Quick Summary • Best Moment • Setup • Delivery • Other Posts
Shuffle! Episode 09 – Quick Summary
In Shuffle! Episode 9, “Survival Swimming at the Beach,” the battle for Rin’s affections escalated. Kaede remained too timid to go on the attack, but there was no way Sia was going to let this opportunity pass. Unfortunately, she didn’t count on Forbesii accidentally giving Nerine good fashion advice. But none of them were prepared for Asa’s very direct, very persuasive approach. But all of that went by the wayside when disaster struck. Can Rin protect Sia in that new world? Will they ever see their friends again? And will Primula ever be able to finish a sand castle without the waves wiping it out?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from Shuffle! Episode 09
Rin has a difficult life. Poor guy. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Rin has a difficult life. I have zero sympathy for him in this matter, because his life is difficult because he has several beautiful, intelligent, and powerful (in one case, ridiculously powerful) women who’re after him. But if I’m honest, the raging hatred his male classmates hurl at him has to be a challenge.
Also challenging is the minefield that is giving his opinion on the women’s bathing suits. If he makes one misstep, his life could come crashing down all around him. And by that, I mean someone could end up in tears, and that would be terrible.
So, the guy’s under pressure. Mayumi didn’t help when she couldn’t stop complaining about hte attention she didn’t receive. She said it was because of her chest size. I’ve noticed that Rin never stated his preference, which is wise. Still, having Sia, Nerine, Kaede, and even Asa go on and on about the topic would leave a lasting impression on a young man.
But not as lasting as Asa’s bold use of Rin’s back to hide her breasts when she lost her top. Rin had to carry her back to the changing rooms so she could put on a shirt. The poor guy was utterly exhausted by the time he dropped her off.
“But man,” he said, his voice haggard (11:01), “I’ve had a lot of run-ins with breasts today…”
Yes. Rin has a difficult life. But, and I hate to say it, but I don’t feel sorry for him.
Favorite Moment from Shuffle! Episode 09
Maybe it’s cliche or corny or old-fashioned – but Sia appreciated Rin’s gesture. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: Still Pretty Chill
We’re still in the early episodes for SHUFFLE!, which means we’re still getting to know the characters through some chill character moments. Personally, I like the pace. It helps that the characters are pleasant and enjoyable to hang around.
About the most dramatic thing to happen in this episode was Asa almost fainting. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but having already seen the series through, it’s one of the early harbingers of doom. Remember how Sia suspected that Asa had lost her top on purpose to put Rin on the spot? I thought it was great that Sia immediately switched to concerned mode when she saw Asa was in distress.
Sia might see Asa as a rival, but she is concerned for Asa’s health. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Watching the show again to review it, I realize that little moments like that, where the characters are just decent to one another, is one of the things that gave it a lasting appeal.
The show also does a good job with owning its premise. The setting is an Earth that routinely sees gods and demons out and about. Even in schools! That set the tone for my favorite moment.
Delivery: Sia’s Worry
This is a less splashy moment than most of my favorites. But I liked it. As Rin and Sia roamed about trying to find any sign of humans, Sia got quiet and frightened. She asked something that only makes sense in the world of SHUFFLE!.
“Do you think this is really the same world that we were in?” she asked (16:16).
Which was the pivot point for my favorite moment. Trying to grapple with her question, Rin still managed to see that she was frightened. It’s not like she has Nerine’s offensive capabilities (where the world has to be afraid of her, not the other way around). I mean, if there are no chairs present, I’m not sure Sia has a primary attack!
Rin’s a decent sort. Sia appreciates that. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream. ]
Rin saw her discomfort. And he said to her (17:57), “Don’t worry. Even if the worst happens and we’re the only two people in this world, you’ve still got me. No matter what happens, Sia, I’ll protect you, you’ll see. So, don’t worry about anything.”
Is this the damsel in distress trope? Maybe. But I will never not approve of a situation where a strong character pledges to protect the weaker. I mean, if Rin’s partner was Nerine, his conversation might have more along the lines of “Don’t worry. Even if the worst happens, I’ll take the right flank, and you can take left and center. We’ve still got each other!”
But like I said. This is sans-chair-Sia, and she isn’t that powerful. She wanted comforting, and Rin wanted to comfort her. It was a perfect fit!
What did you think of Primula wandering into the shot near the end? What were your favorite moments? Feel free to share in the comments!
Shuffle! Episode 09: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- My Anime List (must be logged in): Shuffle! Episode 9 Discussion
- Random Curiosity: SHUFFLE! – 09
- Umai Yomu Anime Blog: Shuffle! (Episode 9) – Island Adventure
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Shuffle! Episode 01: The Man Who Could Become a God or a Demon!
- Shuffle! Episode 02: I Wanted to See You!
- Shuffle! Episode 03: Do You Remember?
- Shuffle! Episode 04: Egg Omelet of Happiness
- Shuffle! Episode 05: Where I Belong
- Shuffle! Episode 06: Smile!
- Shuffle! Episode 07: Romantic Scramble
- Shuffle! Episode 08: Panty Date
- Shuffle! Episode 09: Survival Swimming at the Beach
- Shuffle! Episode 10: Moonlit Confession
- Shuffle! Episode 11: Girls of Summer
- Shuffle! Episode 12: Frozen Summer
- Shuffle! Episode 13: House of Twilight
- Shuffle! Episode 14: Lycoris
- Shuffle! Episode 15: What Was Regained
- Shuffle! Episode 16: Kikyou
- Shuffle! Episode 17: Honest Feelings
- Shuffle! Episode 18: The One Rin Loves
- Shuffle! Episode 19: Unforgettable Sentiments
- Shuffle! Episode 20: Indelible Sin
- Shuffle! Episode 21: Where Feelings Go
- Shuffle! Episode 22: Towards a New Tomorrow
- Shuffle! Episode 23: The True Revealed
