Zen Exclusive - Clannad After Story Episode 5 Reaction

I enjoyed reading your comment, well said. This is a great way to expand the world of Clannad, and I am really enjoying it. Thanks, take care!

The Zen Reaction

What I like so much about After Story is how in depth it gets into the lives of the cast, it's like little stories of character development. We're seeing the characters slowly grow up as they face different obstacles and near the end of their high school lives. It has such a different atmosphere from the first season, but it still works. I think one of the biggest reasons why After Story works so well is because the main characters are more like supporting cast for the supporting characters in their own story arcs. After Story could have focused only on Okazaki and Nagisa, but would that have been interesting to watch? I think so many sequels make the mistake of cutting out characters from previous seasons and never really expanding on the character building or story threads of supporting characters. Whereas in After Story, since we're spending so much more time with the supporting characters it makes them feel more, I don't know, real. Like their stories matter and they aren't just passing plot pieces to be forgotten now that our main characters are together. The world isn't a beautiful and perfect place just because the main character told their love interest their feelings, life still has hurdles. Edit: And hey, this is a lot, but I don't get that many opportunities to discuss Clannad or how much I admire the work that went into crafting its characters.

Zabon

Yeah, I really like this approach, thanks David, take care!

The Zen Reaction

Thanks Dimitri, I am, I hope you are well too, take care!

The Zen Reaction

Definitely unexpected all the sudden going into Misae's past. I would have thought anything like that might just be a single flashback scene or something, but they've gone and actually invested legitimate screentime into a story that apparently doesn't even involve a single one of the main characters. Normally I wouldn't be so sure if that's a good idea, but it works here.

David

I love how after story is focusing more on the side cast and giving them time to shine really appreciate that. Glad you’re enjoying and I hope you’re doing well.