Ep 12. As People Flow Downwards, So Do Their Hearts
- TV-PG
- September 18, 2005
As People Flow Downwards, So Do Their Hearts is the twelfth episode of the first season of Pani Poni Dash!. The episode follows the series protagonist Rebecca Miyamoto, a 10-year-old genius who is also a teacher in her high school class.
The episode begins with our favorite teacher, Miyamoto, walking into the classroom in a good mood. However, this joyous atmosphere is quickly shattered when the students find out that a test is scheduled for the day. The test is on the same day that Miss Himeko, the class's primary teacher, has fallen sick. Miyamoto, who is taking over Himeko's classes, faces a difficult task of getting students to study for the test while also spicing up the lessons.
Miyamoto tries to make the class fun by introducing innovative ideas in the lesson but is met with resistance from the students. This motivates Miyamoto to try harder, and she comes up with a study game. In this game, the students create teams and compete against each other to answer questions from the test material. Miyamoto introduces a point system where the team that scores the highest points receives an alphabet set as a prize.
Meanwhile, the class uncovers a piece of startling information about one of their classmates, Yuma Kohinata. Yuma has to work at a part-time job in a store to help her parents with finances. The students decide to help Yuma, and they all chip in to buy something she needs. Upon bringing the gift to Yuma, they not only find out about her job but also the reason behind it.
As the game progresses, Miyamoto observes that Yuma is not able to keep up with her studies. Miyamoto approaches Yuma and offers to help her in areas she finds difficult. The other students learn of this, and they also offer help to Yuma. They all agree to gather at Miyamoto's house to help Yuma with her studies after school.
The show then shifts its focus to Miyamoto's house, where the students gather to help Yuma prepare for the test. The students are helping Yuma despite not being obligated to do so, signifying the bond that has grown among them. The session proves to be successful, and Yuma is able to solve problems with ease. In turn, Yuma teaches the students how to handle the cash register, giving them insight into working life. The show ends with the class preparing for the upcoming test, with a newfound appreciation for each other.
In conclusion, As People Flow Downwards, So Do Their Hearts is another wholesome episode of Pani Poni Dash! that explores the bond of friendship. The episode presents the characters in different moods and situations, with the teachers struggling to make the class fun while the students grapple with academic pressure. The show uses the game and Yuma's situation as a metaphor for life, bringing everyone closer together. Overall, the episode shows the class's bond and the importance of friends in difficult situations.