We roll through so many titles here… I’m forgetting a lot of details about this particular franchise…
See, I remember struggling with this title’s pronunciation during one of the latest Vice Pit sessions, but I don’t remember if it was because Sam was a fan of this show or because you lunatics picked it as one of your favorite titles for 2012. I also don’t remember if I actually watched the first episode of the first season/series a ways back for this column, either. I’d beg your pardon for all these gaps in recollection but, c’mon - - you and I both know that there are a lot of shows about after-school high school clubs, and there isn’t always a lot to differentiate them.
Actually, at this point, I feel like I’m so desensitized to this stuff that I’m never quite sure if I’m even enjoying a given show in the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed. This is honestly one of the more involving and entertaining slice-of-life shows I’ve seen here; but most of my amusement comes from how it seems like the transcription of a bridge club captain’s out-of-this-world fantasy of what afternoon-to-afternoon business is actually going to be like. Having been involved in enough clubs in my day, I can well recognize how the regulars really do think that things are going to be so dramatic, and they’re going to win over so many new members in the new semester, and it’s all going to be so excitingly different…
...and then it winds up being the same half-dozen kids hanging out in a rec room after hours.
That said, I can see why this show’s been successful enough to get a sequel. I mean, it had an honest-to-goodness cliffhanger that made me seriously anxious to see what happens in the next episode. C’mon, guys - - I need to know if Sumire actually asks Taichi when she gets off the train!
Watch this episode, "So The Flower Has Wilted" here and decide for yourself.
Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk
