September 04, 2004
Ai Yori Aoshi Episode 24
"Aoi"
It's almost hard to get used to for a show like Ai Yori Aoshi to have the ultimate conclusion not be the confession of feelings from the main characters. Aoi and Kaoru got that out of the way in the first few episodes of the show, and while Ai Yori Aoshi featured a lot of cliches or similar elements to other shows in the genre, it definitely had a better twist:
Aoi and Kaoru are mature adults who are in love with each other.
They're not afraid of their feelings either, which is nice.
I thought this was a nice ending to the season (if something of a non-ending), and I was pleased with the way Kaoru approached defending his relationship with Aoi to Aoi's father. He didn't try to convince him that he was worthy, or that "love will conquer all." Instead, he appealed to him as Aoi's father, and how hurt Aoi would be if she was forced to leave the Sakuraba family (as she was determined to do, if they would not accept Kaoru).
Aoi's father doesn't suddenly approve of Kaoru, nor does he seem to particularly like him. However, he does a very fatherly thing: give in so that Aoi can be happy.
That scene showed the difference between Ai Yori Aoshi and other shows in the genre, tackling situations differently and in a more realistic way than what you find elsewhere.
I'm eagerly looking forward to the second season.
Rating: A+
Posted by Kei at September 4, 2004 01:21 AMI agree that the way AYA ended the first season was exemplary for an ongoing series. It was a brilliant semi-conclusion which serves as a great satisfying "ending" - for now.
Unfortunately, the second season is very lackluster, and except for a very strong Tina arc in the end, a totally forgettable waste of time. 13 epsiodes, 10 annoyin fillers, 1 decent one with Aoi, 2 strong ones with Tina. That's not a passing grade.
Posted by: Mentar at September 4, 2004 04:18 AMI believe that the Christmas episode you saw would also be considered a part of Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi. Either way, Ai Yori Aoshi ends very well and differs from the many anime.
Posted by: AnimeFanRK2K at September 5, 2004 04:59 AM