Heidi of the Alps, episode 2

(アルプスの少女ハイジ) 1974

Aunt Dete honestly regrets her decision, but else was she to do? She couldn't very well drag a 5-year-old to her job. The pay is good, and without a kid around life is a little more flexible. She leaves the area frustrated and in tears. Whether we will hear from Dete again is unknown.

Heidi is now in a new, strange environment, though she deals with it like many children would. She's fascinated by the smell of cheese coming from her grandfather's cooking pot, and wants to learn how to make some. The old hay storage room at the top of the house is like a special wonderland, a small window giving a view to the beautiful Swiss hillsides. So, Heidi decides that is where her room shall be - caught up in her enthusiasm, "Uncle Alm" helps her make a bed, which they both find to be fit for a king. This young child even manages to make the normally "unsociable" and grumpy old man laugh and feel joy. Afterwards, they enjoy a meal of sausage and cheese.

Heidi also interacts with his dog, Joseph (with amusing results), plays with butterflies, and helps feed the goats. Her grandfather even makes a custom chair, just for Heidi, so she can reach the top of the kitchen table. With such a fun day experienced, the orphan is content, and isn't even awoken during her first night by a violent wind storm.



This just goes to show you that "old" anime does not necessarily mean "stupid" and unwatchable for today's anime fan. It breaks my heart that many people think anything made more than 5 or 10 years ago isn't worth a second's time. Heidi of the Alps has something for everyone to enjoy - even cynical adults will smile at Heidi's antics. I thought this episode was quite adorable, and you learn that she isn't in any danger, nor was her grandfather going to treat her too harshly. Actually, "Uncle Alm" finds Heidi quite smart, and says so. So it's basically just going to be simple day-to-day adventuring. I look forward to it! But, personally? You couldn't pay me to sleep on hay!