It seems you finally had to choose / I guess there was no other way
What They Say:
“Footsteps”
Kousei, Tsubaki and Watari visit Kaori in the hospital, but she insists everything is fine. Tsubaki reflects on her past with Kousei and considers if she has romantic feelings for him. Meanwhile, Kousei makes an important decision about his future.
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
In an episode that should focus directly on Kaori’s illness, it opted to focus on the other girl in this story: Tsubaki, the lifelong friend of Kousei that never seemed to be completely with him. They’re friends, but not in the same way that Kousei and Kaori are and not in the same way that Kousei and Watari are. Tsubaki doesn’t realize that that’s fine. She’s consumed by jealousy because she doesn’t have a grasp on her emotions. As Kashiwagi says, she’s lying to herself. Tsubaki doesn’t see Kousei as a younger brother. Her eyes are only through the lens of love.
It’s obvious even from when they were kids. Another flashback shows each time Kousei was ripped away as a result of music. Tsubaki practicing for the elementary school choir was indication enough. She’s felt this jealousy ever since Kousei started playing the piano because it’s always about Kousei. He’s the talented one. Playing around could ruin his hands and then how would he play? A promising career ruined by an errant sinker. She’s the little girl that’s pushed away from her friend for, from her perspective, no good reason. She sinks to the ground and covers her ears because even listening to music is hurtful.
Tsubaki introduced Kaori to Kousei, albeit unintentionally. Her motives were even known then, when the two went on a fake double date with Kaori and Watari. Unconsciously or conveniently, she wants to be with him. Now it’s Kousei and Kaori that are together and Tsubaki curses them for speaking a language she does not. They unintentionally exclude everyone else in the room when they start talking in depth about music and about practicing Chopin. Yet again, she’s jealous, but this time her jealousy can take a physical form. Kaori. In a time when she should only be concerned about her friend’s health, she can’t help but be jealous of her. From Tsubaki’s point of view, Kaori could stay in the hospital forever.
The damage is done, though. Kaori has opened up Kousei to things that he could never imagine with only his mother as a teacher. Music is fun again, or music is fun for the first time. He’s enrolling in a music high school, moving ever further away from Tsubaki despite living next door. The last straw has happened. Tsubaki has broken. She no longer has her friend because she could never enter a music school to the level that Kousei will, of course, be accepted into. All she can do is run.
In Summary:
It’s not only going to be the emotional tragedy of Kaori’s impending death, but the roller coaster of Tsubaki’s junior high emotions coming to the front of her being and realizing what she truly wants. Tsubaki and Kaori are going to have a talk, whether direct or indirect, about Kousei and it’s not going to end pleasantly. They may walk away amicably, but tears will fall. Kousei will continue to grow as a pianist and Kaori may never play music with him again. Your lie in April is only set up for tragedy.
Grade: B+
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
Equipment: PS3, LG 47LB5800 47” 1080p LED TV, LG NB3530A Sound Bar
