Subculture Anime Blog

The end of a journey. My final impression is included.

Summary:

When Akari first arrived at the Aria Company, she was very enthusiastic about her new duties. While Alicia gazed at her over breakfast, Akari could only wonder what was wrong. Aika and Alice congratulate Akari on becoming a prima in the present time, but they are more concerned about the news of Alicia’s retirement. Akari mentions that this was suppose to happen earlier, but Alicia seemingly held off until Akari became a prima. Further more, Akari mentions the news of Alicia’s marriage that even she was surprised about. The girls are interrupted by a telephone call from Akatsuki who is extremely panicked about Alicia’s marriage, but soon after hanging up, Akari only wonders how the news has spread so quickly. As Alicia travels through the city, many of the inhabitants shower her with gifts. With her usual elegant appearance, she simply keeps a smile for everyone.

Aika and Alice wonder if Akari is okay at the Aria Company, so she assures them that she is. Akari recalls the busy days that were spent after the news of Alicia’s upcoming retirement, and how happy she was to spend the time with everyone. Because of this, she assures herself that she is okay. As Akari works on an assignment later, however, she turns to ask Alicia about a part she does not understand. Finding that Alicia is no where to be found, Akari is brought to tears. When Alicia finally returns, Akari mentions how no one wants her to retire. Unable to stop her tears, Akari states that everyone loves Alicia. Alicia embraces Akari, apologizing for her own selfishness throughout the past. Finally stopping her tears, Akari describes the different paths that everyone have chosen. She decides that she must do her best as well, and that she would like to see everyone with a smile.

On a later day, Akari serves a client named Anno Namihei. This is actually the old postman from before, who has also retired. Namihei describes how happy he is to have a ride with the prima Akari, assuring her that she would be okay after Alicia’s retirement ceremony. Akari describes this event to Alicia later that night, making Alicia believe that the time for Akari’s Aria Company has already come. The time for Alicia’s ceremony comes, so Athena and Akira escort her there. On the way, Alicia takes one look back at the Aria Company. Most of the city gathers to see Alicia’s ceremony, as several Undine clear the way for her. At the end, Alicia presents Akari with her oar before walking away from her gondola. Remembering the time she had first become a prima, Alicia is brought to tears. Snow begins to fall as if it were a miracle afterwards, perfectly representing the water fairy known as Snow White. As Alicia is relieved of her duties, the entire crowd applauds for her.

On a later morning, Akari almost believes she sees Alicia and the others at the company. These are only illusions, however, as Akari realizes that everyone’s feelings have gathered there. Opening the shutter to the company’s entrance, Akari believes she will experience her new beginning. Looking out into the beautiful world, Akari writes a letter to Ai about what has happened afterwards. Woody has frequently been visiting Akari with deliveries. Aika has been very busy at Himeya, but she still remains to be the crybaby she usually is when she visits Akari. Alice is very respected by those around her, but she continues to create silly rules for herself. Al has begun his studies, and he frequently spends time with Aika. Akatsuki has also begun his studies, and he sometimes appears at the Aria Company to spend time with Akari. Athena has begun displaying her spectacular voice at the opera, and Akira now shines as the number one prima on Aqua. Alicia has become very busy with company meetings, but she sometimes visits the Aria Company with Grandma.

After several years have passed, Ai becomes an Aria Company Undine under Akari. When Ai arrives for breakfast in her uniform for the first time, Akari is only able to gaze at her. Ai embarrassingly wonders what is wrong, so Akari simply tells her that she was just a bit happy.

Impression:

Oh my god. I was saying, “Ai better show up in the last episode again or I will be pissed,” but that was even more than I bargained for. What a perfect ending to a perfect series. Too many good things happened in this episode. From smiles to tears of joy, I couldn’t have wished for a better ending to such a wonderful series. I was probably as shocked as everyone else during the announcement of Alicia’s retirement (unfortunately, I was already spoiled about her marriage by somebody). It made perfect sense though, and the ceremony was a spectacular sight. I really enjoyed the parallels brought up with the beginnings, and how it all seemed to come full circle by the end. The Yui Makino insert was beautiful, and completely necessary for a wonderful Aria episode. Akari’s inner dialog somehow seemed more powerful than usual, and the epilogue revealed so many wonderful things. I can’t believe it has all finally ended. Although I am ridiculously overjoyed right now, I can’t help but be a bit sad.

Final Impression:

When I first heard about Aria, I wasn’t sure what I was suppose to expect from it. I didn’t think the description about Undine’s usual lives and gondolas was exactly the most exciting thing in the world, but I am the type that will watch any kind of anime at a given time. After watching the first episode, however, I was blown away. Early in my revival to anime fandom, there were a few slice of life series that probably tipped the tables into making this genre my overall favorite. Aria quickly became one of those. It is rare that you find a series that will truly change the way you think. Aria proved to be a work of art that simply showed how beautiful life could be. While Honey and Clover made me rethink the way I lived, Aria showed me a new perspective when observing the world around me.

Although my blog did not exist during the original Aria or Natural, I was lucky enough to spread my love when the OVA ~Arietta~ came out. This might have made me realize how small but dedicated the slice of life fanbase is, making me realize how much more attention these types of shows needed. When announcement of the third season of Aria came out, I was very excited at the chance to cover it along with the other established Aria fans. I’m glad I decided to do so, because watching Aria every week had the ability to completely relieve me of any stress I had while working in the real world.

With an incredible cast of characters and episodes that will never be forgotten, every season of Aria has easily made it to the top of my favorites list. Aria the Origination was no exception, as almost every episode seemed to get better with each week. Origination may have started moving the time that had always seemed stalled in Aqua, but the results were magnificent. This season probably allowed me to make a personal tribute to one of the most impacting anime I have ever watched, and being able to see it to the end was a real treat. I’m still in a state of euphoria after the last episode, and all I want to do now is play a Yui Makino track while reminiscing about times spent in Neo Venezia.