Real Drive 11: So close to yaoi it hurts

Episode 11: Just Intonation Intent
More Screencaps from Real Drive 11

We begin with a flashback about a violinist who decides to quit music. A young man seems vexed by this decision. Fast forward to the present, the young man, now an accomplished violinist and old, finishes his last recital, after which he plans to retire from the public eye. Among the audience is Minamo, who apparently is there in behalf of Kushima.

After the show, Minamo gets to meet the violinist, Ichinose, and raves about his music. But Ichinose, though pleased to meet another fan is a bit disappointed to learn that Kushima -- again -- could not make it to his show. It turns out that Kushima was Ichinose's sempai -- the violinist from the flashback.

who would have thought?
According to Ichinose, Kushima was one of the most skilled violinists he knew. Kushima was adept with the style called "just intonation" and Ichinose looked up to him in admiration. However, for some reason, Kushima suddenly decided to quit music and never looked back since. Before he quit though, he gave Ichinose his old violin.

That night was Ichinose's last public performance but as usual, Kushima did not come. Ichinose therefore resorts to ask Minamo to return the violin to Kushima for him. However, when Minamo delivers the violin, Kushima refuses to accept it.Minamo is extremely vexed by the turn of events. She wants to help Ichinose but she can't very well force Kushima to accept something he does not want. Also, she is trying really hard to learn to play the flute.

Everybody -- and that means Haru, Holon and even Souta -- brainstorms to help Minamo get out of her funk. It seems that we're not the only ones surprised to find that Kushima plays the violin. Even Haru has no idea about this side of his friend.When told of Kushima's musical style "just intonation," Holon explains it in mechanical terms, which of course makes it sound even more complicated than it already is. Later, Haru speaks with Kushima and from this encounter we learn why Kushima quit in the first place.

Apparently, Kushima thinks that he has no talent for music. By "talent," he means not only skill but a genuine love for this form of artistic expression. When he saw Ichinose play the violin, he saw in him the kind of passion that Kushima knows he can never ever have. It's rather ironic, considering that Ichinose has always had the belief that Kushima never thought much of him as a musician. It turns out that it is Ichinose himself who opens Kushima's eyes and makes him see the truth: his true passion lies in understanding the earth balance.Meanwhile, Minamo meets up with her friends, who are surprised to see her with a violin. After explaining to them that she is merely holding on to the instrument, she plays the flute for them. Unfortunately, her friends are hopelessly ignorant and think that Minamo is playing "Old McDonald." ^.^

Minamo then has an epiphany of sorts. Later, she goes to meet with Ichinose, who is emo-ing by the seashore, and again plays the flute against the backdrop of a red sky blazing in the sunset. It's all very dramatic really. And watching her, Ichinose is reminded of himself when he was younger and how for him, it was not really about impressing Kushima but about playing from his heart. With that realization, he opens the violin case once more and plays a piece.Unknown to Ichinose, Kushima and Haru are watching the two of them from a distance.

COMMENTS:

Honestly? I don't know what to make of this episode. I guess, the purpose is to add dimension to Kushima's character. Speaking of which, I think it's at least believable that Kushima used to be a musician. His perfectionist character hints at the kind of discipline required of someone studying music. I say studying, as opposed to playing. Playing music is about heart. That's basically the message this episode is sending. That and about pursuing one's true passion.

But despite the warm feelings this episode is supposed to send, I can't really say that this was a satisfying episode. I mean, sure, Kushima is an important character but that doesn't change the fact that he is a side character. I really don't care about him and this episode doesn't make me change my mind about his character. He's just some dude who's overseeing an entire island as one gigantic laboratory. Not the most sympathetic character around.

I guess my pet peeve about Real Drive is that there is no real conflict. Unlike Ghost Hound where there was a puzzle to solve, Real Drive isn't really about heading towards a certain point but about random stuff happening. I can stand slice of life and randomness but I have my limits, too.

I am hoping for an episode that deals less with the character's daily lives but more about the real nature of Metal Real. I mean, isn't this supposed to be science fiction? Where's the science aspect?