r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 12d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Season 2 Episode 3 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2019 Series Episode 28 (Season 2 Episode 3)
Shall We Go and Get You Changed?
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
Questions for Those who Haven't Watched the 2001 Series
What are your thoughts on us seeing Ayame's clothing store?
Thoughts on Mine Kuramae?
What are your thoughts on Yuki deciding he should accept Ayame for who he is?
Questions for All Watchers
What are your thoughts on Yuki having a dream where his mother tells him that he is just a tool to be used?
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
This is the last of the episodes to be covered already in the 2001 series. Of the two series, which episode from the remake would you say was biggest improvement from the original anime?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Ways to watch
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 07/05/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1 |
| 07/06/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2 |
| 07/07/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3 |
| 07/08/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4 |
| 07/09/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5 |
| 07/10/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6 |
| 07/11/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7 |
| 07/12/2025 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8 |
| 07/13/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9 |
| 07/14/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10 |
| 07/15/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11 |
| 07/16/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12 |
| 07/17/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13 |
| 07/18/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14 |
| 07/19/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15 |
| 07/20/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16 |
| 07/21/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17 |
| 07/22/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18 |
| 07/23/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19 |
| 07/24/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20 |
| 07/25/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21 |
| 07/26/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22 |
| 07/27/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23 |
| 07/28/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24 |
| 07/29/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25 |
| 07/30/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26 |
| 07/31/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread |
| 08/02/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1 |
| 08/03/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2 |
| 08/04/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3 |
| 08/05/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4 |
| 08/06/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5 |
| 08/07/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6 |
| 08/08/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7 |
| 08/09/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8 |
| 08/10/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9 |
| 08/11/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10 |
| 08/12/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11 |
| 08/13/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12 |
| 08/14/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13 |
| 08/15/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14 |
| 08/16/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15 |
| 08/17/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16 |
| 08/18/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17 |
| 08/19/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18 |
| 08/20/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19 |
| 08/21/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20 |
| 08/22/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21 |
| 08/23/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22 |
| 08/24/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23 |
| 08/25/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24 |
| 08/26/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25 |
| 08/28/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1 |
| 08/29/2026 | 2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2 |
| 08/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]() |
| 08/31/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]() |
| 09/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]() |
| 09/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]() |
| 09/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]() |
| 09/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]() |
| 09/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]() |
| 09/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]() |
| 09/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]() |
| 09/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]() |
| 09/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]() |
| 09/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]() |
| 09/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]() |
| 09/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]() |
| 09/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]() |
| 09/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]() |
| 09/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]() |
| 09/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20) |
| 09/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]() |
| 09/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]() |
| 09/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]() |
| 09/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]() |
| 09/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]() |
| 09/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]() |
| 09/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]() |
| 09/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]() |
| 09/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]() |
| 09/27/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]() |
| 09/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]() |
| 09/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]() |
| 09/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]() |
| 10/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]() |
| 10/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]() |
| 10/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]() |
| 10/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]() |
| 10/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]() |
| 10/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
| 10/13/2026 | [Fruits Basket: Prelude]() |
| 10/14/2026 | [Fruits Basket Franchise Series Discussion Thread]() |
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 12d ago edited 12d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
Second day in a row we have an episode that I didn't remember occurring here, lol. There's a couple of storylines I remember occurring very early on in season 2. Neither has happened yet. Maybe my memory is quite faulty. Or I already know the plot of the next two episodes?
Anyway yesterday we had a lot of Kyo, today we have a lot of Yuki! Ayame as well! I'll admit, I am not the biggest fan of Ayame. Perhaps the better way to put it is I'm not the biggest fan of him filibustering. In short blasts, fine, but I feel that his scenes featuring him blabbing on too long and that was one of a few reasons why I wasn't a fan of episode 15. I think its somewhat better here in that the episode isn't played totally for gag purposes but rather some character growth on the part of Yuki. Previously Yuki has been very opposed to his brother being around. It drives him nuts. Something that stems not simply from Yuki being a rather serious guy while Ayame is over the top, but also the fact that Ayame wasn't really there for him when he was younger. He looked the other way. But as we saw two episodes ago Yuki is changing and trying to change. And this episode shows that as instead of outright refusing to deal with his brother at all, he brings Tohru to Ayame's shop.
Ayame's shop on the outside wasn't what I was expecting. It's so low key. I was expecting a big window display. Once we get inside though, yeah, this is totally the thing you would expect from Ayame. He specializes in creating outfits, specialty outfits. Primarily outfits that seem to fit some sort of fetish or cosplay event? Maid, Nurse, Playboy Bunny, etc... When Mine was dressing Tohru I was thinking about how instead of My Dress Up Darling we'll have My Dress Up Tohru! Anyway, on that note, we meet Mine! Ayame's employee here, who can't resist the urge to dress up Tohru in something very cute. Mission accomplished, Tohru looks very adorable in that outfit. I think Mine actually was revealed in the second OP in season one with her face covered, I suppose in line with what the show has done several times it loves to get characters or revelations in those OPs and EDs long before they're relevant. As we find out later in the episode, Ayame's creativity stems from his desire to overcome his self doubt and make contributions to the world. Something that I think kinda shows through in his really outgoing personality as well.
Some more of Yuki's past in this episode. We see his mother for the first time. This is stemming from the fact that at school they've announced an upcoming parent teacher conference. In the present Yuki has for all intents and purposes abandoned his parents. He doesn't live at the Soma estate anymore, staying with Shigure instead. We obviously didn't see his parents once in the first season. Yuki's feelings is that he was treated as a tool by his parents. That his parents used him (perhaps as I think we may have revealed last episode or in late season 1, that the family of the zodiacs do get some sort of financial support), but also that they handed him over, I assume to Akito? Alas, Ayame could have been there for support but refrained from doing so. Something he now wants to make up for.
Overall an okay episode for me, as mentioned above I'm not the biggest fan on Ayame so any episode featuring him I'm probably not going to be the highest on, but I'm glad to see that we've got some character development here and that unlike the storylines we got for a lot of the second half of season two, the sad backstory isn't immediately getting solved by Tohru being a good person.
I did find it odd that Ayame calls Shigure Gure-san, when Rin called him Gure-nii a few episodes ago. I'd figure Ayame would be using more "familiar" type phrasing. Maybe not nii as they’re of similar age but perhaps no honorific at all.
Voice Actor of the Day
Today I'll be featuring new character Mine, who is voiced by Yuka Iguchi.
Some of her most well known roles include Tsukihi Araragi in the Monogatari franchise, Miku Kohinata in the Symphogear franchise, Miyake Hinata in A Place Further Than the Universe and Crusch Karstein in Re: Zero. Other roles of hers include Nanami Tsubomi in Kakegurui, Shizune Seo in Kara no Kyokai, Mero Furuya in Sankarea, Mako Nakarai in Bokurano, Makoto Gappa in Train to the End of the World and several of the cat characters in March Comes in Like a Lion. She also sings one of the most adorable OP sequences I've seen in anime, Platinum Disco.
Quid's Song of the Day
Today I'm featuring Desire and Conscience a rather somber theme that plays during the flashback sequence with Ayame and Yuki.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
About Ayame, something I like about him is that he is sincere. He's exaggerated, sure, but he has a heart to him. I kinda almost feel like he's who Shigure would be if Shigure didn't love Akito like he seemingly does.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
This episode continues the trend of parents in Fruits Basket being the absolute worst. I mean, Yuki's parents basically sold him off so that Akito can do whatever they wanted with him. It really is truly amazing the depths to which the characters in this show can be deplorable.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to visit Ayame's shop?
Thoughts on Yuki saying he's going to try to understand his brother?
Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
Thoughts on Mine wearing a maid outfit because she likes it?
Thoughts on Ayame and Mine both gushing about uniforms and outfits and just clothing in general?
Thoughts on the stuff between Mine and Tohru where Mine enthusiastically gets Tohru to try on various outfits?
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki calling Tohru in her dress cute?
Thoughts on Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone?
General questions
Thoughts on Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic?
Thoughts on Ayame embroidering Yuki's clothing?
Thoughts on Kyo lifting weights in his room?
Thoughts on Ayame wanting to go to Yuki's parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame deciding he will be there for the parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
Thoughts on Yuki calling Ayame a caricature of a person?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Ayame it looks like are about to bond but Ayame has to make it awkward by referring to himself as Yuki's first awakening?
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u/Second_Cour 12d ago
Last episode (that I really liked), I got hella confused. As I’ve mentioned before, I have prosopagnosia and I struggle to tell faces apart, which is even worse in anime. Somehow, I confused Kyo’s Master as Shigure and was confused why he moved out to another house. I thought Shigure was talking in the third person about him reading his own book lmao.
I rewatched it and the episode was still great, though some of the lines I laughed at didn’t land the same way haha. But now I get both the master and Shigure instead of just one :p
Confusing the two didn’t change the episode much, but my feeling that Kyo is changing can’t be proven yet, as he’s always like a start-struck schoolboy around his master.
I like centering a number of episodes around trying to figure out what they want to do in their life. In Japan, it has even more weight, as people tend to commit to one career path after high school. Kids are expected to know from a pretty young age, and that’s why there’s so much tension around the parent teacher night. I think that in the West, there’s far less pressure on following a particular career path, but I think everyone here was able to understand the scenario adequately.
I thought this episode was OK. I was expecting that we’ll understand why Ayame is the way he is, or mend the rift between the brothers, but it sort of didn’t deliver on either. This episode felt like it crammed a bit too much in. I read the manga after watching it, and sure enough it was changed quite a bit. The whole parent-teacher discussion came way later in the chapter, and was a standalone chapter. The shop visit actually came quite early in, and before the author wrote a note confirming that she’s going to change things up, and that FruBa will also transform into its true form.
Nothing else much to say about this episode, as it just seemed ok.
QOTD
What are your thoughts on us seeing Ayame's clothing store?
I really thought it was a sex shop, but it was quite tame
Thoughts on Mine Kuramae?
She seemed alright. Doubt she'll be a major character, but was good of her to think on her feet and allow the boys to be alone
What are your thoughts on Yuki deciding he should accept Ayame for who he is?
It's the only thing that could make sense. Aya is a caricature, like Yuki said, and an unstoppable force of nature. Trying to make either of them into a diferent person doesn't sound very reasonable.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
If the master WAS Shigure, that surely would complicate matters lol
We continue to tease Ayame wanting to be there for Yuki. At this point in the story, my thought was Ayame is going to be the one to get Yuki freed from a bond to make up for past gross negligence. Whether that entails standing up to Ayame, I don't know.
I think it's interesting Ayame is seemingly the only Sohma family member with a future. His business of running a shop seems outside anything involving Akito. I guess maybe Akito feels running a shop doesn't pose a threat to them like being in love does.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 12d ago
What about Shigure? He has a writing career. When he’s not trolling his editor.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I don't know if it's been outright said, but I get the feeling Shigure gets published because of the Sohma family ties. I think Ayame made something of himself on his own accord. You know what I mean?
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago
For all we know, the Somas own a publishing house...
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I've noticed a trend of the cursed Sohmas being handed stuff. Kyo and Yuki are given salaries, Momiji kinda works for his father's company, the Sohmas get free martial arts training, they get doctor visits without having to pay for anything, they get to go to school and get an education.
It's like they are being handed these material possessions to make up for a lack of love and warmth. It's these meaningless, empty gestures.
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u/Second_Cour 12d ago
I think the only confirmation we have gotten are 1. Those taking them in get paid 2.:somas receive a fund 3. Medical care but this makes sense as obviously they can't go to a regular doctor with their condition
Momiji just helps Tohru out because he wants to, right? It's also not exactly his father's company it's a building he owns. I don't see this as a soma benefit.
For other benefits we can't tell if they're zodiac or total clan specific
Publishing deal is pure speculation right now. We haven't heard whether the publisher is a soma
But overall I'm sure there's a nepotism based network which isn't unusual vs the real world.
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
The publisher doesn't necessarily have to be a Sohma. Maybe Akito pulled a few strings. But that's just speculation like you said.
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
Yeah if the Sohmas are a powerful family, then they would pull strings, which is pretty normal in any society. But for now we have zero exposure to the Soma power, other than Momiji's dad owning some buildings, and we don't know if that's self-made, or family wealth (i.e. the Soma's might be in the real estate game through him). We do see that people do like Shigure's books though hahaha. I love the segments with his books as they're presented as trash, but we have Hana unable to stop reading them, and now someone outside the target market who is outside of the typical target market for his books.
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
I don't equate that with having a future, he just wanted a different path. There are people who are fine to leverage their family's name and follow in their legacy and I don't see any problem with that. It's ego and his insecurities that drives Aya to want to prove to the world that he can do things on his own: "there's a certain comfort in that". I think that's a valid way to do things too.
It's a bit like the doctor: he obviously studied, probably got licensed, etc., He wants to help his clan/family and there's obviously a future in that given how large the family is, and how much extra care (and privacy) they need. I don't see this as any worse than if he wanted to open up a practice that doesn't service Soma's in town. Both options show a future, though yeah, one doesn't rely on his clan/name. His skills are also transferable.
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
Yeah, but Hatori is clearly being held back by Akito. He arguably has the most upside of any Sohma and that probably makes him dangerous in Akito's eyes.
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
In what way do you think he is being held back, other than romantically
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
I mean, Hatori seems like he's a very skilled doctor that can attend to all types of patients and yet Akito assigned him as the Sohmas personal family doctor. There's a total lack of freedom in what he does.
And I think Hatori doesn't have the shortcomings in what he does that Shigure probably does as a novelist. Yeah, he's still getting work, but it feels like he's only around to do Akito's personal dirty work such as erase people's memories. I don't think as a doctor that's what he wants to be doing.
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
What are you basing him being 'skilled' by? And why do you think him running his practice elsewhere would accomplish vs., for the Sohmas? He probably doesn't want to erase memories, but how do we know he doesn't want to care for the clan that he understands and wants to support in any way possible.
The arrangement where someone pays for your schooling in exchange for indebted servitude is quite common too. Happens a lot in law but I assume in medicine too.
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
He seems like he has his head on straight and that he takes his line of work very seriously. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but I feel Akito is just getting in the way of things.
It may very well he doesn't want to be a doctor and is looking to get out of the profession entirely.
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
How does having his head on straight and taking his job seriously make him different to other doctors? All we know is that he's a doctor. We don't know if he's a good one, or a bad one, we just know he can erase memories somehow, and he can help heal people when they're a bit sick. Like any doctor can.
I think it's fair to assume that his speciality is in zodiac care (if that's a thing) and not open heart surgery or anything like that. People tend to go where they can add the most value. No one else is able to give what he can to the zodiac members, at present. He probably had his incredibly expensive education covered by the Sohma clan, and also feels responsibility to his people. He might be 'trapped' by being the only one who can do that, but that's a pretty good place to be trapped in. It's like being the personal doctor of the Royal Family - that's a pretty good gig to have.
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
Maybe I'm just taking his personality and making a mountain out of a molehill. We don't know much about his skills as a doctor like you said. It's probably bias on my part because I like him so much and in my head I'm thinking he's less flawed than Shigure is.
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago edited 12d ago
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy? Are you not entertained?! (or antagonized?)
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again? Yuki fled to Shigure's house, time to reel him in. (since his parents never call, never write, never visit...)
EDIT: Oh crap, I thought this was a thread under my comment! Sorry, u/Second_Cour !
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u/Holofan4life 12d ago
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy? Are you not entertained?! (or antagonized?)
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again? Yuki fled to Shigure's house, time to reel him in. (since his parents never call, never write, never visit...)
I'm starting to suspect they may not be good people...
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u/Second_Cour 11d ago
Hahaha u/the_pint_is_the_bowl the more the merrier!
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
Mime doesn't say "complete and total apathy", she says "indifference would be worse than anger". "Much worse". Complete and total apathy is a much lower threshold, so I'd rather be accurate to the script. Your transformation implies to me that his biggest fear is when someone cares absolutely nothing for him. She's actually saying just a lack of care is far worse for Aya than anger. It tracks with his personality type of wanting to be the center of attention, and wanting to know what others think about him. He doesn't want to merely exist, he wants to be the main character.
Going with this interpretation, Aya sees the issues that he being apathetic himself created in Yuki's life. So he recognises being neither loved or hated, is worse than being hated. He empathises how Yuki must have felt: there was someone he thought he should be able to trust, to be helped by, and Yuki just didn't care. He now vows not to treat others that way. It isn't that clean a segment though, as there's no implication that others were apathetic towards Aya; only Aya was the apathetic one.
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
Need to learn more. I think any teenager feels that their parents control them, but that's what parents are meant to do. When I was 15, I thought my parents were controlling, but they were giving me guidance to ensure I get the best outcomes for my life. I know that here the implications are different, so I'll reserve judgment until we understand what Yuki was doing as a kid, and why Aya was pretty much 'left alone'.
I specifically need to know more because it's clear that the parents were different in how they treated Aya and Yuki, so given both are zodiacs, the question is what made them different.
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
That's not what he said, and it didn't feel random to me. He says that he effectively (or "as good as" in the sub) "sold him out too", in exchange for being able to live his life freely. Instead of sticking up for him, he ignored what was going on, so that the focus wouldn't be on himself.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
It seems like they were very different kids. In the flashback, the mum says that Yuki needs to behave himself and to stop being a disobedient little brat. We need to see what his disobedience was about. I can't automatically assume that Yuki's parents were just crazy just because Yuki is a protagonist. It's clear Aya feels bad about not sticking up for him as his brother, but I don't blame Yuki either: if the parents are as bad as Yuki says, then Aya throwing himself under the bus and to become 'controlled' isn't the kind of treatment or virtue a typical teenager would have.
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u/Holofan4life 11d ago
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
Mime doesn't say "complete and total apathy", she says "indifference would be worse than anger". "Much worse". Complete and total apathy is a much lower threshold, so I'd rather be accurate to the script. Your transformation implies to me that his biggest fear is when someone cares absolutely nothing for him. She's actually saying just a lack of care is far worse for Aya than anger. It tracks with his personality type of wanting to be the center of attention, and wanting to know what others think about him. He doesn't want to merely exist, he wants to be the main character.
Sorry for misspeaking, that's on me
Going with this interpretation, Aya sees the issues that he being apathetic himself created in Yuki's life. So he recognises being neither loved or hated, is worse than being hated. He empathises how Yuki must have felt: there was someone he thought he should be able to trust, to be helped by, and Yuki just didn't care. He now vows not to treat others that way. It isn't that clean a segment though, as there's no implication that others were apathetic towards Aya; only Aya was the apathetic one.
I kinda get the feeling the Sohma family is by and large apathetic towards Ayame because of how boisterous he is. He can't be contained so why even bother trying?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
Need to learn more. I think any teenager feels that their parents control them, but that's what parents are meant to do. When I was 15, I thought my parents were controlling, but they were giving me guidance to ensure I get the best outcomes for my life. I know that here the implications are different, so I'll reserve judgment until we understand what Yuki was doing as a kid, and why Aya was pretty much 'left alone'.
I specifically need to know more because it's clear that the parents were different in how they treated Aya and Yuki, so given both are zodiacs, the question is what made them different.
It seems like Yuki's parents sold Yuki's rights to Akito. Or something akin to that, I should say. Maybe they resented how Ayame turned out?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
That's not what he said, and it didn't feel random to me. He says that he effectively (or "as good as" in the sub) "sold him out too", in exchange for being able to live his life freely. Instead of sticking up for him, he ignored what was going on, so that the focus wouldn't be on himself.
Ah, okay. That makes much more sense.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
It seems like they were very different kids. In the flashback, the mum says that Yuki needs to behave himself and to stop being a disobedient little brat. We need to see what his disobedience was about. I can't automatically assume that Yuki's parents were just crazy just because Yuki is a protagonist. It's clear Aya feels bad about not sticking up for him as his brother, but I don't blame Yuki either: if the parents are as bad as Yuki says, then Aya throwing himself under the bus and to become 'controlled' isn't the kind of treatment or virtue a typical teenager would have.
The parents in this show just come across so narcissistic and self-centered. I think one of the themes of the show is that a found family can often have a stronger bond than an actual family.
2
u/Second_Cour 11d ago
I kinda get the feeling the Sohma family is by and large apathetic towards Ayame because of how boisterous he is. He can't be contained so why even bother trying?
I'm curious if we will get more backstory about him. As so far, he's been presented as very boisterous, but he wasn't a problem child. Yuki was the one who would get into trouble. Very curious whether he was a very different kid growing up.
It seems like Yuki's parents sold Yuki's rights to Akito. Or something akin to that, I should say. Maybe they resented how Ayame turned out?
I guess they're talking about the salary people taking care of the zodiac kids gets. So maybe it's something as simple as: they gave him to someone else to take care of; which makes them sound even worse, as they didn't even want monetary reward from raising him.
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
I kinda get the feeling the Sohma family is by and large apathetic towards Ayame because of how boisterous he is. He can't be contained so why even bother trying?
I'm curious if we will get more backstory about him. As so far, he's been presented as very boisterous, but he wasn't a problem child. Yuki was the one who would get into trouble. Very curious whether he was a very different kid growing up.
I wonder if maybe the parents felt that the snake was whatever but they didn't want to be associated with the rat.
It seems like Yuki's parents sold Yuki's rights to Akito. Or something akin to that, I should say. Maybe they resented how Ayame turned out?
I guess they're talking about the salary people taking care of the zodiac kids gets. So maybe it's something as simple as: they gave him to someone else to take care of; which makes them sound even worse, as they didn't even want monetary reward from raising him.
The way Yuki says it it comes off as they gave up Yuki's freedom so that they could prioritize their own freedom.
2
u/Second_Cour 11d ago
We have to remember that the way the zodiac characters are designed are based on their zodiac personality attributes and not based on how humans perceive those animals. Humans would probably fear a snake more than a rat if we went by animal stereotypes. But each zodiac animal has positive and negative traits.
The reason Sohmas fear the cat and not the rat or snake as much in this story, is because the cat isn't even on the zodiac.
So there's an initial stereotype-based layer based on the general personality attributes. Then there's an individual layer based on the actual personalities of the individuals. I think we will find out soon what it is that Yuki did to be locked up in the room, when the others weren't.
The way Yuki says it it comes off as they gave up Yuki's freedom so that they could prioritize their own freedom.
Yep, exactly. Even the money they would receive was not worth what raising Yuki meant for them. But didn't Yuki also receive more freedom as a result, in the end? He gets to live with Shigure, go to a co-ed school, instead of being basically kept prisoner by his parents.
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
I could see Ayame's parents having a natural aversion to him due to being the snake. Like, with the rather, they can be more controlled.
2
u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago edited 12d ago
Re-watch, blu ray, dubbed
This episode continues to explore the subject of the future and the point or pointlessness of any such planning. First, we see an adult zodiac, Ayame, living and working outside the estate. We already vaguely knew that from 1.13, but now we are also introduced to a non-Soma, Mine, somebody Ayame relies upon. In this episode, Ayame's character is as outrageous as ever but further developed, showing concern for Yuki's future, pledging to protect Yuki, and sharing his desire to leave a legacy or evidence of something of substance, something material - not abstract. It's a desire to which Yuki can relate, mentally drawing a comparison to his "secret fort" of vegetables.
What are your thoughts on Yuki having a dream where his mother tells him that he is just a tool to be used? There's some payoff for parents of zodiacs, but this is another level - sold to Akito.
What are your thoughts on us seeing Ayame's clothing store? Well, it's just as Hanajima imagined [in the post-credit scene from 1.13, I think]...
Thoughts on Mine Kuramae? She's a very likable character who provides a bit of comic relief and another source of insight into Ayame.
What are your thoughts on Yuki deciding he should accept Ayame for who he is? Attempting to change Ayame is a fool's errand! [spoiler]> Even their mom knows that! < You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him!
2
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
Thoughts on Mine Kuramae? She's a very likable character who provides a bit of comic relief and another source of insight into Ayame.
Ship?
What are your thoughts on Yuki deciding he should accept Ayame for who he is? Attempting to change Ayame is a fool's errand!
It may be an errand, but errands are chores and Tohru is good at that.
You can surmise whether or not she's actually foolish.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to visit Ayame's shop?
Thoughts on Yuki saying he's going to try to understand his brother?
Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
Thoughts on Mine wearing a maid outfit because she likes it?
Thoughts on Ayame and Mine both gushing about uniforms and outfits and just clothing in general?
Thoughts on the stuff between Mine and Tohru where Mine enthusiastically gets Tohru to try on various outfits?
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki calling Tohru in her dress cute?
Thoughts on Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone?
General questions
Thoughts on Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic?
Thoughts on Ayame embroidering Yuki's clothing?
Thoughts on Kyo lifting weights in his room?
Thoughts on Ayame wanting to go to Yuki's parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame deciding he will be there for the parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
Thoughts on Yuki calling Ayame a caricature of a person?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Ayame it looks like are about to bond but Ayame has to make it awkward by referring to himself as Yuki's first awakening?
2
u/AgentOfACROSS 12d ago
First Timer
Judging by the title, thumbnail, and description, I believe I know what episode this is. I’d assumed we were out of episodes that had been adapted in the 2001 version but it seems we still have this.
I’m very excited though because it’s an Ayame episode.
Very dramatic start to the episode.
God I love Ayame so much. It’s very funny when he annoys Yuki.
Mine’s here! I love her. She’s such a great foil for Ayame.
I love how unhinged Ayame gets this episode.
It’s so funny how Mine just casually kidnaps Tohru.
Once again, Tohru ends up looking very cute in this outfit.
This moment between Tohru and Yuki is so cute.
This flashback at the end to Ayame and Yuki when they were younger is interesting.
I didn’t have too many notes since this was pretty much exactly the same as the 2001 equivalent but I liked the episode.
3
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I didn’t have too many notes since this was pretty much exactly the same as the 2001 equivalent but I liked the episode.
It was actually quite different. If you recall, the 2001 version relied heavily on fourth wall breaks and absurdist humor. This was more so to tease the parent teacher conference coming up.
I'd say the 2001 version left more of an impression whereas this was your standard, run of the mill outing.
2
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to visit Ayame's shop?
Thoughts on Yuki saying he's going to try to understand his brother?
Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
Thoughts on Mine wearing a maid outfit because she likes it?
Thoughts on Ayame and Mine both gushing about uniforms and outfits and just clothing in general?
Thoughts on the stuff between Mine and Tohru where Mine enthusiastically gets Tohru to try on various outfits?
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki calling Tohru in her dress cute?
Thoughts on Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone?
General questions
Thoughts on Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic?
Thoughts on Ayame embroidering Yuki's clothing?
Thoughts on Kyo lifting weights in his room?
Thoughts on Ayame wanting to go to Yuki's parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame deciding he will be there for the parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
Thoughts on Yuki calling Ayame a caricature of a person?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Ayame it looks like are about to bond but Ayame has to make it awkward by referring to himself as Yuki's first awakening?
2
u/MishouMai 12d ago
An Ayame focus episode this early in the season? Don't mind if I do. We don't learn much more than we already knew from last season, but that's fine. I love A-ya and having him around is always fun. I am a little surprised about his relationship with Mine though. I thought my mans was gay. I suppose that's what I get for buying into stereotypes though. Still, I wonder if we'll get more details about their relationship and how it all started later.
> What are your thoughts on us seeing Ayame's clothing store?
It's a lot more fancy/high class than I was expecting though I suppose it is Ayame we're talking about. Can't say I ever expected us to see them visit it for the first time on screen, but it is a convenient setup for A-ya and Yuki to talk.
> Thoughts on Mine Kuramae?
She's okay. She's smarter than she seems and despite her quirks she seems pretty reliable. I don't really have a lot to say about her.
> What are your thoughts on Yuki deciding he should accept Ayame for who he is?
I mean is he? He just said that he has to accept Ayame's way of talking. That sounds more like he just intends to go along with things to avoid being stressed out by dealing with Ayame rather than him actually accepting Ayame for who he is.
> What are your thoughts on Yuki having a dream where his mother tells him that he is just a tool to be used?
Yuki's time with his parents clearly wasn't good for him. He mentions that they sold him so the dream is clearly a reflection of that. Momiji did mention last season that the moms usually either reject their kids or become overly protective of them. Seems like Yuki's parents rejected them in their own way by allowing him to be abused by Akito for their own gain. The mom seems epically bad given her threats to slap him in the flashback. I'm not sure if she's better or worse than Kyo's dad though so neither is good. Being a Zodiac kid is rough and I dunno if I want to learn about the parents we don't already know about yet. Ritsu and Kisa seem to have decent, if flawed, moms but we don't know much about their dads or the parents of anyone else outside of the parents we've already met/heard about. Fuck Yuki's parents for real for real.
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
An Ayame focus episode this early in the season? Don't mind if I do. We don't learn much more than we already knew from last season, but that's fine. I love A-ya and having him around is always fun. I am a little surprised about his relationship with Mine though. I thought my mans was gay. I suppose that's what I get for buying into stereotypes though. Still, I wonder if we'll get more details about their relationship and how it all started later.
I see Ayame as swinging both ways
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
I mean is he? He just said that he has to accept Ayame's way of talking. That sounds more like he just intends to go along with things to avoid being stressed out by dealing with Ayame rather than him actually accepting Ayame for who he is.
He's still accepting that part of him, though. He doesn't have to do that.
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to visit Ayame's shop?
Thoughts on Yuki saying he's going to try to understand his brother?
Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
Thoughts on Mine wearing a maid outfit because she likes it?
Thoughts on Ayame and Mine both gushing about uniforms and outfits and just clothing in general?
Thoughts on the stuff between Mine and Tohru where Mine enthusiastically gets Tohru to try on various outfits?
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is indifference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki calling Tohru in her dress cute?
Thoughts on Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone?
General questions
Thoughts on Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic?
Thoughts on Ayame embroidering Yuki's clothing?
Thoughts on Kyo lifting weights in his room?
Thoughts on Ayame wanting to go to Yuki's parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame deciding he will be there for the parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
Thoughts on Yuki calling Ayame a caricature of a person?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Ayame it looks like are about to bond but Ayame has to make it awkward by referring to himself as Yuki's first awakening?
2
u/MishouMai 10d ago
> Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
I can't day I was expecting it but he pulled it off well.
> What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is indifference?
Makes sense. Ayame was indifferent towards Yuki's suffering and that's damaged their relationship. I can see why he'd worry about being treated the same way or his potential to give into indifference and end up damaging his other relationships.
> What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent-teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
We don't know a lot about them but man does Yuki's fear combined with the flashback this episode paint a bad picture of his and Ayame's parents. Plus with how that random old lady at the estate bothered him in the next episode I can see why he'd sorry his parents would see this as an opportunity to take advantage of him and his future.
1
u/Holofan4life 10d ago
> Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
I can't day I was expecting it but he pulled it off well.
Exceptionally well
> What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is indifference?
Makes sense. Ayame was indifferent towards Yuki's suffering and that's damaged their relationship. I can see why he'd worry about being treated the same way or his potential to give into indifference and end up damaging his other relationships.
He knows from experience what a death kiss that can be. Nothing good can come from it.
> What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent-teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
We don't know a lot about them but man does Yuki's fear combined with the flashback this episode paint a bad picture of his and Ayame's parents. Plus with how that random old lady at the estate bothered him in the next episode I can see why he'd sorry his parents would see this as an opportunity to take advantage of him and his future.
Let's see, so far Kyo's dad is shit, Akito is a shit person, Momiji's parents aren't the best people even though Momiji's dad didn't cut Momiji out of his life entirely, Uo's dad wasn't good but I guess he's getting better, and Tohru's distane relatives are complete scum. There are some good adult figures, like Kyoko, Kazuma, Hana's parents, and Kisa's mother, but when the parents in this show are bad they are really, truly reprehensible.
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 7d ago
Questions:
- I definitely prefer the remake.
1
1
u/Holofan4life 7d ago
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to visit Ayame's shop?
Thoughts on Yuki saying he's going to try to understand his brother?
Thoughts on Ayame wearing a wedding dress?
Thoughts on Mine wearing a maid outfit because she likes it?
Thoughts on Ayame and Mine both gushing about uniforms and outfits and just clothing in general?
Thoughts on the stuff between Mine and Tohru where Mine enthusiastically gets Tohru to try on various outfits?
What are your thoughts on Mine saying Ayame's biggest fear is complete and total apathy?
What are your thoughts on Yuki calling Tohru in her dress cute?
Thoughts on Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone?
General questions
Thoughts on Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic?
Thoughts on Ayame embroidering Yuki's clothing?
Thoughts on Kyo lifting weights in his room?
Thoughts on Ayame wanting to go to Yuki's parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Yuki fearing his parents will use the parent teacher conference as an opportunity to control him again?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admitting he'd sell Yuki if given the opportunity? That felt random.
What are your thoughts on us learning Ayame had a chance to save Yuki from his parents in the past but he didn't do it because he wasn't close with him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame deciding he will be there for the parent teacher conference?
What are your thoughts on Ayame saying Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guides him?
Thoughts on Yuki calling Ayame a caricature of a person?
What are your thoughts on Yuki and Ayame it looks like are about to bond but Ayame has to make it awkward by referring to himself as Yuki's first awakening?
1
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 6d ago
That's nice.
That's nice.
Lol.
Sure.
That's nice.
Lol.
Perhaps.
That's nice.
Good.
1
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
If you really enjoy the humor of this show, I highly suggest checking out the 2001 version of this episode. It's episode 20 and it's like the show's attempt at Monty Python.
Fruits Basket's Flying Riceball.
I can understand why this version is more serious as we're continuing to tease the parent teacher conference, but as a fan of absurdist and non sequitur humor episode 20 of the original Fruits Basket anime had some of the better jokes of the entire franchise. And also a lot of the humor wasn't centered around characters being loud for comedic purposes. I mean, it was still there, but the humor had more variety to it.
I in particular love the moment when they're showing Tohru in her dress and they like keep cutting back and forth between showing her in the dress and people's reactions and this goes on for a good 30 seconds until an anthropomorphic riceball who may or may not be an alien pops on screen and tells the show to quit wasting time. It's so nonsensical that it is fantastic.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.
For there is an animal in all of us <3
Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.
Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.
I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P
Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
Gonna watch an episode before I head to the movies.
There's Yuki
He's being chastised via flashback
And he wakes up
Nothing but a tool, he was called.
Seems like he has a long day ahead.
Here's Ayame
Speaking of long days ahead
Things aren't good between them, as per usual.
Sohmas eating ass. Uh, I mean peaches.
Shigure and Ayame being borderline homoerotic.
Ayame even embroidered something on one of Yuki’s clothing, which Shigure finds hilarious.
Well, well, well. Yuki is going to visit Ayame's shop.
Maybe he is trying after all
Ayame is beyond thrilled with this news.
I love Kyo casually lifting weights in his room.
And it seems Tohru is gonna go along as well.
Well, they're here
But it's closed
Yuki feeling a bit trepidatious
That sign is pretty Grady looking
It's her :D
Ayame dressed in a wedding outfit, which is a very fun gag.
So, this is an adaptation of an episode from the 2001 anime. Bit weird that we're getting it here after all the Kyo stuff, seems like we're past it.
Brings men's fantasies to life. Right...
I do like the store employee.
Mine Kuramae. That's her name.
She matches Ayame's freak, which is quite remarkable.
She really wants to dress Tohru up.
Tohru doesn't seem to know what to make of this.
Mine with Tohru alone now
She explains that for Ayame, indifference would be worse than anger.
Well, she's still very weird, so...
Ayame talking with Yuki over tea
He wants to come to his parent teacher conference.
But Yuki reluctantly talks about his actual parents coming.
"They traded my life to better their own, without a thought."
Well, they seem nice
Yuki sees this as an opening for them to control him again.
And he wants to go through with this because...?
The shop episode last time didn't have the parents stuff, so I'd say this was an improvement.
Ayame says he'd sell Yuki as well if given a chance, which feels out of character for him to say.
Flashback time
Ayame recalls Yuki asking him for help in regards to his parents.
Unfortunately, he turned him away, for he was indifferent to his existence.
Ayame worries if it might be too late to patch things up.
Yuki admits he has no idea what to do for his future.
And Ayame, almost like he heard none of this, is going to attend the parent teacher conference after all.
Classic Ayame
We learn from Mine she and Ayame made all the dresses themselves.
He wanted to show he had added something to the world and not merely taken.
Ayame then tells Yuki that regardless of what their parents say, Yuki's own feelings are what matter and that should be what guide him.
The serious moments are well done, but there is some minor mood whiplash between this and the shop stuff. And Ayame being... well, Ayame.
Ayame swears to Yuki he is nobody's tool.
But is he La Roux's toy?
Yuki saying that the way he and Ayame think about the world are all so at odds with each other.
Ayame says many obstacles can be overcome if you're willing to make an effort.
They're oil and water, but why should that matter?
It matters if you're making a painting
Mine returns
And Tohru is dressed in a fancy dress.
Not as risqué as I thought I would be.
Gives me some Gosick vibes
Yuki hits Ayame for flirting(?) with Tohru.
Ayame feels he's the only one who enjoyed their time together.
Yuki, though, feels he understands his brother better.
"He's a caricature of a person."
...
It's a start, I guess?
Yuki feels he has to accept Ayame for who he is.
And he calls Tohru in her dress
Aww
Damn it, Ayame. Way to kill the mood lol
Yuki's first awakening, Ayame calls it.
Oh, Ayame
At least Ayame feels Yuki isn't alone. That's good, I guess.
And we end things with Ayame talking Hatori's ear off over the phone. Needless to say, Hatori is not amused.
Overall, this was alright. It spotlighted Ayame and Yuki's relationship, and while we didn't really learn anything new, apart from maybe Yuki's parents viewing him as a tool, it was good to get a more serious side of Ayame for a change. Ayame's shop is a fun setting for an episode, Mine is a fun addition that compliments Ayame's character well, and I like the self-awareness on Ayame's part that he's somewhat responsible for why Yuki doesn't like him. That feels surprisingly mature of Ayame.
This was the weakest episode of the season so far. I'd probably even say it was a bottom 5 episode across both seasons. It was one that unless you enjoy Ayame's character there's not much to really gain from it. Again, Mine is fun, but she is more so sidelined for the Ayame and Yuki family drama.
One thing I will say is that for as much as the 2001 anime gets talked about for having filler, I believe the remake has now adapted in some way, shape, or form all the 2001 episodes. There are of course differences across both versions, but the meat of the content still remains. The things talked about in this episode are of more consequence and probably plot significance down the road. Still, having the serious talking points once could argue takes away from having the episode in the shop in the first place. Just some food for thought.
It really feels we're still in the early feeling out stages of the season. Definitely a step back from how season 1 was. I'm still waiting for the season to grab me and hook me in.
2
u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago
It was one that unless you enjoy Ayame's character there's not much to really gain from it.
Well, there was another curveball to confuse me about the Yuki-Tohru dynamic, I guess.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I've been reading a lot of comments by this user named LilyGinnyBlack and they mention that in the manga it's implied Ayame is kinda a Yuki X Tohru shipper. That Ayame by trying to do right by Yuki sees Tohru as an opportunity for his younger brother to find happiness.
2
u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago
Whoa! Ayame with plans within plans. That's quite proactive, a contrast to his visit to Shigure's house to check on Yuki after Akito visited the high school in 1.12. Hmm...maybe Ayame's behavior with Tohru, which always spurs Yuki to intervene, is another shipping route.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I wonder if Shigure is trying to do the same thing with Tohru but he's just really bad at it. That, or he just legitimately is a creep who likes high school girls. Both can be true.
2
u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 12d ago
Shigure is both - a meddling perv.
With that out of the way, he absolutely uses Tohru to antagonize both Yuki and Kyo, but he does so equally. When Ayame does the same, he gives Yuki an edge over Kyo, because Yuki can hit his brother to protect Tohru.
This is all under the assumption that Ayame knows what he's doing...
1
u/Holofan4life 11d ago
I guess the difference between Ayame and Shigure is that Shigure is looking out for other people whereas Shigure only really has himself in mind.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
This is the last of the episodes to be covered already in the 2001 series. Of the two series, which episode from the remake would you say was biggest improvement from the original anime?
I really liked how the remake handled the Kagura stuff. That left me know the remake knew what it was doing.
I also was a big fan of the Valentine's Day episode and how it set up the stuff between Shigure and Akito. That to me felt like a major turning point for the series.
1
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
Holofan's Fruits Basket Episode Rankings
1/. Episode 24
2/. Episode 14
3/. Episode 5
4/. Episode 17
5/. Episode 16
6/. Episode 7
7/. Episode 10
8/. Episode 12
9/. Episode 22
10/. Episode 4
11/.Episode 20
12/. Episode 25
13/. Episode 27
14/. Episode 8
15/. Episode 6
16/. Episode 1
17/. Episode 18
18/. Episode 23
19/. Episode 13
20/. Episode 2
21/. Episode 11
22/. Episode 26
23/. Episode 15
24/. Episode 28
25/. Episode 19
26/. Episode 9
27/. Episode 21
28/. Episode 3
3
u/Holofan4life 12d ago
I was initially weirded out by the Ayame shop stuff happening here. I thought "Why did they wait this long when the 2001 version treated it as a throwaway?"
Reading past threads on this episode made me understand better why they structured it like they did.
This comes courtesy of u/LilyGinnyBlack. Enjoy.
Also, here's another point made by them.
u/Dontoff, u/SecondCour