The word count didn't let me add everything I wanted to.
The tone and the pace of the story changes as it progresses, but I don't see it as a loss of momentum or vigor like others opine. The story just mellows as the characters become more intimate, more gentle with each other, and that justifies the slower pace.
To elaborate on why this young couple's relationship development is convincing, various scenes show they really click with each other despite having known each other for only three years. As I wrote above, they do stuff like ear-biting and tickling; though it's not always consensual they take it as a matter of course. Perhaps even more remarkable, he's comfortable with shopping for clothes together with her. And there's the more usual stuff between friends, like playing games and simply hanging out together. Though hers is the stronger personality, they tease each other and bicker as friends do.
Most importantly, they are there for each other when it counts, in times of crisis. Their need to be with and to be there for each other, their need for mutual support and trust, is the foundation of their relationship. Upon this foundation the element of mutual physical attraction develops (or grows), leading to a full-fledged romance, although the franchise being male-oriented means we see this more from his perspective.
Along with the ending which may feel lacking (but some review sites didn't seem to mind), people may find fault the most with the resolution of the crisis subplot - which the game handled with more finesse. But I guess one can excuse it with dialogue about the characters' characterizations. Taking the show as its own thing, it's not too big a bump on the road to me.
The ending itself (at least) was truncated and censored by the network. So there's nothing one can do except wait for the commercial version which - so I heard - will have it back in full, plus more content.
I have to agree with you on this one; Kaoru's arc definitely feels more organic than Morishima's, and I say that despite liking Morishima better. Plus her ED is way more awesome. And what exactly is this commercial version I'm hearing about?
The DVD/Blu-Ray version. Sorry, I should just have used those terms...
This review seems Harsher In Hindsight now that Rihoko got friendzoned in her own arc.
Dayum, Jimmy...
Great review; I think it captures a lot of excellent points. Kaoru's arc did feel a lot more organic and natural to me as I was watching it, most likely because it's very realistic. The relationship evolves over time, as true friendship, and that feeds well into them realizing their feelings and acting on them. Plus, it's just nice to see a childhood friend get some love, even if it is by default.
Of course, now I really want to see the un-cut version that you're talking about. Any idea when that's available?
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Romantic love as a deeper friendship
The second story arc of Amagami SS stars Kaoru Tanamachi, a tomboyish close friend of protagonist Junichi Tachibana since middle school. The story has Kaoru and Junichi coming to terms with their feelings for each other having grown beyond mere friendship, and ultimately falling into each other’s arms. Their story is all about being there for each other as friends and lovers.
The story is less unconventional than the first, starring an eccentric senior whom Junichi pursues despite her playing hard-to-get. However, I find Kaoru's arc much more interesting and likable precisely because it's more normal. Down-to-earth details, like Kaoru having a single mother and working part-time, add to its appeal. (But Kaoru and Junichi do have their share of quirks: for teenage friends of the opposite sex, they're physically intimate to the point of doing stuff like ear-biting and tickling.) The gentler, lower-key storytelling approach also suits a romance between friends.
The arc presents Junichi and Kaoru's romantic love as a friendship enriched by greater physical and emotional intimacy. The growth of their relationship is convincingly portrayed, thanks to all the scenes showing how close they are and have been through the years (just three, but it feels like ages). These range from just having fun together (like chatting, shopping, or playing pool) to going the extra mile for one another in times of crisis (like Kaoru cheering up Junichi on a past Christmas Eve after he gets stood up).
As they feel each other out, we see awkward kissing, resistance, and lots of introspection. But mutual support and trust remains at the heart of their growing relationship. In a key scene, Junichi helps Kaoru reconcile the impending remarriage of her mother with her love for her departed father. More so than in any other scene so far, they admit they want and need each other by their side. More than anything, it’s realizing just how deeply they care for each other that leads them to finally take the plunge (though their own astute friends prod them on). On Christmas Eve, they go on their first real date. They confess their love to each other and pledge to stay together forever.
The way the show (not the game) ends the arc - a still frame and a voiceover - may seem lacking. Still, their story strikes a chord with me in a way other ones from the franchise don't.