[Ascaloth] Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (2009), Episode 12: Endless Eight at Riuva : Research Institute for Unicultural Visual Arts

[Ascaloth] Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (2009), Episode 12: Endless Eight

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Popularity: 7% [?] Published by Ascaloth June 20th, 2009 in Ascaloth, Anime

The Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody of three weeks ago was but a teaser to whet appetites, but this week the God Empress Herself makes an emphatic return. And how! It has been three years since the first season burst out from obscurity to capture the imagination of an entire generation of otaku, and things have changed a lot since then. The franchise is no longer the surprise cult hit it started out as; it has become the most anticipated thing in the industry. The iconic dancing ED is a thing of the past. The assorted fan-created media is not as widespread as they used to be, even though they had a good long run. It may no longer be a one-of-a-kind series; it may instead be the original that spawned an entire genre of anime in the 21st century. But though these three years have brought about a host of changes from the heady days of 2006, there are some things that remain the same. And for one, it’s still the same Haruhi we came to love 3 years ago. The SOS Brigade is back for good.

Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (2009), Episode 12: Endless Eight.

Coming off the events of Lone Island Syndrome, to Haruhi it is of course clear that summer vacation is the time to do all the fun stuff that is usually associated with it, and who better to enjoy summer vacation to the fullest with than with her friends? And this is but just one of the reasons she is so loved; she truly lives life to the fullest.

And first on the itinenary is a trip to the local swimming pool; which means another chance to showcase the girls in their flattering swimsuits, of course.

But eh, either beach or swimming pool, it’s still an amazing sight either way. Though I’m wondering how Haruhi can keep her ribbon intact in the water; is it easier than it looks or something?

FAIL

Oh, and I think I see the star-shaped mole you-know-where.

Come to think of it, Haruhi is the type to drag lazy bums off their couches, out of their houses to really live life in the outside world; certainly a very different type of character from the kind that get love from today’s anime fans nowadays. Yet, she remains the most popular of them all even to this day despite that, and one must wonder why. Is it because it’s precisely because of her proactive attitude towards life? Are we all Kyons who secretly wish for a Haruhi to drag us out of our comfort zone to really live life?

Kyon always getting stuck with the tab is a running gag that never gets old, but sometimes I wonder why the rest of the SOS Brigade don’t pity him once in a while. I mean, Yuki can create money out of thin air if she wants, and certainly both Mikuru and Itsuki must have an "operational budget"; why is it always the poor "normal guy" with a student’s limited budget?

Next is an O-Bon festival, which means yukatas, of course! And they look mighty fine in yukata, all right.

YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG

Is it just me, or is there something different about the way Yuki is looking at the Ultraman mask? It’s a wonder as it is that she could be interested in such a thing in the first place; it must signify something to her, the question is what. A reminder of "home"?

"Die, damned bugs!"

Actually, is this even possible in real life? If so, I wanna see the Youtube video of it.

Yuki has been looking a little weird all episode. Putting that aside, what in the world is that kind of firework that she’s looking at? I’ve never seen the likes of it before.

Next on the itinenary, cicada catching. Haruhi sure is plowing through all the signature summer activities here.

And of course, Yuki being h4x and all, misses the point but scores a Hercules beetle instead.

FAIL

Next is a one-day part-time job. So….that’s the same frog costume that appeared in Someday In the Rain, right?

Yo Kyon, it’s a hint, you know what that means?! HIIIIIN-TO!!!!

FAIL

You FAIL too!

Was it already revealed which real-life town the setting of SHnY was based on? If not, how long more before an intrepid cameraman recognizes the skyline here and compares it with a photograph of a real-life skyline?

Redefining the phrase "stars in her eyes".

One two three four five four three two one two three four five four three two one two three four….

So just what exactly is she singing here? Motteke Sailor-fuku? What ‘Bout My Star? Don’t Say "Lazy"?

On another note, gotta love what Yuki is doing to the karaoke remote there. Perhaps she’s thinking about how to h4x the karaoke machine? I don’t know if I want to see the results of that or not.

And that is the way summer vacation should be spent; worn out from a full day’s worth of activities, with the people one treasures most as friends, on the train ride home.

With summer vacation about to come to an end, it is time to call it a day, and head home to get ready for the new school term.

And if you’ve neglected all the schoolwork you were supposed to be doing, then the last day is the day when you rush to get through all of it as much as you can. Come to think of it, that sounds like a very familiar experience to me back then….heh. Procrastinators, unite!

And…..that is it. That’s all there is to this episode. Cue the cries of "what, that’s it?", and really, they could not be blamed if this was the first time they’re seeing this part of the story. Which brings up a very pertinent question which will affect how I blog about SHnY09 from here onwards….how many people don’t actually already know how the story is going to go from reading the novels? I usually try to avoid spoilers even if I know what’s going to happen next whenever I blog, but somehow I’m wondering whether I should just forget about that and go with the flow for this series. ^_^"

So, I would like to hear from you guys what kind of readership I should be writing for from this point onwards. In any case, once again we’re back with the phenomenon of 2006, three years onwards. I will be with you for the next new episodes of the continuing story, of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi.

Ascaloth, out.

Popularity: 7% [?]

15 Responses to “[Ascaloth] Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (2009), Episode 12: Endless Eight”

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1 Sniperk 9 comments Jun 20th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

I think pretty much EVERY haruhi fan already spoiled himself at this point in time. The new episodes will be like the 2006 air of the show. To call new people to the bandwagon of the Haruhism.

I think the only people who haven’t watched this are either NOT anime fans, or are tickheaded fools who don’t want to try an anime if it isn’t Bleach/Naruto/One Piece, or simply didn’t like Haruhi ( I know they exist, rare but exist ).
2 Myssa Rei 12 comments Jun 20th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

How about selective amnesia? It’s an annoying trait that’s landed me in all sorts of trouble come Exam time, but it keeps me from getting spoiled despite actually READING the source material beforehand - I can’t really remember the details of something unless, y’know, I spend a whole week (literally doing NOTHING but reading) re-reading something to imprint it in my mind. And you wonder why, after 15 years, I can still remember what happens in Shogun…
3 Sol 2 comments Jun 20th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

So… No action this time? Will there be “Endless eight 2″ or something? Or will the reason it was called Endless be mentioned in “Sight”’s, I wonder… I wonder. I suppose they have to show some kind of explanation of Yuki’s… well, you know, in the series.
4 GlenGrimLoch 12 comments Jun 20th, 2009 at 10:24 pm

The series isn’t bad at all, but I never really understood the hype. It isn’t all that great…not in my top five anyway. In fact it’s nearly unfair compared to other decent shows lol, there are some great shows getting very little exposure…yet anything Haruhi-related gets a buttload of reactions.

Ah well. I did enjoy the new episodes so far so it’s not as if they’re selling out…they took their time and deliver something finished…so that’s nice. I’m also happy that most people tend to be pleased with it instead of creating unsurmountable expectations.
5 *shrug* 1 comment Jun 20th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

Was it already revealed which real-life town the setting of SHnY was based on? If not, how long more before an intrepid cameraman recognizes the skyline here and compares it with a photograph of a real-life skyline?

The series’ setting is a minimally altered version of Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, which is also the creator’s hometown. A few names are changed here and there, but they don’t do anything to alter the geography or major landmarks. Kyon’s first encounter with closed space happens in the Umeda district of Osaka, and the skyline in the fireworks show in “Endless Eight” is unmistakably the waterfront of Kobe. (An actual photo can be seen here.)

The fact that none of them use Kansai-ben requires some suspension of disbelief, of course….
6 anon888 1 comment Jun 21st, 2009 at 1:13 am

I’ve got a feeling that the next week, we’ll have a deja vu of this episode. Repeating some, not all, of the activities they did this ep.
7 LianYL 785 comments Jun 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm

@anon888
tsk tsk. Subtle spoiler I see.
8 tragic comedy 47 comments Jun 22nd, 2009 at 12:18 pm

If you lay 8 on its side you get…
9 Anonymous 21 comments Jun 22nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Assholes!
I resisted so hard not to spoil myself by reading the novels before the episodes aired and all it took were 2 comments and I already know what’s going to happen.

Jerks!
10 Ascaloth 202 comments Jun 22nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm

“Assholes!
I resisted so hard not to spoil myself by reading the novels before the episodes aired and all it took were 2 comments and I already know what’s going to happen.

Jerks!”

@Myssa,

Case in point.

I write for the novel readers, I’m going to get comments like these, except aimed at me. I write otherwise….well that’s a lot of spoilers I have to work around, AND some commenters will give them away sooner or later anyway. -_-
11 Myssa Rei 12 comments Jun 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Well, there’s a fine balance to revealing too little and revealing a little too much, I guess.

Of course, knowing me, I’d just be unecessarily abstruse about the matter instead. Like, oh, this:

Lux lucis Deus Imperatrix incubo vestri officina.

And they said that a smattering of Warhammer 40k is BAD.
12 ChrissoMerry 2 comments Jun 23rd, 2009 at 1:58 am

This is made so much better by the fact that I’ve read a bit of the novels and I know the excitement which is about to ensue he he he
All i can say is that I reckon the first series was only just a warm up, especially once you’ve read the books. Let the fun begin!

(and sorry if my grammar etc is really bad.. i’m writing this really late and can barely keep awake)
13 Anonymous 21 comments Jun 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 am

The entry was fine. Nothing was spoiled until I started reading the comments.

That’s 3 years of effort gone. I hope you understand the rage.

. . .

;_;
14 Anonymous3730 2 comments Jun 26th, 2009 at 4:33 pm

I, too have not read the novels, and have employed some useful selective memory techniques to stay spoiler-free (ie: alcohol, only looking for Haruhi info at 2AM before going to sleep, etc). With Clannad, Ef, and all of the other anime you’ve blogged about in which there is easily available source material, I’ve gotten used to reading your entries and not the comments. I’ve already determined that Animesuki threads are a lost cause for my virgin eyes, so this blog is pretty much my only source for an intelligent perspective on this series.

Of the 5 people (IRL) I know who watch Haruhi, only 1 has any idea of what happens outside the events in the Anime. I suspect there are more ‘casual viewers’ than is readily apparent, since if you’re casual enough to not be spoiled, you’re definitely not going to bother posting on forums or blogs :).

@ other anon: Learning the general idea of the next episode isn’t really a “3 years of effort down the drain” moment. It’s about as much info as you would get from a preview or a one-line episode description blurb.

1 Endless Eight | hontou ni sou omou? Pingback on Jun 25th, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Do not use any < and > for your own sake. It will end the comment there and then. Also, there is an automatic IQ filter which weeds out comments made by those who accidentally got transported from the stone age.

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