Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita – 9

Humanity Has Declined is an anime defined by the fairies.  And though the fairies have been present and highly influential in every story, this is the first episode where the story revolved around the fairies and Watashi interacts with them.  Finally, an episode with some insight and information on the adorable, pint-sized creatures that dominate this world and truly represent this anime.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 10

And now for something completely different.

Episode 10 of Puella Magi Madoka Magica provides us with Homura’s backstory, depicting her metamorphosis from her frail, timid, and emotional former self to the Homura we’ve grown to love and cheer for.  The previous timelines through which she lived help us understand Homura a little more, as well as show us some interesting storylines involving her relationships with the various characters.  But that wasn’t the best part about the episode.

Kimi ni Todoke Season 2 – 8

The school festival is nearly over and we have Sawako and Kazehaya together, alone in the vacant classroom.  They’re far removed from any potential threats (I’m looking at you Kent, Kurumi, and Pin) and the next episode is titled Confession, so yeah, we’ll finally be getting that coveted and elusive relationship progress.  So get those party poppers ready for next week’s episode.

And with the fruition of romance imminent, you can’t help but notice another blossoming take place in the series.  Well, perhaps blossoming isn’t the right word but rather utilization.  But then utilization doesn’t make for a better metaphor, so I’m going back to blossoming.  Yes, it’s eerie how Sawako’s medicinal herb garden is a metaphor for the relationship between Sawako and Kazehaya this season.