Strawberry Fayre

[Darkling Nocturnal]

Phew, not so easy to rate this episode.

For the first time, we see Campion and Vervain, who did a good job imo. It's nice, that Strawberry realizes, that he isn't useless (and that he even discovered them first). I think, it's also stoken the tension. You see Woundwort's captains and you simply want to see him.

But I can't help it to call this a "expander". It's no filler but it stretches the story.

Nevertheless not so bad for the preparation of the coming episode.

[Claws]

Believe it or not, this was the episode that confirmed my love for Watership Down as a whole. Up to that point, the series was still on the "maybe" side of things for me, bur after this particular entry, it became my favorite cartoon of 2014.

After watching it, I simply couldn't stop until the very end of the series. Everybody was pitch-perfect on this one, and the unexpected highlight on both Blackberry and Strawberry really sold it. We also got to met the Efrafans on this one, so it was a really great entry (plus, we can't forget that Keehar and Hannah put on effect their combat formula there).

[Myrkin]

For the first time, we see Campion and Vervain, who did a good job imo.

Yes. They both seem quite intimidating in their first appearance, although Campion lessens that effect by being the one who slips on the stone and falls into river.

---

As I was re-watching part of this episode, I come across this moment:

Hazel: "Hawkbit, Dandelion and Pipkin can join you on the patrol. That leaves Fiver, Blackbery and me to continue with the digging."

Fiver: "Uh, Hazel. You've forgotten Strawberry."

And you've both forgotten Holly. One would think they would want an experienced Captain in their new Owsla. And why Hazel picks Pipkin to join the patrol? He is too young to be of any help in a fight, although he is fast enough to give Efrafans chasing him some challenge (not to mention he leads them away from Bigwig, Hawkbit and Dandelion at one point).  

---

What I like about this episode (and others with those scenes) are all those gatherings, where Watershippers meet to discuss their current problems. I also love Hawkbit's one-liners regarding Strawberry's laziness and Owsla training sessions.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

"Strawberry has just some adjustments to make - like staying awake during daytime"

[Myrkin]

"You can be patient. I'll be annoyed."

[Hawkbit]

Some of the best one-liners there from Hawkbit.

I think I brought it up in a topic a long time ago...I never understood the title of the episode.  Anyone got any ideas as to why its spelled that way?

[Darkling Nocturnal]

Unfortunately, no. And I'm still curious, why they choose this title.

[Myrkin]

Well... Googling revealed "fayre" is pseudo-archaic spelling of "fair" and "fare". I'm not sure, if that helps?

[Hawkbit]

It makes less sense now that you said that.

[Myrkin]

What can I say? Maybe this isn't English "fayre", but Lapine "fayre" (not that I know Lapine enough to be certain about this)?

Anyway, in first Polish version of tv-series (this one had voice-over instead of full dubbing) the episode was called:

"Agrest Podejmuje Decyzję" - "Strawberry Makes a Decision"

In the version with full dubbing it was called:

"Wolność dla Truskawka" - "Freedom for Strawberry"

[Acacia Heartstrings]

As I was re-watching part of this episode, I come across this moment:

Hazel: "Hawkbit, Dandelion and Pipkin can join you on the patrol. That leaves Fiver, Blackbery and me to continue with the digging."

Fiver: "Uh, Hazel. You've forgotten Strawberry."

And you've both forgotten Holly. One would think they would want an experienced Captain in their new Owsla. And why Hazel picks Pipkin to join the patrol? He is too young to be of any help in a fight, although he is fast enough to give Efrafans chasing him some challenge (not to mention he leads them away from Bigwig, Hawkbit and Dandelion at one point).  

---

What I like about this episode (and others with those scenes) are all those gatherings, where Watershippers meet to discuss their current problems. I also love Hawkbit's one-liners regarding Strawberry's laziness and Owsla training sessions.

It's a very interesting point. Where was all this time ?, Holly was not on patrol or excavation work. Then there is only one explanation ... I was slacking off! DUM DUM DUM !!. It seriously can not think of another reason, did nothing in this episode. And Hawkbit blamed Strawberry being lazy.
The other very strange point is to bring Pipkin patrol instead of Captain Holly.
All the rabbits forgot, I was just painted on the bottom; _;
But beyond that, it was a good episode, entertaining and as always the good Hawkbit complaining on his mood.    It's so dorable when he does that.
And I can not forget the brave Campion, one of the best rabbits.  

[Hawkbit]

I certainly could've settled for either of those titles.  

Actually according to this page, it could easily be translated as "Strawberry's Journey" if you go all the way down to the word history.

[Myrkin]

Now, that title would make some sense, if only metaphorical. It couldn't be literal, because it's Strawberry we're talking about. Through the most of this episode he prefers to lead sedentary lifestyle.

[Hammy]

This episode is one of the most memorable in my eyes. Not necessarily one of my favorites, and certainly not one of the best, but I remember a lot of moments. Of course there's seeing the Efrafans for the first time (particularly Vervain, in my case), the ongoing digging conflict, Kehaar and Hannah flying together for the first time, Strawberry's reformation.

Then there's the moment where Strawberry gets a pep talk from a frog of all things. This one especially stands out to me. I mean, it's barely a pep talk at all, Strawberry essentially talks himself through his problem; he could have just as easily been talking to his reflection. It's so short and simple and almost pointless, but when I think of the series, that scene always comes to mind. Something about the frog's voice and the way Strawberry essentially talks himself out of his funk. I love the way the frog croaks "good luck" as he's leaving. Maybe it's just just because I find it personally relatable, but something about it is very appealing and memorable for me.

I dunno, I just really wanted to talk about that particular moment after seeing it again for the first time in a while.

[StardustSoldier]

Ooh, Efrafa is mentioned for the first time. Already this is getting suspenseful.

Strawberry is a good addition to the cast, and gets some nice character development here.
 

After the horrifying ordeal at Cowslip's Warren, I don't blame him for wanting to relax and take it easy. At the same time, nor do I blame the others for getting annoyed with him for his laziness. It's a touching moment at the end when Hazel reassures Strawberry that they wouldn't send him away and he's one of them now.