Every time I watch a new The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity episode, I end up thinking: “Oh, man, both Kaoruko and Rintaro have such great friends.” Despite being a proper romance anime in the purest sense, the power of friendship highlights every episode in one way or another.
This time, Episode 8 gave a satisfying resolution to the previous fight between Subaru and Rintaro’s friends. Thanks to their honest, kind hearts, our cast happily reunites, leaving us eager for more interactions between them. Meanwhile, our main couple goes on a proper date to the aquarium, strengthening their bonds and developing their romance even further.
For Episode 8’s review, I have two major topics to discuss!
Shohei Usami, the star of the episode
Reviewing this episode without praising Shohei Usami’s role is impossible. He started as a sort of comedic relief in his friend’s group, but he proved how important he is. As usual with Fragrant Flower, the anime doesn’t explicitly state Shohei’s importance but in a more subtle, interesting way.
Foremost, Shohei is the perfect character to break the ice between Chidori and Kikyo. Rintaro and Kaoruko are charismatic characters trusted by their friends, but Shohei’s innocent charisma surpasses both. In a few minutes, he starts an easygoing conversation with Kaoruko, and later in the episode, he even includes Subaru in the guys’ conversation.
In second place, Shohei’s carefree attitude is key to solving both groups’ previous problems. Due to his lack of good memory, he sets the ground and encourages everyone to make amends. How could he not? Shohei is so pure that he is incapable of holding a grudge. The lesson he teaches us all is to not sweat the small stuff when we can all be friends, which proves to be the best option.
Last but not least, our dear boy points out how Rintaro has changed, since he’s more direct to convey his feelings. In previous installments, it was stated several times how different characters notice Rintaro’s change (even Rintaro himself). Even so, the fact is, the clueless Shohei says this is the final, necessary remark we needed. It’s impossible to deny Rintaro’s development after that.
As a result, the anime uses Shohei to move the plot forward as an independent voice who is not scared to say what he thinks. Sometimes this can be the source of a problem, but in Episode 8, it was gratifying and a positive influence on the entire cast.
The friend of my friend
However, Shohei wasn’t the only friend to play a major role. Finally, the long-awaited amend between Rintaro and Kaoruko’s friends brings us peace of mind as fans. Despite starting on the wrong foot, the anime delivered a cheerful moment between them.
Moreover, Subaru takes the initiative to apologize for her previous behavior, which now makes sense given the previous developments. Saku also recognizes he said horrible things and wants to apologize and make amends, too, surprising his friends—Saku’s being upfront was a total shock.
The group of guys decided to trust in Subaru and Kaoruko since Rintaro, whom they respect so much, trusts the girls. Still, they are also capable of empathizing with them on their own. As shown in the anime, they aren’t mindless followers: they would have made amends even without Rintaro, thanks to their good nature.
Through a kid’s eyes
Moments of friendship are always lovely, yet the romantic situations are impossible to ignore. Rintaro’s understanding process of his own feelings keeps going, this time in an aquarium date. We have seen aquarium dates in many romance anime already, but Fragrant Flower adds a new milestone in our main couple love story.
Interestengly, the anime pacing helps us to reflect on Rintaro over his new emerging emotion. Sometimes the anime makes us anxious when Rintaro isn’t even sure if to call it a “date”, but this is purely intentional: we need to struggle with our protagonist to receive the prize.
And the prize this time is granted by a little child in the aquarium. Her innocent mind and view of the world are what Rintaro need to stop overthinking. This is Episode 8’s message: sometimes we need to see things through a kid’s eyes. It’s only then that Rintaro clears the fog in his mind.
For the little girl, seeing her crush’s smile is what makes her happy. The analogy couldn’t be clearer, since the anime is abundant in scenes of Kaoruko smiling for and thanks to Rintaro. An honest smile can put in motion strong feelings inside our protagonist.
A good example of the above is when the anime delivers a new Kaoruko smile moment after she expresses how much fun she had at the aquarium. With a simple gesture, she warms our protagonist’s heart and leaves the audience wanting more tender moments.
Stay tuned for the new outcomes in this incredible romance, every week closer to the finale!
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is streaming on Netflix, where all the images are from.
© Saka Mikami / Kodansha / The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Production Committee
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