Suruga Monkey (spoilers)

Suruga Monkey was my favorite Bakemonogatari arc the first time I watched the series and even though Hitagi Crab edges it out on rewatch, I'd still consider it one of the best arcs in the series that perfectly embodies the best of Bake's themes and narrative presentation.

I remember the first time I watched this arc, I was really excited to see it explore an oddity and story I was familiar with via "The Monkey's Paw". Unlike the first two arcs, I felt like I had a good grasp of the situation...thus falling into Kanbaru and the narrative's trap.

Both Kanbaru and the narrative, take advantage of the general familiarity with this story, as well as the knowledge we obtained on oddities from the previous arcs, and mislead us and Araragi to her true feelings and intentions.

Hitagi Crab and Mayoi Snail effectively communicate that oddities aren't inherently ill-willed, even when they cause harm to humans. The crab god took Senjou's weight due to her inability to bear her feelings and Mayoi tried her best to prevent humans from getting lost with her.

So when Kanbaru tells her half-truth, that she attacked Araragi out of hatred for taking Senjou but couldn't control herself, we're inclined to believe her.

But in Bakemonogatari, only you can save yourself, and in the same vein, YOU are responsible for your actions & feelings.

The legendary GOAT Meme Oshino absolutely obliterates Kanbaru's façade, making Araragi realize that the misfortune that fell upon him (and her former classmates) wasn't a negative byproduct of her wishes, but the actual wishes themselves, spawned from her hatred and jealousy.

While the dialogue does an amazing job of portraying the emotional tension of the scene, I love the small details that that perfectly illustrate just how hateful, yet ashamed and guilty Kanbaru feels about the entire situation.

What I've always loved about Bakemonogatari is how it connects supernatural elements with the ugly, raw emotions we'd rather ignore but *need* to acknowledge for our own wellbeing. Seeing how Suruga Monkey concludes the arc by forcing Kanbaru to recognize Senjou's feelings...

....is a great way to show how the situation temporarily resolves itself while still leaving room for Kanbaru to truly save herself later down the line.

This arc explores these themes perfectly and for that it will always be a favorite of mine.