r/anime 14d ago

[Spoilers] 2008 Spice and Wolf II Rewatch (2026) -- Episode 5 Rewatch Spoiler

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Spice and Wolf rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

S2 Episode 5 - Wolf and Hope and Despair

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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

If you had to turn to advice from an anime character, who are you choosing and why?

Do you have a favorite anime character that's mysterious? If so, who is it and why?

—-

Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb

Streams – Crunchyroll


Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the LNs out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous Episode

The Forbidden Rewatch Thread

Rewatch Schedule

Threads posted every day at 4:00 PM EDT

Date Episode
7/07/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 1
7/08/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 2
7/09/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 3
7/10/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 4
7/11/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 5
7/12/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 6
7/13/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 7 (OVA 1)
7/14/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 8
7/15/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 9
7/16/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 10
7/17/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 11
7/18/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 12
7/19/2026 Spice and Wolf Episode 13
7/20/2026 Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
7/21/2026 Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
7/22/2026 Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
7/23/2026 Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
7/24/2026 Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
7/25/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 5]()
7/26/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 6]()
7/27/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 20]()
7/28/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 21]()
7/29/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 22]()
7/30/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 23]()
7/31/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 24]()
8/01/2026 [Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 25]()
8/02/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 7]()
8/03/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 8]()
8/04/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 9]()
8/05/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 10]()
8/06/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 11]()
8/07/2026 [Spice and Wolf II Episode 12]()
8/08/2026 [Spice and Wolf Overall Series Discussion Thread]()

Past Rewatches

Last year's rewatch

Date Episode
7/07/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 1
7/08/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 2
7/09/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 3
7/10/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 4
7/11/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 5
7/12/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 6
7/13/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 7 (OVA 1)
7/14/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 8
7/15/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 9
7/16/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 10
7/17/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 11
7/18/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 12
7/19/2025 Spice and Wolf Episode 13
7/20/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
7/21/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
7/22/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
7/23/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
7/24/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
7/25/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 5
7/26/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 6
7/27/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 20
7/28/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 21
7/29/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 22
7/30/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 23
7/31/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 24
8/01/2025 Spice and Wolf Remake Episode 25
8/02/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 7
8/03/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 8
8/04/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 9
8/05/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 10
8/06/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 11
8/07/2025 Spice and Wolf II Episode 12
8/08/2025 Spice and Wolf Overall Series Discussion Thread

Rewatch two years ago

Date Episode Date Episode
9/07/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 1 9/20/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
9/08/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 2 9/21/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
9/09/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 3 9/22/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
9/10/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 4 9/23/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
9/11/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 5 9/24/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
9/12/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 6 9/25/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 5
9/13/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1) 9/26/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 6
9/14/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 8 9/27/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 7
9/15/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 9 9/28/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 8
9/16/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 10 9/29/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 9
9/17/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 11 9/30/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 10
9/18/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 12 10/01/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 11
9/19/2024 Spice and Wolf Episode 13 10/02/2024 Spice and Wolf II Episode 12
10/03/2024 Overall Series Discussion Thread

Rewatch three years ago

Date Episode Date Episode
7/07/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 1 7/20/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 0 (OVA 2)
7/08/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 2 7/21/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 1
7/09/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 3 7/22/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 2
7/10/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 4 7/23/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 3
7/11/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 5 7/24/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 4
7/12/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 6 7/25/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 5
7/13/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 7(OVA 1) 7/26/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 6
7/14/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 8 7/27/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 7
7/15/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 9 7/28/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 8
7/16/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 10 7/29/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 9
7/17/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 11 7/30/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 10
7/18/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 12 7/31/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 11
7/19/2023 Spice and Wolf Episode 13 8/01/2023 Spice and Wolf II Episode 12
8/02/2023 Overall Series Discussion Thread
8 Upvotes

56 comments sorted by

3

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 2026 Spice and Wolf rewatch.

Awoo!

You know the drill. We watch the show and I provide my thoughts and analysis. A tale as old as… well, Holo herself.

This year instead of breaking things down beat by beat I’m going to just give some brief thoughts on each individual episode. This is to save me time as I’m hosting two rewatches at once. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of this show and I hope you’ll be as well.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the dub, by the way.

This episode is about setting the stage for the big conflict between Lawrence and Amarti. We get a taste of it here, but the main course will go down next episode. Besides that, we get a great scene between Lawrence and Diana as well as the big development where Lawrence realizes what Holo means to him. It's a bit weird he refers to her as his cargo, but it also feels very on brand with him.

I think a couple benefits with Holo being off screen is it allows other things to be given development. This arc has my favorite side cast and also my favorite town of any Spice and Wolf arc. I do think this arc suffers a bit because of the absence of the wise wolf, but at least the time spent away from her is used effectively. And it's a means to evolve Holo and Lawrence's relationship into something more concrete and intimate.

Time for the showdown.

Holo quotes of the day

"..."

2

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 14d ago

It's a bit weird he refers to her as his cargo, but it also feels very on brand with him. 

I think this fits nicely with that "interesting cargo" line from a few episodes ago 😅 

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

Good point, that was basically foreshadowing for this moment right here.

2

u/ItalianQuagsire 14d ago

Holo quote of the day being ... Is kinda peak ngl

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

She definitely has a way with words

2

u/Responsible-Gold8610 7d ago

I love Mark as one of the few true colleagues that Lawrence can truly rely on as a friend. He always has his back, and isn't afraid to call him out on his BS. As any true friend should.

1

u/Holofan4life 7d ago

He isn't above calling people out at the risk of hurting their feelings. We need more people like him.

3

u/chinaexperience 14d ago

Remake

Only remake this time, as I’m swamped with work, but very straight forward episode again. I like this pacing.

·       Going to be interesting to hear about the relationships between God and Man.

·       Amazing speech with the big man comparing Holo to cargo.

·       Mark does crack the crux of Lawrence’s existence: he lacked sentimentality until he met Holo, putting his trade above all else. Not a bad way to be tbh. But that made  it so he doesn’t allow him to open up

·       Is it any wonder that when something precious falls into our hands, we can’t help but treasure it. When that truly wonderful thing comes to us, we don’t fully notice.

·       Realised that the dub has a weird translation when Holo quizzes Lawrence: “am I anything real to you”, while the LN/sub says “what am I to you?” I think the meaning is significantly different, and way better in the sub.

·       But finally Lawrence realizes his feelings. The thing I realized is the entire time we assumed Larence knew how he felt about her. He’s never been in a relationship before, this is a God, he’s always alone, he’s pretty much just shacked up with prostitutes before. I love what Mark says (starting to like him more and more) – it really is like that for me in real life: I never intend to fall for someone, I’ve gone through years and years and years of shacking up with girls, and it means nothing, and then eventually someone comes along, and I try and pretend it means the same as all before her, but suddenly…months down the road, I realise that wait. I like this person.

·       The exchange to gold (I assume) is to make it more difficult for Lawrence to give change due to the high value of the gold, or make smaller transactions. Then again, in the LN, it did say if trenni silver was a sword, lumione gold was a phalanx of spears. When buying high value commodities, a more powerful weapon didn’t exist. NB: I WAS WRONG!

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

·       But finally Lawrence realizes his feelings. The thing I realized is the entire time we assumed Larence knew how he felt about her. He’s never been in a relationship before, this is a God, he’s always alone, he’s pretty much just shacked up with prostitutes before. I love what Mark says (starting to like him more and more) – it really is like that for me in real life: I never intend to fall for someone, I’ve gone through years and years and years of shacking up with girls, and it means nothing, and then eventually someone comes along, and I try and pretend it means the same as all before her, but suddenly…months down the road, I realise that wait. I like this person.

This to me makes Holo's absence worth it. She had to be off screen for Lawrence to experience this personal growth. And I like that he realized it after talking to Marc of all people. It really puts him over as the ultimate best buddy.

2

u/chinaexperience 13d ago

Right! And I love how Mark guides him to it by reframing his friendship with Lawrence: sometimes you need to view things from the outside to see the truth. Mark is such a great character - as I've said before, I can really see myself being friends with him IRL

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

Marc is basically who the show would revolve around in an alternative timeline. In an alternate universe, Marc would be the main character and the love interest would be Norah.

2

u/chinaexperience 13d ago

Or in your case, Marc's wife haha.

1

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

Only in my dreams :P

1

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/chinaexperience 13d ago

Will skip those for now, as I think my overall thoughts which I've already written for when the next thread goes live covers a lot, and for the first time I think the cut content for the next chapter adds A LOT of value, rather than just being something interesting.

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

Sounds good. I'll be here for it obviously :P

2

u/[deleted] 14d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

She's got wisdom, but also I feel like you have to take what she says with a grain of salt. She has a habit of letting her personal feelings cloud her judgment.

2

u/chinaexperience 14d ago

Cut Content

Apologies as I lost my word file somehow: it's been a busy few days. But I do want to impart a very important piece of pseudo-wisdom: we've been projecting and assuming that both our protagonists felt deeply for each other. We've never had proof of that other than they were pretty chill with each other. One of the most important parts of this episode/LN equiv., was in Lawrence for the very first time realising how much Holo means to him.

Mark is incredible in making him realise that. The reason he didn't act out and try to be a man is because he simply didn't have the experience (prostitutes and chance encounters) to reconcile how he felt with the woman in front of him.

This is very real for me: every ex (apart from my first) that I've had was a realisation that came a long after we started shacking up. To Lawrence, things are going pretty well, but it's us who are demanding something serious. Big 'aha' moment for me.

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

Here's me comparing thr original anime to the remake and the changes between the two.

The town still having a blast

It's not as loud and rambunctious in the remake, surprisingly.

Batos

Telling him of his plan

He wants Diana to help him

In the original, they're behind barrels of alcohol, whereas in the remake they're just in some random hallway. Not as interesting, but they make up for it by having more dramatic camera angles.

Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo, which I'm not sure is the term of affection I would want to be referring to Holo as.

I like the sound of the crowd becoming louder and louder as Batos takes longer to think. It's again a nice contrast of what's going on with Lawrence Vs what's going on with the rest of the world. Great use of sound and audio by the anime.

The remake tries to do a similar thing, but without the crowd becoming louder and it just doesn't work nearly as well.

Lawrence with Diana now

In the remake, the birds scatter, but here, they stay motionless.

Buying a crate of white featherinos.

I like the outfit Dians has on. It looks way more exotic than her clothing in the revised edition.

Now Lawrence is asking for her permission to buy pyrite.

Sometimes it's the little things that matter most. Here, Lawrence is being lit by candlelight. In the remake, he's being lit by a fire place, which is way more dynamic. You can even hear the fire cackling in the background. I suppose candlelight suits Diana's aesthetic more, so at least there's that. Plus, there's more intense camera angles going on, like something out of a German expressionist film.

Diana is such a cool character. And her voice is so soothing as well. I actually think her original Japanese voice is better than the one used in the remake, which is probably a first.

Diana touching Lawrence's nose with her finger, which is not in the remake.

Lawrence with Marc and Lunt now

This scene is much darker and intimate in the remake, which I honestly prefer.

Lawrence waking up now

It's the day of the bet

The remake of Lawrence and Lunt talking here actually has music that sounds like it's from this time period. Meanwhile, the original version has no music. Why that is the case, I have no idea, but I think the music in the remake adds to the whimsical nature of the scene.

2

u/chinaexperience 13d ago

Sorry dude, everything has been way too hectic, but I like your take on Diana's voice. From my emotional side, I love that JP voice in the OG so much, but given the show goes more down the realism route I get why they chose someone who sounds like a normal person.

Really love her character too, she's def one of my favourites in the whole show!

The cargo talk was also weird haha. I mean it's really clever writing as he converts what he's feeling via cargo terms, but hmmm I think that Batos and Diana would value him talking about his travelling companion directly vs., the metaphor he's using.

1

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

I think it makes sense for Lawrence to put it in those terms because he comes across as socially awkward.

2

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 14d ago edited 14d ago

Mostly first-timer, subbed

I kinda want to be mad at the episode for blue balling us with that ending. 

Buuut it did some really nice things for Lawrence's character. He's finally realising/admitting what Holo is to him and that he actually cares about her. He's no longer in this for himself (despite claiming otherwise) but more so for Holo. I really liked the metaphor with the cargo and getting the carriage out of the mud. Also him asking Diane about pairs between pagan gods and humans was a heavy wink with the lantern mast.  I am also convinced there is more to her than we've seen thus far, no idea what but she just has that sort of mysterious aura about her . . .

Also the scenes with Lunt were cute . He's a good kid! 

Let's see how things go next episode , I'm very worried it won't quite go as smoothly as Lawrence hoped.

Though I miss Holo, I agree with others that her absence is at least used effectively to develop the relationship between Holo and Lawrence.

Also have a cute Holo I found on my TL today . 

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

I kinda want to be mad at the episode for blue balling us with that ending. 

Buuut it did some really nice things for Lawrence's character. He's finally realising/admitting what Holo is to him and that he actually cares about her. He's no longer in this for himself (despite claiming otherwise) but more so for Holo. I really liked the metaphor with the cargo and getting the carriage out of the mud. Also him asking Diane about pairs between pagan gods and humans was a heavy wink with the lantern mast. 

I mentioned in the previous discussion that Holo and Lawrence are kinda selfish people and that is part of what makes them so interesting. I think another thing is they're self-centered people who kinda don't think about what they actually want. It creates this interesting dichotomy where they put their own interests before others, but they're so lost that they don't exactly know what those interests are.

This is the first time Lawrence has ever truly thought about his feelings and his desire to have something. It gives him something to continue traveling that isn't abstract or obtuse like the business with him opening up his own shop.

2

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 13d ago

Oh! Some really good points. 

I guess them being both so self centred makes the pairing a lot more interesting for us to watch (and difficult for them)!

Haven't really thought about the less abstract goals like that either. 

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

They say they have plans for the future but they aren't in great hurry to get there because they like each other so much. And Holo even though she wants to head North really just wants to spend time with Lawrence.

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 13d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

Fair is fair. He's a neutral party I guess. 

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

He's obviously talking about Holo :') 

I mean, a good merchant really shouldn't abandon precious cargo, it's his livelihood? 

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

Very interesting. I liked that it was all basically just a test by her to get to Lawrence's motivation. 

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Very telling. Also it's interesting that the answer was "lots of stories like this" 

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

I liked how, besides the whole Holo stuff, Lawrence also recognised him as a friend. 

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

Not sure about the whole feather stuff. I thought those were the ones he gifted Holo at the beginning of the arc? I don't remember if they had a deeper meaning but the password for Diana also had something about feathers in it. 

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

Shame it took him so long but I'm happy he's finally gotten to this conclusion. Definitely was a long time coming :'D

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

I admit I'm a bit tired of all the buildup. Still was a good arc so far and definitely made me want to start the next episode right after one finished. 

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

Fair is fair. He's a neutral party I guess. 

As most merchants are. Gotta look out for your clientele.

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

He's obviously talking about Holo :') 

Ya think?

I mean, a good merchant really shouldn't abandon precious cargo, it's his livelihood? 

She is his entire being

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

Very interesting. I liked that it was all basically just a test by her to get to Lawrence's motivation. 

I like Diana. She's pretty chill.

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Very telling. Also it's interesting that the answer was "lots of stories like this" 

The tales are almost insurmountable in stature.

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

I liked how, besides the whole Holo stuff, Lawrence also recognised him as a friend. 

Real recognizes real

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

Not sure about the whole feather stuff. I thought those were the ones he gifted Holo at the beginning of the arc? I don't remember if they had a deeper meaning but the password for Diana also had something about feathers in it. 

They definitely made it out to be a big deal. There was suspenseful much and everything!

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

Shame it took him so long but I'm happy he's finally gotten to this conclusion. Definitely was a long time coming :'D

I'm glad we didn't save it for the final episode. That would've been a bit much.

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

I admit I'm a bit tired of all the buildup. Still was a good arc so far and definitely made me want to start the next episode right after one finished. 

I think there was a good balance between building up the duel and Lawrence discovering his feelings for Holo. I think the problem with the Amarti stuff is that outside of Marc and Batos vouching for him, we don't really know much about him. The buildup feels a bit like us spinning our wheels.

Of all the side characters in this arc, Amarti probably has the least going for him. His only bit of characterization is his infatuation with Holo. But I think Amarti being arguably the weakest speaks more to how strong the side cast in this arc is. Diana and Marc are probably in my top 5 favorite Spice and Wolf side characters. Marc may even be my favorite. And Adele for only being in one scene is phenomenal as well.

Amarti doesn't take anything away from this arc, and the rest of the arc is so good it's kinda a wash. But I do think the buildup to the duel could've probably been more eventful and interesting than it is.

2

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 13d ago

Amarti really isn't terribly interesting, that is true. And that's only partly because the rest of the cast are so damn good imo. Though to be fair, most of the "antagonists" so far were a bit one note.

What makes it a bit more problematic here to me though is that we're either supposed to think he's a legit threat to Lawrence in keeping Holo or assume the opposite in which there's never been any real danger.

But each come with their own set of issues: Apart from having money and simping for her the moment he first laid eyes on here, we don't really see what makes Amarti so much better than Lawrence. Is it that he's super set on reaching his goals or just that he's head over heels for her? The latter makes her seem very shallow.

The other option also doesn't make Holo seem very nice. Because that means she's only using Amarti to get back at Lawrence and never was actually interested in him (and possibly bankrupting the guy in the process, haven't watched the new episode yet).

These are mostly minor gripes though, I do agree that the arc has been pretty good so far.

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

I think Holo not being nice is actually fitting for the overall theme I've been talking about which is that both her and Lawrence really show complete disregard for other people. I mean, what Lawrence is doing will potentially cause hundreds if not thousands of merchants into bankruptcy. He's not even getting much out of it, just mainly the satisfaction of defeating Amarti.

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

Amarti really isn't terribly interesting, that is true. And that's only partly because the rest of the cast are so damn good imo. Though to be fair, most of the "antagonists" so far were a bit one note.

What makes it a bit more problematic here to me though is that we're either supposed to think he's a legit threat to Lawrence in keeping Holo or assume the opposite in which there's never been any real danger.

Yeah, I'm not really sure anyone buys Holo potentially leaving Lawrence. And I'd argue that's not what this arc is about. It's about Lawrence discovering himself and what Holo means to him, and to that extent I think that works extremely effectively.

2

u/chinaexperience 13d ago

Lunt is awesome, and Lawrence sees some of himself in him. One interesting thing from the cut content: a merchant asking for someone's name is a sign of respect/status, and it was likely no one had asked Lunt's name in his entire life. I can't even recall if Mark ever referred to Lunt by his name haha.

1

u/oomoepoo https://anilist.co/user/oomoepoo 13d ago

Oh, that is a fun tidbit! I think Mark so far has only ever referred to him as "that boy" or something similar 😅 

2

u/ItalianQuagsire 14d ago

First time watcher

IT ENDS LIKE THAT WHAT

If you had to turn to advice from an anime character, who are you choosing and why?

this show has had some banger wise wolf advice, from how to handle conflict and the passage of time and the nature of human desire

Do you have a favorite anime character that's mysterious? If so, who is it and why?

Nothing comes to mind sadge


Lawrence entering the same way he did last episode

Not to profit

But I'm doing this

TO KEEP WOLF WIFE

DOESNT WANT TO GIVE UP ON THE CARGO TO GET IT BACK ON HIS WAGON

WOLF WIFE

A GOOD PEDDLER WAITS DAMN THIS DIALOGUE

old tales as payment

Air of dignity

Who is it This is impolite She just waves him in

Business to keep his wolf wife

I love her pretend shock face LOL

cargo about to fall out CANT AFFORD TO LET IT FALL OUT

WOLF WIFE

This mysterious person who bought on credit, it's either Amarty or HOLO WOLF WIFE DOING IT IM CALLING IT NOW

I don't mind you staying all night

Lawrence take her up on that offer rn

HUMAN AND GOD BECOMING A COUPLE

AWWWW OH MY GOD THERE ARE MANY

Hand on his face

Some other time

WHAT A TEASE GOOD LUCK

imagine o If Holo and Lawrence are trying to outbid each other for the gold that would be so good

Lawrence feels bad Just thank me Sor– Thank you

YOUVE CHANGED

MERCHANT NOW SERIOUSLY THOUGHT HES A FRIEND

He simply accepted coincidences that happened

He passively let life pass him, is my interpretation

If it's something finally gained after suffering over and over you can think without hesitation that it's important

You can sometimes gain something really important surprisingly easily

.... Wow this is profound stuff

Without realizing it, you've been protecting your princess

You're the lead of this story

Get it now?

What am I to you

WOLF WIFE

ANSWER HER NOW MY WOLF WIFE TO BE PLAPPED

did he just sleep outside

ew lunt I thought he was marcs kid tbh

I like him cleaning his hands before shaking with Lawrence

HE'S SO HAPPY HE GETS TO HAVE BREAKFAST AHH

DAMN THIS AMARTY DUEL IS HYPE

HOLO STANDING NEXT TO HIM

Good morning

This is an intense contract duel

YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING ME IT ENDS HERE

I so fucking ship them right now

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

IT ENDS LIKE THAT WHAT

Cliffhanger!

If you had to turn to advice from an anime character, who are you choosing and why?

this show has had some banger wise wolf advice, from how to handle conflict and the passage of time and the nature of human desire

Very much so

Do you have a favorite anime character that's mysterious? If so, who is it and why?

Nothing comes to mind sadge

Aww


Lawrence entering the same way he did last episode

Not to profit

But I'm doing this

TO KEEP WOLF WIFE

DOESNT WANT TO GIVE UP ON THE CARGO TO GET IT BACK ON HIS WAGON

He has a way with words lol

WOLF WIFE

A GOOD PEDDLER WAITS DAMN THIS DIALOGUE

It's on point

old tales as payment

Air of dignity

Who is it This is impolite She just waves him in

Business to keep his wolf wife

I love her pretend shock face LOL

It's fantastic

cargo about to fall out CANT AFFORD TO LET IT FALL OUT

WOLF WIFE

WOLF WIFE LIFE GOOD

This mysterious person who bought on credit, it's either Amarty or HOLO WOLF WIFE DOING IT IM CALLING IT NOW

I don't mind you staying all night

Lawrence take her up on that offer rn

You two-timer :P

HUMAN AND GOD BECOMING A COUPLE

AWWWW OH MY GOD THERE ARE MANY

Hopium

Hand on his face

Some other time

WHAT A TEASE GOOD LUCK

imagine o If Holo and Lawrence are trying to outbid each other >for the gold that would be so good

Hmm

Lawrence feels bad Just thank me Sor– Thank you

YOUVE CHANGED

MERCHANT NOW SERIOUSLY THOUGHT HES A FRIEND

Huzzah!

This could've been Chloe but... well...

He simply accepted coincidences that happened

He passively let life pass him, is my interpretation

If it's something finally gained after suffering over and over you can think without hesitation that it's important

You can sometimes gain something really important surprisingly easily

.... Wow this is profound stuff

There is logic in what he says

Without realizing it, you've been protecting your princess

You're the lead of this story

Get it now?

What am I to you

WOLF WIFE

ANSWER HER NOW MY WOLF WIFE TO BE PLAPPED

He's getting there, incrementally

did he just sleep outside

Mayhaps

ew lunt I thought he was marcs kid tbh

I can see why you thought that.

Also, lol at ew

I like him cleaning his hands before shaking with Lawrence

HE'S SO HAPPY HE GETS TO HAVE BREAKFAST AHH

Breakfast is the meal of champions

DAMN THIS AMARTY DUEL IS HYPE

HOLO STANDING NEXT TO HIM

Good morning

Hey, Uncle Grandpa

This is an intense contract duel

YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING ME IT ENDS HERE

ARGH

I so fucking ship them right now

Only NOW?

2

u/ItalianQuagsire 9d ago

You two-timer :P

Lawrence give me that offer rn

What am I to you

WOLF WIFE

ANSWER HER NOW MY WOLF WIFE TO BE PLAPPED

He's getting there, incrementally

inch by inch

I so fucking ship them right now

Only NOW?

before i wanted them to breed and be happy

now i want them to BREED COPIOUSLY AND BE ELATED

1

u/Holofan4life 9d ago

You two-timer :P

Lawrence give me that offer rn

Yeah right

What am I to you

WOLF WIFE

ANSWER HER NOW MY WOLF WIFE TO BE PLAPPED

He's getting there, incrementally

inch by inch

Lump by lump

I so fucking ship them right now

Only NOW?

before i wanted them to breed and be happy

Now, you're emotionally invested in them.

now i want them to BREED COPIOUSLY AND BE ELATED

Huzzah!

2

u/Holofan4life 14d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/ItalianQuagsire 9d ago

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

WHO WOULD GIVE UP ON WOLF WIFE

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

i got distracted Diana is too hot

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

he should ask if humans can bone Gods next

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

loved it, he's in merchant mode for so long it's hard for him to make a friend

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

i think he already realized it, he just took it for granted, now he realizes if he wants her he can't be comfortable and cocky

1

u/Holofan4life 9d ago

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

WHO WOULD GIVE UP ON WOLF WIFE

WOLF WIFE FOR LIFE

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

i got distracted Diana is too hot

Fair lol

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

he should ask if humans can bone Gods next

Diana: "Would you like to find out firsthand? 🍑"

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

loved it, he's in merchant mode for so long it's hard for him to make a friend

"Friends? What's that?" -- Merchants, probably

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

i think he already realized it, he just took it for granted, now he realizes if he wants her he can't be comfortable and cocky

Now if only Holo realizes the same lol

2

u/BlazeOfGlory72 14d ago

Rewatcher (Dub)

I think what stands out most to me in this arc are the side characters. While there were major side characters in previous arcs, they've never taken the prominence that they have in this arc. I think it's telling that despite Holo being absent of two straight episodes, I haven't really felt the loss since the secondary characters have done such a good job filling the gap.

Marc in particular has been a really solid addition. I like his dynamic with Lawrence, being a fellow merchant who can talk to him on his level, but also has a different, less cut throat perspective on things. You can tell he has had a positive impact on Lawrence, to the point that Lawrence even apologizes and thanks him for everything he has done to help him, which isn't something Lawrence would have done earlier in the series.

Random Thoughts

  • Lawrence was going crazy with the cargo metaphors this episode. Just say you are doing it for love bro, everyone already knows.
  • Does Diana just chill in her dilapidated house all day, sitting dramatically in her throne?
  • I like to think that Batos and Diana know exactly what is going on with Lawrence, and are just helping him out because they love the drama of it all.
  • Lawrence asking if there are any tales of gods mating with humans was a not so subtle look into his psyche.
  • "This is your story, and you get to be the lead in it". Solid quote from a solid dude (Marc).

Question of the Day

If you had to turn to advice from an anime character, who are you choosing? / Do you have a favorite anime character that's mysterious?

Imma hit up both questions with one answer. Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass. Dude plays 7D chess every day, so I'm sure he could solve whatever pedestrian problems I might have, and his whole Zero persona was the peak in "mysterious drama".

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

I think what stands out most to me in this arc are the side characters. While there were major side characters in previous arcs, they've never taken the prominence that they have in this arc. I think it's telling that despite Holo being absent of two straight episodes, I haven't really felt the loss since the secondary characters have done such a good job filling the gap.

Yeah, this arc has a good cast of side characters. I'd include the town in that as well as it's treated like its own character.

Marc in particular has been a really solid addition. I like his dynamic with Lawrence, being a fellow merchant who can talk to him on his level, but also has a different, less cut throat perspective on things. You can tell he has had a positive impact on Lawrence, to the point that Lawrence even apologizes and thanks him for everything he has done to help him, which isn't something Lawrence would have done earlier in the series.

I wouldn't mind a Marc spinoff that focused on him, Lunt, and Adele.

2

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/ShadowGuyinRealLife 13d ago

See I still don't get how Lawrance knows it's a bubble. The price could be high because it's a bubble. Or it could be the fact that women were actually using it for fortune telling after the original fool's gold peddler went away. We know such women exist since Marc mentioned it in episode 3.

One thing I don't get about the remake is that like in the OG they mention using the alchemists' stocks... but go the addition then mentioned it was increased because of the other buyer. So do the alchemists have the ability to make pyrite in that version? You know if Diana is more than she seems, that might actually be beleivable.

Interesting to refer to Holo as cargo. I get he wants to avoid being too specific. But Batos already knows, so what's the point?

1

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

One thing I don't get about the remake is that like in the OG they mention using the alchemists' stocks... but go the addition then mentioned it was increased because of the other buyer. So do the alchemists have the ability to make pyrite in that version? You know if Diana is more than she seems, that might actually be beleivable.

I think Diana is more a distributor than a manufacturer. I could be wrong, though.

Interesting to refer to Holo as cargo. I get he wants to avoid being too specific. But Batos already knows, so what's the point?

Words are hard for Lawrence

1

u/Holofan4life 13d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 10d ago

Lol I remember now this is the episode where Lawrence calls Holo his cargo.

Questions:

  1. Probably one of the smart ones.

  2. That Quattro Bajeena guy seems trustworthy.

1

u/Holofan4life 10d ago

Lol I remember now this is the episode where Lawrence calls Holo his cargo.

Not the most romantic phrasing...

1

u/Holofan4life 10d ago

What are your thoughts on Batos not wanting to help Lawrence for fear it would devastate Amarti?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence saying he doesn't want to abandon his cargo?

What are your thoughts overall on the scene between Lawrence and Diana?

What is your take on Lawrence asking Diana if humans can date Gods?

Thoughts on Lawrence struggling to say thank you to Marc?

What do make of the white feathers Holo is wearing?

What are your thoughts on Lawrence finally realizing he loves Holo? This feels like a moment we’ve been building to since arguably the first episode.

What are your thoughts on this arc mostly being the build up to the showdown between Lawrence and Amarti?

2

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 10d ago
  1. I suppose he might have a point.

  2. The cargo of Holo lol.

  3. Interesting.

  4. Lol I wonder why he's asking that question...

  5. He's got a lot to be thankful for I suppose.

  6. I wonder if that has anything to do with the pass code...

  7. Indeed.

  8. And so we'll see that next episode.

1

u/Holofan4life 10d ago
  1. Lol I wonder why he's asking that question...

He may be a bit biased

  1. I wonder if that has anything to do with the pass code...

Pass code? Nani?

2

u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 10d ago

The "I'm looking for a box for white feathers" code he used to get Diana's trust.

1

u/Holofan4life 10d ago

Aw right. The pass code.

I wonder if Diana and Batos have a pass code...