Ep 17. Absent Space

Tomoya Okazaki has been living with Nagisa Furukawa's family and ever since he has come to know her better, he has helped her revive the theatre club. As we start with Clannad season 1 episode 17, we see the Theatre Club's revival phase has been a success and they are all set for the presentation of their first stage show. But it's the final two days before the group can perform at the upcoming cultural festival, and Nagisa still has cold feet over one critical detail: Her stage fright has yet to dissipate.

In the meantime, Tomoya's concerns have been shifting more towards the negative changes happening all around the town. It's been years since the town has redeveloped, and more and more ancient buildings are getting demolished. Sanae Furukawa, on her part, had been telling everyone about the spirit that dwells within the school's newly reconstructed building. She calls it the ancient spirit of the school. This comes as no surprise to Tomoya, as he can feel the history and heritage embedded deeply in the old structures that are now lost for good.

One day Tomoya is hanging out with Yusuke and they are having a heated debate about how all buildings, even schools, public institutions, or governments, all seem to fall into the trap of progress. In their desire to progress, they demolish all that history and heritage that holds abundant memories for people. To them, tradition and memories are downsized, while modernity and technology are glorified.

As this discussion gains momentum, Tomoya senses something peculiar happening around him - the perceptions of the world around him are changing into a strange, almost out-of-body experience. Soon after the sensation passes, the concerned duo passes by a demolished building. Yusuke points out how this building was once part of their school compound. A few moments later, Tomoya draws everyone he meets into a conversation about the changing landscape of the town.

As Clannad season 1 episode 17 progresses, the episodes progress through an unknown and mystical journey of memories that are in the process of being erased and forgotten. Tomoya's self-reflection clashes with his belief that progress should only occur if we learn from the past and not at its expense.

As Tomoya and Nagisa walk home together after a successful practice run of the club's new production, Nagisa confides her emotions to Tomoya. She is worried about the upcoming performance and feels self-doubt as she is continuously reminded of her past mistakes. She is all set to put on a brave face, aspiring that her friends won't have to see her break down on stage.

What follows is a tightly knit and a beautiful presentation of a stage show from the Theater Club. As the performance proceeds, one can see how all the members have put in every bit of effort they have, and the entire stage comes alive with their heartfelt emotions that have been put on display. As we come to the end of Clannad season 1 episode 17, the viewers can feel Tomoya's deep sense of understanding that knowledge of the past is critical to understanding and acknowledging the world we live in today.

Absent Space is an episode that resonates with its viewers. It's heartwarming to see how the Theater Club comes together to put up a show that signifies every bit of their passion that they feel towards performing. At the same time, the episode rightly highlights the importance of history, heritage, and most importantly, the lessons that we can take away from it, that often gets lost in the pursuit of progress. Clannad season 1 episode 17 is a must-watch episode for anyone who is looking to be reminded of what truly grounds us as human beings - our past and our identity.