Ep 11. E 11

Barakamon is a light-hearted anime series that tells the story of a struggling calligraphy artist named Seishuu Handa. In season 1 episode 11, titled "E 11," Seishuu receives a surprise visit from his father, Seimei Handa. Seimei is a successful businessman who has never approved of his son's passion for calligraphy and had previously disowned him. The unexpected appearance of Seimei, however, hints of a possible reconciliation between father and son, and Seishuu finds himself struggling with his feelings and the future of his art.

The episode opens with Seishuu still reeling from the shock of his father's arrival. Having already been through a difficult time with both his artwork and personal life, he's unsure how to take the latest development. It doesn't help that Seimei's behavior is still as intimidating and overbearing as Seishuu remembers, with the older man immediately taking over Seishuu's house as if he owned it. Seimei openly criticizes Seishuu's living conditions and even proceeds to rearrange the furniture in his son's workspace, much to Seishuu's frustration.

Seimei's arrival, however, is not all negative, and as Seishuu discovers over the course of the episode, the man has come bearing gifts. One of these is some much-needed guidance as Seishuu struggles with his calligraphy work. Seimei shares his own experiences with art and even helps to improve Seishuu's technique by giving him a new pen and ink. It's a heartwarming moment and one that hints at a more caring side to Seimei, despite his tough exterior.

As the episode progresses, Seishuu finds it hard to concentrate on his work and begins to question his talent and future prospects. Seimei's constant presence and criticism only seem to make matters worse, and Seishuu's frustrations eventually boil over. In a tense confrontation, Seishuu calls out his father for never believing in him and not understanding the passion and dedication he has for his art. It's a raw, emotional scene and one that highlights the strained relationship between the two men.

The conflict between father and son is further explored in a subplot featuring Seimei's assistant, the enigmatic Kawafuji. Kawafuji had previously been shown to be supportive of Seishuu, and in this episode, he gives Seishuu some much-needed perspective on the situation. He tells Seishuu of a time he met Seimei in the past and witnessed the man's passion and drive for success. Kawafuji explains that while Seimei may not understand Seishuu's passion, his intentions are not malicious, and he does genuinely care for his son's wellbeing.

The episode builds towards a touching finale, where Seishuu finally completes his calligraphy piece, which he had been struggling with throughout the episode. It's a beautiful moment that showcases Seishuu's resilience and passion for his art, even in the face of outside criticism. The scene is made even more poignant by the appearance of Seimei, who, despite his prior indifference, is shown to be moved and proud of his son's work. The episode ends with Seishuu and Seimei sharing a moment of understanding, hinting at the possibility of a more positive relationship between the two in the future.

In conclusion, "E 11" is a powerful episode that delves deep into the complicated relationship between a father and son. The themes of acceptance, understanding, and perseverance are prominent throughout, and the episode showcases the growth and development of both Seishuu and Seimei's characters. The touching finale is a much-needed catharsis for both characters and leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism for the future.