In any Kate Chopin novel, this would be the end of a young woman in distress. 

However, only Konatsu and I were thinking along that line. 

—-

Promises are powerful. Overplayed and perhaps overvalued but powerful enough so that a mere exchange of words that could easily mean nothing is the only lasting memory of a loved one over the course of years. Promises strengthen bonds and they stack on top of one another. Tari Tari isn’t about breaking promises and causing all sorts of emotional drama; it’s about keeping them, preserving them and using them to enhance powerful relationships between friends and family, and to stabilize oneself. In this case, it’s between Wakana and her deceased mother, whose memories still feel very alive. All I have are praises for the range of emotions and feelings (and voices) that drive this particular episode. Truly, I felt like I was laughing and remembering along. 

In no sense do I feel that things were simply dragged out. I think the pacing is about just right to have Wakana sort out her feelings and ease her way into bringing up the tough questions that have been in her chest for an extended amount of time. For her friends to worry about her and even give her a good laugh when she needed it the most is an unspoken promise of keeping each other accountable, and no matter who the true star of the series is, it accommodates to every individual strengths. For Sawa, it’s her caring nature with a playful edge; for Konatsu, it’s being cheerful and proactive; for the guys, it’s being funny without trying to be and keeping an eye out from afar. Heck, throw in Takahashi-sensei (congrats on the newborn girl) and Sawa’s mom too. And of course, you can’t forget about Wakana’s dad. Liar or not, he’s an understanding and patient father, and really helps set the mood in parting with his wife. 

Music is a beautiful creation when emotions are involved, and just like a promise, powerful. It is also a foundation for Tari Tari and all of the major characters involved. And now that everyone has found a voice, whether humorously practiced or rediscovered, that music is sounding more beautiful than ever and this anime is heading into that “great” category, if ever so subtly for those who think it’s still a bit slow or boring. 

Ever since the last episode, it’s been a whole mess of feelings and emotions, a whirlwind of thoughts, memories and tears that could rip through hearts and touch even the sternest of viewers. I think this episode topped the previous one because Wakana finds a closure she is satisfied with after finally succumbing to her own past and letting herself cry. Sometimes, that’s all we need to do. 

GO Rating: 4.5/5

A wonderful song just for them awaits.