Episode 4: LooPQR
I don’t know what the episode title is a reference to; something tells me it’s a reference. This episode was sort of climactic considering it was the first of the episodes to not have a dream sequence in the beginning; instead you see a totally altered Hidomi prancing happily through the environment followed by a few shots of different characters standing in isolated scenes giving their opinion on the subject at hand: Hidomi’s drastic personality change. I found it to be a pretty artistic shift, but even though I didn’t like the stoic false Tsundere Hidomi, I didn’t really fall in love with this rendition either. I do like the voice actor’s range, though, she did a good job of capturing those two ranges, and the crazy fast-paced animations of Hidomi spinning and running around did serve as a good additive to express the change. Even if the animation wasn’t super fluid all the time, I did like the fact that we had some distorted character models to complement her movements. We are also given
(1)My Foot (Fool on Cool)-
I’ve heard this song several times before, but I keep forgetting that it’s title is “My Foot.” I kinda snicker any time I hear that because I think it’s a funny title. Even so, I think it’s a good song and it had its utility in this scene. I like how it’s used as a backdrop to Hidomi’s actions, everyone’s reactions to her, and how it ends on the title card. The first verse is:
I realize it's no one's fault
Ultimately I'm still a stranger
Even when I dream the same dream swarming in the light
I just feel uncomfortable
It’s kinda funny that in some way these lyrics inadvertently capture everyone’s reactions to Hidomi. They realize that her change was not voluntary and that as a result she is a stranger that nobody really recognizes; some people like this new form of her but others immediately want to know how to fix it.
I'm still watching my advancing toes
I don't worry about the rain or the puddles
I'll soon be dry
Until the day that I stop
Like an adventurer, my foot
I'll keep following the roadless road.
I’m not the most familiar with it, but it appears to have a slightly rushed ending before going into the title card. I think it’s a quaint tune that does its job, unfortunately the lyrics aren’t easy to hear, but I like it as an intro for this episode.
(these were taken off of songmeanings.com because the previous sites made it hard to find English translations)
(2) Third Eye (Fool on Cool)
This is one of my favorite newly edited songs, and I think this song is perfect for the super-powered battle between Jinyu and Raharu. Unfortunately, this is the last time we see anything significant from Jinyu, but seeing her cyber blue powered up form was so cool! Sometimes this song is called “The Third Eye,” but that belabors the point.
The electric guitar strums strike as you see both Raharu and Jinyu in their powered-up forms start to clash against each-other. The lyrics are very subtle, and aside form episode 1 that’s been the common pattern, to have them be subtle. The first verse is interesting because I think it relates to Jinyu the most.
Blue, after the rain
Wet sun, the usual giddiness
I don't have a thing
The palms of my hands sting
I remember the fever.
The lyrics carry an almost “Blues Drive Monster” or “Last Dinosaur” type of vibe to them, and since Jinyu’s powered up form gives her a cyber blue outline I think the first line really sticks that point. Also, here is the chorus.
The never-ending illusion snatched everything away
Returning once more to take me away
A shape-shifting monster.
I can’t really derive much from the lyrics in terms of narrative. We get that Raharu is being destructive and she’s going to destroy anything and anyone that poses a threat to her plans.
You get to hear the entire song end naturally as Raharu deals a finishing blow to Jinyu and the fight is over. I really like this song, the music does carry that season 1 intensity, but the lyrics don’t provide much.
(3) Unrising Sun- Instrumental
In typical FLCL fashion, one song leads into another. Immediately after the battle ends, “Unrising Sun’s” solemn guitar buzzes through your ears as Raharu makes her final speech to Jinyu before devouring her, and although the end of the song is rushed (considering the song is about 6 minutes long) it reaches the final verse in its instrumental right before the final line of the episode is spoken and the ending theme is cued.
