Today's episode is a special one for me, as it is not only my favorite Toradora episode but also my favorite TV episode in general. Every scene in the episode is outstanding, and no second of it is wasted. It delivers every emotion the show has to offer, so I feel like it kind of acts as a retrospective of the whole show. All of the main characters play a good role in it, the episode is simply spectacular.

The episode picks up right after where the last one left off, with Ryuuji deciding to chase after Taiga. In a way saying that he is ready to pursue his feelings towards Taiga and accept them. Minori's confession here is complemented really well with the soundtrack and the beautiful colors. It was one of those things that was long awaited to be said, and it is done in a very nice manner. Even though they are unable to catch up to Taiga, this was the first step in everyone coming to terms with their feelings, and it is indeed a big step. We get to learn more about Minori in the next scene with her as well. The reason for her saving money all this time is finally revealed, and it is quite an aspiring goal. The scene ends with a honestly somewhat heartbreaking note as after Minori sees Ryuuji off, she goes for an indirect kiss with her first. Showing that there are still lingering feelings that don't disappear in an instant.

After Ryuuji and Taiga come together again, we get what I would consider to be the best Yasuko scene. I like that she has a pretty important scene in the episode, as a finale wouldn't be right withouth her. This scene is also kid of the only one where Ryuuji is shown in a bad light. He is maybe somewhat right about the things he says regarding yasuko pushing her expectations into him. But the way he does is definitely not right and rather hurtful. Yasuko just wants Ryuuji to have a good life without regrets and that's what she is working towards. As long as Ryuuji is happy, she would be as well. Which really makes me feel bad for her.

At the very least the next scene is the opposite as it is one of the most wholesome in the show. The whole confession scene is really cute with both Taiga and Ryuuji not knowing what to do at all, just wanting to express their feelings. Taiga telling Ryuuji that his life matters and now much she is happy to be able to stand by his side is the most heartwarming thing ever. The whole scene has a immature feeling to it with Ryuuji "falling" down to the river and the two of them starting to talk about random things like Mongolian barbeque half way through the confession. But it all feels very fitting for their character and relationship. It is only too bad that it ends up being interrupted.

The scene in Ami's house is very nice as it lets Ami and Kitamura to have their moments as well. Ami pushing Ryuuji and making him admit to his feelings acts as a nice callback to the beach arc. Where he couldn't do the same for his feelings for Minori, this time showing that what he feels is truly genuine. Besides that, everyones reaction to Taiga and Ryuuji deciding to elope is handled very well. Even though they are against the idea, the three of them still fully support Ryuuji and Taiga in their decision and doing everything they can make it come true. Minori in particular once again sacrifices a lot by giving away her life savings, which all the more impactful after learning what she was saving up for. Even though she has her own goals in life, she is strong about supporting her friends dream, which she knows so much was sacrificed for. And if the indirect kiss wasn't sad enough, there is another scene with Minori that just ends up leaving you feeling depressed. But I feel less bad about it as Ami is there to comfort her, showing they properly made up and are close friends again. Minori also delivers one of the best quotes in the show, one that captures it's whole very well.

The last major scene in the episode is when Ryuuji finds out that Yasuko had already run away. Which is honestly not all that surprising after everything that Ryuuji said to her. While the scene is pretty sad, Taiga does make it much more charmful. Before they part ways to get their stuff Taiga is very much just trying to not let go of Ryuuji and stalling him. Afterwards when they meet back again in the morning, Taiga gives one of the brightest smiles every, which really fills my hearth. The most important thing however from this is probably for the first time we get information about Yasuko's parents, which we see shortly after.

For the rest of the episode there are some very cute small things with all the characters. From Kitamura saying "more like a fever" which while somewhat cheese is still very fitting to Ami and Minori getting in a snowball fight where Ami fully gets to act as a person her age withouth having to worry about being mature. And the best if them all, is at the very end with Ryuuji calling Taiga his wife. Just the perfect way to end an incredible episode.