#the subtitles on the right image make this post better imo

[radicles]

[lilyginnyblackv2]

Furuba S2E10 - Thoughts Post - SPOILERS!

And so, the Beach Arc has come to a close.

I think I'm going to start this off with one problem that I had with the subtitle translations and one bit of the subtitle translations that I was really happy to see differed a bit from the manga (TokyoPop Version).

So, first off, when Yuki is talking to Haru after the whole incident with Akito...the anime subtitles have him say *she* instead of *he.* I just wanted to facepalm right there. Especially because this isn't just a minor translation error like we've seen in the past few episodes where sheep got translated as goat or duck as chicken...this translation error can cause a lot of confusion to anime only fans. Yuki was 100% talking about Kyo in that moment, but now that "she" got used, anime only fans are going to think that he was talking about Tohru there or something, ugh.

This is why I find myself preferring the dub for Furuba again and again. Acting-wise I like both pretty equally, though I do have more of a connection to the English dub cast, but translation-wise...the English dub translations tend to be way more accurate and on-point. They also tend to express the feelings and tones a bit better too and even add extra layers sometimes. Of course, the people working on the dubs are very dedicated (from what I remember from the Funimation video on Momiji's accent) to the series and getting the small details right. 

I know a lot of the time that sub translators are just overworked and underpaid freelancers who usually don't have as much background knowledge and stuff like that to work with. They just translate and leave (so to speak). This system that anime has in place for sub translators isn't a good one and is resulting in poor quality work, imo.

That being said, there was one change in translation that I liked. A lot. It was this bit right here:

In the TokyoPop Version they had Momiji say "like," but here they've changed it to "love." It's kinda like the opposite of what they did with both Arisa's thoughts on Kureno and Yuki's thoughts on Tohru (back in Episode 7). The series is finished, so we know the proper feelings and emotions of these characters and the way their character and relationship arcs play out and etc.. That really helps to more accurately translate vaguer Japanese words like "suki" or "itoshii" which can be romantically based, but don't necessarily have to be, and vice-versa. I'm glad they made that change, since I think it got across Momiji's actual feelings towards Tohru better (that he has romantic feelings for her). Especially combined with his facial expression here, which they got perfect. I haven’t watched any anime only reactions yet, so I wonder if anime only fans will get the same implications and feelings from Momiji's words as I did here. It’ll be fun to see.

Anyway, I have to say that all of the Momiji scenes were well done. I don't have anything to really comment on there outside of the fact that seeing Momiji crying and then hearing him trying and failing to get out an "I'm sorry" got me crying (again). I didn't bawl my eyes out this episode like I did last, but this episode had a bunch of small moments that made me tear up. That's only what I was expecting my reaction to be to this episode, I felt the metaphorical pain when Akito talked about the fate of the Zodiac members and when Tohru thought about the Sohmas and their future at the end there, on the beach. So, I feel this episode hit all of the right emotional beats for me.

The small additional scenes that they included, such as Tohru thinking "The curse that binds everyone..." and then we just get a big ol' image of Kyo. I'm not gonna lie, that did make me laugh for a second, but that was in a good way. I love how they are making it clear very early on here that Kyo is Tohru's main driving force right now. The scene of Tohru by Momiji's beside the morning after Akito visits, is a scene from the manga, but seeing that small little animation of Tohru wiping away Momiji's tear - it shows how Tohru does want everyone to be free. She does care about everyone...But Kyo is the one she cares about the most. Even right now, even if it is still on a subconscious level. So I loved that quick little addition.

I also really liked the addition of the Rin scene, her looking at all of them on the beach, celebrating with fireworks. Re-reading the manga, I feel like it is a bit *too* elusive with Rin, so I'm glad to see that the reboot is being less so. I think it will work out better for Rin's story overall that way and also I like that they kept the detail consistency of Rin wearing Tohru's outfit (though, I didn't check to see if the shirt was still ripped or not).

Speaking of fireworks, I never really thought about it before, but outside of fireworks being pretty universally connected to summer, they are also pretty universally connected to freedom and new beginnings/change. 

Countries all over the world celebrate New Years with fireworks and pretty much every Independence Day around the world is celebrated through fireworks as well (and likely other, country specific traditions). Even in Japan, while not an Independence Day per se, when I lived in Toyama City, I learned that the Kitanippon Fireworks Display was connected to the 1945 bombing of Toyama City. It was a way to pray for the souls of those who died, as well as to celebrate and pray for peace. So all over the world, fireworks are associated with these ideas of change, freedom, and peace, which I think is wonderfully fitting for Tohru's end resolve to find a way to break the curse and transition from a passive MC to and active MC.

I feel that this episode of Furuba did an excellent job of executing the calm, happy moments like all of the kids and teens sitting around watching Mogeta. It was nice that they showed a brief little moment from the Mogeta episode that they were watching too. I feel it is a good way to jog the memories of anime only fans who are watching. I always find it funny when the genre of Mogeta gets brought up and a bunch of different genres are brought up. I always felt that joke was a bit tongue-in-cheek and was meant to be about Furuba itself. Also, in this reboot they had a Mogeta manga in Haru's room. So he should know about it already. But knowing Haru's personality, he probably read the manga without really looking at the title of it. I bet while they were watching the anime he was thinking something like, 'This feels vaguely familiar somehow...' lol

The more dramatic moments were handled very well too! The tension between Akito and Tohru was excellent. You could cut it with a knife! Meanwhile, this shot of Shigure was fantastically conveyed:

And I'm *very* happy they kept this scene the same as it was depicted in the manga:

It's so important that Akito is thinking 'That woman' as they dress and after both hearing about a call concerning Ren and having just had a conversation with Shigure about Tohru. It makes Akito chanting of 'That woman,' and Akito's almost crazed like state over 'That woman' apply to herself, Ren, and Tohru all at the same time. A++!

I think the only other major thing that I have to talk about this episode is how you can really start to see the parallel between Kyo and Momiji being the two Sohma boys that like Tohru romantically. Like I said earlier, I really do feel like they got Momiji's feelings across correctly here, so his conversation with Kyo reads a bit more like they are both on the same page. You get the proper sense that when Kyo and Momiji are talking about "being selfish" they are talking about having feelings for Tohru. Also, Momiji is the one who is able to stand up against Akito and be able to help Tohru in that moment, while Kyo is not only held back by the others, but also by himself. Ugh, poor Kyo! T-T

Outside of that, I don't think I really have much else to say about the episode. The shots of all of them eating the watermelon together were cute and precious, as were Momiji's bunny ears (they always are). Ah! I remembered one more thing. I really like how they had that image of the Zodiacs surrounding Akito and how the image made it appear like they were all getting closer to Akito. Them moving closer but all having their backs turned, continues to illustrate the strain and toxicity of the bond that currently exists between the Zodiac members and God.

So yeah, overall I really enjoyed this episode and thought they did a good job with it. There was just that one translation error that was just like, "huh?" But I'm not gonna hold that against the episode itself. They did a nice job of wrapping up this arc, and it seems like next week we will be getting the Kagura and Kyo stuff, which is interesting! I'm sensing some more, slight rearranging of events and chapters. I trust the anime team though, so I'm looking forward to how they will arrange things going forward! :D

[kinetic-elaboration]

June 2: 2x21 Patterns of Force

Took a nap after work today!! Perhaps a bad idea.

Anyway, some thoughts on the... awkward Patterns of Force.

Another story about Jim looking for his hero, I see. That never (always) ends badly.

Definitely getting an image of little Spock (teenage Spock? young adult Spock? all little Spocks) reading about Earth history.

Oh no, an armed drone. That does not bode well. Why do Kirk’s heroes always betray him?

A subcutaneous transponder. That seems like a useful device to introduce into the narrative. (Slash remember for future purposes...)

Also it reminds of me “He’s a...a... a transponster!”

Spock in a hat. I guess the Ekosians and/or Zeons don’t have pointed ears, then.

“It’s our old enemy...fascism.”

Well this guy literally was not subtle in his references to Nazi Germany. (I’m referring in universe to what’s-his-face but this also applies to the episode writer.)

“The evidence is clear... someone did interfere.”

“You look quite well for a man who’s been utterly destroyed, Mr. Spock.” This man canNOT stop flirting for one second.

Lol, using Spock to distract the Nazi.

“It’s logical to pretend to be a Nazi? Okay, I’m convinced. You said the magic word.”

“Look! I captured him!” So proud.

Kirk’s face when Spock says he would make a convincing Nazi. Bb, you’re not doing the compliment thing right. (I’ll actually be quite honest... I find the humor in that moment but it also makes me uncomfortable given both these actors are Jewish.)

That said, Kirk is canonically better at blending into undercover scenarios than Spock is. He thinks better on his feet, creatively.

How do these people NOT recognize two whole-ass aliens.

...Maybe they do.

I do like when Kirk is being interrogated and still tries to be charming..

That Nazi really lost a lot of authority after being dressed down by his superior in front of the captives.

I like this Zeon. 

“The flaw in the plan is this locked door.” Thanks Spock. It’s this subtle humor that I think people often miss in him. Like where you can’t tell if it’s intentional or not.

Kirk is so smart!!! He never gets credit for being this smart.

Hmm, taking out the transponders is such a weirdly intimate scene.

The Zeon wants to be included in this adventure so much but they’re obsessed with each other, like “What Zeon?”

“I’ll be your platform, Mr. Spock.”

This is such a weirdly humorous interlude for a story about Nazis. Kind of reminds me in a way of that conversation with the police man on City on the Edge of Forever. I mean that ep was much better but just like the sudden switch in tone.

Spock’s like “Oh, that was cool. Made a laser.”

I heard Kirk say, “You, over there,” as in directing Spock to stand over there, but the subtitles say “Beautiful. Over there.” As in, “we did a beautiful job getting out, now Spock, stand over there.” But combine them...?

Not gonna get a disguise for Spock huh? Just gonna let him be shirtless a little more for no apparent reason.

Poor Zeon. These aliens are inscrutable and not letting him in on anything.

“Alien pistols.”

“Who would win? the entire military force of this planet or two phaser-less space husbands?"

I probably shouldn’t laugh every time Kirk impersonates a Nazi but I do. "Don't mind me... completely believable Nazi here..."

The unsubtle of the Hebrew names. And of course.. .Zeon.

“We’ll be just as bad as the Nazis.” No, actually, you’re not and never will be that’s not how it works. BUT you definitely should help the aliens. Like, that phrase grates because it’s usually used to refer to, like, use of violence, use of “censorship” but here’s it more about turning away people who are different or minority and so then it does make sense but....the connotations.

Spock’s like, “May I... get away from this emotion? Has enough time passed for me to ask that?”

More Nazis! Following them everywhere!

Oh, psych. Not Nazis after all.

Spock’s like “Betraying your own father, you say? I have never thought about that.”

“The Fuhrer... is an alien?” Actual real line AND a correct summation of the situation.

This ep does not paint the Federation in a great light. Although to be fair... John Gill was breaking the rules so.

Documentary corps... I love it. Great disguise. Flash lights in people’s eyes, have an excuse to stay in a group, no on looks at you. Genius.

Spock is honestly so bright-eyed and bushy-tailed about EVERYTHING. He cannot be tamed. Again, really an aspect of him I miss in the reboots.

Kirk really is the captain of everyone in his vicinity.

“Think positively, Spock.”

Uhura is unflappable. “A Nazi Colonel’s uniform? Of course, Captain.”

Send him down naked if you have to!! Yes, please, send him down naked.

Spock giving McCoy detailed instructions on how to put on boots... Why was dialogue like this not in the reboots?

McCoy is so polite. Polite first, confused later. “Nice to meet you, Nazi--wait, Nazi???”

I love how McCoy immediately put on his drunk face and Spock was like, "An opportunity to insult McCoy?? Awesome.”

So I assumed the Chairman was either dumb or didn’t recognize them with their shirts on but apparently he was yet another mole, so. At least it’s not a plot hole.

“The speech has no discernible pattern or logic.” Hmmm, I wonder what it feels like to have a leader who speaks with no discernible pattern or logic?

Guys. Pals. Awful people. Did he really give orders, or did he just say random shit? People will flock to anything. I'll be honest, I actually think this is one of the subtler and better parts of this episode: how chilling it is to contemplate how people will rally around any non-speech that has the right tone and a few key words. This is garbage language. But it incites people to kill.

McCoy and his stimulants again.

Spock and his mind probing again.

Wow Spock really messed with his mind there. “He can answer questions but not otherwise speak?” What kind of crazy shit is that?

They are being so mean to Spock. “Malformed ears.” “Low forehead.” That’s not a low forehead, that’s bangs.

Nice triumivirate scene at the end. Feels good, feels organic. Kirk likes to hear his two BFFs bickering because it feels like all is right with the universe, and I agree. Nature is healing.

This episode has a very weird (and very hard to swallow imo) backstory. Like, who primarily associates the Nazis with efficiency? And even if you do, if you think there’s something to the way they put together the country so fast post-WWI, all of this “efficiency” is directly tied to hatred and violence. Like Isak said, the Ekosians have nothing to hold them together BUT hating Zeons. That's at the center of the design. It's not like Gill’s plan backfired it was just... a horrible plan?? It doesn’t even make sense to me that his “effective regime” was co-opted by one hateful person because what was at the center of the “Nazi” regime before the hatred of Zeons? What could it have been? There are no other alternatives provided. Also, even if it could have been somehow accomplished without the use of a scapegoat.. is fascism really an ideal? Like the story never reckoned with that concept at all, which I find disturbing.

Here’s the thing about Gill. He is a certain real type and I appreciate his inclusion up to a point. He’s the Naive, Hubristic Intellectual. He thinks because he’s studied something, academically, he knows more about it even than people who experienced it, and he can fix all of its problems. “I can do this, but better. I am so smart, I am so well-informed, I have no flaws.” I can even see this sort of person being someone a young Kirk would admire because there’s an optimism and idealism to this naivete. I don’t think Kirk is arrogant but he is very idealistic, and when he was a young man, still in the market for heroes, or at least idols or mentors? Yeah, someone with that kind of attitude toward life--that we can deeply understand and then improve upon history--would have appealed to him. It’s possible that Gill even was the “compassionate, gentle” person that Kirk thought, or that he had that side to him.

Where I think the episode erred is in absolving Gill of most of his guilt for this state of affairs. He does die and he does admit he was wrong, but his biggest sin is allegedly in introducing a regime that could be co-opted for evil rather than one that was inherently bad. He is literally drugged (tortured in a way), to emphasize just how non-culpable the narrative thinks he is. Also, while he does apologize for interfering at all, even this is fairly brief and not expanded upon in the rest of the narrative. The truth is he shouldn’t have interfered in general, because that’s not his place or his right, and he shouldn’t have interfered in this way specifically. Even if Malakon hadn’t risen and taken over, the ideal Gil was imposing was one of unthinking uniformity, lack of autonomy, worship of a leader over the rule law--these are not the values of the Federation, the show Star Trek, or me. But he’s used more as a device to explain why the show is so unsubtly Nazi, rather than a real villain or object lesson. Even though Gill is a much better object lesson than Malakon.

And what about Malakon? The ending presents him, literally and in so many words, as the “one evil man” responsible for all of this. I think we know both from studying history and, unfortunately, from our own times, that this is untrue because impossible. One evil person is just a lunatic ranting on the street corner. One evil leader became leader because others agreed and gave him power, or agreed in part, or made a deal with the devil, or disagreed but said nothing, or spoke but were overwhelmed. It’s a disservice to the subject matter to say that dictatorships or authoritarian regimes are that simple. I get that the episode is only 50 minutes and it needs to wrap up, and it’s simpler to say “Okay, killed the Villain, now we can go back to being Not Evil, all the Ekosians will be as happy as the Zeons because we never really wanted this.” But Hitler and his henchmen weren’t the only Nazis. Regular people--and in this context, regular Ekosians--weren’t Nazis too.

Overall, the episode was okay. Very awkward though. Very blunt. I think it would have been better off not using the Nazi symbology so literally. Like the idea that a human would come into a society and purposefully create something from our history is interesting (and “what if Earth but alien?” is certainly something TOS likes doing and finds various ways to do--like the gangsters in A Piece of the Action or Neo-Rome in Bread and Circuses or even literal Greek Gods in Who Mourns for Adonais?) but not worth it given which society was being emulated. It seemed to be too much an excuse to dig out the old WWII movie costumes (and put Jewish actors in Nazi regalia which... is very... distressing) and not so much an excuse for some kind of commentary along the lines of what I said above re: the hubris of historians, the hubris of time. That aspect leaves a bad taste. It had some good ideas but I think, again, it was hindered rather than helped by how literal it insisted (for some reason) on being. Compare it to A Private Little War, which was just about as obvious a Vietnam allegory as you can get, and yet still didn’t literally transport anyone to Vietnam, and this ep looks all the more clunky. I’m probably judging it more harshly than I have on previous viewings, but I really feel like... you can use sci fi to make a commentary on the rise of authoritarianism, but the delicacy of the subject matter requires you to be particularly thoughtful in the way you do it and the actual statements you’re making.

Anyway, the Enterprise Defeats Nazis is a good episode summary at least.

I think in my last attempt at a whole rewatch I stopped at around this point. I seem to have watched the next two episodes, according to Amazon, but I have a weird feeling I only watched one, the next one, By Any Other Name, and then stopped. I don’t remember either of them so we’ll see how that goes! Will they seem familiar or not?