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In the past, when an ARIA episode is focused on a character other than Akari, it delivers something wonderful and something new about the character. This episode focuses not only on Aika, but as well as Akira and it has brought about a new light that we have never seen in Akira before. ARIA has always been about the moments that occur now, but a glimpse into the past is also a way to bring forth the essence that is ARIA.
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Impressions
Aika is feeling a little anxious in the way that she doesn’t seem to have any special ability that defines who she is or something that could define her as a future Prima. This is something a lot of us would experience in real life, I myself sometimes think I could never reach the level of programming that I have seen in the projects I work on, but we never get to that particular point on our own. Akira’s story shows us that she too felt that she was being left behind and she is where she is now because of the support and encouragement young Aika gave her. The whole reverse role of supporting with Aika not remembering isn’t something new, but in a series such as ARIA, there is something that makes it much more special.
At last episode’s preview, I thought that was a new person, but in fact it was Akira. Strange how I didn’t recognise her as I’m so used to seeing Akira with her hair down and in her undine uniform. But a ponytail Akira also has it’s charms as well and is rather sexy. Not to mention her being out of uniform, she certainly acts like a different person and a much more relaxed one at that. Seeing a young Aika and small Hime-shachou is so cute. Not to mention seeing Aika with twintails makes me kind of miss her old hairstyle.
Next episode is an Alice episode. I remember this chapter quite clearly and it’s quite a rare one at that as well. Looking forward to this one.
Preview:
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Very well put! I also believe the struggling to achieve talents of others is something everyone experiences, and Aika’s working hard to make up for that is something that I’ve always found appealing about her.
Haha, I didn’t realize that was Akira either…is wasn’t until I heard her in the halls that I was like “Woah, that’s Akira!” Also, am I the only one who actually likes Aika’s new hairstyle better? I’ll never forget that episode of Natural. :3
Totali’s last blog post..Shigofumi - 06
Akira in civvies = Alicia in uniform.
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I think we need to get Akira drunk and out of uniform (and not necessarily in that order) more often, don’t we? It’d make… an interesting episode.
Totali: Oh it’s not that I don’t like Aika’s new hairstyle, its just been so long since I saw her in twintails. And twintails are win!
Haesslich: Just pray that she isn’t a bad drunk or anything.
Adun: She might be… but she might also turn into Alicia for all we know, like a certain character from Muteki Kanban Musume (Ramen Fighter Miki, thanks to Media Blasters). And I rather like Aika’s new hairdo - it just fits her better, and helps her create a new identity, versus the one that was defined by ‘wanting to be just like Alicia’ which is where her old hairdo came from.