As the season is drawing to a close, I’m repeating myself once again. Nevertheless, even without too big of a standout, this season has been fun so far. I am reserving those finished series to their own groups of mini-reviews post, hence they won’t be in this one. Hopefully I can get them out as soon as possible as well. Anyway, here’s to an entertaining Winter.
セルティ
Space Dandy – ep11
“I’m Never Remembering You, Baby”
Odd may be an understatement of what transpired within this episode. It’s simply bizarre to say the least. The colours were muted, and space is such a quiet place. It’s about the recording device, and how she traveled with Dandy and co while erasing their memory at the same time, I initially thought it’s going to be about the Silence, but then it became more similar to Vashta Nerada instead. The entire episode is eerie, and just out of this world. The writer is a (supposedly) well known sci-fi writer with this as his first entry into anime scripting, and it showed in the vastly different tone and atmosphere.
At the same time this episode also revealed some continuity by addressing Dr. Gel’s, who turned out to be a brilliant scientist, obsession on Dandy himself. I find it amusing how the final missing piece of the puzzle turned out to be boobies. However with this episode also being another one of the lost parallel universes, the answer is gone for now. There are other few comical moments, but overall this episode may have pushed a lot of the main story than other ones so far. It’s simply brilliant really, the type of unique flavour that I wanted to see from this series and it’s giving me plenty. This series is slowly building up to the main act in Summer, and I can just feel it.
Witchcraft Works – ep11
“Takamiya-kun and the Weekend (Part 2)”
As the conflict escalates to the second act, we are in for another great fight. Honoka learnt about the secret chamber and the mechanism of the city, while being dropped a massive bombshell about his and Ayaka’s memories being erased. As the soul of the civilians being held hostage, there’s much more at stake here. At the same time, I doubt we will have time to visit the origin story anytime soon. Also, Atori suddenly jumped so high up on the stocks with her performances in this episode to become one of the most interesting characters of the series. Seriously, this series knows how to have fun characters without feeling too cliche.
The most memorable moments though came from the face off between Ayaka and Weekend. It’s a battle of attrition. Whoever that can dry out the mana of the other player wins, and both parties tried their own trickery in order to gain the upperhand. This episode also boasts one great camera works during the sequence, and it’s just fantastic visually speaking. This series may not be one known for action sequences, which makes this type of pleasant surprises even more delightful. Anyway, it has been one fun ride so far, and let’s see how they close it all out with a fine finale.
SoniAni – ep11
“A Saint is coming to town”
It’s about time they have the three stooges as the center of operation. With them comes the idea of the Shopping Center in crisis due to the new Department Store nearby. It also means the subsequent rescue mission to gather support during the festive occasion will have to be carried out. The power of commercialism and massive budget is demonstrated, and the little dramatic tension escalates. All it comes down to however is a little bit of heartwarming touch on family matters. The sentimental feelings when the fathers came out of the Santa gear to greet his own daughter is quite nice to say the least.
After 11 episode, I think this show has finally found its footing. Then again, it could just be me getting used to the weird pacing it has all along. The preview suggests a possible grand reunion of all the characters appeared so far in the finale, so I hope they ramp up the chaos meter.
Yowamushi Pedal – ep23
“Top Sprinter!!”
Day 1 started, and after the initial parade phase it’s time for the sprinters to shine. Both Naruko and Tadokoro were sent out at the same time in order to use their innate competitive trait to push each other forward. Things were going smoothly as the pair obliterated the competition, until Hakone sent out their ace sprinter as well. Against that well drilled muscle machine, it just spell trouble for the two riders. At the same time however, there’s a significant lack of big game experience in the challenger.
Here we go, the start of the epic tournament. I’d been following this manga as it comes out and this “ongoing” Inter High arc is just one intense brilliant moment after another. With the pacing this episode had, it’s highly likely that it will only get up to Day1 before a sequel is announced here. Nonetheless I can’t wait to see how those weird CG plays out in this anime adaptation. As much as I love the manga, that’s one part of the anime that will bug me forever.
Tokyo Ravens – ep23
“To the Dark Sky: Onmyo”
Oh man, when I said I want more action this episode it gave me something fantastic. First we had the unexpected spy in Tenma infiltrating in the middle of the Douman sea, and then Ohtomo sensei completely schooled Kagari in a completely dominant manner, and then the awakened ability from Kyouko. I may have some issues with the adaptation and how the scenes are carried out, but man this show knows how to do some great scenes. As it stands, everything will come full circle in the final episode. The resurrection ritual that kickstarted the whole story will be mirrored by one that shall perform the miracle this time round.
In some sense, there’s a feeling of the role of destiny played in this episode. All three youngers found their calling, and as the reincarnation of Yakou, Harutora has the obligation to both live out his own life and carry out the wills. Though at the end of the day, it’s the adults that are the most adorable in this series. Ohtomo became the teacher of the year, and Douman is just one fun loving geezer that I can’t get enough of, not to mention various other great characters. If not for those adult personalities I could easily see this story became dull fairly soon. Not to say that the main teenager bunch are overshadowed. Who am I kidding with? The older guys are the best.
Mikakunin de Shinkoukei – ep11
“Enjoying the Handkerchief”
Penultimate episode, time to establish a conflict. Benio’s siscon symptoms worsens each week, and the little debt within the relationship between Kobeni and Hakuya still bugs both parties. Even if most things has come clear already there’s still a sense of guilt between the two parties. It’s to the point that their relationship really stagnated without the final push. Konoha’s involvement earlier allow Kobeni to realise what her feelings are, but it’s still being obscured by the sense of gratitude. The planned date also became a childcare session where they showed Mashiro around. It’s cute and all, but not really progressing the relationship further.
I know it may be an inherent problem considering that this show is an adaptation on an ongoing 4koma, but I highly doubt it would reach an end point within this run. Sure with the crisis of the brother/sister disappearing without a trace could allow them to confront their feelings one more time, but that might not really achieve too much to disrupt the status quo. Does this show need to push forward that much though? It’s more comedy than drama, and I don’t mind if this stays this way. On the side note there’s a gag of Mashiro caught by Nico for using her abilities of roof jumping. It may be the reason for the sudden disappearance, but guess we’ll see in the final ep.
Samurai Flamenco – ep21
“Teaching Love”
Before this episode, Sawada’s existence is an open question. The ambiguous nature from the previous episode further muddled the interpretations. While what transpired in this week’s episode ruled out the possibility of a inner demon, but become more adherent to the theme of the influences our heroes had on us. It’s about love, and of obsession. Love can make us into bigger person, but it can also drag us down into a corner. What’s interesting is how the lack of proper shipping for Hazama somehow became a major plot point in this episode. Not in the sense that someone’s finding him a partner, but of his inability to empathise the level of attachment Sawada has on him.
Previously when it was the typical tokutatsu villains they all follow an existing pattern which Hazama knew just too much of. Even with the fridge horror of the numbers game in ep13, it’s something that Masayoshi himself understand and is familiar with. This time however the motive is completely different. With the will of the universe no longer assisting him, this level of madness is truly the biggest enemy he could face. Following the Flamengers, this time even MMM falls under the victims of Sawada’s acts, leaving a very angry Mari in pursuit. As the true nature of Sawada is still unclear, it’s impossible to sort out a clear solution to this problem. He is the joker type character, and one that might make Hazama confronts himself directly in the process.
Can I say that Ishihara is the best girl though? After Masayoshi of course. Though really, this show is so gaaaaaay.
Kill la Kill – ep23
“Imitation Gold”
Adrenaline rushing, blood pumping, everyone fights together for the common cause. There’s plenty of amazing choreography, crazy fights, and just lots insane moments. The Goku Uniforms all made a comeback in the for one massive group push and it’s just one brilliant sight to behold. Even if the Original Life Fiber has been obliterated by the reckless kamikaze act from Nudist Sol and Ryuko, the final boss still remains to be beaten. Ryugo was already proven to be too strong even with the tag team attempt between Satsuki and Ryuko, so with that extra battle armour on the final fight would be a challenging yet interesting one.
The tiring analogy of people and livestock is once again emphasised on the eve of the final battle. Though seriously II had already gave up on trying to analyse on this type of old cliche. In the face of those high octane road to finale the thematic side took a massive backseat. It’s wonderful and highly thrilling to watch, kind of like the poses. I have to say they sure know how to make things loud with hot blooded emotions. That ED though, almost scared me for a second there.
Pokemon XY – ep20
“Battle Chateau Challenge! Voila vs Grant!!”
Battle Chateau, where you pop by randomly during the gameplay to beat out some high class people and get yourself some cash, is the main stage for the episode this week. I’d been secretly following this series so far, and with the lineup for the weekly post dwindling as the season comes to a close, it’s time to talk about this series as well. There are three 1v1 battles in this episode, to showcase the culture and the structure of the Battle Chateau, and to tease us about the abilities of the 2nd Gym Leader. The best thing however, is that Viola (1st Gym leader) has a new look that is just fantastic.
As usual with the XY series so far, all 3 battle sequences looked amazing, each with their own flair and dynamism. Pikachu’s pokeball made a long awaited return appearance ever since the first episode dated way back 18 years ago. Grant (2nd gym leader) threw out Onix as the showcase pokemon here, and his battle with Viola’s Surskit is just great to watch, though I do question the validity of having an Onix jumping in the first place. This episode is a nice nod to one fun place in the game, and sets up nicely for the impending second gym battle in a few week’s time. While the inbetween episodes are fine, I do miss the high intensity of a proper gym battle. If the Santalune Gym is of any indication, the Cyllage Gym would also be a great fight.
Gin no Saji 2 – ep10
“Dream”
If Samurai Flamenco is the flamboyant backs, Silver Spoon is the unassuming forwards that just brute force his way through. The disappointment back then feels like a distance past now, because the past 3 episodes had just been one amazing moment after another. The consequence of the fall of Komaba’s farm allows some amazing character development moments. Perhaps the biggest strength this show displayed is the romance between Hachiken and Mikage. There’s nothing fancy here, just two individuals relying upon and helping each other through their own journey together. It’s honest, unpretentious, and just downright human. You can see how much they complement each other, and how perfect they are together. Everyone else are all so supportive of this pairing, and it’s just matter of time before they make it official.
This second “season” is about Komaba and Mikage, but also about Hachiken’s personal growth. Remember back in the early days he was a lost soul who’s frustrated with himself. Now he has gathered so much life experience on the way. He has learnt to take initiative, learnt to say no, and while he’s still searching for his dream he’s helping others achieving theirs as well. It’s truly heartwarming to see our young protagonist grew up little by little and becoming a fine individual. As the “final” confrontation with the biggest shadow in his life looms, that little thank you note from Mikage brings back brilliant memory from another unforgettable scene earlier. It’s the boost of confidence he needed, and the final episode shall tie a bow on what has been a strong series of episodes.
Sekai Seifuku – ep11
“All that Remains of Conqueror’s Dreams”
I do confess, this episode is extremely emotional. It’s not as magical as episode 4, and it’s not as tragic as episode 8. It took the middle path and combine the best of both worlds, explored Asuta’s issues and formed such an enchanting narrative. The tension is still there, the tears are flowing, but now it’s time to pick yourself up. The shipping between Asuta and Renge is shown here, and it’s one surprisingly romantic segment that I did not expect to see. It’s touching, yet carries a slight sense of melancholy as there’s a feeling of world’s ending. It’s a reality that should’ve been desired, yet the wider world as they know it is changing.
This series has been exploring the theme of families. Zvezda is a family together. They eat together, move out together, attempt to achieve a crazy dream together. When Asuta ran away from his family at the first ever episode, this is the family that he found which accepted him. The one painted in his backstory is a tragic one, a family with much dissonance due to the father figure who couldn’t care less about his closest people. As Asuta babbers on about his dream to tell the world that the dream is important solely from their existence, I can’t help but wonder just what makes a family? Blood relations certainly isn’t enough as we see in this case.
The final piece of revelation came at the very first of the episode, when Kate claiming to have “stopped growing” ever since she started the ambition of world conquest, it can also be interpreted the other way. We won’t grow up until those childhood ambitions are fulfilled. Until then, they will haunt us forever. It’s a bleak world, one that’s so cold that politicians have to cease becoming human in order to be competitive. Zvezda provided the broken souls with a guiding light, a will to move on from the stagnation, and now the adult world is trying to crash those childhood dreams. Now it’s still up in the air whether the statue we saw at the beginning of ep1 meant anything, but I’m sure the finale won’t disappoint us.
Afterthoughts
Remember people, practice safe sex. Unwanted babies are annoying.
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