SVES Talkback: .hack//SIGN - #7: Reason (Spoilers)

[Killtacular]

Late for work, so no fancy description today. Enjoy tonight's episode.

[Will Sturnick]

I liked that they focused mainly on one character. Instead of progessing the storyline, they took the time to develop Mimiru. Which reminds me of what X did, around episode 6 they took a break from the main story and devolped the characters.

[Jude Santos]

this is one of my favorite episodes (actually, besides the first episode, this is the only episode i liked from the first 'arc' which is eps. 1-14), seeing this episode reminded me why i love this series so much, character development.

the story doesnt move on with this episode though, and i can see people complaining about that...

[Meson]

Great Mimiru episode. A20 was hilarious, too bad that's the last we'll see her. But the Mimiru stuff was where it shined. I hope they have one of these for every character.

[TnAdct1]

Usually, when there's an episode that focuses prominently on a character that isn't the central character or one of the central characters, it is sometimes a hit or miss depending on whether or not you like the character (a big example of a miss is Scryed, which does this type of episode IN THE SECOND EPISODE). With this episode, considering that I like Mimiru, it was a hit. While the episode does involve a deeper look into why she plays the game (and gives her a reason why she should talk to Tsukasa again), the real fun comes with her interaction with A-20, who actually turns out to be a fun and cute one-shot character.

BTW, for those who have played the .hack video game: Do you also have the feeling that A-20 is the .hack//sign equivilent of Natsume? In fact, when A-20 mentions that she doesn't have anything to give to Mimiru in return, I had the urge to say "I know, I'll give my body to you... I mean my address."

Joe Klemm

[JTurner954]

I kind of missed the beginning, but it looks like today's episode focused on how people (well, one expert and one beginner) fight in the server instead of focusing on a main story. I liked learning about the healing abilities, novice players (and how Mimiru put up with one), and how the episode just seemed more layed back and developed the two characters. Of course, I was left with questions:

What happens when these people log off and need to sleep? In other words, what do they do in the real world and away from the server?

Does that relic/trophy have anything to do with what's going on or was it merely a rare award for defeating that monster? I noticed that the creature on it was one Tuskasa had in the first episode.

What are the princess' true motives on the server? Since the episode seemed to ask it, I'll ask it too.

What is Tsukasa doing since he seems to really mean what he said and stayed away from the other players?

And most of all .... When am I going to learn the character's names? I knew Mimiru was featured tonight but I only know the name because the previous posts said her name.

Since it did answer some questions and keep me interested by asking new ones, I'll give tonight's episode a B+.

[Cyber E.]

I really liked this episode. Usually I have to tape .hack since I wake up earlier on Saturdays but I managed to stay awake for this one and really enjoyed it. I nevere realized until when it was over that this episode focused mainly on one character and gave some real devolpment to her.

The artwork was (as usual) just amazing and the colors really brought the characters out. The one 'fight' scene was really nicely done and the backgrounds were just fantastic. The dialogue was nicely done and fit with the characters excellent. Overall this was a really good episode. A

-aJb

[Romanesque]

Late for work, so no fancy description today. Enjoy tonight's episode.Aaaargh, you frustrate me. Garg to you. Gaaarg, I say!this is one of my favorite episodes, seeing this episode reminded me why i love this series so much, character development.This was one of my favorite ones too, though I like the next episode even more, and then the next episode after that better still. :Dthe story doesnt move on with this episode though, and i can see people complaining about that...If this week's ep causes people to complain, they're gonna love next week's episode. ;-)Usually, when there's an episode that focuses prominently on a character that isn't the central character or one of the central characters, it is sometimes a hit or miss depending on whether or not you like the character. With this episode, considering that I like Mimiru, it was a hit.Although, would you really count Mimiru as 'not one of the central characters'? Agreed on all counts, aside from that.While the episode does involve a deeper look into why she plays the game (and gives her a reason why she should talk to Tsukasa again), the real fun comes with her interaction with A-20, who actually turns out to be a fun and cute one-shot character.Not to mention giving us some more action sequences, in the dungeon.BTW, for those who have played the .hack video game: Do you also have the feeling that A-20 is the .hack//sign equivilent of Natsume?Only in the same sense that many other characters are also roughly paralleled among the various .hack installments.I kind of missed the beginning . . . What happens when these people log off and need to sleep? In other words, what do they do in the real world and away from the server?When they need to log off and sleep, they log off and sleep. The other parts of .hack -- the games, OVA's, and DUSK -- go into these elements a lot more. As for the characters in .hack//SIGN, there are glimpses of their real world lives scattered about. In fact, you missed seeing Mimiru in RL at the beggining of the episode.Does that relic/trophy have anything to do with what's going on or was it merely a rare award for defeating that monster? I noticed that the creature on it was one Tuskasa had in the first episode.It was just a reward for completing a [high level] dungeon. I thought the episode was fairly clear on that, but ah well. The creature you refer to is a "Grunty" (Puchiguso in the original Japanese), which are basically just really strange NPC creatures...What are the princess' true motives on the server? Since the episode seemed to ask it, I'll ask it too.Subaru just hangs out there because... err, that's where she hangs out. More technically, the "Venice-like Place" she's always frequenting is Mac Anu, one of the root towns that players initially log into when they access 'The World'. As such, it's just a convenient place for the Crimson Knights to operate from, where players in need can always find them.What is Tsukasa doing since he seems to really mean what he said and stayed away from the other players?This, you'll see next week.And most of all .... When am I going to learn the character's names? I knew Mimiru was featured tonight but I only know the name because the previous posts said her name.Which character's names don't you know? Most have them have already been named by now.

--Romey

[Botman]

As for the characters in .hack//SIGN, there are glimpses of their real world lives scattered about. In fact, you missed seeing Mimiru in RL at the beggining of the episode.

Yeah, but they seem to be thrown in completely at random, and I had no idea Mimiru was in the crowd that starting scene. Are we supposed to find some significance in these seemingly pointless real life scenes at this point in time? Are we supposed to know what the characters look like IRL right now? I'm under the impression that every 5 second scene that seems pointless will turn out to be a major plot point later on, but since they are so brief, I'll end up forgetting about them quickly.

[TsuiTsui]

I thought this was a nice little side story about Mimiru's internal conflict about her feelings about Tsukasa. I was also happy to hear a vocal-only version of my favorite song, "The World"!

:D

A20 sure does have a very unique character design! The image of Natsume also came to my mind when I saw the similarities.

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

A-20 was a cutie, both in design and personality. It's kind of a shame she won't be around again, she was fun. ^^

[MJC]

This episode was OK, but it would be nice is the plot went somewhere. I'm starting to wish somebody would just kick Tsukaka's ass and be done with it.

[Romanesque]

Yeah, but they seem to be thrown in completely at random, and I had no idea Mimiru was in the crowd that starting scene. Are we supposed to find some significance in these seemingly pointless real life scenes at this point in time? Are we supposed to know what the characters look like IRL right now? I'm under the impression that every 5 second scene that seems pointless will turn out to be a major plot point later on, but since they are so brief, I'll end up forgetting about them quickly.

Many of the identities of characters in RL have to be inferred. In this case, it was established (or at least heavily suggested, with respect to Bear) that Mimiru's relatively young, we haven't been given any reason to doubt that she's female, she's the focus of this particular episode, the person seen in the real world vaguely resembled her, and we see Mimiru in the following scene, so it's safe to guess that it was Mimiru. This can be further confirmed by the fact that she's at a train station, which is mentioned somewhere else, though I can't remember where... Is this instance relevant to the plot? Not really. Random? Maybe, but it at least fit in with the focus on Mimiru.

The other real life scenes are of much more significance... the shot of the girl at the end of the first episode, the scene of Bear at the hospital, the bits with Tsukasa as a child with the kitten and at his mother's funeral, etc. The first one will make sense eventually (it'll also make sense if you watch the first episode enough times), the scene of Bear pertains to him having 'found' who he thought was Tsukasa (in the same ep), and all the flashbacks with Tsukasa are slowly going to add up to greater whole. That's about as much as I can say without spoiling anything.

Not every seemingly pointless 5 second scene will turn out to be a major plot point, but they all fit into the big picture somehow or another. Some clips will, in fact, be repeated, so don't sweat it too much.

--Romey

[Will Sturnick]

The other real life scenes are of much more significance... the shot of the girl at the end of the first episode, the scene of Bear at the hospital, the bits with Tsukasa as a child with the kitten and at his mother's funeral, etc. The first one will make sense eventually (it'll also make sense if you watch the first episode enough times), the scene of Bear pertains to him having 'found' who he thought was Tsukasa (in the same ep), and all the flashbacks with Tsukasa are slowly going to add up to greater whole. That's about as much as I can say without spoiling anything.

What episode do they show Bear at the hospital? I don't remember those scenes for some reason.

[Botman]

Many of the identities of characters in RL have to be inferred.

I see...

The problem with this is, I doubt I'll be able to pick up these hints. For instance, I had no idea that that was Bear in the hospital, because I had no idea what he looked like IRL. Now that I look back on that scene, I can see the resemblance, but I would have never known it was Bear unless you mentioned that in your post.

As it is, I fear many more of these subtle hints will go right over my head.

[Sir Gatts]

An decent character development scene between A20 and Mimiru. It appears that Bear's offline investigation of Tsukasa is still in progress, and it seems that there has yet been any motion on Subaru's part regarding the blob-like creature. Though after this episode, it seems that this role of administration can be of an rather slow and tedious task. At times I wonder if it is due to that as to why Subaru is seen by herself on the boat floating down the canal.

Overall for this episode, 7.5/10.

[The Detective]

Pretty good character building episode. I just wish the plot would actually go somewhere. I mean, first the first couple episodes it seemed pretty straight forward, find out who or what the Guardian was and who Tsokosa was and capture him. Then they get him, then they let him go kinda, and now they're right back where they started. Any way does Sobouru have anything to do in the world besides float in that boat? And um, since the episode sort of asked, what does Bear do in real life?

[Romanesque]

What episode do they show Bear at the hospital? I don't remember those scenes for some reason.Here's a little recap of the RL and RL flashback scenes, thus far...

Episode 1:
Collapsed Girl 1 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/girl1.jpg), 2 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/girl2.jpg), 3 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/girl3.jpg), & 4 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/girl4.jpg)

Episode 3:
Young Tsukasa with Cat 1 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/cat1.jpg), 2 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/cat2.jpg), & 3 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/cat3.jpg)

Episode 4:
Young Tsukasa's Mother's Funeral 1 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/mother1.jpg) & 2 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/mother2.jpg)

Bear 1 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/bear1.jpg), 2 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/bear2.jpg), & 3 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/bear3.jpg)

Episode 7:
Mimiru 1 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/mimiru1.jpg) & 2 (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/mimiru2.jpg)

The problem with this is, I doubt I'll be able to pick up these hints. For instance, I had no idea that that was Bear in the hospital, because I had no idea what he looked like IRL. Now that I look back on that scene, I can see the resemblance, but I would have never known it was Bear unless you mentioned that in your post.

As it is, I fear many more of these subtle hints will go right over my head.True, it's not necessarily an easy task to pick out everything the first time through...

In Bear's case, there was absolutely no indication as to his identity at the time we saw him in real life. However, we know he's been investigating Tsukasa's case, and he later mentions having seen a girl in a hospital. Where was the guy we saw in RL? At a hospital. The only person it could have been is thus Bear.

I'll keep trying to do my best to clear up anything people should know as of the current episode. Just ask. ^_^

EDIT: More replies...Though after this episode, it seems that this role of administration can be of an rather slow and tedious task.Particularly when the Crimson Knights only act as if they're administrators, when they're really just an organization of players. At least Subaru realises their powerlessness, but that still doesn't help her much...Any way does Subaru have anything to do in the world besides float in that boat? And um, since the episode sort of asked, what does Bear do in real life?Umm... she... occassionally walks around a few fields doing not much of anything? Unless the rest of the Crimson Knights have need of her guidance, I s'pose she doesn't have much else to do. I wonder what A20 would have to say about that... :D

Regarding Bear's job, that qualifies as spoiler material. You'll find out around the final episodes...

--Romey

[JTurner954]

When they need to log off and sleep, they log off and sleep. The other parts of .hack -- the games, OVA's, and DUSK -- go into these elements a lot more.

As for the characters in .hack//SIGN, there are glimpses of their real world lives scattered about. In fact, you missed seeing Mimiru in RL at the beggining of the episode.

Hmm, those games are really tempting me now. Now I have yet another reason to buy a PS2.

Thanks for showing those pictures. With the show at 4 times a week, it gets hard to remember what happens (I wish CN would show the episodes at a faster rate). Is there more to Mimiru's flashback than that picture shows (something about a subway?)? If so, could you tell me what happened in it or send me a video clip of it via Private Message?

It was just a reward for completing a [high level] dungeon. I thought the episode was fairly clear on that, but ah well. The creature you refer to is a "Grunty" (Puchiguso in the original Japanese), which are basically just really strange NPC creatures...

It just seemed odd that we see a "grunty" in one episode and then once again in reward form. I figured there might of been some kind of connection. Would it be safe to say that they are mostly used as transportation?

Which character's names don't you know? Most have them have already been named by now.

I just know Tsukasa, Mimiru, and the Princess (Is that Subaru?). The other character's names I don't know (Who was Bear?).

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

I just know Tsukasa, Mimiru, and the Princess (Is that Subaru?). The other character's names I don't know (Who was Bear?).

Bear's the man with the blue paint over most of his upper body, Sora is the creepy one with dark green hair, BT is the blonde, and Crim (Krim?) is the one with the spiky hair that dresses in red.

[Hades]

A20 was very annoying at first, but she grew on me over the course of the episode. this was a nice break from all things Tsukasa, especially since it was all centered on Mimiru.

[Romanesque]

Hmm, those games are really tempting me now. Now I have yet another reason to buy a PS2.I never planned to pick up a PS2, myself... Until I learned of the games. Their existance alone was enough to make me cave in under the pressure. :D

Thanks for showing those pictures. With the show at 4 times a week, it gets hard to remember what happens (I wish CN would show the episodes at a faster rate). Is there more to Mimiru's flashback than that picture shows (something about a subway?)?No prob. There *is* a recap episode shortly after the half-way point of the series, which covers most of the RL sequences and flashbacks. I suspect that most people won't be too thrilled, but others who are trying to figure things out may find it welcome. There's not much more to Mimiru's RL sequence aside from shots which establish the train station / subway location, here (http://www.toonzone.net/romey/temp_hack/mimiru2.jpg).It just seemed odd that we see a "grunty" in one episode and then once again in reward form. I figured there might of been some kind of connection. Would it be safe to say that they are mostly used as transportation?They seem to be used for transportation in both .hack//SIGN and .hack//DUSK, but I've yet to encounter such in the games. Which isn't to say that it's not possible in the games, just that I haven't gotten to such a point. You can also raise them (Remember the scene where Tsukasa caused that infant grunty to mature?), and trade with the adults for items.I just know Tsukasa, Mimiru, and the Princess (Is that Subaru?). The other character's names I don't know (Who was Bear?).Looks like Mackenzie Rainelle got to some of these before me. The 'Princess' (More technically, leader of the Crimson Knights) is indeed Subaru. Others include Maha (The Cat Player Character), Silver Knight (The Crimson Knight with red eyes and a horned helmet, called "Ginkan" in Japanese), and Aura (The sleeping girl floating over a bed).

--Romey

[Edward the IV]

I just know Tsukasa, Mimiru, and the Princess (Is that Subaru?). The other character's names I don't know (Who was Bear?).

Theres BT (that tall woman with the staff wearing blue.O_o;;) Bear (the man.XD) and people!

Hey look! She reminds of..

Ed!

This show is growing on me.

8.5/10

[Will Sturnick]

Romey, thanks for the pics.

[Wilco911]

Yep, Grunties can be used for transportation in the PS2 games. Use the Grunty Flute on a field and you'll have a much easier time getting around in your search for portals and the like.

[Michael]

it was a good epsiode, and nice to see it centralize on just one person :)

[raykremer]

I never planned to pick up a PS2, myself... Until I learned of the games. Their existance alone was enough to make me cave in under the pressure.
Heh. Me too. You have to buy them to get those OVAs, and once you have them you may as well play them. Though I think I'll wait until there's a PS3 and PS2s are dirt cheap. Gave me an excuse to pick up Ico, too, which seemed really fun when I played it at a Toys R Us once.

As much as the epsiodes don't seem to advance any sort of continuing plot, these are still great episodes. The show just has a style about it that works really well, even when nothing is happening.

I'm beginning to think that Mimiru is really the main protagonist, not Tsukasa. But then I was also expecting A20 to turn out to be something else in disguise, so who knows.

[Vekou]

"A-20" is quite possibly the only character in .hack more irritating than Mimiru. They work well together, though. Average episode...

[Conekiller]

Another top nothc ep form the .hack crew

Nice to see a break from the master of whine Tsukasa. but then we are treated to more irritating character in the form of A-20. I really wish they would ahve explained a little more about her, like whay was she so adamant about beating a high level (somehting about proving she's better than her friends) and why she kept lying for no apparrant reason and about stupid things.

BT was less....(w)itchy in this one and Bear was almost nowhere to be seen. oh well.

Nice little focus on Mimiru. I really liked the vocal range the actress gave us in this one (ya hear that, Romey! ;p ) she did a good job of depicting Mimi thru sadness, to happy, to faux maturity to mopiness, to actual maturity. this was the most evident when Mimi flashed back to her first meeting with Tsukasa and how ..PERKY she sounded

some action in this one! yay

A-

[Romanesque]

But then we are treated to more irritating character in the form of A-20 . . . Nice little focus on Mimiru. I really liked the vocal range the actress gave us in this one (ya hear that, Romey! ;p ) she did a good job of depicting Mimi thru sadness, to happy, to faux maturity to mopiness, to actual maturity.I still liked Mimiru better in japanese, even in this ep, so there. :p I also think A20's the best voiced character in the dub, thus far. Her unexplained 'unpredictability' is part of the charm. Nyah! :D

--Romey

[oranthal]

I think I am starting to see a something with this episode.

1) A20 - She's a newbie who looks at acts like one. She lies to Mimiru about herself and also about how many potions she had. Even though she is a newbie and needs help in The World, she finds it is hard to trust someone even if that someone is trying to help. A20 is not sure of herself and even less sure of other people.

2) Mimiru - She something along the lines of, "Making a connection with someone and then just abandoning..." She was talking about Tsukasa where she did make a connection with him but seem to have abandoned him in some ways.

Both of these are concerned about connections (relationships, if you will) with other people. A20 is still young and inexperienced; she needs to depend on other people initially before she can take care of herself. Mimiru feels guilty because of Tsukasa.

[Romanesque]

I think I am starting to see a something with this episode...This is the kind of stuff I like to see. You deserve a cookie. :D

Will your analysis play into next week's episode? We can only wait and see...Not that I don't already know, natch. ;-)
--Romey

[Disco Pete]

As I watch this show, I have come to a conclusion.
.hack//SIGN isn't about Tsukasa.
It's about the people who interact with him.
And that's fine with me :D

I really like character develoment episodes; Mimiru's asking herself why she plays the game and why she's so concerned about Tsukasa... the noob, acting like a noob... the people are established as individuals, and not just as characters in a cartoon. That's what I like to see, well developed characters over well choreographed fight scenes.

BTW, if no one's mentioned it yet, that's a cute A20 avatar you got, Romey :)

[Artemis]

I bet a lot of us could relate to this episode since we've come across an "A20" at one point in our online lives. Who knows? Maybe one of us was A20. ;)

[BlackCat]

Like everyone else said, character development is always good in my book. :)

I was surprised to see Mimiru be the focus of the episode. It was a nice change of pace from the ongoing plot and was a nice insight into Mimiru personality and reasons for playing the game. A-20 was a great character that I would have loved to see again, so it's disappointing to hear that she won't be returning in future episodes. :( I was waiting to see some good action, and they managed to do that along with some comedy thrown in. Everything played out well, and it will be interesting to see how Mimiru is in the next episode. 4.5/5 stars.

[oranthal]

This is the kind of stuff I like to see. You deserve a cookie. :D

Will your analysis play into next week's episode? We can only wait and see...Not that I don't already know, natch. ;-)
--Romey


ARRGGHH! Romey, you are just toying with our emotions because you already have seen the series and you are shamelessly flaunting it. GRRRR!