tomasmmc-77198 Reviews

Lost: Lighthouse (2010) Season 6, Episode 5

Broken

[9/10 · 8 May 2023]

After so long, 316, there's finally an episode focused on Jack. It wasn't perfect, but there were memorable moments. Jack's stories are always heartfelt.

On one hand, the episode follows Jin's time under Claire's watch. He has an injured leg, which she treats, while also interrogates the Other hostage, Justin. It's revealed that Claire had been living the last three years in the company of the Man in Black, who previously impersonated Christian Shephard. She had been avoiding the Others constantly, and setting traps for them. She had killed, losing her innocence, her good side. Jin is stunned to discover all this, and pretends to be ok, to be her friend. In the end, he tries to tell her that Kate actually took Aaron out of the island, so in her fury she kills Justin with her axe. A horrified Jin decides to take back his words in order to prevent another death. The Claire I saw here is wild, and nothing like the one of earlier seasons. I don't know what was the problem for her disappearance in Something Nice Back Home, and it's sad to see how much the character has changed. Considering her ending, it seems like a development with inconsistencies. Aaron has a crazy mother.

On the other hand, there's Jack storyline in the alternate reality. He has a son, David, but for some reason is divorced from the mother (Juliet). She doesn't appear on the episode, sadly. Father and son has a estranged bond, much like Christian and Jack in the past. Jack proves to be a bad father, but not because he doesn't try, actually because he doesn't really act like it. David is upset, and fearful of his high expectations. Apparently he gets along pretty well with Juliet, who is in good terms with Jack. Anyway, Jack doesn't know how to get to talk to him, until his mother helps him, reminding how he was with Christian. In the end, Jack listens David play the piano on a conservatory, and meets Dogen, who also has a son playing there. Jack finally makes up to David, who confides in him probably for the first time. He was simply scared of Jack seeing him fail. This part was slow, but nice. I liked seeing Jack struggling as a dad, considering how he failed in the real timeline. It would have been good to expand more of this new background.

Then, the big deal of the episode is Jack's path to the Lighthouse. He has a good talk to Dogen, and then he secretly leaves the Temple with Hurley's guide, who was contacted by Jacob. On the road, they meet Kate, and though Jack invites her to join them, Hurley refuses. Kate doesn't really mind, and gently tells Jack that she hopes he finds what he's looking for. She goes to find Claire on her own. Then, Hurley apologizes to Jack, who simply says there's nothing left to wreck with Kate. When Hurley asks what happened, about having a family and kids, Jack says "I guess I wasn't cut out for it". Later, they get to the caves, where Jack remembers the time he found the place following his father's ghost, and the coffin. He explains he broke it because his father wasn't in it. And Then, comes the best scene. When asked, Jack tells why he returned to the island. "I came back because I was broken, and I was stupid enough to think this place could fix me" Shortly after, Hurley finds Jacob's lighthouse, where Jack sees on the mirror, the reflection of his childhood house. He realizes Jacob has been watching him since little, and breaks the glass when Hurley falls to contact the Man. Later, Jack stares at the ocean, alone, and thinks. Jacob appears next to Hurley, and is revealed that he wanted this to happen, so Jack can understand how important he is. And to take them out of the Temple. I loved Jack's lines. He finally explains what he has been feeling since Something Nice Back Home. He's broken. He needed fixing. He's not good at letting go things, and has been living basically alone his whole life, except for the time on the island. He feels he failed, and not only to his father. Jacob wants to say that he is special. That he's destined to do something. I guess many of us want to feel that way someday. Like we're worthy of living. This episode is deeper than it seems. Jack is becoming a man of faith, just like John was. That way, life can fix him.

Lost: The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham (2009) Season 5, Episode 7

The Tragedy of John Locke

[10/10 · 7 May 2023]

A man's life can be defined by his legacy, how he lived, what he leaves behind the moment he dies. And how is he going to be remembered. When I think about John Locke, this phenomenal character created by Lost, I feel sorrow. Pity. A sad existence. Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham shows the most tragic ending possible. The story was great despite the inconsistencies, and the acting, superb, especially from Terry O'Quinn.

The beginning is slow, showing the Man in Black impersonating Locke (though back then it was supposed to deceive), and the moment he sees Ben again. Here should be noticeable the difference between the fake and the real Locke. John had fear, he wasn't so assertive, or confident. The Man in Black is simply fearless, audacious.

The rest of the episode (except the end) shows the last days of life for John. Widmore rescues him from the desert, and provides him with all the necessary equipment to reach the Oceanic Six. According to Widmore (who was already visited by Jacob off screen), there's going to be a war, and the losties have to get back. Abbadon (who suggested Locke to make a walkabout trip in Cabin Fever flashbacks), acts as the driver. First, John visits Sayid at Santo Domingo. It's been almost three years since There's No Place Like Home. Sayid spent nine months with Nadia, two years working for Ben, and the last few months doing charity work. Though John tries to convince him, Sayid refuses, thinking someone is manipulating Locke. It's certain he knows about Widmore, and doesn't trust this. I understand that the conversation was brief, and Sayid didn't ask about the rest of the survivors, but if he guessed that Widmore was behind John's return, then it would make sense. He chooses to stay out. Rejection one.

Next, Locke pays a visit to Walt in New York. This is surely the most beautiful scene of the whole episode. All the memories of season 1, with John acting as a mentor for the younger Walt, in quarrels with Michael. Plus, the score by Giacchino. It's extremely touching. John refuses to tell Walt that Michael died, ignores the strange dreams (late season 3) and lets him be on his new life at school. There's no doubt that of all the people in the world, all the characters, the one who had the most genuine concern for Locke, is Walt. James would come second, though he's in the island.

Then, John goes to Santa Monica psychiatric hospital, and meets Hurley. At first, things go well, and John convinces him he's not dead. Still Hurley thinks that no one would want to return and informs him about Sun, Jack, and Kate. And then, the whole talk goes to waste the moment Hurley spots Abbadon in the car. Considering what happened before, he leaves abruptly, and John is left baffled, aware of Abbadon's interference. Rejection two.

Later, Locke goes to Kate's, who simply refuses to leave. She doesn't explain her reasons, obviously Aaron, and instead counters bringing love subject on the table. Apparently, she doesn't really care about the ones who stayed in the island, not anymore, and wishes to know why John would want to be there so badly. He tells her about Helen. "It just didn't work out..." "I was angry... I was... obsessed..." "And look how far you've come" This shakes John, who leaves the house, distressed. This certainly says how he feels. Alone. Misunderstood. Unhappy. Like his life has been worthless. And it's sad, because no one really wanted to help him. Kate simply minded her own business. Rejection three.

Then, Abbadon finally takes him to visit Helen, who died in 2006 from brain aneurysm. A saddened Locke stares at her grave, wishing he had done things different. She loved him, and they could have been together. Abbadon states that she would have died anyway, but John is hesitant. Asked about Richard's words, John says he doesn't want to die, but if he has no choice... Is it inevitable? Only the writers know the answer. I liked very much this scene. It explains what happened to Helen, who surely learned of John's supposed demise at the accident in 2004. If she was born in 1957, in 2006, she had 49. How likely is a brain aneurysm at that age? John hoped she would be alive if he stayed with her, if he had chosen her instead of his father. These are regrets, the regrets a man has sensing the end of his life. John had been pondering death for a time now, and he can't help but to think about his past.

Sadly, when they are about to leave the cemetery, Abbadon is shot and killed, so John drives the car to get away. He has an accident, and is carried to the hospital, only to wake up in a room, with Jack watching over him. At this point, Jack already has a light beard, and is obviously apart from Kate, surely for a month at least. In another short conversation, Jack refuses to listen, and prefers to stay away. He says John was never special, just a lonely old man who crashed on an island. Jack only doubts when Locke tells him about Christian, but leaves anyway, angry. Rejection four. It was harsh, but necessary. This was the perfect build up for the first flashforward scene of Through the Looking Glass. Jack will regret doing this forever. So much, that he'll want to reunite with Locke, just to tell him he was right. Broken. Alone. Depressed. Jack and John had these things in common, and almost never could understand each other. And both wished to end their lives the same way.

In the end, John feels like a failure, and even tosses away the cellphone to call Widmore. He couldn't do anything to convince the others. There's no one else for him. No family, no friends, no destiny. All he can do, is end his life, hoping it'll work of something. And this is the tragedy. Feeling that you have to die to achieve something. John didn't really want to die. He wanted to be happy with Helen. He wanted a family who loved him. And then, he wanted to be at the island, and fulfill a destiny. Have a purpose. It's tearful.

Ben's intervention served for John to open up, and tell his reasons. A failure. "I am!" He sobs, and reveals how weak he has been. How broken, how useless he feels. And Ben ends up killing him mercilessly after getting Jin's ring and the information of Eloise Hawking. It's cruel. Unfair. Tragic. I hated John in Fire plus Water for instance, but then, overall, he was a great character. He deserved surely a different ending. I guess the lesson is that life is just the way it is. Sometimes people who suffers cannot have a happy ending, not on this life.

I want to make one last comment, about Jack. According to Ben, he bought a plane ticket, surely the day after John was released from the hospital. And he'd keep flying, every day and every night, until his beard grows to the extent of Through the Looking Glass. Until Jeremy Bentham's obituary appears on the newspaper.

Smallville (2001–2017)

Road to Superman

[10/10 · 4 May 2023]

Smallville is surely one, or simply, the best Superhero TV show of all times. It had the longest run, the greatest storylines, and most dramatic scenes. Can't say is flawless, perfect, because is not. But overall, it's the best. It's complete. The protagonists were incredible. Clark, Lois, Oliver, Lex, and the Kents, were all memorable. Lionel Luthor, Chloe and Lana had their own role to fulfill in the first seven seasons. Michael Rosenbaum shined as Lex Luthor, John Schneider was unforgettable as Jonathan Kent, and not to forget Anette O'Toole as Martha Kent. As for Lois and Clark, there will be hardly anyone like Erica and Tom. They are the best for a long while. So far, on this century, I haven't seen anyone over them (not even Cavill and Adams).

I have to praise the quality of guest stars brought by this series: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Marc McClure, Michael McKean, James Marsters, Rutger Hauer, Helen Slater, Julian Sands, Terence Stamp, Joe Morton, Gina Holden, Lynda Carter, Pascale Hutton, Phil Morris, Teri Hatcher, Michael Ironside, among others. They all played a role, minor or not, on this show, letting enjoy the episodes.

The first three seasons dwell in Smallville High School, and the lives of Clark, Chloe, Pete, Lana, who often face "meteor freaks", given the meteor shower that brought Kal-El from Krypton 15 years ago. It's a slow process, where Clark learns little by little how to cope with his abilities and a teenage life. The highlights are his friendship with Lex Luthor, who has his own struggles between right and wrong, and the relationship with Jonathan and Martha Kent. On almost each episode, there's a lesson, and a lecture from Jonathan, who fights hard to protect Clark's secret, and keep him sane in the road. Plus, the discovery of Kryptonian heritage becomes clear on season 2, with Dr Swann (Reeve) appearance. These three seasons have up and downs, and can be enjoyed mostly by teenagers probably. I particularly recall the two episodes with Ryan, Josh Kelley, an orphan who finds a brother bond with Clark. It's one of the most tragic stories of the series, especially touching.

In season 4, Lois is finally introduced to the show, and begins the deal with college, plans for the future. It follows moreless the path of earlier seasons, but things take a more Supernatural turn, with special stones, and Jensen Ackles' role as a regular. The character of Alicia is memorable since she becomes Clark's most significant other (besides Lana, Chloe, and Lois). Her storyline was brilliant, a lovely romance full of drama, considering mental health.

Season 5 breaks Smallville in two halves. With Reckoning (a masterpiece), Jonathan's death, the series takes a darker turn, leaving behind the teenage side of earlier seasons. Brainiac (Marsters), proves to be the other greatest villain besides Lex and the dubious Lionel. Plus, Clark finally gets access to the Fortress of Solitude.

Seasons 6 and 7, deal mostly with the triangle Clark-Lana-Lex. Jimmy Olsen I (Ashmore), and Oliver Queen (Hartley) become regulars, and there's a slow transition from Smallville to Metropolis. That's when the series loses some bright, since one would have expected Lana to be long gone by then. Lois deserved much more protagonism in those seasons. Anyway, Smallville builds Lex Luthor's fall into the darkness perfectly. Lionel dies, and the greatest villain rises.

Season 8 finally takes Clark to Metropolis and the Daily Planet. Tess Mercer is introduced, as Lex's successor in Luthorcorp. Lex's departure from the series was messy. Michael Rosenbaum deserved another get away storyline, more powerful. Lex was reinstated in the finale as a clone, which is barely acceptable considering the character development. The season wasn't as good as should have been, and Lana's return was unnecesary. It took Lois out of the picture for various episodes, and her relationship with Clark estranged. Doomsday was a good villain, played by Sam Witwer, though the final battle was disappointing. The best of the season was Lois and Clark's dynamic in the Daily Planet. Plus the beginning of her relationship with the Blur (hidden identity).

Season 9 is an improvement. The appearance of the cloned Zod and Kandorians was somehow entertaining, bringing duels between Kryptonians. Clark still acts as the Blur, but his shape is black and dark. He and Lois finally get together, and share some good moments as the story progresses. She leaves him before the season finale because of insecurities on the Blur, though she ends up learning his identity.

Season 10 is the best of Smallville without doubt. Clark and Lois are the two stars of the story, and Superman begins to shape, little by little. Homecoming, the other masterpiece, is crucial for Clark to take the final step to his future. Oliver and Tess, plus a recurrent Kara, are stable companions for the season, bringing darkness, and light. The ending is beautiful.

Smallville: Booster (2011) Season 10, Episode 18

Clark Kent is Born

[10/10 · 4 May 2023]

Booster is undoubtedly one of the best episodes of Smallville. Highly underrated. Near the end of the series, it's the closest glimpse to the future life of Clark Kent as Superman. On one hand, Lois helps him to develop his mild mannered persona, and encourages him to keep using the glasses. Little by little, this begins to work, and fellow coworkers (even Cat Grant) get the idea of Clark being clumsier than real. Still, he struggles, and even admits that he used to be like that before (season 1). In the end, it gets easier, but he grows worried about Lois. What people is going to say about her. Why she'd want to marry someone shy and clumsy like Clark? Well, she reassures him that they can make it work. Then, Clark Kent is born. The same guy anyone could see in a Christopher Reeve's movie, the original character, the true persona of Superman, is here. This is a reason why the episode is lovable. It's loyal to the comic, to a Lois and Clark's story. After so many seasons waiting, Smallville gave the reward. No Chloe, no Oliver, no Tess, no Lana, no enemies. Booster is a exclusive masterpiece of Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

And of course, more original characters from DC. Booster Gold, a retired footballer, gambler, who arrived to the present only to become a hero, looking for spotlight. Wearing a Legion Ring, dressed on a super suit, with Skeets (the history map), and a cheerful attitude. His background is just like the comic. In the storyline, with Lois and Clark's rebukes, Booster learns what it means to be a hero, and helps Jaime, a teenager caught by a secret weapon of Kord Industries, to become one himself. I enjoyed every part of the episode. The scene with Lois encouraging Jaime after he was bothered by his fellow classmates, was great. It was heartfelt, and reminded me of very common situations in school. Even of Raimi's Spiderman. Then, I liked Booster's role. He may have been misguided, but the way he explained his own mistakes, his regrets, was beautiful. I guess many of us were there. "I always knew all of this way gonna blow up in my face sooner or later. I mean, it always does." That's terrific. How many times we do something wrong, and we're aware of it, but we keep on doing it anyway. Human mistake. Human condition. This is the lesson brought by Booster. And Clark also learns a lessson. To be the symbol of hope everyone needs. Not to fear be in the spotlight for once. He has to become Superman after all. He needed the help, the extra push. Like everyone.

Smallville: Abandoned (2010) Season 10, Episode 8

The heart of a Parent

[10/10 · 4 May 2023]

This episode has two different storylines. On one hand, there's Lois's. For the first time, Ella Lane is properly introduced on the series. And there's no one better to portray her than Teri Hatcher. Lois's mother died from cancer when her girls were children. And as the tape says, nor Lois or Lucy went to the hospital because Ella didn't want them to see her. But she left these videos for Lois, and surely some for Lucy. Acting on this scene was superb. Even if Teri had so little screen time, she was perfect. And so did Erica. She let herself feel like seeing her mother. They even looked alike. Lovable. Lois having this way to see her deceased mother, and her words, encourage her to look for Jor-El. She makes some digging in the barn, in Shelby's company, gets the key, and goes to the Fortress of Solitude. There she talks to Jor-El, pleading him to fix his relationship with Clark, and have faith in him. The fortress traps her until Clark arrives. And then, they see a tape recorded by Jor-El and Lara-El, right before Krypton's blast. This scene was moving, touching, since it let show a different side of Clark's biological father. That human side often hidden behind Terence Stamp's voice. He reassures his love in Clark.

The whole episode is covered by a melancholic tone. Dark surely, but hopeful as well. There's not a large cast, so Clark and Lois's protagonism is at a deeper level. It's more moving indeed. How a relationship betwren two people who beling together is built. In the end, Clark thanks Lois for showing him, for helping him make peace with Jor-El. All while he secretly keeps an engagement ring on his pocket. And Ella Lane left some special present for her daugher's wedding. It's pretty good.

On the other hand, the storyline for Tess is somehow darker. Granny Goodness is a creepy woman, a well built villain, who attempts to capture her and Clark in the orphanage St Luise. Fortunately, he manages to free himself and rescue Tess right in time, though the old woman escapes. In the last scene, is revealed that Tess entered that orphanage as a child since she is the unrecognized daughter of Lionel Luthor. Probably a not so stunning revelation, but a dramatic one surely. I never saw Tess as a Luthor, and is hard to picture that way.

Smallville: Lazarus (2010) Season 10, Episode 1

Hiding Fears

[10/10 · 4 May 2023]

Thr tenth season of Smallville had probably the best possible start. It had a few flaws, some confusing parts, but overall, was excellent.

Following the strange season finale where Clark falls almost dead from the heights, Lois, who was around waiting for him, appears to take out the dagger of blue kryptonite. In the middle of the rain, she saves his life, and hides the moment he wakes up. This first scene was magnificent, and I loved Erica's role here. She looked amazing, being the best Lois Lane she could be. It was simply beautiful. I've seen others, but no one does it like her.

Clark had a near death experience where he talked to Jor-El. Obviously, there was disappointment, because he had chosen the martyr's path (which was ridiculous). If it wasn't for Lois, where would Superman be? Anyway, Clark gets out alive, apparently renewed and eager to become Earth's savior. He wrongly thinks that Jor-El gave him a second chance, and is oblivious to Lois' intervention. Plus, he had a vision of Lex. This prompts him to meet Chloe, and seek for information from Lex's secret projects. He ends up seeing Lois at the Daily Planet, where she was just checking out all the articles of Smallville detailing Clark's earliest heroic actions. They have a brief talk, but she doesn't let him know that she knows his secret. Instead, she plays to see his handling of the situation. She even pretends to drop her pen so he can do his research fastly (which was stupid from him, like if she wouldn't sense his superspeed), and then says they need to talk. They agree to meet at the barn later. By this point, Lois doesn't intend to go to Africa, but what happens next changes her mind. In Cadmus lab, a recovered Tess finds several Lex's clones locked in. She inadvertently releases a kid, and the old bad one, who burns every other clone and leaves Tess cuffed to a table. With Chloe's tip, Clark saves Tess, and is told that Lex's clone is waiting for him at Lawson field. The bald man had tied Lois to a cross (echoing Clark in the Pilot), and sets the field on fire, while also planting a bomb at the top of the Daily Planet. Clark confronts the clone, and almost strangles him upon learning what he did, but stops when sees his nose bleeding. The clone will die soon, so Clark rushes to save both Lois, and the people outside the Daily Planet. He succeeds, but pride steps in, and makes Jor-El think that he's not ready to face the darkness within his heart. Lois fears putting Clark's life in danger, and flees to Africa to clear her doubts, not before leaving him a goodbye letter. In the meantime, Chloe exchanges herself for the caught Oliver, and Tess rescued the kid Lex. All while plays Vast-One more day. This scene was perfect, and memorable. I always remembered it, and I saw it for the first time 11 years ago. This season premiere was somehow sad, not flawless, but it was emotional. Heartfelt. Clark is not ready yet to become Superman (he needs the push of Homecoming). He has to pass one more stage, and that includes opening up to Lois. Nobody can do it alone. Not even him.

And so, it comes the ending scene, showing the awaited return of Jonathan Kent. A spectacular moment, where it doesn't matter if it's real or not, it's just there to enjoy, and feel. "Not a day goes by Clark, when I don't regret being able to be right there for you. I would do anything, I would give anything to get a second chance to get it right. You got that second chance, son. You could be the greatest hero the world has ever known." The words of one of the best characters in history of TV. He's inspiring. "Chores, son... Work keeps a man honest. Got to protect the things you work hard to build". Jonathan Kent has many lessons for everyone, not only Clark. Unforgettable. Every time he appears on screen, the episode becomes special. A nine turns out a ten. The flaws become meaningless. The mistakes doesn't matter much more.

To praise the acting overall, even Mackenzie's, who had a tough job having to portray Lex Luthor, considering that is Michael's role on this series. It made more sense this way, and was sad to be reassured that the true Lex died in Requiem. Then, the casting revelations (Chloe being a guest and not regular), are simply great. Because season 10 will focus exclusively in the creation of Superman, and the story of Lois and Clark. They will have the deserved protagonism, especially Erica Durance. It's fair. The ending showing Darkseid, serves to introduce the mysterious villain of the season, who will challenge Clark in different ways than the rest. It's all set for a powerful finale.

Smallville: Vengeance (2006) Season 5, Episode 13

Mourn and Cry

[10/10 · 3 May 2023]

First thing to say of this episode is that probably doesn't deserve a ten. But often I vote given level of emotion, and it hits me hard.

At the beginning, Clark feels empty and angry (at himself), and refuses to take any of his father's stuff, not even his watch. His mother wants him to, and disapproves his decision of dropping out of college, but he is adamant. She needs the help at the farm, someone who can do the job Jonathan did for so many years. Lana then tries to tell Clark that he must open up, but he refuses. He won't take it, he doesn't want to feel better. And it's right. As revealed in Homecoming (season 10), Clark will always blame himself for his father's death. His mistakes at season 5 premiere, where he chose to be mortal, and give up his powers, were the cause of all this. And that is part of why the storyline is excellent.

The rest of the episode includes the introduction of the vigilante, Angel, who saves Martha from two muggers. She is keen on vengeance for the death of her mother, who was killed in the past by one of those men, called Snake. And now these two almost kill Martha (that would have been a reunion of husband and wife), and steal Jonathan's watch. Clark and Chloe work together to uncover the new vigilante, and discover her name is Andrea. She works at the Daily Planet to stay close to news of danger (wink for future Clark), and is meteor infected by her heart. She didn't die the same day as her mother because of a miraculous heart transplant. After locating Snake, Clark begins to strangle him, and learns that he sold the watch. He stops in one moment after Andrea shouts, and then she finishes off the guy, who had attempted to counter attack. They find out that Andrea's mother murder was orchestrated by Lionel Luthor (as a business deal), and Clark arrives right in time to save him, though he does it mainly because of Andrea's sanity. In the end, Clark learns the lesson, confides in Chloe, and discover that Andrea left Metropolis for good. This part was entertaining, and gives a first insight for Clark's future. As Chloe suggests, he'll be saving the day, with a double identity, and he won't hide his face, which is what he wants now. Andrea's story is interesting, and reminds how many people die daily in local crimes, stabbed or in a shootout. It's a sad reality this series didn't ignore. I liked the idea of the episode being staged mostly at night, giving a dark tone, needed after the tragedy.

Then, the thing about Lex, and Lionel kind of shadows in the plot. The first offers his support to Lana, and tells how Clark doesn't want to see him (good point). He also blackmails his father from retrieving Luthorcorp, with the information about the last talk between Jonathan and Lionel before the heart attack. Lionel doesn't want to risk his friendship with Martha, and offers her support.

In the last part, Lana shows up at the Kent farm, having retrieved Jonathan's watch at a pawn shop in Metropolis, and finally gets to comfort Clark, at least a little. He starts wearing his father's watch. Martha allows herself to feel her husband's essence in one of his jackets (before Lionel's appearance). Before finishing, I want to say that Lois was missed. She could have had a small role in comforting Clark, but for some reason, the character didn't appear. Anyway, that setback is not enough for me to bring down the rating.

The ending scene, is brilliant. A masterpiece of melodrama. Clark enters home, only to find his mother watching an old clip of Jonathan teaching how to ride a truck to kid Clark. The video is excellent, since Jonathan teases how one day is going to be Clark's world, man of steel. It's the most touching scene of the whole series, and one of the most tearful I've ever seen. I can only cry with it. Tom's sobbing was genuine, it felt real. It reaches the heart. Anette's acting was also superb, in that comforting hug. It's brilliant because of what Jonathan Kent represents. Surely one of the best fathers I've ever seen in TV. With mistakes and all, but a humble man, devoted to a family and a farm, stubborn, prideful, honest, gentle, caring. A memorable legacy. Unforgettable lessons in more than four seasons. I always remembered John Schneider for this epic role. Another great point of the ending scene, is the message. Please, if you have a beloved person who is close to death, make a video. Share a farewell. Catch him or her laughing, teaching something, enjoying your birthday, watching TV, reading a book, whatever. It's a way to see the person anytime you want. To hear his voice. And to wave bye to you.

Smallville: Apocalypse (2008) Season 7, Episode 18

Almost a Wonderful Life

[10/10 · 30 April 2023]

Considering this is just season 7, here the writers did a great job by bringing in some allusions to Superman. I loved the idea of showing a world where Clark never came to Earth. Like in the classic Christmas movie, the protagonist seems to think that his existence is a mistake, only to realize that it's the opposite. It's pretty interesting. Chloe engaged to some guy. Lana, happily married in Paris. Jonathan and Martha, enjoying his birthday in a ship. Smallville, saved from the meteor freaks by Lex. Lois, editor of the Daily Planet. Jimmy, top photographer. Lex, president. Where did it go wrong?

Brainiac, as usual. The mastermind, who intends to use Lex so he can extinct most of Humankind, and populate it back with kryptonians, including Zod. Really, he is the best villain of the whole story, besides Lex. Clark is not rival for them, not when Lex got the knowledge of his weakness. The world comes to an end, as Jor-El reveals it was an illusion. What was lovely of this, were the winks to Superman's future. Because Clark realizes that his life will take place in the Daily Planet, with Lois and Jimmy. Lana is out of the picture, and Lois gets to be the confident, the one who puts the suit and glasses to Clark Kent. Just like is meant to be. Their scenes were enjoyable, even though it wasn't really serious. He got to tell her about his identity, and asked her to trust him. The best of Clois in season 7.

Then, the ending is sort of confusing, indeed, probably convenient (Clark traveling in time in a second) but it had to turn out like it did. Brainiac couldn't kill baby Clark in Krypton, and being overpowered by Clark and Kara was logical. But what fixes it, is the end. Brainiac pretends defeat one more time just to infect Kara, and survive. Lana remains in coma, and not even Lex's doctors can help her. Clark grows desperate, until Lois comes to cheer him up. The last scene was nice. In the alternate world, she invited him for a drinks at O'Malley, and in the present, she actually got him on board for it. Their relationship keeps evolving. Even if he was stuck on Lana's coma, he knows life is not over. Lois reminds him of that.

To finish, probably visual effects are not quite ok on this episode, but the rest, it's pretty good. I felt Laura Vandervoort, Michael Rosenbaum, and James Marsters did a great job. Tom and Erica's chemistry as Clark and Lois can be noticed. Ashmore, thumbs up for Jimmy Olsen.

Smallville: Veritas (2008) Season 7, Episode 15

Downfall

[10/10 · 24 April 2023]

Season 7 of Smallville was confusing, and with strange twists here and then, but at this point, was at its highest. The whole deal about Veritas is a very intriguing plotline, which concerns Clark's fate. The Luthors, the Queens, the Teagues, and the Swann family, four chosen to be the human guidance for Kal-El. But one of them, will become his greatest foe.

There's something amazing achieved by Smallville. And that's Lex Luthor. How his background was built, the character development, everything was perfect. It's incredible how the roles were reversed. In the earlier seasons, especially in the 3rd (Shattered, Asylum), I could feel pity for Lex, and feel bad for how he lost his mother, and had to be raised by a cold-hearted father. But now, it's the opposite. Lionel ends up like a redeemed man, who recognized his crimes, and instead is wrongly by everyone of Patricia Swann's murder. It's sad, the heroes forgot about Lex, and were led to Lionel only because he knows the secret. Praise deserved John Glover and Michael Rosenbaum for their performances. Smallville was totally underrated 15 years ago.

As for the other part, Brainiac shines once again as a villain. I understand Lana had borrowed time in season 7 (she should have been sent away sooner), but still, giving this tragic turn out for the character was magnificent. Brainiac not only leaves her in a coma, but also uses her to chastise Clark. "Kal-El. You're too late" Without doubt. Brainiac is one of the greatest of the story. Taking Kara away, was also a master move, leaving Clark more alone on his quest. The ending scene, with Clark kneeling, broken, before a comatose Lana in a wheelchair, was excellent. The statue of an angel by the side, nice detail.

Then, Lois and Jimmy, the dynamic duo of reporter and camera, served as a lighter for the episode. It's always good to see some wink to the original comic. Jimmy Olsen is a memorable character.

The Good Place: Whenever You're Ready (2020) Season 4, Episode 13

That It's Over feeling

[8/10 · 19 April 2023]

A very good finale. It was emotional, saddening, and at the same time, gave a happy or comforting ending for each character. Acting, score, writing, cinematography were all great overall.

What I liked the most about this, and the show was the relationship between Eleanor and Michael. I saw a progress, something worthy, probably the biggest deal of the story. It's remarkable how Eleanor didn't leave with Chidi, like if they were soulmates who can't live without each other. In the end, she was more selfless than him. She was the one to worry about Mindy St Claire, and Michael, unlike the rest. I know she is the protagonist, but it shows how much the character grew from the beginning. Michael became like the father figure Eleanor never had, and she never forgot about him. That's part of the good message or moral The Good Place leaves, behind Eleanor Shellstrop.

Then, the thing about the last gate is kind of simplistic I guess. I have to admit, personally, I don't like much the idea. And the quote about the wave, seemingly a buddhist idea, it kinda drifts towards one religion, which should be a mistake. To move on just to be part of the existential void of the universe feels empty. And that's the deal about It's over. It doesn't matter what you did, you all end up in the same place. I'd have preferred to see a more open ending, I mean, open for all the religions. Islam and Christianism are deist, and despite showing there's a Good Place and a Bad Place, this finale doesn't honor them properly. The end for Tahani seems more hopeful, and I liked it better. She won't fall in oblivion, instead, she'll stay in that sort of purgatory to help other souls. Therefore, I don't believe that someone would ever get bored there. Feeling bored it's a human sensation, and once you die, you die. There's no more boredom, or feeling hungry, dirty, tired. Just existence.

I didn't like the cameos from Simone and John. Considering what they did in Help is the Other People, they don't belong to the Good Place. That was supposed to be their test, and they failed. Another bad taste was not to see any children around. They were totally ignored, like if no kid had ever died in history. And they should be the first ones to enter the Good Place.

I understand the moral and ethical dilemma The Good Place got into. It's strange to create a comedy for the Afterlife. Overall, it's a good series. Season 1 was the best, without doubt, and from then, there were ups and downs. I take the good stuff from the show. It's not perfect, it's just the way it is.

The Good Place: A Girl from Arizona Part 2 (2019) Season 4, Episode 2

Being Selfless

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

This episode is probably thebest I've seen in a while of the Good Place. The talk between Michael and Eleanor was perfectly written, and the acting was brilliant. Kristen Bell and Ted Danson were amazing.

She's having a real character progression considering who she was in the first season, even in season 3. More serious, selfless, gentle, willing to make sacrifices, admit her mistakes, and recognize that she's just like any other girl from Arizona. Eleanor is being humble, modest, gaining the qualities that a true member of the Good Place deserves. I can't tell if the others have the same virtues, it's unclear. The idea of putting Chidi and Simone together was great, because there's no need to discard good materail like that. Simone is a good character to storm into Eleanor and Chidi's relationship. Brent if a funny guy, and it's going to be interesting to see how he changes during the season. Currently, seems hard to see it.

On the other hand, was good to know that Michael faked his crisis in the end of season 3. The character did flake out back then, but on this episode he recovered.

Then, obviously the part with Jason and Janet, their sort of break up it's not so good as the rest. It's a weird relationship, created for comedy in many ways.

The Good Place: The Book of Dougs (2019) Season 3, Episode 10

A Bunch of Lies

[5/10 · 26 February 2023]

Season 3 has lost some of the charm of the series. Things don't make sense anymore.

This episode is interesting to watch, but the outcomes are bad.

The idea that the bad guys are not tampering the system is illogical. I have in mind that thus is just a series, wrote by common persons but here they missed something huge. KIDS. I mean come on, if a three year old kid dies in a car accident and doesn't get into the Good place of this series, the system is screwed. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that. 500 years and no innocent kids in the Good Place?? This is becoming a big joke.

Then, Eleanor and Chidi's part here with their date wasn't good. They didn't look like themselves. How can she try to break the door to enter the good place?? That's selfish. At least Chidi wasn't desperate. Learn from your mistakes, That's a lesson some characters forget.

I didn't like either how the committee of Good was portrayed. A bunch of nice guys without being able to reason, to put their minds to work. At some point, comedy has to step aside.

As for the deal with Janet, Tahani, Jason, it's getting complicated. That problem should have been solved several episodes ago.

Naruto: Shippuden: Iryô ninja no deshi (2007) Season 1, Episode 11

The People Around

[10/10 · 11 February 2023]

This episode was very well done, shows Sakura's progress, the importance of bonds, cooperation between nations, and includes an emotive ending. The plotline follows the moment when the team arrives at the room where Kankuro is being treated. Chiyo tries to attack Kakashi, thinking he is the one (the White Fang of the Leaf) who murdered her son some time ago, but Naruto stops her right in time. Kakashi says he's not the White Fang, but Chiyo doesn't want to hear it. Ebiso stops her and reassures that Kakashi is someone else, besides the White Fang of the Leaf died several years ago. She finally remembers, and chuckles, the age reached her. Anyway, Kankuro's scream interrupts them, so Sakura goes to check his state. She asks to clear out the room, Naruto agrees without hesitating, and goes outside the room, with Kakashi, Ebiso and Chiyo. There, Naruto asks his sensei about the White Fang of the Leaf, so Kakashi reluctantly reveals he was his father. This leaves Chiyo stunned, while Ebiso observes the similarities. Sakura checks Kankuro's eyes, tongue, the frequence of his heart beat, and guesses the toxin is a metal. She explains that the metal toxin will affect the heart muscles, eventually causing heart failure. She asks the other medics from Suna the elements to perform the procedure to heal Kankuro. When everything is ready, she makes an incision near the chest, and uses a special fluid prepared in a bucket, to draw out the poison from the heart. The procedure is painful for Kankuro, so the other medics and Temari must keep him restrained while Sakura extracts the poison. After several shots, most of the toxin is drawn inside the buckets with the fluid, and Sakura tells Kankuro's life is out of danger. Temari sits down on the floor, relieved, while Baki and the others feel glad as well. Sakura still says the job is not over, she must prepare the antidote for the remaining poison inside Kankuro. While Kakashi and the others enter back into the room, Sakura orders the medic ninja to make a list of the medicinal plants of the village, stabilize Kankuro with intravenous treatment, and bandage his chest. Naruto is amazed by Sakura's skills, the way she is handling the situation. Chiyo is reminded of Tsunade, and Sakura confirms she is her apprentice, and was the one who sent them. Ebiso tells his sister that time keeps its course, implying how nations change, since now there are good intentions from Konoha. This part was excellent. Showed precisely how a medical procedure is made in the ninja world of Naruto. This was previously ignored, but here was very well written. And raises Sakura as a character. An emergency like this is an example of how experienced and secure Sakura has become as a medic ninja. She always had a natural gift to study, memory, and chakra control, so is clear how she was meant to be a medic. Being Tsunade's apprentice for more than two years, is showing results. Nobody should say that Sakura is useless at this point. That's in the past. She is a medic, one of the greatest on this story. I have to praise Nishizono's work on the writing, the manga chapter ignored details about the procedure, and the treatment, and he perfectly filled the gaps in the anime episode. Then, Naruto's expression deserve some minor highlight. First, he was quick enough to protect Kakashi from Chiyo, meaning he was on watch the whole time. This must be part of Jiraiya's teaching, so Naruto now is more sharp and fast while sensing danger. Kakashi should not be questioned, he simply was trying to avoid the misunderstanding. On the other hand, Naruto was amazed while seeing Sakura as a full fledged medic. He sees how great she is, and values her skills on the job. And he was not frustrated or jealous because he had to sit and wait, he was patient, mature to understand the sitaution. Naruto still loves Sakura by who she is, and now sees her progress in the last years. To finish this part, the revelation of Kakashi being the son of the White Fang of the Leaf was well handled. This is important to remember especially during Kakashi gaiden. Good idea to avoid a fight with Chiyo, she was mature enough to not try vengeance against Kakashi. Whatever happened between Sakumo Hatake and Sasori's father surely was during war, there's no one to blame.

The second part shows Naruto getting ready to go, intending to leave when Sakura finishes the antidote. Kakashi reminds him that still don't know where the Akatsuki went, so asks Baki the results of their pursuit. The Suna leader tells that Kankuro went alone and came back like this, but they have no news from the rest of the squad who continued the chase. Meanwhile, Sakura is at the greenhouse preparing the antidote, and tells another medic that with the available herbs she can produce three dosages. Still, she's surprised of their amount of medicine given the desertic land. Kakashi asks Baki to lead him to the place of Kankuro's fight, to trace the smell, but then Kankuro finally regains conciousness. Still in pain, he tells that he took a piece of robe from one Akatsuki, so Kakashi praises him for fighting until the last second. Temari rushes to her brother's side, and Kankuro sees Naruto. Then, he confirms to Chiyo and Ebiso that he fought Sasori. Sakura finally arrives with the antidote, and Kankuro drinks it. She tells him to rest and not to move until the numbness is gone. Kakashi summons Pakkun (who greets Naruto saying he looks the same), and the other hounds, and orders them to track the smell of the piece of Sasori's robe. Then, Baki gives Kakashi a letter from the Hokage, which informs that Gai's team will join them. Naruto is eager to meet them again. Back into the room, while Kankuro sees Naruto, remembers what Gaara told him, how he was able to change his ways, his path from a lonely live based on hatred and murder. Gaara said that suffering, sadness can be shared with the people around, that's what he learned from Naruto, who suffered the same solitude. Now, Naruto gently takes Sakura's backpack to assist her, and smiles, she is also kind given his gesture. Kankuro sees Naruto, and encharges him to save his little brother. Temari and Baki seem surprised by the request. Naruto confirms he will, as he expects the Kazekage to owe a favor to the future Hokage. The ending of the episode was emotive, touching, and not only because the score. Remembering how cruel was Gaara, was good to see that Naruto helped him to change. That change was abrupt probably, but was easier because Gaara's father died (he was a cause for his son's cruel behavior), and given Kankuro and Temari's worries. The two elder siblings inherited their mother's love, and always showed concerns about Gaara (it's obvious during the First part of Naruto). That made everything easier. So now, Kankuro shows gratitude towards Naruto, and this shouldn't be strange. He got a kind brother because of him. And while seeing him kindly interact with Sakura, he saw what Gaara was talking about before. Temari already had her moment of gratitude, now was Kankuro's turn. Then, I have to praise the clean air between all of them. Despite that infamous attack caused by Orochimaru, now Baki and the other Suna shinobi are in good terms with Kakashi and his team. They share intelligence and messages without mistrust. Ebiso said that timrs change. How hard could be to extend an alliance like this with the other three nations? Maybe the story should have been directed towards that goal from the beginning (and not wait until the Kage Summit).

Naruto: Shippuden: Shissôre Kankurô (2007) Season 1, Episode 7

The Chase

[8/10 · 9 February 2023]

A little slow episode, more complete than the manga chapter, with some remarkable scenes, a few entertaining moments, and other dislikable. A recap: Deidara takes the unconcious Gaara away on his clay bird. At the gates of Suna, he meets Sasori, who is angry for waiting, and they leave. Kankuro rushes to retrieve his brother, despite Baki's protests. Problems appear as Kankuro and some fellow shinobi find the dead squad at the entrance of Suna. They inadvertently activate a trap from Sasori, and are caught in the explosion. Kankuro survives thanks to his puppets, but only manages to save two fellows. Baki arrives with more shinobis, so Kankuro encharges them the two injured, and leaves. Soon, Baki orders to send a squad to follow Kankuro and to report their situation to Konoha, demanding help. Some villagers ponder what's going to happen with the the Kazekage, a mother comforts her son. In the meantime, at Konoha, Naruto finally returns to his apartment. He finds it in a poor state, dusty, abandoned, obviously given his long absence. He opens the window to breath fresh air and clean, then sees his picture of team 7, and thinks of Sasuke. The morning comes, Kakashi is alone in his bedroom and finished the book of Icha Icha. He realizes he didn't checked the new squads list. Temari gets up early, and prepares to depart. Shikamaru welcomes her, as he was waiting outside, willing to accompany her as long as she's in Konoha, though is troublesome. He asks if she's leaving without having breakfast, and she says she has been away from home too long, she'll get something in the road. When they reach the gates, she gently apologizes if this was trouble, and tells him that he should try to become jonin, will be simple, he just needs to stop complaining about how everything is troublesome. She smiles, Shikamaru seems to agree, scratches the back of his head, and hopes to see her again at the chunin exams. She confirms and leaves. A while later, Naruto gets ready, now that the apartment looks clean (seemingly). Sakura does the same in her house. Soon, Kakashi finds the two waiting for him on the street, and brings the excuse for his delay: checking up the squads list. Naruto is unpleased, says that he is not prioritizing the mission, he'll never change. Sakura tells him to shut up, and says that Kakashi has always been like this after all. The sensei is upset because they don't respect him. Suddenly, he spots a bird that brings the news from Suna. In the road back, Temari senses something in the wind, and starts walking faster. At the desert, Kankuro succesfully keeps tracking Gaara, following the trace of his sand. He avoids Sasori's intents of misleading him, and finally reaches them. Kankuro demands Gaara back, but the two Akatsuki obviously refuse. Deidara goes forward with the captive on his bird, while Sasori faces Kankuro. Gaara's brother uses the three scrolls on his back to summon his three puppets. A battle is about to begin. Kankuro uses the body puppet to reach Deidara, but Sasori uses a metal tail to trap it. He is left stunned.

The episode was slow in some ways given the scenes at Suna. Baki's reactions, Kankuro's impatience, should not take so much time to observe. Still, to show villagers worries about Gaara, the consequences of Sasori's trap, or the way Kankuro reached the enemy, were good details. These parts were not showed in the manga, which is probably a mistake. For one side, the episode depicts correctly how important Gaara has become to the people from Suna. And on the other, tells that Sasori hasn't been useless all this time. He set a trap, and was the responsible in try to deceive Kankuro. The fact that he said he won't return anymore, implies Sasori is from Suna, and how he wishes to forget the village for good. Then, Baki's orders tell how strong is the alliance with Konoha. He is now the "leader", and won't doubt to demand aid to an ally, even if they were in war three years ago. About, Shikamaru and Temari's scene, was the best of the episode. Is not in the manga, but was a great idea from the writer Nishizono. It's clear how the scene draws the relationship between Shikamaru and Temari. He may say is troublesome, but deep down he wants to be with her, and won't lose any moment while she's in town. There's no doubt of how much she means to him, the lazy chunin got up so early just to see her, and escort her to the gates. He even intended to share breakfast with her. Shikamaru was a gentleman here, though he didn't want to admit it. Temari was somehow surprised, and I don't think she wanted to avoid spending more time with him, she simply missed her home. Her words at the gates tells she cares about him, hopes he can grow up and forget about "troublesome". Her smile was a way to tell she enjoyed his company. They surely are the most natural pairing of the whole story. Then, was good to see Naruto's return to his home. Looks like he didn't let anyone to clean the apartment, not any neighbour or friend. What a poor lonely life. I didn't like the part focused on Sasuke in the picture, was not necessary. Kakashi's scene was kind of funny, but also sad. A man of his age, after losing so many people, living alone, keeping himself entertained with books, novels. The character needed something or someone. Then, I wished Sakura could have been shown at least with her parents. It's a shame that Kizashi and Mebuki Haruno had no appearances in the manga chapters or the anime canon episodes. They are the parents of the female lead, the second most important character in Shippuden (2nd in number of appearances), and were ignored in the story. About the morning meeting, Sakura was rude to Naruto. They have been well overall in the beginning of Shippuden, there was no need to write her that way. A dislikable moment. The fact that they lose respect to Kakashi was meant for laughs, but probably was unnecesary as well.

Naruto: Shippuden: Akatsuki, shidô (2007) Season 1, Episode 2

A more Complete Chapter

[8/10 · 30 January 2023]

Looking back at these episodes, comparing with the manga chapters, I see that the anime was better made. The adaptation was more complete, best organized, well sequenced. I suggest anyone to take a look at manga chapters 245, 246, and the next ones. Here, the plot has some differences.

Naruto, and Sakura are in Tsunade's office. She tells him that someone has been waiting to see him, and will be his opponent to test him. Then, Shikamaru and Temari enter the office. Sakura is excited to show them who's back. Both are surprised, Temari can't believe the actual Naruto was that "little boy". Shikamaru thinks if Naruto is no longer a fool, Sakura says he hasn't changed at all. Naruto asks her to cut him some slack. Tsunade, Shizune and others laugh. When Naruto asks Shikamaru if he's his opponent, the other denies, he was just bringing some papers. Tsunade redirects him to the window. There, Naruto finds Kakashi, who's glad to see him. Naruto gifts him the latest novel Icha Icha from Jiraiya, he doesn't really like it (makes him bored), but knows how much his sensei loves those novels. Tsunade and Sakura go to the window, and look happy the reunion. Jiraiya thinks how Naruto is too young to understand the quality of his novels. Anyway, the Hokage orders Kakashi to get on with it, so he tells Naruto and Sakura that he will be their opponent, to test their growth as ninjas. Still, he says that Naruto may be tired for the trip, and gives them some time to rest, while he leaves. Tsunade, Naruto and Sakura guess he went to read his novel. Then, the four teenagers leave the office. Naruto and Sakura are disappointed as Kakashi postponed their training, yet she thinks they can use the time to devise a strategy. Naruto asks Shikamaru if he and Temari are dating, so they explain: she is there for the chunin exams, as ambassador from Suna, and he is also organizing the exams. Is troublesome, but he was made her companion, escort as long she's there. Shikamaru asks Naruto if he's going to take the exam, since everyone else from their generation is already chunnin. He's stunned, and when asks Sakura, she happily confirms she's chunnin as well. Shikamaru also informs that Neji, Temari and Kankuro are jonin, and when Naruto asks about Gaara, is revealed that he became Kazekage. Naruto feels frustrated, but at the same time, promises not to stay behind, he'll be Hokage as well. Sakura thinks that maybe he has matured after all. In the meantime, Jiraiya updates Kakashi about Naruto and Akatsuki. He tells that he passes Naruto to him, and assures that he grew up and matured as well (Kakashi doubted of this point). He also says that he warned the other villages about Akatsuki, and will keep seeking information, while watching the frontiers. Jiraiya reminds him that the organization is after the Kyuubi. At Suna, a council meeting is held. Gaara is informed about Akatsuki. Yura, a commander especialized in defense and security, discusses with Baki (the former leader of Gaara's team) about reinforcing the frontiers of the village, and the progress given the alliance with Konoha. After the meeting, while talking to a fellow, Yura feels a headache, and realizes something. On the other hand, at the desert, two Akatsuki are introduced: Sasori and Deidara. They talk about chasing Orochimaru, and that now they must go after the jinchuriki of the Ichibi. Sasori asks if he has enough clay munition, Deidara confirms. When they get to Suna's entrance, the guards are cautiously watching, and ask Yura what to do. Off screen, he kills the guards, and is then revealed he was a spy from Sasori. Back at Konoha, Naruto and Sakura are waiting for Kakashi in the training fields. They wonder why he always shows up late, and when he appears, he says he found an old lady in the road (Tribute to Obito). They don't buy it, and then, they go to the same spot of the bells test. Obviously, this triggers memories from the past when Sasuke was with them. The two feel down (as flashbacks are shown), but Kakashi reminds them of the training, so they get up forgetting Sasuke. Kakashi proposes the same bell test, two, one for each. Sakura, and especially Naruto, are eager to start. Jiraiya, Tsunade watch from the woods.

Here I have to praise Satoru Nishizono's job. Here he made a logical coherent sequence of events: Naruto and Jiraiya return to Konoha, the reunion with Sakura, seeing again Konohamaru all on the street, and then, they go to Tsunade's office (last episode). Next, they find Shikamaru and Temari, then, Kakashi, all in the office. Later, Kakashi's getaway allows him to have the conversation with Jiraiya, while Naruto and Sakura leave with Shikamaru and Temari. Then comes the training. At the manga, instead, Naruto first finds Kakashi at the street. Then comes the reunion with Sakura, Konohamaru, and Tsunade witnesses all because she was in the street with Sakura as well. Jiraiya updates Kakashi, and soon the training starts. After the training, Naruto and Sakura find Shikamaru and Temari. So, I realized that the way of the anime is much better, more complete. Showed Shizune, and the Hokage's office, which is a more likely destination for reunions than the street. Besides, I liked to see Shikamaru and Temari on this episode, and not wait more (the training is extended a little in the anime). Then, I have to remark the changes in Naruto. Temari was surprised of how he looks now, Shikamaru expected he wouldn't act like a fool anymore. When Sakura said he didn't change at all, Naruto felt bad. He actually did change. The personality may be the same, but he's taller, is mature enough to bring a gift to Kakashi, not be perverted at 16 with the Icha Icha books, to see that something is going on with Shikamaru and Temari, to not feel depressed or angry after learning that everyone else is chunin, jonin and Gaara Kazekage. At least on this episode, he looks not so naïve, more tolerant, mind stronger, less childish. He quickly accepted the reality of his old classmates, and Gaara, but instead of giving importance to the rank of chunin, he is aware that he grew as well, and that he could be chunin too if he stayed. For some reason, Naruto's progress will not seem always clear as Shippuden advances, but I think here started well. Then, I liked how Naruto and Sakura are shown to be more comfortable and natural around each other, in comparison to Part I. More than two years passed on the story, they act like if they saw each other regularly. They usually had the same expressions (not liking Kakashi's hobby of reading those novels, or feeling down by remembering Sasuke), and she was happy to be with him. By looking at these episodes, it's clear that Kishimoto's intentions at the beginning of Shippuden had nothing to do with what he did at the end. I didn't like the adding of flashbacks to Sasuke, but at least the memory was quickly forgotten. There's no time to feel depressed. About Suna, Gaara being named Kazekage, in some moment during the last two years, imply that there were months with no Kage in charge. The 4th died more than two years ago, and surely Gaara wasn't considered old enough yet to be the leader. Anyway, this tells that Naruto could have been named Hokage after Tsunade at the end (spoiler, this didn't happen). The council meeting, served to illustrate Jiraiya's work and the Alliance between Konoha and Suna. Was a slow scene indeed, but was necessary considering what the arc is about. To finish, the two Akatsuki are good characters. Sasori is clearly the better one, more darker, and mysterious. He has a presence inspiring fear. The connection with Yura implies he is a deserter from Suna. Deidara may look weaker, he is a deserter from Iwagakure, but he is going to be a deadly menace given his bombs.

Naruto: Shippuden: Wakai no shirushi (2016) Season 1, Episode 478

Misery, Misery, Misery

[3/10 · 28 January 2023]

What a poor way to end the story. What a miserable finale. The last fight was just for one single reason, the protagonist only cared one thing. When I see the Pilot, is shown a sad lonely orphan boy, with the dream to be the leader of the village. Like a child wishing to be a good acclaimed president. The boy was always making pranks, just to call the attention, he failed at school, was alone, raised by no one. All because he was discriminated for being the one holding inside the Kyuubi. Of the adults, only Hiruzen the 3rd Hokage and Iruka tolerated, recognized him. Iruka became like an old brother to him. That was the premise. The rest of Part I is a known story. So basically, Naruto's goal was to be Hokage, and grow up gaining friends, being acknowledged, getting a happier life. That was in progress, was going well at the end of Part I. There were just two impacts on his life: Hiruzen's dead and Sasuke's departure. But he wasn't alone anymore, he had Jiraiya, Sakura, Kakashi, Tsunade and all Konoha. Then, came Shippuden. The first arc, Gaara's rescue was great. The third arc was excellent, the best of all. The second was simply good, and developed mostly a new side of Naruto and Sakura's relationship. But also included Sai and the mission to retrieve Sasuke. When the Uchiha theme came out, Naruto showed an obsession during Shippuden, hinted during the last fight in the first Part. That was the disease of the story, and wasn't treated properly. What the actual episode shows is that for Naruto, the most important thing turned to be Sasuke. Becoming Hokage, Iruka, helping other jinchurikis, saving the world, Jiraiya, Tsunade, the feelings for Sakura, undoing the Tsukuyomi, being a real friend for Gaara, helping friends like Shikamaru, Choji, being recognized by the villagers, respect them, protect Konoha, and the world, all those things are below. Minor details. Sasuke wanted to destroy all that, he didn't care anything. He was a selfish teenager, traumatized and all, who murdered samurais, tried to capture a jinchuriki (sending him to his death), who intended to kill Kakashi, tried to kill Sakura, mentally tortured her, tried to kill Karin after stabbing her, and would have killed Naruto without doubt. He saw persons as tools. He showed only a few kind gestures during all Shippuden, especially regarding the Taka members. Itachi showed him a way, taught him lessons, but Sasuke wasn't convinced. He coldly left Anko unconcious alone inside a cave, and used her body to resurrect a monster like Orochimaru. He helped at the end of the war but just because he wanted to control it. Killing the Kages, becoming a tyrant, a dictator ruling everything and carrying all the hatred himself, that was his goal. Being the judge and hangman. Be immortal and rule from the shadows with the power of the Rinnegan. That was Sasuke Uchiha during Shippuden, the person most important for Naruto's life according to this chapter. What a misery.

The anime episode begins after the last strike, when Naruto used a rasengan formed by the hands of everyone, while Sasuke used a Chidori. They wake up in a subconcious world, and see some flashbacks from their past. That both of them were marginated rejected kids, one for the Kyuubi and the other for being an Uchiha. Sasuke seems to think that's the reason of why Naruto says they're brothers. But looks is not. Naruto seems worried about the Tsukuyomi, if they are dead no one will awake. Sasuke says that Kakashi and Sakura may figure out something (anime only). But then, both wake up actually, Naruto first. They are seeing lying on the ground, one next to the other. Naruto says that if they move, they'll end up bled dry. Sasuke cannot believe why Naruto would end up like this for him, despite everything he did. He gained power and severed all the bonds, but Naruto never wanted. He simply answers because he's his friend, he can't explain it, but he could felt when Sasuke carried pain on his shoulders. Then begins a run on Sasuke's mind: at first he thought Naruto was an idiot for making pranks, calling attention. But soon he started to watch him, and became a weakness. He trained hard to avoid that weakness, and become stronger to kill Itachi. When he entered team 7, with the missions and everything, he got to see him, the team as a family. That's why when he sees him suffering, he feels pain. He recognized him as a partner. But he also couldn't stand the fact that he became stronger than him. A run on Naruto's thoughts: he knew Sasuke was alone. He wanted to talk to him, but he didn't have the courage. He became his target, for the first time Naruto had a bond. He ran behind him on missions, and wanted to be like him. But Sasuke thinks it was the opposite. Naruto surpassed him, and had something he didn't, like Itachi, and was ahead. On a scene from the anime, Naruto shows Sasuke some of his memories including the meetings with Itachi (and casually ignores all the moments with Sakura). They wake up again after sleeping, Naruto jokingly wants to keep fighting, Sasuke laughs, and then recognizes he lost. Naruto thinks instead there was no winner, the real fight will come next. Sasuke recognizes him, and says if he dies, the fate that provided the Rikudo Sennin will be broken. The Infinite Tsukuyomi will disappear, and so his Rinnegan can be implanted to Kakashi. He wants to pay all his debts (what a good idea). Sadly, Naruto prefers him alive to help. He wants to unite all the shinobis, and including him. Sasuke says that even if he thinks well of him, the others won't, and he won't accept them. Naruto doesn't care. He tells that he could betray him again. Naruto says he'll stop him, and reassures it won't happen. The answer is the same, because they are friends. At the end, is revealed that Naruto's right arm, and Sasuke's left arm are gone, the trace of blood draws the picture like if they were holding hands.

That was it. I feel like I was told a different story. This chapter had a lot of signals of a deep friendship, brotherhood, love between Naruto and Sasuke. I'm supposed to buy this? And that Sasuke changed his mind so easily?? During all Shippuden, this Sasuke never existed. It's unexplainable. For one side, he didn't express thoughts of remorse, guilt, or pain to see Naruto suffering. He willingly disappeared from the lives of every Konoha villager. Where was Sasuke when Gaara was captured? Where was he when Hidan and Kakuzu killed Asuma? And when Pain destroyed the village? Did he know anything about how much Naruto wanted Jiraiya? Did he ever mean to care when his crimes affected Naruto and Sakura? What if he killed Sakura or Kakashi? Where was he during the first part of the war? And about Naruto, if he cared so much about Sasuke, why he always tried to retrieve him against his will? Why he tried to stop his revenge and bring him back at all costs? He never really understood him, or cared about what he wanted, until Obito told him the truth about Itachi. But then, why he didn't lecture him after all his crimes? Why he defended him like if Sasuke was innocent? How he would have reacted if Sasuke killed Sakura? This pisses me off. Naruto became so whiny, childish, immature, ignorant regards Sasuke. He doesn't even care about everyone's else opinion, and the consequences. He never reprimanded him. During the fight, he contained himself, didn't even have the guts to win, remain standing like a man, like Hashirama. By the contrary, Naruto treated him like a sort of boyfriend, accepting to lose his arm just like him, ending up lying next to each other talking calmly like if they were on a bed. He preferred to get his arm severed than win the fight. He trained much more than Sasuke (who only had numerous power ups), mastered senjutsu, had the power of nine Bijuus, the gudo damas, but he refused to use all that effectively because he had to protect "his friend". The character went insane. What a disgrace is Naruto. As for the future, the story of Hashirama and Madara is meant to be repeated. Realistically no one at Konoha would accept Sasuke back, and he neither would want to return, especially if the truth about Itachi remains in the shadows. The Bijuus will never trust him. Worst of all, given that Naruto rejected Sakura's confession, and recently remembered the promise like if it was a favor, he somehow is "forcing" Sakura to stay with someone she doesn't trust, someone she fears (check up next chapter). She should be traumatized forever to see Sasuke after all what he did to her. This is what Kishimoto did with the story. The rush, crazy fans, editors, studio, whatever, Ruined such powerful story eight years ago. Misery, misery. They had the chance to do something great. Sasuke's redemption could have been much better, if he died, something he wanted even on this episode. He never got to use Hashirama's jutsu against Madara. Things should have been different. The little progress after Sasuke found Itachi was nullified three episodes ago. Now it seems like he only changed his mind because he couldn't kill Naruto, something obvious. The protagonist of the story cannot die. So, what did he learn from all this? Nothing, Naruto is only 16, and he got all what he wanted. He is perfect, everybody loves him, and will forget all what Sasuke did. The utopy is fulfilled. I'll extend on review next episode.

Naruto: Shippuden: Shûmatsu no tani (2016) Season 1, Episode 475

A Shattered Story

[4/10 · 28 January 2023]

Here is when Shippuden breaks. On one side, Sasuke's decision comes in bad time, and puts on the table several issues that should have been solved before. If there was a character progression since he started fighting along team 7 again, was nullified. On the other side, Sakura, as character, was simply shattered. All her progress and development in Shippuden was ignored, for certain reasons.

The Kages ascend, Hiruzen leaves everything in Kakashi, Sakura, Kakashi, Sasuke's hands. Tobirama agrees, and tells his brother to go if he finished saying goodbye to Madara. Hashirama hopes Naruto and Sasuke won't repeat the story. A tree grows in the place Minato was. Gyuki tells Kurama that he surely will return with B, while the other Bijuus enjoy finally their freedom. Kurama is unsure. Hagoromo says that since Naruto has a chakra portion of each Bijuu, they all can gather to talk with him, and offers Kurama to lead the meetings if he stays with Naruto. The Fox agrees. Hagoromo asks Naruto if his answer changed, and he says no, is glad that Kushina is his mother, and realized that Kaguya seemed heartless. The old Sage explains that she was good but something changed when she ate the chakra fruit. Then, he explains that to undo the Tsukuyomi, are needed Naruto with the Bijuus chakra, and Sasuke's Rinnegan. When he asks Sasuke about his answer, things take a dark turn. The Uchiha wants to kill the five Kages, shocking Kakashi and Sakura, disturbing Naruto and Hagoromo. He also wants to put the Bijuus under his control. Kurama is furious and tries to attack him, but Sasuke uses the Rinnegan to place the nine beasts under genjutsu. Hagoromo says he has no much time left, and entrusts Naruto everything. But he says they won't be like Indra and Ashura. Kakashi questions Sasuke for keep with the revenge, but he reveals that his plan is different: instead of destroying Konoha, that would be rebuilt, he plans to change the shinobi system with a revolution. Sakura remembers what he said about being Hokage and how the Kages were responsible for everything. Hagoromo remembers his previous answer, which was similar. Then, Sasuke uses the Chibaku Tensei to lock the nine Bijuus inside nine small satellites. Kurama begs Naruto's help, he swears he'll get him out. For Sasuke, only Naruto now remains on his way. Hagoromo is saddened, before his decision to choose only Ashura brought war and thirst of power, and now that he chose to grant power both of them, happened the same. Naruto demands Sasuke to release the Bijuus, they won't hurt anyone. But Sasuke says that since now he is the jinchuriki of the Bijuus, he must kill him to destroy them. Kakashi and Sakura remain shocked. To undo the Tsukuyomi, he only needs to keep the nine Bijuus alive for a little longer. Naruto is firm and won't let him do that. Sasuke turns back to change the place of the fight. Kakashi tries to stop him, but he feels the effects of the Sharingan. Sakura holds him, and feels helpless about the situation. She gets angry, but instead of giving an irate brave speech, does the opposite. She couldn't stop this, still loved him, never thought he'd end up like this. All she could was cry, be shameful. She begs him to stop if she still has a place in his heart, no matter how little, if they are together, things can be like before. But he calls her an annoyance, with a bad look, and in a blur, knocks her out elbowing the chest (how cruel). She falls down, Naruto reacts for putting her under genjutsu. Kakashi also defends her, saying she just wanted to save him all this time (actually No). Sasuke coldly mocks how she could dream awake about love, and doesn't know what she saw in him, he's not interested in her at all. Kakashi says there are only reasons to hate (really?), and that she just wanted him next to her, nothing else. He says that he almost killed her, and she still suffers when she thinks of him. Sasuke coldly tells that is a lost bond in the past, after remembering his family (a flashback talking to his mother, about Fugaku and Itachi, not present in the manga), and leaves. Naruto remembers his promise to Sakura, and says he'll return. Hagoromo says that love can turn into hatred, as happened to Madara and Indra. He hopes Naruto can reconvert that hatred to love, since he could befriend Kurama, a reincarnation of hatred. Naruto and Sasuke meet at the Valley's End, and both expose their definitions of Hokage. Naruto reminds him of what Itachi said. Sasuke says he knew, but their answers are different.

Given the two big issues, I'll start with Sakura. Here she was shattered, and not only by Sasuke, also by Kishimoto. During all Shippuden, she never expressed being in love with Sasuke. From the Pilot until last episode, she demonstrated that her feelings changed since part I. She wasn't 13 anymore. She expressed care for him, wanted to save him, but slowly realized Sasuke was beyond that. She felt pain, suffered indeed, but knew he was gone for good. That's why she made the decision to confess her true feelings to Naruto, to make him forget about Sasuke. And why she tried to kill the Uchiha when the first plan didn't work. During the last episodes, she could almost felt like they were a team again. But she didn't trust him, as Sai noticed, and her actions showed, always standing next to Kakashi and Naruto. They made her feel safe, as she was scared, deep down, from the guy who tried to kill her. So what she was written to say was totally incoherent. Out of context, out of character. To start, she talked like if at some point they were a couple. Is a 16 year old that delusional? They were never nothing close to a couple. He said it himself, he was never interested. And that was in Part I. If it wasn't for Kakashi and Naruto, he'd have killed her without doubt. There's no way she can feel love for someone she doesn't even trust. And love always has reasons Kakashi. Sakura loves someone who makes her feel safe, who trusts her, knows her virtues and flaws and accepts them, someone who completes her, who values her as person, as a medic ninja. She loves someone as kind and selfless as her. That's Sakura Haruno, the development during Shippuden defined her. She should have told Sasuke that though she couldn't stop him, she wouldn't let Naruto die, she'd heal him, so if he wanted to kill him, he had to kill her as well. Then, Naruto could have protected her from that cruel hit, forced Sasuke to leave and fight somewhere else. What happened here then? Well there's only one answer given the future chapters and Boruto. Naruto had to stay with Hinata to please editors, and certain group of fans, so Sakura was sacrificed, forced to stay with the guy who actually killed her. There's no other way to explain such abrupt twist on a main character. Also, Naruto recalled the promise, even though Sakura told him to forget it. He ends up ruined as well, same as his birthday.

Then, Sasuke's decision leads to the awaited fight for the fans. I'd have accepted the reasons, but given all what happened with Madara, Kaguya, is incredible. So Sasuke was pretending all this time, cooperating with his old fellows only to save the world because he just wants to rebuild it. He wants justice by killing five Kages who have nothing to do with what happened. To start a revolution you need followers. Sasuke only has the Taka members, and Orochimaru. In other words, he's just like Madara, unsatisified with this world, he wants to create a new one. There was not even time to explain his arguments. By the way, he wants to eliminate the Bijuus, but the idiot is so ignorant that he doesn't know they cannot die. But what can know a teenager like him after all? Another point is how Sasuke retained the Rinnegan while Naruto lost the gudo damas. That was key, Sasuke should have lost Hagoromo's powers after sealing Kaguya. And the Tsukuyomi should have been canceled when she and the Juubi (the Shinju) were defeated. At this point, there were two logical options. One, the talk with Itachi, the Kages, and the last fight had an effect, he changes his ways, and goes away to rule his own village, in peace, with Itachi's memory in mind. Two, he does the same, but when he gets enough followers, challenges Naruto to a definitive battle for the rule of Konoha. With both characters older, mature on his ideas, they collide to give the awaited fight. Clearly, Kishimoto was forced to end the story, grant the fight, no matter if was the right moment or not. In any case, Sasuke needs an end. If he dies, is the likely option. He got the hatred and rejection of all the shinobi world after his crimes, even if he helped to defeat Kaguya, intends to kill the five Kages, captured the Bijuus, has cruelly knocked out Sakura, and wants to kill Naruto. So, if Naruto doesn't kill him, Sasuke will end up like Madara. Hashirama tried to include him at Konoha, but he and his ideas were rejected. At the end, the 1st Hokage had to kill him. No matter what Naruto says, democracy imposes itself like Tobirama said. People decide. Not even the Bijuus will accept Sasuke like nothing. Tobirama explained how the Uchihas are, while more powerful, more hatred. The Uchiha clan was cursed to die. And Hagoromo was wrong, Kurama was not hatred incarnated, was just like the other beasts, who kill by instinct. B changed Gyuki and has no credit for it. Bonboku was kind to Shukaku, Yugito seemed in peace with the Nibi, same as Yagura with Isobu. What Naruto pretends is an utopy, unrealistic fantasy. That's why I preferred to avoid this fight and get Sasuke killed with Madara. That way, Naruto would have not been forced to kill Sasuke or to make a childish whiny decision, imposing his point of view to the world, and the Bijuus. Stories need realistic lessons. This one sends poor messages instead, that love is blind and can achieve everything, no matter the crimes, murders, or killing attempts a person commits.

Naruto: Shippuden: Omedetô (2016) Season 1, Episode 474

The Real End of Naruto

[9/10 · 27 January 2023]

There are a few more chapters left, but can be said that this was the real finale of Naruto. What comes next makes no sense at all, and this episode was especial given the farewells. The plotline continues when Kaguya is sealed. The ground of the dimension tremors, and Kaguya suffers a transformation into the Juubi as a Chibaku Tensei is performed, with her as the core. Naruto and Sasuke jump through the flying rocks. Kakashi rescues Sakura. The nine Bijuus are restored when the Juubi disappears, and Madara's body is returned to the ground. Son Goku praises Kurama's jinchuriki. Sasuke goes with Kakashi and Sakura, and tells that Naruto had something to do. Turns out that he left to deal with Black Zetsu, who can't believe they were defeated by brats, as he wrote the story, so Naruto tells him that the story of the shinobi was created by the lives of many ninjas and their deaths. He furiously says that a mother's boy like him would never understand, and throws him to the forming satellite. That way, Black Zetsu is imprisoned forever with Kaguya and the Gedo Mazo. Then, Naruto returns, and joyfully tells Sakura that is sealed and happy ending. She cheers, and mumbles how much she wishes to take a bath to get clean off dirt. But suddenly, she screams panicked pondering how they are going to get out from there. He screams, panicked as well, with the same expression. Son Goku still claims that Naruto is a little stupid. At the real dimension, Hagoromo is ready to bring them back, aware that they suceeded as the sun and moon signs returned to his hands. Along the four Hokages and all the other Kages from the other four great villages, they perform the jutsu to teleport the nine Bijuus, Kakashi, Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, and Madara's body. They appear right before Hagoromo, and Minato welcomes back his son. A few comments: The position of each one is pretty symbolic. Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi are more close to each other while Sasuke is slightly away from them. I think this was drawn with the intention to show the distance between them, not just physical. There are wounds that cannot be repared, scars, that divide team 7. Kakashi said it would be their last mission, and was the truth. Then, I want to highlight Naruto and Sakura's joy. It's clear that they are two of a kind, their expressions are similar, both look at each other on a special way. Kakashi was simply happy but quiet, unfazed. Sasuke was motionless, without expressing happiness or panic to don't know how to get out the dimension. Then, I liked how Naruto solved Black Zetsu's getaway try. This time, he showed no mercy, was furious and ruthless, remembering all the deaths. Was nice to see the image of Minato, Kushina, Asuma, Jiraiya, Itachi, and others.

The next part: Hashirama looks saddened at Madara's body. Sakura whispers Naruto asking who is the old man before them, he says the grandpa is the Rikudo Sennin. Hagoromo explains he used the summoned them, with the help of all the Kages, even those ones from the pure world. Kakashi guesses who he is, and Hagoromo introduces himself after thanking them for saving the world. Sakura says she could guess since he is floating, but she's too tired to get surprised by this (what a feeling). The first Kages (except Hashirama), are surprised by the situation, to see the Rikudo Sennin, how things have changed from their times, and to see the nine Bijuus reunited. Kakashi realizes this is real indeed. Hagoromo praises him because thanks to his leadership, they could seal Kaguya. Kakashi says he wasn't really useful, praises the others, and the help he got from a friend. But Hagoromo says that guiding Naruto and the others, keeping Obito's friendship, was crucial to defeat his mother. Then, Naruto goes to talk to Kurama, asks if he missed him, but the Fox feels awkward and says that he had his other half. Hagoromo is glad because he always expected this. Sakura watches the scene happy, Sasuke remains serious. Kakashi mentions that Obito's return to good was also thanks to Naruto. Hagoromo says he'll ask him later. Then, Kakashi on his subconcious, shares the last farewell with his old friend. Obito is regretful of how he made a mess on the ninja world, and doesn't know what to say. Kakashi comforts him, at least they can say goodbye as friends and not as enemies, he is before the same person who cared about everyone and never made it in time. That's enough for him. Obito says he has to return with Rin. Kakashi asks which excuse he's going to make, he says he already told her he had to save him. Obito finally leaves, Kakashi thanks him and the Sharingans disappear. His eyes return to normal, suffers a small breakdown, so Sakura holds him back. She notices the change on his eyes, he says sorry, the Kakashi of the Sharingan ended here. This part was pretty good. For one side, I liked how Kakashi and Sakura met Hagoromo. She had to whisper Naruto to ask (that's full trust between them), and then, she was unsurprised. Obviously, after witnessing so many surreal events in a few hours, she can't get stunned anymore. Kakashi was modest, sincere, he didn't want to take any praise for saving the world. But Hagoromo was recognizing his endurance, and faith on the team, and Obito. If he had given up, decided to treat Obito and Sasuke on a different way, the mission would have failed. He earned their respect, which was necessary for teamwork. The farewell with Obito was good. Simple, with the right words. Kakashi tried to avoid the fact of the crimes, that's not up to him. What's important is that he knows the truth of all what happened.

Then, Sasuke spots Madara and runs there, but Hagoromo stops him, and says that since the Bijuus were extracted, he's about to die (now the rules work?). He advises Sasuke to pay attention to the farewell between Hashirama and Madara. The latter says how they couldn't fulfill their dreams, the Senju says not everything can be achieved in life, that's what younger generations are for. Madara says that he was always so naïve, soft, but maybe that was the right way. His dream died, but Hashirama's lives. He responds that he rushed, and should have allowed his followers to keep his work correctly. But Madara says that wasn't possible, he always hated being followed. Hashirama recalls what he said when they were young, that when dying if people opened themselves, they could drink together as fellows, brothers, despite being enemies. Madara seems to agrees with him, and dies. Sasuke looks at the scene saddened. Hashirama feels down as well. This farewell was good. Madara was the main enemy of the story, but at the end he was just a deranged man, who lost his way in the world and deserved to die. The death of young brothers in war can make a person mad, traumatized. He had the end he deserved for all what he did, and Hashirama wanted to give him a final lecture. The 1st Hokage was a great man, he already killed Madara once. He was sad because he feels responsible for Madara's fate. So the farewell, his words were also a way to comfort himself, to be at peace. I wished Tobirama could have said something too. Then, this was supposed to be important for Sasuke. To see how the story ended before, and learn not to make the same mistakes Madara made. In any case, Sasuke's pain is bigger, and I don't think he should be alive, but at this point, he should learn the lesson.

The last part: Hagoromo is a about to undo the Edo Tensei and send all the Kages back. Naruto realizes and goes with his father. The sun rises, and Minato tells him Happy Birthday. He praises how strong he became, Naruto thanks him. Minato tells that they belong to different places, this is goodbye, so, broken, he says he'll tell Kushina everything. Then, Naruto begins his farewell words, to tell his mother that he eats well each day, not only ramen, he takes a bath almost everyday, and even goes to the hot springs. Kakashi and Sakura watch the scene, attentive. That he made a lot of friends, they're amazing (Sasuke thinks). He says his grades are low but he doesn't get depressed (Hashirama observes), he listens to Kakashi and Hiruzen's lessons, he respects them (the 3rd Hokage listens). About the three ninjas Prohibitions, he learned a lot with Jiraiya, and though he didn't respect much those, Ero Sennin was the most shinobi he admired the most. Now he's 17 so he doesn't know much about booze and women, but his mother told him to find someone like her. Naruto doubts in what to say, but anyway, he says he hadn't fulfilled all what she asked, but he's trying really hard. As Minato ascends, Naruto cries, he has a dream, and promises to become Hokage like him. "Tell her not to worry about me, I'm doing my best". Minato promises to tell her everything, and fades away. What a beautiful moment, tearful, emotive, heartbreaking. Reprised almost perfectly Kushina's last words to Naruto, with the same touching score playing on the back. I felt that the encharge to find a woman like her was the only unfulfilled wish, even though he said he's trying. If at this point Naruto and Sakura had their feelings resolved (which is what the story demanded), he could have said "I think I've found her, you already met her". However, the moment Minato recognized Sakura and entrusted his son to her, implies that he already knows, so he'll tell Kushina. What matters is how much Minato and Kushina love their son, and how much he feels it. Naruto filled his life with their love, and now that he knows them well, he can hold those memories on his heart forever. The fact that Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke witnessed this, should strength their bond. Kakashi and Naruto now have a lot to talk about Minato, Obito, Rin. Sakura now is more closer to Naruto, by meeting his father, seeing a special side from him, the interactions with his family. Sasuke should see that Naruto also lost his parents, and misses them so much. Another lesson to learn.

Naruto: Shippuden: Sharingan, futatabi (2016) Season 1, Episode 473

A Surreal Fight

[7/10 · 26 January 2023]

The end of Naruto is around the corner. The final battle with the most unexpected unlikely villain is almost finished. Kakashi feels useless after Obito died. He remembers the same sensation after he thought he lost him, and a series of repeated flashbacks is shown from back then. In the meantime, the young Obito tells Rin that before leaving, he must do something. From the place they are now, there's still a connection to the world of the living, he says his chakra still acts as a link. He says he will help Kakashi. She acknowledges they are good friends after all, and agrees to wait. Then, from Obito's ashes, smoke arises and reaches Kakashi. Inside his subconcious, the young Obito meets the young Kakashi, to warn him not to die any time soon, and wishes that the Sharingan should stay with him. He also assures that Naruto may be Hokage, but the 7th, Kakashi will be the 6th. Obito then gives him a temporary present: two Sharingans. Outside, the battle continues. Naruto uses two black metal bars to immobilize Black Zetsu, and Sasuke protects himself with Susanoo from Kaguya's attacks. Then, Naruto and eight clones produce nine powerful energy spheres, each one with the power of the respective tailed beast. Kaguya cannot evade the strikes, and loses her left arm in the process. Naruto rescues the falling Sasuke, Sakura cheers for him. And then, a strange event occurs: from Kaguya's wounded body, a big white mass of beasts begin to emerge. Naruto notices the shape of a rabbit, a kind of wolf, some of the Bijuus, while Sasuke comments will be easier to seal Kaguya. Black Zetsu observes that this is a response to Naruto's attack with the Bijuus chakra, and that the emerging mass in unstable, his mother can't control it. Some white arms appear from the mass, and catch a clone, absorbing him. Naruto warns Sasuke, and tells him to use his ocular technique to save Sakura, who was being chased by a white hand. But at the end, is Kakashi the one who rescues her, with a light blue Susanoo, surprising everyone. He thanks Obito, Sakura is glad and doesn't seem to care how it happened since she's safe. Naruto says his sensei is the copy ninja, while Sasuke is stunned as he thought Kakashi lost his Sharingan. Then, Kakashi uses Kamui combined with shurikens to slash the white arms, while Sakura guesses he obtained Obito's Sharingan. Naruto says that this Susanoo is better than Sasuke (what a moron). Kakashi tells that the Sharingan is stronger thanks to the Sennin powers. Then, the white mass begins a transformation, turns black, increasing its size, while absorbing somehow the chakra of those ones trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Black Zetsu comments that Kaguya is regaining control, creating a new dimension with the Bijuus chakra, the five elements, the ying and yang, and the four will be sacrificed. Naruto and Sasuke observe that is like a huge gudo dama, while Kakashi guesses that even if they leave with Kamui, they won't be able to return. Sasuke says that then they must seal her now, so Kakashi makes a plan: the last mission for team 7. Kaguya ponders which one of the two she'll kill first to prevent being sealed. The clones cover Naruto, and Sasuke says they must attack together so the enemy will be distracted for the sealing. She throws a spike to Kakashi, but he uses the space time ninjutsu to get through it. Then, he strikes her with a raikiri combined with Kamui. Naruto and Sasuke take the chance to approach Kaguya. She stabs Naruto with Black Zetsu's help (he created a portal from where he was to send a spike), but it's revealed he was a clone. Sasuke was Naruto transformed, and the real Sasuke teleports exchanging places with the clone turned into ashes. Kakashi uses Kamui again to avoid a stab to the real Naruto, so Kaguya decides to rise to evade the hands that are about to seal her. But from upside, she never saw coming Sakura, who lands a crucial hit on her head so Naruto and Sasuke can finish the job. Kakashi feels glad as he remembers the day he met his three pupils. There's a flashback to Naruto's prank with the eraser, Sakura's excuses, and Sasuke's indifference (nice to remember). And then, the repeated scene when each one said their dreams as kids (this one was needless). Now, Kakashi is proud.

That was it. The last mission, the last real fight of Naruto Shippuden, when the world is saved. Anyone who reached this point wanted to see how the story ends. The first thing to comment is Kakashi's sudden power up. The surprise, the sudden nature of the idea means that the writer improvised. It's like he forgot or didn't think that at this point Kakashi would be useless. The moment he lost the Sharingan to Madara was another example of improvisation. The Uchiha needed to reach Obito's dimension and there was no other way. So back then, he forgot how to make Kakashi useful again. I mean, how is possible for anyone to believe that the dead Obito could grant him the power of two Sharingans, with powers beyond reality? Obito's eyes never performed Susanoo and now suddenly Kakashi could. Where the Sennin powers came from? It's pretty inconsistent, incoherent. Then, I said before, Sasuke's teleporting technique, granted by Hagoromo is also surreal, out of nowhere. Turns out that this allowed him to get close enough to Kaguya in order to seal her, besides of Naruto's help. What Sasuke did well, was to try to save Sakura when Naruto asked him to. At the end Kakashi saved her, but at least Sasuke had the intention. This is a progress. Still, must be recognized that was Naruto the one who noticed Sakura was in danger. He never loses sight of her, he expresses his deep love and care even here. Also, I can't criticize his moves. He did everything like if he had no power ups from Hagoromo. Using transformation to look like Sasuke, and a clone to deceive, these were techniques he knows since the first three chapters of the story, since he was just a boy. Naruto used the simplest techniques to deceive a goddess!!! At least Kishimoto had this great idea. Then, using the powers from the Bijuus was important. What happened proves that the best way to defeat the being who has the Juubi inside, was to use the Bijuus chakra. So if Naruto used the same nine strikes against Madara when he was the jinchuriki, the beasts would have been released, and everything would have ended sooner. Now this didn't happen because Kaguya contains much more chakra than just the Juubi. That's why the white mass emerged, and had a rabbit shaped face. About Sakura's small part, well, no one can ask her more. She has no magic Sharingan or any special eye. She has no alien powers. All what she could do was use her strength on a simple hit. Taijutsu affects Kaguya, as Naruto's hit worked after distracting her with the jutsu sexy. Sakura can make clones and transformations, but that wasn't needed since Naruto is present. To finish, I have to praise the teamwork. It felt nostalgic at this point. I admit that the fight was surreal, same as the enemy, Black Zetsu, the black emerging dimension issue, whatever. But at the end was entertaining. I guess that was Kishimoto's only goal while finishing the story. Instead of creating a dramatic realistic masterpiece of finale, he gave a happy surreal idealistic ending. For what I've read, looks like he was rushed to keep writing and end the story with 700 manga chapters. But he possibly wanted to end the story before. Then, who is to blame? Crazy fans for demanding? Editors for not prioritizing the quality of the story? Kishimoto for giving in? Unfortunately, the story is already told, and there's nothing to do about it.

Naruto: Shippuden: Omae wa kanarazu (2016) Season 1, Episode 472

The Mask Effect

[8/10 · 26 January 2023]

This episode marks the farewell of Obito Uchiha. His ending is fair, the character had nothing else to do in the story, but the whole process was controversial somehow. It's hard to measure what he deserves. The character had a tragic past, and certain accident, unfortunate events, and an evil old man led him to a path of darkness and cruelty. Only at the final hours of his life he achieved redemption. Here the anime episode was well done overall, as included the flashbacks to remember the viewer all of Obito's crimes. But at the same time, showed his regrets and a possible life he could have had. The main flaws were around Naruto, and the final scene with Rin. And well, the whole episode was dramatized, playing in the background a beautiful score, the famous saddening Sorrow and Sadness from the First part of Naruto. The images, expressions, dialogues, timing, was all staged to make Obito's death saddest as possible. Naruto's universe, Kishimoto, provided numerous touching stories here, and Obito's one is not an exception. But it's also hard to evalue, to feel it, when the character was responsible of so many tragedies, including the one who left the protagonist as an orphan, discriminated by the whole village (Premise of Naruto).

A recap: Kakashi asks Obito why he saved him, when his power is needed, but the other tells him there's something more important, and to focus on the enemy. He thinks that Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke will need Kakashi, he has to guide the younger generations. Naruto sees the Obito's back affected by the ashes, and tries to cure him like before, but Black Zetsu says is useless. Obito recognizes is over, and tells Naruto to not waste energy. Zetsu asks why he wants to help him, he was his enemy. He tells that Obito also betrayed them, and is scum, allies or enemies will hate him, he has no family or friend to mourn him, he is alone. He lost his beloved ones, couldn't fulfill his dream, was used, lost his place in the world, all he did was fail. Now he only can die. A sequence of flashbacks is shown: from the moment Rin died, until the last deaths Obito caused with the Shinju. This included the first encounter with the Ame orphans, the first visit to Kirigakure along Pain and Konan, when they started to control Yagura, the Kyuubi incident and the moment he faced Minato, Akatsuki formation, the deaths of various jinchuriki including Yugito, Utakata, Gaara, the declaration of war, the Juubi's attack. Naruto doesn't remember all this (why?) and protests, but Obito says Zetsu is right. He deserves to die for his crimes. Then, Sasuke tells Naruto that Obito can't be saved. Now his left eye is ready, so he'll go as bait. He goes to attack Kaguya, surprising her, but she switches dimensions again, to the station. Sasuke uses Susanoo to fly and chase her. Naruto is frustrated, and Obito thanks him. He tells that fighting against him opened his eyes. A sequence of scenes is shown (absent in the manga) with the life Obito could have had if he returned to Konoha after Rin died. With Kakashi as his best friend, the company of their fellows Gai, Asuma, Kurenai, Ebisu, Genma, Anko, and others, Obito could have became Hokage. Curiously, Minato wasn't shown. A scene also showed meeting Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke, that didn't end well for Naruto (Sakura punched him for disrespecting the Hokage). This was unnecesary. And at the end, he and Kakashi before Rin's grave. Anyway, Obito tells Naruto that while seeing him, he saw his old self. Now he regrets ending up like this. But he also is happy because he could remember his dream, and imagine the life he could have had. Then, he remembers Rin, when she was watching over him, encouraging him to be Hokage. Obito tells Naruto that surely he will suffer more from now on, but don't change, just follow his way. Kakashi inclines his head, in sorrow. Naruto is saddened as well. At last, Obito tells him to become Hokage, no matter what. Then, he turns into ashes, and dies. Zetsu, Sasuke, Sakura notice. The Black being finally enjoys the death of the traitor, and calls him a cockroach given his endurance, hard to kill. Naruto is furious and tells not to mock Obito. Sakura is worried about him, aware that he is hurt inside. He then says that Obito wanted to be Hokage and for that he was the best. He jumps and in a blur slashes Black Zetsu from Kaguya's arm. At the end of the episode, there's a scene showing the young Obito and Rin in a different world, possibly the afterlife. She says she was waiting for him, and that he got lost in the way. He's sorry for making her wait, and that a lot of stuff happened. He tells about the promise, but she says it doesn't matter, he did his best. She was watching over him (doesn't seem so). The young Obito cries, and she takes his hand.

There are various things to comment about the chapter. First, the last scene was nice, but given all what happened, was so poorly written that should have not existed. Rin simply said that he got lost in the way, she didn't say that he did terrible things, that she was disappointed but was glad that he got back to good at the end. If not even a small lecture was given, then it's clear that Rin didn't see what Obito did. I'd have erased that scene. Then, I question Naruto's reaction. Obito's death was dramatized but the bad part is that was aimed at Naruto. Kakashi was great, as he was the real friend of Obito, the one who truly knew him. The last words should have been for him. Naruto exaggerated, his reaction should have been more neutral, moderate. Here, he acted like if Kushina never told him the story of the Kyuubi incident, like if all of Obito's crimes never happened. His hypocrisy is annoying. At least Obito was aware of what he deserved, all this time. He never forgot what he did, and never asked for forgiveness. Then, Black Zetsu talked more than what he should have. He served only to increase Naruto's rage. Black Zetsu never used to talk much, he was more quiet, serious, thoughtful, silent. Now he maintains his arrogance and evil, but the rest of his personality changed. He has turned into the copy of White Zetsu, only darker. Sasuke was as usual. Nothing to say. Sakura didn't have a big part, but showing her brief reaction to Obito's death (a serious hopeless face), her worries about Naruto's suffering, goes accord to her development, is the natural response of the character. She is not broken or hurt like Naruto or Kakashi, she is simply sad and worried. Always expressing what she feels. Back to Naruto, his response should have been similar. Instead of saying that Obito was the best for having the same dream, he should have remembered what he did to his parents, the Kyuubi incident, and feel sorry, showing just a serious saddened face. I always wondered why Naruto after learning Kushina's story, never faced the masked man with anger, or desires of revenge. Why Naruto couldn't forgive Nagato for killing Jiraiya and he could forgive Obito for being responsible for the Kyuubi incident. That doesn't makes sense. Like I said on the last review, this is probably the effect of the mask. For Naruto, and in some ways, the masked man represents all the evil. Obito couldn't even show his true face to Minato when he kidnapped his baby, and captured Kushina. Once the mask was off, even though he killed several persons with the Juubi, he already seemed a different person. And the more time Obito spent doing good later, without the mask, his crimes stay more and more in the past. That's why I think he should have died in the moment the Gedo Mazo was extracted from him, or right after performing the Rinne Tensei. Back then, he'd have died next to Minato and Kakashi.

Naruto: Shippuden: Tsunagaru omoi (2016) Season 1, Episode 470

Connections

[7/10 · 26 January 2023]

Obito, Sakura and Naruto clone are waiting for the chance to enter Kaguya's dimension. Sakura notices given Obito's words, that there's no way to save him, that's why he wants to die. When he orders, Sakura and the clone touch his shoulders, and when they are Kaguya, he tells that she'll be aware if they enter her dimension. Then, Kaguya goes to attack Naruto, but he has a plan. He uses a heating power from Kokuo (Gobi the five tails horse) to release himself from the ice, and strikes Kaguya against a mountain. The clone and Sakura are glad about the strike. Naruto uses the chakra Kurama accumulated to create multiple clones in order to fight the enemy. Kaguya manages to destroy many, but eventually is forced to open a black portal. Obito takes the chance, and uses Kamui, while Naruto pretends to enter through the portal, but he is not fast enough. At the next dimension, the station (I'd call it since connects with the others), Kaguya and Black Zetsu notice a Naruto clone and two disappearances. He thinks that the clone is the original and that the disappearances were two clones. Black Zetsu suggests Kaguya to kill Naruto, it's too dangerous to let him alive considering he can seal her if he finds Sasuke. She wanted to absorb his chakra, but at the end agrees with Zetsu. She uses a ash solid spike to kill the clone, even though he evades it at first. Kaguya and Black Zetsu leave the station thinking Naruto is dead. Then, it's revealed that Obito took Sakura to his dimension, while the clone distracted Kaguya. They return and see the ashes of the clone, Obito tells Sakura that now is up to her. She agrees to do her part, vowing to do it as well as Naruto. While looking at the ashes, she remembers a few of her past moments with Naruto: the day Sai told her that Naruto loved her, and she promised to not cause him more suffering. In the fight with Madara, when she went ahead to create a distraction, helping him. And when she gave him CPR, thinking about his dream, and that she'd never let him die. Obito notices her determination, after Naruto's clone sacrificed himself so they'd have a chance. Then, she activates the Hyakugou, and passes her chakra reserves to Obito. He uses Kamui, but first they see the lava dimension. Obito realizes that the dimensions are far away, and require a lot of energy, though his eyes bleed, he tells her to continue. The next one, is a dimension with a gridded floor. In the meantime, Kaguya has returned to the ice dimension. She realizes that the original Naruto is still there. He has been updated by Kakashi about Obito's success, so now he intends to keep Kaguya on this dimension for as long as he can. She battles the clones, and Black Zetsu warns her not to open portals, so Naruto won't have the chance to reach Sasuke. He also guesses that the original Naruto is the one with the black spheres (Gudo damas). Back at the station dimension, Obito and Sakura find a dimension full of acid, which spills over them. She reacts fast enough and takes Obito to a higher ground, takes off her vest and the right sleeve. Her right arm suffered serious burns. He asks her if she's ok, and tells to take a break, she's a medic ninja and can heal her wounds. But Sakura refuses, she doesn't want to waste the chance Naruto gave them, besides chakra has a limit, she wants to continue. Obito guesses how she feels, the desperate need to help Naruto, can't be helped. She seems confused, so he says it doesn't matter, and uses Kamui again. This time the portal to the desert dimension finally opens, Sakura shouts at Sasuke to direct him. He runs, but she and Obito start to feel the loss of energy. She makes a last effort, and then Obito gives in, and the portal closes. She falls given the exhaustion, but for some reason, Sasuke reached the station in time and holds her simply with one arm, and looks at her. Obito asks how he did it, and he says that he has an ability to switch positions with certain object at a close distance. It's showed that Sakura's vest ended up at the desert for good.

This episode was strange, had some good parts, others bad, and kind of unnecesary. For one side, I liked the build up for the way Obito and Sakura reached the station dimension. Naruto's clone really behaves like the original, was just perfect. Naruto using the Gobi's powers was also pretty useful, he can use the ability of each one of the Bijuus, why not use them more often? He holds their chakra since episode 328 moreless. That's the result of winning their sympathy. Then, I repeat that the use of clones is very useful. There are thousands of ways to deceive an enemy that way. Still, this leads to Kaguya and Black Zetsu's lack of intelligence. Looks like she doesn't know nothing about fights, because all the analysis are made by Zetsu. He guessed that the one with the gudo damas was the original Naruto. And then, both saw Obito staring at them along Sakura and the clone, so how they couldn't guess that they got infiltrated in the station dimension? Was pretty obvious. And well, Black Zetsu finally convinced Kaguya that is more convenient to kill Naruto and Sasuke than just absorb their chakra. What a weak villain. Besides, Sasuke was trapped all this time in a desert, so Kaguya could have took all the time in the world to fight him instead of Naruto. What a poor villain. She is not as ruthless as Madara, not even close. To finish, Sakura was the spotlight of the episode. I liked her determination, and what Obito saw in her. The flashbacks showing some of the reasons behind the commitment to Naruto, were needed. While seeing how Naruto again did his part, even with a clone, protecting her, saving her, giving them the chance, she felt like forced not to fail him. That was crucial because it says what she feels. Sakura wasn't desperate to find Sasuke because of him, she was committed to that mission because she feels the urge to fulfill what Naruto encharged her. It's a compromise she makes for him. The flashbacks were important to demonstrate this, the connection between them. Naruto was keeping Kaguya busy all the time to protect Sakura (plus Obito and Kakashi), while she was responding to his efforts, doing what she had to. Obito notices Sakura's devotion to Naruto, her need to help him, support him. And he understands well the feeling because he saw her healing and keeping Naruto alive during the recent past. Besides, he guesses that she is the Rin of Kakashi's team. Then what Kishimoto did at the end of this chapter was confusing. There was no need to write that scene at the end with Sasuke holding a tired Sakura. The natural course would have been for Sasuke to run and jump through the portal in the last second. But Sasuke could magically teleport himself exchanging places with the vest given the new space time ninjutsu from his recently acquired Rinnegan (special power granted by Hagoromo). In other words, the scene was forced, staged by Kishimoto, to provide a wink or a way to justify the horrible ending of the story. Sakura's mind during this whole chapter was running on Naruto, as Obito noticed. Kakashi said that her feelings for Sasuke changed. She implied to Sai that she didn't trust Sasuke. He let her down countless times, and tried to kill her. And now he simply held her because he was around. Truth is Sasuke never showed any sign of care or cherish for Sakura during all Shippuden. If he felt something, remorse, guilt, admiration, concerns, he never expressed that and never was shown to think about it. On his mind, the only persons important to him are Itachi, his parents, and the clan. That was the way Kishimoto portrayed Sasuke on Shippuden.

Naruto: Shippuden: Iga-sei nanbâwan! (2016) Season 1, Episode 463

The Imaginarium World

[6/10 · 25 January 2023]

This arc keeps surprising with improbable outcomes. Now on this story everything is possible. Black Zetsu finishes his story, Kaguya tells her "sons" that she hates them. Naruto manages to free himself and Sasuke, saying that Zetsu is not the only one who writes the story. Then, he decides to use certain technique so they can create a gap with Sasuke. Meanwhile, Sakura tells Kakashi that Naruto and Sasuke are talking. He ponders about the dimension in they are, and guesses that Kagura is like a goddess. Sakura asks the Naruto clone which is the plan to defeat her. He says they'll do anything they can. When Sasuke hears Naruto's idea, he is dubious, but Naruto is sure. His comrade finally agrees, and gets ready to use his eye. He uses Amaterasu as a first try, which is absorbed, then Naruto goes forward, creates various clones, and uses the transformation to perform the jutsu sexy. Kaguya is shocked, but the distraction allows Naruto to hit her right away. Sakura is stunned and enraged, for using that jutsu in this situation, besides that may work on herself, but how would work against a goddess. She is even more surprised to see that it worked. Kakashi remembers Jiraiya, who said that Naruto was more like him than like Minato, and that one day he'd save the world. He thinks "Jiraiya, are you watching this?". Naruto says to Black Zetsu that this is the story of the shinobi. Anyway, he and Sasuke try to take the chance to seal Kaguya, but at the last moment, she changes the dimension, sending them to a frozen world. The three are trapped inside ice, but she easily leaves through her dimension black portals. Sakura asks Naruto clone about the technique, but Kakashi ends up explaining that is like when they were teleported to the lava world, Kaguya switches dimensions like in genjutsu, but everything is real. In the meantime, Sasuke uses Amaterasu to free themselves, and Naruto feels sorry that they couldn't defeat the enemy with the jutsu sexy. Sasuke says he knew they wouldn't, and then Black Zetsu suggests Kaguya to separate them since they are becoming a trouble. She uses her black portals, and out of nowhere, grabs Sasuke, and sends him to a desertic dimension. Everything is weird, the whole situation. This is pure fantasy combined with science fiction. Now turns out there are at least five dimensions in Naruto's universe, including the real one. I guess the viewer has to get used to it. The obvious highlight here was the use of jutsu sexy. I have mixed feelings. For one side, is an unexpected idea, unpredictable, an unique way of distraction. Naruto was right, even for a goddess, has never seem something like this, the hidden side of human life. But at the same time, is ridiculous. That's why Sakura couldn't believe it. And it's curious how Sasuke allowed Naruto to try, he surely thought how it could work, but he analyzed the surprise factor. He is a good strategist after all. If Sakura was there instead of Sasuke, I doubt Naruto would have considered such move. And I mean this because casually on this story, daughters don't play important roles, there's usually a thing with brothers. For some reason, looks like in Hagoromo's times, and Hashirama's times, sisters didn't exist. Then, considering this, is strange that the idea to separate Naruto and Sasuke so they couldn't seal Kaguya, was from Black Zetsu. It's like he was smarter than her. Not even a female villain was well written.

Then, Kaguya tries to grab Naruto in the same way to absorb his chakra, but he evades her. She disappears through her portal, and he remains cautious, but suddenly, an avalanche occurs. He is slowly surrounded by ice, and trapped, he guesses that Kaguya became one with the nature. In the meantime, Naruto clone has placed Kakashi, Sakura and Obito safe on a mountain. It's curious how they didn't feel the extreme cold temperatures or the pressure. Sakura ponders if only they were brought here, but the clone states that the real Naruto is there as well. Still, he can't perceive Sasuke. Obito wakes up, as the clone has healed him with his magical powers (plot armour), and ponders that he should be dead. The clone says he helped him recover but... Kakashi updates his old friend, and Sakura says she doesn't know if they can help or not but is better to be available in case. Kakashi tells that they are the only ones who can do something, after all, the world will end if Kaguya is not defeated. He says they're ready to die. They run through the mountain until they see Naruto, trapped in the ice. Sakura calls him, while Kaguya finally reappears. Turns out that Naruto is pretending to be caught, and is waiting Kaguya to approach al he can attack her. Obito realizes that she's using a space time ninjutsu similar to Kamui connecting dimensions. He tells them that if he uses Kamui at the same time Kaguya uses a black portal, he may be able to enter her dimension. He says he can bring Sasuke back, but traveling to other dimensions than his own will require a lot of chakra. The clone volunteers to go, but given is not enough, Sakura offers the chakra of her Hyakugou. Obito agrees it will be enough, so tells them to go with him. He promises to retrieve Sasuke, so Naruto thanks him, for saving them both. He tells him not to, and stay focused on the enemy. He says he is the friend of Kakashi, Minato's subordinate, an Uchiha like Sasuke, someone who used to have the same dream than him (Naruto), so now wants to walk before him, and die. Like I said, this is an imaginary world inside the fictional Naruto's universe. Obito had to die, he recognized that himself, but for some reason, Kishimoto nullified the fact that the Bijuus and the Gedo Mazo were extracted from him, and that he used the Rinne Tensei. Obito is alive simply because the writer wants, not according to he story's rules. And considering that Kaguya has the strange ability to travel between dimensions, this was an scenario staged for Obito. I'm glad that Sakura finally can be useful, but this is weird. This was planned to become Obito's redemption. The funny thing is that he already made this when he opposed Madara and then passed the Bijuus to Naruto, saving him. Anyone could have thought that his part in the story was over. What I didn't like is that in some ways, this takes out the chance for Sasuke's redemption. As Shippuden was advancing I got the hope that Sasuke would die in the final battle, whether to save Naruto from Madara, or to help save the world. That chance was more likely before, but even now there was a chance, since he could be fatally stabbed and seal Kaguya as last action. With Obito present, there's the hint that the only one to die is him. I know many surely never considered Sasuke dying, this story ended 8 years ago, but given all, I thought it would have been for the best. About the rest, the fact that Kaguya can become one with the nature is logic for a goddess, but terrible for the plotline. This means that if she wanted, she could have easily killed everyone in the lava world. Makes no sense. Like in the past episode, the worth of watching is in the interactions. Naruto's clone is a good companion for Kakashi and Sakura. This is without doubt his most useful ability. I liked how Sakura asked him her doubts about the dimension switch, or how things were going. She is guided by him, there's the usual trust between them. Then, was a good development to show that though Sasuke was missing, Sakura didn't seem worried. She wasn't desperate, this tells she doesn't really feel something important for him, not anymore. And well, Kakashi's reasoning is logical, they're the only ones who can save the world. I admit that the idea of just team 7 being the world's lone survivors of the Tsukuyomi is pretty good. Only they have experienced this crazy situation. The rest of Naruto's universe and people won't get a clue.

The last part of the episode shows the four Hokages reaching the previous place of the fight. Minato is the last to arrive, the others only found Madara's lower half of his body. He assumes that he's dead, but has a bad feeling. Tobirama suggests to use the Edo Tensei to ask Madara what happened, and confirm if he is dead, but Hashirama refuses since a sacrifice is needed. Hagoromo suddenly appears from Madara's remains to update them. He praises Hashirama's kindness. About this, was good to see Minato back to the place where Naruto will return someday. Tobirama's idea was stupid, who could have been sacrificed if every living person is asleep trapped inside the Shinju? What a poor writing there. Hagoromo's appearance was convenient. He could have appeared before Madara to redirect his path, that way he'd have fooled Black Zetsu's plan. This is another reason of why the whole alien plot makes no sense.

Naruto: Shippuden: Hajimari no mono (2016) Season 1, Episode 459

Burned

[7/10 · 25 January 2023]

At this point of Shippuden, things are really odd. Only team 7 remains, and the Hokages, whose interactions are the only worthy part of the episode. Begins showing Konoha, and the poor Konohamaru sleeping trapped inside a cocoon from the Shinju. His chakra and everyone's else is being used to resucitate the unknown Kaguya. I wonder how Naruto will be able to convince his young friend that all this actually happened on the story. Anyway, Black Zetsu tells how with the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the chakra can become one again, and he is finally able to bring back Kaguya. When she appears, she sees Naruto and Sasuke, already caught by her long white hair, but suddenly throws them away. She first thinks they are Hagoromo and Homura (The unnamed brother?), but then corrects to Indra and Ashura, and sees the sun and the moon in their hands. For some reason that only Kishimoto knows, Sakura is worried and calls Sasuke-kun, Naruto to see if they are fine. Even in this odd situation, she uses the suffix of formality "kun". Kakashi tells her not to rush in, as they see Kaguya flies unshakeable. Sakura is obviously confused and has no idea of why this goddess appeared out from Madara. Kakashi asks what does she wants, and is told that they have her chakra. Then, while looking at Naruto and Sasuke, says they won't destroy her garden, and changes the place of the fight. As this arc is surreal, they are suddenly teleported to a volcano type dimension, and the four are falling into the lava. Kakashi, common sense says this is genjutsu, but his feelings say this is real. Sasuke invokes a hawk to fly, and Naruto tells him to reach Kakashi and Sakura. But he chooses to ignore them and rescue him instead. Naruto gets angry, and then sees, relieved, that Kakashi is holding Sakura, and is hanging in there with a scroll tied with a kunai, nailed to the rock surface. Who knows how, Kakashi also threw a kunai nailing Obito's hand to the rock. Then, Kakashi sees Sakura's headband from the Alliance falling to the lava, and both confirm is not a genjutsu. Sasuke noticed all this and tells Naruto to not lose sight of Kaguya. He states that both of them must remain alive no matter what. His power of ying (moon), and Naruto's power of yang (sun) are the only things able to seal Kaguya. If one of them dies, will be the end of the world. Sasuke adds that when the Infinite Tsukuyomi was performed, Kakashi and Sakura were close just casually. He asks if he understands it. Looks like Sakura is hearing and feels down. When Naruto says he does..., Sakura's eyes get tears, a heartbroken expression. Yet he continues, he does get what he says, but in moments like this his body moves itself. He reminds Sasuke of the time he saved him from Haku, he should get what he means. Sasuke thinks but doesn't say a word, and remains unshakeable. Sakura thinks that the situation is like Sasuke says, they were under Susanoo casually, but still, she is grateful to Naruto, while her tears fall to the fire. Then, because things can't get any worse, the scroll is burned by the extreme heat, so Kakashi and Sakura fall again. Naruto reacts fast and extends one of Kurama's arm to save them. Kaguya takes the chance to launch an attack, Sasuke uses Susanoo, but a needle reaches the hawk in a key part of the wing (she used Byakugan), so he and Naruto begin to fall as well. How they are saved? Well, out of sudden, Naruto can levitate. Kakashi guesses that this is the same ability Madara got when he acquired the Sennin powers. So, if Sasuke didn't rescue Naruto before, wouldn't have mattered, he can fly. Kaguya guesses Hagoromo granted him such power. This is hilarious, Naruto not only saved the three, he also saved the hawk! Then, he creates a clone and encharges him to protect Sakura and Kakashi. Later, this clone also rescues Obito. In the meantime, at the normal earth, Hashirama is finally able to move when Madara's black metal bars fade away. He rushes to the place where he felt Madara, Tobirama and Hiruzen do the same after feeling an inmense chakra, that has recently disappeared. Minato sees the black spheres fade away, guesses that Madara was defeated, and wants to return with his son. This part was the most interesting of the episode, mainly by the interactions. Was great to see the Hokages, I wanted to know what they'd do. After all, they are the only free "living" persons on the world. I didn't remember that Minato still had those black spheres. About team 7, well, Sasuke remains as usual in Shippuden. A simple blunt jerk. Not even one gentle expression. He had two chances to rescue Kakashi and Sakura, but he ignored them. He tried to act like if they were not present. The worst of all is that in twenty chapters, Kishimoto is going to pretend this never happened. Now, I want to remark Sakura's expression, highlighted in manga and anime. She was saddened after hearing Sasuke, because she knew it was a crude truth. She and Kakashi can do nothing against Kaguya. She already knows he doesn't care about them. But when she heard Naruto confirming, she was heartbroken. Because no matter what, she knows deep down that Naruto will always be there for her. So when she heard the rest of what he said, that his body moved itself, she was relieved and cried tears of emotion. This is key, Sakura is reassured that Naruto will always protect her, even in this situation. Considering the terrible ending of Shippuden and Boruto, even on this episode there's a scene when Sakura chooses Naruto, because he makes her feel safe, important, useful. She knows he will never let her down. That is what love is about, mutual love. Naruto also values the life of his sensei because he's important to him. He already lost Jiraiya, he won't lose him too. Of course he saves even a hawk, but it's clear Sakura and Kakashi are the closest persons to him, besides Iruka.

The other part shows Kaguya's advance. She finally decides to attack, saying their chakra belongs to her. Sasuke is standing above a a black plate that Naruto made for him with a black sphere, so they can move freely. They resist the attack, and then Sasuke counters with an arrow from Susanoo, but this doesn't work. Sasuke knows they were gifted by Hagoromo's powers, so they can seal Kaguya, so with Naruto stay watching. For some reason, the goddess surprises coming from behind, and they cannot move. Because she is nuts, she begins to tear while imagining they are her sons. Black Zetsu covers the half of them, and while Kaguya drains their chakra, he tells that Hagoromo and his brother sealed their mother. Sasuke asks him who he is, Black Zetsu says he's Kaguya's son. He recorded everything while his mother was gone, and created the story of the shinobi to resurrect her. He guesses that they met Hagoromo, and adds that is not common for Indra and Ashura's reincarnation to cooperate. He begins to tell his side of the story: Kaguya was sealed by Hagoromo and Hamura, but before that, he was born. The juubi became the moon with the Chibaku Tensei. He used even Hagoromo, then Indra, tempting him. Eventually, Black Zetsu chose Indra's descendants, the Uchihas, to conceive his plan, and changed the message in the stone. He always tried for someone to awake the Rinnegan, but only Madara suceeded. He reveals that in the last battle, Madara bited and ripped of a tissue from Hashirama. He died that day, and his body was hidden by Tobirama in the forests of Konoha. But Madara had manipulated one of his Sharingan to activate Izanagi after a time, and reverted the result of the battle, using a clone. He revived himself, and when he implanted Hashirama's tissue on himself, the Rinnegan awoke. He invoked the Gedo Mazo and remained alive for a long time. The White Zetsus were taken from the statue. The rest is well known, until Black Zetsu allowed Kabuto to find Madara's body. And that was it. What a bummer. So looks like Black Zetsu was the entity that really planned all. A being without brain, without nervous system, without spinal cord. And turns out that Madara ripped off a tissue from Hashirama, that's how everything happened. And the 1st seemingly didn't care. This is a joke. The revelation that Madara used Izanagi is acceptable, but still, Hashirama would have noticed. The puzzle is somehow complete, but it's hard to believe. The juubi is the moon?? I can't buy this. On the other hand, Kaguya is a poor villain. She seems like a lost old lady. There's a confusion, she had Naruto and Sasuke captured, she let them go, she tried to kill them with lava, or test them. In her mind, she thinks they are her sons, and her grandsons at the same time. This is crazy. Kishimoto burned the story.

Naruto: Shippuden: Makoto (2016) Season 1, Episode 458

A Random Twist

[5/10 · 24 January 2023]

This episode contains the most strangest twist of the whole story. Unpredictable, totally unexpected. Nobody knew Kaguya until the later stages of Shippuden. She was a mythological being, an alien who lived in the distant past. Unbelievable. The first nine minutes show some of Itachi's appearances during the anime, since the death of Hiruzen. Basically are repeated scenes, merely flashbacks, but are included some of Itachi's thoughts. The most notable one was when Itachi thought "Forgive me Sasuke" before using the Tsukuyomi, during the episode 85. Anyway, Sasuke finishes his thoughts, and when the Moon's light returns to normal, the four survivors get out of Susanoo. Naruto is not glad to see Black Zetsu, who wants to get rid of them. Sasuke says that to undo the genjutsu and wake up everyone, the Rinnegan probably is the solution. Madara returns, telling he will stop them as the savior of the world. They notice the Sharingan on his forehead, Naruto and Sasuke observe they are surrounded by Madara's shadows. The villain explains that he stopped the fate of the world. He released the persons from suffering, pain, loneliness. He corrected Hashirama's mistake. They dreamed about a peaceful world where children wouldn't be send to die, and the villages were created. But Hashirama's world of ninjas, the shinobi system generated three wars, the hatred didn't stop. He indirectly caused the 4th ninja war, but they opposed. Naruto calls this peace a big lie, so Madara tells he is interfering with his friends happiness, the game is over. He made of hell a paradise, Naruto should understand, everything ends here. And here comes the shocking twist. Black Zetsu, who was slowly approaching Madara from behind, stabs him with an arm. He teases Madara for thinking he could manipulate everyone, for believing he's different than Obito. Madara says that he was his will, but Black Zetsu says he is actually Kaguya's will. Then, a violent transformation occurs. Madara screams, as he is slowly possesed by a black shadow, and his body swells. The ground shakes, and currents of chakra from the roots of the Shinju connect to him. The four are shocked, aware that this is bad (Naruto and Sasuke remember what Hagoromo told them about Kaguya), Naruto senses that the body has more chakra than the Juubi. Sasuke guesses that the emerged chakra comes from the sleeping persons. They try to stop the body before it finishes the process, but are trapped. Kakashi stops Sakura, they need to think first. Naruto thinks that if they don't stop this, the people in the tree will die, but Black Zetsu says that when Kaguya used the Infinite Tsukuyomi in the past, she kept the people alive to be her soldiers. He tells that every person trapped in the Tsukuyomi will slowly transformate into a White Zetsu. Madara's head is still visible, and questions this since according to the Uchiha's stone, the Inifinite Tsukuyomi was a technique to bring peace to the world, from the Uchihas. But Black Zetsu denies this, he is much older than him, and changed Hagoromo's message a long time ago. As Madara seemingly dies covered in black, he realizes he was fooled, and thinks "Hashirama, what I did wrong?". Then, the swelling process ends, and Kaguya emerges.

This was the terrible last twist of the storyline. Since Pain's arc, but more important since the arc of the Kage Summit, the decline of Shippuden was evident. But at some point, the story was in the edge of acceptable. When Madara resurged as the villain, a cruel, smart, cold, powerful, ruthless mastermind of evil, there was a reason for the heroes to fight. The episode Madara Uchiha was great. He could belittle anyone because they didn't get close to Hashirama's power, the only man who could defeat him. And after the revelation that he was behind Rin's death, hence Obito's path to darkness, was felt like he was the perfect villain. Madara had a full story, a complete background, his own reasons to believe in the Infinite Tsukuyomi. I know that Nagato's idea was better. This genjutsu with everyone sleeping forever is just stop the world's fate, and guide to extinction. But this is Madara's twisted vision to avoid wars, and to stop the hatred of people. He didn't find a sense to the world of ninjas, he didn't like how things were, so he got mad and made a decision. Is questionable, but every good villain is unreasonable. I wonder how many people questioned Thanos during Infinity War for erasing half of the universe's population. So at this point, Madara was just fine as the finall villain. And there's the fact that his name was mentioned in the Pilot of Shippuden. Everything was very well written for him. But for some reason, all went to waste. Disappointing. A big bummer. Kaguya, who knows her??? She is an alien with horns, a myth, a demon that should exist only in fantastic stories. Kaguya, Hagoromo, Ashura, Indra, are all characters from another universe, different than the original Naruto. If you see the pilot, you get a normal village, with certain fantastic elements like the jutsus and the idea of a big Nine tailed Fox, but no more than that. Everything was based on things from the actual Earth, the reality. That way the deal. This was never science fiction, legendary myths, religious issues, Gods or demi gods. That's why I hated all the power ups since the Kage Summit, once the senjutsu level was surpassed, a decline commenced. The Bijuus are based on known animals, a fox, a sand racoon, an octopus with the face of a goat, a blue cat, an ape, a slug, a sort of white horse, a turtle, a sort of beetle. That was the limit in fantasy. The rest were ninjutsus based on the five elements from earth, genjutsus based on the mind's power, taijutsu based on physical skills and agility, senjutsu based on nature. The Juubi served to explain the origin of the nine tailed beasts, but that story got expanded, and expanded til Kaguya. Why?? There was no need. Madara was a great villain, the one the story deserved. He was the result of an age where children were sent to fight. The result of losing an entire family. The one who saw how unfair is the world, who saw the darkness among the people. At the end, every villain of any story is a mad unreasonable person, evil, ruthless with a twisted mind. Each one wants to control the world, impose a vision, in their own way. Each one has a story, connected to the place, the persons to control. Kaguya has nothing to do with Naruto's universe. She came from who knows where, and the Shinju was on Naruto's universe just because the writer wanted. This was out of nowhere. By the way, if every person in the world will turn into a White Zetsu, then where's the point in dominating everyone? As Black Zetsu says, Kaguya wants to keep the persons alive to make them white zombies without conciousness. And then what? At least Madara knew that he wanted to end everything, he intended Game Over.

Naruto: Shippuden: Umareru inochi, shinu inochi (2016) Season 1, Episode 451

Dreams

[8/10 · 24 January 2023]

The Infinite Tsukuyomi is on. Team 7 is safe under the protective Susanoo that deflects the light of the moon, hence they didn't fall under genjutsu. Sakura asks Sasuke what's going on outside, but he brushely says what for, there's nothing she can do. Naruto gets angry given the way he answered. Kakashi tells he and Naruto also want to know, and Sakura may think about something, yet Sasuke remains firm, and tells him that he is like Sakura, so shut up. He is in charge. Naruto protests and tells him that they are a team, but Kakashi accepts now he is not useful, and agrees that Sasuke should lead. Naruto disagrees, doesn't think that Sasuke could get a better idea than Kakashi or Sakura, only than him. Sasuke says that anyway, Madara started the genjutsu, everyone outside has fallen under, and the four of them may be the only safe. Outside, everyone is dreaming. Sakura (Naruto, in the manga) asks when they can get out, Sasuke says that the moon is shining now, but then will slowly decrease. In the meantime, Tobirama tries to rescue some of the asleep, including Karin, but the Shinju recovers them inmediatly. Minato remains at Konoha, after being teleported there, and watches in shock how the villagers are trapped as well under the Tsukuyomi. At the other villages, the situation is the same. It's an apocaliptic world in some ways. A mysterious ancient powerful tree has risen, all the people is sleeping but trapped. There's a sort of parallelism with Matrix. Curiously, only four survivors, and four revived Hokages with plenty of time to play around. What an experience. The conversation had certain direction, shows that some things never change. Sasuke was the one who activated Susanoo and realized first of the Tsukuyomi, so he feels like on a superior position to talk the other the way he wants, and be the ruthless leader. But looks like he didn't save Kakashi and Sakura because he wants them, he did it casually because he wanted to save Naruto, who had previously told them to stay close to him. For Sasuke, in this situation, Kakashi and Sakura are not useful, they are a burden because they don't stand a chance against Madara. If Naruto wasn't Ashura's reincarnation, and didn't have the powers of Hagoromo, he'd be a burden too. Sasuke is who he is, rude, blunt, cold minded, seeing people as useful or not. He has been like this during all Shippuden, and if Itachi couldn't change him, no one can. This was a mistake on the character development, Itachi wasn't like this, and Sasuke himself was different during the first part of Naruto. Right now, it's hard to see the redemption. Then, I want to remark Naruto's attitude. He gets angry by the way Sasuke treats Sakura and Kakashi. He defends them, he values what they can do despite not having the same powers. Naruto knows that life is much more than power. And for this, I didn't like Kakashi bringing himself down before Sasuke. The ways and manners are important. The leader must respect and care the lives of his subordinates, something Sasuke doesn't.

Then, there are the dreams. For some reason, the first one showed was Hinata's. Sitting on a bench with Naruto, while Neji and Hanabi (little sister) spy from behind. What a cute picture someone might say. But love is more than that, and a couple must be able to talk, have dates, do things together, share experiences, meet other people, discuss, reconcile, forgive (what can be forgiven), live together, and a lot more. Superficial dream. The good part is that she dreamed Neji was alive. Kiba is shown as the Hokage, with Akamaru. He is acclaimed by a crowd from Konoha, and orders to have a feast day of the dog, and everyone to get a dog. This on a lightful tone, people happily agreeing. The dream is superficial but funny. Shino is shown finding a new species of beetle, but a huge beetle. He is happy flying on the back from the insect. Funny, simply funny.

As for team 10, Choji's dream is be able to eat all what he likes, and have a nice girl adoring him for that. Choza is present and glad because his son could find a girl. This was a little unrealistic, a little superficial, and funny. But is was genuine in same way because Choji really wishes a girl who can accept him despite his love for food. What wasn't showed was the worth of his kindness, and strength as shinobi. Then, Shikamaru dreams to see his father alive and arguing with his mother for casual things like usual, Asuma alive and Kurenai with their baby. He is next to Temari and says that getting married is too troublesome, to which she agrees. This dream was genuine. Tells that Shikamaru wishes to see his father alive, sharing the life with his mother, despite the discussions. He also wished to see Asuma, Kurenai and their baby as a happy family. And well, he sees Temari as his future wife, but the dream implies he's not ready for marriage yet, obviously. I remember very well Shikamaru's dream from Naruto manga chapter 119, anime ep 70 (Excellent by the way, no comparison to some eps from the war arc for instance), he just wished to live a normal life, being a normal shinobi, marry a woman, have two kids, grow old, retire, play shogi, and die before his wife. His current dream is not far off from that. The only difference is time. And for wishing Asuma to be alive next to Kurenai and their baby, Shikamaru's dream is not so selfish after all. Meantime, Ino's dream is simple: she wishes to see Sai and Sasuke arguing to win her over. And to see her father alive. Superficial indeed, selfish. Was good to see Inoichi though. I think that a more honest dream would be being acknowledged by her talent with mind jutsu. She wants to be useful, like at the end of the war.

Lee dreams to have a victorious fight against Neji and Naruto, and win Sakura over. Superficial, I thought he wished to be recognized like Gai sensei. Mei wishes to get married with a handsome man, and have the other four Kages, Chojuro, Ao as wedding guests. Simple. Tenten's dream was shown on past episodes. I liked it, she was finally recognized as a valuable member for her talent with weapons in the world of Road to Ninja. On last episode, Tsunade dreamed to be with Dan as the Hokage, while Jiraiya was showing books to Nawaki, both being alive. Simple, genuine and nice. Yet I wonder why Orochimaru was there as well. The most beautiful dream is from Gaara. He enjoys a happy childhood with his parents, and his siblings Kankuro and Temari. And then, his uncle Yashamaru tells him that his friend came to play, the kid Naruto. They happily go outside, and Rasa kindly tells him to not return late. That was the best dream without doubt. Now Gaara is on the right path surely, but the wish of having that happy childhood, with his mother alive, his father as a gentle man, his good siblings, and also, with a good friend as Naruto, is the depiction of the past he wanted. There's a scar on his heart for all his past suffering, so his dream would be not to have such scar. It's simply beautiful, and honestly, even tearful. He was even thinking about Naruto, because he had a lonely childhood as well. I can't call that selfish or superficial.

There are some dreams that clearly couldn't be showed. But I can imagine if they were under the genjutsu. Naruto would dream to have his parents alive, grow up as the 4th Hokage's son, as if the Kyuubi incident never happened (hence, the Uchihas would be all alive, and Sasuke wouldn't be dark). Road to Ninja shows such dream partially. Sakura, has changed during the years, so her dream would not be the same than Ino. Plus, she can't dream with a guy who tried to kill her, there's a distance, a trauma. She'd probably dream to be in charge of the Hospital at Konoha, and take care of people as a medic. Her role during Pain's attack proves this. Is her way to be useful, to feel worthy, needed, recognized. If she has her parents, Tsunade, Naruto, Kakashi Ino, and the others at Konoha, she needs nothing else. And at last, Sasuke would dream that the Uchiha massacre never happened. He'd wish to keep living a normal life with Itachi, his parents, his family, the clan. With all this, Madara's idea doesn't seem so bad. The Tsukuyomi makes someone live an event repeatedly, so the dreams will repeat without no one ever knowing. The problem is time, hence, reality. Life goes on, time passes, people live, events occur. The persons sleeping will die eventually. Is that a true goal for the villain?

The second part of the episode is filler, but shows some interesting moments of Itachi's life. As a kid, he witnessed part of the third great ninja war. His father showed him the aftermath of a battle. During the funeral after the war, the Uchihas talked about Hiruzen's dimission as Hokage, and hoped Fugaku would be named the 4th. They also talked about Obito's death, and the Sharingan in Kakashi. Fugaku respected Obito's decision, and wanted to avoid getting in external affairs to his clan. Itachi met Orochimaru, and wandered alone wondering about life and death. He even jumped off a cliff, but held on to the wall, and fell safely. There he found several crows, and got a likening to them (resemblance to Batman). He was a lonely skilled kid, followed his mother's pregnancy, he wanted a little brother. The day Sasuke was born, Fugaku said he asked permission to the 3rd to name his son after his father. They all were happy in the family. The day of the Kyuubi incident, Fugaku was working at the police station, while Mikoto left Itachi with Sasuke. This part was nice, filled some holes on the story. Itachi was great.