Michelle Explains Anime, Poorly

Happy Halloween, come get vulnerable with me! (I didn't expect to cry while taking notes, recording the episode, AND editing it)   Ash explains the similarities between him and a dead leopard as Eiji listens in horror. He also has nightmares constantly. This is all so wonderful.   There's also a knife fight and a train ride to Coney Island.   I don't want you seeing me like this, Eiji:  michelle.a...

Ash and Eiji have an argument about Ash murdering "innocent" gang members and we meet Cain and the Black Sabbath gang.   Ash sees Dino off at the airport. Hopefully he doesn't actually bring back a taxidermist..   I talk more about the fawn threat response and defend Ash's actions because I am obviously insane.   Stay away or I'll cry, Eiji:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Did you know that the outline of Ash's hair is a weird color? Well, you do now.   Ash and Eiji spend some quiet time together and Ash shares some of his darkest secrets and cries a lot. He also steals.   I awkwardly suggest we take a field trip to Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant and tell you about my tattoo (which you can see here, if that would make you happy  https://imgur.com/a/dZ09vM...

Lots of murder and guns in this episode, folks!   I get super excited when Ash asks Eiji, "Do I scare you?" and the gang gets super confused by how protective their boss is of this random Japanese kid.   We talk about the Bishonen trope and I say some really embarrassing things but decide not to cut them out of the episode.   I'll protect you, Eiji:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com   

Well, our main crew are being held at Golzine's mansion, so I think it's safe to assume some very not good things are going to happen to them. What things? Do you really want to know?   Probably someone is going to die, and probably someone is going to get a lesson in empathy.   This is the world Ash lives in, Eiji:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com    

Eiji gets abducted and threatened with a fate similar to Ash's. Which is, according to Arthur and Shorter, a fate worse than death. Always good to know that both your enemy and your best friend think your life is hell. Not that they're wrong, just, ouch.   We also learn a little bit more about the Government's involvement with Banana Fish and Ash comforts a crying child who's seen way too much.  ...

The gang is in LA! They're meeting new friends (?) and hanging out in a mansion! I'm sure this episode will not be upsetting at all.  Oh, did you know that Ash carries around a flash drive to help him hack into computers? I did.   Let me tell you about all the things I missed the first time I watched and gush a little about Asheiji.   But really, is Shorter actually gonna betray Ash?   Go back to...

The gang goes to Cape Cod. Was this a good idea? No. Are you going to like the reason Ash ran away? I really don't think so.   I also make myself really sad and almost cry, so stay tuned for that, I guess.   We end with me defending Ash and a little on threat responses, yay.   Don't look, Eiji:  Michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Ash is out of jail and plotting revenge, Eiji steals a car, Shorter is all for killing some folks.   The East River is sometimes safe enough to swim in, but I don't suggest jumping in with gunshot wounds, guys.   Plus, everything you didn't want to know about human trafficking.    Act your age, Eiji:  Michelle.a.eem@gmail.com   

Eiji gets threatened in ways that really should make him consider going back to Japan, but he's too cool (or stupid?) to be scared. Shorter comes to save the day! Max thinks he's a nice guy for some reason. Ash gets beat up and propositioned, but he's used to dealing with guys like that (sigh).   I've got a right to mourn too, Ash:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

First, we talk about Rikers Island for a bit and I emphasize the difference between prison and jail (but still say prison a couple times anyway).   How's Ash gonna handle jail? Not good? Let's find out.    Hey, at least we got to see a super passionate kiss...    Next time, come alone, Eiji:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Will Ash save Eiji and Skip? Can Ash save himself? You probably won't like the answer. Listen to me verbally wrestle with this episode and come out of it pretty bruised up (I think the episode won). Trying to find my groove with this darker subject matter, hoping for a less embarrassing episode 3.   Tell me I can fly too, Eiji:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Are you still here?! Why??   We start with some information about the manga, Akimi Yoshida, and shoujo.   Two Japanese photographers try to do a story on NYC street gangs and everyone immediately realizes that it was a very bad idea.    Some guy gets shot, people are kidnapped, and two grown men say some very questionable things to a 17 year old.   Berate me about my taste in anime here:  michelle...

**Please listen to this before venturing into the next season!**   We're starting **Banana Fish** on August 8th, so I don't know, I just wanted to give you a heads up with 18 content warnings!    Here you go (in order of relevance): Sexual assault, sexual content, child abuse/pedophilia, abduction/kidnapping, violence, drugs, torture, murder, death, homophobia, racism, eating disorders, blood, men...

Sakura leads the team into another fight. Will the last episode end in a cliffhanger? Maybe, but that's ok because season 2 was announced!   Sakura blush count: 5   We're taking 2 weeks off then starting Banana Fish on Aug. 8th.   Make me feel less bad in email form:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Who's the dependable one? Let's find out! Honestly, these are the most dependable high school kids in all of anime.   Sakura blush count: 10   You can reach me here:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

I guess we're meeting some new classmates this episode. Thanks for ruining it, episode title!   Sakura blush count: 11 (WOW)   email me if you dare:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com   

An entire episode of dialogue.   Sakura blush count: 7   Email me (why would you want to though?):  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Umemiya and Choji finally talk it out with their fists! Sakura blush count: 0   Email me if you want:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

We finally see the rest of the "conversation" play out!  Sakura blush count: 1 email me (don't do it):  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Finally! Finally, it's Sakura vs Togame! Let's get this fist conversation going! Sakura Blush Count: 0  Email me here: michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Hiragi vs Sako and tons of backstory. Sakura blush count: 3 Email me or don't:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

I'm really amped up because in this episode we get to learn what makes you an adult (thanks Suo)! Sakura Blush Count- 2 Email me if you dare:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

Fighting is a conversation you have with your firsts, apparently. Sakura blush count- 5 Write me here, I guess: michelle.a.eem@gmail.com

We get to see Sakura and Sugishita fight! Also, the Furin kids meet another gang (with a name I have trouble pronouncing), hooray conflict!   email me if that's yer thing:  michelle.a.eem@gmail.com