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The Click
February 10th - February 16th

by Brian Hanson,

Are the weeks getting shorter, or have I become so accustomed to my newfound weekly column responsibilities that the intermediary seven days simply fly by? No matter; it's The Click! There are shows, on TV, for you to watch! And I tell you when, where, how, and why! But remember to pay special attention to the where and when, because those things can best be described as "tentative," and the "when" only applies to the Eastern time zone.

Things have become, I hesitate to say, staid in the past few months. Partly because we're on the cusp of bigger things - in a matter of weeks, Cartoon Network has their annual "upfront" presentations, where they highlight and announce their upcoming slate of programming, which typically includes quite a handful of new anime. On the opposite end of the spectrum are those plucky northerners in Canada, who have both a killer cavalcade of top-quality shows but also have much to discuss, with YTV's offshoot "The Anime Channel" all set and ready to go.

However, The Anime Channel could very well end up in the same situation as The Anime Network and the FUNimation Channel here in the US - niche networks lagging behind on only a small handful of satellite and cable providers, thus unable to secure all-important sponsorship dollars. One such concerned reader, the oft-mentioned Jesse Betteridge, shot a distressed e-mail through the ANN annals, worried that the wonderful catalog of Studio Ghibli films would be "confined to an obscure specialty station." Jesse recommended that similarly distressed Canadian viewers should try to contact the CBC, with whom Disney, the proprietor of the Ghibli catalog, has a working relationship, about the issue of airing the films through a much wider venue, via their "audience relations" number. And I happen to think that it is a good idea.

In lieu of Ghibli, however, Canadian viewers have a few other stellar programs to watch out for this week, starting with:



Samurai Champloo
(Razer)
Sunday February 11 9:30pm - Episode 8 "The Art of Altercation"

Samurai Champloo is, quite possibly, the closest I've seen an anime come to being Brian Hanson's Perfect Animated Series. The show is mostly episodic, but an overall plot arc continues in various subtle ways throughout each episode. The tone alternates from appropriately light to appropriately gritty, and the characters, animation, directing, writing, are all stellar. This episode serves as a perfect highlight to all of the above, as a seemingly silly story on the surface, involving Fuu's encounter with a smitten wanna-be samurai with his own hilariously anachronistic beat-box crew, belies a subplot involving a man with a bitter grudge against Fuu's bespectacled companion, the taciturn Jin.

PREMIERES:

.hack//Roots
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 11 5:00am - Episode 14 "Unreturner"

Many people think that my pithy jokes at .hack//Roots' expense are indicative of my dislike of the show. And it is, sort of. The entire .hack franchise is one that has had such an immense fall from grace that it seems downright irrelevant, and much of .hack//Roots' problems stem from its adherence to the original .hack//SIGN's languid pace without any of the former series' sparse intellectualism. Hence why the show airs at five in the morning, I guess. This week: Haseo and Tabby and the rest of the gang face the wrath of the terrible TriEdge! Which is terrible, and full of wrath.

Basilisk
(Independent Film Channel)
Friday February 16 11:30pm - Episode 7 "Blood Sucking Seductress" (Repeats Sat Feb 17 5:10am)

That episode title sounds like a campy, foreign-language exploitation film of the sort you'd find in a bin of DVDs at the second-hand store. Anyway, Gennosuke sulks as the war between the Iga and Kouga grows, and Oboro discovers the horrible secret.

Bleach
(Cartoon Network)
Sunday February 11 12:00am - Episode 21 (Repeats Sun Feb 11 3:00am)

Ichigo and his compatriots successfully enter the much-jawed-about Soul Society, only to encounter the giant Jidanbou, a gatekeeper with a definite advantage when it comes to size.

(YTV)
Friday February 16 10:30pm - Episode 23

In their hasty scheme to liberate Rukia from her rapidly-encroaching execution, Yoruichi briefs Ichigo and crew on how best to accomplish this, and directs their attention to the oddly cannon-looking house of Shiba Kuukaku.

Cowboy Bebop
(Razer)
Sunday February 11 9:00pm - Episode 8 "Waltz for Venus"

Those old-timers like myself may remember that this is one of two Cowboy Bebop episodes that was held back for nearly a year during its original US broadcast on Adult Swim, due to the lingering 9/11 sensitivity and the opening scene of this episode involving an armed gang of Islamic terrorists attempting to hijack a plane. Still, we made off better than Canada, which is only just now getting the show itself.

Eureka 7
(Cartoon Network)
Sunday February 11 12:30am - Episode 40 "Cosmic Trigger" (Repeats Sun Feb 11 3:30am)

A festival is in town, and Holland plots to utilize all the noise and commotion of the happy little boys and girls as a cover to transport the Nirvash, along with Renton and Eureka, into the Voderac homeland.

(YTV)
Friday February 16 9:30pm - Episode 22 "Crack Pot"

Following Renton's sudden departure, the Gekkōstate attempts to find a way to break the news to the still-injured Eureka, while the stalwart Renton meets up with the always chipper Charles and Ray Beams, who take quite the shine to the lad.

Fullmetal Alchemist
(YTV)
Friday February 16 10:00pm - Episode 49 "The Other Side of the GATE" (Repeats Sat Feb 17 1:00am)

T-minus two episodes until FMA's conclusion reaches Canadian airwaves! Fie on those who say the FMA anime's conclusion is unrewarding - it ties most of the loose ends up, with said remaining loose ends being the focus of the wonderful feature film. As the homonculus' devious plan reaches is zenith, Edward Elric is assisted by the "Other Brothers Elric" in locating the so-called "leader" of the homonculi.

Gunslinger Girl
(Independent Film Channel)
Friday February 16 11:00pm - Episode 7 "Protection: Protezione" (Repeats Sat Feb 17 4:40am)

Jean and Rico, members of the titular Gunslinger Girls, learn the troubles of political intrigue as their latest assignment, protecting the bookmaker of a wealthy politico, earns them a top spot on the hit list of various mobsters and rebel government factions.

MAR
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 10:30pm - Episode 19 "Captain Ginta and Gargoyle vs. Garon!"

I suppose the benefit of jumbling the episode order of a simple kids' show certainly beats jumbling the episodes of something a bit more cerebral, but still, even shows like MAR have their hardcore fans, and its usually best not to try and provoke them. You never know when and where The Revolution will come from; perhaps agitated MAR fans? In this week's episode, Ginta's team and his adversaries each have one win and one loss on their score, which means the next match is the one that counts! Or so I've been told!

Naruto
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 9:00pm - Episode 74 "Astonishing Truth! Gaara's Identity Emerges"

The bug-infested Shino and Kankuro re-enact their canceled match at the Chunin Exams, while Sasuke and Gaara continue their ninja squabble, which proves to be somewhat difficult for Sasuke, considering Gaara's nightmarish, demonic "true" form.

(YTV)
Friday February 16 8:00pm - Episode 68 "Zero Hour! The Destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village Begins" (Repeats Sat Feb 17 2:30am)

Just as the audience is getting totally excited by Gaara and Sasuke's big match, the evil Orochimaru interrupts the flow of things somewhat by executing his plan for all-out war against the Hidden Leaf Village.

One Piece
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 9:30pm - Episode 78 "Zero Tolerance"

I've got zero tolerance for this dub! Guffaw! Anyway, this week, Luffy and crew finally escape their watery prison, and make haste to destroy Crocodile. Along the way, many terrible puns are made, and lots of screechy, high-pitched voices are heard.

Pokémon
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 9:30am - Episode 463 "Gathering the Gang of Four"

Pokémon battles are a thing of pride, beauty, and numerous merchandising opportunities, so Ash challenges Brandon for a four-against-four Pokémon rematch.

Prince of Tennis
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 10:00pm - Episode 19 "Battle-Scarred Ryoma"

An incident involving a smashed racket and exposed eyeballs allows the ailing Ryoma a grace period in his match against Shinji, but will it be enough?!?

Spider Riders
(CW Kids)
Saturday February 10 11:00am - Episode 13 "A New Power"

SPOILER ALERT: the "New Power" refers to main character Hunter's new powers received from a mystical Oracle in order to defeat the, and I'm not joking here, "Bugese Battle Beetle." This show is a literal paragon of creativity.

Tenjho Tenge
(G4TechTV Canada)
-Monday February 12 8:30pm - Episode 19 "Start Up"
-Tuesday February 13 8:30pm - Episode 20 "Stratagem"
-Wednesday February 14 8:30pm - Episode 21 "Spontaneous Explosion"
-Thursday February 15 8:30pm - Episode 22 "Resolution"
-Friday February 16 8:30pm - Episode 23 "Binding Spell"

Tenjho Tenge winds up its run with yet more fights, gratuitous cleavage angles, and backstory, as the history of the "Juken Club" is revealed and the Natsume sisters' tenuous bond with their estranged brother, and more stuff!

Trinity Blood
(Cartoon Network)
Saturday February 10 11:30pm - Episode 21 "The Throne of Roses II: The Refuge" (Repeats Sun Feb 11 2:30am)

His Holiness once again finds himself in a sticky situation, by getting himself lost and with a band of evil vampires hot on his trail. What's a Pope to do?

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
(Cartoon Network)
-Tuesday February 13 4:30pm - Episode 97 "The Dark Light"
-Wednesday February 14 4:30pm - Episode 98 "Ultimate Destiny"
-Thursday February 15 4:30pm - Episode 99 "The Key Factor"
-Friday February 16 4:30pm - Episode 100 "The Phoenix Has Landed, Part 1"

This week on Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, an Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny occurs, a secret key is found that can turn the tide of any duel, and other mind-blowing events! These all revolve around cards, by the way.

Zatch Bell
(YTV)
Friday February 16 8:30pm - Episode 56 "The Light of Hope, Saifogeo"

The long-absent Tia and Megumi return to remind viewers of their existence, and in turn aid Zatch and Kiyo by unleashing their new spells.

MOVIES/SPECIALS

Dead Leaves
(Encore Action)
Saturday February 10 12:00am

Kai Doh Maru
(Encore Action)
Saturday February 10 7:20pm (Repeats Sun Feb 11 2:15pm)

Oh, please.

Well, that's the end of me. Though I will triumphantly return for another week of colorful quips and jovial barbs, and perhaps even with something interesting to say besides! Bye for now! Below are things that you may or may not have seen before, but maybe should see again. Maybe.

REPEATS/STRIPS

Big O
(Cartoon Network)
-Sun Feb 11 5:00am - Episode 6 "A Legacy of Amadeus"

Chrono Crusade
(Showtime Beyond)
-Mon Feb 12 12:10am - Episode 4 "Sinner" (R Thu Feb 15 7:20pm, Fri Feb 16 3:00am)
-Fri Feb 16 9:00pm - Episode 5 "Militia"

Digimon
(Toon Disney)
-Sat Feb 10 11:00am - Episode 7 "Ikkakumon's Harpoon Torpedo"
-Sun Feb 11 11:00am - Episode 8 "Evil Shows His Face"
-Sun Feb 11 9:00pm - Episode 148 "The Messenger" (R Mon Feb 12 1:30am)
-Mon Feb 12 8:00am - Episode 183 "Darkness Before Dawn" (R Tue Feb 13 2:30am)
-Mon Feb 12 10:30pm - Episode 205 "End of the LINE" (R Tue Feb 13 3:00am)
-Tue Feb 13 8:00am - Episode 184 "Phantasmagoric Sakkakumon" (R Wed Feb 14 2:30am)
-Tue Feb 13 10:30pm - Episode 1 "And So It Begins..." (R Wed Feb 14 3:00am)
-Wed Feb 14 8:00am - Episode 185 "O Brother, Who Art Thou?" (R Thu Feb 15 2:30am)
-Wed Feb 14 10:30pm - Episode 2 "The Birth of Greymon" (R Thu Feb 15 3:00am)
-Thu Feb 15 8:00am - Episode 186 "Workin' on the Train Gang" (R Fri Feb 16 2:30am)
-Thu Feb 15 10:30pm - Episode 3 "Garurumon" (R Fri Feb 16 3:00am)
-Fri Feb 16 8:00am - Episode 187 "My Brother in Spirit" (R Sat Feb 17 2:30am)
-Fri Feb 16 10:30pm - Episode 4 "Biyomon Gets Firepower" (R Sat Feb 17 3:00am)

Fullmetal Alchemist
(Cartoon Network)
-Tue Feb 13 12:30am - Episode 50 "Death" (R Tue Feb 13 4:00am)
-Wed Feb 14 12:30am - Episode 51 "Laws and Promises" (R Wed Feb 14 4:00am)
-Thu Feb 15 12:30am - Episode 1 "To Challenge the Sun" (R Thu Feb 15 4:00am)
-Fri Feb 16 12:30am - Episode 2 "Body of the Sanctioned" (R Fri Feb 16 4:00am)

Gigantor
(Cartoon Network)
-Sun Feb 11 5:30am - Episode 6 "The Secret Valley"

Gokusen
(Encore WAM)
-Sun Feb 11 8:00am - Episode 10 "School in the Crosshairs"
-Sun Feb 11 4:00pm - Episode 11 "Shin Drops Out of School" (R Mon Feb 12 2:00am, 8:00am)
-Mon Feb 12 4:00pm - Episode 12 "Shirokin High Closing" (R Tue Feb 13 2:00am, 8:00am)
-Tue Feb 13 4:00pm - Episode 13 "Yakumi's Final Act of Honor" (R Wed Feb 14 8:00am)
-Wed Feb 14 4:00pm - Episode 1 "Rookie Teacher With a Secret Is Born!" (R Thu Feb 15 2:00am, 8:00am)
-Thu Feb 15 4:00pm - Episode 2 "Duel! Shin vs. Ojou?" (R Fri Feb 16 2:00am, 8:00am)
-Fri Feb 16 4:00pm - Episode 3 "Kuma's First Time" (R Sat Feb 17 2:00am, 8:00am)

Idaten Jump
(Cartoon Network)
-Thu Feb 15 6:00am - Episode "Reveal"
-Fri Feb 16 6:00am - Episode "Hidden"

Inuyasha
(Cartoon Network)
-Tue Feb 13 1:00am - Episode 49 "Kohaku's Lost Memories" (R Tue Feb 13 4:30am)
-Tue Feb 13 1:30am - Episode 50 "The Face That Can't Be Forgotten" (R Tue Feb 13 5:00am)
-Wed Feb 14 1:00am - Episode 51 "Inuyasha's Devoured Soul" (R Wed Feb 14 4:30am)
-Wed Feb 14 1:30am - Episode 52 "Demon's True Nature" (R Wed Feb 14 5:00am)
-Thu Feb 15 1:00am - Episode 53 "Father's Old Enemy: Ryukotsusei" (R Thu Feb 15 4:30am)
-Thu Feb 15 1:30am - Episode 54 "Tetsusaiga's Ultimate Technique" (R Thu Feb 15 5:00am)
-Fri Feb 16 1:00am - Episode 55 "The Stone Flower and Shippo's First Love" (R Fri Feb 16 4:30am)
-Fri Feb 16 1:30am - Episode 56 "Temptress in the Mist" (R Fri Feb 16 5:00am)

Lupin the Third
(Cartoon Network)
-Sun Feb 11 1:30am - Episode 1 "Return of Lupin the Third" (R Sun Feb 11 4:30am)

Naruto
(Cartoon Network)
-Sat Feb 10 8:30pm - Episode 73 "Forbidden Secret Technique: Reaper Death Seal"
-Mon Feb 12 5:30pm - Episode 22 "Chunin Challenge: Rock Lee vs. Sasuke"
-Tue Feb 13 5:30pm - Episode 23 "Genin Takedown: All Nine Rookies Face Off"
-Wed Feb 14 5:30pm - Episode 24 "Start Your Engines: The Chunin Exam Begins"
-Thu Feb 15 5:30pm - Episode 25 "The Tenth Question: All or Nothing"
-Fri Feb 16 5:30pm - Episode 26 "Special Report: Live From the Forest of Death"

Oban Star-Racers
(Toon Disney)
-Sat Feb 10 8:30pm - Episode 10 "Resistant Like Rush" (R Sun Feb 11 2:30am)
-Sun Feb 11 8:30pm - Episode 11 "Silent Like Spirit" (R Mon Feb 12 2:30am)
-Mon Feb 12 9:00pm - Episode 13 "Make Way!" (R Tue Feb 13 1:30am, Fri Feb 16 9:00pm, Sat Feb 17 1:30am)

Peacemaker
(Showtime Beyond)
-Sun Feb 11 11:45pm - Episode 13 "Gaze" (R Fri Feb 16 3:30am)
-Fri Feb 16 9:30pm - Episode 14 "Thoughts"

Pokémon
(Cartoon Network)
-Sat Feb 10 9:00am - Episode 462 "Pinch Healing"
-Sat Feb 10 7:00pm - Episode 431 "Time-Warp Heals All Wounds!"
-Sun Feb 11 5:00pm - Episode 444 "Second Time's the Charm"
-Sun Feb 11 5:30pm - Episode 447 "All That Glitters Is Not Golden!"
-Mon Feb 12 6:30am - Episode 394 "The Ribbon Cup Caper"
-Mon Feb 12 5:00pm - Episode 449 "Going for Chōke"
-Tue Feb 13 6:30am - Episode 395 "Hi Ho Silver Wind!"
-Tue Feb 13 5:00pm - Episode 450 "The Ole' Berate and Switch"
-Wed Feb 14 6:30am - Episode 396 "Deceit and Assist"
-Wed Feb 14 5:00pm - Episode 451 "Grating Spaces"
-Thu Feb 15 6:30am - Episode 397 "Rhapsody in Drew"
-Thu Feb 15 5:00pm - Episode 452 "Battling the Enemy Within"
-Fri Feb 16 6:30am - Episode 398 "Island Time"
-Fri Feb 16 5:00pm - Episode 453 "Slaking Kong"

Samurai Champloo
(Cartoon Network)
-Sun Feb 11 1:00am - Episode 14 "Misguided Miscreants" (R Sun Feb 11 4:00am)

Samurai Deeper Kyo
(Encore WAM)
-Sun Feb 11 8:30am - Episode 10 "Cold Blood Illusion"
-Sun Feb 11 4:30pm - Episode 11 "Pitch Black Flashback" (R Mon Feb 12 2:30am, 8:30am)
-Mon Feb 12 4:30pm - Episode 12 "The Boy From the Deep Forest" (R Tue Feb 13 2:30am, 8:30am)
-Tue Feb 13 4:30pm - Episode 13 "Crossing Souls" (R Wed Feb 14 8:30am)
-Wed Feb 14 4:30pm - Episode 14 "Satan Again" (R Thu Feb 15 2:30am, 8:30am)
-Thu Feb 15 4:30pm - Episode 15 "Our Friend Red Tiger" (R Fri Feb 16 2:30am, 8:30am)
-Fri Feb 16 4:30pm - Episode 16 "Perfect Victory" (R Sat Feb 17 2:30am, 8:30am)

Shinzo
(Toon Disney)
-Sat Feb 10 4:00am - Episode 31 "Soul Survivor"
-Tue Feb 13 4:00am - Episode 32 "Long Live Yakumo"
-Wed Feb 14 4:00am - Episode 1 "The Awakening"
-Thu Feb 15 4:00am - Episode 2 "Bee-Ware the Hunters"
-Fri Feb 16 4:00am - Episode 3 "Web of Evil"
-Sat Feb 17 4:00am - Episode 4 "Day at the Park"

Texhnolyze
(Encore Action)
-Tue Feb 13 12:00am - Episode 1 "Stranger"
-Tue Feb 13 12:30am - Episode 2 "Forfeiture"
-Tue Feb 13 1:00am - Episode 3 "Texhnophile"
-Wed Feb 14 12:00am - Episode 4 "Synapse"
-Wed Feb 14 12:30am - Episode 5 "Loiter"
-Wed Feb 14 1:00am - Episode 6 "Repetition"
-Thu Feb 15 12:00am - Episode 7 "Pilot"
-Thu Feb 15 12:30am - Episode 8 "Crucible"
-Thu Feb 15 1:00am - Episode 9 "Wiggle"
-Fri Feb 16 12:00am - Episode 10 "Conclusion"
-Fri Feb 16 12:30am - Episode 11 "Vagrant"
-Fri Feb 16 1:00am - Episode 12 "Precognition"

Transformers: Cybertron
(Cartoon Network)
-Mon Feb 12 6:00am - Episode 8 "Collapse"
-Tue Feb 13 6:00am - Episode 9 "Time"
-Wed Feb 14 6:00am - Episode 10 "Search"

Voltron
(Cartoon Network)
-Tue Feb 13 5:30am - Episode 11 "The Stolen Lion"
-Wed Feb 14 5:30am - Episode 12 "A Pretty Spy"
-Thu Feb 15 5:30am - Episode 13 "Secret of the White Lion"
-Fri Feb 16 5:30am - Episode 15 "Surrender"

Yu-Gi-Oh!
(4KidsTV)
-Sat Feb 10 9:30am - Episode 22 "Face Off, Part 1"
-Sat Feb 10 10:00am - Episode 23 "Face Off, Part 2"
-Sat Feb 10 10:30am - Episode 24 "Face Off, Part 3"

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX
(Cartoon Network)
-Sat Feb 10 7:30pm - Episode 90 "Pro-Dueling"
-Mon Feb 12 4:30pm - Episode 96 "It's All Relative"


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