Summary:

The class prepares for a school trip, and Yamada prepares to bring Kosuda down, along with his virginity. Their time together, however, is virtually nonexistant, as they travel in groups and never really get the chance to be alone together. Moreover, Kosuda doesn’t seem to pay attention to Yamada, even though he secretly wants to, which makes Yamada jealous and bitter.

And still, no matter how hard Yamada tries, nothing seems to work for those three days. Then finally, on the last day, both she and Kosuda are left behind on the boat trip down the river. Thus, they must travel together, alone–and yet, nothing happens between them. Yamada, of course, finishes the trip disappointed, yet right when she’s about to leave the train station, Kosuda confesses to her (with his head stuck in the door of the train, might I add). Finally, Yamada’s received her confession; but she has no idea how to respond. Alas, she avoids Kosuda, and she escapes when he tries to get an answer.

Reaction:

Here, ladies and gentlemen, we have the typical school trip episode–or what seems like the typical school trip episode, at least. Couples are made, stories told, historical monuments visited: what’s there not to like about the trip? Yet what we expect to actually happen on the trip–that is, for both of them to make progress as a couple–never happens. The reality is that they have absolutely no time together; as such, the show takes on a much more realistic approach.

Moreover, the whole episode revealed Yamada’s inexperience and innocence not only in the matter of sex but also in dating. I’m guessing that she had never dated anyone in her life before, and she did not know how to handle the situation in general. The perfect example was the boat scene: both had their worries and did not initiate anything, thus making the atmosphere awkward and forced. In addition, Yamada had no idea how to respond to Kosuda. Though she may have had many confessions, she had never actually “liked” someone before; and for that person to express his feelings so clearly while she cannot scares her. She is uncertain; she is afraid.

Such an episode was thus definitely different from the norm, and it’s safe to say that this was a departure from the increased focus on the “bawdiness” that we have known B Gata H Kei for. Sure, you have those sex jokes–but the latter half of the episode took on a very serious tone about relationships. It’s interesting to see how this will play out; and for now, I can’t really judge whether or not I like the shift in focus. The next few episodes (that is, the last ones) will truly determine how effective this change will be.

I rest my case.

Related posts:

1. B Gata H Kei 10
2. B Gata H Kei 12 [FINAL]
3. B Gata H Kei 09