with that aside, I’m just going to confirm the news about Saiunkoku not airing next week. There’s going to be a guest special instead (according to Newtype), and will resume airing next week

Ensei joking about constipation just takes the cake for the most inappropriate thing to say to clear the tension. However, you will trust Ensei to come out with something like that. I did laugh my head off and still laugh somewhat @_@

Yep, in a modern society, the situation in Saiunkoku Monogatari is not much of a feministic movement. However, remembering the context of japanese/oriental culture in this historical context, the very fact that women were leading in the field of medical work, primarily one of a male occupation is a huge leap in quantum space.

That added, i do get your point about the gender stereotyping. It is somewhat pervasive in most anime actually, but it just triggered my thought with the current episode.

@Usagijen: hehehe, as said, I have a really bad memory, being the age of being old and all. Well, I am a typical guy and to me, cuteness = win.

Ya.

Arrr, in a way, the women folk are always the unsung heros in any historical context. You remember the Alexanders and all that, but the women are the ones that quietly prepared everything in the background.

it seems that there’s a big difference with the chinese and japanese title this time (although the chinese title also fits the episode… hehe… but they diverted :p)

the japanese title translates to the famous saying, “The husband is always the last to know”, which I believe refers to how Taishu’s aide was able to ask help from the wives without their husbands knowing (because they were out plotting what to do with Shuurei :p)

I think that would be me. I hope Shuuran will grow up to be as strong and well adjusted as Shuurei.

I love that scene with Ensei joking about constipation too! He is so cute. He’s the prime example of a non-bishounen (at least not as bishie as Ryuuki and Seiran) winning on the basis of his personality. He’s such a cool guy.

I did think that the animation this week is a bit subpar. Fortunately Ensei and Co. made up for it. I love the subtle facial expressions on Shuurei’s face, and you can see immediately that she’s made up her mind on something (like not to die at the moment).

Regarding feminism, my first reaction is that how can it be feminism when You Sensei categorized women as a whole to be “better” at taking care of people? The idea of recruiting seamstresses for sewing up flesh is great, and I totally applaud the idea. But You Sensei talking about how women has always been the best domestic caregiver is a bit… I don’t know, patriarchal? As in, you expect females to be good at domestic caregiving, so there’s really nothing extraordinary about it with regards to characters in the show. Shuurei is a great example of going OUTSIDE the expected role of the female stereotype. IMO, the women recruited here are still performing their expected role.

Not to mention the gender stereotyping. Can’t normal males (not trained in medical) take care of people too? Can women who are not adept in sewing actually sew up a person?

But after reading sakujunsghost’s post, I do get that point more. I may have been basing my opinion from a modern point of view, which is not the setting for the anime.

On the feminist ideas, I feel that it is somewhat true that there is somewhat of a modern influence (with your examples) in the show. If I am not mistaken, the author is somewhat of a person who believes in feminism, which is perhaps why she has the influence.

To add on, Riou Jr is very interesting but you really cannot tell whether he is a good or bad guy. He is definitely the spy for sure but I do hope that he’s doing a good thing since he’s way too adorable to be an evil counterpart.

Ensei = win, yes sire. I am not sure if there is a break, I can check it later. The episode itself mentions nothing of it.

@Kos-jin: it is really impressive on Ensei, but I do not want him with a beard. He looks way better without his beard, seriously!

@Kuri: Hmm, ya, that is perhaps the literal meaning of the title. I generally do not understand Japanese a single bit, and really appreciate that you translate bits of the title. In that case, it might be describing the people who are so affected by the people coming in with a disease that they cannot be objective anymore.

I leave the spoilers away from now ^^

And Ensei, oh Ensei, just grow your beard again, and you will be more GAR! ;p

Regarding your comments about the feminist ideas in the show, and about the women being asked to help, I didn’t think it was that unusual considering mothers are usually the ones to care for the sick. However, your comments reminded me of the stories of Florence Nightingale and Clara Barton (founder of the Red Cross) who had to overcome terrible discrimination in order to be allowed to help wounded soldiers. It’s hard to believe that though we now consider nursing to be traditionally a woman’s field, not too long ago, it was considered “unladylike.” Good observations.

Riou Jr is the most intriguing character right now, and they’re not giving away any hints about him at all! I think you’re right that he’s a spy right now, but I’m holding out hope that he turns out to be a good guy.

I was hoping for something more on Eigetsu and Kourin in this episode, but alas, nothing.

Ensei @#$%! rocks–’nuf said.

Was there any mention of the show taking a break next week? I heard that there was supposed to be some kind of special on or something. Thanks again for taking the time to post!