I must say I was thouroughly surprised by this episode. I was kinda expecting and hoping to see what they do with mikuru… and basically expecting lots of laughs from it. But the main focus on haruhi… and you really do see a different side of her.

I thought the animation for the band concert was surprisingly good, and much effort was obviously put in, as compared to most other animations for music performances. The episode is also touching in various ways, and everybody will be surprised to see the way haruhi acts. It’s a pleasant surprise though.

Another surprised was the focus on Kyon x Haruhi. Call me dumb, but I never expected them to bring it out so obviously. I thought it was always going to be a subtle thing. Watch out for the lyrics of the songs haruhi sang. All in all, very sweet though

It’s the cultural festival! The SOS brigade got the theatre club to screen their DVD. (remember ep 1?) with haruhi giving out flyers for it at the front gate. in a bunny suit.

Everybody has their own stall… you have the computer club. (remember ep 11?) Yuki has a fortune telling stall, (remember the outfit?) Itsuki has a play. (it’s suppose to be a famous play. but i don’t know what it is.) Mikuru’s class has a Yakisoba stall, which Kyon of course visits, together with Taniguchi and Kunikuda. Oogle time for the 3 guys.

Kyon goes off on his own, and ends up at the Music group’s concert. Real boring stuff, and he falls asleep. Even during a very heavy metal performance.

The next part is where the episode shines. Next is a band performance by Enoz. But surprisingly, you see haruhi and yuki and 2 other members. Apparently, haruhi and yuki were last minute substitutes. Their performance was surprisingly good. (You’ve really got to watch it, words don’t do it justice) Even kyon coudn’t help but tap his fingers, even though he was trying to act stoic.

You’ve to catch what happens next yourself. It’s a 100% transformation of haruhi into someone nice. And it was really nice to watch though. haha. Lovable.

Not going to bother thinking about why haruhi is now so nice. When I rewatch the series in chronological order, I’ll think about it then.