More crying than Kimikiss. (Okay, maybe not…)

Da Capo II probably will never win an award for best drama or best dramatic performance, but it’s definitely leaving me with a ridiculous need to see what happens next.The last handful of episodes of DCIISS have really been on the mark in terms of being well-paced, balanced, and entertaining. Also, each episode has been a bit darker than the previous. Episode 10 really played the emotional card this time around, not just with Sakura and Otome, but with Yoshiyuki and Yume.

Sakura is already a tragic character, so having her say it aloud to Yoshiyuki, then having to explain to him what is going on must have been the ultimate downer for her. Not only did she accept responsibility for her selfish actions, she also carries the burden of leaving the resolution in Otome’s hands, knowing that it’s something that will tear her up. Losing Yoshiyuki is only part of Sakura’s troubles. True, she brought this all upon herself, but it all was born out her long-time loneliness. It’s just a lifelong struggle for Sakura, unfortunately.

Although it is Sakura who is responsible and the one who is carrying the most burden overall, it is Otome who is the person who has to make the imminent decision about what to do with this mess. Be the righteous defender of justice or keep Yoshiyuki alive. Sakura may be a tragic story, but it’s mainly Otome who has to live with the consequences. Seeing Otome breakdown like she did was pretty heartbreaking and one of the more sad moments in all of Da Capo. The way Otome was animated and the way Takagaki Ayahi voiced her made the scene that much more emotional. Not an award-winning performance, but definitely one worthy of note. That scene really epitomized the angst and sadness that tree has caused. It wasn’t just Otome crying… it was Otome completely breaking down.

With Yoshiyuki, being the whipped level-headed guy that he is, he basically accepted his fate. The one thing that always bugged me about Yoshiyuki was his all or none view of life. It was like there was no compromising with him. Instead of helping Otome figure out a way to stop the tree and keep him alive, he just accepted the fact that he was going to disappear. Perhaps he himself knew there were no other options, but he just seems overly calm about everything. Loving everyone and wanting the best for them is fine and dandy, but you’d think he be just a little bit selfish.

The thing that shocked me the most was Yume watching everything unfold. Yume has always been a part of the plot and is always present, but she’s been completely clueless about the tree, Sakura, and Yoshiyuki. I really don’t know what will happen with Yume, but I would think her reaction would be pretty sullen and angry. I’m definitely more curious about what’s going to happen with Yume more than with Sakura, Otome, or Yoshiyuki.

I’m glad they managed to explain more about the tree during Sakura’s sequence because I’ve been wondering why that tree was still alive since episode 1 of Da Capo II. Thus far DCIISS has been good about explaining the plot enough to keep things understandable, but at the same time enticing. In general, DCIISS has far exceed my expectations and is making a case of being one of the better Da Capo seasons we’ve been given. A lot remains to be seen and a lot is dependent on how this series wraps up, but right now DCIISS is doing what it should be doing… making me wish the week was over so I can find out what happens next.