Noviceotaku

Friends who have watched the episode told me it was fabulous, I thought it was moderately good. The conclusion to the cultural festival arc was indeed simple, Ryuuji realises that Taiga’s father does not truly love her and intends to make up for it by accompanying her. Ami mentions that Taiga’s “father was at the beauty contest”, angering Taiga who wins the beauty contest without surprise and Ryuuji participates in a race to crown Taiga and dance with her.

Well I didn’t think that this was a fantastic episode, it was simply moderately good. Ryuuji clapping for Taiga in the silence was touching, Minori joining in had definitely shown how much she cared for Taiga. The objective of entering the race was heartwarming too, Ryuuji had to ensure that no one would ruin Taiga’s day further by being with her.

Unfortunately things became awkward closing to the end of the race where Minori attacks several race participants. Ryuuji was told by Minori to be faster than the rest, “for the sake of Taiga”. I told myself that Toradora isn’t The Chronicles of Narnia where you can hear “for Narnia/Aslan” throughout the show. Minori telling Ryuuji to run fast is already implicit of her intentions; to ensure no anonymous people win the race.

Kitamura appeared to operate in a similar fashion to Taiga’s father at the end of the episode, he picked Taiga as his second choice while seemingly appeasing her, when Sumire leaves. He had better make his intentions clear to Taiga soon, instead of giving her false hope which Taiga notices. Taiga questions Kitamura, but eventually plays along the act. Nevertheless, the conclusion was sound, the music was great, Minori and Ryuuji are on good terms again and all is right.

By the way, Toradora is taking a break from its usual broadcast schedule, it will resume airing on 8th January, as will episode 13 of Clannad.