Hatsukoi Limited - Episode 11

I think it's fair to say that the end of the last episode of Hatsukoi Limited left us with Kusuda not so much putting his foot in his mouth as his entire body and soul, blurting out (completely falsely) his hatred for Kei without thinking. To make matters worse, rather than apologising properly himself, he chooses to run away instead. Has this guy learned nothing from Shinji Ikari?

Of course, Kusuda isn't the only one feeling the pinch of a love story gone horribly wrong, with Zaitsu and Sogabe, who are both still well and truly in the doldrums from their own problems. Before they know it, the trio of depressed males have decided that there's only one thing for it... To go on what can only be described as a "road trip". However, if there's one thing that can be guaranteed of a hastily arranged men only holiday, it's that it'll be shambolically organised, and so our intrepid trio set off with no money, no idea where they're going and nothing but snacks for food. Funnily enough, it's a bit difficult to "find yourself" when you're been chased by wild boar too.


If only the guys knew who else was chasing them - After finding all three absent from school, and furthermore learning about the letter Zaitsu had left for his brother, Ayumi, Kei, Koyoi and Chikura set off (with a few clues as to their whereabouts) to find the boys and bring them back, with Kei in particular having something important to say to Kusuda despite everything that transpired between them before.

If nothing else, this episode sets us up for a very interesting finale to this series, most likely bringing together three of the major male characters with their respective crushes, while also throwing myriad spanners in the works regarding some of the show's other pairings. Indeed, it seems that only Dobashi and her relationship will remain safe from being shaken up in some shape or form. I really have no idea how things are going to turn out in Hatsukoi Limited's climax, and that in itself should make it an enjoyable watch, even if this particular episode didn't have quite the emotional impact that we've seen from some previous instalments.