the Good and the Bad [summer dramas 2011]

So which dramas are your favorite this season? I've put up the poll on the sidebar of this site and hopefully most of you have voted for your favs! The poll's closed and the winners are as such (only top 3 because I don't know what the other dramas are):

1. IS~ Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei - Fan favorite and to know why, scroll down to my opinions.
2. Zenkai Girl
3. Soredemo Ikite Yuku

Well...as to close the season's chapter, I've decided to write up a brief review of the dramas for the season by ranking them. Just like what I did for the previous season, and if you've read my post earlier on the season so far this is somewhat similar to it. Just a much more complete version and so let's see which ones make it to the top and which ones fall flat!

Well the ranking is according to my own taste and feelings for the dramas though, so it might differ from yours. Nevertheless, I'll try to be un-biased hehe...so here goes:

1. Soredemo Ikite Yuku - 9.5/10

Yup! This is by far one of the BEST Japanese dramas I've watched. Frankly, I didn't really expect much from it except for the fact that Eita is in it, which first prompted me to watch. But my my my...it totally blew me away with the writings, plot, acting and overall atmosphere. Eita definitely shines in this show, as well as his partner, Hikari Mitsushima who surprised me a lot with her acting skillz. Do not underestimate any of the characters and do not be fooled by the ratings the show gets throughout, because that do not do any justice at all for the show.  It's depressingly good so be prepared for few tissues in hand because you're gonna need them ( I did), but that's not all. The performances by both Eita and Hikari should be given much credit for making it so surreal, raw and engaging. You're immediately pulled into their world and you actually feel what they're going through. So if neither of them gets Best Actor or Actress in the TV awards soon, I'm definitely going to be really disappointed. They deserve a lot for their work on this show. Well, I'm not sure why the show's really underrated so far, as you can see from the poll itself, it's not really that popular among the viewers. Maybe it's the nature of the show being so depressing and filled with sorrow, it may not be everyone's cup of tea. And it just might be because I love serious themed dramas/movies. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this because you get not only solid storyline, but remarkable acting from the fellow casts too. Look out for Eita's socks' mismatch lolz...

2. IS~ Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei - 9/10

I think it's obviously proven from the poll that this show's not just any ordinary drama. It definitely isn't as it deals with the topic of Intersexual (google up to know the term). IS is a topic not much explored, at least I haven't seen any other dramas recently about the topic. There might have been in the west, I'm not sure but for Japanese dramas as far as I know, this is the first one to explore the term in much detail. Just fyi, it's based on the manga with the same name. Do check it out guys, it's good. I find it's something unique and brave for the writers and also not forgetting the casts to work in this drama, bringing the characters in the manga to life. We should always remind ourselves that these characters may be fictional, but they do exist among us in the society. Plot-wise it's somewhat similar to the manga with additional mild changes. Moving on to performances, bravo to Fukuda Saki for making Haru so realistic, just by the way he walks and talks, all the subtle body languages, you'd never have known that Fukuda Saki was once the famous evil girl in school as Manami back in LIFE (for which she won Best Supporting Actress). Gouriki Ayame has her shining moments as well. IF you're looking for something different from the norm, not cliche, and most of all, an eye-opener for the ignorant society, do not miss this as I'm not sure if anything like this will come around again.

3. Zenkai Girl - 8.8/10

This seems to be really popular among viewers this season and I'm not denying the ratings it's been getting throughout. I can see why it's doing good. You have Aragaki Yui and Ryo who might have really supportive fans and it started off really strong with a solid plot and Wakaba (Aragaki Yui) is a really fun character to watch before it slowly goes down the drain toward the end. I may sound quite harsh here, but it's draggy-ness and the super annoying indecisiveness of the main characters really drives me to the wall at times and frankly, I did nearly lose interest halfway through. Not to mention the overused plot especially in the ending. However, despite all those weaknesses, it's still a decent show and has places where it shines. Things to look out for - the animations which is rather amusing, great child actors/actresses way beyond their age and hilarious comic moments.

4. Don Quixote  - 8.5/10

Initially, the first episode didn't amaze me as much as it's following episodes. This is a show with a simple plot (body exchanges) but involving a child welfare worker and a yakuza makes it all the more interesting. I really like Matsuda Shota in this. His constant outburst of harsh words with rough manners are really amusing to watch. Let's not forget his partner in crime, Takahashi Katsumi who really did a great job with his softie character lol. It's an episodic drama but their antics are worth watching as they'll definitely give you a really good laugh! This is the best comedy this season, so try this out for something to cheer you up.

5. Team Batista 3 & Zettai Reido 2  - 8/10

This is a tie because they're both in the same genre (well similar anyway). This is also actually my first Batista series so I can't compare this one with its predecessors, but I find myself really liking this 3rd one. It's a great suspense and I'm constantly wondering who's the real criminal when everyone's just so suspicious. As for ZR, this is the second season...though the first few episodes are kinda just there (because it's episodic), the second half of the show picks up better for me because things got more serious and thrilling toward the end. Aya's character is somehow pretty limited though, so I don't blame her for not being able to fully impress in the drama. However, this show gets higher ratings with an average of 13.02%.

6. Bull Doctor  - 8/10

This is actually the winner of the season with an average of 13.12% according to the TV ratings. However, in this ranking, I'm putting it here on the 6th spot because there's nothing much to shout about for this show. It's using forensics to solve cases but not entirely focused on it that I don't really learn much from it, and you'll hear preaching in almost every episode xD But it's not entirely bad or boring, because what amuses me most is actually the interaction or the chemistry between both main characters. That said, I don't actually mind if there's a 2nd season considering the high ratings it's getting.

Then, we have Jiu and Hi wa Mata Noboru as the ones that got into the list before we move onto the BAD. I wasn't planning on watching both of these, but then decided to just give them a try and surprisingly I finished them. So for a show that I actually finished, they're okay.

THE BAD

No ranking for this...but these are the ones that I lost interest halfway and didn't finish watching at all. Hanawake no Yonshimai in the first few episodes were quite good and appealing but since ep5 and 6, I totally lost interest and didn't bother continuing anymore. This is one of those that I actually don't care at all what happens to the characters, or how it''ll end. The characters are self-destructive and a lot of plot holes which just don't make sense. This is also the show that I found my most hated male character. I've never despised a character so much for such a long time! I can't give the name because guess what? I didn't even bother remembering his name. But he's easy to figure out if you've watched the show or read my reviews before. I find it a pity because the show's got this promising plot with several strong casts (the four sisters), but the writers decide to waste them.

Another one is the remake of HanaKimi - I gave up after only watching for 20 minutes. So go figure. Why remake something already sooo goood that is still etched on our minds? It would've worked fine if the remake's done in like...20-30 years time but not 5 years after the original. Well, that sums it all up really.

So this is my ranking for the season. Overall, it's got better offerings than the last for me. You've got some really brilliant works for example Soredemo Ikite Yuku and IS. Then for a good comedy you have Don Quixote and comedy+drama, you have Zenkai Girl. As for detective/mystery genre, you have the likes of Zettai Reido 2 and Team Batista 3. Here's to hoping the next season will be a good one too!

What do you think? Feel free to pour out your thoughts/opinions for this season!~

IS~ Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei [ep 10 finale]

I’m still trying to get over that longing feeling after watching the finale for like an hour plus already but it’s still lingering around. Frankly, I’m thinking what to look forward to next Monday because I remember just waiting for Mondays to come so I can have another dose of LeonxHaruxMiwa.  Now that it’s really over, I’m kinda left wanting more but I’m rather satisfied though with the finale. How it ends, is kinda predictable and we just know it’s gonna happen that way, the best outcome for a show like this, so I’ve nothing to complain or fret about. 

Miwa and Leon! I knew Leon wouldn’t mind Miwa’s condition. Initially Miwa thought that Leon would accept her just like how he accepted Haru, but Leon added that for him, the way he sees Haru and Miwa is different. For him, Miwa makes his heart race faster. LOL good one, Leon. That alone was enough to touch Miwa haha…

Miwa’s father was troubled by the fact that his wife’s gone somewhere without leaving a proper message or reply any of their calls. I’ll say Miwa’s father managed to gain much respect in the finale and I somewhat feel pity for him. Although he was portrayed as a very busy father and leaves the household matters including her daughter’s issues to his wife, however, he’s not the ignorant type. In times of crisis, I feel that he’s trying hard to mend things and get his family back together like before. He may be a bit gauche, awkward and not the most loveable one in the show, but in the finale, he changed for the better in his own manner. Sorry I’m kinda steering away from the topic lolz…I’ll get back to the father after the mother’s issue. So he left messages asking her to meet at their proposal venue. I think it’s sweet that it’s their anniversary lol. Finally the mother did appear and that awkward but heart-warming hug he gave Miwa and Naoko, sealed everything for me. He’s gained my newfound respect for his character.

Now onto himself, another thing that added to the newfound respect was the scene between him and Haru. Rather surprised that he actually found comfort in sharing his troubles with Haru (at the café). I never thought he’d do that but it’s a first step to facing the reality that is in front of him at that very moment (family crisis). After the little chat, they stumbled into some annoying students who teased him, saying it was unbelievable for him to date Haru etc…When he asked what do they mean by that, they said something that triggered him – Haru’s body is abnormal. He then got into a fight with them and after the part where he saves Haru (despite getting beaten xD), I feel the show’s finally gotten him his own arc and the gentle/kind side of his character (though limited considering it’s the finale lol).

Meanwhile, Kenji told his dad that he’d meet up with his mother and sister. Dad was surprised and said he’d go with him together, but Kenji insisted on seeing them himself. He also added that he likes Haru and asked his dad what he thinks of him. His dad finally said that Haru’s a good person. And that finalized the Kenji’s inner conflicts and his dad’s problem accepting Haru. 

Kenji's dad went to Haru's house to apologize for the things he'd said to him back then. At the same time, Haru's family was preparing a party to celebrate Miwa's parents' anniversary. Funny how Kenji's dad was kinda dragged into the party too lol. This was also the first time the casts all gathered, the only one's missing was Kenji! Why did he have to go see his parents at that particular time? Sighhh...if only he was there, it'd be complete! But it's okay, the guy's got his issues to solve.

They all gathered and prepared the cake together. Haru's father also announced that he'll become a patissier and Haru will help him in the shop. Then everyone's happy to hear the news.

During the party, Kenji made a call to Haru, telling him that he'd seen his mother and sister.

OMG I really love this scene where Leon meets Miwa's parents for the first time haha...that shyness but proud face of his as Miwa clung on him, introducing him.

And of course, what about Haru? Well, his school was about to take action for the scuffle he caused in the previous episode, however, oh how shocking, the male teacher actually supported Haru! Guess he'd come to realize that Haru's just a human being too, like them. I don't know about the female teacher though, but who cares about her haha...

Haru gets to wear his desired uniform! lolz...


that's a bit oversized though haha...

Overall thoughts:

Definitely one of the best this season, unique theme/plot, great casts and satisfying ending (the manga's still ongoing though), will there be a special haha, nah...Basically, it's worth watching, expand our knowledge a bit about certain issues the public tends to avoid or considered taboo. I for one is hoping for more of this type of dramas to be shown in the future. Fukuda Saki and Gouriki played their parts very well, including the others. And oh! I didn't realize who's the actress playing Usami till few days ago...it's actually Rina Takeda (High Kick Girl, Karate Girl). No wonder she looks familiar. Usami's a really minor character but she did make it rather memorable, with limited screentime. Well, I hope you guys enjoy the show as much as I did. Certain parts may be bit draggy (maybe I'm the only one feeling so) but it's certainly one of the good ones this season.

Overall rating: 9/10

Ending theme IS-Otoko Demo Onna Demo Nai Sei

Finally got the single version (good quality) instead of the ripped version that I did in previous post.

Hilchryme - Personal Colour

IS - Otoko demo Onna demo Nai Sei [ep 9]

Note: Without subs but will try my best to recap the main events in this episode. ^_^

In last week's episode, Haru finally got a letter from an anonymous person. He was elated to receive such acceptance from the public, even though it was only one. So everyday he'll go to the box and see if anyone's written anything to inquire more about IS.

The episode begins with him running across the hall, clutching a bag. She runs up the stairs to the rooftop and begins to change but he feels someone is behind, watching. Coincidentally, Kenji is lying on the bench when he hears someone comes through the door. He realizes it's Haru and quickly turns around. He then awkwardly apologizes. Haru does the same.

Kenji asks if he has nowhere to change and then tells him that there was a club's room he can use (I don't know which club he is talking about, basically I think he's trying to help by telling him a place he could change clothes, without having to escape to the rooftop).

The scene cuts to Miwa's room. She slides out of her dress and stands in front of the mirror, as she listens to Haru's voicemail. Haru's telling her about the inquiry box and that she has received a letter from someone who understands. Meanwhile, Haru decides to make a cake for the person who writes to him. His father wants to help but he insists that he makes it himself because it's important for him.

The next day, he happily walks to the place where he puts the inquiry box, holding the cupcake (I presume) that he made the night before. I think he wants to thank the person who wrote the letter. However, the box is ruined with garbage inside and words like "disgusting" written over it.

At Miwa's house, she watches her mother sitting at the dining table. Her mother suddenly holds her arms tightly and apologizes for doing terrible things to her before. Miwa brushes it off and tells her that for now, she'll do the household chores.

You know...the moment I saw Miwa's mother at the dining table, I was kinda terrified lol...Because whenever she's around, horrible things happen. She should be in the hospital longer! Besides, looking from the way she presses on Miwa's arm so tightly that her fingernails dig into her skin, I'm certain she's still not well.

Back in school, Haru's first three friends still can't seem to communicate or accept Haru as before. They were such a lovely bunch before! Seeing how they avoid Haru at school really aches my heart.

Moving on to Kenji's arc, he finds out about his mother when he receives a call. So his mother still actually keeps in contact with his father. From the call, it is revealed that his mother has asked for financial help from his father (remember in the previous epi, there was once Kenji's father received a call - so that was actually the mother!). It seems that Aoi (Kenji's sister) is admitted to the hospital again and so the she asked for the final help. When Kenji confronts his father regarding the matter, the father tells him that he just gave them money but didn't meet them (I think).

Miwa pays a visit to Haru's house to meet his mother. She tells her that she can't meet Haru,because she doesn't what kind of expression to give her. She then goes on saying how Haru has people who understands him, receiving reply from people, unlike her, helpless and not as strong-willed...then Haru's mother reveals that in the past, she did try to commit suicide with Haru. Haru also stopped receiving replies and that though the family understands him, it is painful for him outside (as the public may not be as welcoming). They're not as strong as Miwa thinks. She shows Miwa the information paper Haru made and tells her that Haru is waiting for her. 

Back home, Miwa tells her mother that although she may be hurt being an IS, she'll move forward. She'll live on being a girl. Before this, she thought being a normal girl would be impossible for her that was why she gave up. But she won't give up anymore. From now on, she'll live each day as a girl, fall in love someday and get married. She wishes for that kind of happiness. Her mother then bursts into tears, saying that Miwa finally understands. However, Miwa is still considering about the operation. The mother disagrees by saying that without it, she won't be perfect.

Arrghhh...why is at always like this? The mother always screws up the moment! Things are running smoothly for Miwa, she finally finds her strength and knows what she wants in life after being trapped for so long, and now the mother ruins everything again. 
 
 Miwa rushes to get a scissor and cuts off her hair. She recalls Haru's words as she cuts and finally, she tells her mother that this is who she is. Even though she may not be perfect, she'll show her that she'll find happiness. I really am happy for Miwa during this scene, I think she's not afraid of anything anymore. She's been there once, she'll get through any hurdles she faces in the future.

There's this piano version of the opening theme song! It was playing during these two scenes...and it's amazing! I can't wait for the soundtrack xDD 


At school, things turn ugly when Haru finds his box, on the ground, smashed. He then broke into a fight with the three guys who did it.Show them what you've' got Haru! But seriously, 3 against one? Unfair! But LOL he did give one of the students that kick underneath- spot on! HAHA... The teachers come just in time to stop the fight before it gets worse.

I half wish Haru would transform into the mean Manami in LIFE and kick the guys' butt. 

The next scene shows him and Leon at the park. Leon helps him peel off the plaster on his arm. Haru mentions about that kick he managed to do before the teachers broke them up. Leon grimaces hearing that. Haru then mentions that he begins to wonder for what purpose he confessed about IS to everyone. Leon, as usual...brightens him up by hitting him playfully.

The new style really fits her, looks so much better!

The next day, Haru meets Miwa on the way to school and is shocked to see her new hair. Miwa then tells him what happened. Haru tells her that what she did is really cool. He finally says "Okaeri" to Miwa. SUPER SWEET!~Yay things are looking up xD

They make a new box, this time, out of wood. Haru can't seem to saw it properly and Miwa jokes that he is clumsy. Then, Usami appears and helps them. She takes over and saw the wood perfectly. Both Haru and Miwa are impressed with her skills and Usami reveals that she has 4 brothers at home. (Did I hear that properly? lol..so that explains her behaviour hehe). And FINALLY...the other 3 girls ask if they can also help. Haru thanks them and they become friends again. ^^

On the way back, Miwa sees Leon, waving at her from afar. At first she thought that he hears from Haru about her return to school, but Leon tells her that he actually waits everyday. Miwa thanks him for doing so. Leon musters his courage and asks her out on a date, showing her tickets to (I think) planetarium? Something to do with space anyway. Miwa is a bit reluctant but says that it's not because she doesn't want to....but before she can explain further, Leon celebrates with joy. I think Miwa is reluctant because she knows Leon still doesn't know the truth about her and she may be feeling guilty.

There is this short scene showing the teachers that I dislike. Still do. Basically, the female teacher watches the girls and Haru making the new box and says it's a pity. However, the male teacher disagrees. Looks like he has some kind of plan...evil definitely.

Back in school, Haru receives another letter. He sees a drop of water on it and thinks that whoever writes it may still be nearby since it had only started raining. He then rushes back to the corridor and sees Kenji walking along. The letter basically goes something like "Sorry for not replying in a while. I'm happy to be able to talk with you again....(I can't get the final two sentences T_T) Massugu ni jibun dashite ikiru" (Live on straight/true to yourself?)

But anyways, Haru narrates that although he wishes everyone in school will come to understand, the person he wants most to do so is Kenji.  

Look at Leon's face! I wanna hug him...

Leon and Miwa goes out together and he wonders it'd have been better if they are dating. Miwa tells him suddenly that she has something to say. She confesses that she is IS, just like Haru. She explains that she needs to tell him the truth because he is a good person. She thanks him for everything he has done and she was really happy. Having said that, she dashes off, leaving a dumbfounded Leon.

Miwa goes back to an empty house and finds a divorce letter (I presume) on the table. She leaves a voicemail to her father asking where her mother went. Meanwhile, at school, Kenji is glad to receive a reply from Haru. However, he's surprised that Haru already knows it is him who writes those letters when Haru addresses by his name.

"Ibuki Kenji sama, thank you for the letter. I am very happy. I was supported by your letters but please stop already.....sth sth...if anyone knows that you wrote them, it'll bring trouble to you. I'm fine already....sth...I'm glad of your kindness. You are my most precious friend."(sorry for the missing lines)

Haru walks into Kenji at achool and he says that his kindness that Haru mentions isn't like what he thinks it is. He goes on explaining the past to him, about how he was embarrassed of his sister (wait...did i hear him call the sister as Aniki? Isn't that brother? Did I hear wrongly or get the word wrongly?) He puts the blame in himself but Haru replies, saying that he is honest. He knows what he hates, what he is scared of. If someone doesn't know what he/she is afraid of, they can't be strong. He then asks if Kenji would be his friend from now on. Haru leaves before Kenji could say anything, and he wonders if it's really his true feeling to be friends with Kenji, on his way home.

Miwa's mother seems to have left the house, she's seen walking alone on the roadside as Miwa browses through the photo album from when she is little. Kenji is seen crying in his room. Not sure if he's reminiscing about his past or about Haru's request earlier. The scene ends with he school staffs holding a meeting to discuss about Haru's situation. By the look of it, doesn't sound good. 

Thought:

Another remarkable episode! I am most proud of Miwa in this one because she finally finds her strength and will to live the way she wants. The scene where she chops off her hair is awesome! And yet, very touching at the same time. You can feel how much pain she had endured and now she just wants it over with and starts anew. The part she tells Leon the truth, another hard one to bear. I don't know why but I find her confession to Leon more touching and powerful that Haru's confession over the microphone at school. I think it's because of the face-to-face kind of confession that makes Miwa's more close to heart. But if last week's episode was where Haru shines as a character, then this one is Miwa's turn. Her new hairstyle really brings forth a fresh, youthful and radiant look for her. I prefer this one than the longer version. She looks like a character straight from the manga itself lolz...totally similar. About Kenji, aww...I think he wishes to advance further with Haru but what a heartbreaker for him to ask him to be a friend. I find this show unpredictable. Okay, so maybe the manga is there for everyone to read but for those who didn't read or didn't finish it (like me), I find it hard to somehow predict what's going to happen next. That's what's great about the show though. Like we don't know whether Miwa will end up with Leon or not, or Haru with Kenji - even if they don't, I want Miwa and Haru find happiness! They deserve it more than anybody in there! They've come a long way. 

By the way, does it look like it's the finale next week? It doesn't feel like it to me. So here's to hoping for 11 episodes! Yay! Pheww...this took me quite a while to finish. But for a drama I love this much, it's worth the time spent. Sorry though if there are some parts I couldn't understand. Hope it helps though, even a little. xDD

Rating: 9.5/10 

No kidding, it's really getting better and better.

IS - Otoko demo Onna demo Nai Sei [ep 8]

Watched without subs...so forgive me if any wrong information are given. Continuing from last episode, we were left with cliffhanger when Haru prepared himself to announce to everybody in the school about his condition.

I can only imagine how heart-shattering if must have been for Kenji to hear it like this...

So naturally, everyone was shocked by the revelation, especially the three classmates Haru first made friends with. It was really sad to see they didn't ask Haru out for lunch together after the broadcast. Some serious awkward moment there! 

*I remember in the manga version, the girls knew very early on about Haru's condition, and they were really supportive. So, hopefully they'll come to accept Haru for who he is after they get over the shock period*

I've come to like Usami a lot in recent episodes. She's a likeable character, she didn't seem shocked or look at Haru in a different way after that, which got me to thinking that she might have had an inkling that Haru has some kind of secret like this. Of course, that' s just what I think.

Moe girl shed a tear!

Haru makes copies of information on IS, just like in the manga. Where's the letter box? hehe

if only this is not the alternative scene....

When pestered by his friends, Kenji didn't make a move but instead, just tell them they weren't going out or close, just friends (might hear wrongly though). The alternative scene above totally fooled me haha, I was really cheering for Kenji only to find that in reality, he didn't defend Haru.

Haru telling Miwa who's locked in her room again about the announcement

And hooray for more insight on Kenji's arc! Finally! Kenji confronted his father after finding out that he knew about Haru being an IS and dark memories begun to surface. Apparently, Kenji's sister was sick  (not sure what sickness).  But she was obviously on a wheelchair as you can see.

Wow...Kenji's past was pretty intense though. Didn't see it coming.

He was embarrassed with his sister's sickness and one day while he was out with their mother, he saw his friends pointing at him and the sister. For a moment, he let go off the wheelchair and it nearly collided with another incoming car if not for the mother who quickly stopped it. Back home, when the mother told the dad about it, the father defended Kenji and scolded his mother instead for not understanding Kenji's feelings. The father pushed the blame on the mother and hit her, all witnessed by Kenji.

In the end, I presume though, the mother left them both behind since in the father's eyes, there's only Kenji and not the sister. For a long time, Kenji still hasn't forgiven himself for letting go off the handle, I'm sure.

Back in school, the female teacher tried to turn things around, instead of getting angry at Haru for not listening to them, she praised him in class for being so courageous and all.

HOW FAKE CAN THIS WOMAN BE??!!!


If I were in the same class, I'd have stood up, walked up to her and snatched the handkerchief, threw it on the floor and tell her to take crying lessons to convince us more. My goodness, and the worst part of all...

SHE CLAPPED?! 

I'm speechless. 

Haru's parents were called by the headmaster regarding the issue. (I'm not entirely sure what they were talking about, basically the parents explained the reason and asked the headmaster not to expel Haru, I think)

Meanwhile, Miwa was rescued by her father, who practically had to break open the door lock. I'm kinda relieved that the insane mother didn't appear to make things worse. The father seemed pretty heroic lolz...

Usami becomes one of my fav characters hehehe...I mean, c'mon, she was the only one who supported Haru in school and still hang out with him, when the others avoided Haru.

Usami told him what she saw earlier about Kenji. When Haru was nonchalant about the matter, Usami got mad a little watching Haru lying to himself. LOLz...sweet scene between the two though.

And finally, to make things easier, Haru's parents gave the three obasaan the notice Haru made about IS.

And when I thought "Oh no Leon in this episode?" he appeared!~

Ahh Leon was slightly disappointed when the first thing Miwa asked him was about Haru. Poor guy...and when Miwa asked him whether he was worried about Haru or not, Leon told her that it's exactly just like what Haru would do, and since Haru's strong, he's not that worried. Miwa then knew just how much Leon understands Haru. Besides that, Leon did mention how it's not about the gender that matters, more importantly, it's how the person is. (am I right lol).

I think hearing those words from him, Miwa may find more courage to face the world.

Sad to see Haru's friends avoiding him T_T

The inquiry box is finally here! yatta!~

But days go by and still no one popped any questions in the box. Instead, most of the students made fun of it. It was funny how Haru's father jokingly blamed it on Natsu's drawing on the box haha...the usagi/rabbit looks cute though!

And then...

Easy to guess who wrote it!~ xDDD

Thoughts:
Another great episode. Ahhh...I can't wait to see Haru wearing pants instead of skirt in school though lol...So after watching this episode, I'm most certainly liking Usami more and more. Can the writers please give her few more scenes in the remaining episodes? Also, I hope the three girls whom Haru befriended return to their old selves again coz we don't want to see serious classmates, especially the girl with the glasses. She should be hopping around happily and making cute faces. Kenji's arc, was quite beautifully written, totally didn't see the twist coming (slightly different from manga). What else...basically, the recent episodes have been nothing but awesome! I'm really curious how the writers will end it now. Another well deserved rating: 9/10

 PIC SPAM!