This article contains spoilers for the anime
“Charlotte.” Reader discretion is advised.
“ Charlotte ” is an original anime created
by Jun Maeda ,
the celebrated screenwriter behind works such as “Clannad” and “Angel Beats!”.
The series, produced by PAWORKS in 2015, focuses on a group of teenagers who
possess special abilities, but with particular limitations or
consequences. These abilities are temporary and usually manifest during
adolescence, disappearing over time.
The
protagonist, Yuu Otosaka, initially uses his ability for personal gain: he can
“possess” another person for five seconds. This leads him to deceive others and live
comfortably until he is discovered by Nao Tomori, a girl who also possesses
powers. She recruits him to join a student council that protects other young
people with abilities and helps them avoid being exploited by malicious
organizations. The series combines comedy, drama, romance and moments
of action, while exploring the implications of having powers, the cost of
decisions and the importance of emotional bonds.
In the
series finale, Yuu Otosaka makes the decision to use his ability to “plunder”
other people’s powers and eradicate all special abilities from the world. This involves a journey around
the world in which he absorbs hundreds of powers, sacrificing his memory and
mental well-being in the process.
©池澤真 (著), 津留崎 優 (著), 麻枝 准（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ） (その他), Ｎａ‐Ｇａ（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ）/KADOKAWA
As he
progresses, Yuu suffers the side effects of the abilities he takes, gradually
losing important memories, until he forgets who he is. When he finally returns to
Japan after completing his mission, he is exhausted and disoriented. There he
is greeted by Nao Tomori, who promises to be by his side and take care of him
while he recovers.
The ending
is a portrait of Yuu's selfless sacrifice for the greater good, but also of the
hope that Nao represents, who symbolizes human connection and the comfort that
awaits him after his suffering. But did you know that's not the whole
ending?
©池澤真 (著), 津留崎 優 (著), 麻枝 准（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ） (その他), Ｎａ‐Ｇａ（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ）/KADOKAWA
Alongside
the popular anime, Jun Maeda, in collaboration with Chibimaru and Yuu
Tsurusaki, both in charge of the art, was in charge of writing the story again
for a manga adaptation. The conclusion came in December 2018, but the
epilogue we will talk about today was shown in the last compilation volume,
released in January 2019.
The final
scene of the anime shows that Yuu Otosaka has returned to Japan, but has
completely forgotten the existence of his friends and, more importantly, that
of Nao Tomori, his partner. However, this was changed in the manga
adaptation (as we mentioned, also directed by Jun Maeda himself), adding a
broader context that turns everything into a happy ending.
©池澤真 (著), 津留崎 優 (著), 麻枝 准（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ） (その他), Ｎａ‐Ｇａ（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ）/KADOKAWA
As they both look out into the horizon, Nao gives Yuu back the music player he had left her in charge of. She mentions that their favorite song is stored there, so he decides to listen to it. Upon hearing it, thanks to the power of the script, the protagonist recovers the memories he had lost, surprising the reader and Nao herself, telling him: « Tomori, you really like ZHIEND, don't you? ».
©池澤真 (著), 津留崎 優 (著), 麻枝 准（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ） (その他), Ｎａ‐Ｇａ（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ）/KADOKAWA
With this,
Nao confirms that he has regained his memories and tells him, “ Yes,
that’s right. But, Yuu-kun, you shouldn’t call me “Tomori” anymore, don’t you
think? As a boyfriend, I think we should both call each other by our names .”
Source: @/toarutoa via VoceSabiaAnime
©池澤真 (著), 津留崎 優 (著), 麻枝 准（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ） (その他), Ｎａ‐Ｇａ（Ｋｅｙ／ビジュアルアーツ）/KADOKAWA
