SVES Talkback - .hack//SIGN - Promise (Spoilers)

[Killtacular]

I may not be able to do talkbacks next week. In fact I'm barely lucky to be able to do today's (work computer). For some unknown reason, my Comcast connection fails to work. There is no problem with the modem (no blinking lights), and it APPEARS to login, but I can't access the internet. Having run a 'connectivity test', the modem passes the Local Host and Gateway connections, but fails to connect to a name server. This leads me to believe something may have happened to my account.

In the meantime, enjoy tonight's .hack//SIGN.

[Jude Santos]

i cant wait to see how people react to this episode...

[Amano Ginji]

Errmm....

1 Phrase.

Hope is the best spice....to bring out despair...

[pabcool]

What a great episode. I love how the tension builds, little by little. That cat player really has me wondering what'll happen next.

[purplehairedwonder]

That cat player really has me wondering what'll happen next.

Same here. There's no telling what's going to happen... I hate waiting:p And "Hope is the best spice to bring out despair" well, that just creeped me out. Great episode :)

[JTurner954]

For most of the episode, it felt like nothing was going on. Now in the second half, something seems to be developing: There is a series of flashbacks involving some kind of party or parade (and we can't see the people's eyes) and the mother's voice saying something about "Tsukasa doesn't know" while a small growing shadow appears over the ground.

While those events left me with a big " :confused: ", the only thing I understood was Mimiru wanting to protect Tsukasa from .... um, I'm guessing the Knights or any other thing/people that would get in their way. There also seems to be another case of "uncertain alliances forming". As I'm typing this I have a question: Did the cat/mother's voice say something about seeing Mimiru?

Overall grade: B (I was thinking of giving it C+ or B-, but these questions and my curiousity towards them made me enjoy the episode a little more. I sure hope things are cleared up soon).

[Botman]

Ok, this has been bothering me for some time, so I'm going to go right out and say it...

Why can't we (the audience) hear what that cat player is saying? Is everything that comes out of his mouth a guaranteed mega-spoiler?

Nice ep, but now I can tell why some people don't like the slow pacing of the series.

12:05- Mimiru waits on the dock.
12:15- Mimiru still waiting on the dock.
12:25- Mimiru waits on the dock with Sora.
12:30- Tsukasa finally gets off his lazy ass and does something productive for a change... :p

Just to refresh my memory, has anyone else besides Tsukasa seen the floating girl or his little "hideaway"?

And has said levitating girl been in the same place the entire series?

[Hades]

it felt like almost nothing happened at all. i know things are building up, and i still find the series very interesting. i dunno, i just wish there was some action instead of talking every other episode.

[Meson]

A very slow episode. And Mimiru should get out more. She's turning into anotehr Tsukasa. That last scence has me both confused and interested for more, nice delivery if that was deliberate.

The one thing I have to say is that .hack's pacng seems like that of a real MMORPG, especially when they were first beign produced

[Sir Gatts]

Unfortunate for Tsukasa now that it seems that just about anybody will move to secure control over this Key of the Twilight, if such an item exist. It appears that quite a few of the characteristics of last weeks episode had come into play within today's episode on Mimiru's part. 'Tis an good episode overall though I feel that we have been left to wonder on what will become of that blob-like creature, for when or if it shall return.

Yet the final comment from this Mother character left me with an rather eerie feeling as though that there is an greater scheme in motion, with the end result not being in Tsukasa's favor. And if such an scheme does exist, would Mimiru then be able to prevent it... Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for some of these subplots to later unfold.

[Animation Otaku]

Cool episode, the waiting part really touched me, but that has more to do with my personal experiences. I felt a little angry that Tsukasa took so long, but he came in the end. I think Mimiru's voice has gotten better, along with her character as well. BT approaches Crim, hmmm.... And the 'Crazy voice thingamijig' is EVIL! I actually didn't see that coming. 'Hope is the best spice to bring out despair'? Okay, at 12:30 AM that's just way too creepy.

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

Good Points:

~Sora. I am seriously starting to love this guy and his warped li'l personality. "Or should I *shink* come down there?"

~The plotting. Seems like just about everyone's sneaking around Tsukasa's back with agendas of their own. Deviousness is one of the more interesting things in life.

~The cat player and the voice. Again, maybe it's because it was almost 12:30 AM and I hadn't slept the night before, but 'Hope is the best spice to bring out despair' seriously sent a little chill up my spine.

~'Waiting For Godot'. Niiiiice reference. Good play too.

~Music. 'Sit Beside Me' is one of the cutest little piano I've heard in a long time.

~RL clips. That'd be so sad, being a little kid at a party that's obviously for families, and you've got no one.

Bad Points:

~Pacing. The entire episode seemed to move a little too slow for me, although that was probably intended.

~Silver Knight's starting to bug me. I'm not sure why, I'm just kinda wishing he'd go away, or something would happen to him.

[TsuiTsui]

Boy, the ending of this episode sure did leave a really haunting impression on me for the rest of the night! ::shudder::

I was also surprised by a comment made by Sora during his conversation with Mimiru when he stated that he would be scolded if he stayed up too late. It made me rethink about Sora's actual age in the outside world.

I also liked the touching scene when Tsukasa finally went out to meet Mimiru.

:)

[Gyro]

~Sora. I am seriously starting to love this guy and his warped li'l personality. "Or should I *shink* come down there?"I'm also really starting to like him. At first I couldn't stand the guy, but he's definately growing on me. He's got to be a little kid in the real world though. Why else would he have a bed time? :p

The only thing that still bugs me about the show is how there's rarely any action...

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

I'm also really starting to like him. At first I couldn't stand the guy, but he's definately growing on me. He's got to be a little kid in the real world though. Why else would he have a bed time? :p


:: cough:: Uh, being 17 and having a 10:30 bedtime thanks to an overprotective mother, I can't really say anything on the age of Sora's player.

[The Detective]

:: cough:: Uh, being 17 and having a 10:30 bedtime thanks to an overprotective mother, I can't really say anything on the age of Sora's player.
10:30? Anyway I figure Sora is probably an older teenager 15-17. Tonights episode moved VERY slowly but the ending was haunting enough to make up for it. It is becoming obvious to me at least that there is something a lot bigger at work here than just Tsoukosa and his guardian. Is Memerou going to get to see his little hide out now?

[oranthal]

I missed the first few minutes. Can anyone tell me what happened? I began watching the episode when Mimiru and BT were talking, but I just kind the end of their conversation. What were they talking about?

[BlackCat]

The plot thickens! :cool:

I didn't really mind the slow pacing of the episode. I liked Mimiru's dedication to stay and wait for Tsukasa, though it was funny when Sora was making fun of her for not planning ahead. :p

BT sure does get around. First she makes and alliance with Sora and now Crim. She really is set on getting the Key of the Twilight and it looks like Crim is the one to help her find it.

The Cat player and the voice keep on adding more questions than there are being answered. They have Tsukasa manipulated well, which seems as though their plans are much bigger than just him.

A good episode that just added more questions. It did move a little slow. 4/5 stars.

[Conekiller]

Didn't Sora SEE Tsukasa enter his "hiding place" a coupla eps back (it's been a while since I've seen those)? if so, then he KNOWS how Mimi could have reached 'kasa, but won't tell her, he's a sadistic punk who likes to see others suffer! on the other hand, he did seem to have a heart inside of his PK exterior when talking to Mimiru and about her issues with Tsukasa. maybe he is a sweetie after all (any guy that adds his own sound effects while travelling has got to be cool)

BT seems to be aware of things that are going on behid the scens alot more than she lets on. this whole "lager flow of things" talk she's got going on, it's like she's trying to ....I dunno, manipulate things into happening a certain way. I can't really explain it, I just got the feeling she knew more than she was letting on.

Crim's voice was dead on and way off at times in this one, I cna't put my figer on it, but sometimes he nails the character perfectly and others he seems to ber overacting his lines, overdoing the "superhero" thing.

Tsukasa's flashback looked more like a schoolground to me than a party, but I guess it might have just been the distracting family around me that didn't allow me to get a proper view (you don't know how many times I had to re-wind to catch dialogue)

another good one, I love this show!

[The Detective]

I agree thaat I'm starting to like Sora better and yes he saw Tsoukosa enter his hiding place back in episode two. BT and Crim working together should prove to be interesting I can't wait to see how that plays out.

[Jude Santos]

LOL, its funny watching you guys figuring things out (i already know what happens). all i can say is, keep watching. i'll try to answer some questions:

Didn't Sora SEE Tsukasa enter his "hiding place" a coupla eps back (it's been a while since I've seen those)? if so, then he KNOWS how Mimi could have reached 'kasa, but won't tell her, he's a sadistic punk who likes to see others suffer! on the other hand, he did seem to have a heart inside of his PK exterior when talking to Mimiru and about her issues with Tsukasa. maybe he is a sweetie after all (any guy that adds his own sound effects while travelling has got to be cool)


yes, Sora saw Tsukasa enter his hiding place for the first time, but that doesnt really do nothing since Tsukasa can go to his hiding place anywhere witin The World, and Sora doesnt actually know where he went.

Tonights episode moved VERY slowly but the ending was haunting enough to make up for it. It is becoming obvious to me at least that there is something a lot bigger at work here than just Tsoukosa and his guardian. Is Memerou going to get to see his little hide out now?

no, no one sees his hideaway except for *one* person (that i wont say).

Why can't we (the audience) hear what that cat player is saying? Is everything that comes out of his mouth a guaranteed mega-spoiler?


actually, no one in The World can heat Maho speak, only Tsukasa and Morgana (the voice. aka Mother)

[LightAngel]

Okay, now the mother voice is EVIL!! Well that rots. I spend each week building theories and analyzing plots, and then every Saturday night, this show blows them away. I don't mind though, since I love the intrigue of it all. Sora is strangely likeable in a sadistic way. :D I love how Mimiru is so supportive of Tsukasa, and I hope he fully realizes that soon.

[Hades]

at first i disliked Sora but he has grown on me. and i didn't want to like him. oh well. :)

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

Sora's cool. The cheery but creepy characters always rock (see: Xelloss)

[Ikwig]

Yeah, I hate to admit it, but Sora is growing on me too: more as a very interesting character to watch and analyse, however, than as a character I actually like! :p And Mimiru's devotion is wonderful: she figures things out for herself, makes her decision, and follows through. Of course, it may not be the most logical or reasonable of decisions; her heart comes into play, leaving her open to ridicule from others, not to mention plenty of personal discomfort! But she's so steadfast. I hope Tsukasa can come to see what a good friend she is.
yes, Sora saw Tsukasa enter his hiding place for the first time, but that doesnt really do nothing since Tsukasa can go to his hiding place anywhere witin The World, and Sora doesnt actually know where he went.
Yay! I got one guess right! I remembered Sora seeing Tsukasa go through the wall the first time, but then it looked to me like he wasn't able to follow him through. So my interpretation was that wherever Tsukasa had gone to, it was someplace that only he could get to; someplace that no one else was going to able to follow him.

Re: the show's pacing. Personally, I really like the pacing. Things get revealed in increments, slowly, tantalizingly. And for every answer that's thrown out to the viewers, at least two more questions spring up. Every episode has the feel of some bizarre jigsaw puzzle where the pieces keep shape-shifting! :D And if they threw in too much action, you'd loose track of all those pieces. I don't know; I just find the way this show is put together very appealing! :)

[Romanesque]

Once again, I managed to miss the dub's airing, so no comments about the script or voice acting this time.

Some of my favorite highlights from this ep...


Mimiru's dedication to waiting for Tsukasa, and her faith that he'll eventually show up.
Mimiru's character freezing when she removes the headset. I found that quite amusing. :D
Sora's interrogation of random players. I guess it would have been more effective if it wasn't as random as it was...
Mimiru mistaking someone else for Tsukasa, and her reaction afterward... ::sniff::
Godot. Self explanatory. ;-)
Alliances being drawn...
Tsukasa's flashback.
Mimiru promising to protect Tsukasa. Too cute.


I may not be able to do talkbacks next week.I'm available to do these things too, y'know. :DHas said levitating girl been in the same place the entire series?Ayep, she has.And the 'Crazy voice thingamijig' is EVIL! I actually didn't see that coming. 'Hope is the best spice to bring out despair'? Okay, at 12:30 AM that's just way too creepy.If you folks are creeped out already, just wait a few more weeks...

Seems like a good chance to demonstrate that the show's lyrics aren't as random and pointless as some would have you believe...

Clip from "Aura"

If you are near to the dark
I will tell you 'bout the sun.
You are here, no escape
From my visions of the world.
You will cry, all alone
But it does not mean a thing to me.

Ponder that one for a while. :DRL clips. That'd be so sad, being a little kid at a party that's obviously for families, and you've got no one.
Tsukasa's flashback looked more like a schoolground to me than a party, but I guess it might have just been the distracting family around me that didn't allow me to get a proper view.I'd guess that it was some sort of kindergarten level (or whatever the equivalent is in Japan) family event. Getting the impression that Tsukasa had a rather miserable childhood?LOL, its funny watching you guys figuring things out (i already know what happens). all i can say is, keep watching.Even if I miss the dub, I still look forward to this talkback every week. It's quite entertaining to see people's reactions. :D

Romey
--Incidentally, Mimiru could really use some support in this week's John Delaney Sketch Poll (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?threadid=73890). Even a runner up position wouldn't hurt, since it'd give her another chance sometime in the future. ;-)

[Conekiller]

Even if I miss the dub, I still look forward to this talkback every week. It's quite entertaining to see people's reactions. :D

--Romey

I just wonder what kind of brain racking YOU did when you first watched it.... :p

I'm glad the ep explained the Wating for Godot..or what ever, i'd never even heard of it before

[raykremer]

Well, that was forboding, at the end.

Tsukasa is of course rather apathetic about Mimiru, but at least he doesn't try to force her away.

[Michael]

it was a good slow moving epsiode. Hopefully next weeks action will be better :)

[.hack//Tsukasa]

i am a huge sora fan to, in fact i am going to cosplay as him in anime expo tokyo 2k4, but back on discussion, i have seen the entire siries a number of times, love the diologe alot better in the us dub rather then the fansubs. as for the voices i am starting to finaly get use to them. i beleve this ep is the slowest in the siries, but it picks up quite nicely here on out ^_^

[lostrune]

I just wonder what kind of brain racking YOU did when you first watched it.... :p

I'm glad the ep explained the Wating for Godot..or what ever, i'd never even heard of it before

Yeah, I thought about that too. I expected some of you noobs like Mimiru wouldn't have heard or seen the play. But then I thought, what about the Japanese? It'd be even more alien to them, so it was a weird reference from the producers. Well at least Bear, being the knowledgeable old-timer, explained the minimal relevant part of the play.