Monthly Archives: August 2008

In the "Heroine" and "Behind the Scenes" episodes, the focus of the narrative shifts from the individual romances to the social world of Strawberry Panic. The vehicle for this social analysis is the Strawberry Dorms’ annual drama production. The first episode narrates the decision … Continue reading →

  In "More than Best Friends" Yaya and Hikari make up. Yaya’s shocking actions notwithstanding, they retain a deep and real connection with each other, a shared history of significant memories and significant places they connect with each other. Following … Continue reading →

  "The Roar of the Waves" shifts the narrative back to Hikari’s romance with Amane. Nevertheless, there is a strong connection between this episode and the previous one. The events that happen in this episode amount to a commentary on the issues raised … Continue reading →

In "Summertime", Nagisa and Shizuma fail miserably in trying to advance their relationship. After spending an unhappy day studying French on her summer vacation, in an unsatisfying reprise of "Personal Tutor," Nagisa finds herself alone with Shizuma, out in the dark, watching fireworks from … Continue reading →

"Meteor Shower" juxtaposes Nagisa’s vacation at the beach with Shizuma’s lack of vacation at Miator. While Nagisa enjoys herself with her friends, and Shizuma rather resigns herself to her work, both of them have the other very much on their … Continue reading →

Two stories entertwine in "Personal Tutor." The overt story is about how Nagisa, far behind in her French, gets herself up to speed to pass her final exam; but mixed with this is the story of Nagisa and Shizuma’s love … Continue reading →

  What is there really to say about "Memories?" We learn that Nagisa is easily frightened by scary stories, and when she retreats into Tamao’s bed at night for comfort, we see how much a child she is, and how … Continue reading →

At the opening of "Hydrangeas," Shizuma asks herself: "In the greenhouse, the flowers do not feel the rain. Outside the greenhouse, the flowers grow under the rain. They’re all flowers, but which ones are more fortunate? If only they could … Continue reading →

"Thorny Trap" overwhelms the viewer with Kaname’s attempted rape of Hikari. Is there some cultural difference which understands this sexual violence differently than I do? I have no idea. Let’s instead accept that it is repulsive, and meant to be … Continue reading →

At this point I think I have said most of what I can say about Strawberry Panic as a whole. I’m going to confine my comments upon each episode to whatever seems striking and different about it, and not necessarily … Continue reading →