• 9 months ago
Episode 4 is also framed against the backdrop of (presumably) Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea – we see Higuchi/Kamotake reading it constantly, and sticking pins in every part of the globe. His musical song and dance number (a high point of the episode that tickled me immensely) also features the Nautilus erupting from the river.

The sense of repetition continues to get stronger with each episode and reaches a high point in “Disciples Wanted” – characters frequently allude to having seen each other or having done some things before, moreso than a simple repetition of themes: Higuchi winning the Shimogamo Cup, the expose on Jougasaki, and of course, the price-hiking fortune-teller. The plot of “Disciples Wanted” itself follows Watashi as he is selected to succeed Higuch/Kamotake as the heir to an ongoing conflict that began with two students feuding over love, while Ozu of course becomes heir to the opposing side.

As for episode 5: once again, Tatami Galaxy shows it's incredible ability to throw existing theories for a loop. There is a definite shift now in the tone of these episodes, even as they mirror prior ones. Watch carefully – unlike the previous four we get nary a hint of blame placed on Ozu.

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