How did I not know about this?! - Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter

Way back in 2007, I went through an anime phase more serious than I’d like to admit. Every week I’d rush to my computer to download fresh episodes of Nodame Cantabile and Code Geass mere hours after they had aired in Japan. Code Geass was easily the more popular of the two, seeing an English dub and syndication on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim a little over a year later. While I have love for the show, I’ll be the first to admit that it was hella dramatic, and I found Zero’s convoluted plans of world domination more palatable when interspersed with Nodame’s foolish antics. I definitely owe the show credit for sparking a deeper interest in classical music in me. When the seasons ended, there was this big fuss over Code Geass’ final episodes being altered so that they could begin production on an unplanned second season, but there was no word on Nodame continuing.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover a few days ago that a second season of Nodame Cantabile aired last fall. Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter is half the size of the first season and, my otaku sensibilities kicking into gear, I polished off the eleven episodes over two nights. My first instinct was to complain that we were robbed of a full season of Nodame hilarity, but I enjoyed it so much. I think the producers had it right with the ‘short & sweet’ approach. While the first season arguably focused on Chiaki’s aspirations to become a conductor and Nodame’s attempts to keep up, Paris marks a shift to focus on Nodame’s hard work and successes. It’s also nice to see Chiaki and Nodame’s relationship evolve in this chapter; the best scene in the entire series thus far has to be when Nodame beats Chiaki’s ass in the middle of the street. Love it. Fans of the show know that to be a huge turnaround from their usual, Chrihanna-esque relationship.


A new season has been announced for this fall, and this time I’ll be all over it. A live-action film is also supposed to start production in May. I prefer the anime series to the drama, but exciting news nonetheless.

Lotsa TV

Hello, all. It's been a bit and I figured I'd drop in, instead of doing my detective fiction reading for tomorrow.

Just watched the return of Gossip Girl (!!), and I have to say, I was disappointed. And, at times, really angry; the audio cutting in and out had me hitting the walls. Thanks, CW. The episode focused mainly on Jenny and what a conniving little bitch she has become. I was actually impressed. But otherwise, lackluster. Though somehow, I am drooling at the thought of next week's episode, so I guess they did something right. May have something to do with Georgina coming to f*** with Serena's shit, as I predicted. I just find it really unfortunate her name is Georgina.

One Tree Hill was, once again, ridiculous. I'm growing tired of the lame Lucas-loves-Lindsay arc, the uncomfortable Mouth & Millicent nonsense, and even precocious little Jamie. Oh, and today, Brooke was given a baby with some random illness in an airport. Riveting melodrama, lemme tell you. Or, more like retarded. They're lucky I've been watching this show since I was 16.

Skins has ended, and I am sad. The current cast is being dismissed, and though I am quite fond of them, I'm actually looking forward to a new crew, as the story arcs were becoming convoluted. The final episode was heartwarming, though.

And in the place of Skins, Code Geass is back with its second season. I haven't seen any of the episodes yet, but I'm excited. I may need a refresher, though; that show's been off my radar for quite some time now.

Sigh, off to do my reading. If I didn't have to write about this I probably wouldn't bother, as I'll, no doubt, be subjected to the masturbatory rants of my fellow students who desperately need to tie-in their favorite TV show with class discussion. Joy.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

I've got my roomie addicted to my favorite anime of last year, Code Geass, and am thoroughly enjoying going through all the episodes again and picking up the little things I'd missed. This Spring, the second season is airing in Japan (I'm excited!), and the series will make its way to the States on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. Early last year when I first watched Code Geass, I was also watching Death Note, which has already made a decent impact here in the U.S. (thanks again to Adult Swim), and Nodame Cantabile, which probably won't see release in the States, as it's not exactly testosterone friendly like most series that have seen success here recently, namely Naruto and Bleach. But, I predict Code Geass will inspire a pretty big following. I found a trailer for the American dub; the voice-overs are actually decent, except for the stupid narrators, which is fine. Check it out.