Turn back the clock, put those gloves back on, and call Alicia out of retirement. Bonus episode 4tw!

Just a few days ago my Aria withdrawals hit a major low after listing to ROUND TABLE featuring Nino’s new single that had their rendition of Symphony on it. I ended up re-watching that episode from Aria the Animation and then started watching random episodes of Aria the Natural last night. Yet, my my thirst was not quenched. As if by divine intervention, “Aria the Origination – 5.5″ appeared.

Like most Aria episodes that do not focus on major events (i.e., Prima examinations, flashbacks), watching raws with can be just like listening to drama CDs for me, with 90% of the dialog going right over my head. Regardless though, that familiar Aria feel was there. And it sure did hit the stop, like a bottle of cold Gatorade after working out.

Interestingly enough, there are practically no gondolas in the episode as Akari and Shachou-san take a stroll through Neo-Venezia and Akatsuki stalks her (and Aika and Alice eventually follow him). There wasn’t really anything to significant to add, but it was just as enjoyable as any of the other “filler” Aria episodes that have aired. The scenery was gorgeous, highlighting a number of locales that have not been shown in the series or familiar places shown from different perspectives. And we also see Akari’s secret spot overlooking the Piazza San Marco.

Akari demonstrates the lost art of the midrange jump shot.

More Aria is a good thing. Although the story is over and the characters have moved on, visiting Neo-Venezia again is always welcome. I don’t know how many more of these DVD-only episodes there will be, but as long as they HAL sticks to the “it’s it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” way of putting together episodes of Aria, I’ll keep watching.

-_-

“Every move you make, every step you take, I’ll be watching you…”

All we get from Kinshi Hime and Orange Princess.

Anyone else feel like playing Super Monkey Ball?

Aika picks up tips for stalking Alicia.