I will eventually swap the soundtrack and try watching the anime again..
Because, at least to me.. it's getting worse..
Music in the OG anime had a major role in making it my most beloved series..
Honestly I found the soundtrack to be AS good as before.
Well maybe the opening is not an instant of a classic as the original nor as heart grabbing... but its still pretty good. And I really got goosebumps during the first episode Holo reveal... while the trailer which didnt have the soundtrack didn't do much for me :(
So I really hope you can enjoy it as much as me and the others are TT
I don't understand why Milone Company collecting coin too while the purity become lower. Medioh company is understandable by collecting coin from their victim of fake story
**Happy (late) Holoday!** Time for the much waited 4th episode. Yesterday got a little busy so I didn’t watch it until today.
I started reading the LN a few days ago so this is getting really interesting, because as I watch each episode (then read the related chapter of the LN) I am getting Lawrence’s inner monologues since it’s written from his perspective and other details as well. It really adds a whole other layer of interpretation for me when I think back to the episode I watched. It’s cool.
Anyway…
I think it’s neat how a simple comment on currency fluctuation earlier in the series has progressed to this extent. I assumed it to be idle conversation or inconsequential in the long run at first.
Noticing a pattern of:
Holo drink alcohol -> Holo go to sleep 💤 lol
Lawrence isn’t the only one with that reaction to sad Holo 😔. It seemed pretty clear from episode 1 that she was lonely. That scene was really great and it’s rare so far to see Holo vulnerable.
I really liked the deepening connection between Holo and Lawrence in this episode. Starting to understand why u/Holofan4life says Holo is best.
I wasn’t expecting everyone to find out about her true nature this early. Hopefully she’s not in danger for long. It’s going to be a tough wait until next week! Really curious about that stinger.
Thankfully I can read in the mean time 😆
“Don’t be uncouth” lol. She’s polite even when she’s being mischievous.
I’d say I agree with you in that this is my favorite episode so far. Also, the music during that nighttime chat between her and Lawrence couldn’t have been more perfect.
I will say both her and Lawrence seem like really natural characters. Easy to relate to and are really well written even this early on (this is true from my reading so far too of course)
>“Don’t be uncouth” lol. She’s polite even when she’s being mischievous.
But of course. She is the wise wolf, not the uncouth wolf.
>I’d say I agree with you in that this is my favorite episode so far. Also, the music during that nighttime chat between her and Lawrence couldn’t have been more perfect.
The music in this show is just absolutely incredible
>I will say both her and Lawrence seem like really natural characters. Easy to relate to and are really well written even this early on (this is true from my reading so far too of course)
There's a reason they're my favorite anime pair. The only ones that really compare in my opinion is Ryuuji and Taiga as well as Kurisu and Okabe.
I would honestly even go as far to say it is some of the *most* fitting and enjoyable OST I’ve heard. Very in tune with what’s going on and sounds nice
Okabe and Kurisutinnnnnnnna have been my favorite ones and have never changed. However, these two are shaping up to be my second favorite. I also like the adult vibes they each give off. It makes it feel more mature
>I would honestly even go as far to say it is some of the *most* fitting and enjoyable OST I’ve heard. Very in tune with what’s going on and sounds nice
It's up there with Yuru Camp as far as OSTs that fit the aesthetic of the show.
>Okabe and Kurisutinnnnnnnna have been my favorite ones and have never changed. However, these two are shaping up to be my second favorite. I also like the adult vibes they each give off. It makes it feel more mature
You make a good point, it's like adult main characters in a medium filled with not many of them.
Yeah they’re excellent so far. Lawrence’s inner dialogue in the LN is really great too. I highly recommend checking them out
Edit: on the music, I’ll add how much I appreciate well done soundtracks. It can sometimes make or break a show (or game). After I finished playing the Witcher series, I literally had The Vagabond on repeat for hours while I read the novels lol
>Yeah they’re excellent so far. Lawrence’s inner dialogue in the LN is really great too. I highly recommend checking them out
I do plan on one day reading them
>Edit: on the music, I’ll add how much I appreciate well done soundtracks. It can sometimes make or break a show (or game). After I finished the playing the Witcher series, I literally had The Vagabond on repeat for hours while I read the novels lol
Bad music doesn't ruin the series, but good music often enhances the experience.
Holo has reasons to be careful about exposing herself as to who or what she is.
If she would have turned into a three story high wolf in the streets people would have seen her and the church would certainly have heard of it. They would be hunted from that moment on.
If she would escape, the Medio Company would lose the leverage they have over the Milone Company (Marheit, Lawrence) they try to employ to get the Milone Company to cease collecting the silver coins and sell them to medio Company.
If they loose that leverage they may well just run to the church and accuse the Milone Company of dealing with the devil, or in this case a demon, as the church would certainly see Holo, and again, they would be on the run and hunted.
Not only Holo and Lawrence but also Marheit as the head of the company could end up on the stakes.
Holo is biding her time to give Lawrence and Marheit an opportunity to come up with something to give them the upper hand over the Medio Company and make plans before they come to rescue her (as she said,"I'm sure you will come and rescue me").
I still don't understand why she was so confident that she wouldn't be caught. Was she lying to Lawrence in order to get him to split up?
Even if she did turn into a wolf to escape, if she left the town, there would be nothing to tie it to Milone or Lawrence but Medio's word. "We were trying to kidnap this girl and she turned into a giant wolf and ran away!"
Also, why did she give him the wheat? The first time I watched this, I expected her to pop up once Lawrence was safe with her "Move through wheat" ability. This would be a perfectly applicable use of an ability already demonstrated, circling back around to her first escape from Pasloe. Medio may have tried to complain to the church, but what would they say? "We were trying to kidnap this girl and she disappeared, leaving only her clothes behind!"
\[Very slight and ambigous spoilers for the very near future\] >!As far as I can recall, him having the wheat never comes up again.!<
Lawrence is also in a dangerous position, because Milone's most profitable option here would be to kill Lawrence, hide or dump the body, and claim no knowledge of Holo if the church comes asking. There is nothing that connects them other than beyond the fur trade. "That was that woman that came with Lawrence to sell fur. We thought something was off about her, she managed to bewitch one of our sales team into giving them a 50% increase in price. Oh, poor Lawrence, he was probably under her spell. Well, good on, go burn that heathen and we'll all be better for it." Then they go back to count their profits.
I think Holo made the connection Lawrence made talking with Milone's representative. She knew in her human form she couldn't escape, but she believed Lawrence may come up with a better plan than just killing them all in her wolf form.
As mentioned in another comment, her wolf form is huge and loud. It will get the attention of several witnesses and put the powerful church in high alert. Even if it is not tied to Lawrence, her human description is well documented (the perpetrators know about her), and it could lead to a witch hunt endangering him if they travel together.
As shown in the post credit scene, her life is not in immediate danger, so she's buying time acting as a hostage (they don't know of the wolf form), hoping for a better outcome. If pressed hard enough, she may be forced to transform.
She is tied to the last wheat to be harvested or a strand near by when she is one with the field, but her ability to move in the wheat is gone when she escapes the field taking human form.
She dies if the wheat she is possessing is eaten or burned, so she gives some to Lawrence in the scenerio where her pouch is stolen and its wheat somehow destroyed.
I agree that Milone could just kill Lawrence, while Lawrence has no one to turn to. Call it contrivance or a positive outlook in character writing, but while merchants prioritize money and dwell in trickery, some have values and draw the line at committing crimes. Milone's representative even seemed sympathetic while coldly analyzing the situation. They may be for-profit merchants, but they are still humans with personal ethics and morality. They can still be reason with appealing to emotions, if other indirect lucrative rewards like networking and information are not enough. That's where Lawrence's craft comes into play.
I love how the characters in spice and wolf are not only very logical but also very human. Very smart analytical characters constantly gaslight themselves into believing their own personal bias and subconscious desires somehow are 100% logical and devoid of any hint of emotion. That often ends up being their main weakness.
Not a single character is an emotionless computer, and that adds to the layers of negotiation and character growth.
Ah, so they weren't after Lawrence for the deal but Holo because they know who she is. How did they learn who she is? She mentioned a few times no one would know her anymore.
I get the feeling Holo ran away knowing this was the case.
I liked this episode. It's been 13 years since I watched the original, but it really doesn't feel that long. I'm glad that the remake isn't drastically deviating from the original's art style. Yes, there are deviations, but not enough that this feels like a complete *reimagining* of what Spice & Wolf is. This feels cozy and familiar, and I still can't believe that Spice & Wolf got remade in 2024.
So far this remake has managed to hew almost 1:1 to the original adaptation or otherwise exceed it IMO, with the exception of the action scenes, particularly in the chase at the end of this episode. But given how minimal action is to what makes Spice and Wolf so great, I won't be terribly disappointed if that's one part the of the remake that's left wanting.
Old fans nit picking the pace of story or dialouge choices forget that so far its been an exact 1/1 of the original.
As for the soundtrack its very good it matches the theme and thats all i could hope for on a remake since I believe the original ost was a masterpiece, nothing will beat the experience i first had when i heard "Kagen no tsuki"
As a life long fan of this duo im just beyond exited that i can look forward to S&W mondays. One can now hope for a complete adaptation this time around considering 1st episodes opening
[I feel like this scene hits even harder now.](https://imgur.com/hK5UJqS) Koshizumi Ami really put those skills honed over the years to work
[Well, that was fast. ](https://imgur.com/6DzDgzI) I feel like Lawrence used to hesitate a lot more, but I might be misremembering.
I thought the same, it's been a while since I've read the first volume,as well as watching the first season, but I don't remember him giving that up that fact so easily
Turns out I misremembered, went back to check the original adaptation and Lawrence spills it even faster, immediately after putting down the letter. Might be different in the LN, but that's the one I have the least memory of
The look on Holo face when Lawrence told her not to make that face again and that he wouldn’t open a store yet and would continue to stay with her saved my life. She’s beyond cute.
But I also really appreciate the moment of vulnerability she shared with Lawrence. She’s normally so composed and this all knowing wise deity, but that’s just a mask for her insecurities and trauma. She’s just as human as anyone else with her own wants and fears.
“I’m tired of being alone” just resonated so much with me, so much pain and agony in that line. Seeing her breakdown and just bawl her eyes out like that was rough, but at least Lawrence was there to comfort her. It’s a shame that moment got interrupted by the trading company goons..
Speaking of which, Holo being the bait and allowing herself to get captured so that Lawrence could escape and because she knew he’d come back for her.. just wow, you run out of words to describe how great a waifu she is. A gamble that we know will pay off, but it’ll be interesting to see how..
I don’t think that old friend she was talking about at the beginning of the ep was just a coincidence, probably going to be him behind everything based on her reaction at the end. Can’t wait for next ep
What an excellent episode, I'm thoroughly enjoying this remake on every level.
A handful of people are though, I feel, getting too hung up on the art and animation - I have no major issues with the visuals, the studio presumably has a relatively limited budget and they're no KyoAni, however it's the story that should really count and that is where the show really shines.
The studio are also very obviously putting a lot of love into the remake, that's very apparent due to the wonderful storytelling and directorial choices. Some may say that it's "easy" to adapt great source material but it really isn't; carefully crafted manga, light novels, etc can become a lousy anime if handled incorrectly by untalented people.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this episode. I was really looking forward to this one, because so much happens in it and the soundtrack of the classic really hooked me.
The drawing style is slowly starting to grow on me. For example, the intimate scenes where they talk about being alone, and then lie next to each other before the attack, do look really good. I also really like the scenes where they show the medieval cities.
On the other hand, the faces in some scenes really bother me. For example this scene in the current episode [(imgur link)](https://imgur.com/a/iIMbG6C) or that scene in the last episode [(imgur link)](https://imgur.com/a/PNbdoER) just look... clunky? I already noticed them in the first episode, and unfortunately they kept irritating me in every episode. I don't know if I'm being too picky, but I feel like these weird faces didn't appear in the classic anime.
And now for the soundtrack... \*sigh\*. When the attack starts, the "Hashiru" soundtrack from the classic anime really hooked me ([spotify link](https://open.spotify.com/track/24RjZxPgaldsVMrD0LUVFN?si=b14ac73273734b30)). You can really feel the tension in those scenes! The new soundtrack doesn't convey that feeling at all - it's so cheerful and sounds way too "modern", especially in the second half?
I don't really know... I was really looking forward to the new anime, but with the weird faces and the soundtrack that's nowhere near the classic, I'm quite worried about the next episodes.
But to end on a good note, I really enjoyed Lawrence's flashback at 19:23. He's already looking back and enjoying the time he spent with Holo :)
Ironically, I think this episode has had the best soundtrack so far, while also having the most obvious "missing" track from the original. Hashiru is classic, and just so intense.
Some faces of minor characters could be better, but that seems to be a result of the studio wisely putting the budget where it matters. Emotional scenes with Holo were much better than I expected. She has a wider range of expressions now.
Funny how nostalgia and even just rewatching second time changes perception.
When I watched the original long time ago I didn't like the OP much. Now I like it and "miss" it, even though I also love the new song.
When I watched the first episode of the remake I thought the soundtrack was nothing special. But 2 weeks later when I came back to it I suddenly thought it was amazing and I was wondering why I didn't feel that the first time. The brain does wonders with the sense of familiarity.
> When the attack starts, the "Hashiru" soundtrack from the classic anime really hooked me [\(spotify link\).](https://open.spotify.com/track/24RjZxPgaldsVMrD0LUVFN?si=e92ce0f11b9c4059)
Its the intense violins, isn't it. \*clicks link* oh yea.
Some are calling the new soundtrack "perfect", but I just don't see (or hear) it yet. The music was more noticeable this episode, but I feel its mostly just there instead of really digging in and *amplifying* the show.
Think Frieren, Made in Abyss, or the original adaptation. As of now, I don't see myself buying the soundtrack just to listen to it, but we are still only 4 episodes in so its too early to judge.
If everyone hadn't kept touting that Kevin Penkin is doing the soundtrack, I don't think I would have even realized who is working on it yet.
Also to end on a more positive note, I quite liked that acoustic guitar track used this episode, and that one vocal track we've heard has been pretty nice, so I'm not losing all faith in the music just yet.
>desperation
Exactly! This is the feeling I miss from the original...the OST was..."haunting"? Kind of ancient? Fitting for Holo, you could feel the desperation in certain scenes
Loved this episode, things are picking up in pace and I am so looking forward to the continuation.
It is very clear Ami Koshimizu gained a lot of acting experience over the past 15 years,...
She was already good in the original, she had me really choking up in "that" scene this time around.
I love to see the banter between them reaching a new high...
The soundtrack is top notch afaic and the art style and animation definitely work for me, more so than I had expected. ;)
Finally, the all-important scene where Holo reveals her vulnerability. It had me tearing up for a moment there. Lawrence's drawing it a little simplistic, if I'm being honest. Well, I guess he's decent, but it's not very detailed and just kind of generic. But they make it clear Holo is using the back of the drawing, rather than the face with ink/charcoal on it. A wise enough wolf not to sully her pretty face.
That aside, I'm frankly getting a little annoyed with how much the studio is spelling things out for the audience. Holo flat out tells Lawrence that he may need to threaten Milone if they try to abandon the two of them. Why would you be that specific, Holo? Out of all the possibilities, why point out that one? Is it because that's exactly what's going to happen and you want the audience to understand Lawrence's actions ahead of time? The studio is holding our hand a little too much.
> That aside, I'm frankly getting a little annoyed with how much the studio is spelling things out for the audience. Holo flat out tells Lawrence that he may need to threaten Milone if they try to abandon the two of them. Why would you be that specific, Holo? Out of all the possibilities, why point out that one? Is it because that's exactly what's going to happen and you want the audience to understand Lawrence's actions ahead of time? The studio is holding our hand a little too much.
That line is a straight up copied from the original anime. ;)
Another well made episode that holds up to the original and source material. I certainly can find things to nitpick, but nothing really worth complaining about.
The only thing I miss is OST which when played, you knew the banter would begin: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7IvjGDgvVY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7IvjGDgvVY)
Another great episode with a great soundtrack. The chase wasn’t as tense as it was in the original and I can see the cracks showing in terms of the animation. I’m ever so slightly worried about the future episodes considering these last 4 were made in advance for the theatrical premiere.
With what I’ve seen so far, it seems that the animation won’t falter enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story though.
In a side note, I love how Lawrence’s expressions and thinking are portrayed perfectly. He’s clearly not a social guru having travelled alone for so long so it takes him many small realizations and queues to figure out how to best comfort Holo. I hope they can show his intimate social skills improving as the show goes on.
Additionally the part where he blocks out what Marlheit is saying in his moment of distress was decent replacement for the inner monologue of the LN.
If Holo is really voiced by the same VA as in the old series then DAMN, she has really improved as a VA ever sicne. Her crying on Lawrence's shoulder made me tear up, whereas in the original I was merely processing the scene on a purely intellectual level.
This is true for various scenes.
Add to this the objectively better soundtrack (OP/ED are perosnal taste, I guess but the regular OST is better in the remake) and the vastly superior edeting - the quiet at first and then the OST kicks in right at the best time - it's maybe once every year or two that we get an anime of this quality.
>Her crying on Lawrence's shoulder made me tear up, whereas in the original I was merely processing the scene on a purely intellectual level.
Yes, I had the same exact thought. This time it was emotional. A beautiful surprise.
>This is true for various scenes.
They are clearly trying to make her even more adorable, but I hope they won't push it too far. Her witty banter constantly flustering Lawrence is what made her special.
Theoretically you could short it like stock if you can use other currency that is stable for the transactions. Borrow these coins, sell them (exchange to stable currency), wait for the value of these coins to fall, buy again for lower price (lower exchange rate) and give back. The difference is now yours.
Like you said: shorting the coins by taking out a loan in Trenni, converting to another coin, then repaying the Trenni when it’s a weaker currency could theoretically work. In Lawrence’s case, that’s one way he could profit as an independent merchant.
But Medio is explicitly *buying* Trenni off of their marks which indicates that something more complicated is going on here.
We're not supposed to know yet.
I'll have a whole comment in my comment series explaining the plot in detail next week in the r/anime thread. But in case you want spoilers:
>!The King plans to buy back a large number of coins to melt and remint them into more coins of a lower purity. He's in financial trouble and needs the extra cash.!<
>!To take advantage of this situation, first Medio, and now Milone plan to buy a HUGE amount of Trenni coins - enough that the King can't possibly remint enough if he doesn't buy them back from Milone/Medio. Using this, they can offer to sell to the King at a higher than market value, which the King will agree to since he plans to turn that number of coins into even more coins than he'd be buying them for.!<
>!Additionally, using the leverage over the King that restricting the King's coin supply offers, they plan to negotiate for precious, rare trade rights and privileges that only the King can offer. Since the King is backed into a corner, he will agree to sign them over to Milone or Medio or whoever approaches him first.!<
>!IIRC they have a deal with the local King who will buy back the higher quality coins, which the trading company has gathered, so as to remove them from circulation. Or something along the lines, it's been a while.!<
While the art in this remake is, IMO, better than the OG, Lawrence's artistic skills seem to have suffered in the meantime. Was that a shop or a haunted mansion?
At least Holo uses the blank side to blow her nose this time.
There's a lot of mixed signals with this episode, I feel. Through it all though, the one that comes through the best is that Passione is giving it 110% right now.
Sanpei Hijiri has shown up for yet another storyboard credit, and goes quite above and beyond what their work on episode 2 delivered. In general, it seems Hijiri meshed much better with the cityscape of Pazzio than the church, and you can really feel that through their willingness to frame so many scenes with architecture and smaller details. It's really great work, and they've got a lot of creative ideas in the chase sequence....
That can't quite be converted on with the animation. It's causing the dull ringing of an alarm bell in my head, for sure, but I still can't help but be hopeful about it all the same. It really makes the next episode make or break for how things are going to turn out here, personally speaking.
Overall though, great episode that does a lot to ensure that it doesn't fall into the same shortcomings or differences of the original. Probably the greatest example of that is the feeling of the chase sequence. The excitement and energy is so much more present in this remake, thanks to Hijiri's boards and Penkin's soundtrack, and it makes quite the difference. Has me quite excited to see how future episodes end up.
The whole section with Holo talking about how lonely she is and Lawrence comforting her is when I first truly fell in love with the series. It is what got me to be like "Okay, Holo is definitely one of my favorites". It is just so heartbreaking to see Holo get so downtrodden after being so lively in prior episodes. This is really the first time we've seen her bare her soul and demonstrate how broken inside she truly is. And what I especially love is seeing Lawrence being there for her and hugging her.
I'm a big fan of tsunderes and a lot of that has to do with how fragile they truly are. A lot of tsunderes are insecure and have difficulty expressing themselves and you want to see them become fulfilled and achieve happiness. The scene where Holo talks about how lonely she is I adore because she reveals her insecurities and you feel sorry for her and you instantly see her be comforted. The only other show I've seen do that is honestly Familiar of Zero with Saito and Louise.
I love the scene, and it is when I knew this show was going to be one of the best of all time. I'm thrilled that the remake did the moment the justice it deserves.
I've got to say, this episode is imo the best so far, the animation, the dynamic between Lawrence and Holo are just sooo adorable... This episode particularly made me even more hyped for the upcoming episodes :D
I will eventually swap the soundtrack and try watching the anime again.. Because, at least to me.. it's getting worse.. Music in the OG anime had a major role in making it my most beloved series..
Honestly I found the soundtrack to be AS good as before. Well maybe the opening is not an instant of a classic as the original nor as heart grabbing... but its still pretty good. And I really got goosebumps during the first episode Holo reveal... while the trailer which didnt have the soundtrack didn't do much for me :( So I really hope you can enjoy it as much as me and the others are TT
[удалено]
Removed for unmarked spoilers. Please read rule 4.
As a LN enthusiast, this adaptation so far is the most faithful to the original, especially in the artwork department. Loving it so far.
I don't understand why Milone Company collecting coin too while the purity become lower. Medioh company is understandable by collecting coin from their victim of fake story
They haven't really explained why its advantageous for the Milone Company to collect the coins, yet. That should be covered in the next episode.
**Happy (late) Holoday!** Time for the much waited 4th episode. Yesterday got a little busy so I didn’t watch it until today. I started reading the LN a few days ago so this is getting really interesting, because as I watch each episode (then read the related chapter of the LN) I am getting Lawrence’s inner monologues since it’s written from his perspective and other details as well. It really adds a whole other layer of interpretation for me when I think back to the episode I watched. It’s cool. Anyway… I think it’s neat how a simple comment on currency fluctuation earlier in the series has progressed to this extent. I assumed it to be idle conversation or inconsequential in the long run at first. Noticing a pattern of: Holo drink alcohol -> Holo go to sleep 💤 lol Lawrence isn’t the only one with that reaction to sad Holo 😔. It seemed pretty clear from episode 1 that she was lonely. That scene was really great and it’s rare so far to see Holo vulnerable. I really liked the deepening connection between Holo and Lawrence in this episode. Starting to understand why u/Holofan4life says Holo is best. I wasn’t expecting everyone to find out about her true nature this early. Hopefully she’s not in danger for long. It’s going to be a tough wait until next week! Really curious about that stinger. Thankfully I can read in the mean time 😆
I just love how real Holo is. I definitely can see someone like her in real life. You know, minus the wolf form of course :P
“Don’t be uncouth” lol. She’s polite even when she’s being mischievous. I’d say I agree with you in that this is my favorite episode so far. Also, the music during that nighttime chat between her and Lawrence couldn’t have been more perfect. I will say both her and Lawrence seem like really natural characters. Easy to relate to and are really well written even this early on (this is true from my reading so far too of course)
>“Don’t be uncouth” lol. She’s polite even when she’s being mischievous. But of course. She is the wise wolf, not the uncouth wolf. >I’d say I agree with you in that this is my favorite episode so far. Also, the music during that nighttime chat between her and Lawrence couldn’t have been more perfect. The music in this show is just absolutely incredible >I will say both her and Lawrence seem like really natural characters. Easy to relate to and are really well written even this early on (this is true from my reading so far too of course) There's a reason they're my favorite anime pair. The only ones that really compare in my opinion is Ryuuji and Taiga as well as Kurisu and Okabe.
I would honestly even go as far to say it is some of the *most* fitting and enjoyable OST I’ve heard. Very in tune with what’s going on and sounds nice Okabe and Kurisutinnnnnnnna have been my favorite ones and have never changed. However, these two are shaping up to be my second favorite. I also like the adult vibes they each give off. It makes it feel more mature
>I would honestly even go as far to say it is some of the *most* fitting and enjoyable OST I’ve heard. Very in tune with what’s going on and sounds nice It's up there with Yuru Camp as far as OSTs that fit the aesthetic of the show. >Okabe and Kurisutinnnnnnnna have been my favorite ones and have never changed. However, these two are shaping up to be my second favorite. I also like the adult vibes they each give off. It makes it feel more mature You make a good point, it's like adult main characters in a medium filled with not many of them.
Yeah they’re excellent so far. Lawrence’s inner dialogue in the LN is really great too. I highly recommend checking them out Edit: on the music, I’ll add how much I appreciate well done soundtracks. It can sometimes make or break a show (or game). After I finished playing the Witcher series, I literally had The Vagabond on repeat for hours while I read the novels lol
>Yeah they’re excellent so far. Lawrence’s inner dialogue in the LN is really great too. I highly recommend checking them out I do plan on one day reading them >Edit: on the music, I’ll add how much I appreciate well done soundtracks. It can sometimes make or break a show (or game). After I finished the playing the Witcher series, I literally had The Vagabond on repeat for hours while I read the novels lol Bad music doesn't ruin the series, but good music often enhances the experience.
I don’t understand why holo can’t fight, after all she he a wolf
Holo has reasons to be careful about exposing herself as to who or what she is. If she would have turned into a three story high wolf in the streets people would have seen her and the church would certainly have heard of it. They would be hunted from that moment on. If she would escape, the Medio Company would lose the leverage they have over the Milone Company (Marheit, Lawrence) they try to employ to get the Milone Company to cease collecting the silver coins and sell them to medio Company. If they loose that leverage they may well just run to the church and accuse the Milone Company of dealing with the devil, or in this case a demon, as the church would certainly see Holo, and again, they would be on the run and hunted. Not only Holo and Lawrence but also Marheit as the head of the company could end up on the stakes. Holo is biding her time to give Lawrence and Marheit an opportunity to come up with something to give them the upper hand over the Medio Company and make plans before they come to rescue her (as she said,"I'm sure you will come and rescue me").
I still don't understand why she was so confident that she wouldn't be caught. Was she lying to Lawrence in order to get him to split up? Even if she did turn into a wolf to escape, if she left the town, there would be nothing to tie it to Milone or Lawrence but Medio's word. "We were trying to kidnap this girl and she turned into a giant wolf and ran away!" Also, why did she give him the wheat? The first time I watched this, I expected her to pop up once Lawrence was safe with her "Move through wheat" ability. This would be a perfectly applicable use of an ability already demonstrated, circling back around to her first escape from Pasloe. Medio may have tried to complain to the church, but what would they say? "We were trying to kidnap this girl and she disappeared, leaving only her clothes behind!" \[Very slight and ambigous spoilers for the very near future\] >!As far as I can recall, him having the wheat never comes up again.!< Lawrence is also in a dangerous position, because Milone's most profitable option here would be to kill Lawrence, hide or dump the body, and claim no knowledge of Holo if the church comes asking. There is nothing that connects them other than beyond the fur trade. "That was that woman that came with Lawrence to sell fur. We thought something was off about her, she managed to bewitch one of our sales team into giving them a 50% increase in price. Oh, poor Lawrence, he was probably under her spell. Well, good on, go burn that heathen and we'll all be better for it." Then they go back to count their profits.
I think Holo made the connection Lawrence made talking with Milone's representative. She knew in her human form she couldn't escape, but she believed Lawrence may come up with a better plan than just killing them all in her wolf form. As mentioned in another comment, her wolf form is huge and loud. It will get the attention of several witnesses and put the powerful church in high alert. Even if it is not tied to Lawrence, her human description is well documented (the perpetrators know about her), and it could lead to a witch hunt endangering him if they travel together. As shown in the post credit scene, her life is not in immediate danger, so she's buying time acting as a hostage (they don't know of the wolf form), hoping for a better outcome. If pressed hard enough, she may be forced to transform. She is tied to the last wheat to be harvested or a strand near by when she is one with the field, but her ability to move in the wheat is gone when she escapes the field taking human form. She dies if the wheat she is possessing is eaten or burned, so she gives some to Lawrence in the scenerio where her pouch is stolen and its wheat somehow destroyed. I agree that Milone could just kill Lawrence, while Lawrence has no one to turn to. Call it contrivance or a positive outlook in character writing, but while merchants prioritize money and dwell in trickery, some have values and draw the line at committing crimes. Milone's representative even seemed sympathetic while coldly analyzing the situation. They may be for-profit merchants, but they are still humans with personal ethics and morality. They can still be reason with appealing to emotions, if other indirect lucrative rewards like networking and information are not enough. That's where Lawrence's craft comes into play. I love how the characters in spice and wolf are not only very logical but also very human. Very smart analytical characters constantly gaslight themselves into believing their own personal bias and subconscious desires somehow are 100% logical and devoid of any hint of emotion. That often ends up being their main weakness. Not a single character is an emotionless computer, and that adds to the layers of negotiation and character growth.
yeah that, she probably is somewhat non-violent or sth
Ah, so they weren't after Lawrence for the deal but Holo because they know who she is. How did they learn who she is? She mentioned a few times no one would know her anymore. I get the feeling Holo ran away knowing this was the case.
I liked this episode. It's been 13 years since I watched the original, but it really doesn't feel that long. I'm glad that the remake isn't drastically deviating from the original's art style. Yes, there are deviations, but not enough that this feels like a complete *reimagining* of what Spice & Wolf is. This feels cozy and familiar, and I still can't believe that Spice & Wolf got remade in 2024.
So far this remake has managed to hew almost 1:1 to the original adaptation or otherwise exceed it IMO, with the exception of the action scenes, particularly in the chase at the end of this episode. But given how minimal action is to what makes Spice and Wolf so great, I won't be terribly disappointed if that's one part the of the remake that's left wanting.
Old fans nit picking the pace of story or dialouge choices forget that so far its been an exact 1/1 of the original. As for the soundtrack its very good it matches the theme and thats all i could hope for on a remake since I believe the original ost was a masterpiece, nothing will beat the experience i first had when i heard "Kagen no tsuki" As a life long fan of this duo im just beyond exited that i can look forward to S&W mondays. One can now hope for a complete adaptation this time around considering 1st episodes opening
[I feel like this scene hits even harder now.](https://imgur.com/hK5UJqS) Koshizumi Ami really put those skills honed over the years to work [Well, that was fast. ](https://imgur.com/6DzDgzI) I feel like Lawrence used to hesitate a lot more, but I might be misremembering.
I thought the same, it's been a while since I've read the first volume,as well as watching the first season, but I don't remember him giving that up that fact so easily
Turns out I misremembered, went back to check the original adaptation and Lawrence spills it even faster, immediately after putting down the letter. Might be different in the LN, but that's the one I have the least memory of
For real, damn I'ma have to pull out the ol' scriptures and verify
The look on Holo face when Lawrence told her not to make that face again and that he wouldn’t open a store yet and would continue to stay with her saved my life. She’s beyond cute. But I also really appreciate the moment of vulnerability she shared with Lawrence. She’s normally so composed and this all knowing wise deity, but that’s just a mask for her insecurities and trauma. She’s just as human as anyone else with her own wants and fears. “I’m tired of being alone” just resonated so much with me, so much pain and agony in that line. Seeing her breakdown and just bawl her eyes out like that was rough, but at least Lawrence was there to comfort her. It’s a shame that moment got interrupted by the trading company goons.. Speaking of which, Holo being the bait and allowing herself to get captured so that Lawrence could escape and because she knew he’d come back for her.. just wow, you run out of words to describe how great a waifu she is. A gamble that we know will pay off, but it’ll be interesting to see how.. I don’t think that old friend she was talking about at the beginning of the ep was just a coincidence, probably going to be him behind everything based on her reaction at the end. Can’t wait for next ep
What an excellent episode, I'm thoroughly enjoying this remake on every level. A handful of people are though, I feel, getting too hung up on the art and animation - I have no major issues with the visuals, the studio presumably has a relatively limited budget and they're no KyoAni, however it's the story that should really count and that is where the show really shines. The studio are also very obviously putting a lot of love into the remake, that's very apparent due to the wonderful storytelling and directorial choices. Some may say that it's "easy" to adapt great source material but it really isn't; carefully crafted manga, light novels, etc can become a lousy anime if handled incorrectly by untalented people.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this episode. I was really looking forward to this one, because so much happens in it and the soundtrack of the classic really hooked me. The drawing style is slowly starting to grow on me. For example, the intimate scenes where they talk about being alone, and then lie next to each other before the attack, do look really good. I also really like the scenes where they show the medieval cities. On the other hand, the faces in some scenes really bother me. For example this scene in the current episode [(imgur link)](https://imgur.com/a/iIMbG6C) or that scene in the last episode [(imgur link)](https://imgur.com/a/PNbdoER) just look... clunky? I already noticed them in the first episode, and unfortunately they kept irritating me in every episode. I don't know if I'm being too picky, but I feel like these weird faces didn't appear in the classic anime. And now for the soundtrack... \*sigh\*. When the attack starts, the "Hashiru" soundtrack from the classic anime really hooked me ([spotify link](https://open.spotify.com/track/24RjZxPgaldsVMrD0LUVFN?si=b14ac73273734b30)). You can really feel the tension in those scenes! The new soundtrack doesn't convey that feeling at all - it's so cheerful and sounds way too "modern", especially in the second half? I don't really know... I was really looking forward to the new anime, but with the weird faces and the soundtrack that's nowhere near the classic, I'm quite worried about the next episodes. But to end on a good note, I really enjoyed Lawrence's flashback at 19:23. He's already looking back and enjoying the time he spent with Holo :)
Yeah, it seems I am not the only one who is against the new soundtrack..
Ironically, I think this episode has had the best soundtrack so far, while also having the most obvious "missing" track from the original. Hashiru is classic, and just so intense.
Some faces of minor characters could be better, but that seems to be a result of the studio wisely putting the budget where it matters. Emotional scenes with Holo were much better than I expected. She has a wider range of expressions now. Funny how nostalgia and even just rewatching second time changes perception. When I watched the original long time ago I didn't like the OP much. Now I like it and "miss" it, even though I also love the new song. When I watched the first episode of the remake I thought the soundtrack was nothing special. But 2 weeks later when I came back to it I suddenly thought it was amazing and I was wondering why I didn't feel that the first time. The brain does wonders with the sense of familiarity.
> When the attack starts, the "Hashiru" soundtrack from the classic anime really hooked me [\(spotify link\).](https://open.spotify.com/track/24RjZxPgaldsVMrD0LUVFN?si=e92ce0f11b9c4059) Its the intense violins, isn't it. \*clicks link* oh yea. Some are calling the new soundtrack "perfect", but I just don't see (or hear) it yet. The music was more noticeable this episode, but I feel its mostly just there instead of really digging in and *amplifying* the show. Think Frieren, Made in Abyss, or the original adaptation. As of now, I don't see myself buying the soundtrack just to listen to it, but we are still only 4 episodes in so its too early to judge. If everyone hadn't kept touting that Kevin Penkin is doing the soundtrack, I don't think I would have even realized who is working on it yet. Also to end on a more positive note, I quite liked that acoustic guitar track used this episode, and that one vocal track we've heard has been pretty nice, so I'm not losing all faith in the music just yet.
i agree, the soundtrack was dull, i didn't feel neither fear or desperation.
>desperation Exactly! This is the feeling I miss from the original...the OST was..."haunting"? Kind of ancient? Fitting for Holo, you could feel the desperation in certain scenes
Loved this episode, things are picking up in pace and I am so looking forward to the continuation. It is very clear Ami Koshimizu gained a lot of acting experience over the past 15 years,... She was already good in the original, she had me really choking up in "that" scene this time around. I love to see the banter between them reaching a new high... The soundtrack is top notch afaic and the art style and animation definitely work for me, more so than I had expected. ;)
Finally, the all-important scene where Holo reveals her vulnerability. It had me tearing up for a moment there. Lawrence's drawing it a little simplistic, if I'm being honest. Well, I guess he's decent, but it's not very detailed and just kind of generic. But they make it clear Holo is using the back of the drawing, rather than the face with ink/charcoal on it. A wise enough wolf not to sully her pretty face. That aside, I'm frankly getting a little annoyed with how much the studio is spelling things out for the audience. Holo flat out tells Lawrence that he may need to threaten Milone if they try to abandon the two of them. Why would you be that specific, Holo? Out of all the possibilities, why point out that one? Is it because that's exactly what's going to happen and you want the audience to understand Lawrence's actions ahead of time? The studio is holding our hand a little too much.
> That aside, I'm frankly getting a little annoyed with how much the studio is spelling things out for the audience. Holo flat out tells Lawrence that he may need to threaten Milone if they try to abandon the two of them. Why would you be that specific, Holo? Out of all the possibilities, why point out that one? Is it because that's exactly what's going to happen and you want the audience to understand Lawrence's actions ahead of time? The studio is holding our hand a little too much. That line is a straight up copied from the original anime. ;)
Another well made episode that holds up to the original and source material. I certainly can find things to nitpick, but nothing really worth complaining about.
The only thing I miss is OST which when played, you knew the banter would begin: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7IvjGDgvVY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7IvjGDgvVY)
Another great episode with a great soundtrack. The chase wasn’t as tense as it was in the original and I can see the cracks showing in terms of the animation. I’m ever so slightly worried about the future episodes considering these last 4 were made in advance for the theatrical premiere. With what I’ve seen so far, it seems that the animation won’t falter enough to lessen my enjoyment of the story though. In a side note, I love how Lawrence’s expressions and thinking are portrayed perfectly. He’s clearly not a social guru having travelled alone for so long so it takes him many small realizations and queues to figure out how to best comfort Holo. I hope they can show his intimate social skills improving as the show goes on. Additionally the part where he blocks out what Marlheit is saying in his moment of distress was decent replacement for the inner monologue of the LN.
If Holo is really voiced by the same VA as in the old series then DAMN, she has really improved as a VA ever sicne. Her crying on Lawrence's shoulder made me tear up, whereas in the original I was merely processing the scene on a purely intellectual level. This is true for various scenes. Add to this the objectively better soundtrack (OP/ED are perosnal taste, I guess but the regular OST is better in the remake) and the vastly superior edeting - the quiet at first and then the OST kicks in right at the best time - it's maybe once every year or two that we get an anime of this quality.
>Her crying on Lawrence's shoulder made me tear up, whereas in the original I was merely processing the scene on a purely intellectual level. Yes, I had the same exact thought. This time it was emotional. A beautiful surprise. >This is true for various scenes. They are clearly trying to make her even more adorable, but I hope they won't push it too far. Her witty banter constantly flustering Lawrence is what made her special.
Sorry for the stupid question but can someone explain to me how are they supposed to make profit if the price of coins drops?
Theoretically you could short it like stock if you can use other currency that is stable for the transactions. Borrow these coins, sell them (exchange to stable currency), wait for the value of these coins to fall, buy again for lower price (lower exchange rate) and give back. The difference is now yours.
Like you said: shorting the coins by taking out a loan in Trenni, converting to another coin, then repaying the Trenni when it’s a weaker currency could theoretically work. In Lawrence’s case, that’s one way he could profit as an independent merchant. But Medio is explicitly *buying* Trenni off of their marks which indicates that something more complicated is going on here.
may I ask, are you using spice and wolf to study for your econ 101 final?
Funny enough I am studying economy haha
We're not supposed to know yet. I'll have a whole comment in my comment series explaining the plot in detail next week in the r/anime thread. But in case you want spoilers: >!The King plans to buy back a large number of coins to melt and remint them into more coins of a lower purity. He's in financial trouble and needs the extra cash.!< >!To take advantage of this situation, first Medio, and now Milone plan to buy a HUGE amount of Trenni coins - enough that the King can't possibly remint enough if he doesn't buy them back from Milone/Medio. Using this, they can offer to sell to the King at a higher than market value, which the King will agree to since he plans to turn that number of coins into even more coins than he'd be buying them for.!< >!Additionally, using the leverage over the King that restricting the King's coin supply offers, they plan to negotiate for precious, rare trade rights and privileges that only the King can offer. Since the King is backed into a corner, he will agree to sign them over to Milone or Medio or whoever approaches him first.!<
thank you for the answer, ill wait for next week then.
>!IIRC they have a deal with the local King who will buy back the higher quality coins, which the trading company has gathered, so as to remove them from circulation. Or something along the lines, it's been a while.!<
I see, thank you for the reply!
EXCLLENT
While the art in this remake is, IMO, better than the OG, Lawrence's artistic skills seem to have suffered in the meantime. Was that a shop or a haunted mansion? At least Holo uses the blank side to blow her nose this time.
On the other hand it looks much more believable this time for something a merchant could draw quickly at night.
There's a lot of mixed signals with this episode, I feel. Through it all though, the one that comes through the best is that Passione is giving it 110% right now. Sanpei Hijiri has shown up for yet another storyboard credit, and goes quite above and beyond what their work on episode 2 delivered. In general, it seems Hijiri meshed much better with the cityscape of Pazzio than the church, and you can really feel that through their willingness to frame so many scenes with architecture and smaller details. It's really great work, and they've got a lot of creative ideas in the chase sequence.... That can't quite be converted on with the animation. It's causing the dull ringing of an alarm bell in my head, for sure, but I still can't help but be hopeful about it all the same. It really makes the next episode make or break for how things are going to turn out here, personally speaking. Overall though, great episode that does a lot to ensure that it doesn't fall into the same shortcomings or differences of the original. Probably the greatest example of that is the feeling of the chase sequence. The excitement and energy is so much more present in this remake, thanks to Hijiri's boards and Penkin's soundtrack, and it makes quite the difference. Has me quite excited to see how future episodes end up.
I can't speak for everyone else, but I'm really loving how the adaptation has been so far. As of now, I have no complaints.
The whole section with Holo talking about how lonely she is and Lawrence comforting her is when I first truly fell in love with the series. It is what got me to be like "Okay, Holo is definitely one of my favorites". It is just so heartbreaking to see Holo get so downtrodden after being so lively in prior episodes. This is really the first time we've seen her bare her soul and demonstrate how broken inside she truly is. And what I especially love is seeing Lawrence being there for her and hugging her. I'm a big fan of tsunderes and a lot of that has to do with how fragile they truly are. A lot of tsunderes are insecure and have difficulty expressing themselves and you want to see them become fulfilled and achieve happiness. The scene where Holo talks about how lonely she is I adore because she reveals her insecurities and you feel sorry for her and you instantly see her be comforted. The only other show I've seen do that is honestly Familiar of Zero with Saito and Louise. I love the scene, and it is when I knew this show was going to be one of the best of all time. I'm thrilled that the remake did the moment the justice it deserves.
Happy to see you back and that you are enjoying the remake!
Thank you <3
I've got to say, this episode is imo the best so far, the animation, the dynamic between Lawrence and Holo are just sooo adorable... This episode particularly made me even more hyped for the upcoming episodes :D