Aww. What a wonderful episode. It was perhaps a bit too dramatic, but I love this kind of stuff. It’s awesome to see a series which has entirely been building up to its final episode, and having that final episode actually pay off. This series did not try to be too epic. Instead, it remained true to itself and based on its simple premise. And while it may have been simple, this episode proved that it ended up way more effective than I could have expected.
What made this such an awesome episode wasn’t exactly because it was a bad ending. Rather, I absolutely loved this episode because of what it meant to the characters: here Kobato was, with the decision to either try and raise more konpeito (which may have not been enough at that point), or spend the rest of her time with Fujimoto. While at first it seemed a bit weird for her to spend time with him for an entire month (and seriously: Fujimoto’s still injured. that’s something you hardly see in anime, especially with such small wounds), it all made sense once we found out her secret. She’s dead.
The first part of this episode was slice of life, and the reason Kobato shined so brightly in this episode was because she knew that she was spending her last time and wanted to make the best out of it. It’s not far-fetched, and actually an adorable premise. The fate of the world was never involved, and instead this episode really was all about its characters, allowing it to really get the best out of them. I have just found my contender for the best ending of the season right now.
As for that final episode, I really wonder what it’s about. I mean, the main character has just died and we still have one episode left (let me by the way praise the creators for doing such a thing. I don’t recall any other show in which the lead character dies before the final episode), but my guess is that it’s going to close off the story of Fujimoto and Ioryogi. I especially want to see the latter. By the way, wasn’t this week supposed to air a double episode? I’m not seeing episode 24 yet…
Rating: **** (Incredible)
Episode 24 has aired and is available online already
Wait wait wait wait….Kobato’s not DEAD dead.
Crap. I realized that after starting up episode 24, yeah. Doesn’t make this episode any less awesome, though. ^^;
Is this your 1st “Incredible” rating?
Chris: nope, I handede it out four strs a few times before.the last time I think was at Aoi Bungaku.
i thought it would really end up as a deus ex machina….. (the moment the barrier broke coz of Fujimoto’s candy… i thought everything about Kobato is going to end for ME )phew…
All I have to say is WOW, so much emotion in one episode. Loryogi having to deal with KNOWING if she doesn’t succeed, his punishment never ends, yet still wise enough to know he can’t really ‘push’ her. Must accept her choice.
Dobato ^.~ being torn between what she’s always wanted and what she found.
Its just… wow. I don’t think Kobato died, but in fact she got her wish, her ORIGINAL wish, as she did fill her jar. I hope it’s what truly brings her happiness. Perhaps tsk just wishful thinking.
WOW! Episode 23 is simply powerful episode but episode 24 aren’t but I yet not seen subbed version for episode 24. So I might change my opinion for episode 24 later on.
I was little quite surprised that Kobato is actually dead. For whole time, entire anime and manga I was thinking Kobato is something else, not dead.
I really love crown on her head. Oh CLAMP, you never fail to surprise me. When Kobato took her hat off…I was thinking…..typical halo…..oh wait IT’S A CROWN-HALO! ♥♥
Ushagi (bunny) is so DAMN CRUEL! I wondered why everyone forgets Kobato…maybe it means outcome of actions and punishments. CLAMP have used that “forgetting someone or everybody” too much(CCS, Tsubasa, xxxHOLiC, WISH and some more). Almost overused. 🙁
Something bugs me a little and a lot.
1. What happens to Ioryogi and rest creatures? Will they stay in creature forms forever?
2. If Kobato is dead…well how did Kobato die?
3. Why did Ioryogi chose Kobato?
4. Kobato as little girl *flashbacks* WHAT HELL DOES THAT MEANS?
I have many more questions for this anime but I can’t think any more right now
Not entirely plot hole, I think creators purposely left them as mysteries. It is fun to have mysteries that left fans thinking about Kobato. Also we (kobato manga fans) think that creators want to save them for manga. It might have a another ending…?
I’m just glad manga and anime is different. I was thinking if Madhouse tried too hard to following manga, they would just fail maybe disappoint fans. Madhouse did excellent job keeping environment of a CLAMP. I will have to give them credit for it. ☺
So Kobato’s basically a dead ghost trying to be reborn into the world? That sure explains the crown thing she hid under her hat for the past 22 episodes!