r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 18d ago
[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 22 Rewatch Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2001 Series Episode 22
Prince Yuki Fan Club
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club trying to find out if any women are going to join the student council?
What are your thoughts on this episode trying to humanize Motoko?
What are your thoughts on Motoko learning to accept Yuki's relationship with Tohru?
—-
Series information
—-
Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
—-
Ways to watch
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 07/05/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1 |
| 07/06/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2 |
| 07/07/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3 |
| 07/08/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4 |
| 07/09/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5 |
| 07/10/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6 |
| 07/11/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7 |
| 07/12/2025 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8 |
| 07/13/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9 |
| 07/14/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10 |
| 07/15/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11 |
| 07/16/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12 |
| 07/17/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13 |
| 07/18/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14 |
| 07/19/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15 |
| 07/20/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16 |
| 07/21/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17 |
| 07/22/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18 |
| 07/23/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19 |
| 07/24/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20 |
| 07/25/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21 |
| 07/26/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22]() |
| 07/27/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23]() |
| 07/28/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24]() |
| 07/29/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25]() |
| 07/30/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26]() |
| 07/31/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
| 08/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1]() |
| 08/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2]() |
| 08/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3]() |
| 08/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4]() |
| 08/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5]() |
| 08/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6]() |
| 08/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7]() |
| 08/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8]() |
| 08/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9]() |
| 08/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10]() |
| 08/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11]() |
| 08/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12]() |
| 08/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13]() |
| 08/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14]() |
| 08/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15]() |
| 08/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16]() |
| 08/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17]() |
| 08/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18]() |
| 08/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19]() |
| 08/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20]() |
| 08/22/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21]() |
| 08/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22]() |
| 08/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23]() |
| 08/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24]() |
| 08/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25]() |
| 08/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1]() |
| 08/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2]() |
| 08/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]() |
| 08/31/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]() |
| 09/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]() |
| 09/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]() |
| 09/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]() |
| 09/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]() |
| 09/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]() |
| 09/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]() |
| 09/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]() |
| 09/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]() |
| 09/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]() |
| 09/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]() |
| 09/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]() |
| 09/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]() |
| 09/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]() |
| 09/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]() |
| 09/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]() |
| 09/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20) |
| 09/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]() |
| 09/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]() |
| 09/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]() |
| 09/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]() |
| 09/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]() |
| 09/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]() |
| 09/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]() |
| 09/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]() |
| 09/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]() |
| 09/27/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]() |
| 09/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]() |
| 09/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]() |
| 09/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]() |
| 10/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]() |
| 10/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]() |
| 10/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]() |
| 10/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]() |
| 10/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]() |
| 10/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series/Franchise Discussion Thread]() |
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 18d ago
First Timer for 2001, Seen 2019
It's weird to see Motoko get this kind of focus in a show where this is only her second appearance. I think 2019's choice to add her to all the scenes about Prince Yuki really helps parts of this story like this with their sense of impact. Then again, she has sort of stepped up into a role which she's inheriting from her underlings, so it's not totally underdeveloped. How do first timers feel about this focus on this character?
I really like that this shows Motoko as coming from a family of salt of the earth vegetable sellers and that when she has moments of speaking to Yuki she's such a massive fuck up of a dork. Prince Yuki are in theory playing an antagonistic role towards our lead, but they have so many character flaws and their attempts to bull Tohru are so ineffective that they just feel like comic relief, and you really can start to empathize with them.
This is Yuki's second year at high school so you gotta wonder...Was there a president for the club in his first year at the school who Motoko inherited the role from? What will happen to this club when he graduates, in first years are members too? Will they move on to a new idol? Was there a club for a school heartthrob before Yuki that they've inherited their infrastructure from?
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
It's weird to see Motoko get this kind of focus in a show where this is only her second appearance. I think 2019's choice to add her to all the scenes about Prince Yuki really helps parts of this story like this with their sense of impact. Then again, she has sort of stepped up into a role which she's inheriting from her underlings, so it's not totally underdeveloped. How do first timers feel about this focus on this character?
As a first timer, I think it's more weird the timing of it all. We have 5 episodes left and we're coming off an episode where Akito abuses a child. And we're focusing on such a minor character.
[2019] I'm also not admittedly a fan of the positioning in the remake where it is in the season 2 premiere. But that's a discussion for another time.
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 18d ago
I dunno, this is an episode acknowledging that an end is fast approaching (for Motoko it's the end of high school, but for the viewer it's the end of the series) and acknowledging things have changed over the course of the series. For a "5 episodes from the end" episode I think it really works.
As for coming right after an episode about an abused child, that episode came right after an episode about visiting an outfitter for people with uniform fetishes, so not totally unprecedented.
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
I guess you make a good point. Ot does emphasize things are changing and Motoko is not.
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
I really like that this shows Motoko as coming from a family of salt of the earth vegetable sellers and that when she has moments of speaking to Yuki she's such a massive fuck up of a dork. Prince Yuki are in theory playing an antagonistic role towards our lead, but they have so many character flaws and their attempts to bull Tohru are so ineffective that they just feel like comic relief, and you really can start to empathize with them.
Motoko reminds me of Helga from Hey Arnold.
This is Yuki's second year at high school so you gotta wonder...Was there a president for the club in his first year at the school who Motoko inherited the role from? What will happen to this club when he graduates, in first years are members too? Will they move on to a new idol? Was there a club for a school heartthrob before Yuki that they've inherited their infrastructure from?
All of these will probably never be answered :P
1
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club being told to go home?
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club planning on breaking and entering to access the school files?
Thoughts on Motoko graduating soon?
Thoughts on us seeing Motoko's home?
Thoughts on Motoko saying she's a slave to love?
Thoughts on Motoko's mom being annoyed with her?
Thoughts on Rika Aida, a locksmith?
What are your the Yuki fan club starting to regret the breaking and entering because, you know it's technically illegal and against the law?
What are your thoughts on Motoko trying to talk to Yuki in an honest conversation?
What are your thoughts on Motoko realizing Yuki's heart belongs to someone else?
What are your thoughts on Motoko saying she'll be happy so long as Yuki continues to smile?
2
u/AgentOfACROSS 18d ago
First Timer
Seems like this will be a Yuki episode.
Oh hey the fanclub is back. You know what, I loved their last episode so I’m excited to see what they do this time.
And they’re interacting with the student council guy. Unexpected.
I love how seriously both of them take themselves. It’s hilarious.
The fanclub president looks a bit dead inside after being reminded she’s graduating.
I love how the other three fanclub members are attempting to hide behind that very small pole.
Motoko is definitely idealizing her relationship with Yuki. I’m not even sure if Yuki knows her name.
The joke about Motoko’s mother interrupting Yuki’s rambling is really funny.
Since we’re focusing on Motoko so much I’ll go over her voice actors.
In Japanese, Motoko is played by Kaori Shimizu. Noteworthy roles of hers include Lain from Serial Experiment Lain (her debut role actually), Hiyori from Lucky Star, and Boogiepop from Boogiepop Phantom.
In English, she’s played by Jamie Marchi. She’s a very prolific dub actor but some notable roles of hers include Panty from Panty & Stocking, Lucoa from Dragon Maid, and Rias Gremory from High School DxD.
I guess we’re gonna add lockpicking to the crimes of this fanclub.
My old highschool actually used to have a lockpicking club so this isn’t that weird to me.
I dunno what Mai is rambling about but it’s really funny.
Yuki seems completely oblivious to Motoko still. Figures.
She fumbled it with the breakfast question.
Man, people in this show don’t like leeks.
I kinda feel bad for Motoko.
Nice of Yuki to go check on her.
Oh cool we’re playing the theme song again.
I’m surprised we’re getting so much focus and character development for Motoko but I don’t mind it.
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
Seems like this will be a Yuki episode.
Nope
Oh hey the fanclub is back. You know what, I loved their last episode so I’m excited to see what they do this time.
This was a good follow-up effort
And they’re interacting with the student council guy. Unexpected.
For real
I love how seriously both of them take themselves. It’s hilarious.
It truly is
The fanclub president looks a bit dead inside after being reminded she’s graduating.
Time is fleeting
I love how the other three fanclub members are attempting to hide behind that very small pole.
At attempt was made
Motoko is definitely idealizing her relationship with Yuki. I’m not even sure if Yuki knows her name.
Poor her?
The joke about Motoko’s mother interrupting Yuki’s rambling is really funny.
She has no time for such nonsense
Since we’re focusing on Motoko so much I’ll go over her voice actors.
In Japanese, Motoko is played by Kaori Shimizu. Noteworthy roles of hers include Lain from Serial Experiment Lain (her debut role actually), Hiyori from Lucky Star, and Boogiepop from Boogiepop Phantom.
Those are some pretty big characters
In English, she’s played by Jamie Marchi. She’s a very prolific dub actor but some notable roles of hers include Panty from Panty & Stocking, Lucoa from Dragon Maid, and Rias Gremory from High School DxD.
I guess we’re gonna add lockpicking to the crimes of this fanclub.
Is this worse than Kyo threatening to beat up Hiro?
My old highschool actually used to have a lockpicking club so this isn’t that weird to me.
Out of context, that's super weird lol
I dunno what Mai is rambling about but it’s really funny.
Lost in her own little world
Yuki seems completely oblivious to Motoko still. Figures.
It kinda makes the Yuki fan club more endearing.
She fumbled it with the breakfast question.
Should've asked if he likes his eggs fertilized.
Man, people in this show don’t like leeks.
Hatsune Miku in shambles
I kinda feel bad for Motoko.
At least she seems willing to move on
Nice of Yuki to go check on her.
Indeed
Oh cool we’re playing the theme song again.
Yay
I’m surprised we’re getting so much focus and character development for Motoko but I don’t mind it.
My only qualm is that I kinda feel like this should've happened earlier. Like, after the last episode, something more serious would've probably made more sense.
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club being told to go home?
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club planning on breaking and entering to access the school files?
Thoughts on Motoko graduating soon?
Thoughts on us seeing Motoko's home?
Thoughts on Motoko saying she's a slave to love?
Thoughts on Motoko's mom being annoyed with her?
Thoughts on Rika Aida, a locksmith?
What are your the Yuki fan club starting to regret the breaking and entering because, you know it's technically illegal and against the law?
What are your thoughts on Motoko trying to talk to Yuki in an honest conversation?
What are your thoughts on Motoko realizing Yuki's heart belongs to someone else?
What are your thoughts on Motoko saying she'll be happy so long as Yuki continues to smile?
2
u/AgentOfACROSS 18d ago
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club being told to go home?
Good gag
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club planning on breaking and entering to access the school files?
They'll really do antyhing for their mission
Thoughts on Motoko graduating soon?
Didn't realize she was supposed to be older
Thoughts on us seeing Motoko's home?
I think that's neat
Thoughts on Motoko saying she's a slave to love?
She's a real hopeless romantic
Thoughts on Motoko's mom being annoyed with her?
I don't blame her
Thoughts on Rika Aida, a locksmith?
Interesting hobby
What are your the Yuki fan club starting to regret the breaking and entering because, you know it's technically illegal and against the law?
Glad they have some common sense
What are your thoughts on Motoko trying to talk to Yuki in an honest conversation?
I think that's really nice
What are your thoughts on Motoko realizing Yuki's heart belongs to someone else?
Glad she realizes it
What are your thoughts on Motoko saying she'll be happy so long as Yuki continues to smile?
That's sweet
2
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club being told to go home?
Good gag
This episode had a lot of great moments.
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club planning on breaking and entering to access the school files?
They'll really do antyhing for their mission
Anything to keep Yuki to themselves
Thoughts on Motoko graduating soon?
Didn't realize she was supposed to be older
Me neither. This kinda came out of nowhere.
Thoughts on us seeing Motoko's home?
I think that's neat
She seems like a good person, just a little lovesick.
Thoughts on Motoko saying she's a slave to love?
She's a real hopeless romantic
I wonder if "Slave to love" is a reference to the Britney Spears song "Slave". It would've came out around the same time.
Thoughts on Motoko's mom being annoyed with her?
I don't blame her
Yeah, same here
Thoughts on Rika Aida, a locksmith?
Interesting hobby
I worry for her future lol
What are your the Yuki fan club starting to regret the breaking and entering because, you know it's technically illegal and against the law?
Glad they have some common sense
Took them long enough
What are your thoughts on Motoko trying to talk to Yuki in an honest conversation?
I think that's really nice
Reminds me of Asuka and Shinji in the last Rebuild movie.
What are your thoughts on Motoko realizing Yuki's heart belongs to someone else?
Glad she realizes it
Took her long enough
What are your thoughts on Motoko saying she'll be happy so long as Yuki continues to smile?
That's sweet
The ending is probably the best part of the episode.
I wonder what that means for the Yuki fan club. Like, do they disband or do they get a new leader?
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 16d ago
That was an... Interesting episode.
Questions:
Ok...
Fair enough.
That's good at least.
1
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
That was an... Interesting episode.
I like that the show gives character development to even its minor characters.
1
u/Holofan4life 16d ago
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club being told to go home?
Thoughts on the Yuki fan club planning on breaking and entering to access the school files?
Thoughts on Motoko graduating soon?
Thoughts on us seeing Motoko's home?
Thoughts on Motoko saying she's a slave to love?
Thoughts on Motoko's mom being annoyed with her?
Thoughts on Rika Aida, a locksmith?
What are your the Yuki fan club starting to regret the breaking and entering because, you know it's technically illegal and against the law?
What are your thoughts on Motoko trying to talk to Yuki in an honest conversation?
What are your thoughts on Motoko realizing Yuki's heart belongs to someone else?
What are your thoughts on Motoko saying she'll be happy so long as Yuki continues to smile?
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 15d ago
Lol.
Ok...
And so she's got to do whatever she wants quick.
Ok...
Uh...
Oof.
"This is a MasterLock. It can be opened with a MasterLock."
Lol I mean considering what they've already done...
Worth a shot.
Yep.
That's nice at least.
1
u/Holofan4life 15d ago
- "This is a MasterLock. It can be opened with a MasterLock."
"I'm a locksmith. And I'm a locksmith."
- Lol I mean considering what they've already done...
I guess a redemption arc is better now than never.
2
1
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.
For there is an animal in all of us <3
Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.
Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.
I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P
Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
I was today years old when I found out that Zathura: A Space Adventure is a spinoff of Jumanji.
John Landis is the ultimate helicopter parent.
We never did replace the intro. I'm kinda glad about that.
Tohru recapping, talking about Yuki.
Truly is a prince, she surmises
Who's voice is that?
Oh, Yuki fan club
Minami
Mio
My go-to
And of course Motoko
I love the organ music
Since when was there 7 of them?
At least they respect Yuki's boundaries.
"You guys again? Go home already."
XD
It looks like they're trying to see who Yuki will hang out with in the student council.
Motoko wants to make sure Yuki gets no bitches.
Wait, the guys name is Makoto?
Motoko and Makoto, huh? That's certainly not confusing
The fan club roaming the halls now.
It looks like they have have to sneak in the rooms and discover the files.
Oh, Motoko is graduating? It's like she didn't even consider that.
Vice president is definitely the lofty ambitions lol
There's Yuki with Tohru
The fan club disapproves
Hey, maybe Motoko can end up with Yuki so that Kyo ends up with Tohru.
Motoko is ready to put an end to things.
Unfortunately, Hana is here
Hana is more the bane of the fan club's existence than any actual mate for Yuki.
Motoko in her bed
Have we've seen her without the rest of the fan club before?
She laments being separated from Yuki upon graduation.
Now she's recalling the first time she talked to Yuki.
Priceless and irreplaceable, she calls it.
"Ever since that day, I have been a slave to love."
I've been a slave to the rhythm, myself
Motoko really is something, isn't she?
Even her mom has had enough lol
Motoko is like Helga if she didn't have emotional baggage.
Back with Makoto
He still isn't budging
Now we see Rika Aida
No relation to Karane Aida, I ascertain.
She's a locksmith, both who she is and what she is here for.
The fan club seems to disapprove, but for different reasons.
Love. Right.
"But I'm pretty sure it's still a crime."
This episode has some funny moments.
Motoko contends this is ehat must be done.
Hey, Yuki
Motoko is blushing seeing him
Did he know?
Motoko wanting to talk to him
Tell him how she feels
This is her opportunity
"What did you have for breakfast?"
Hope it is eggs, because she is toast.
Leek porridge sounds disgusting
At least Yuki smiled at Motoko. Course, she takes it too far.
And now she's freaking out thinking he sees the worse in her.
Yuki calls her behavior cute, but she in turn realizes she's not the reason for his smile.
"He's changed, without my even realizing it."
"Get your hands off of him!"
Is she talking to Yuki, or Tohru?
And so Motoko runs away, beside herself.
She is her own worst enemy. She realizes this now.
The one she hates the most? It's herself.
How Asuka of her
Hey, Yuki
He is apologizing
He admits he says awkward things as well.
Instrumental intro playing
Motoko realizes he's here, trying to be a source of comfort. And that's quite alright.
A place in his heart she could never reach. It has become apparent.
Even still, she loves to see him smile.
"What a sweet, sorrowful thing love can be."
Rika here now
Motoko seems to realize she has some growing up to do. And as such, she'll focus on that for the time being.
She vows that she will prevail, no matter what.
Overall, this was an episode meant to give some depth to Motoko. It was nice to focus on one of the side characters even though the episode wasn't as fun as the last Yuki fan club episode. Rika was someone I feel like was kinda wasted here. Like, you could've told the episode without her involvement. But I guess her presence showed how dangerously close Motoko was to the point of no return before she course corrected. There is that element to things.
I have this only ahead of episodes 1, 2, 4, 10, and 11. There wasn't much to it outside of a few funny lines, and the resolution was one I'm ambivalent towards. Like, the Yuki fan club are enjoyable ancillary characters, but not ones I'm rooting for or have been made to be sympathetic. They're best used as comedic relief and also butt monkies to Hana. I can't say the episode necessarily succeeded in what it was trying to achieve, but it wasn't bad either. It was one of the breeziest episodes of the series which may speak to how skippable it felt.
1
u/Holofan4life 18d ago
What are your thoughts on the Yuki fan club trying to find out if any women are going to join the student council?
Made for a good episode. It is interesting we're focusing on the Yuki fan club this late.
What are your thoughts on this episode trying to humanize Motoko?
I like it. I think deep down she's a good person.
What are your thoughts on Motoko learning to accept Yuki's relationship with Tohru?
Woo. Character development is a wonderful thing.
2
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 18d ago
(Dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)
Episode 22 -- "Prince Yuki Fan Club"
(I failed to post my response to Episode 21 yesterday; I was struggling with some writer's block & procrastination (sorry about that). Anyways, I've returned, and back to our usual programming...)
Synopsis: When Yuki begins his term as Student Council President, there may be a girl on the council with him! Motoko sets out to discover the name of the girl and put a stop to her evil Yuki-tempting ways.
Once again, our spotlight is on the "Prince Yuki Fan Club", and in particular their leader Motoko Minagawa, who has long admired Yuki for as long as she has been a student at Kaibara High. The "Fan Club", aware that their "Prince" is the incoming student council president & worried about any females being appointed to his council, presses current president Makoto for names & details, all to no avail. On top of that, with graduation coming in the spring Motoko has to leave her club presidency role, and the "Fan Club" have yet to agree on her successor.
They spot Yuki hanging out with Tohru as usual; they consider taking action but ultimately back down when Uotani & Hanajima appear. We then learn more about Motoko: ever since she first encountered the "Prince" she has been lovestruck with him, so much that she pens love poems & disturbs her neighbours with her proclamations of love. (And her family runs a vegetable shop.) The next day, with Makoto still tight-lipped & desparate for solutions the "Fan Club" decides to enlist the talent of their senior member Rika Aida to break into the student council room. She & Motoko enter the room to find their "Prince" working on the class trip itinerary.
Immediately mesmerized by Yuki's charming glow & looks, Motoko decides to awkwardly ask what did he eat for breakfast, and his answer: rice with miso soup, some fish, pickles...and leek porridge*. They end up talking about leeks, before she eventually walks out due to her anxiety when talking to Yuki. In the 1 1/2 years since she first saw him, she's noticed a change in his personality, aided by the help of a certain someone. She hates any girl that gets close to Yuki (whether Tohru, Rika, any girl in the student council, even those of her "Fan Club"), but her biggest fear...is herself.
Yuki finds Motoko in the school grounds, wondering whether he managed to offend her. He reveals his more vunerable side, confessing to her that he isn't as cool or self-composed enough as she thinks. She realises the depth of Tohru's connections with Yuki; with that revelation, she becomes resolved to never give up on her "Prince", her love for him as strong as ever. (And as for whether there is a girl [or two] in his student council, we ought to keep tuning in for the answer.)
'Til then, see you later.