Version 1.1: Akane's very brief synopses of the series: I am not very eloquent in my writings, and even less so with regards to things that I have already watched. However, I hope that this will suffice with the warnings of spoilers (although few in number). Nevertheless, if you do not want spoilers, don't read my comments. This guide is only meant to accompany the screen captures (which is the reason why they are so brief). Caveat: If you hadn't figured out by now, I am an avid Sakura fan, so you will have to excuse my comments when the take a biased tangent. Please enjoy.
Maria suffers a loss of confidence when she fails to perform her special trick at a diner party. A bomb is planted in the Imperial Theatre during a performance to lure Maria away. As the hanagumi struggles to keep the audience in their seats, Maria must go out and face her enemy from the past and stop the bomb from going off.
Comments: Maria's enemy is the old mafia boss from NY. She apparently shot his arm off many years ago. He is creepy especially with the "I love you to death" phrase that he uses. He comes to Tokyo in search of revenge. Basically he wants to kill her (well duh!). He brings this large robot to get her (talk about cowardly or what?). Maria and Sakura have quite a few moments where they run into each other and talk during the episode. I like it how they try to support each other; Sakura ever encouraging, and supportive. It shows how their friendship is built. When Maria gets into a jam fighting the mafia boss, Sakura appears unexpectantly to back her up. Together they fight the mafia boss's gigantic robot. At the end, Maria must perform her special technique with the gun to stop him from remotely setting the bomb off. This scene is really cool, and Maria is really strong. She scares the daylights out of him when she plays a little bout of russian roulette with her gun at his head. Sumire and Kanna are able to stall the audience from leaving the theatre by putting up and improv comedy act. Quite amusing too. Maria gives Sakura the bullet that she didn't use, and Sakura gives it to Oogami for the memories.
Not written yet.
Kanzaki Heavy Industries produces a movie, the Hanagumi star in it. Sumire is the lead as the Red Lizard. They shoot the movie in a haunted studio. The studio is haunted by an actress who committed suicide there. Oogami gets possessed, and causes trouble.
Comments: I didn't like this episode all that much. The scenes were made to look creepy, and there was such bad lighting (too many dark colours) that it was hard to make sumire or anyone look nice or cool in the screen captures. Anyways, as for the story, I felt that the premise started out good. Oogami gets possessed by the local ghost, and the Hanagumi should go do some ghost busting or exorcising the ghost. I was really disappointed by the story (and not for cultural differences, I understand that ghosts are not necessarily bad in Asian culture).
Sumire's not afraid of the ghost, and this makes the ghost angrier. So how does she defeat the ghost that's destroying the set? She scolds the ghost into shame. The ghost learns that the main actor must depend on a lot of people and that she herself was just spoiled and selfish. Sumire gives the ghost a chance to look beautiful on screen. The ghost thanks her, and leaves in peace. The only thing nice was the concept that studios were "dream factories". I felt that this was a really nice touch to an otherwise dull and disappointing story. Oh yeah, and at the end, Sumire give Oogami the ghost's hair clip (aside: ...to me, this seemed really creepy since, you know, it belonged to the ghost... but then again, if I were her, I'd get rid of it as quick as possible too; besides Oogami was possessed by the ghost, so it might be a good keep sake for him and the ghost, who knows? :b he he...)
Kohran poses for a painting for the cover of the Shonen Red novel. The painting is done my Orhime's father. More to be written later.
Sakura prepares for a wedding in Sendai. She and Yoneda depart leaving the Hanagumi to guess at the reasons and rumours. Sakura and Yoneda travel by train back to Sendai where Yoneda reminices about Kazuma, Sakura's father, and the promises he made to him.
Comments: In this episode, Yoneda and Sakura have quite a few touching father-daughter moments. He is genuinely concerned for her welfare much like a father would (in the overprotective way). He worries about the day Sakura will get married. I also like Sakura's song that plays in the background while she is riding the train. The rumour mill is in full swing at the theatre, and everyone has to face their feelings towards marriage.
The Hanagumi find clues that lead them to believe that Sakura is going to Sendai to be married in an arranged marriage against her will. They go off to Sendai to save her (this part was quite hilarious, they steal the air ship to go to Sendai).
Comments: Nice ending. Good music from ST2 game. Sakura is in sendai only to perform an important ritual for a wedding into the Shinguji family. While attending a reception in the garden, she makes it clear to her mother that she intends not to marry and continue the Shinguji line and the grief and responsibility that comes from having Haja blood. The grief is made quite clear through the flashbacks by herself, her mother, and grandmother. It makes one feel real sympathy for this family. This special power comes with a great price. Sakura herself believes that she too, will one day die protecting Japan from demons.
Here is where I rant about the anime versions of ST, and how Oogami does not seem to have a romantic interest in any of the Hanagumi (although in my biased opinion, he should be with Sakura!). It's so disappointing to see Sakura decide the she doesn't want to get married. I think her thoughts would be much different if she was in love. Oh well, I guess I just have to settle for reading fanfics by Jill instead. :)
Sakura is quite resigned to not getting married at all. Her family and Yoneda worry about her. However, when the hanagumi comes, she realizes that she is most happy where she is in the Teigeki. In addition, this episode was quite light and funny and the same time. Oogami gets run over by the hanagumi. Kaede and Kayama make their appearances. The Hanagumi steal the airship and make a special performance in Sendai. Oogami goes off to paris and is sent off by the Hanagumi.