Ouran High, a second look

I admit I am not above comparing anime adaptation to its manga origins. Ouran High is no exception. Much to my dismay, I find the first half of the series competent but hardly better than the manga panels. I grudgingly give praise for the execution, but extreme expectations for both the title and BONES, only cast a shadow on my enjoyment. (Take note, I have been an avid fan of this series long before it was announced to be animated.) However, as the latter half progressed, it bloomed brilliantly, as if the anime gods heard my prayers. I am inclined to confess that I am enjoying this more so than the manga.

Introductions have long been finished but character depths are yet to be explored. The second half of the season confidently strides in surprising direction.

Episode 14 reveals the affection and respect of the Ouran High’s dashing hosts toward their often-idiotic chieftain. While they consistently mock Tamaki’s silly antics, they are grateful for the establishment of an unconventional group suited to their needs. More importantly, they greatly appreciate the unconditional friendship and trust Tamaki generously relinquishes to his companions.

In episode 15 and 16, the host club members step away from their lavish high school and embark on a summer adventure. The character arc for the Hitachiin twins begins to take shape.

The next episode centers on Kyouya’s littlest spark of light in his seemingly blackened heart. Similar to his co-hosts, he constantly wears a mask. His mask assumes a cold-hearted elitist with complete disregard of anyone ill suited to his machinations. However, as Haruhi discovers, this calculating, megane-wearing young man is not what he seems to be (such as the theme of the series). I have a complaint, though. I would have wanted a whole flashback of Kyouya and Tamaki’s first encounter.

In succeeding installment, a cake-loving alien invades the small screen. Despite prior claims of the non-existence of a serious tone, I concede that this episode hints of the results of Tamaki’s grand plan.

Episode 19 returns to the girls from Lobelia. One word: Boring. Off-topic: I have to point out that there is some truth in whole yuri-esque ongoing in all-girls school, where select handsome females become a target of schoolgirl crushes. I came from an all-girl Catholic high school and I am speaking from experience. I remember my class production of Grease playing for the entire school. The male lead was a handsome girl, C. The minute she took center stage, the cheers from her fangirls were deafening. Yep, she received a whole bunch of love letters, too. Oh, this happened in Asia. I am not sure if this applies to the ones here in North America.

After the yawn-inducing 19, episodes 20 and 21 delve into a beautiful and elegant two-parter. Well, technically, it is not exactly a two-parter yet the episodes clearly complement one another. Episode 20 tells the tale of the Hitachiin twins’ lonesome solitude; in episode 21, Kaoru divulges his fear of partings, of isolation, and of change. The past and the present. Both episodes deserve a special place in my favorite-list-ridden heart.

Episode 22 sets-up an adorable mini-arc. The preview for the 23 hints of a continuing plotline. As for the remainder of the show, I can only hope for excellence.

The small beats, the clever set-ups, and the impeccable timing, Ouran High’s comedic prowess is golden. If you think Ouran High is nothing but slapstick comedy and witty puns, think again. You would be amazed at the chock-full of details worthy of weighty discussions. Take episode 21, with the lovely use of Cinderella hour, from the carriage, magicks, and right down to the pumpkin. There’s episode 13 and dream sequence of Haruhi’s Ouran-land adventure ending with the presence of her mother. Let’s not forget the identity crisis of the twins or Tamaki’s avoidance of reality. Heck, the host club itself has enough room for a lengthy exploration. See how the fanservice-y cosplaying plays as metaphor for guises and masks. (Oh, Renge does not count. She’s simply a riot.)

Don’t get me wrong, I view Ouran High as it is presented, a hilarious cross-gender comedy of a bunch of high school kids, with a hint of romance and a whole lot of confusion. Of course, it is far from the clutches of the intellectual realm but the little surprises are a subtle reminder that there might be something else beyond the gags.

Or maybe not.