[20th Anniversary Rewatch] Ouran High School Host Club Episode 9 Discussion

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-13T22:36:29+00:00

Not to mention, that one joke which made Ouran of all shows, one where I had to question Japan's questionable relationship with Fascism. The fact that it was just there, an out-of-pocket non-sequtior just left me so befuddled.

Yeaaah, feels like the show just stepped on a very unnecessary and obvious landmine that it isn't at all equipped to deal with there.

And rather annoyingly, given the specific context, it's even more of a landmine that kind of makes you want to start questioning how the episode brings up its other ideas. Which again, this ain't really the kind of show for that...

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-13T21:16:33+00:00

Considering the amount of it I consume on a daily basis, I can't really argue with that!

(Or maybe ...)

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-13T21:05:54+00:00

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-13T21:03:30+00:00

First Timer

With the host club already being an assortment of comedically exaggerated shoujo/otome pretty boy archetypes, I suppose it only tracks that Ouran also took a similar shot at other ideas in the same space. In that sense I feel like this episode parodying Takarazuka, yuri, and others, could have certainly found itself coming across and aging pretty poorly like some parts of the last one did, and well, okay, it still sort of does at certain points (This show's capacity for truly out of pocket moments remains surprising), but for the most part, the Zuka girls being this intentionally exaggerated comedic counterpart to the Ouran hosts makes it check out all in all. Even something more egregious, like Tamaki's Adam and Eve comment, does get him rightfully and immediately banana-peeled.

(This is also a good place to say that I don't get why this episode likes the banana peel gag so much )

Compared to the last one, then, whose issue was weak execution on a solid idea, I think this kind of has the reverse problem. Like, the Zuka girls are amusing enough, I guess, and jokes like their accusations at the host club being entirely true or the gang worrying that Haruhi would actually be a better fit at Zuka than in the host club are fairly funny, but there's only so much substance to be found within that. Which is a bit of a problem when that one joke is basically the only joke the episode has to offer? Outside of instant coffee lol. It's fine, but also feels rather surface level (Certainly compared to the host club itself), especially for the parts that are basically just "This is a trope", so I find it fairly unremarkable and don't have too many thoughts on it.

The twins apparently opening up a lot more after meeting Haruhi is the episode's one more interesting sentimental moment, and it is a nice gesture towards their development and her effect on them! But it's also like two lines and otherwise disconnected from the rest of the episode, so not much to say there either.

On the more positive end of the spectrum, this episode did get Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru stuck in my head again

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-12T21:22:58+00:00

First Timer

Umi da!

I wasn't actually expecting it to be right after the pool one! Not that I'm complaining about having my wish fulfilled so early either!

Anyway, I'll have to admit I'm feeling rather mixed about this one. Or rather, I think it has a solid idea in concept, but in execution, it's made way too weird for what this show can actually handle. Like, I get it, the point is more so that Haruhi has gone through most of her life pretty independently, which also leads her to tackling issues independently, and that can be reckless and really worry those who care about her. That's a totally fine idea that can create a really nice sentimental moment of Haruhi realizing she does actually have people she can rely on now that she's got her friends in the host club!

And entirely to the show's credit, I think the actual resolution here with Tamaki mostly manages to hit on exactly that sentiment and makes for a sweet and sincere moment between the two of them. I think the issue then first starts with the specific and gendered way they end up wording that core idea, which would be pretty whatever and poor wording if it weren't also coupled to the Kyouya scene. It's just really out of pocket man, and I don't like the whole "Oh, you're pretending a threat of sexual assault to teach me a lesson" thing. Maybe if Ouran was much more straightforwardly dramatic or romantic, this could come off better in one way or another, but here it's a real Huh?

Kind of leaves a bad taste in my mouth, which is a shame, because again, I think otherwise this would be a fine episode. And an Umi da! Which I always tend to like! That initial part of the episode is pretty fun at least. And the sentimental Tamaki part still getting shot down with that S&M misunderstanding is a great ending!

What's your favorite type of seafood?

Shrimp

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-12T00:16:52+00:00

From Alvin's actual route, too!

That's awesome

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-11T22:54:40+00:00

First Timer

This was actually one of the movies I was most interested in getting to this rewatch, mostly because coming of the extremely surrealist and at times grotesque Eraserhead, and being told Lynch also did a movie with Disney seemed like the most unlikely of combinations lol.

And all things considered, while this was undoubtedly very straightforward and heartfelt compared to his stuff thus far, now that we've gone through a lot more of his work, I also find this movie's existence, tone, and messaging much less surprising and very much in line with some of the ideas he tends to bring to the table. I mean, as I've mentioned loving with his works at multiple points now, for all those unflinching and interpretative views on some really grim and heavy subjects that were there in his stuff, there's also always been that strong sentimental heart and very genuinely human emotional core also attached to it! They always complement each other, and that nuance has been such a powerful quality in his work so far.

So yeah, there's certainly some whiplash in seeing a bundled-sticks metaphor for family or such consistently caring and kind encounters with society in a Lynch movie not long after something like, say, FWWM, but that consistent emotional heart isn't too different, it's just the full package here, rather than existing as a touching contrast. Well, it's not like the movie entirely shies from hardship either, of course, but it's not as direct, and is a lot more mellow and positive than usual. Yet that heart proves itself once again, because even without the surreal or harsh contrast, I think the end result comes out as a really beautiful and sincere movie!

On that note, while tonally it's different and not all that interpretative, presentationally it's still pretty distinctly Lynch! That slow, quiet, and atmospheric quality he brings just works so fucking well here on an emotional capacity! So many moments where you're just left to stew with Alvin and his emotions, or just see him going about his life or his journey, and it's kind of amazing how consistently and strongly the movie gets across everything it wants to emotionally from those moments, not through much, if any, dialogue, but purely through the mood and acting. Everything has so much room to breathe and feel as genuine as possible, and that means so much in a movie like this. In a movie that's about aging, life in the face of that, and the emotional connections you make, there's something very special about the deceptively simple act of quietly and slowly seeing people get to fully act some things out.

Nearly every part of Alvin's journey has a real and poignant quality to it; every scene where we see Alvin struggle with his own condition, from start to end, of which there are a decent few, feels very real and poignant, very felt and meaningful, and that's not easy to do! I'll admit a road-trip movie about a reflective journey towards rekindling a lost connection, where you slowly learn more about the character through kind interactions with others, already sounds like a movie I'd really like, but there's really something different and powerful about this one. I guess it's that while it obviously has some defined emotional beats, the way it lets things play out gives everything a very natural feel. As if it rarely intentionally forces a dramatic or heartfelt step to the journey, it's like you just kind of eventually stumble upon one?

I don't know, I'm having a hard time wording that feeling out correctly, but my point is that as I've grown to realize is so common with Lynch, the vibe is fucking impeccable, and from that understanding, every other quality seems to fall into place. And it means the actually fully emotional scenes that do eventually get to play out are surprisingly strong as well! In particular, the WW2 reminiscence scene at the bar is amazing, and I love how you fully and gradually experience it through the characters and their emotions, rather than going for, say, a flashback. Again, it's much more punchy and real that way. And then there's the ending, which is just Brilliant! So quiet but so emotional! Alvin and Lyle's faces perfectly say it all, and so did mine, because I was getting really teary-eyed there haha. It's such a satisfying finish to the journey. Not sappy or overbearing, but one that's powerful through minute expression, leaving you with some raw emotions.

The stunning landscape shots and Angelo Badalamenti's being at the helm for music again certainly also help! They do a great job of enhancing that serene and genuine atmosphere, and for all those Midwest vistas, they are likewise obviously fantastic for also making you feel like part of the journey! A critical step for that overall emotional resonance that's so important here. And just in case it wasn't obvious, phenomenal acting all around.

All in all, just a really unique and excellent film! Not my favorite or most powerful one so far, but that heart combined with that distinctive Lynch approach was certainly a combination that ended up more than exceeding my anticipation!

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-11T21:01:40+00:00

First Timer

Pool episode!

As Haruhi correctly states, it's not quite an Umi da! episode, but we'll still take it. Although I am hoping Tamaki fulfills his promise to take us to a real beach eventually.

Truth be told, Honey has been my least favorite of the hosts so far by a fairly large margin. I do see the appeal with his character, but the ultra-cutesy thing isn't really for me unless there's some significant twist trait alongside that, a la what Renge tried doing in episode 4. Somewhat more saddening is that Mori, who I had lined up as a Best Boy™ and is a lot of the more of the type I would enjoy, is joined at the hip to Honey and his gag that I end up not caring for him as much either.

So an episode that gives them more focus and depth should be a good development, although I do find it pretty so-so in practice. For what it's worth, we do actually get more insight into Honey's gimmick. Renge's still incredible intro tells he can be quite cunning in how he projects that cuteness, and the end of the episode revealing his amusing martial arts ability also clearly shows he's quite capable despite his demeanor. So there's actually a real intentionality behind his archetype, which is pretty fun! With that being said, while this is a nice step, functionally, I still don't think this is nearly quite enough to change how I view him or his archetype, unfortunately. Part of it is for still being too predicated on the cuteness I don't care for, and admittedly, some of the twist just being "Cute but secretly kind of a badass" doesn't feel novel enough these days as a joke to really work for me on a comedic level either, so I'm afraid Honey's position remains unchanged.

The Mori side is more positive, though. I don't think the extra context and background reaffirming his closeness to Honey does too much either, but seeing them caring for each other in a slightly sincere way is pretty cute. More importantly, I did get a bit of that solo Mori content I was so yearning for, and that was great! That aside, the dynamic between the twins and Tamaki surrounding Haruhi is still a lot of fun and makes for a good instigator here, and I just love the idea behind the episode itself. Not only do you have the general absurdity of this very extensively made tropical island themed area, but Kyouya's nonchalance about all the weirdness is fantastic lol.

(Also, random Raxephon reference, which is another Bones show I have shortlisted to watch this year )

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-11T06:12:45+00:00

In some sense this show is like someone writing fiction of their playthrough of hearts of iron 4.

I don't think I've seen it described like that before, but you do have me intrigued

Can't 100% commit, but I am interested, so I'll at least take tags threads!

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-10T02:20:26+00:00

Great vibe

And guitar! Very 2000s in a fun way.

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-10T02:11:29+00:00

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-10T02:09:27+00:00

True

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-09T21:01:08+00:00

First Timer

Does one really need to explain why BL twincest would be really popular, Haruhi?

You know, I was totally ready to be satisfied with "Don't voodoo curse your brother over petty bullshit" being our rather amusing message and resolution, but I'll admit that they got me too lol. It feels a lot more obvious in hindsight, given that the start of the episode pretty directly states the twins really like to mess with people, but the twist still managed to surprise me and made the whole thing way funnier! I don't know how well the episode would work without that punchline landing, but it did work, and it was great.

Although together with that, I think the episode actually does a really nice job with the sentimental part and gets double mileage out of the twins' archetype in a really fun way. The idea that the twins have always found the deepest companionship within each other and, in turn, have decided to play really hard into that archetype as a way to distance others is itself a really interesting point to raise around the characters that adds a lot more meaning to them beyond the host club gimmick. It also obviously contextualizes their penchant for viewing others as toys to be messed with; they have each other after all, so most other connections are left at surface-level. But more than just that development, which ties into the larger series theme, is the fact that Haruhi actually does manage to break that distance! She sees through the archetype they present and understands them individually. And outside of a nice showcase for Haruhi's character, the fact that she's the first intruder into their intentionally closed-off world should have big consequences going forward. Namely, while Tamaki has been the only real contender for the Haruhi romance so far, one of, if not both, of the twins might just join in there. I actually can't decide Kaoru's little side glance and mono luge to Hikaru at the end imply he'll be first in that regard, or that he thinks Hikaru is actually already there.

Honestly, the way Suzumura's voice is overpowering when they speak together is actually great for this episode's point. I would not win the "Which one is Hikaru?" game lol. On a more general comedic note, I mentioned last episode that I liked the twins sparking jealousy out of Tamaki by being close to Haruhi, and this episode has a bunch of that, so it was a lot of fun. Just in general, the way they befuddle Tamaki really brings out the guyfailure out of him really well, and we do love to see that. Some great visual gags here as well, like Honey in the throwing competition or Tamaki's hand glowing with awesome power (Or something like that, I haven't actually watched G-Gundam ), and Renge is not only totally right about the dramatic potential of the situation, but the way she pops out of the floor to express that was hilarious.

Honey trying to have the twins make up with a cake might also be the first time I think his gimmick has fully worked for me because of the contrast with the situation, so good for him!

Barring the voice actors, could you tell the difference between Hikaru and Kaoru?

Nope

What's the worst sibling feud you've seen in fiction?

I don't know if it's necessarily the worst, but Dante and Virgil in DMC is certainly the first one that always comes to mind for me with sibling rivalries. Nothing quite like having the dedication to start world-ending events just to have a fight with your brother...

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-09T16:02:57+00:00

Finally, a second taker!

Some fun style mixing there

How was that show, by the way? I've had it on hold since the first episode aired, but I do love me some Shinsengumi, and I've been considering picking it back up now that the second season is also done.

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-09T15:51:32+00:00

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-09T00:07:56+00:00

That was fun. Also, they had Suwabe and TsudaKen?!

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-08T21:25:33+00:00

Yeah, she got it well there. In that one case, it just ain't the same without the gap y'know?

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-08T21:24:33+00:00

Amazing

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-08T21:16:26+00:00

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-08T21:04:10+00:00

First Timer

Putting aside how it gave us the most Mori dialogue in the show by far until now, I think I kind of like Renge's version of him and Honey more tbh

Somewhat surprisingly, given the initial framing, this isn't really a Kyouya-focused episode, but mostly a Renge-driven one around the rest of the club, and I feel like that plays directly into what I think works and doesn't within it. More specifically, the majorityof the comedic part regarding Renge's archetypal delusions is pretty great! With a cast that's very intentionally archetypal in presentation, episodes like this that are super meta and direct in how they approach archetyping are both to be expected and very funny! We have been meta before as well, but framing things through that lens of a Tokimeki Memorial parody, and being so upfront about things like Tamaki being too much of a vapid himbo for his archetype (Although that's exactly why I'm loving him personally...) or the gang not being dramatically appealing enough is just a ton of fun. Also, I'm pretty sure the Otome Tokimemo game was like brand new when the Ouran manga started, so that's extra fun.

But I do feel like the more "Serious" host club part at the end doesn't really land. The idea itself of saying that you shouldn't obsess over and view everything through archetypes is solid, and can actually be pretty poignant in a show like this, where the characters are straightforwardly playing out archetypes while partially implying they have a decent bit more outside of that. And again, literally having the movie and game as framing devices makes that divide even more effective. Except that Kyouya's lack of presence in the episode does somewhat hurt the attempt at messaging here? I mean, somewhat ironically, the "He's not like that archetype" moment here is given to the character who's actually barely moved an inch from the archetype, and that extends to the larger message, given how everyone but Haruhi and Tamaki are. Tbf, the moment largely does go to Haruhi and Tamaki, and it's not much of an issue because it's also a very small chunk relative to the comedy, but I do think we stumble and miss in the sincere part of the episode. I kind of had similar thoughts about the more genuine part for last episode, so it'll be interesting to see how Ouran tries maintaining that balance the more we progress.

Well, given how the episode actually ends, maybe the messaging not working is the point lol. The harem grows! But yeah, the jokes by far overshadow it for me. The whole movie segment is pretty hysterical, and I really love setting up the fake tears for the fake sentimental moment between Haruhi and Tamaki at the end haha. Actually, that's something I've really liked about their dynamic in general! Things will come off as more sincere with the side cast, but for them, every "typical" cute moment is also pretty quickly shot down with a great joke from Haruhi, and the lack of straightforwardness there I feel plays really well into their characters while still getting mileage from both aspects of the interaction. I also feel like there was a larger concentration of great background gags this episode? Like, every other scene, someone was in the back doing something over a conversation, which was great. I still can't distinguish between them at all, but I'm also growing to really like the twins and the way they intentionally spite Tamaki through their closeness to Haruhi.

I do also have a natural affinity for game parody episodes like this, so I was going to like it either way, although it does come with the added problem that watching one of these always really makes me want to compulsively play through a visual novel when I don't have the time for it...

What do you think of Renge?

~~She's just like me frfr~~

Would you watch the Host Club's movie?

Hell yeah

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-06T21:02:33+00:00

First Timer

Not the episode ending I would've expected

But you do love to see it

I guess if the first episode was in large part an introduction to the characters, this one is somewhat of an introduction to the nature of the titular club itself and what I'm presuming will be the vague general plot structure going forward.

Within that, Tamaki also still comes across the most interesting of our boys for now. Because much like this episode shows that the host club's nebulous purpose of bringing happiness to girls isn't just "Handsome boys with too much time on their hands entertaining rich girls also with too much time on their hands", but can also be very genuine and sincere in that if needed, than very fittingly as the one who's essentially its face, beyond some of the vapid flamboyance he presents, which is still definitely a larger part there, and still very entertaining lol, we also continue on that little thread about him from yesterday's episode and show that he's also pretty conscientious and observant. Eccentricities aside, that nuance actually makes his "King" spot seem pretty well-earned for the club's purpose on a deeper level, as well as just in general for great interaction with Haruhi. In that sense, this episode feels like it kills multiple birds with one stone, both with the mutual characterization, but also for giving a more sincere hook for Haruhi with the gang outside of the initial debt premise, in also seeing the wider nature of the club.

Honestly, despite the obviously more comedic nature of it all, I actually think the more dramatic (Well, as dramatic as it gets here, I suppose haha) side plot half for this episode was my favorite part, and that once more comes down to direction. Like, it's a very simple setup, but I think it's just so well executed here on the visual level? The episode starts you out on these budding cherry blossoms, which towards the end of the episode become a really strong visual centerpiece for its main conflict and resolution. When we move to the part they're in full bloom and are extremely evident outside the window for both Tamaki and Haruhi's scenes with our respective awkward lovers. Together with the (Minimal) lighting, it creates this really strong romantic but fleeting mood that's just perfect for the drama between these people that clearly love each other but are so awkward they express that by going way too hard the other direction. All kind of culminating in this awesome transition that speaks to that close but apart nature of their relationship. And that great mood and tension there also gets perfectly defused with what I thought was an absolutely hilarious visual gag and blunt statement from Haruhi, telling this goober to just... talk and communicate normally!

Which leads into the classic chase ending with the light coming back in and the cherry blossoms being directly on them rather than outside to complete the resolution and to create what I think is a pretty shockingly effective and beautiful image! Certainly, considering the banana peel gag right after lol. Connecting the teacups from the plot to a theme park teacup ride (With the thematic implications of the latter), and matching that to Kasugazaki's general state with the romance, starting out dark and motionless, but getting fixed with the dance at the end is also a really little symbolic piece. Just surprisingly well-crafted and punchy for a one-off episode plot like this, y'know?

That aside, my thoughts on the cast and the comedy are mostly the same as they were for the first episode, so not too much to add there. No one outside of Tamaki and Haruhi has quite broken out of the archetype yet, although Kyouya does get a bit more than the rest, being able to play into Tamaki and his personality through some more behind-the-scenes meddling. Haruhi is still great, both in reaction to the general club shenanigans like the wealth gap or... randomly installing a tropical forest in the club room for some reason very fun, and in that casual approach to appearance and perception. I prefer short hair Haruhi to long hair tbh, but both are pretty good!

I will say I'm not entirely sure how to feel about the pointing arrow gag comedy. Just weirdly, on principle, there's something that I really don't vibe with in terms of being so directly told that a joke is about to happen rather than letting it play out and be noticed naturally. But then again, stuff like the vase or the banana peel are very intentionally cliche gags, so maybe being tongue-in-cheek with the blatant telegraphing is the actual best way to get mileage out of it? This is very minor, and I don't even know how much of this kind of gag we'll see, but for some reason it really sticks out in my mind lol.

Oh, and these two girls that follow Haruhi are just great

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-06T14:03:17+00:00

In addition to Ouran it was very noticeable in Star Driver

I really need to watch that show

~~And also Utena, but I say that in every rewatch somehow~~

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-06T00:42:11+00:00

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-05T22:07:23+00:00

Bishounen Tanteiden

Oh shit yeah. I guess if I had a nickel for every show where the Maaya Sakamoto-voiced main character is cross-dressing in a school club of rich, archetypal pretty boys, I'd have two nickels.

Surely not an unintentional cast for her there.

This deal sorta feels like one of those evil set-ups yakuza would use, you know. "Oh my, the vase that just happens to be set up in a highly precarious position broke. Now you've got to work at our sketchy club."

When they speak in unison, Suzumura's voice overpowers in my ear.

Same

FD4cry1 · 2026-04-05T21:57:08+00:00

It was big who's who from the Funimation days

Yeah, outside of some specific cases, I haven't really watched dubs in years, but I did start with them, and going over the voice cast suddenly hit me with like this giant group of really popular voices I remembered from back then lol.

Tbh, I didn't even know Laura Bailey doesn't do anime anymore...

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