©Ayano Takeda,TAKARAJIMASHA/Hibike Partners2024
Motomu is a character that audiences have been asking questions about ever since the story added him to Sound! Euphonium cast in the movie. He was not involved in the main plot of that movie, as the other new first years took the spotlight. However, the stubborn nature of the contrabass child, insisting on being called by his name, and sticking to Midori's prepared things so he could run into some problems later on. I've commented before on Euphonium's idea that everyone in the band has their own story—Sally was the star in the last episode and now, this week, it's time to find Motomu, again through through Kumiko practicing her leadership skills.
Sound! Euphonium has chosen to keep audiences guessing as the cast enters a third year of interpersonal ups and downs. In Motomu's case, both the viewer and the characters in the story may make the unwarranted assumption that his emotional anxiety is due to some conflict with his grandfather. The beginning of this episode offers a glimpse: Motomu stands apart from his family as they visit a gravesite. Kumiko, Midori, and the others freely speculate about his potential problems, somewhat resentfully talking about how they can talk to him, only to continue to delay out of politeness. The other band members did not want to bother Motomu, such as Motomu assuring the band members that whatever happened to him would not disrupt their performance.
That might make this episode feel like it's in a pattern that's long overdue its runtime. It's an effectively produced and directed holding, with little touches of body language and constant character interactions to confirm that Kumiko and the other bandleaders are still doing some their part. Reina has improved from the previous episode and is now giving positive encouragement to the performers she cried to before. Kuroe continues to blend into the band, fixing her clothes and defusing a tense moment with Kanade with surprising ease. I still trust her enough to throw her away.
That means that for all the main characters claiming they never asked Motomu about his problems, it still feels like there was some set-up when Higuchi showed up to explain it for them. Higuchi's appearance is not unusual. We previously saw his text messages to Motomu. Higuchi gives an explanation to Kumiko and Midori, giving practical consequences to all the assumptions built up about Motomu. The reveal that his grandfather wasn't a hardened musical tyrant but a cool guy who everyone got along with and whom Motomu didn't resent was a really smart and interesting twist. taste. This reveal opens up the story to explore Motomu's character now.
Will main vector Sound! The main story goal of Euphonium's third season is for Kumiko to just talk to the new band members about their problems? It makes sense from the perspective of plot progression. Kumiko has come to understand the problems caused by Asuka's hands-off, hands-off approach to leadership in the past. But it also risks overshadowing many other elements of the anime's story, overriding the exploration of training, talent, and skill enhancement simply for the sake of satisfaction. Maybe it's a blessing if it means less pondering about Reina's desire to be “special” to impress Taki. Regardless, the change in priorities is evident when this episode completely ignores the traditional SunFes performance, instead opting for the characters to simply talk about how well it went how.
This deliberate choice is evident when the contrabass duet between Motomu and Midori plays at the end of this episode. Music for communication and conversation is the order of the day, and any other activities and performances are simply ways to arouse character drama. That tracks the internal change in leadership style through Kumiko and Motomu's revelation of the issues surrounding his dead sister. He wants to be able to enjoy music and the band playing the way they do, shown by Kumiko feeling the same way in wanting to join Kitauji's band when she finds herself leading it. Performing well and winning are still important, but they will be achieved by ensuring everyone feels comfortable and, importantly, able to communicate with each other.
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Sound! Euphonium 3 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.
Chris was more involved in drama than band in high school, but he says the motivation was similar. You can follow what he is commanding on Twitter or find your way to blog orchestra.