Ep 7. A Plum on the Back

In Fruits Basket season 1 episode 7, titled "A Plum on the Back", we continue to follow the story of Tohru Honda, a high school girl who becomes entangled in the lives of a family cursed to turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac. This episode focuses on Yuki, the rat of the zodiac, and his relationship with his older brother, Ayame, the snake.

Tohru learns that Ayame is opening a new store and decides to pay it a visit. She is immediately struck by Ayame's flamboyant personality and extravagant style. Ayame is thrilled to see his little brother, Yuki, but it becomes clear that their relationship is strained. Ayame is the polar opposite of Yuki, who is reserved and keeps to himself. Ayame is loud and outgoing, and this creates tension between the two.

Yuki has never spoken to Ayame about his feelings, and Ayame is completely oblivious to the fact that he is causing his brother distress. As the episode progresses, we see Yuki struggling to come to terms with the past trauma he experienced at the hands of Akito, the head of the family and the main antagonist of the series. He is haunted by his past and feels like he cannot escape it.

At the same time, Ayame begins to understand how his actions have affected his brother and takes steps to make amends. As the episode reaches its climax, we begin to see a reconciliation take place between the two brothers. It is a heartwarming moment, and we can feel the weight of their shared history lifting from Yuki's shoulders.

Throughout the episode, we also see the other members of the zodiac interacting with Tohru. Her kindness and compassion have made an impact on them, and they are slowly opening up to her. This is best demonstrated in a scene where Tohru and Kyo, the cat of the zodiac, are sitting together on a rooftop. Kyo is usually hostile towards Tohru, but in this moment, he lets his guard down and confides in her.

Overall, "A Plum on the Back" is a powerful episode that explores the themes of sibling relationships, trauma, and the power of forgiveness. The interactions between the characters are nuanced, and we see each one growing and developing in their own way. The animation is beautiful, and the soundtrack is perfectly suited to each scene.

Overall, this episode is a triumph for the series and a must-watch for fans of the show. It shows us just how much depth there is to each character and how their relationships with each other can affect their growth and development. With each passing episode, we are drawn further into the world of Fruits Basket, and it is a joy to watch.