r/anime • u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD • 6d ago
Rewatch Monogatari Series Rewatch, Week 8 - Mayoi Jiangshi Discussion - Next: Suruga Devil (Hanamonogatari)
I hope some people had time to catch up in this slower week! If not, there is still some time?
Wow, I had to watch this one in one sitting, as it way better than I remembered. What was your favorite moment from this arc?
I ended buying a Kiss-shot figure on my holiday, perfect for the conclusion of this arc!
This week we will watch 1 arc
- Suruga Devil (Hanamonogatari)
We are taking a break from second season.
Did you know that because of broadcastig schedule, Hanamonogatari was actually supposed to be part of second season? It is a bit hard to place it, but it is understandable they decided to postpone this arc out of all of them at least.
Rewatch Schedule
| Start Watching Date (discussion 7 days later) | Series | Arc name | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 12 | Hanamonogatari | Suruga Devil | 5 |
| October 19 | Second Season | Nadeko Medusa, Shinobu Time | 8 |
| October 26 | Second Season | Hitagi End | 5 |
| November 2 | Tsukimonogatari, Koyomimonogatari | Yotsugi Doll, Koyomi … | 4+12\*0.5 |
| November 9 | Owarimonogatari | Ougi Formula, Sodachi Riddle, Sodachi Lost | 7 |
| November 16 | Owarimonogatari | Shinobu Mail | 6 |
| November 23 | Owarimonogatari Second Season | >redacted<, Hitagi Rendezvous, Ougi Dark | 7 |
| November 30 | Zoku Owarimonogatari, Off&Monster Season | Koyomi Reverse, Tsukihi Undo | 7 |
| December 7 | Off&Monster Season | Nadeko Draw | 5 |
| December 14 | Off&Monster Season | Acerola Bon Appétit, Shinobu Mastered | 6.5 |
Last week's preliminary questions
How does regret influence the decisions you make?
Would you change the past? Is it worth it?
Discussion questions
What kind of emotional development is written between the lines for Shinobu?
Why does Araragi feel emotionless despite all the loss? Is this a narration choice?
What do you think about this interpretation of time travel?
Theme questions
What does the arc say about responsibility?
What does the arc say about pondering about worrying about, or accepting, possible alternate futures?
Is the story arguing that fate is unavoidable, or that our choices matter more than we realize?
Preliminary discussion question for this week's arc
How much of a person's identity is determined by who they were in high school?
What is this arc's message about personal growth?
Small Challenge throughout the rewatch
Add Mayoi Jiangshi to the rating!
I'd like you all to try to create a ranking of your top 5 arcs of the series while watching. For rewatchers, don't let a previous watching experience influence your opinion, form this ranking throughout the rewatch! I will ask for an update a few times throughout this rewatch and I am interested to see your ranking.
Have fun!
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u/vancevon https://myanimelist.net/profile/vancevon 6d ago
Perhaps the most important question for me in an arc of Monogatari is whether Araarargi is portrayed as a heroic figure or as the self-destructive moron that he really is. After far too many arcs featuring the former, it is very refreshing and heartwarming to return to the latter. It's also, I would say, one of the funniest arcs of the whole story. Farcical and whimsical.
There was never any real reason for this to begin with. There is a very easy way to create more time to do your homework. All you need to do is cast this magical spell where you call your school and tell them that you're sick. Then there is of course also the option of being an honorable person and honestly admitting one's errors and taking responsibility for them, but let's not get carried away here.
Quite unlike Ononoki, in this arc we see Kararage make a lot of what the English translation apparently calls a "posed face" (I would probably have written "looking super/hella cool/rad"). Only, every time we see him do this, he ends up doing something decidedly uncool. Like, for example, flipping Mayoi's skirt, setting her running off towards her death. He then wonders if this is "destiny." I suppose if there's anything here that could be called "destiny" it's that Ar[STRENG GEHEIM]gi will always be a self-destructive pervert, though I don't think that's what he meant.
I remember during some rather angsty moments towards the end of middle school, I would from time to time think about going back in time, and how I would do everything so much better if only I could do that. But then, after thinking about it, I'd always reach the conclusion that, no, I wouldn't. Send me back a thousand times and I'll step on the exact same rakes a thousand times. Whether that be true or not, it's really the only useful way to think about such things. Regret and nostalgia are totally worthless emotions. This feeling has only gotten stronger and stronger in me as I've grown older, and at this point, it invokes a certain sense of disgust. It feels like contemptible cowardice.
I think what this arc demonstrates rather clearly is that thoughts like "if only X didn't happen, everything would have been great" are useless. You have no clue whether X happening in fact prevented the world from being swallowed in a great zombie vampire flood.
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 1d ago
This feeling has only gotten stronger and stronger in me as I've grown older, and at this point, it invokes a certain sense of disgust. It feels like contemptible cowardice.
It may be our nature to feel imperfect about what we do, and people who feel good about themselves may have been eliminated by nature. So you can only accept it and don't forget it, and then do it better next time.
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u/vancevon https://myanimelist.net/profile/vancevon 22h ago
I'd say that I think it's important that we feel good about ourselves regardless of whether we fail or succeed at a given thing. Like, if you can't love yourself, then what do you even have?
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 22h ago
I don't know which is more pathological: always believing in one's own actions, or constantly doubting them. XD
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u/Solid-Comment1803 6d ago
**Rewatcher - MBTT Subs - Hyper-Fixator - 5th Time in 18 Months**
Mayoi Jiangshi is an arc I'm quite divided over; on the one hand I find the time travel aspect completely contrived and more frustrating than anything else; we get Endless 8 Vibes of 'Ah, Homework, that's what we should spend time travel on', but I'll bash my head clean off if I don't just let the fact we have time travel go, so I'll just live with it, because it does help showcase the consequences of a worldview like Araragi's, and where a lack of self-valuing, lack of forethought, and a lack of communication can completely harpoon your life..
Firstly Happy Bite is a wonderfully charming OP that says a lot about Hachikuji's actual feelings about Araragi, something that the arc is sorely lacking for most of it given the events of this arc are done behind her back, without her knowledge, and without her encouragement. and when we do see her it's a Pre-Araragi version or one that lived a more full life, as opposed to someone we can call our Hachikuji. Rather, the start of this arc can be categorised by a lack of picking up on, and a lack of asking, each other's feelings; which makes the development in the Araragi and Shinobu dynamic heartwarming when they start communicating more openly and honestly, but is an extension of Araragi's erring and poor mindset throughout Bake and Kizu.
I like what this arc shows of Araragi and shows of his relationship with Shinobu. I like that we both see his presumptuous self-righteousness and lack of forward thinking in full swing; an unasked for, unwanted favour to Hachikuji to make sure sees her mother, For me that's one of the cornerstones of the arc; seeing the consequences of his narrow-minded, ill-thought but ultimately kind heart playing out in a way through grand actions that simply would have been better served by honest direct communication, whether it's him actually talking about it with Hachikuji in the end of this arc, or whether talking sooner with Shinobu could have changed things, or her doing the same but her pride/dignity getting in the way of her pursuit for connection. I really like seeing Araragi outwardly address that there's nothing he could have done for Senjougahara's situation, and there's nothing he can do for Hanekawa's; even with time travel, he can't meaningfully help the two people most important to him, or at least doesn't believe that what he can influence would make things better.
There's a lot of small neat things in this arc, like after seeing Young Hanekawa Shinobu basically takes her likeness, how you can go back and check the episode and without Hachikuji's intervention he really wouldn't have found Shinobu, but I'll focus on the main thing with this arc in that I think it comes in strongly at the close, after they've figured out why the world ended. I think when we're settling into Shinobu and Araragi doing the fireworks the arc hits its stride; though I'm not the biggest fan of Survivorkuji; and we don't really see much of her other than she's kind and Araragi's act of kindness made a big difference to her, but ultimately in many of the ways that matter she's not our Hachikuji, so there is a warm but bittersweet disconnect in wanting this Hachikuji whom lived so differently to be happy, and I think that works as a nice nod to classical time-travel movies that undo the events between the person being saved and the one doing the saving.
I love the letter scene visually and musically, use off shadows and angles in it is excellent, I like seeing the specialists together, and the final episode and a half have a wonderful use of pink and light blue; aesthetic wise, a bit reminiscent of the tiger scenes last arc, but there's just something really cosy about this arc's blue and pink in comparison despite the world being in ruins, and Araragi seemingly not able to properly reconcile and grieve from just how severe the situation he's been dropped in is. I like Shinobu and Araragi's talk of being inseperable in death and in life, the part of a modern day Hero being funny that this arc's over a decade old now; and I like seeing the Route X Kiss-Shot simply craving connection, and getting that in the close.
Additional Comments; Oshino Ougi, that is all.
But, while it is really strong in the close; it's doing something of double-duty for Hachikuji and Shinobu, I'll say this is my favourite Shinobu arc when pressed, because that's how the experience feels, or rather it's the arc I like Shinobu most in, but I'd say in my rankings it's slightly above Kizu, but below Tsukihi Phoenix.
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 1d ago
as opposed to someone we can call our Hachikuji. Rather, the start of this arc can be categorised by a lack of picking up on, and a lack of asking, each other's feelings;
weell said
I like seeing the specialists together, and the final episode and a half have a wonderful use of pink and light blue; aesthetic wise, a bit reminiscent of the tiger scenes last arc,
same here
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 1h ago
Additional Comments; Oshino Ougi, that is all.
I didn't quite remember her showing up this early. I was a bit surprised. I think that it suits really well however, with the whole theme of her character being what it is, an introduction in this arc in particular fits well!
I love the letter scene visually and musically, use off shadows and angles in it is excellent, I like seeing the specialists together, and the final episode and a half have a wonderful use of pink and light blue
Narratively wise Im not sure if I liked this scene. It felt a bit like a cop-out and its never really clear why Oshino Meme has this forsight. Felt a bit easy tbh
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u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta 4d ago
Rewatcher
I love this arc. It may very well be my favorite up to this point in the series. When I first watched, this was the point where I thought, "This series without any reservations, is a 10/10."
Up until now, we've gotten plenty of great content, of course. Legendary OST, top-class OPs/EDs, brilliantly written characters, beautiful visuals, hilarious humor, fantastic VAs, all that. But this arc here is where the story writing and the emotion dials it up another notch, in my view.
I've always been a fan of sci-fi (including time travel) and the trope of a alternate version of a character being used as a cautionary tale. Here, we've got both executed to perfection. The initial premise of "let's go back in time to have time for my summer homework" is so delightfully whimsical, and it contrasts so nicely against the world-ending consequences of their actions in saving Hachikuji. The way in which the apocalypse world is revealed and gradually explained is immensely satisfying, topped off with that wonderful scene of Shinobu and Araragi high in the sky. The meeting with older Hachikuji (and her message from Oshino) is so emotional, and the confrontation with Kiss-Shot so melancholy. In terms of writing, Mayoi Jiangshi is simply a masterpiece from start to finish.
There are innumerable things that I wrote down that I loved and/or want to call attention to, so I'll just list out a few of them here in no particular order:
- The new Mayoi OP is pretty good! Not my favorite ([later series] in fact, I like the next Mayoi OP more), but it really has grown on me since I first listened to it.
- I can never look at traffic lights without thinking of Ougi's discussion with Araragi in this arc. It's such a random way to introduce Ougi as a character, especially when she doesn't appear again for the rest of the arc, but it does make for a very memorable scene.
- Yotsugi continues to be hilarious, especially with her pledge never to make another "posed look."
- Fun fact - Hachikuji's backpack being with Araragi is, if I recall correctly, explained in one of the official short stories that serves as a companion to the LNs.
- The joke of referring to Shinobu as "Nobuemon" is quite funny, especially since a time machine seems just the sort of thing that Doraemon might conjure up. I've also watched my first bit of Doraemon content since the last time I watched/read this story, so it hits even better now.
- I forgot about the thing with Araragi's watch on the wrong hand until Shinobu called attention to it. I feel like the LN points it out more often.
- I really appreciate the discussion of "Which kind of time travel is this?" and the way in which Araragi and Shinobu act intelligently about it, especially since the mechanics of how the time travel works later become integral in making the plot function properly.
- This arc has so many great facial expressions, particularly with Shinobu.
- Shinobu's reaction to young Araragi is hilarious, and Araragi's line like "someone's a bad influence on her" is a nice callback to what we've seen so far with Nekomonogatari Black/White. Black established that Araragi's perception of Shinobu changes her nature as an oddity, and White hinted at how Shinobu's starting to adopt Araragi's knowledge of contemporary pop culture (like Terminator).
- The "frustration outlawed except Sundays and holidays" sign in episode 2 is so good.
- Young Hanekawa is so iconic, despite her tiny bit of screen time here.
- Although the adaptation here is stellar, it sadly still cuts out quite a bit of good material! We can see this with parts like chapter 12 where it shows the chapter number, a single line of text, then the next chapter number immediately. I get that they don't want to ruin the pacing, but some of those moments in the LN are amazing for character relationships/development. It just further makes me want to go and reread those LNs!
- The "Oi, Shinobu" bit is fun. Fun fact: there's a YouTube channel out there that exclusively posts edits of that one clip.
- The preview quiz comics are so fun! The parts about "superhit" songs Marshmallow Justice and Platinum Disco are nice here.
- Oshino's final line in the letter about alternate Senjougahara is such a hilarious bit of dramatic irony.
- I consistently find Hachikuji to be a wonderful emotional core for the show. In past arcs as well as this one, her relationship with Araragi is so touching and heartfelt (despite all the gags on the surface) and might be my favorite of his relationships with any of the girls.
One trend I notice with Second Season is that it [overall series] resolves almost all the unresolved plot threads established in all the prior arcs. It finishes Hanekawa's arc started in Bake, it brings back Kaiki from Nise and gives him some more closure with Senjougahara, and a lot more. If you think of points where NISIOISIN could have ended the series, he very nearly could have done so in Second Season. What major plot threads are tackled in Owarimonogatari that really kept him from doing this? All I can think of are (1) Araragi's school history, (2) Hanekawa's trip around the world, (3) Shinobu's first servant and Gaen/Episode helping to deal with him, (4) bringing back Mayoi from Hell, (5) the origins of Ougi and the Darkness. The first two could have been left unaddressed if needed, and the other three are all established for the first time in Second Season. I get the impression that Neko White is where NISIOISIN decided to get more ambitious and sign up for everything Owarimonogatari would entail, since before that, the series pretty much could have ended after Hitagi End.
Okay, question time:
- Personally, if I regret a decision, I'll try and avoid making that same mistake in the future. I feel like that's pretty obvious. That said, it's sometimes easier said than done...
- I'd generally avoid changing the past. It's one of those things where you never know just what unforeseen consequences it could have down the line.
More questions:
- Shinobu, in seeing what her alternate-world self did, sees how destructive her selfishness and pride can be. In the confrontation with Kiss-Shot, she's basically talking to herself: "Why couldn't you just get over yourself? You held to your pride and lost everything as a result."
- Fair, Araragi doesn't really show the kind of reaction you might expect for someone whose entire world has been turned into a zombie wasteland. I'm not sure, however, that there is a proper way to react to that. It's a little too much to feel "real," and he was also hopeful that they could do something to reverse the effects.
- I love basically all forms of time travel that are executed in a consistent and interesting manner. It could be Terminator style, Back to the Future style, Steins;Gate style, it doesn't matter to me. This definitely fits the bill.
Even more questions:
- When Shinobu accepts responsibility for the end of the world, she is suggesting that it doesn't matter that she didn't actually do it in their timeline. What's important is that she would have done it if not for the presence of Mayoi ultimately leading to a divergence in the timeline. In terms of the bigger picture, I'd say this means that when you make destructive choices, you're responsible for the aftermath, regardless of what others might do to mitigate/exacerbate the issues.
- We've got several interesting perspectives on the alternate reality. Araragi, for one, wants to know that there's a future out there where Hachikuji survives and the world hasn't ended. Meanwhile, we have both Shinobu and Kiss-Shot comparing each other's situations, each of them forlorn over just how much worse things ended up in the apocalypse world-line. Nobody wants to accept that hellish zombie-filled alternate reality, that's for sure. In the end, I'm glad we finished on a pretty positive note with the hope that the zombies were all turned back to normal after the death of alternate Kiss-Shot.
- It certainly doesn't seem like fate is unavoidable. They do say that, in the world of Monogatari, oddities largely exist outside the normal passage of fate, but we've seen already that oddities can be quite common indeed. Meanwhile, their choices do matter a lot - the mere decision to save a little girl from a traffic accident leads to unfathomable devastation.
Very much looking forward to Hana next!
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 1d ago
Fun fact - Hachikuji's backpack being with Araragi is, if I recall correctly, explained in one of the official short stories that serves as a companion to the LNs.
she was forcibly dragged there by Araraki. The full story is included in the Bakemonogatari Complete Guidebook, under the title "Mayoi Room." There are also four other short stories there, all sharing the common theme of dates — and "my" story's theme is a "room date."
Oshino's final line in the letter about alternate Senjougahara is such a hilarious bit of dramatic irony.
They are really meant to be.
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 1h ago
The new Mayoi OP is pretty good! Not my favorite
Mayoi OP's are pretty great, but I feel like its not a playlist song, but really something that's suited for an OP.
I can never look at traffic lights without thinking of Ougi's discussion with Araragi in this arc.
It's a fantastic discussion, and one of my favorites in the series for sure.
It sadly still cuts out quite a bit of good material!
What's missing? I have not read this novel so far.
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u/Malipit 6d ago
Honestly, it should have been called Shinobu Jiangshi.
Sure, Mayoi is the catalyst of a butterfly effect causing the end of the world. Her adult version is the one saving Koyomi and Shinobu lives before bringing them guidance about what to do.
But at the end of the day, that arc resolves around Shinobu being faced with her somber side. Seeing what she could have done has Black Hanekawa killed Koyomi, it may had been quite a shock for her.
But as (self) destructive her grief was, that alternate world showed she indeed care for Koyomi as his house was left unscathed amidst the ruins left by the jiangshis. And that they do need each other to live.
Koyomi needs Shinobu, otherwise he would've be killed by his own selflessness to help other.
Shinobu needs Koyomi, otherwise... Gesture wildly at the destroyed alternate world
And it's the illustration of the ''red light, green light'' talk during the first episode. Both of them have a ''green light'' side that make them pursues their ideals or goals (helping other, seeking a way to die...) to the bitter end if they aren't stopped by a ''red light''. And they both find that red light they need for their safety in each other.
And just like Ogi said, having both of them goes ''green light'' at any point, or one of the light being destroyed could end up in a disaster.
So, it may called ''Mayoi Jiangshi'' because she was the character to put their co-dependancy relationship in plain light. But she was as best a secondary character in that arc.
I mean, I would have loved to see more screentime for adult Mayoi.
And it was harsh in insight to realize the smol Koyomi and Tsubasa from the alternate timeline would be killed a decade later.
Would you change the past? Is it worth it?
Nope, I wouldn't want to accidentaly makes the world worse than it's already is.
What kind of emotional development is written between the lines for Shinobu?
Realization that her death wish may destroy more than her life I guess
Why does Araragi feel emotionless despite all the loss? Is this a narration choice?
Because this isn't his world to begin with.
What do you think about this interpretation of time travel?
As always, it's best not to think about it too much for the story to work?
Is the story arguing that fate is unavoidable, or that our choices matter more than we realize?
Well, Koyomi's choice to alter history made a big difference
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 1d ago
Sure, Mayoi is the catalyst of a butterfly effect causing the end of the world. Her adult version is the one saving Koyomi and Shinobu lives before bringing them guidance about what to do.
God, this is really a boomerang of fate.
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 1h ago
Saving their lives, but she is also the catalyst for everything turning back to normal. Technically, this world line is one where everyone would be saved, no? Except Araragi and Shinobu of course.
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 1h ago
I mean, I would have loved to see more screentime for adult Mayoi.
Nee-san Mayoi would be too strong as a best girl candidate, she has to be nerfed.
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 2d ago
Kabukimonogatari rewatcher sub
Episode 1
This episode's commentary track is by Shinobu and Mayoi. Right off the bat, Shinobu protests that she was tricked into coming — she was supposedly invited to do voice work for a dating visual novol etc, yet here she is recording a commentary track instead.
Shinobu jokes that she and Mayoi were already banned from recording any more commentary tracks back when they recorded Nisemonogatari. Lol.
She also jokes that having to record a commentary track must be punishment for some serious offense. Lol.
Shinobu, who just a moment ago introduced herself while addressing the audience as her "subjects," now sincerely apologizes that this arc's subtitle is "Mayoi Zombie" even though its protagonist isn't actually Mayoi and call them formally.
Shinobu teases her about actually going over to Araraki's house to hang out, and Mayoi insists: just like she said in Nekomonogatari (White), she was forcibly dragged there by Araraki. The full story is included in the Bakemonogatari Complete Guidebook, under the title "Mayoi Room." There are also four other short stories there, all sharing the common theme of dates — and "my" story's theme is a "room date."
Episode 2
This episode's commentary track is once again by Mayoi and Shinobu.
At 7:20, Mayoi imitates Shinobu from the first episode and starts chanting an incantation.
At 9:17, Mayoi teases her for giving Araraki a face-to-face "koala hug" — my subtitles note that the term "koala hug" originates from American talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres.
At 14:05, Shinobu disguises herself as a middle-schooler. Mayoi notices that her glasses and braids look a lot like Hanekawa Tsubasa's, while her uniform looks like Sengoku Nadeko's. Shinobu adds that both her own uniform and Araraki's were conjured using her power.
Shinobu goes on to explain that because she's grown from a little girl into a middle-schooler by drinking blood, Araraki's regenerative ability has improved as well — which is why he didn't die after being hit by a truck.
Episode 3
Since episodes 3 and 4 make up the latter volume of the BD/DVD, it's only natural that the commentary for these two episodes is handled by Mayoi-neesan (adult Mayoi) and Tsubasa-imouto (child Tsubasa).
Mayoi introduces herself as: "one of fewer than 200 survivors on the entire planet — good evening..." Lol.
Right at the start, Mayoi outs herself as being 21 years old in the current setting — which makes her 8 years old eleven years ago. Tsubasa, meanwhile, is currently 6.
Once Part B begins, Tsubasa objects that they should probably just admit their real ages are 18 and 10. (Honestly, I trust Tsubasa more.)
Tsubasa speculates that it's because she got scared by Araraki when she was little that she killed him when she turned into Black Hanekawa.
At 10:54, in the scene where large numbers of zombies appear in the streets, Tsubasa recalls that she was Shinobu's very first victim, and Mayoi adds: from that moment on, you became the vanguard in humanity's destruction.
Mayoi adds that the yukata worn in the closing fireworks scene were also conjured by Shinobu using her vampire powers.
Episode 4
Mayoi's self-introduction line now starts with: "To the viewers here — fewer than 100 survivors on the entire planet..." Lol.
When Part B begins, Mayoi announces that only 2 people remain alive on the entire planet — meaning they no longer have an audience. Lol.
Mayoi gushes: at 20:20, in the scene where adult Shinobu lets Araraki pat her head, and the other Shinobu turns her head away — it's really adorable.
Under Mayoi's prodding, Tsubasa reveals that the next episode's commentary track will be hosted by Ononoki Yotsugi and Kagenui Yozuru.
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 2d ago
Last week's preliminary questions
How does regret influence the decisions you make?
In the past I used to deal with it passively; now my mindset is a bit like an angler's.
Would you change the past? Is it worth it?
I might go back to take a look, so that I don't forget my past, but I wouldn't change it.
Discussion questions
What kind of emotional development is written between the lines for Shinobu?
She realizes that it was a version of herself from another world line that destroyed the world, and then sincerely apologizes.
Why does Araragi feel emotionless despite all the loss? Is this a narration choice?
Maybe Araragi is right. I don't know.
What do you think about this interpretation of time travel?
I keep wondering whether this plot structure carries some deeper meaning. Is the author trying to convey a particular message? I can't figure it out.
Theme questions
What does the arc say about responsibility?
Maybe the author's point is that dying in vain is the most irresponsible thing you can do.
What does the arc say about pondering about worrying about, or accepting, possible alternate futures?
Interesting. It reminds me of Steins;Gate, and of the recent diary arc in Mushoku Tensei.
Is the story arguing that fate is unavoidable, or that our choices matter more than we realize?
Maybe so.
Preliminary discussion question for this week's arc
How much of a person's identity is determined by who they were in high school?
Fifty percent? I'm not sure.
What is this arc's message about personal growth?
Maybe this arc is trying to tell us that life is unpredictable, so enjoy the present and don't have regrets.
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
Tagging users (please let me know if you dont want to be tagged anymore)
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u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 1d ago
I suggest that you attach links to previous posts to each post, which is convenient for others to check.
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/Baaasbas https://myanimelist.net/profile/BasvanD 6d ago
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u/SpiritualPossible 6d ago
Rewatcher
Mayoi Jiangshi
Okay, to be frank, I have pretty mixed feelings about this arc.
On the one hand… time travel? Seriously? Are we introducing the concept of time travel this late in the story? Let me tell you, speaking from personal experience: when a story that is NOT built around time travel introduces such a concept, it almost always leads to some kind of problem.
But on the other hand, it allows us to explore some interesting ideas and alternative routes, such as “what would have happened if Shinobu and Araragi hadn’t patched things up” or simply to see the characters in their past, and that’s what I really like about stories like this.
On the one hand, didn’t Araragi act like a complete idiot in this arc? After all, he was the one who brought up the time paradox and mentioned Doraemon - he HAD to realize that saving Hachikuji would radically change the world and affect his own life. And I’m not saying he should have foreseen that the world would ultimately be destroyed - but even something like his relationship with Senjougahara was, in fact, at risk, considering that she confessed her feelings to him during the Mayoi arc, and who knows how things would have turned out if they hadn’t encountered that snail that day.
But on the other hand, we’ve already established that Araragi’s desire to help others borders on selfishness and self-destruction, so at the very least, I can’t say this is some kind of uncharacteristic stupidity on his part? And I really like how he even came up with the idea of saving her in the first place - the conversation with Yotsugi about their existence was quite intriguing, and the way he started thinking about the possibility of helping someone from the past was also very interesting.
On the one hand, this arc turned out to be… rather anticlimactic? Even by Monogatari standards. I mean, while the very idea of the world they found themselves in was interesting, we actually spent most of the time simply EXPLAINING how that world came to be, instead of truly exploring it. The same goes for the adult Hachikuji, who appears only for a moment to deliver a letter necessary for the plot to move forward, and even the alternate Shinobu - though I like the idea that the mere appearance of our Araragi and Shinobu was enough to stop that suicidal vampire, it all still happened too quickly, as if the writers weren’t interested in actually creating any real interaction between them, but simply used her as a plot device to wrap up the story, since she somehow turned out to be strong enough to SIMPLY open a portal to another timeline, thanks to which Araragi wouldn’t have had to travel back in time to prevent himself from saving Mayoi. And overall, it was during this arc that Shinobu's abilities began to feel more like contrived plot devices necessary to advance the story in the needed direction, rather than something she naturally possessed.
But at the same time, what we see here isn't, like, BAD. Although the scene with the adult Mayoi is brief, it still turned out well and is quite emotional, and I like how it reveals our Shinobu's character and how it contributes to the further development of her relationship with Araragi. There is plenty of good moments, but they all just too short.
On the one hand, the scenes where Araragi starts picking on young Hanekawa and Mayoi were really annoying.
On the other hand… wait, there isn’t an “other hand” - I just found it annoying. Well, at least the punchline with Hanekawa was kind of funny?
Yes, I'll say it again - I have mixed feelings. It's a story arc that, conceptually, I should like, but at the same time, I'm not really into it because… well, it feels like it never really goes beyond of interesting concept.