keyofnik: It’s been about a year since I last saw this episode, but if I remember correctly, the implication throughout is that Grandpa is acting out as a result of some lingering effects from the Rainbow Crystal, or because it’s now been partially activated or something similar. Basically that his behaviour change is due to the crystal. And I can see that easily enough. But I also really think that a large part of it is him feeling ALIVE. Dude just fended off an attack from a floating evil guy who tried to kill him, and he did it through force of will and sheer stubbornness alone. Then he fell off the roof, straight on his back on concrete, and he’s FINE. I gotta think Grandpa’s probably feeling really fucking invincible right now, Rainbow Crystal influence or no. I love that idea too. My every picture of Grandpa in his youth is of a man filled with vitality and vigor. He does whatever he can now to maintain his zest for life, but you have to think that those days when his hip is bothering him, or he tries to chase the crows and has to stop after half a minute, they just kill him. And he wouldn’t ever want to admit it, he’d never want to show any signs of aging at all, but that just tends to make it hurt all the more. So seeing him like this right now? It’s having a huge impact on Rei (which I’ll talk about in a bit. A WHOLE LOT.), but it really makes me feel good for Grandpa. Rainbow Crystal maybe powering him up a bit right now or no, as he’s flying through the air with his blanket tied around his neck like you know it was when he was a child, possibly leaping on ropes that his own father tied there some sixty-something years ago, makes me glad for him.
