 I'll admit, any series that makes it to a 'Final Thoughts' review isn't really likely to get a bad review - but MariMite has been one of the best surprises for me in a while...
11 - White Petals
Sei looks back at her relationship with Shiori - a first-year student
she met during her year as Bouton. They became close enough that it
became an issue for other people, and that they blanked out pretty much
everything but themselves - but all good things must come to an end.
Shiori has already decided to become a nun once she's graduated from
school, but had never said anything about it to Sei. The news
devastates Sei - she confesses her feelings to Shiori & asks her to
run away with her, but some things are just not meant to be...
12 - First Date Triangle
Finally time for Yumi's date with Sachiko (although if that was
arranged at Valentine's Day & it's now just past Christmas, she's
either been waiting a while or time works strangely at Lilian
Academy...). The problem now for Yumi is deciding on what to do, and
trying to make sure that Sachiko will enjoy it - but she can't think of
anything. The day of the date soon comes around, and Yumi (as nervous
as any girl on a first date is ever likely to be) finally settles on a
date to a local shopping centre (all girls like to shop, right?). The
Roses are on their dates the same day, and it seems everyone has
decided to go to the same place - and with the girls from the school
newspaper tailing everyone, is a normal date even remotely possible?
13 - Good-day, Onee-sama
Yumi's date continues - after a worrying few moments where Sachiko
disappears & Yumi fears she's given up and gone home... Before
long, they're back to shopping, and Yumi's having to deal with
Sachiko's unfamiliarity with doing things for herself. Meanwhile,
Yoshino's tailing Rei and her date around, trying not to get too worked
up about the whole thing (she's not succeeding), while Shimako &
Shizuka's date seems to take a strange turn...
Admit it - you've all been waiting to see how Yumi's date with
Sachiko turned out - and the final two episodes of the series,
focussing on the date, were probably the best of what's been one of the
most enjoyable recent series for me. I'll admit that you need to be in
a particular mood to watch MariMite and get the most out of it
- it's one of those series where you actually have to put some effort
in to understanding & relating to the characters before you can
really get into the show, so it's not something to be watched when
you're just looking to unwind - but it's ultimately very rewarding to
make the effort required.
The good news is that a second series is rumoured to be in the
works, so this will hopefully not be the last outing for Yumi & co
(more Yoshino, please!), but in the meantime this may join the very
select list of shows that I make a point of rewatching. I really can't
recommend it highly enough. |
