Fractale - Episode 4

If episode three of Fractale were to have a headline to promote it, it would probably be "from moe to massacre in thirty seconds", and it's with that lighting fast change in tone that we enter Fractale's latest instalment.

With Lost Millennium's attempt to disrupt the Star Festival not really going to plan despite that aforementioned bloodbath, and with the indoctrination of those living under the Fractale system continuing, our heroes (or are they villains) of the piece decide it's time for a change of tact, and instead focus their efforts on kidnapping Phryne after her arrival to guide the festival.  This they duly achieve, escaping in their airship with Phryne, and of course with Clain and Nessa also in tow.  The fallout from this incident gives Clain a little time to pause and reflect upon seeing death for the first time in his life; something which is effectively impossible to encounter within the Fractale system, thus bringing up another moral and/or philosophical point for the viewer to consider.

That aside, it's pretty clear (and not entirely without merit) that Clain continues Lost Millennium to be little more than murderers and terrorist, leaving him to decide to free Phryne and escape - a plan which earns him a surprising rebuke from Phryne herself of all people.  There's also rather an awkward stand-off between herself and Nessa which is never fully explained during the episode beyond that fact that they are complete opposites in one respect - Nessa "loves love" while Phyrne professes to hating love.

Following their attack on the Star Festival, Lost Millennium's Granitz family are labelled criminals, taking us quickly to a face-off between Lost Millennium and those in power within Fractale - a rather tumultuous state of affairs which sees Clain in particular tossed this way and that as he follows Phryne down a path that leads both of them pretty much exactly where they started the episode, as guests of Lost Millennium and the Granitz family.

As entertainment value goes, this week's Fractale certainly aimed to pack a fair amount into its running time - life, death, love, action and a developing story with more turns than a particularly arduous lock.  As per last week's episode, it also made sure to put some philosophical questions well and truly in the viewer's court - is witnessing death an important part of being human, even when its unavoidable?  Are the two sides shown within this series so deeply involved in their hatred of one another that they can't allow themselves to accept even the slightest hint of the other's culture or way of life?  Is that itself a commentary on Japanese society?

Away from such questions, there's also a lot of internal queries about Fractale's story, in particular the relationship between Nessa and Phryne - how this explains may well be pivotal to how this series develops and is viewed, so in a sense everything that we've seen this episode feels like it will rely heavily on the next instalment to give us the full picture before we can judge it properly.  Given what I've seen thus far though, I'm happy to give it more time to explain and unravel itself, as I continue to find myself fascinated by what this series seems to be trying to tell or ask us even if I'm not sure where its literal content is heading.

Gosick - Episode 5

After leaving us with a couple of mysteries still to deal with at the end of its previous episode, this fifth instalment of Gosick certainly wastes no time in getting to the bottom of them; a process which admittedly only throws up further questions still.

Of course, it's up to Victorique to do all of the problem solving around these parts, and this she does by pulling out the book which was hidden by Avril in the library previously, perusing its contents and finding a postcard addressed to Avril but never posted in the process.  With Victorique holding onto this postcard and leaving Kujo to ponder over the contents of the book itself, the latter soon finds himself whacked over the head and knocked out, coming to to find himself being looked after by Avril but with the book gone.

In the midst of all this, rumours of a successor to a much-feted thief abound, as do tales of a ghost in the academy's store house - a story which seems to hold some truth in Kujo's eyes as both himself and his teach hear some ghostly pleas for help coming from said location.  Again, it's up to Victorique to reveal the truth, including the true occupant of the store house and thus the truth about Avril and what this suspicious transfer student is actually looking for.  Cue a tense stand-off involving Kujo and his assailant, and a threat dispersed when Victorique uses a pile of books... it's super effective!

Anyhow, part of me does seem to be warming to Gosick a little now - on the down-side, it still isn't the show I really wanted it to be and it continues to be wasteful with its mystery elements which gives it little opportunity for suspense or to allow the viewer to guess what's happening (it's either blatantly obvious immediately or impossible to fathom based upon the information given).  But, on the other hand it is quite a fun viewing experience and it makes pretty good use of its characters most of the time, with Victorique in particular easing every episode along effortlessly, although even she runs the risk of becoming tiresome on occasion.  This series certainly isn't going to be any kind of classic, but as popcorn entertainment goes its doing okay for the time being.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica - Episode 5

While the climax to episode four of Puella Magi Madoka Magica introduced us to Sayaka in her new magical girl orientation, episode five begins with a quick flash back to the moment she makes her contract with Kyubey as a bit of a reminder and to fill in the gaps of what went before.

Despite both Madoka and Hitomi being saved by Sayaka's actions, we see some very different "morning after" responses from this trio of characters - Hitomi is understandably little more than confused by what happened to her (not being in on the whole magical girl secret) and Sayaka is as cheerful and out-going as ever, while Madoka is still wrapped in chains of worry about her friend and what she's gotten herself into.

For Sayaka herself however, everything seems to be going just as planned, with her wish granting Kyousuke the use of his hands and the ability to play the violin once again; interestingly however, Kyubey's take on his contract with Sayaka seems a little different, as he comments to new rival magical girl on the scene Kyouko Sakura that Sayaka "did and didn't" make a contract with him - this could simply be on account of that fact that Kyousuke's legs are yet to heal, but it could mean something else entirely.  Still, while Sayaka is happy with her current lot Madoka continues to fret, imploring Homura to help look out for Sayaka only to be rejected, then offering to do the job of watching over Sayaka herself - an offer which of course has Kyubey giving his usual "you can make a contract any time" sales talk to Madoka.  Indeed, this even looks set to take place as Sayaka comes face to face with Sakura; a clash of personality and ethos that looks likely to have lethal consequences until someone steps into the midst of their battle...

So, another week has left me once again coming to the end of an episode of Puella Magi Madoka Magica and shouting "what? That's it?  You can't leave it there, I don't want to wait another week for more!" - such is the effect this series has had on me.  Even though its per episode formula is clear to see, it does everything right where a series like Star Driver gets it wrong - its emotion, drama and character interactions are all hugely important and filled with interesting snippets of information that leave you trying to second guess what will come next, while the action scenes offer up genuine edge of the seat tension and a feeling of real peril, no doubt partly due to Mami's demise a couple of weeks back.  The fact that the backdrops and gorgeous and fitting, the dialogue and character designs work well and the action is surprisingly well animated at times, and it seems as though Madoka Magica is refusing to put a foot wrong.  This series is awesome, and it quite clearly knows it as it teases and manipulates us with a grinning, motionless face.

Wandering Son - Episode 4

Although the play agreed upon last episode for the school culture festival continues to take up the lion's share of Wandering Son's consideration this week, before that episode four begins with a swimming lesson; an event which really underlines the difference between the out-going, attention seeking Sarashina and Takatsuki, who continues to loathe her growing body.

As well as that swimming lesson, this episode also offers a few other brief asides from its main focus, with Takatsuki looking (and possibly) finding a way to hide those budding breasts, while Nitori continues to find himself the centre of attention for some of his sister's friends who seem to have an odd fascination with him which sits somewhere between teasing and flirting.

In the midst of all this, the play being written by Nitori and Chiba starts to have a very definite impact upon the real lives of some of the show's characters, thanks largely to an outburst by Chi as she openly questions what Shu wants from a relationship with Takatsuki - does he love her while seeing himself as a boy and her as a girl, while seeing her as a boy and himself as a girl or something else entirely?  It's a question which Nitori can't easily answer, but over the course of the episode he seems to come to the realisation that the unique take he's written on the Romeo and Juliet story is a reflection of his own desire, that is to be a girl and to be seen as a girl by Takatsuki, while looking at her as a boy.  Of course, this makes for a mighty complicated relationship in the first instance, and with Chiba still in love with Nitori this seems to give her some similar conflicts and issues of her own to deal with.  Throw in the addition of some more hands to work on the script for the class play, and it seems as though there's plenty more drama to be wrought from this event before it's through.

By this point in the series, it feels like Wandering Son is now well and truly comfortable in its own skin - ironic for a series about characters who aren't comfortable with themselves, isn't it?  Now that we have a handle on its major characters, its far easier to be swept up in their emotions, desires and confusion, making the drama that much more compelling and those little slithers of humour which are sneaked in here and there all the funnier.  Coupled with the fact that those characters are all quite likeable, sometimes in rather odd ways, this is very definitely turning into a series which is as worth watching for its story and character development as it is those beautiful visuals.

Kimi ni Todoke 2nd Season - Episode 4

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse in terms of misunderstandings between Kazehaya and Sawako... things promptly go and get worse.

This further breakdown in relations is instigated, rather interestingly, by Kento - after pulling Kazehaya aside to talk to him "man to man", he effectively proceeds to tell Kazehaya to stay away from Sawako as his attentions towards her will only make life more difficult for her as it incites jealousy and the like.  Kazehaya brushes off Ken's questioning and line of thought (and we still can't be entirely sure what he's playing at himself), but nonetheless the ideas posited towards him clearly stick in his mind and further increasing his belief that perhaps he doesn't understand Sawako and what she wants at all - a frame of mind made worse still by some ill-thought out throw away comments from Yoshida.

Thus, in the course of a few hours, the distance between our leading pair of characters grows markedly, and come the next morning Kazehaya appears to be outright avoiding Sawako from her point of view - a scene witnessed by Yano, who finally steps in to quiz Sawako on exactly what's been going on.  So, the full story of the recent thawing in relations between Kazehaya and Sawako comes out into the open, tears and all, allowing Ayane to deliver some much-needed advice to Sawako like some kind of drill sergeant of love.  Effectively, Sawako needs to stop feeling sorry for herself and worrying about the whys and wherefores of the situation and get on and do something instead.  Will she be able to take this information to heart?  Who knows, but before the day is out Yano has also kicked Kazehaya's ass (literally, not figuratively) and patiently explained the whole scenario to a clueless Chizuru like some kind of agony aunt.  With Yoshida still having a part to play in proceedings and Ken continuing to work to his own unfathomable script however, I wouldn't want to bet on what happens next.

So, it's that time of the week where I sound like a broken record and extoll the virtues of Kimi ni Todoke once again I suppose, and rest assured this Wednesday will be no different - this was another expertly delivered episode that flitted effortlessly from emotion (you'd have to be heartless not to feel for a tearful Sawako) through to humour (the exchange late in the episode between Yano and Yoshida was fantastically realised both visually and in terms of dialogue) while still carrying the story along at its own slow yet admirable place.  Thus, I continue to love this series and count down the hours until I get to watch each episode, and Kimi ni Todoke 2nd Season's expertly served slice of fun, romance and drama hasn't disappointed me yet.

Level E - Episode 4

Having finished its first story arc in fantastic fashion last week, I have to confess I was a little worried about exactly where Level E would go next.  The answer is in a rather different direction... well, sort of anyway.

After observing that it's always the naughty kids that see and find stuff they aren't supposed to, we find ourselves joining an illicit card game in a barn being enjoyed by a bunch of students.  Enjoyed, that is, until a girl bursts into the barn, collapses, and then has her insides sucked out before being eaten wholesale by a fellow student.  The ending to this particular card game certainly isn't something you'll see in Rio - Rainbow Gate that's for sure...

Of course, this situation leaves our four delinquents with a quandary - as the girl they saw murdered and devoured is reported as missing, do they go to the police despite how nonsensical their story sounds?  Besides, what of her assailant, and what if he were to target them?  Despite whittling down the possible culprit to a handful of students, their sense of terror only increases when one of their number goes missing.  Finally, desperation and a recommendation from a friend leads them to a strange building containing an even stranger "doctor" of sorts, who claims to know what they're up against and offers to investigate the case... for a price.

This being Level E, nothing is quite as it seems however, and as per the end of the last episode this instalment once again pulls a complete one-eighty on us at its close to exhibit its continuing sense of irreverent fun.  That shouldn't really detract from the rest of this episode as a story in its own right however, which proved to be an entertaining one - strikingly animated in a way which added to the tone and "pulp fiction" feel of the whole endeavour with just the right balance of extraterrestrial craziness and oddball characters with a topping of social commentary; there were some pretty obvious religious and socio-political references to be found within its tale, that's for sure.

Overall though, Level E continues to delight simply on account of being so hard to pin down - it's clearly revelling in its misdirection and playful nature, and that in itself would be enough to keep it interesting even before the fact it can remain fascinating and very different from typical anime fare at the same time come into play.

Break Blade 3: Kyoujin no Ato

Despite a mediocre start in its first instalment, Break Blade started to show a bit of promise with its second outing, bringing with it some slicker action and pretty compelling drama to make for a far more enjoyable viewing experience.

After starting with a brief flashback to happier days for Ryugart, Hodr and Zess (to remind us who these three major players are I suspect; I'd certainly forgotten their names), we soon return to the present day, where Athens soldier Cleo is still trying to recover from the death of her friend Lee - something which she looks to do by throwing herself into the thick of the action to come.

A good job that is too, as the first half of Kyoujin no Ato is largely a riot of action, with another attacking raid by Zess and company thwarted by an ambush centred around Rygart and his Delphine Golem - a state of affairs which eventually sees Rygart and Zess face-off in battle for the first time as the former catches up to the his retreating former friend and his minions.  With Rygart still unsure of his determination to kill anyone this is put to the test soon enough, with the Delphine pilot stopping just short of putting an end to Zess' life; a decision which gives Cleo an opportunity to save her commander and run rampage amidst the Krisna reinforcements who appear on the scene.  Impress though this is, the sheer weight of numbers eventually sees Cleo captured as an injured Zess is rescued by the unfortunately named Erekt.

After all of that high-octane action, things take a turn for the quieter for the movie's second half, bringing in some foreshadowing of future events as other individuals and forces prepare to enter the escalating situation between countries, while even Krisna looks set to add at least one rather dubious individual to their arsenal.  Meanwhile, Cleo finds herself interrogated in a rather unexpected fashion by Sigyn, giving the opportunity to forge an escape plan (and treat us to some fan service) which doesn't exactly go to plan.

Come the end of it all, this really was a movie of two halves.  The first half of Kyoujin no Ato flew by in a blitz of fantastic action that really made the most of the weighty and realistic feeling mecha that the franchise has to offer, with a slightly clunky and cumbersome feel that somehow makes the action and the moments of acrobatic piloting seem all the more impressive.  This was also coupled with some great drama as these events played out; drama which was carried largely by Cleo which seeped into much of the second half, before being ruined a bit by bouncing needlessly into fan service for a moment and dulled a little by the political and military machinations that I can't be too harsh on because they're clearly utterly necessary for the next instalment... an instalment which I'm now very much looking forward to incidentally.  After showing its potential in part two, this outing of Break Blade delivered in spades - sure, it wasn't perfect, but if nothing else the first half of this movie proved that these guys know what to do in terms of action when it comes to the crunch if nothing else.. and let's be honest, that's pretty much the main reason we're watching this mecha series anyway.  Well, maybe that and trying to figure out how the hell Cleo is supposed to be twelve years old.