Yeah, with this I remember again why I found the episodic episodes of Natsume Yuujinchou to be better than the arcs. It wasn’t that the arcs were flawed or anything. But the episodic stories were just that good. The drama is written so wonderfully in a way that only very few series can match. They’re so tranquil, yet incredibly heart-warming, and this episode yet again improved on it, and quite possibly was the most heart-warming episode of the third season so far.
I loved it that the fox spirit returned. And even there, the creators handled it wonderfully, just having Natsume meet him for a small, but very emotional moment. The rest of the episode was dedicated to show how he’s changed (it’s been a year since!), and to establish how he’s still longing to see Natsume again. The concept of time for youkai was really big here again, where they live for huge amounts of time, yet their lives consists out of long bursts of silence, with several short moments of activity inbetween. The watch was a great way to symbolize things.
On top of that though, I also love the things that the characters did in the slice of life part of this episode. For Natsume to go on a weekend trip with his foster father for a pottery master class. That’s really creative, and it really feels like a new experience for Natsume. Madara was also wonderful in trying to rest while waiting for his wounds to heal: he really looked in pain and disabled, rather than what you usually see where people can just walk around perfectly fine with a few bandages on.
Rating: *** (Awesome)
Something about that ending song, they’re so smart for picking a good emotional one. The transition from the end of the ep to the ed always gets me.
the stone god mentions 3 categories of beings: humans, youkai, beasts. the fox is a beast, and his time runs faster than either humans or youkai. it is emphasized much in the story how he’s grown, become stronger, etc. that’s why the stone god told him he needs to find a mate soon and settle down… (or something along those lines).
This was indeed one of the best single episodes.
A lot of you will call me crazy, but I cried near the end of this episode!
Am I the only one that felt sad for the Rock God? He gave up his “eternal” life, his time, to save a little fox whom he had warned to not get too attached to a human. Yet he got a bit attached to the little fox eh?
Anyways, the Orobusou herb being grown in a dangerous place is a bit cliche, but great episode.
@ Firechick – No you’re not crazy, no worries hah.
yo i felt bad for the rock god. his saving scene was a bit epic…the arms all spread out and so on lol.
i really like the little fox, he’s so cute =p