This and that (Scout and Masatsuka-sensei)

[matataku_hoshi]

I started rewatching bits of "Scout" tonight.  It's *such* a good show.  But...

I was reminded again about my problems with the ending.  Seriously, it was like Masatsuka-sensei stayed up late writing the script the night before it was due, fell asleep, and then woke up the next day and had fifteen minutes to finish the thing.  The reset button/it was all a dream/etc. is one of my least favorite plot devices in science fiction, and for a reason...it cheapens everything that's happened before it.

I mean, I suppose to some extent that plot device needed to happen because otherwise Tomu would be um, well, those of you who have seen the show know.  But even still there wasn't much of a confrontation between Tomu and Mattsu's characters in the end, which would have somehow made it more satisfying.

(Yes, yes, I know, this is Takarazuka and it's silly to analyze it too deeply.  I guess it's *because* Scout is otherwise such an intelligent and well-directed show)

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I've decided that I'm torn on Masatsuka-sensei's shows in general.  On one hand, he's written a lot of really good, smart shows (Magician no Yuutsu, Scout, Bourbon Street Blues, Practical Joke, Futari Dake ga Waru, etc). 

However, as someone whose Japanese is passable at best, his shows tend to be VERY dialogue heavy (I prefer shows that have more songs).  And depending on the show, the vocabulary can be difficult to understand.  For example, I don't think I ever would have been able to follow Futari Dake if it weren't for ekusudei 's translation.  I'm a bit worried about Bara ni Furu Ame in this regard, *especially* since it's supposed to have a lot to do with business.

But even if there are business terms that I wouldn't even understand in English flying everywhere, I suppose chances are that it will at least be intelligent, and I'm always a fan of that.  Besides, I won't be seeing this one in the theaters, so even if it is extremely dialogue heavy it's not like I'm going to have to sit through it 5+ times.

I can't believe Zorro has already finished its Daigekijou run, Bara ni Furu Ame is about to start, and Touko and Asuka are about to retire.  I don't think I'm used to this new one-month schedule yet!

Comments

[wao-wao.livejournal.com]

Seriously, Maggy, if you can tell me that you watched Stella Maris all the way through, paying attention to the plot and NOT just Ahi... If you can say that and you STILL liked it I'll believe you, but... :P

Anyway, in general I agree that Masatsuka-sensei is better at writing Bow shows. He needs to have two acts to work with, because otherwise he crams too much in (Mariposa) or else produces something really lame (see above :P).

I did like Magician well enough, though.

And hey, Becca, BaraAme has Micchan engaged to Alice-chan and Tani lying on tables! It can't be all that bad. ;)

[lliri-blanc.livejournal.com]

if you can tell me that you watched Stella Maris all the way through, paying attention to the plot and NOT just Ahi...
I did so! :P The first time, anyway. I liked the dancing and the suits and the TakaHana angst, and the crazy Susshii!Marine Biologist and Tomochin the highstrung bellboy and of course Ahi the gay snippy cook. And the hilariously random stock machinations and the very early-century "science will save us all!" ending. It doesn't really have to be *good* for me to still like it.
Not so much Tomochin and Ahi giving Susshii CPR, that was pretty traumatizing, but I managed to forget that until I watched it again a couple weeks ago. For research purposes, of course. (I told Kaori I'd make a stuffed animal of her favorite character and she said Daniel, so, I'm not the only one. :P)

[lljie-kuen1982.livejournal.com]

I know this is an old post and you probably won't get this message, but can I just say I heart you so so much for loving Hotel Stella Maris? I thought I was the only one, especially with all the TakaHana love to chose from, who actually love this play and would rate HSM as my second favorite next to Boxman.

There's this whole idea of protecting something small and precious against something big and corporate that I just love about HSM. Susshii's dorky but lovable marine biologist role, the quirky music and group ensemble singing and dancing, and Stacy being reserve and strong through Will's ADD hijinks. Even the plot-break subplot of Guy Preston hunting down McBride didn't bother too much since it was mostly hilarious thanks to Misa Noeru and Tani.

Hmmmm, *goes into happy clam mode*...Thank you.