Episode 44: "Sakura, Kero, and the Mysterious Teacher" or "The Last Card: Part I"
Introduction to the Experiment
Episode 43
Episode 44: Sakura, Kero, and the Mysterious Teacher (Card Captor Sakura) or The Last Card: Part I (Cardcaptors)
Sakura is having her CN Tower dream again but this time, there's a new character to the mix: a winged man with long silvery hair. After this, Sakura's alarm goes off and Sakura tries to shut it off before Kero does it for her, telling her that it's on her desk to prevent her from doing what she was just trying to do. So, Sakura gets up and gets ready. Kero remarks on her doll over her bed and Sakura explains that Madison made it for her for her birthday last year, one week before Kero woke up, and it's supposed to be her. In the English version, Kero points out that the outfit looks kind of odd. Sakura doesn't know what Kero is going on about until she realizes that the doll's outfit is the same as the one she wears in her dream. Kero says, "Bingo" as if that's what he was trying to get her to realize. In the Japanese version, Kero asks why a doll made a week before he woke up wears such a strange outfit. Sakura begins to explain that Tomoyo had always wanted Sakura to try on her costumes before she realizes that it's the same outfit as in her dream. Kero doesn't say anything to this. In any case, she starts describing her dream again to Kero before realizing she has to get lunch ready. When Sakura leaves, Kero takes out the Clow Book, looks at the back cover, and says, "Yueh". In the Japanese version, this is followed by Sakura and her father making a batch of bentos for everyone while doing some exposition. Apparently Yukito is participating in an archery contest that even adults are competing in and Toya can't come because of work. The English version skips this scene to go straight to Madison ringing the doorbell. Sakura comes to the door and apologizes because she's running late. In the English version, Madison says she better hurry or they'll miss the train. Sakura asks Li, who is melodramatically shown to be there as well, if he's ready for the big contest. Li gripes that they won't get to see any of it if she doesn't hurry. In the Japanese version, Tomoyo just remarks that it's a lovely day. Sakura thanks Li for coming to pick her up. Li explains that it's convenient to be around her when capturing Clow Cards. In any case, Sakura goes back inside to get whatever she needs when Kero pops out of her bag. Kero, being Kero, wants to come too. Eventually, they're on the train. In the English version, Sakura wonders what's going to happen next, infodumping that there is only one Clow Card left. Li doesn't know, much to Sakura's chagrin. Kero pops out of the knapsack, which sets off some scolding from Sakura and Madison about standing hidden until they reach their destination. After some griping about his lot in life, Kero reminds her that if the last Card shows up, Sakura will need Kero. In the Japanese version, Sakura apologizes to Li for making him hold the enormous pile of bento and promises to hold it when they get off the train. Li says it's fine. Kero pops out of his bag and sets off some scolding from Sakura, who mentions that it would have been easier for him to stay home since Sakura can make him lunch any time. Kero explains that he didn't just come for the lunch, he wants to be with her as much as possible because they're nearing the end. The end of capturing Clow Cards that is, which delights Sakura immensely. In any case, they are passing by the CN Tower. In the English version, this sets off a flashback about the Dream Card capture. In the Japanese version, Sakura briefly thinks about her dream again. In any case, Madison asks what's up as Li looks on, concerned. Sakura says she's fine. Finally, they reach the temple where they are having the archery contest. In the English version, Sakura and Li discuss whether the last Card will really show up. Li reminds her that Kero is right, that they should expect the unexpected. Sakura is dubious because she doesn't sense anything. Kero asks if the coast is clear and then pops out of the bag. He glares and thinks to himself that Yueh is there. In the Japanese version, the kids walk in silence to the archery range and then Yukito shows up. Yukito is glad to see them and they chitchat a bit about archery and the lunch Sakura made. The kids wish Yukito luck and he goes off. Tomoyo and Sakura talk about how awesome Yukito is and Sakura asks if Li agrees. Li blushes and does so. At this point, Kero pops out of the bag and thinks to himself that he feels the moon. In any case, it's time for the archery competition. Julian is very good at it. To the kids' astonishment, Ms. Mackenzie is also competing in the contest. She is just as good as Julian. In the English version, this ensemble of characters causes her to realize that everyone who knows about the Clow Cards is at the contest. In the Japanese version, Sakura just wonders why their teacher is there. Some more unimportant people shoot their arrows and Kero remarks that it has to be Yueh or he really feels the moon (English/Japanese). In any case, it's time for the final match between Julian and Ms. Mackenzie. Ms. Mackenzie wishes Julian luck and he thanks her. They begin to shoot their arrows and they're evenly matched. In the English version, Sakura thinks that she's getting a weird feeling and Kero thinks that strong magic is at work. In the Japanese version, Sakura merely worries about not knowing who to cheer for. Kero doesn't think anything. In any case, Li explains that archery is about concentration and in the Japanese version, goes on to add that whoever breaks their concentration first loses. In the English version, as Ms. Mackenzie takes her last shot, Kero stares at her and thinks that it has to be Yueh. Ms. Mackenzie thinks "Yueh?" and this causes her to lose focus and misfire her arrow. In the Japanese version, there is no internal dialogue but Ms. Mizuki definitely noticed something and misfired as a result. In any case, Li remarks that Ms. Mackenzie must have been distracted by something. Meanwhile, Ms. Mackenzie congratulates Julian on his win. After this, Julian and the kids have lunch. As Sakura goes for the cups, she notices that Kero isn't in her bag anymore. Sakura shouts that fact which confuses Julian. Meanwhile, Ms. Mackenzie is kneeling somewhere by herself. Ms. Mackenzie calls out to someone and it turns out that Kero was hiding behind a corner. He's impressed that she sensed him. In the English version, Ms. Mackenzie remarks that she had been waiting a long time to meet him and acknowledges that he is Kerberos. Kero is impressed that she recognized him in this form since even Li didn't. Meanwhile, Sakura is looking for Kero, calling for him. Back to the mysterious people and Ms. Mackenzie asks if Kero has told her what's to come. He hasn't. Has he told her about the Final Judgement? No, not that either. Ms. Mackenzie remarks that it's good that he hasn't since he mustn't intervere. Kero replies that he knows his duty and Ms. Mackenzie explains that she knows hers as well. More Sakura looking for Kero. Kero explains to Ms. Mackenzie that there is only one Card left. Ms. Mackenzie asks if Sakura can do it. At this point, Sakura is getting close to their location. Kero snaps that, of course, Sakura can do it but admits that he hopes that is true and rhetorically asks how hard it could be. Ms. Mackenzie merely smiles but Kero says he was afraid of that and then, after that, it will be the Final Judgement and she will have to face... Ms. Mackenzie finishes his sentence for him: Yueh. At this point, Sakura reaches them and is confused: Yueh? Ms. Mackenzie? And Kero? Kero tells Sakura that he knew that he had to come with her today but he didn't know why. Sakura is still on the whole "Yueh" thing and remembers that she had heard about him before. This sets off another flashback, this time about the Light and Dark Cards capture. When that's done, Sakura asks what's about to happen. Ms. Mackenzie that she'll find out... when she's ready. Sakura says that she is ready but Ms. Mackenzie doesn't go on further. In the Japanese version, Ms. Mizuki remarks that this is the first time they've met with Kero in that form. Kero remarks that the last time they met, he was in Li's body and since he couldn't use his magic in that form, he didn't realize it when he met her. Kero says that he sense a lot of power, especially that of the moon. He asks her if she uses the power of the moon and she confirms it. Kero explains that there is another guardian opposite himself: Yueh, which means "moon" in Chinese. There is a scene of Sakura searching for Kero. Back to the plot. Kero asks if Ms. Mizuki has told her anything. She hasn't. Kero asks about the Last Judgement. Ms. Mizuki admits that she knows about it but hasn't told Sakura. She says she has duties. Kero asks what kind of duties. Ms. Mizuki says he'll find out. More shots of Sakura searching for Kero. Kero says that he believes that Sakura can do something about it. Ms. Mizuki thinks so too. At this point, Sakura reaches their location and is shocked to find Kero talking to Ms. Mizuki. In any case, the next scene is Sakura walking with her friends and Kero as Ms. Mackenzie and Julian lag behind. The kids are astonished that Kero was talking to Ms. Mackenzie. In the English version, Sakura realizes that Ms. Mackenzie came to teach after she got the Clow Cards so that may be why she is teaching their class in the first place. In the Japanese version, Sakura merely states that Kero had snuck out of the bag. In any case, Kero explains that Ms. Mackenzie had already sensed him before that conversation. Li adds that he knew she had great magical power and had already said as much. In the English version, Li restates that they still don't know what her intentions are so they can't trust her. In the Japanese version, Li points out that he sense magical power while Sakura gets all dazed, which she proceeds to do. In any case, she looks at the CN Tower as they pass it. In the Japanese version, there's a scene where a person in a bear costume gives Sakura a balloon and then a noogie: it's Toya! Apparently this was his Job Of The Episode. Sakura remarks on Toya's many occupations before he says that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Ms. Mizuki confirms that mysterious statement by saying there is only necessity before Toya heads off. Ms. Mizuki proposes they head home before Tomoyo realizes that Sakura's hat is missing. Sakura thinks she may have taken it off during lunch so the group goes to find it. In any case, Sakura is walking around the temple still. In the English version, Sakura wonders about how Yueh can be by her side. She looks at Kero but he's deep in thought. Li notices something and so does Sakura. Sakura tells Kero that it's a Clow Card. Kero confirms her guess and adds that it's the final card and that it's close. In the Japanese version, Sakura wonders what Toya was going on about and then looks at Kero, who is deep in thought. Meanwhile, Julian asks what distracted Ms. Mizuki during her shot. She admits that she felt someone watching over her. Ms. Mizuki then starts to admit something to Yukito but is distracted by something. Li and Sakura notice it too. In any case, an earthquake starts. The ground splits open and nearly gets Madison but Sakura rescues her. A giant pillar of rock soars into the sky as Sakura, Madison, Li, and Kero look on.
Wanna see it?
Cardcaptors Episode 44: Part 1/3
Cardcaptors Episode 44: Part 2/3
Cardcaptors Episode 44: Part 3/3
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 1/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPx97iv-ty8
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 2/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12ezcm1596w
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 3/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4RR5Ak-fA
So, I guess I'm missing some Cards from my list, which is really annoying because now I have to go look them up to make sure my numbers add up. I know the comments on youtube tell me which ones but I want to make sure. But here is something fun to chew on: Toya is played by the prolific Tomokazu Seki, whose earliest role was in 1992 according to the Internet Movie Database and he continues to work, even now in 2009. I could go on about how Tomokazu Seki played Shuichi Shindou (go to 3:08) around the same time as Toya, an anime character known for being very, very sterotypically gay but for this episode, I would like to point out another role: Sousuke Sagara from Full Metal Panic!. Why do I want to bring this up at this time? Because the second season of Full Metal Panic! is called Full Metal Panic! Fumoffu and takes its name from an episode where Sousuke Sagara ends up at an amusement park and by the end of the story has: stolen a bear costume, worn it, gone Rambo on some yazuka while wearing the costume, gets chased by security while still wearing the costume, and finds the time to have a heartfelt moment with his high school crush while still wearing the damn costume. All while being only able to say "Fumoffu". Admittedly, the "fumoffu" lines were not done by Tomokazu Seki (or Chris Patton, Sousuke's English actor) but that didn't stop me from being completely unable to get that episode out of my mind as I watched the scene with Toya in the bear costume. Don't mess with Sakura, Toya's packing heat! Anyway, I do like archery a lot so it was fun to watch people playing archery.
Card Tally
Sakura: Windy, Fly, Shadow, Watery, Rain, Wood, Jump, Illusion, Silence, Thunder, Sword, Flower, Shield, Power, Mist, Float, Erase, Glow, Move, Fight, Loop, Sleep, Song, Little, Mirror, Maze, Shot, Sweet, Big, Create, Change, Firey, Arrow, Snow, Voice, Lock, Cloud, Light, Dark
Unseen Captures: Bubbles, Libra, Through, Wave
Current number: 43
Li: Time, Storm, Return, Dash, Freeze, Dream, Sand, Twin
Current number: 8
Wow, these titles are both... not good. The Japanese title could have been used for any Ms. Mizuki-heavy episode and the English title is just too anvilious to be good. I guess the English title is better because it's not quite so vague.
As is clear from the summaries, the English version cuts some scenes. However, they cut too many because that is the only reason they could have felt the need to have two overly long Card capture flashbacks. The weirdest part is that Sakura doesn't even have an accurate flashback to the Dream Card capture.
In the original Dream Card episode, the kids reach the CN Tower and comment on how huge it is. Madison then suggests going inside. Sakura doesn't seem too pleased and Meilin accuses her of being afraid of heights. Sakura denies this and then thinks to herself that it was just like her dream. In this episode, they have a completely different conversation, with Sakura saying aloud that she remembers it and Meilin asking how she can remember it if she's never been there. Um, did we step into an alternate universe? To be fair, they haven't pulled this trick since Li apparently warned Sakura about Ms. Mackenzie while complimenting her but it's the same case here as it was there: they could have left out that moment and no one would ever know! Why do they do this stuff?
The flashback to the Light and Dark capture was silly as well. For that, the flashback is accurate but Sakura's narration is so off the wall. "It was all dark and then... there was light!" Um, yeah, Sakura, couldn't you just say, "It was when the Dark Card was making everything dark at the play!" Why the weird poetic line here? She knows what was going on there.
As for what got cut, there's a lot of tiny moments but two big scenes were lost. The first is the infodumping scene with Sakura and her dad. This cut I can allow. When I was watching the English version, I pretty understood without anyone explaining it that Julian was competing in an archery contest, Sakura had made lunch, and Tori had to work by the end of the episode. So, this moment was cut and didn't hurt the episode at all. It also freed the English producers from making up some excuse as to why Sakura is making a bunch of Japanese bentos for her Canadian friends. Although I can come up with one: since Julian was doing Japanese-style archery, complete with Japanese clothes, Sakura wanted to get into the spirit of the event.
The second is the scene with Toya in the bear costume. Although this scene was a bit over the top with Toya being all "there are no coincidences!" and Ms. Mizuki going, "Yes, you're right!" which seemed kind of odd for Toya to do, it was a good scene to lead into the cliffhanger of the final capture. Since the English version was seriously hyping up the importance of the final capture in this episode, it is odd that they removed this scene. Especially since it causes a plot hole because, if Sakura never meets Toya, then how did she get that balloon? Besides that, nothing was particularly wrong with this scene, besides Toya's brief moment of out of characterness, so I don't really see what warranted its removal and why I had to sit through two Card capture flashbacks as a result.
They also cut the moment where Ms. Mizuki almost tells Yukito something. Since I know what's about to happen to Yukito, I'm a bit annoyed they cut this scene because it was a chance to do some last minute foreshadowing. Again, I had to sit through two flashbacks so this scene could get cut.
I will admit that I was impressed with the clever editing that went into removing Yukito's "hi, guys, wanna watch me shoot arrows?" scene, have it make sense according to the new plotline, and not look obvious. Again, I never noticed anything was amiss until I watched the Japanese version, which proves that that scene was not important since I still understood that Julian was participating in an archery contest.
Most of the changes didn't deal with cuts but rather dialogue changes or additions.
I want to call attention to all the additional lines in the English version. Kero gets a lot more internal monologues in this episode and even Ms. Mackenzie gets to think "Yueh?" during her failed shot. I actually rather liked how they did this. They would have a shot of Ms. Mackenzie, they would go back to Kero, and have Kero think, "Definitely Yueh". I think the English version was trying to have the audience believe that Ms. Mackenzie was, in fact, Yueh until they have their conversation. I really liked this bit of a red herring and was amazed that neither the manga nor the Japanese version tried this. Why can't Ms. Mizuki be Yueh? She's got long hair, she's got magical powers, she seems to know a lot more than she's letting on, she's got all that moon imagery, why not guess it's her? As for Ms. Mackenzie's thought, it tells me that she felt Yueh (as she should at this juncture) and was distracted by his presence.
I've mentioned the fancy cutting that went into removing Yukito's pointless scene with the kids but they also do some fancy line adding to make the scene flow better, taking advantage of the storyline and the animation to make it seem like it was supposed to be this way. Hey, I was fooled.
They also add the kids talking more about the possibility of finding the last Card when they arrive at the temple rather than have them walk in silence. This, I didn't like so much, not because it was clear it was an addition (it wasn't) but by that point, they had mentioned the fact that only one Card is left so many goddamn times that I was sick of the topic by then.
Which leads me to my next topic: they changed the focus of the episode slightly. The Japanese version does mention that Sakura has one Card left but they pretty much drop the subject after the train scene. The English version not only uses it in the title but then proceeds to bring it up over and over again to the exclusion of anything else. They're about as subtle as an anvil about this.
I'll allow that Sakura is aware that she only has one Card left in the English version. Maybe Kero told her off screen. I'll live with that. But why is everyone so certain that she'll find it at the contest? They mention this quite a few times as if finding the last Card is definitely a possibility. There's no explanation as to why they know this. They just do. And they will remind the audience any chance they get.
My "favorite" moment is on the train when Sakura, out of the blue, just starts talking about how she only has one Card left. There is no graceful and natural transition into this topic, it just happens. I want to know what the conversation was like before we jumped in.
Sakura: Sorry about that huge lunch, Li.
Li: Nah, it's cool. You'll notice that I'm not wearing my pink shirt today. Therefore, I am manly.
Sakura: Hm, right, that's nice. Anyway, so, Madison, I saw that ad you mentioned the other day.
Madison: Oh my gosh, isn't it hysterical?
Sakura: I totally died laughing!
Li: What ad?
Madison: It's an ad for these jeans. I can't remember what brand but it has this guy and he's swimming...
Li: Is it a TV ad?
Madison: Yeah, why?
Li: Oh, I haven't been watching TV lately. I've been working out. Because I'm manly. Notice how I'm wearing blue today?
Madison: Why do you keep saying that you're...?
Li: That's 'cause I am. Manly, that is.
Sakura: There's only one Card left, guys!
Madison and Li: ...?
Madison: Why did you bring that up?
Sakura: Because your conversation was boring.
Anyway, I just found the constant talk about the last Card got on my nerves. It wasn't well done at all. It didn't make any sense why everyone would agree that the last Card would be found that day.
Speaking of "everyone", why does Sakura point out that everyone who knows about the Cards is at the contest? It's not that many people, first of all, and secondly, this arrangement of crazy critters had been together before without Sakura getting all hyper about it. And what about the Li clan? They're not there and they know about the Cards. And Julian doesn't know about the Cards so why is him being there with them so special?
Alright, more changes. Besides the overly long flashback, the conversation between Kero and Ms. Mackenzie is different depending on the version.
In the Japanese version, Ms. Mizuki points out that this is the first time they've met with Kero in that form. Kero then mentions the whole body switching incident. I had actually never realized that that episode had a major plot hole. Why didn't Kero realize that he had already met Ms. Mizuki and saw her power and all that? The Japanese episode hand waves it by saying that Kero couldn't use his magic in Li's body but that still doesn't make sense. Li could sense Ms. Mizuki's magic just fine. Is it just because he was in the wrong body? The English version dodges this issue by having Kero comment on her ability to recognize him at all in his current form. Of course, that leaves the problem of how did neither of them realize they've already met in the classroom?
Moving on, the Japanese version makes it clear that Kero has no idea what Ms. Mizuki is up to and is trying to find out what it is. The English version makes this less clear. On one hand, it may be sloppy writing. On the other hand, it may be that it is implied that Kero has pretty much figured out what her intentions are. This makes some sense because in either version, Kero makes no move to warn Sakura that Ms. Mizuki should not be trusted since he isn't sure what she wants. Kero never gets a straight answer from her in the Japanese version while, in the English version, Kero and Ms. Mackenzie seem to be on the same page and are being mysterious and vague to mislead the audience.
I'm torn as to whether I liked Ms. Mackenzie questioning Kero rather than Kero questioning Ms. Mizuki. On face value, I don't like it because Kero is freaking Kerberos, Guardian of the Seal. Why is he getting interrogated by some temple priest's daughter? On the other hand, Kero's questions in the Japanese version don't make much sense. He asks her if she has told Sakura anything. Unless Sakura is suddenly hiding things from Kero, he should know the answer to this: Ms. Mizuki has told Sakura nothing. In the English version, Ms. Mackenzie pretty much asks the same questions of Kero. In her case, she does not live with Sakura so she would not know the answer to these questions so it makes sense that she would need to ask. I just don't like her self-righteous "well, good! You shouldn't say anything!" to Kero. Kero kind of knows his roles and responsibilities, lady, don't flatter yourself. And if we're going with the implied "Kero knows what's up", then he doesn't need to ask what her duties are because he can guess. Or, he's smart enough to realize that even if he did ask, she's not going to tell him.
There is also the moment of doubt (again, with an implied "something is going on underneath this conversation that the audience is not privy to" moment with Ms. Mackenzie just smiling rattling Kero's confidence). I liked this moment because it adds a little bit of drama since it's not a sure thing that Sakura will succeed. We know Sakura will succeed because her losing would be a really horrible ending to this series but we can at least pretend that it's up in the air, can't we? Also, having Ms. Mizuki agree that Sakura will be fine kind of makes it clear that she's one of the good guys which kills the drama a bit.
They also changed Sakura's thought about the contest. She gets a "weird" feeling rather than wondering about who to cheer for. Kero also gets to add his internal monologue about magic being at work to this moment when he was silent in the Japanese version. Considering all the magical stuff that is about to happen, this worked for me but I could see a viewer who didn't know what was coming next wondering if there was magical cheating involved.
There was a minor line change that I thought were oddand it was Kero's comment of "Bingo" when Sakura realizes that her doll is wearing her dream outfit. This tells me that Kero was trying to get her to realize that. But how would he know what she's wearing in the dream? Why couldn't he just be silent or even say "Are you serious?" instead of pretending he can see her dreams?
Plot Holes!
1. Why does the Loop Card fall down twice in the dream?
2. For all that talk about keeping the Clow Cards a secret, the kids certainly don't keep their voices down on the train or in the temple grounds.
3. For that matter, keeping Kero out of sight doesn't really make much sense since he talks on the train and opens the bag constantly. No one notices or even cares.
4. I know that the English version handwaves it by saying that Kero can't intervere but why can't Kero warn Sakura about Yueh or the Final Judgement? In the manga, I got the impression that he couldn't intervere during the Final Judgement. Maybe I was wrong?
5. Where did all the bento boxes go? Did Sakura pitch them? I hope they were disposable or her father is going to be very upset with her!
Even though the Japanese version had its problems and the English version had some interesting additions to the way the story was told, because of the unnecessary addition of flashbacks and the heavy-handedness with its change in focus in the English version, I judge these episodes to be...
Different, with the Japanese Card Captor Sakura being the superior!
Episode 45
Episode 43
Episode 44: Sakura, Kero, and the Mysterious Teacher (Card Captor Sakura) or The Last Card: Part I (Cardcaptors)
Sakura is having her CN Tower dream again but this time, there's a new character to the mix: a winged man with long silvery hair. After this, Sakura's alarm goes off and Sakura tries to shut it off before Kero does it for her, telling her that it's on her desk to prevent her from doing what she was just trying to do. So, Sakura gets up and gets ready. Kero remarks on her doll over her bed and Sakura explains that Madison made it for her for her birthday last year, one week before Kero woke up, and it's supposed to be her. In the English version, Kero points out that the outfit looks kind of odd. Sakura doesn't know what Kero is going on about until she realizes that the doll's outfit is the same as the one she wears in her dream. Kero says, "Bingo" as if that's what he was trying to get her to realize. In the Japanese version, Kero asks why a doll made a week before he woke up wears such a strange outfit. Sakura begins to explain that Tomoyo had always wanted Sakura to try on her costumes before she realizes that it's the same outfit as in her dream. Kero doesn't say anything to this. In any case, she starts describing her dream again to Kero before realizing she has to get lunch ready. When Sakura leaves, Kero takes out the Clow Book, looks at the back cover, and says, "Yueh". In the Japanese version, this is followed by Sakura and her father making a batch of bentos for everyone while doing some exposition. Apparently Yukito is participating in an archery contest that even adults are competing in and Toya can't come because of work. The English version skips this scene to go straight to Madison ringing the doorbell. Sakura comes to the door and apologizes because she's running late. In the English version, Madison says she better hurry or they'll miss the train. Sakura asks Li, who is melodramatically shown to be there as well, if he's ready for the big contest. Li gripes that they won't get to see any of it if she doesn't hurry. In the Japanese version, Tomoyo just remarks that it's a lovely day. Sakura thanks Li for coming to pick her up. Li explains that it's convenient to be around her when capturing Clow Cards. In any case, Sakura goes back inside to get whatever she needs when Kero pops out of her bag. Kero, being Kero, wants to come too. Eventually, they're on the train. In the English version, Sakura wonders what's going to happen next, infodumping that there is only one Clow Card left. Li doesn't know, much to Sakura's chagrin. Kero pops out of the knapsack, which sets off some scolding from Sakura and Madison about standing hidden until they reach their destination. After some griping about his lot in life, Kero reminds her that if the last Card shows up, Sakura will need Kero. In the Japanese version, Sakura apologizes to Li for making him hold the enormous pile of bento and promises to hold it when they get off the train. Li says it's fine. Kero pops out of his bag and sets off some scolding from Sakura, who mentions that it would have been easier for him to stay home since Sakura can make him lunch any time. Kero explains that he didn't just come for the lunch, he wants to be with her as much as possible because they're nearing the end. The end of capturing Clow Cards that is, which delights Sakura immensely. In any case, they are passing by the CN Tower. In the English version, this sets off a flashback about the Dream Card capture. In the Japanese version, Sakura briefly thinks about her dream again. In any case, Madison asks what's up as Li looks on, concerned. Sakura says she's fine. Finally, they reach the temple where they are having the archery contest. In the English version, Sakura and Li discuss whether the last Card will really show up. Li reminds her that Kero is right, that they should expect the unexpected. Sakura is dubious because she doesn't sense anything. Kero asks if the coast is clear and then pops out of the bag. He glares and thinks to himself that Yueh is there. In the Japanese version, the kids walk in silence to the archery range and then Yukito shows up. Yukito is glad to see them and they chitchat a bit about archery and the lunch Sakura made. The kids wish Yukito luck and he goes off. Tomoyo and Sakura talk about how awesome Yukito is and Sakura asks if Li agrees. Li blushes and does so. At this point, Kero pops out of the bag and thinks to himself that he feels the moon. In any case, it's time for the archery competition. Julian is very good at it. To the kids' astonishment, Ms. Mackenzie is also competing in the contest. She is just as good as Julian. In the English version, this ensemble of characters causes her to realize that everyone who knows about the Clow Cards is at the contest. In the Japanese version, Sakura just wonders why their teacher is there. Some more unimportant people shoot their arrows and Kero remarks that it has to be Yueh or he really feels the moon (English/Japanese). In any case, it's time for the final match between Julian and Ms. Mackenzie. Ms. Mackenzie wishes Julian luck and he thanks her. They begin to shoot their arrows and they're evenly matched. In the English version, Sakura thinks that she's getting a weird feeling and Kero thinks that strong magic is at work. In the Japanese version, Sakura merely worries about not knowing who to cheer for. Kero doesn't think anything. In any case, Li explains that archery is about concentration and in the Japanese version, goes on to add that whoever breaks their concentration first loses. In the English version, as Ms. Mackenzie takes her last shot, Kero stares at her and thinks that it has to be Yueh. Ms. Mackenzie thinks "Yueh?" and this causes her to lose focus and misfire her arrow. In the Japanese version, there is no internal dialogue but Ms. Mizuki definitely noticed something and misfired as a result. In any case, Li remarks that Ms. Mackenzie must have been distracted by something. Meanwhile, Ms. Mackenzie congratulates Julian on his win. After this, Julian and the kids have lunch. As Sakura goes for the cups, she notices that Kero isn't in her bag anymore. Sakura shouts that fact which confuses Julian. Meanwhile, Ms. Mackenzie is kneeling somewhere by herself. Ms. Mackenzie calls out to someone and it turns out that Kero was hiding behind a corner. He's impressed that she sensed him. In the English version, Ms. Mackenzie remarks that she had been waiting a long time to meet him and acknowledges that he is Kerberos. Kero is impressed that she recognized him in this form since even Li didn't. Meanwhile, Sakura is looking for Kero, calling for him. Back to the mysterious people and Ms. Mackenzie asks if Kero has told her what's to come. He hasn't. Has he told her about the Final Judgement? No, not that either. Ms. Mackenzie remarks that it's good that he hasn't since he mustn't intervere. Kero replies that he knows his duty and Ms. Mackenzie explains that she knows hers as well. More Sakura looking for Kero. Kero explains to Ms. Mackenzie that there is only one Card left. Ms. Mackenzie asks if Sakura can do it. At this point, Sakura is getting close to their location. Kero snaps that, of course, Sakura can do it but admits that he hopes that is true and rhetorically asks how hard it could be. Ms. Mackenzie merely smiles but Kero says he was afraid of that and then, after that, it will be the Final Judgement and she will have to face... Ms. Mackenzie finishes his sentence for him: Yueh. At this point, Sakura reaches them and is confused: Yueh? Ms. Mackenzie? And Kero? Kero tells Sakura that he knew that he had to come with her today but he didn't know why. Sakura is still on the whole "Yueh" thing and remembers that she had heard about him before. This sets off another flashback, this time about the Light and Dark Cards capture. When that's done, Sakura asks what's about to happen. Ms. Mackenzie that she'll find out... when she's ready. Sakura says that she is ready but Ms. Mackenzie doesn't go on further. In the Japanese version, Ms. Mizuki remarks that this is the first time they've met with Kero in that form. Kero remarks that the last time they met, he was in Li's body and since he couldn't use his magic in that form, he didn't realize it when he met her. Kero says that he sense a lot of power, especially that of the moon. He asks her if she uses the power of the moon and she confirms it. Kero explains that there is another guardian opposite himself: Yueh, which means "moon" in Chinese. There is a scene of Sakura searching for Kero. Back to the plot. Kero asks if Ms. Mizuki has told her anything. She hasn't. Kero asks about the Last Judgement. Ms. Mizuki admits that she knows about it but hasn't told Sakura. She says she has duties. Kero asks what kind of duties. Ms. Mizuki says he'll find out. More shots of Sakura searching for Kero. Kero says that he believes that Sakura can do something about it. Ms. Mizuki thinks so too. At this point, Sakura reaches their location and is shocked to find Kero talking to Ms. Mizuki. In any case, the next scene is Sakura walking with her friends and Kero as Ms. Mackenzie and Julian lag behind. The kids are astonished that Kero was talking to Ms. Mackenzie. In the English version, Sakura realizes that Ms. Mackenzie came to teach after she got the Clow Cards so that may be why she is teaching their class in the first place. In the Japanese version, Sakura merely states that Kero had snuck out of the bag. In any case, Kero explains that Ms. Mackenzie had already sensed him before that conversation. Li adds that he knew she had great magical power and had already said as much. In the English version, Li restates that they still don't know what her intentions are so they can't trust her. In the Japanese version, Li points out that he sense magical power while Sakura gets all dazed, which she proceeds to do. In any case, she looks at the CN Tower as they pass it. In the Japanese version, there's a scene where a person in a bear costume gives Sakura a balloon and then a noogie: it's Toya! Apparently this was his Job Of The Episode. Sakura remarks on Toya's many occupations before he says that there is no such thing as a coincidence. Ms. Mizuki confirms that mysterious statement by saying there is only necessity before Toya heads off. Ms. Mizuki proposes they head home before Tomoyo realizes that Sakura's hat is missing. Sakura thinks she may have taken it off during lunch so the group goes to find it. In any case, Sakura is walking around the temple still. In the English version, Sakura wonders about how Yueh can be by her side. She looks at Kero but he's deep in thought. Li notices something and so does Sakura. Sakura tells Kero that it's a Clow Card. Kero confirms her guess and adds that it's the final card and that it's close. In the Japanese version, Sakura wonders what Toya was going on about and then looks at Kero, who is deep in thought. Meanwhile, Julian asks what distracted Ms. Mizuki during her shot. She admits that she felt someone watching over her. Ms. Mizuki then starts to admit something to Yukito but is distracted by something. Li and Sakura notice it too. In any case, an earthquake starts. The ground splits open and nearly gets Madison but Sakura rescues her. A giant pillar of rock soars into the sky as Sakura, Madison, Li, and Kero look on.
Wanna see it?
Cardcaptors Episode 44: Part 1/3
Click to viewCardcaptors Episode 44: Part 2/3
Cardcaptors Episode 44: Part 3/3
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 1/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPx97iv-ty8
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 2/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12ezcm1596w
Card Captor Sakura Episode 44: Part 3/3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4RR5Ak-fA
So, I guess I'm missing some Cards from my list, which is really annoying because now I have to go look them up to make sure my numbers add up. I know the comments on youtube tell me which ones but I want to make sure. But here is something fun to chew on: Toya is played by the prolific Tomokazu Seki, whose earliest role was in 1992 according to the Internet Movie Database and he continues to work, even now in 2009. I could go on about how Tomokazu Seki played Shuichi Shindou (go to 3:08) around the same time as Toya, an anime character known for being very, very sterotypically gay but for this episode, I would like to point out another role: Sousuke Sagara from Full Metal Panic!. Why do I want to bring this up at this time? Because the second season of Full Metal Panic! is called Full Metal Panic! Fumoffu and takes its name from an episode where Sousuke Sagara ends up at an amusement park and by the end of the story has: stolen a bear costume, worn it, gone Rambo on some yazuka while wearing the costume, gets chased by security while still wearing the costume, and finds the time to have a heartfelt moment with his high school crush while still wearing the damn costume. All while being only able to say "Fumoffu". Admittedly, the "fumoffu" lines were not done by Tomokazu Seki (or Chris Patton, Sousuke's English actor) but that didn't stop me from being completely unable to get that episode out of my mind as I watched the scene with Toya in the bear costume. Don't mess with Sakura, Toya's packing heat! Anyway, I do like archery a lot so it was fun to watch people playing archery.
Card Tally
Sakura: Windy, Fly, Shadow, Watery, Rain, Wood, Jump, Illusion, Silence, Thunder, Sword, Flower, Shield, Power, Mist, Float, Erase, Glow, Move, Fight, Loop, Sleep, Song, Little, Mirror, Maze, Shot, Sweet, Big, Create, Change, Firey, Arrow, Snow, Voice, Lock, Cloud, Light, Dark
Unseen Captures: Bubbles, Libra, Through, Wave
Current number: 43
Li: Time, Storm, Return, Dash, Freeze, Dream, Sand, Twin
Current number: 8
Wow, these titles are both... not good. The Japanese title could have been used for any Ms. Mizuki-heavy episode and the English title is just too anvilious to be good. I guess the English title is better because it's not quite so vague.
As is clear from the summaries, the English version cuts some scenes. However, they cut too many because that is the only reason they could have felt the need to have two overly long Card capture flashbacks. The weirdest part is that Sakura doesn't even have an accurate flashback to the Dream Card capture.
In the original Dream Card episode, the kids reach the CN Tower and comment on how huge it is. Madison then suggests going inside. Sakura doesn't seem too pleased and Meilin accuses her of being afraid of heights. Sakura denies this and then thinks to herself that it was just like her dream. In this episode, they have a completely different conversation, with Sakura saying aloud that she remembers it and Meilin asking how she can remember it if she's never been there. Um, did we step into an alternate universe? To be fair, they haven't pulled this trick since Li apparently warned Sakura about Ms. Mackenzie while complimenting her but it's the same case here as it was there: they could have left out that moment and no one would ever know! Why do they do this stuff?
The flashback to the Light and Dark capture was silly as well. For that, the flashback is accurate but Sakura's narration is so off the wall. "It was all dark and then... there was light!" Um, yeah, Sakura, couldn't you just say, "It was when the Dark Card was making everything dark at the play!" Why the weird poetic line here? She knows what was going on there.
As for what got cut, there's a lot of tiny moments but two big scenes were lost. The first is the infodumping scene with Sakura and her dad. This cut I can allow. When I was watching the English version, I pretty understood without anyone explaining it that Julian was competing in an archery contest, Sakura had made lunch, and Tori had to work by the end of the episode. So, this moment was cut and didn't hurt the episode at all. It also freed the English producers from making up some excuse as to why Sakura is making a bunch of Japanese bentos for her Canadian friends. Although I can come up with one: since Julian was doing Japanese-style archery, complete with Japanese clothes, Sakura wanted to get into the spirit of the event.
The second is the scene with Toya in the bear costume. Although this scene was a bit over the top with Toya being all "there are no coincidences!" and Ms. Mizuki going, "Yes, you're right!" which seemed kind of odd for Toya to do, it was a good scene to lead into the cliffhanger of the final capture. Since the English version was seriously hyping up the importance of the final capture in this episode, it is odd that they removed this scene. Especially since it causes a plot hole because, if Sakura never meets Toya, then how did she get that balloon? Besides that, nothing was particularly wrong with this scene, besides Toya's brief moment of out of characterness, so I don't really see what warranted its removal and why I had to sit through two Card capture flashbacks as a result.
They also cut the moment where Ms. Mizuki almost tells Yukito something. Since I know what's about to happen to Yukito, I'm a bit annoyed they cut this scene because it was a chance to do some last minute foreshadowing. Again, I had to sit through two flashbacks so this scene could get cut.
I will admit that I was impressed with the clever editing that went into removing Yukito's "hi, guys, wanna watch me shoot arrows?" scene, have it make sense according to the new plotline, and not look obvious. Again, I never noticed anything was amiss until I watched the Japanese version, which proves that that scene was not important since I still understood that Julian was participating in an archery contest.
Most of the changes didn't deal with cuts but rather dialogue changes or additions.
I want to call attention to all the additional lines in the English version. Kero gets a lot more internal monologues in this episode and even Ms. Mackenzie gets to think "Yueh?" during her failed shot. I actually rather liked how they did this. They would have a shot of Ms. Mackenzie, they would go back to Kero, and have Kero think, "Definitely Yueh". I think the English version was trying to have the audience believe that Ms. Mackenzie was, in fact, Yueh until they have their conversation. I really liked this bit of a red herring and was amazed that neither the manga nor the Japanese version tried this. Why can't Ms. Mizuki be Yueh? She's got long hair, she's got magical powers, she seems to know a lot more than she's letting on, she's got all that moon imagery, why not guess it's her? As for Ms. Mackenzie's thought, it tells me that she felt Yueh (as she should at this juncture) and was distracted by his presence.
I've mentioned the fancy cutting that went into removing Yukito's pointless scene with the kids but they also do some fancy line adding to make the scene flow better, taking advantage of the storyline and the animation to make it seem like it was supposed to be this way. Hey, I was fooled.
They also add the kids talking more about the possibility of finding the last Card when they arrive at the temple rather than have them walk in silence. This, I didn't like so much, not because it was clear it was an addition (it wasn't) but by that point, they had mentioned the fact that only one Card is left so many goddamn times that I was sick of the topic by then.
Which leads me to my next topic: they changed the focus of the episode slightly. The Japanese version does mention that Sakura has one Card left but they pretty much drop the subject after the train scene. The English version not only uses it in the title but then proceeds to bring it up over and over again to the exclusion of anything else. They're about as subtle as an anvil about this.
I'll allow that Sakura is aware that she only has one Card left in the English version. Maybe Kero told her off screen. I'll live with that. But why is everyone so certain that she'll find it at the contest? They mention this quite a few times as if finding the last Card is definitely a possibility. There's no explanation as to why they know this. They just do. And they will remind the audience any chance they get.
My "favorite" moment is on the train when Sakura, out of the blue, just starts talking about how she only has one Card left. There is no graceful and natural transition into this topic, it just happens. I want to know what the conversation was like before we jumped in.
Sakura: Sorry about that huge lunch, Li.
Li: Nah, it's cool. You'll notice that I'm not wearing my pink shirt today. Therefore, I am manly.
Sakura: Hm, right, that's nice. Anyway, so, Madison, I saw that ad you mentioned the other day.
Madison: Oh my gosh, isn't it hysterical?
Sakura: I totally died laughing!
Li: What ad?
Madison: It's an ad for these jeans. I can't remember what brand but it has this guy and he's swimming...
Li: Is it a TV ad?
Madison: Yeah, why?
Li: Oh, I haven't been watching TV lately. I've been working out. Because I'm manly. Notice how I'm wearing blue today?
Madison: Why do you keep saying that you're...?
Li: That's 'cause I am. Manly, that is.
Sakura: There's only one Card left, guys!
Madison and Li: ...?
Madison: Why did you bring that up?
Sakura: Because your conversation was boring.
Anyway, I just found the constant talk about the last Card got on my nerves. It wasn't well done at all. It didn't make any sense why everyone would agree that the last Card would be found that day.
Speaking of "everyone", why does Sakura point out that everyone who knows about the Cards is at the contest? It's not that many people, first of all, and secondly, this arrangement of crazy critters had been together before without Sakura getting all hyper about it. And what about the Li clan? They're not there and they know about the Cards. And Julian doesn't know about the Cards so why is him being there with them so special?
Alright, more changes. Besides the overly long flashback, the conversation between Kero and Ms. Mackenzie is different depending on the version.
In the Japanese version, Ms. Mizuki points out that this is the first time they've met with Kero in that form. Kero then mentions the whole body switching incident. I had actually never realized that that episode had a major plot hole. Why didn't Kero realize that he had already met Ms. Mizuki and saw her power and all that? The Japanese episode hand waves it by saying that Kero couldn't use his magic in Li's body but that still doesn't make sense. Li could sense Ms. Mizuki's magic just fine. Is it just because he was in the wrong body? The English version dodges this issue by having Kero comment on her ability to recognize him at all in his current form. Of course, that leaves the problem of how did neither of them realize they've already met in the classroom?
Moving on, the Japanese version makes it clear that Kero has no idea what Ms. Mizuki is up to and is trying to find out what it is. The English version makes this less clear. On one hand, it may be sloppy writing. On the other hand, it may be that it is implied that Kero has pretty much figured out what her intentions are. This makes some sense because in either version, Kero makes no move to warn Sakura that Ms. Mizuki should not be trusted since he isn't sure what she wants. Kero never gets a straight answer from her in the Japanese version while, in the English version, Kero and Ms. Mackenzie seem to be on the same page and are being mysterious and vague to mislead the audience.
I'm torn as to whether I liked Ms. Mackenzie questioning Kero rather than Kero questioning Ms. Mizuki. On face value, I don't like it because Kero is freaking Kerberos, Guardian of the Seal. Why is he getting interrogated by some temple priest's daughter? On the other hand, Kero's questions in the Japanese version don't make much sense. He asks her if she has told Sakura anything. Unless Sakura is suddenly hiding things from Kero, he should know the answer to this: Ms. Mizuki has told Sakura nothing. In the English version, Ms. Mackenzie pretty much asks the same questions of Kero. In her case, she does not live with Sakura so she would not know the answer to these questions so it makes sense that she would need to ask. I just don't like her self-righteous "well, good! You shouldn't say anything!" to Kero. Kero kind of knows his roles and responsibilities, lady, don't flatter yourself. And if we're going with the implied "Kero knows what's up", then he doesn't need to ask what her duties are because he can guess. Or, he's smart enough to realize that even if he did ask, she's not going to tell him.
There is also the moment of doubt (again, with an implied "something is going on underneath this conversation that the audience is not privy to" moment with Ms. Mackenzie just smiling rattling Kero's confidence). I liked this moment because it adds a little bit of drama since it's not a sure thing that Sakura will succeed. We know Sakura will succeed because her losing would be a really horrible ending to this series but we can at least pretend that it's up in the air, can't we? Also, having Ms. Mizuki agree that Sakura will be fine kind of makes it clear that she's one of the good guys which kills the drama a bit.
They also changed Sakura's thought about the contest. She gets a "weird" feeling rather than wondering about who to cheer for. Kero also gets to add his internal monologue about magic being at work to this moment when he was silent in the Japanese version. Considering all the magical stuff that is about to happen, this worked for me but I could see a viewer who didn't know what was coming next wondering if there was magical cheating involved.
There was a minor line change that I thought were oddand it was Kero's comment of "Bingo" when Sakura realizes that her doll is wearing her dream outfit. This tells me that Kero was trying to get her to realize that. But how would he know what she's wearing in the dream? Why couldn't he just be silent or even say "Are you serious?" instead of pretending he can see her dreams?
Plot Holes!
1. Why does the Loop Card fall down twice in the dream?
2. For all that talk about keeping the Clow Cards a secret, the kids certainly don't keep their voices down on the train or in the temple grounds.
3. For that matter, keeping Kero out of sight doesn't really make much sense since he talks on the train and opens the bag constantly. No one notices or even cares.
4. I know that the English version handwaves it by saying that Kero can't intervere but why can't Kero warn Sakura about Yueh or the Final Judgement? In the manga, I got the impression that he couldn't intervere during the Final Judgement. Maybe I was wrong?
5. Where did all the bento boxes go? Did Sakura pitch them? I hope they were disposable or her father is going to be very upset with her!
Even though the Japanese version had its problems and the English version had some interesting additions to the way the story was told, because of the unnecessary addition of flashbacks and the heavy-handedness with its change in focus in the English version, I judge these episodes to be...
Different, with the Japanese Card Captor Sakura being the superior!
Episode 45