Thoughts on Episode 7 (With Major Spoilers)

I'm not ready to write a lot right now (planning to come back tomorrow with screencaps and a deeper analysis) but here's some quick initial thoughts:

• This was my least favorite episode so far because it was very melodramatic and didn't focus enough on the main ship. I felt especially meh about Akina coming back in such a cliched way. But I did love that Manami wrote a letter very similar to Taiga's letter but unlike Taiga she immediately broke her promise. I also loved the final scene at the hospital, so beautifully written and performed by both leads.
• Even though I felt like the writing wobbled a little, the director continues to reward us for paying close attention. Things like who is wearing yellow in this episode, the significance of sunlight streaming into Manami's room, the symbolism of Taiga getting tiger underwear as a gift and a lot more.  One scene in particular that stood out was Manami calling Taiga while standing in front of a rail crossing. She was bathed in the red stop lights while a train passed through, representing missed chances. So well done!
• Also, Raul was amazing in this episode. You can still tell he's a newbie actor but his acting has been getting better and better with each episode and he's doing a wonderful job of breaking our hearts with the emotion in his eyes. I did find it funny to see him stuffing his 190 cm/6'3" body into a standard Japanese hospital bed 😆

A final request, as always: PLEASE DON'T POST SPOILERS FOR FUTURE EPISODES IN THIS THREAD. Someone on the Jdoramas subreddit posted an image from the last scene of the last episode in a post header and I saw it as I scrolled through my homepage. So freakin' inconsiderate, it really pissed me off. 

 mommacat:

I have to say I certainly wish there was more main couple interaction, but coming off of episode 6, I can understand why they switched gears to round out the story.  I thought there was just enough to keep us hooked with the phone calls conversations. But maybe I'm too biased and love this drama too much LOL

A friend on Bluesky, @atomheartmother.bsky.social, created a mini thread and jumpstarted my brain to take a second look at the episode. Here's their thoughts:

Random thoughts on #LearningToLove ep.7 that I must get out of my system before I implode. 🧵 #jdrama In their most difficult moment, they both hold tightly to the hat that belongs to the other. 🥹I'm fine 💔

She runs out of her parents' home and stops at a rail crossing thinking abt him. The red lights (Taiga's colour) color her red (she's overwhelmed by her feelings for him). When she calls him, the bars are lowered and a train goes by. She's stuck, another chance at love is lost.

Social expectations holding them down. #LearningToLove #jdrama (Gawd, I love this show so much!)

The statue of the Madonna being so prominent in the centre of the scene, while the nun talks to Manami (who looks like a living image of the statue) about how she has to ignore her own desires.

Another train passes behind Minami, the moment she learns the truth about Taiga being at the hospital. This time she turns around and runs in the same direction of the train, following her heart. #LearningToLove #jdrama

He's doing his homework like the good boy he is. 😭 I am unwell 💔

Minami wants to move on, to be an independent adult, so she puts away the things that keep her stuck in the past, including her stuffed animals (= her childhood). She puts away Taiga's hat as well, having decided to give up on him, but she places it right on top the toys...as if to protect them, to protect that part of herself.

Going back to the lack of couple time in this episode, it's also helping to build up the longing and angst so. that when they finally do meet again, it's that much sweeter. 

 mommacat:

Going back to the lack of couple time in this episode, it's also helping to build up the longing and angst so. that when they finally do meet again, it's that much sweeter. 

Exactly.

Manami & Taiga spent a healing day at the beach in ep 7, but even there they couldn't be completely honest with one another. And when they return, lies begin piling up as the shockwaves of their transgression cause turbulence in all of their relationships (aside: 190 cm in a hospital bed 😆)

There's also the lies we tell ourselves

Another thing that has stayed with Taiga is the book he and Manami bought for his brother. Taiga is the lion who stepped into the trap set by human beings but Manami is the mouse who will free him And then they'll run away to where they can live safely together, please???

Also, I'd bet cash money these two are going to hook up because what kind of friend gives her fiance's advice to break up with her in order to emotionally manipulate her, what in the backstabbing bad friend is this bullshit. I hope they make each other miserable.