Episode 12: "Sakura's Never-Ending Day" or "Time and Again"
Introduction to the Experiment
Episode 11
Episode 12: Sakura's Never-Ending Day (Card Captor Sakura) or Time And Again (Cardcaptors)
Sakura's dad comes in to talk about his work as an archaeologist. He's super cool. So super cool that Li seems to not realize that Sakura's dad is, in fact, Sakura's dad before he gets all gushy about pyramids with him until Yamazaki points their shared last names. Later that evening, Toya and Yukito study for a test together, Kero gets to the final level in his game, and Sakura realizes that she should have practiced more for her recorder test the next day. During the night, the bells at the school ring very loudly, waking everyone up. The next morning, Kero is horrified to see that all his data is gone so he has to play the whole game all over again while Sakura runs to school. At the test, Sakura worries about that tricky High C and during her performance, she messes it up. After the test, Sakura bemoans her failure while kids play a soccer game. Eventually, Sakura and Tomoyo notice Li walking as he practices his recorder. In the Japanese version, the girls wonder if Li has any family with him in Japan. In the English version, Sakura grumps that Li doesn't think she should be a card captor. Just then, a ball comes flying toward Li and, at the last second, he does a flying kick and nails a goal. At home, Sakura's dad congratulates his children on their efforts on their tests. When Sakura bemoans her failure, her dad tells her to go over what she missed that night. Sakura does so and Kero gets to the final level before making sure he saved the game. We cut to a shot of the giant clock at the school and see the hands going backwards. The next morning, all the data is gone from Kero's game and Sakura runs to school. Luckily, she brought her recorder because it's the day of the recorder test. Again. Sakura tells that they had a music test yesterday but Tomoyo tells her that that can't be true because the test is today. Luckily, because Sakura practiced, she plays it perfectly. At recess, while the same kids play the exact same game of soccer, Tomoyo wonders if Sakura is having deja vu. Nope, her memories of the previous/same day are too clear. Luckily, before this can get too metaphysical, Li shows up, not playing his recorder and not going along the pathway above the stairs, and asks if Sakura has noticed that they seem to living the same day. She has noticed and he points out that it has to be a Clow Card and it's in the clock tower. So, later that night, in the fairy costume from last episode, Sakura goes to the clock tower. As she's flying toward it, she realizes that she can sense the Clow Card like Li and Kero can. She flies toward the clock face but then time slows down and then reverses. Tomoyo doesn't even notice. Kero explains that this is the Time Card and ordinary people can't sense the effects but magical people can. The Time Card can only repeat one day and only at midnight. So, Sakura flies toward it again but this time, it speeds up time and the day repeats. We cut straight to later that night and Kero and Sakura are pretty sick of living this same day. As they bicker about this, Li shows up and suggests that they just destroy the clock tower. Sakura vetoes that plan: people depend on the clock. Li then points out that the Card is in the clock tower, right? So it can see Sakura flying toward it, right? The light bulb goes off in Sakura's brain: find a way in without having the Time Card see her first. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Kero leave Li behind to go up the clock tower the traditional way: they use the stairs. Meanwhile, Li uses grappling hooks to get to another entrance. Sakura tries to sneak up on the Time Card but, before she can seal it, it stops time so Sakura is frozen in place. As Sakura wonders what to do, Li smashes through the window and tells her to use the Shield Card. She does so and they are protected against the effects of time. Time tries to fly away but Li put some ofuda on the walls and summons some lightning, which zaps and subdues Time. Sakura can then seal it. But instead of flying to her, it goes to Li. In the Japanese version, Kero explains that the Cards go to the one who reveal its true form, which apparently Li did, so it's his. In the English version, Kero just says it doesn't always go to the one who captured it and if he knew all the answers, he wouldn't be stuck in that form. Li is pretty smug about his capture. The next day, Sakura is relieved to learn that it is the next day. Unfortunately, Sakura got her days mixed up and she brought her recorder even though they have a kanji/spelling test that day.
Wanna watch it yourself?
Card Captor Sakura Episode 12 (All)
Okay, so I'm in the middle of dilemmia regarding the Cardcaptors videos. Those of you coming late to the program have noticed that the previous entries have edits where I have the alternate versions that I found. Those of you who have been following from the start are free to go back and look at the new videos and my edits to the write up. This version cuts out the announcer, the "Card of the Week", and has the full ending credits (with different music!). In some cases, the videos that I have been using before now cut the ending and can be jumpy. Unfortunately, the higher quality picture seems to drag behind the sound with the newer videos. I can't tell if it's just my imagination or not.
Because I watched most of the episode the old way and then just used the new videos to watch the ending, for this entry, I'm going to post it the way I have been in the edits. Next time, if I notice that the picture is dragging too much, I may just post the old videos and then just supplement it with the new videos' endings.
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 1/2
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 2/2
Alternate version!
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 1/3
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 2/3
Cardcaptors Episode 12: 3/3
As I mention in the introduction, I've seen this episode before. I still like it a lot even though it is riddled with plot holes but I just don't care. The anime differs from the manga in one big way by having Li being able to capture some Cards. The manga does not let Li capture a single one. They might have done that to create some drama (Li is an actual contender for the Cards! Fear him!), to appeal to boys (The boy is not completely worthless and henpecked, boys!), to give manga readers a reason to watch since it's a major change (You can't predict what'll happen next!), or because the producers felt bad for him (We need to make Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, don't we?). Speaking of TRC, the episode is whole lot funnier to a TRC fan because TRC!Syaoran (remember that Syaoran is Li's given name) is, in fact, a practicing archaeologist at the introduction of the series (Fujitaka is his adoptive father in that universe), complete with him studying ruins in a desert country. And I've heard mutterings that the current chapters of the TRC manga deal with the gang trapped in a never-ending day. Maybe CLAMP really liked this episode too? But enough about TRC.
I'm going to start a tally of who gets what card.
Sakura: Windy, Fly, Shadow, Watery, Rain, Wood, Jump, Illusion, Silence, Thunder, Sword, Flower, Shield
Current number: 13
Li: Time
Current number: 1
Another rare event: I like the Japanese title better. The English title is just too much of a cliche for me to appreciate it.
The English version seriously needed to lay off the "time" references. I think Sakura's dad says the word "time" about fifteen times during that speech. You can practically hear the italics in everyone's voices. Time, kids, this episode deals with time.
The snarky version of Sakura is back, although not quite as bad as she was a few episodes ago. It is only really jarring because the original conversation about Li is so sympathetic. Like, dude, is he living by himself? (In the manga, he is. Yeah, CLAMP is weird like that). But the English version has Sakura bitch about Li doesn't think she measures up. What's weird is she's pretty much normal the rest of the episode. It's just here. Why bother changing the topic of discussion? Actually, I have a hypothesis that they did that to remind the English viewers about the rivalry because they cooperate an awful lot in this episode, you can almost forget that they technically competing.
Tory is more of a jerk in the English version during the drinking party with Sakura and Aidan. But, on the other hand, him being a jerk makes Sakura's reaction make more sense than the Japanese version. In the Japanese version, he says that he did "so so" on his test. In the English version, he says that he did "as usual" on his test, implying that he did well. The English seems to rub it in Sakura's face more which makes her wail-fest make a little more sense.
Per usual, they cut some scenes for time (ha!). They trim down Sakura's dad's presentation, especially the parts where Sakura voiceovers about how time seems to move more swiftly when her father speaks but so slow the rest of time. They also cut the scene where Sakura and her dad discuss dinner. Do we care who is making dinner? Not really.
I like one change they made with the conversation between Sakura's dad and Li. In the Japanese version, after Li gushes about how he loves the pyramids, Sakura's dad suggest that he come to his house and see the artifacts he has there. Um, yeah, does he have candy too? Look, do not make him seem like a man with a kidnap van with Li, okay? Never mind that you just don't invite strange boys to your personal residence (it's not clear whether Fujitaka knows that Li and Sakura are acquainted enough for him to come to the house). And what kind of university lets a professor keep artifacts in his house? So, the English version has a much more realistic and less creepy exchange where Aidan suggest that Li come to the university and check out the Egyptology department there. That is much more reasonable suggestion than inviting him over to his home after a two minute conversation.
There was another line change that I would like to point out. When Li comes to capture the Card, in the English version, he says "This is where my years of experience come in handy!" Years of experience? He's, like, ten years old. And experience at what? The Cards have only been free a couple of months now! Hardly years! I'm hoping that that line was intended as a joke because Li is, like, ten years old. If it is, it made me laugh. Speaking of jokes, I know it's corny but did like the "Time is flying, I mean, fleeing!" joke.
I also liked the change they made when the Time Card gets zapped by Li. In the Japanese version, Sakura remarks that Li was prepared. In the English version, she remarks that Li backed her up. Neither make that much sense (how did Li prepare for that anyway? See comments below. And Li doesn't really back her up, more like his plan helped her out) but the English version shows a little more character development while the Japanese version just states the obvious. Of course Li prepared for the capture, it's Li! While in the English version, the two of them are actually working together here, in a way. In fact, one could argue that Sakura is referring to the entire night: Li suggested finding another way to get to the Time Card, he set up those ofuda while she distracted Time, he came through the window in order to suggest Shield Card, and then zapped Time to stop its escape. It's not often that the English version ends depth not in the original but this time they did because this is a step away from the whole "Li hates Sakura and they're rivals grrr" thing. Maybe that's why they had Sakura whine about Li being mean to her earlier to make this stand out more? I might be reading too much into the line change but maybe I'm on to something. Too bad Li ruins the moment by being Smuggy McSmugpants.
At the end, Li gets the Card and Kero is forced to offer an explanation. I like how the English version just has him basically shrug his shoulders and say "I don't get it either" because the Japanese explanation doesn't make any sense. So, apparently if you get it into its original form, the Card's yours, right? Then why didn't Li get the Thunder Card? He was the one who managed to get it to turn into the thunder beast, not Sakura. And the Time Card was already in its original form; Li didn't change it into anything else, he just zapped it. So, I'm glad that the English version just has Kero not explain why because it doesn't really matter. Li got a Card, bully for him.
The sound people messed up at one part. Right after Sakura messes up her music test, the scene cuts to Li fingering his recorder in order to practice. The English version makes Li be very rude by having the sound of the recorder play as he does so!
That's all I can really think about regarding English changes so let's discuss plot holes.
1. The day that is repeating is the day of the test, not the day before. So why was Kero's data erased the first time when he finished the game the night before the test? Shouldn't it have been fine and only the last level would be erased every day?
2. Why does Li get hit the third time with the ball? He knew it was coming. So why did he miss it? And where does his bandage go after he catches the Card?
3. Speaking of injuries, Li leapt through a glass window! Why isn't that boy injured or bleeding or something? And apparently he is able to jump with enough force to smash through a window!
4. If Time froze Sakura in place, then how can she talk or cast Shield?
5. And why does Shield protect everyone when Sakura only says to protect herself?
6. Speaking of Shield, how did Li know she had Shield in the first place? He wasn't present for the capture and it's unlikely that she told him. Is he psychic?
7. Speaking of not being present, so where was Li the first night Sakura tried to capture the Time Card? He only shows up the second night. It's not like he didn't know where the Card was, I mean, he told Sakura after all, so why wasn't he trying to capture it the night before too?
8. And how does he know that when Sakura goes flying toward the clock, time gets all weird? He wasn't there for that either!
9. The best thing Li can come up with is destroying the clock tower? Destroying a huge building?! Isn't that a bit extreme? I mean, I know that boys tend to like to watch things blow up, but that's a little ridiculous. And how exactly does he plan to do that? Erode it to death with Rain? They've only got about 15 minutes to do it.
10. And how did the grappling hook plan work? I'm assuming that he used the grappling hook to get to the opposite balcony from Time, put up his ofuda just in the off chance that Time decided to escape that way (more psychic powers?), and then decided to go back outside so he could smash through a window? And he did it all before Sakura even showed up? And Time never noticed a thing? Who is he, Batman?
In conclusion, although there were some changes made that I didn't really like, there were some changes in the English version that I did like, so I judge these episodes to be...
Different, with the English Cardcaptors being the superior.
Episode 13
Episode 11
Episode 12: Sakura's Never-Ending Day (Card Captor Sakura) or Time And Again (Cardcaptors)
Sakura's dad comes in to talk about his work as an archaeologist. He's super cool. So super cool that Li seems to not realize that Sakura's dad is, in fact, Sakura's dad before he gets all gushy about pyramids with him until Yamazaki points their shared last names. Later that evening, Toya and Yukito study for a test together, Kero gets to the final level in his game, and Sakura realizes that she should have practiced more for her recorder test the next day. During the night, the bells at the school ring very loudly, waking everyone up. The next morning, Kero is horrified to see that all his data is gone so he has to play the whole game all over again while Sakura runs to school. At the test, Sakura worries about that tricky High C and during her performance, she messes it up. After the test, Sakura bemoans her failure while kids play a soccer game. Eventually, Sakura and Tomoyo notice Li walking as he practices his recorder. In the Japanese version, the girls wonder if Li has any family with him in Japan. In the English version, Sakura grumps that Li doesn't think she should be a card captor. Just then, a ball comes flying toward Li and, at the last second, he does a flying kick and nails a goal. At home, Sakura's dad congratulates his children on their efforts on their tests. When Sakura bemoans her failure, her dad tells her to go over what she missed that night. Sakura does so and Kero gets to the final level before making sure he saved the game. We cut to a shot of the giant clock at the school and see the hands going backwards. The next morning, all the data is gone from Kero's game and Sakura runs to school. Luckily, she brought her recorder because it's the day of the recorder test. Again. Sakura tells that they had a music test yesterday but Tomoyo tells her that that can't be true because the test is today. Luckily, because Sakura practiced, she plays it perfectly. At recess, while the same kids play the exact same game of soccer, Tomoyo wonders if Sakura is having deja vu. Nope, her memories of the previous/same day are too clear. Luckily, before this can get too metaphysical, Li shows up, not playing his recorder and not going along the pathway above the stairs, and asks if Sakura has noticed that they seem to living the same day. She has noticed and he points out that it has to be a Clow Card and it's in the clock tower. So, later that night, in the fairy costume from last episode, Sakura goes to the clock tower. As she's flying toward it, she realizes that she can sense the Clow Card like Li and Kero can. She flies toward the clock face but then time slows down and then reverses. Tomoyo doesn't even notice. Kero explains that this is the Time Card and ordinary people can't sense the effects but magical people can. The Time Card can only repeat one day and only at midnight. So, Sakura flies toward it again but this time, it speeds up time and the day repeats. We cut straight to later that night and Kero and Sakura are pretty sick of living this same day. As they bicker about this, Li shows up and suggests that they just destroy the clock tower. Sakura vetoes that plan: people depend on the clock. Li then points out that the Card is in the clock tower, right? So it can see Sakura flying toward it, right? The light bulb goes off in Sakura's brain: find a way in without having the Time Card see her first. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Kero leave Li behind to go up the clock tower the traditional way: they use the stairs. Meanwhile, Li uses grappling hooks to get to another entrance. Sakura tries to sneak up on the Time Card but, before she can seal it, it stops time so Sakura is frozen in place. As Sakura wonders what to do, Li smashes through the window and tells her to use the Shield Card. She does so and they are protected against the effects of time. Time tries to fly away but Li put some ofuda on the walls and summons some lightning, which zaps and subdues Time. Sakura can then seal it. But instead of flying to her, it goes to Li. In the Japanese version, Kero explains that the Cards go to the one who reveal its true form, which apparently Li did, so it's his. In the English version, Kero just says it doesn't always go to the one who captured it and if he knew all the answers, he wouldn't be stuck in that form. Li is pretty smug about his capture. The next day, Sakura is relieved to learn that it is the next day. Unfortunately, Sakura got her days mixed up and she brought her recorder even though they have a kanji/spelling test that day.
Wanna watch it yourself?
Card Captor Sakura Episode 12 (All)
Click to viewOkay, so I'm in the middle of dilemmia regarding the Cardcaptors videos. Those of you coming late to the program have noticed that the previous entries have edits where I have the alternate versions that I found. Those of you who have been following from the start are free to go back and look at the new videos and my edits to the write up. This version cuts out the announcer, the "Card of the Week", and has the full ending credits (with different music!). In some cases, the videos that I have been using before now cut the ending and can be jumpy. Unfortunately, the higher quality picture seems to drag behind the sound with the newer videos. I can't tell if it's just my imagination or not.
Because I watched most of the episode the old way and then just used the new videos to watch the ending, for this entry, I'm going to post it the way I have been in the edits. Next time, if I notice that the picture is dragging too much, I may just post the old videos and then just supplement it with the new videos' endings.
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 1/2
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 2/2
Alternate version!
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 1/3
Cardcaptors Episode 12: Part 2/3
Cardcaptors Episode 12: 3/3
As I mention in the introduction, I've seen this episode before. I still like it a lot even though it is riddled with plot holes but I just don't care. The anime differs from the manga in one big way by having Li being able to capture some Cards. The manga does not let Li capture a single one. They might have done that to create some drama (Li is an actual contender for the Cards! Fear him!), to appeal to boys (The boy is not completely worthless and henpecked, boys!), to give manga readers a reason to watch since it's a major change (You can't predict what'll happen next!), or because the producers felt bad for him (We need to make Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, don't we?). Speaking of TRC, the episode is whole lot funnier to a TRC fan because TRC!Syaoran (remember that Syaoran is Li's given name) is, in fact, a practicing archaeologist at the introduction of the series (Fujitaka is his adoptive father in that universe), complete with him studying ruins in a desert country. And I've heard mutterings that the current chapters of the TRC manga deal with the gang trapped in a never-ending day. Maybe CLAMP really liked this episode too? But enough about TRC.
I'm going to start a tally of who gets what card.
Sakura: Windy, Fly, Shadow, Watery, Rain, Wood, Jump, Illusion, Silence, Thunder, Sword, Flower, Shield
Current number: 13
Li: Time
Current number: 1
Another rare event: I like the Japanese title better. The English title is just too much of a cliche for me to appreciate it.
The English version seriously needed to lay off the "time" references. I think Sakura's dad says the word "time" about fifteen times during that speech. You can practically hear the italics in everyone's voices. Time, kids, this episode deals with time.
The snarky version of Sakura is back, although not quite as bad as she was a few episodes ago. It is only really jarring because the original conversation about Li is so sympathetic. Like, dude, is he living by himself? (In the manga, he is. Yeah, CLAMP is weird like that). But the English version has Sakura bitch about Li doesn't think she measures up. What's weird is she's pretty much normal the rest of the episode. It's just here. Why bother changing the topic of discussion? Actually, I have a hypothesis that they did that to remind the English viewers about the rivalry because they cooperate an awful lot in this episode, you can almost forget that they technically competing.
Tory is more of a jerk in the English version during the drinking party with Sakura and Aidan. But, on the other hand, him being a jerk makes Sakura's reaction make more sense than the Japanese version. In the Japanese version, he says that he did "so so" on his test. In the English version, he says that he did "as usual" on his test, implying that he did well. The English seems to rub it in Sakura's face more which makes her wail-fest make a little more sense.
Per usual, they cut some scenes for time (ha!). They trim down Sakura's dad's presentation, especially the parts where Sakura voiceovers about how time seems to move more swiftly when her father speaks but so slow the rest of time. They also cut the scene where Sakura and her dad discuss dinner. Do we care who is making dinner? Not really.
I like one change they made with the conversation between Sakura's dad and Li. In the Japanese version, after Li gushes about how he loves the pyramids, Sakura's dad suggest that he come to his house and see the artifacts he has there. Um, yeah, does he have candy too? Look, do not make him seem like a man with a kidnap van with Li, okay? Never mind that you just don't invite strange boys to your personal residence (it's not clear whether Fujitaka knows that Li and Sakura are acquainted enough for him to come to the house). And what kind of university lets a professor keep artifacts in his house? So, the English version has a much more realistic and less creepy exchange where Aidan suggest that Li come to the university and check out the Egyptology department there. That is much more reasonable suggestion than inviting him over to his home after a two minute conversation.
There was another line change that I would like to point out. When Li comes to capture the Card, in the English version, he says "This is where my years of experience come in handy!" Years of experience? He's, like, ten years old. And experience at what? The Cards have only been free a couple of months now! Hardly years! I'm hoping that that line was intended as a joke because Li is, like, ten years old. If it is, it made me laugh. Speaking of jokes, I know it's corny but did like the "Time is flying, I mean, fleeing!" joke.
I also liked the change they made when the Time Card gets zapped by Li. In the Japanese version, Sakura remarks that Li was prepared. In the English version, she remarks that Li backed her up. Neither make that much sense (how did Li prepare for that anyway? See comments below. And Li doesn't really back her up, more like his plan helped her out) but the English version shows a little more character development while the Japanese version just states the obvious. Of course Li prepared for the capture, it's Li! While in the English version, the two of them are actually working together here, in a way. In fact, one could argue that Sakura is referring to the entire night: Li suggested finding another way to get to the Time Card, he set up those ofuda while she distracted Time, he came through the window in order to suggest Shield Card, and then zapped Time to stop its escape. It's not often that the English version ends depth not in the original but this time they did because this is a step away from the whole "Li hates Sakura and they're rivals grrr" thing. Maybe that's why they had Sakura whine about Li being mean to her earlier to make this stand out more? I might be reading too much into the line change but maybe I'm on to something. Too bad Li ruins the moment by being Smuggy McSmugpants.
At the end, Li gets the Card and Kero is forced to offer an explanation. I like how the English version just has him basically shrug his shoulders and say "I don't get it either" because the Japanese explanation doesn't make any sense. So, apparently if you get it into its original form, the Card's yours, right? Then why didn't Li get the Thunder Card? He was the one who managed to get it to turn into the thunder beast, not Sakura. And the Time Card was already in its original form; Li didn't change it into anything else, he just zapped it. So, I'm glad that the English version just has Kero not explain why because it doesn't really matter. Li got a Card, bully for him.
The sound people messed up at one part. Right after Sakura messes up her music test, the scene cuts to Li fingering his recorder in order to practice. The English version makes Li be very rude by having the sound of the recorder play as he does so!
That's all I can really think about regarding English changes so let's discuss plot holes.
1. The day that is repeating is the day of the test, not the day before. So why was Kero's data erased the first time when he finished the game the night before the test? Shouldn't it have been fine and only the last level would be erased every day?
2. Why does Li get hit the third time with the ball? He knew it was coming. So why did he miss it? And where does his bandage go after he catches the Card?
3. Speaking of injuries, Li leapt through a glass window! Why isn't that boy injured or bleeding or something? And apparently he is able to jump with enough force to smash through a window!
4. If Time froze Sakura in place, then how can she talk or cast Shield?
5. And why does Shield protect everyone when Sakura only says to protect herself?
6. Speaking of Shield, how did Li know she had Shield in the first place? He wasn't present for the capture and it's unlikely that she told him. Is he psychic?
7. Speaking of not being present, so where was Li the first night Sakura tried to capture the Time Card? He only shows up the second night. It's not like he didn't know where the Card was, I mean, he told Sakura after all, so why wasn't he trying to capture it the night before too?
8. And how does he know that when Sakura goes flying toward the clock, time gets all weird? He wasn't there for that either!
9. The best thing Li can come up with is destroying the clock tower? Destroying a huge building?! Isn't that a bit extreme? I mean, I know that boys tend to like to watch things blow up, but that's a little ridiculous. And how exactly does he plan to do that? Erode it to death with Rain? They've only got about 15 minutes to do it.
10. And how did the grappling hook plan work? I'm assuming that he used the grappling hook to get to the opposite balcony from Time, put up his ofuda just in the off chance that Time decided to escape that way (more psychic powers?), and then decided to go back outside so he could smash through a window? And he did it all before Sakura even showed up? And Time never noticed a thing? Who is he, Batman?
In conclusion, although there were some changes made that I didn't really like, there were some changes in the English version that I did like, so I judge these episodes to be...
Different, with the English Cardcaptors being the superior.
Episode 13