I think that episode nine of Angel Beats! was the series’ strongest in a while. What humour was there was fantastic, the drama was good and a key character’s backstory got the attention it deserved. A clear direction for the rest of the show’s run was also forged, and it looks like we’re in for a fantastic last few episodes because of it.
Otonashi’s backstory played a large role in this episode, and I was surprised at the similarities between it and William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies. They appeared to such an extent that I’m wondering if the backstory was a bit of an homage. Thinking of it as such, the train crash in Angel Beats! is equivalent to the plane crash in LoTF and the general setting of the train tracks is like the deserted island. Character-wise, Otonashi seems a lot like Ralph – and, to a lesser extent (because of his knowledge), Piggy. Of course, there was a twist as there was your typical Key melodrama mixed in, with Otonashi inspiring everyone and then dying just as the others were saved. The big difference between this episode and LoTF, though, was that Otonashi successfully led the group – with all but him and one other surviving, and order being kept – and faced no real opposition.
I felt as though the sole purpose of the backstory was, naturally, to flesh out Otonashi’s character, and I believe that was done well. Here, we saw him as compassionate and an excellent leader; I think this is foreshadowing the fact that he will be the person to lead everyone out of the afterlife. The events that took place after the reveal of his backstory seem to confirm this too.
After recovering his pre-death memories, a shifting of goals for Otonashi took place: he switched from the goal in his past life (to save lives as a doctor) to the new objective of making everyone in the afterlife-world happy, so they can transition out of it together. Because of this new aim, Otonashi and Kanade now share an ideal and will work together, and I really love that. Yuri is, essentially, the enemy right now – which should prove to be extremely interesting – because she opposes this ideal. I’m also curious to see what his new creed means for Otonashi’s relationship with the other SSS members; he’s pretty much a double agent now and I’m unsure of how they’ll react when they, and particularly Yuri, inevitably discover this. In any case, there’s a clear direction for the plot to go in now and I’m very glad for that – I think the series will be less chaotic now. It also seems as though we’re set to discover much more about the characters’ pasts and that’s something that I’m eagerly awaiting too.
Finally, Kanade and Otonashi’s relationship seems to be developing quickly and the fact that they’re working together now should continue this trend. I’m pegging them as the couple that will come out of this series. On the topic of this, I have to say that I’m impressed by the show’s treatment of their relationship: usually, romance in series geared towards male viewers (and especially those with moe under/overtones) tends towards either the madly-in-love pair who can’t stand to be apart or the HAREM END side of things. Angel Beats! isn’t doing either and also isn’t sacrificing the characterisation it’s built up for Kanade or Otonashi to accommodate their possibly-budding love, and it has to be commended for that. In any case, I’m very interested to see how things go on this front and on many more; Angel Beats! is once again something I’m very happy to be following.
I think if the others find out what Otonashi is planning (as they might happily disappear) Yuri will be the most upset. I think that everyone else will be understanding of Otonashi’s thinking (Hinata more than anyone else as he was denied his moment) and appreciate him trying to help. I am sure that Yuri is the one who lead everyone into thinking that Tenshi was the enemy so once explained the situation everyone else will be…okay with it.
But Yuri will be pissed as her past is the suckiest (or at least I hope so…). She has lived with this hate for so long she will have a harder time accepting her life had any meaning at all. But since Otonashi is special she will be healed and this series will end happy for all the characters. Because I said so.
Otonashi and the train situation….he can never catch a break. But I like how he has never faltered. Even when he was “wasting his life” he still cared about his sister. He has always had compassion in his heart and saving those people despite the odds really showed that. I am just sorry he had to suffer.
I think you’re absolutely right on all counts. I think whether the others accept Otonashi’s new goal, though, will be dependent on what their pasts were like but at this stage, the only person I can say who really hates God/fate/her past life with a passion is Yuri. Of course, Otonashi is going to heal everyone including her (lalala~) because he’s the Key main lead and has renewed dedication to helping people. xD
Thank you for your always insightful comments; I really love to hear from you! ^^
“Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” :)
I find the developing relationship between Kanade and Otonashi quite surprising. Recalling those early comparisons to Haruhi, it would be as if Kyon x Yuki became a serious pairing… But I really wonder how this show will end now, more than ever. Even if Kanade gets to leave with everyone at the end, off they go to the great beyond.
That book will always have a special place in my heart as the first thing I read that truly terrified me. I saw the train scene in this episode and couldn’t get the comparison out of my head, so of course I had to mention it. xD
Ha! I never thought of it like that but that’s actually a really interesting point. Yuri would certainly be the Haruhi of this world and, if the comparisons hold, Kanade could only be Yuki. I’m not complaining, though, as Yuki was always my favourite, haha. Like you, I’m very curious as to what will happen after they leave the world that they’re in. I do wonder whether their transition will actually be shown, though, or if we’ll just get a they-disappear-and-it-all-fades-to-white type ending, if that makes any sense.
I loved this episode too and I agree it’s one of the stronger ones. Ootonashi’s character was fleshed out extremely well with the tunnel scene, which was perhaps the highlight of the entire series so far. I loved that part. The organ donation thing was really touching too.
Yuri and Kanade’s opposing ideals are interesting. I think we’re really seeing the beginning of the end. No more fillerish arcs.
So glad you enjoyed the episode! I definitely agree that it seems like the fillers have come to an end – especially after seeing this week’s instalment – and I’m very happy for that. Looks like the series will be going full steam ahead towards its conclusion.
Thank you so much for commenting on my Angel Beats! posts, by the way! :) I really enjoy hearing your thoughts, and I’m finding it so much fun to go through this rollercoaster of a series with people I like to talk about things with, haha.