Hyouka Final Episode Thoughts

All good things must come to an end, and Hyouka is unfortunately no exception. But all good things require a good end, and I was very curious to see just how they’d pull it off. Thankfully, the finale did not disappoint, bringing the series to a conclusive finish; gathering the four together with each of their respective developments over the course of time, as well as wrapping up much of the loose ends while leaving pieces here & there to keep us even a tiny bit curious for what may happen next. And I throw around the word “curious” alot, because that’s how much this anime has managed to keep me interested.

The focus was almost entirely on Houtarou & Eru, although we don’t actually see the latter until the end of Houtarou’s curiosity. Which lead to Eru’s curiosity. The mystery itself may have seemed pointless & insignificant at first glance. However, it never got in the way of the episode, and instead it cleverly ties into the relationship between the two characters – the oh-so distant worlds both live in, and the decisions they themselves come to. Like the brown-haired guy said, “you don’t get to see a procession like this very often”; an event that only happens once in a lifetime, much like the final conversation between Houtarou & Eru. It’s nothing too major or depressing, but’s important nonetheless as it allows Eru to confess who she is and where she belongs.

Though the scent still lingers, the flower scatters…

Houtarou’s curiosity came unexpected, but it’s warranted given his obvious fascination for Eru. She represents what he’s been missing his entire life; that sense of romance, adventure, and – for the 4th or 5th time – curiosity; essentially, the “rose-coloured life” he’d always secretly yearned for. And much to his surprise, it has always been right there beside him the entire time. After what has been presumingly a year, Houtarou Oreki is no longer changing; he’s a changed man, as shown during his “proposal” towards Eru… which can be translated as “I’ll always be by your side”. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t had a major case of feels. Dammit KyoAni, stop doing this to me! T^T

“How about I take care of that for you?”

Seriously, how sweet would that have been if he actually said it? But of course, we’re teased to the bitter end. Well, not bitter, but sweet, and I honestly can’t think of a better way for a anime like this to end. But I’m not going to cry… again, because for some reason, I feel this isn’t the last we’ll see of the Classics Club – of Satoshi, Mayaka, Eru, and Houtarou. So I’ll stay curious, with Eru’s “kininarimasu!” forever ringing in my head, and those glittery, purple eyes forever deep in endless curiosity. For myself, and for anyone else who ever gets curious… because that’s the impact of Eru’s legacy, and impact Hyouka itself will forever have.

Thanks for sticking with me! See you again in the full-series review! ^_^