I like this show, and this arc in particular. But not for reasons that might be readily aparent. Rather, It was thrilling to see at work the tenuous process of historical reconstruction.
Houtaro finds that his original theory, though quite skillfully constructed, is missing something crucial. What really happened to Sekitani Jun? Was he a voluntary hero or involuntary sacrifice?
As the process of discovery which one it was unfolds we are treated to a rather interesting inside look at how small details can change the entire meaning of a historical moment. Being a historian, as I am, it gave me a little thrill of excitement that is that proper mix of interest and terror. Can our knowledge of things really change with such small shifts in information? What does that say about the broader body of our historical knowledge?
It was like being back in my historical methodology class, staring at sets of "accounts" of events and trying to figure out which of the six or seven divergent stories was telling me something useful. A Roshamon effect if ever i've seen one.
Rating: A-
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