How far would you go for Holo? Psychologist Reacts to Spice and Wolf Episode 1

[@Graestra]

It's interesting that you mention the loneliness of being a traveling merchant and anthropomorphizing things like talking to his horse. In the beginning of the novel there was a short section about lonely traveling merchants longing for companionship after spending the majority of each year after year alone on their cart and stories and superstitions that their horse might someday turn into a human. Horse sellers would even recommend mares just in case it turned into a human. Lawrence had gotten a stallion thinking he would never fall victim to that longing, but had recent started experiencing it. He considered that it was unlikely a horse turned human would fall in love with its master after being used to haul heavy burdens all the time, and that it was better that a horse stays a horse.

[@Faerun.]

A slow-paced fantasy show about nearly immortal being travelling north with their mortal companion, probably building bonds throughout the journey? Seems like a perfect fit after the Frieren's end! And of course, I'm ready for Ed throwing scary p-words at me xD

[@seisosimp]

My god, he got the theme of existentialism, longing, and love at the first episode in. He's gonna fall in love again with episode 2. My god, he is NOT ready. There's a reason why they reinvited the old Japanese VAs. They loved the show so much that since the original airing TO THIS DAY they provided voices for the novel's audiobooks. It's THAT BIG of a cult following in Japan.

[@Nolo-HLM]

I would go as FAR as I could POSSIBLY muster to get to Holo and Lawrence. Out of the thousands of shows, manga, books, etc I have ever had a chance to experience, S&W has and probably always will be my favorite series of all time.

[@villainreacts936]

spice and the wolf will bring you both joy and pain, just as nature's harvest desires.

[@johnfsenpai]

47:24 imagine a re:Zero arc in which Subaru repeatedly dies from dysentery until he figures out how he got sick

[@eddiemarohl5789]

My favorite part of the old opening is how the colors are related to the characters. Orange for Lawrence and blue for Holo. And then the color themes shift between who is socially dominant in the scene. And then when it shifts to her looking at the orange candle flame slowly burning down just hits like a truck. Ok after watching a bit further you figured it out around 2:03:05

[@nekonochesire6023]

Since you watched the OG opening, there's a ton of symbolism in it and a lot of symmetry, like in the beginning, with Holo standing alone on the right side, then Lawrence alone on the left. Or the shot near the end with Holo on the right, and a burning candle on the left which perfectly represent what you realized and talked about at the end. Really happy that you seem to enjoy and look forward to the remake, looking forward to the rest of the season and your reaction to it. Just to add a bit about how a traveling merchant can be lonely, in the novel Lawrence talks about how it was common for those in his profession to fantasize about their horse suddenly becoming human.

[@Mercure250]

17:55 To Elysianempire : I want to point out that this idea that people didn't drink water because it wasn't clean and drank alcoholic beverages instead is a myth. There was, in fact, no shortage of sources of clean water. If people preferred alcoholic beverages, it was more a matter of caloric intake, or simply a matter of taste, not safety.

[@villainreacts936]

flowing rivers are pretty much as healthy as it can be, better than our modern supply for sure. making comments for algorithms ahah

[@Mercure250]

@@villainreacts936 I also read that wells could be really good, better than rivers in a lot of cases, because water gets filtered through the earth. Of course, that's not to say contaminated wells didn't exist, but ancient people had ways to tell when water wasn't safe to drink anymore. They didn't have germ theory, but they weren't dumb.

[@tearaterranean6401]

2 hours?, that's how you know this vod will be delicious.

[@HaibaneRakka571]

It's heartwarming to see someone become ensnared by the magic of Spice and Wolf so strongly in episode 1, but ensnared has a poor connotation when the experience is somewhere between fascination and enrapture (at least that's how it was back in 2008 when this show was steamrolling the anime polls). I think it connected with people in a lot of special ways, and that may be why you are enamoured the way we were in 2008. A few interesting (non-spoiler) bits of trivia about some of the callbacks they tucked into this episode for fans of the original: The remake has the same VAs from the original, and many of the same staff are working on it as well The remake is following the novels more closely (for example, Yarei was replaced in the 2008 version with an original character named Chloe), but they retained a similar vibe for the OP/ED, they could've deviated but they didn't Chloe DOES make a cameo in the field with the other villagers, as a nod to the original Speaking of nods to the original, the opening scene with the girl asking for a story is not in the novel or the 2008 anime, HOWEVER, the scene with the fingers on the rim of a mug in a dimly lit room is definitely one of the many visual motifs that contributed to the tone and atmosphere of the original. I've heard many veteran fans echo the same thing: "when I saw the fingers on the mug, I knew they were making the remake with the same love I have for the series". Even if it wasn't a message to older fans, it was still such a perfect way to open the series, I have trust in the studio

[@aaronbredon2948]

This show does lend itself well to analysis - it literally is packed with symbolism, even down to the use of color. In my opinion, Holo is best woman. The relationship here is truly adult, so “girl” doesn’t apply. Unlike most anime, neither of them is clueless about their feelings. Scared of the feelings, yes, especially given the difference in lifespan. But they work through the feelings. All of the snow aspects you mentioned are actually relevant to Holo. Holo was born in the wintry north, the story has aspects of life and death, loneliness is a big part of the story, as is love. In fact, there is symbolism throughout the entire story. As far as power dynamics: When it comes to human society, Kraft > Holo. When it comes to nature, Holo > Kraft. With relationships, Kraft = Holo. So they are constantly shifting in comparative power dynamics. And that is why they work so well together. The deep storytelling of Spice and Wolf is why the original became a cult classic (and even more in Japan) and why the original Voice Actors were STILL doing the characters even when this remake started.

[@mastersirnaq5585]

Would you ever consider psychoanalyzing Persona games? Considering they have a lot to do with Carl Jung psychology I think it would fit perfectly on this channel.

[@villainreacts936]

i can only handle kimi no kioku so much without crying.

[@mageius]

I have to honestly say, I'm happy at the love all the fans of the show have been trying to pass along by getting more people to check by getting more people to check it out it really is that type of show that once you sit down and watch a couple episodes you can completely understand why people like it

[@damonplay8185]

First we had Oregairu now we have another one of my first animes. The show always reminds me of my favorite summer. A very defining time for me. Spice and Wolf even aside from that connection has stayed with me more over the years than any other anime aside from Steins;Gate and Hyouka. Those three are my absolute favorites. After the remake was announced I went into it with a good bit of caution but I've really enjoyed it so far. Visually it's gorgeous and even if the score (especially the OP and ED) don't reach the previous heights it's still her nice and fitting. All in all I'm glad to see you covering it! "Have you found your Holo yet?" Unfortunately not but I suspect the character might have actually influenced my taste in women... I don't know whether this speaks to the strengths of the characterization of Spice and Wolff or rather my own Character...

[@jingwei558]

Giving you a like and also subscribing. Brilliant reaction and breakdown. Spice and Wolf (OG) is one of my favourite anime of all time. And the remake has been doing it justice. Like the show is honestly just fantastic and it makes the intro of the remake hit even harder. Just so you know the intro of the remake was the first time that character was properly animated. (not really counting the 2 VR games)

[@Supply_Healer]

Watching this first episode left me with high hopes as a fan of the original anime, will absolutely stop by for all the other episodes once it all ends. Seeing you enjoy this as much as you did warms my heart, and the old OP hitting just as hard as it did (jesus christ however many years ago)

[@villainreacts936]

ergo proxy ghost in the shell witch hunter robin spice and wolf nana tenku no escaflowne and so many other show made my childhood, now adding frieren and others. i had an happy time in learning emotions.

[@boopdino8053]

I am very much looking forward tot his series. I see so much potential when it comes to representing human nature as a whole through al lthe potential societal,economical and societal reflections that could arise from this setting. Holo and Lawrence have a really interesting and intriguing dynamic,which can also create a lot of growth depending on their backstories

[@NrgSpoon]

It's awesome that they led you to the original OP/ED at the end, though if I was there I would have been tempted to show off the Russian version.

[@HaibaneRakka571]

You're gonna have a (wheat) field day with this. Spice and Wolf is a LEGEND among the anime greats

[@HIMJPalos]

Haaa man Spice and Wolf is a jewel, a clasic hiden jewl, all of us Spice and Wold fans have been waiting for 18+ years for a new season from the original adaptation, butnow we have a new adaptationand, yes it was fill of nostalgia, I actually tear during the 1st episode because it remind me of my higschool era, please keep waching it, you will love it, trust me. Saludos desde Mexico hermano!!!

[@setojinro]

This will be good for future eps. I can't wait for the fun analysis for lawrence/holo and their trading deals between people.

[@Crazael]

8:53 As someone who lives alone... Not really. Like, it can be, but it's really not most of the time. 40:19 I start talking to my cat. 57:11 I don't know about your friend, but my friend will sit through the credits as a way to show respect for the people who made the movie or game. 59:04 That might actually come up later in the series if the anime adapts certain parts of the light novels. 1:12:57 As long as they're still mostly human-shaped, it's not "too furry". Holo is (currently) well on the "human-shaped" side of the scale. 1:14:40 I personally draw the line at 3. I used to draw the line at 2, but there are a lot of very hot anthros out there. 1:42:43 Kraft's goal is to open up a shop in a town somewhere and settle down and maybe start a family. 1:46:38 I did! I remember watching the original with my friend way back when it first aired. It wasn't my favorite show, but it was definitely up there. And it stayed there for multiple seasons. 1:57:02 Holo is pretty famous and popular, so there's lots of figures of her. Not as much as she used to be, but that's likely to change soon now that the new anime has started.

[@kodytiffany5686]

Mom and Daughter to me. It makes me think of Chrismas stories with how its presented. So Family. I really like how it sets the mood. A feeling of maybe the one saying it is in it so they cannot die security and comfort.

[@Abyss3223]

Been waiting foreverfor more spice and wolf.

[@villainreacts936]

i do enjoy your reactions a lot, also the only thing i'd suggest is a microphone at the board because it gets hard to hear. but not that important ahah.

[@villainreacts936]

a lot of older anime got great writing, way better than now, obviously there are exception but that is what i feel like as an old man.

[@nameless8789]

Nah, it’s just that we produce so much more now on average each season, that it’s harder to find the good ones unless they reach mainstream appeal.

[@TheCheeseman1983]

On power dynamics: Holo is most definitely above Lawrence, and both of them know it. However, Holo doesn't like the social isolation that comes from being in a position of power. In fact, she left her homeland specifically because she felt lonely due to all of her fellow wolves treating her as an object of reverence. Holo even opines at one point that she can't enjoy hunting, because deer would simply lay down to die at her feet if she commanded them to do so. The fact that Lawrence treats her as an equal is a major reason why Holo likes him. On the hierarchy of needs: Both are on the second tier. The main conflict for Lawrence is his lack of social connection due to his nomadic lifestyle. Holo's main conflict is her lack of social connection due to her status, both as a being of great power, and as one with a much longer lifespan. This shared loneliness is what helps them bond, initially.

[@villainreacts936]

brother, kinda spoiling a lot here.

[@TheCheeseman1983]

@@villainreacts936 None of that is plot-related, just character backstory and motivations.

[@villainreacts936]

@@TheCheeseman1983 they will definetely be shown later so...

[@TheCheeseman1983]

@@villainreacts936 Some of it may be (not the hunting thing, as that is from post-story content), but my point is that this isn't spoiling any events of the show. It's just explaining the characters' psychology. I'm not revealing if or how these issues get resolved, I am just explaining the characters' current state of mind. I actually think that knowing this enhances the narrative, by granting better insight into the characters' emotions. Nothing I have spoken of here can in any way be used to deduce any future story developments.

[@ConClasher3]

Has anyone explained the whole Chloe thing to Ed yet lol, regardless sooo hyped for this show such a classic and to see it properly adapted will be amazing

[@johnfsenpai]

23:57 no, this show showed someone telling a story to children and you expanded that into existentialism.

[@kodytiffany5686]

If its just Ears and tail I can see her as just a mutant human and not really even another species... my doubts run deep. But her going multi form or straight to animal and back would convince me. If I was Isekaied this second to this shows universe or one similar; I would probably die sooner rather than later for one but secondly and more importantly I would possibly be driven insane from curiosity. That insanity is why I would die sooner rather than later. I would need to confirm every weird thing and be stuck in the delusion its all a dream; as I have died many times in my dreams I would lack the fear to feel I need to preserve my own life until my mind finally accepted I was truly Isekai'd and that its all real. I also do not deal well when others cannot talk to me or I to them due to language barriers. If its the trope of seeing some sort of "god" and getting to choose powers or gear first... different story entirely. I have worked out my ideals for such events already and know the general direction to go with it. Placing me in the new situation as more aware of my surroundings; because at least then I have boosted my capacity to learn or adapt to insane levels. Grant me one wish for any power... and I simply ask to be able to learn anything I want even stuff normally that cannot be learned (like DNA traits of various races; tribal powers owned by certain cultures or any other factor that is otherwise to singular to be learnable). Casually become owners of all the magic eye like powers; as well as any tech option without actually needing the modding. Become the user of blood bending and Avatar state; You know that thing that so and so does from that book/movie/anime/videogame... yeah I could just choose to know how to do it and although said powers are not instantaneous learning; the fact I just need to have a want for long enough or hard enough to manifest the knowledge or trait is strong enough for me. That would apply to anything so wanting to know the truth of all things... I simply would be able to in time; that way things get communicated to me with out really needing others to talk; I would just know.

[@almagaby7]

Yeah!!! Spice and Wolf!!!!

[@kodytiffany5686]

Bread for sure. I try that first and determine from that what level of cook we are dealing with. If you fail at the basics; then why trust what is less basic. Wheat community means that everybody should be able to craft basic bread. If it was Rice Pattys then swap bread with rice. But if soup is in bread shell then I might just need to accept I am losing teeth. or getting a stomach ache. Not touching fish... no sir I trust it was ill condition before being improperly cooked; they are to far from a large river or lake or ocean..

[@realperson69]

“In this anime, is Holo best girl?” Sir, in this anime INDUSTRY, Holo is best girl. The degree to which you were willing to tear this episode apart on first watch was impressive. 👍 I look forward to more if/when it happens.

[@manvslife271]

Holo shaped an entire generation of young boys' taste in women in the 2000's. Truly one that deserves the title BEST GIRL the most.

[@proniermandrin1712]

Hi, Ed. I think the webtoon UnOrdinary would be great read for you to analyze the characters, especially the protagonist, who has very deep mental problems. I pretty sure the community would be very interested.

[@villainreacts936]

a fellow UnOrdinary fan, kinda rare encounter considering the comments sections of the story. making comments for algorithms ahah

[@kingshrimp9974]

I use alot of psychological charts and rants to keep my Fanfiction characters more realistic 😂

[@jmanstar24]

"Have you found your Hollow" Why? Why do you hate me Ed? Why did you have to ask that question?

[@johnfsenpai]

50:44 excision?

[@TsubakixRitchu]

Gushing over magical girls episode 10 on KZbin when ?

[@eddiemarohl5789]

I'm an Ed and I'm also going into psych what a coikidink.

[@yoavco99]

1:28:52 it's just a furry tail

[@geo1038]

I know its not anime but have you thought of watching X-men 97?

[@johnfsenpai]

I would maybe like Holo if she didn't remind you of how old and wise she is all the time

[@villainreacts936]

quite far actually man, awooooooooooooooooooooo.

[@LeMrAlpaca]

to hell and back

[@kodytiffany5686]

Holo is still Holo... the nostagia bomb was more than just the songs. her personality is why I liked the OG version as much as I did. Lawrence is forgettable to me.

[@myndstic]

awoooooo

[@meganmartin3373]

Awoooooo