Episode 4: Decision × Shortcut × Detour
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Unfortunately, I am an ordinary man
Comment of the Day:
/u/Kaxew's answer to the Hunter exam:
… I'll pass. I could handle being a bartender with Mito. Actually; she's single, isn't she? Yeah, I'm choosing the bartender life.
I'll take that too if she's still hiring!
Questions of the Day
1) The theme of the episode is equal choice questions with no clear answer, so to keep that going, I ask: Pizza or Ice Cream? You get to save one, and never be able to eat the other again, pick wisely.
2) We've seen two pre-exam trials so far, what kind of trials do you expect to get in the future?
Fanart of the Day: Kurapika and Leorio sharing a meal (source includes spoilers for later 1999 arcs)
Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<
by KendotsX
17 Comments
**Hunter Exam Host Who Likes Quizzes**
* It’s fun to have our cast together on the same page, I could watch them do anything, and have a great time just off the interactions.
* [Hahaha](https://i.imgur.com/NPK0ZGZ.jpeg), Kurapika may have eased up a little, but he doesn’t offer one bit of respect more than what’s earned.
* [Spoiler] > Don’t you have a Trick Tower to be setting up?!<
* [Leorio](https://i.imgur.com/VRY9yQY.jpeg), you can’t say this right after trusting [Mr. Suspicious^TM](https://i.imgur.com/1kWPTMM.jpeg)
* Leorio tries the proper tour bus experience, then comes back [like a tsundere](https://i.imgur.com/nuLAmF3.jpeg)
* [Totally not buttering up the old lady](https://i.imgur.com/wfl2Zrv.jpeg)
* If Mr. Carrot there didn’t work, [Leorio’s trying the stick](https://i.imgur.com/PCM2JG0.jpeg)
I like the concept, trick question where the answer is in the wording, you’re not actually required to answer, and the last punch: but there could be a time when you have to.
Mr. Suspicious was basically just as a normal test tube to contrast our main characters against, afterall the exam would seem stupid if no one died trying to answer it.
***
#Manga Corner:
Everything between the sailor dropping them off at the port and meeting the old lady is original, including **Leorio bonus #2**: Leorio’s bus tour. Originally, [he considered it, heard some bad rumours, and immediately ran after his friends](https://i.imgur.com/PSNJrmv.png) to find the old lady, filling these kinds of blanks is a usual Furuhashi quirk, but more on that in an upcoming episode. The [forest scene](https://i.imgur.com/Ezog9dF.jpeg) was an anime addition too, I guess they wanted to mix in some action.
**Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs**
* The proportions on that cedar are… confusing.
* “He seems like he might be the main character, better follow him.”
* [Children’s Riddle Cult](#elves)
* Fuck the guy who had to get to a meeting in the next town over, I guess?
* Oh sure, give the train conductor trauma too, why don’t ya?
* [Frilly Rino!](#neat)
* Fool. Don’t announce your betrayal.
* Another classic trick question. Last guys got a bit of an advantage.
* Practically announcing it’s a trick question.
* So do you guys just live here the rest of the time there isn’t an exam, or is it like a summer job type deal?
* Cute little evil baby panda.
**QotD:**
1) There are ice cream like things. Save Pizza.
2) Jeopardy!
**First × Timer × Subbed**
– [Hm…?](https://i.imgur.com/5iLegLm.png)
– [Ah, it’s a shortcut apparently.](https://i.imgur.com/JDgQmYK.png) [](#harukathink)
– [There must be some trick to it.](https://i.imgur.com/gkdcDEP.png) [](#csikon)
– [Leorio does make a good point.](https://i.imgur.com/r7YcChY.png) [](#harukathonk)
– [These guys whispering “Doki doki” was *creepy*.](https://i.imgur.com/v5G7FqK.png) [](#spooked)
– [The *bus* was the trap, huh.](https://i.imgur.com/ZT3EIYD.png)
– [OH GOD.](https://i.imgur.com/8h0haw9.png) [](#crazedlaugh)
– [Nice job, Leorio.](https://i.imgur.com/zOXENZu.png) [](#pointandlaugh)
– [That kind of question, huh?](https://i.imgur.com/AOFlfFp.png) [](#sakurathink)
– [Aha…](https://i.imgur.com/9aZ6DCX.png) [](#wakarimasu)
– [So *that’s* the weird noise he noticed.](https://i.imgur.com/lqb0BAs.png)
– [Hm…](https://i.imgur.com/4mY5V1R.png)
### H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer
## Hunter × Hunter 1999 – [Episode 4](https://imgur.com/E0kq0G9)
_Dock × Hike × Quiz_
I really love this part of the opening arc to the story. While we learned last episode that the exam had already started, they make it serious with today’s developments.
First we meet [Matthew](https://imgur.com/yeqP9Lb). Yeah, Kurapika is right to mistrust him here. But along with him we see the sheer number of other applicants to the Hunter exam. In such a big group it is tough to stand out. And if they are trying to filter down the applicants to a reasonable number to evaluate then the more applicants the harder it will be.
Our protagonists follow the captain’s advice and head for the tree on the hill. On their way they reach this creepy ghost town. Something I really love about this adaptation is how creepy it feels. In comparison [2011’s](https://imgur.com/zvsLDzv) version makes it feel more abandoned instead of spooky. This is probably a good example of how the art direction of 1999 really strengthens this adaptation.
The actual quiz is probably the moment in the story which actually made me realize the potential of H×H. While twists like this are not uncommon for other shounen, I love how the actual answer is something you can figure out yourself as a viewer. And it also relies on logical thinking as opposed to fantasy power rules. This is a real strength of Togashi as a writer. There’s a ton of moments like this in Yu Yu Hakusho too.
Something else I liked about this episode was the little Rhino bit. It’s anime original but furthers Gon’s connection to animals. And the arrival of Leorio is a great comedy moment. The whole bus ride was also anime original though it feels a little redundant.
The last thing I wanted to mention was the ending of the episode. While we don’t know what’s happening at the tree yet, the shots of that animal thing were amazing. I adore the contrasting of red and blue in that scene. I could praise the art direction of this show for hours.
### Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
* [Big Pond](https://imgur.com/shHEIor)
* [Crowded Bus](https://imgur.com/6W1jKbY)
* [Masked](https://imgur.com/aJQrLet)
* [Forest Hike](https://imgur.com/c9k5hSy)
* [Abandon](https://imgur.com/I9fgQbU)
* [Rhinoceros ](https://imgur.com/KvsOWVx)
* [Empty Town](https://imgur.com/wtodhfD)
* [Bottled Rage](https://imgur.com/Pw5p1uX)
* [Dangerous Beast](https://imgur.com/AFVCxt2)
* [House on a Hill](https://imgur.com/AcJy7lY), the colors make this so ominous
* [Postcard Memory](https://imgur.com/4rrgZuO), INCREDIBLE!
See you all tomorrow
**First Timer**
I don’t think I have a lot to say on this episode. We had some fun antics, a weird bus, and a “deep” question that feels like a lot of other shows have also answered in the same way. It fits the setting that people should think about such a question no doubt, but I don’t really have anything to add on it myself. Overall though, an enjoyable episode, just not with much to discuss.
**First Timer**
I don’t think I have a lot to say on this episode. We had some fun antics, a weird bus, and a “deep” question that feels like a lot of other shows have also answered in the same way. It fits the setting that people should think about such a question no doubt, but I don’t really have anything to add on it myself. Overall though, an enjoyable episode, just not with much to discuss.
**First Timer**
I don’t think I have a lot to say on this episode. We had some fun antics, a weird bus, and a “deep” question that feels like a lot of other shows have also answered in the same way. It fits the setting that people should think about such a question no doubt, but I don’t really have anything to add on it myself. Overall though, an enjoyable episode, just not with much to discuss.
.**Rewatcher, Sub**
Thanks to impressing the Captain, the Trio get a clue on their next phase of the pre-exam. Leorio tries to take the conventional bus way which is another “trap” for applicants so he rejoins our group which includes another applicant who tries to take advantage of them only to get out in his place by Kurapika.
This next part however is interesting, it’s a bit of a Sophie’s choice/Trolley Morality hypothetical. The other applicant answers truthfully and is allowed to pass yet fails, however the Trio gets it right but figuring it out in different ways, Kurapika realizing the point of the exam, Gon ponders the question, and Leorio says “fuck your test” with a stick. The answer was not answering the question since there is no right in the situation depending on the individual. But as they pass in the next part we have Gon leaving it with a sobering thought as he muses about what would happen in such a scenario as the proctor muses about such difficult choices and the future.
I do wonder whether the other applicant deserves to fail for actually answering since technically speaking the “right” answer is dependant on the individual and he did give his reasoning, but I guess they were viewing the exam in a more abstract way.
**First Timer, manga reader**
Episode 4 adapted chapter 3.
* In the anime, Leorio fell into a bus trap. In the manga, [he accidentally overhears about it](https://files.catbox.moe/ftbg2w.webp), and immediately runs off with Gon and Kurapika.
* The content with Matthew is mostly original. In the manga,[ he only appeared during the quiz where he admitted to overhearing Gon’s conversation with the Captain](https://files.catbox.moe/mmdzx6.webp). Honestly, to me, this change only benefited the story. The anime also cut out [the real reason for his answer to the old woman](https://files.catbox.moe/0bc680.webp).
* In the manga, Leorio didn’t just threaten the old woman -[ he actually attacked her, but Kurapika managed to shield her](https://files.catbox.moe/jbv9e8.webp). Yeah, if it wasn’t clear from the previous episodes, it’s obvious that he’s not a very patient guy.
* Anime decided to show as Matthew fate, so viewer won’t think, that he died.
You know, the aspect of this version that’s most intriguing to me right now is how Gon is shown here, because to me he seems a little different from how he’s portrayed in the manga. I can’t escape the thought that the series is focusing heavily on the “innocent” aspect of him. You know, he mostly speaks in a rather soft voice, he gets teary-eyed when he sees caged animals, he looks really worried when he’s faced with moral dilemmas (like at the end of this episode), and this is the second time his naivety and kindness has been taken advantage of (the first time was in the second episode where he was almost kidnapped).
I find it entertaining not only because I just find it interesting how the other media interpret him, but also how it will affect future events [Hunter x Hunter spoilers]>!like say, his friendship with Killua.!<
What is hunter x hunter originally from 1999 ??
First timer.
> From the Dub: “Most of these applicants are plain idiots whose only reason for wanting to become a hunter is wanting to make a lot of money. It sure would be nice to meet a worthy candidate every once in a while.
Well damn, judgemental asshole Grandma, I guess you’re going to hate Leorio’s guts when he happens to show up here because that’s literally his whole shtick, oh but lo & behold that point doesn’t get brought up… But hey it’s nice to know that people trying to make money by being hunters aren’t worthy candidates in granny’s eyes, I mean it’s not like there are any other good reasons to want to make money or anything… Nope
Anyways the conflict of this episode Could have been good if wasn’t done in such a stupid way. It’s a test to make Hunters recognize the dangers of this profession and the possibility of having to make difficult decisions in the heat of the moment… All the while judging those who Do Exactly That in a negative manner.
Seriously, whilst it is smart to recognize the trick to all these tests and thus bypass them or expose them, therefore making you pass, it’s still stupid to fail the people who play along with them in situations like this one.
It’s a fucking Trolley Problem, no shit people are going to answer your questions regardless of how conflicted they might or might not feel. [HxH Overall Spoilers] >!What if a genuine psychopath showed up like Hisoka who casually answered one or the other or said both? You gonna fail someone like that? Hope this old bitch knows nen or something because this won’t work!< You gonna fail a mama’s boy who’s never learned to care about someone else? Or how about a [parent with clear favoritism issues too](https://youtube.com/shorts/DYY4M_pq6FQ?si=4l08CkI_7KCmHQ3O)? Fuck outta here that bullshit granny.
Key-phrase to remember is “in the heat of the moment” which is exemplified by only having 5 seconds. So if you *are* put in an actual situation and you have less than 5 seconds to make a decision are you suddenly a failure in her eyes too? Also what if there’s an off chance she asks the question but you straight up weren’t listening but if you did hear you would have made a quick response? I’m getting into the weeds of this because I really don’t like the way this episode tried to make it’s audience think that what it’s doing is smart. To me there are simply way too many factors with this test that don’t really have any to do with the nature of the test (the trolley problem thing itself) or the questions related to it.
Leorio’s irritation towards this test was honestly My irritation too because all they’re doing is squandering the potential of those who might actually benefit society [HxH Overall Spoilers] >!Like Leorio is eventually going to since he actually intends to become a doctor!< Leorio should Not have apologized since he literally fits the description of hunter she believes doesn’t fit.
Matthew was indeed not fit to be a hunter in my eyes, but it’s not because of the answer he gave, it’s because of all the other shit he was doing this episode. Also what about that nameless trio who apparently failed? Y’know, that same trio that literally wasn’t asked Any questions but got failed anyway, if you’re going to show dickhead npcs you need to actually showcase why they’re dickheads who don’t deserve to progress, which this show literally did one episode prior with that douchebag who killed a seagull for the fuck of it.
Man am I glad that the 2011 anime didn’t bother with this shit, because there’s so many issues with it.
> The theme of the episode is equal choice questions with no clear answer, so to keep that going, I ask: Pizza or Ice Cream? You get to save one, and never be able to eat the other again, pick wisely.
Pretty sure you can save & store away pizza and eat it at any time you please. Having fun eating ice cream when it’s freezing cold lmao
> We’ve seen two pre-exam trials so far, what kind of trials do you expect to get in the future?
Ones that are actually smart and well designed.
**First x Timer/semi-Manga Reader**
And the slippery, tricky nature of the Hunter Exam is now fully out in the open, and it’s a ton of fun.
While the two are quite different in practice, the bus vs cellar and two questions obstacles share a fairly obvious theme/purpose in the exam: the most obvious/straightforward way forward isn’t always the right one, and by making that clear, they weed out those that can’t think outside the box and select for those more able to be creative.
And through that purpose, we also get to know more about the characters through how they respond to the exam, specifically Leorio. The dude’s straightforward no bullshit mindset definitely has its uses, but it also severely impeded him for both the obstacles in this episode, which indicates that that’s something he’ll likely have to work on once he becomes a Hunter. The ominous note the episode ends on, with us having to consider that a Hunter will likely have to face the kind of impossible choice the exam presented, especially doesn’t bode well for our boy, given how he couldn’t really make that kind of choice here.
Anyway, yeah, really good episode
**[10x 2011 Rewatcher, 1x 1999 Rewatcher, Source Reader]**
I’m gonna be real. I don’t particularly care for this chapter of the manga, and as such don’t love the episode either. Unless there’s some particularly bad filler I’m forgetting, this will probably be my least favorite episode of the rewatch.
On that note, I will say that of the 3, this is by far my favorite version of this chapter. I love the way they had Leorio actually get on the bus because that whole sequence is a lot more fun than Leorio simply overhearing that none of the buses made it to Zaban City and turning around, and in fact if they’d simply fixed my consistency problem with the lady’s intent and the solution to her quiz(IMO it should be that so long as you show you seriously gave a bit of thought to the question and give *any* answer she shows you the way, to reward decisive but well thought out action), I’d even say that this version fixed all my problems with it. Particularly the end bit where we get confirmation that Matthew lived rather than implied to have gotten killed by the magical beasts for answering wrong, which is harsh even for the HxH world. Also on the subject of Matthew, his additional scenes are quite nice and yet another example of good filler in this show. I also enjoyed them adding the tease of the Kiriko at the end.
QotD: I choose Pizza, for one thing there are way more varieties of flavor in Pizza than there is for Ice Cream, which is usually sweet, and for another, Just because I can’t have Ice Cream doesn’t mean I can’t have frozen Yoghurt or Custard or other Ice Cream alternatives.
[](#mischievous)
**First timer**
Matthew looks shady as shit. Gon is probably entirely too trusting of him.
Figured Gon would be good with animals, just like how he was with the Foxbear. Beast Tamer Gon.
Looks like Kurapika knows Matthew is shady, but not Gon.
Aaaaaand Matthew made his heel turn earlier than expected.
I definitely didn’t expect the classic “if my mom and I both fall into the water, who will you save” annoying girlfriend question from the baba though.
I have a horrible feeling what Gon and the Baba said at the end is gonna be horrible foreshadowing for what’s gonna come down the road 🙁
**Questions of the Day**
> 1) The theme of the episode is equal choice questions with no clear answer, so to keep that going, I ask: Pizza or Ice Cream? You get to save one, and never be able to eat the other again, pick wisely.
Ice cream all day everyday. Pizza is nice every now and then, but there’s a billion other foods I can have instead. There’s a lot less choices in dessert.
> 2) We’ve seen two pre-exam trials so far, what kind of trials do you expect to get in the future?
Probably one where it’s a mind game, much more so than this questions trial.
Suggesting that you can ditch your true love for your mom since you can get another one is one hell of an answer lol.
I don’t think that choosing one or the other necessarily disqualifies you; rather, the reasoning is what’s important. That you took the question seriously.
1. Ice cream. I only like pizza sometimes, I almost always love ice cream. Pizza is easy to ruin if the cheese is too thick, or not the right texture (yes, I’m picky lol).
**3rd Time Taking the Hunter Exam (rewatcher)**
Now that Phase Zero has been passed, time for Phase 0.5: get to the damn test site. This is kinda like doing multiple rounds of interviews to get a job, except we’re still at those silly personality tests they make you take for some job applications. And failing one of those silly tests means you can’t apply to any job for a whole year. Okay, maybe that analogy isn’t as good as I thought it was.
Our test for this episode: solve this old lady’s riddle, or else the “doki doki” cult will get to you. Sounds like a cult dedicated to watching romcoms, which is a great concept. What’s the correct answer? TRICK QUESTION, there is none. No, literally, the correct answer is to not give an answer. Very tricky.
Fun Fact: our boy Matthew is not an anime-only character. But this adaptation is the only time he ever got a name.
A quick boat trip
Gon’s extremely trustful, maybe him being a locked up wasn’t enough
A bus going in circles, Leorio having bad luck
Matthew abandoning Gon and friends? How could he, it’s as if he was never in the opening.
Rip Matthew. Silence being the answer to those riddles. As someone whose dumb I would’ve failed
QOTD: pizza, it’s irreplaceable. Before someone says “what about a calzone”, It’s not the same
QOTD: probably a eating one