? It’s harder, but I feel it is a position that is understandable. Fearing that your own actions may harm the people you care about it a legitimate concern, and though it may not be the most constructive thing to act on such fear and guilt, it makes sense. I do predict that Yajirou will find the resolve somehow to literally climb out of the hole he’s dug himself (well it’s a well, and he probably didn’t dig it himself, but you get my point!), most likely through the forgiveness and support of his family, with perhaps a dash of “oh this is what really happened” and “your father chose his fate willingly and for good reason” as a tipping point.
However, we depart this comparison to return to one we’ve touched on several times this series–the truth behind Souichirou’s death and how it affected every character in the show. Though the Ebisugawa twins claim the drunkenness allowed for Souichirou’s capture, it is clear from our point of view that Souichirou was cognitively able many hours before the hot pot. Thus, the question still stands–why exactly did Souichirou not make a run for it when he clearly could? There are some educated guesses we can make, but hopefully those possibilities narrow themselves down with next week’s episode. Until then, let’s keep wondering about this central tale that weaves all the main characters together, and lets’ hope to everything in Kyoto that we see Kaisei in a non-object form!
Preview
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Ah, answers that lead to more questions. Never before have I watched a show that was so stingy with answers…but it keeps me watching so I’m not complaining I guess…XP
Possibly, Souichirou wasn’t that drunk (or drunk at all) and he was acting to save a drunk Yajiro from being the hot pot guest of honor by sacrificing himself. That would even be a better explanation of Yajiro’s feelings of guilt.
I’m pretty sure Akadama was involved in Souichirou’s death given how the camera suddenly panned to him during that scene.
YES!!!! Yes! Thank you, Ebisugawa brothers, for asking the one question everyone on this blog has been wondering about all this time!
So HE was partly responsible for the father’s death. Show over! 😀
…… now wait a minute. If the father was drunk, how could he talk coherently with Hotei the night before he would be devoured? Maybe he either sobered up by then, or Hotei really WAS seeing things.
So I guess he became a frog due to his grief/lament from that time…
Gonna admit, that confession scene is really good. The VAs, the BGM, and shot like this are mixed altogether to create really good mood whiplash moment. And Yasaburou’s monologue after that shows not only how sudden the death of his dad, but also how he accepts that fact and lives on.
I’d agree with you there, this series is the dark horse of the season.
Both art and story.
I agree. I like how the water droplets dribbled down Yajirou’s head — it’s like he’s crying. I also agree with you about the VA — both Suwabe Junichi and Yoshino Hiroyuki did a fantastic job.
I can see that the author did a good job in trolling everyone in here. Don’t take the bait!!
the greatest lesson of all time ! “alcohol sucks”!
Benten floating on air is truly a view to behold! That scene right there caught me!
TQ
I agree — the sudden loss of their father probably had a bigger impact on Yaichirou and Yajirou than the two young brothers. I really like how Uchouten expands on the theme of family and shows us the different reactions of the siblings in dealing with the loss — this attracts me more and keeps me connected emotionally than the many other brilliant things that the show has offered. Last episode was great, but this episode makes me want more…can’t wait for the next episode to come.
Yajiro and Souichiro were obviously set up. It wouldn’t just be Yajiro and his dad out drinking by themselves together. They were definitely with someone else who loves to drink.
really what a twist reveal what happen to the father.
& give also explain frog brother’s “secret” yea since mid-point eps yea anything thing could happen next.
This episode was quite hilarious! Really loved the bath house scene and the confrontation with the Ebisugawa brothers.