This episode opens a huge can of worms for the initated. What is this war between the aliens and who is the Dung Beetle that is telling them about this little “game” that they need to do in order to protect the Earth. Where did Zearth, as the children so name it, come from and what is its resting place before all this happened.
What is driving the mecha? Is it fuel? Is it the psychic of the pilot? Or is it something much more cynical that lies from within?
Questions, questions, questions. They all beg for an answer as Bokurano Episode two explains few, but opens up discussion for more.
Episode summary
The media was covering the news on the mecha fight, as well as the earthquake tremors, and the couple shown in the first episode were interviewed as they said that there were monsters fighting, with the news caster saying that the citizens were suffering from shock still. As the children discussed what happened yesterday, the police came and Moji said that they had seen nothing at all, stopping others from saying anything. As they returned to the room, they were talking how the Internet had reports of them fighting, but it was unsubstantial information without evidence.
Moji and Tokosumi were thinking about leaving the game, since it felt so dangerous, but Waku asked why. Moji said it could be passed to the adults, and Komoda said it need not be them. Moji went on to say that it was not a game and he wondered whether we were able to bear the responsibility while they also discussed whether the media could cover it since Tokosumi’s father was a reporter. However, without facts, it was impossible and the cave which they saw the equipment had crumbled down. Suddenly, a plushie-like thing appeared telling them that it was not a dream as everyone was surprised at this floating plushie.
The plushie asked if the kids had any questions, and they jumped right in with various questions at the same time and the plushie stopped them harshly. Eventually, Waku asked who he was and he was Dung Beetle. Various other queries gave the children answers that it was not Kokopelli’s accomplice, and they were unable to escape from this game since they had signed the contract. They were then brought into the inside of the robot, and they found Kokopelli’s spectacles which was fake. Dung Beetle told that the mecha hid inside the sea until it was required to fight. Jun tried to shove Kana away since she did not sign the contract but Dung Beetle said it was all right.
Dung Beetle then informed them that their seats in the cockpit were installed and it was the seat they used at home. The chairs started to revolve around, and Waku heard a voice as Dung Beetle told him that he was chosen as the pilot. It was night time, as everyone was relaxing. Waku was playing soccer outside, and Moji came out to talk to him. Moji asked why Waku stopped playing, and he said that he was part of a champion team but his father never watched the match in the final. With that, his interest waned and he wondered if he was simply wanting to be in the limelight rather than loving soccer.
Waku said he must have looked like someone who wanted attention, acknowledging that Moji did not want to be in the game, but said that he wanted to be an unsung hero. Moji noticed that Waku’s arm had some sign and he wondered what it was. However, they had no time, as yet another enemy appeared, with them being transfered to the cockpit. Waku was able to control the mecha but it was hard nevertheless. They then named the mecha Zearth, since it was THE Earth they were saving. The enemy was a praying mantis-like creature and Waku’s attempt to cast a laser at its head was ineffective. Various attempts were not working as Moji told Waku he was playing too much.
The enemy gripped Zearth very hard, as Moji told Waku that there was a weak joint. Even though Zearth’s arms were gripped, its legs were still free as it knee-struck the enemy and eventually defeated it, using Waku’s skills as a footballer. As the battle was finally over, Waku shouted out loudly in celebration and Jun said he was getting too noisy as Jun gave Waku a very gentle nudge. However, he dropped from the edge and fell down onto the ground. Everyone was shocked as Jun raised his protests and then slapped Kana for absolutely nothing to vent his anger. No one knew what was going on now.
Thoughts
Updated list of alive kids: Click here for the picture
To be honest, my brain is still playing the song “Uninstall”, the OP of Bokurano after watching the ending of the show where Waku plunged to the floor of the sea bed. I have a feeling (a very slow one indeed) that the song in the OP is one of the most excellent build up of the story, one that explains the background danger of this messy and disturbing anime. It gives me a reminder of the OP of Higurashi, another haunting OP that continues to play in my head for a period of time after that blood-shedding show ended. Bokurano’s OP clearly sets the mood up.
I am wondering now whether any of the kids have strong convictions of uninstalling the program, yet despairing because they are unable to do anything to stop it. As described by the song, they are the numbers in a record losing their lives without anyone knowing anything about them. I am sure that Moji has started to question about this deadly “game”, being the most thoughtful among all the children, and I really hope that he stays long enough in the game to soothe tensions before it goes full blown. Moji really impresses me as a character that is very different from the rest and he’s turning out to be the character that catches my eyes the most when he appears.
He seems to be a voice of reason among the impulsive kids that clearly cannot see that this is more than a game, and he is one of the two kids that has been outstanding. Another one is Jun, for being abusive and practically the most insensitive kid around in the whole game. Even if he has some deep sitting hatred over Kana, it is excessive. What kind of brother will treat his own sister that way? I hope he gets thrown into the depths of the battle soon, see his background story and die already. Kana is so cute too.
(I apologize for letting my lolicon instincts coming in…)
Other girls have started to feel some fear in the air as well, and it’s only the thick skulled kids that have no clue and treating it like some fun game that is playing god. I have a feeling that one of the boys will freak out and lose it, refusing to fight compared to the girls. Contrary to belief, I somehow feel that it’s either the fat guy, Kirie and Kako that will freak out in one of the scenarios and lose the battle somewhat.
They are the most immature ones among all of them, and it seems very likely that if they do fight, they will lose it. It’s just the reaction with Honda that makes me think that way about the two of them, during the first episode when they peeked at Honda while she is out on a swimsuit. Maybe, I am overly sensitive but who knows. However, I don’t really need spoilers to confirm my answer or disprove it. Hah.
The main gist of the story is left to the last. Waku is an interesting kid, with his verbal confirmation that he wants to be an unsung hero. Honestly, I think that he simply needed more family love from his father, who is not giving him the care that he wants. He seems to be extremely lonely, albeit his extroverted self. Every child wants to be loved by his or her parents, and Waku is no different, just that he has a greater need to be given some attention. I doubt he cares about winning or being shown with success, simply recognition by his father.
It’s sad though, that he no longer has the chance to. His father will never know anything. Did he die in vain? I do not know. Yes, people have told me that you never assume that a character is dead unless you see his body, but I think I have grounds to believe that he did. Moji certainly knew that something is clearly wrong when he saw the body of Waku plunging down after a slight nudge by Jun. Jun does not deserve it, even though I do not like him at all.
Did Waku die without resolving his issue or do you think that he has fulfilled his wish?
18 Comments
I was all ready to type a post explaining why Bokurano is awesome. Then I saw the final scene and it blew everything away. WTF.
Does that mean everyone gets only one chance to pilot Zearth? Or was it a cruel twist of fate? This is very strange and intriguing, making Bokurano probably my most anticipated show now.
Well, the thing is that it has left the series very open-ended. Unlike Kokopelli, who disappeared together with the mecha, with the body not even around, Waku somehow become lifeless with just a gentle nudge by Jun.
I think that everyone has only one chance to pilot Zearth. Since Zearth is mentally controlled by the pilot, my guess is that the pilot’s life force is connected to the use of it. When Zearth has completed finishing up the enemy, the use of the life force will suddenly suck the pilot dry, causing them to die like how Waku did.
This is merely speculation though, since we already have two people gone. Waku is almost 99% dead from that plunge (and probably dead before the plunge if you ask me)
I download every episodes of Bokurano as soon as they’re released,subbed or not. It’s a very disturbing show, I must say T_T. ‘Coz I read the manga before, I know what to become of those children. There’s a very dark tale lies ahead. When I read the manga, I’m actually scared. I watched ep 1 haven’t watched ep 2 yet. I don’t think I can “consume” Bokurano as fast or eagerly like I do to other series. It’s required lots of thoughts and calmness to see the children…urghhh T_T
@Fuuka: it’s probably apparent that the series is a very dark one. I mean, children fighting a war and likely to die after every battle? If that is not a dark plot, I think nothing can be considered dark anymore.
Hah, I do not like to read manga generally to spoil myself because I will get pissed at myself, and Episode 2 has pulled me in.
I guess the philosophy of “If a series is morally messed up, expect Impz to be blogging it”
Man, a raw just surfaced for this a few hours ago. Sooo late. T_T
Anyways, yeah, seeing Waku die was just “WTF” material. I can say this much though: He didn’t die from that fall. He was already dead before that.
I f you really want ot know some answers, you can check out the Wikipedia entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokurano
That is if you want to be spoiled.
So question to those who haven’t read the manga, did the ending of this episode make you feel like Jun caused Waku’s death, or did you have other thoughts?
(I would not recommend visiting the wikipedia link)
So yeah, I read the manga up to chapter 40 or 41, forgot which. The story is fairly interesting, lol. Definately moody and not very light-hearted. Now that I’m watching this, I must find a happy comedy series to offset it. :0
@Leon: Ya, that was my guess because his eyes had no life before Jun pushed him completely.
@Iron2000: Thanks for the invitation.
@Diedrupo: for me, I believe that Jun has contributed to a little bit of Waku’s death. I mean, it’s probably apparent and implied that Waku was lifeless even before the whole thing happened but the very fact that Jun has shoved him down (albeit not intended) means that Waku is definitely and surely dead. So ya, it’s like injecting a lethal injection accidentally to a man who is breathing his last breath. I think the analogy works.
@Mr Admin: hahah, dandan, the moody part is really good, cos i love moody shows. More moral problems, please desu!
I just watched Bokurano episode 2, and I definitely second Impz on the OP. Wow. Quite simply wow. One of the best OP this season, with a very moody, melancholy, yet at the same time with a faint sense of hope. Just wow.
I was frankly quite surprised when Waku drop off the Zearth. Ok, Impz has already speculated that the kids are going to die after piloting the robot, so I was kind of expecting it. But it was nonetheless shocking when he was just fine the second ago, and suddenly, lifeless eyes and wavering body. The moment is seriously dramatic; at the peak of everyone’s excitement and joy at victory, the victor suddenly drop dead. The buildup and storytelling is very outstanding here.
I didn’t think that Jun killed Waku or contribute to his death. It was obviously a gentle nudge. If Waku was alive, it would be a friendly gesture, one that I have a feeling Jun is not used to giving. It’s also very dramatic that he was, for once, being friendly and because of this uncharacteristic act, caused (to the uninitiated eyes) Waku’s death. I think Jun’s act was more like someone finding the body, instead of hiting the dying man.
When I think about it, I think Waku got what he wished for. He wanted to be an unsung hero. And he because an unsung hero. He saved the world, and gave up his life in return. His death was surprising, but he did do what he wanted to do.
@ Impz: regarding the fat guy, I think he’s going to be one of the guys who resolutely face his death with dignity. I don’t know, I get the feeling that he’s deep under that veneer of blur-ness and nerd-ness. He is silent and shy, and I personally think that he has more depth to him than just that. I do agree, though, that the brash guys will try to run.
Has the manga end yet? We are going to get a complete story this season, right? I hate it when animes don’t end because the manga it’s adapted from didn’t. Especially for stories with an ongoing story arc (and not episodic, like Ghost Hunt).
@Briar: Are you sure? I do not know. The way the anime shows it doesn’t really show that Waku is definitely dead. Someone can look lifeless and be in a coma (think .Hack Sign). Hence, when Jun pushes him with a very gentle nudge, it will have pushed the body downwards, which is why I feel so.
I think so too but he seems to be rather timid which is why i feel he will shrug away before having a strong resolution to work hard (like all weak shounen characters making a final front) at the very end. Ya, I do think that one of the brash guys will try to run, but I do wonder what the consequences are then ~_~
Death?
Sounds logical to me.
I read the manga and the revelations is quite sad and very disturbing, if i may say.. The death of two characters later in the manga really make me sad to the point almost sheding tears..
( That is, of course, both of them are the better characters from the whole..
I think it’s interesting how you guys can say so much about the kids already. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention in the manga or (which is my impression actually) the anime gives off a lot of hints for speculation – which is a very good thing in my opinion.
By the way, I hate Jun with a passion too. He’s the only character so far (apart from Kako and Kodama) that I really do not want to see surviving.
Whatever, I’m really glad that you like this show (same goes for tj). ^^
@Kresnik: aww, I think that it will really make me go all crazy with the speculation, and the hell, we only just fricking started!
@Sasa: hahaha, I am always a chatterbox as most bloggers here know (another substitution for chatterbox). I am glad that your more hated characters are those I wish to die. However, I will differ with you on the choice of Kodoka because i like a fricking sadist and since he’s one, it’s all good
Impz says: “Are you sure? I do not know. The way the anime shows it doesn’t really show that Waku is definitely dead. Someone can look lifeless and be in a coma (think .Hack Sign). Hence, when Jun pushes him with a very gentle nudge, it will have pushed the body downwards, which is why I feel so.”
I think my impression was taken from the preview for next week, when the kids (or was it the voiceover?) specifically said that Waku was dead. I was frankly surprised, because I thought Waku was the main protagonist.
@Briar: That is in fact my question in the first episode, when I wondered whether Waku is the main character since he is perhaps the most shounen among all. All that will say about the show is that it’s a seriously fricking messed up one, and one that everyone will be having fun speculating and discussing it.
I am definitely enjoying it hell much.
I also do wonder about another question while watching it. Does any mecha lovers find the action of the mecha a bit weak and all? I do not really care too much about action but I have heard a few comments about this mecha action part being slow. I actually find it decent and realistic ^^
*headdesk*
I think I’m in trouble already. I don’t like that they changed Maki’s chair into a rocking chair when it was originally a baby crib. I especially don’t like that because of this change Kana isn’t sitting with her. I think that Kana’s relationship with Maki is a key element to later in the story especially when it’s Maki’s turn to fight.
As for Jun…
Oh, man do I want to blurt out spoilers. -__-;;
I’ll only say this. It was not Jun’s fault. He just happened to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. Of course the change of him immedately going defensive instead of arguing later on kind of makes his personality look really bad. Although technically he is bad.
Lastly, I wish they would of kept the image of the light on Zearth’s face in. That’s really important later on.
@Sarah: Hahaha, you already blurted out a few spoilers accidentally. Nevertheless, whatever he does and the reason behind it might be problematic, but it really does not warrant him to slap Kana that way. She did nothing wrong, and I guess we can only see the answer when the future arrives on it. Hahaha, that’s perhaps why I do not want to read the manga because I realize it’s always impossible to please the manga readers after watching the anime.
Reading and Watching tends to give a totally different experience, but ya, that’s all.
Can’t wait for the next episode for the shock that Waku is officially dead.