The second episode was slightly less impressive than the first one, but still this remains a good series to blog. My main problem is that the influences of Code Geass’ writer were noticeable, and this episode just lacked the subtlety of Jigoku Shoujo. Still, the only real flaw of this episode was the ending, how the random policeman shot without any reason whatsoever. The guy was clearly underdeveloped, and the script was a bit too hasty at that point to get to the juicy stuff.
Still, the episode did a pretty good job of portraying the psychopath-side of Ayase, and how she basically kills everyone who stands in her way. Of course this can only go on for so long until the police catches up, especially when there isn’t really a solid plan of action. My favourite character of the series is Fumika, though. She turned into an interesting combination of Enma ai and Momo (Shinigami no Ballad), though she can’t help it but involve herself a bit more than the former two did. Still, what was up with her fancy moves when she put her gun back in her bag? Seems to suggest that even though she’s quiet, she likes to show off.
In any case, I’m glad that there finally is another arc-based series that deals with random stories for each arc. I’m a big fan of the well-done series of this concept, and all that Shinigami no Ballad has to do now is to provide enough interesting concepts and watch out that the plot doesn’t go too fast.
And really, the ALI-project needs to evolve a bit. Their style may be nice, but really, all the OPs and EDs they’ve done really begin to look more and more like each other. It’s a shame, their work on .Hack//Roots was awesome, but you can’t see any of this brilliance in their latest works.
Reading your review about Shigofumi, makes me want to watch Shigofumi more and more. >___
Do you have a personal vendetta against Code Geass? IIRC you blamed it for Bones AyaAya getting canceled didn’t you? lol
Yep, the ending was totally disapointing. What’s the problem in letting people face the consequences of their acts? A sister’s confrontation would have been quite interesting, for instance.
Also, it’s pretty unrealistic, can’t these policemen use their guns to neutralize a schoolgirl instead of butchering her?
In my opinion Ali Project has always been the same. The first time you haer them, you’re very impressed by them. Hoever, after 2 or 3 songs, you understand that all their soungs are VERY VERY similar.
You could really think “Ali” is derived from “alike”. I only know them from anime OP/ED and never listened to any of their albums. Maybe it’s just that the anime producers select the same kind of tracks. I just looked at their list of singles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Project
I must admit I didn’t know that, for example, the Noir OP is also by Ali Project and many of these which I know do not sound horribly alike. I guess it’s just that some of their songs have a very distinctive style and their choice of instruments is also unusual like cello and other classical instruments in many songs contrast to modern instruments like guitars, percussion makes these songs stand out. I’d say a typical pop/rock band has far more songs which are very alike but because they don’t sound outstanding, we don’t notice or ignore it.
The thing with ALI-project is that they did a terrific work on the soundtrack for .Hack//Roots. I’m not sure if anyone ever listened to it, but the line-up was varied and detailed, and nothing like you’d expect after their numerous OPs and EDs.
Westlo: well, there are shows I hate more, but Code Geass makes for such a great example. ^^;
I do admit the policeman shooting her is quite unrealistic, however it does explain how a small trauma can draw people to take drastic action (the flashbacks from the older cop on how innocent killers are scarier than normal ones). I mean if you run into a person you recognize as a killer suspect charging at you friend with a knife, wouldn’t it be easier to assume she’s after your friend?
I actually liked ep2 better than ep1. Yes, the plotting remains “crude,” but at least we saw some reasons for things. And the sudden end was not totally illogical: a wild-looking girl is brandishing a knife and apparently rushing toward your partner. Police are not taught to shoot to wound, which is very chancy. They are taught not to shoot unless it is to kill. And I think death is a reasonable way to face the consequences of your actions, although I do feel sorry for the little sister.
psgels ,i have the .hack//roots ost,i’ve always loved it and when i first started looking at your blog i was glad to see you liked it too.I agree with you about the instrumentals of that ost, they’re different from their OP and ED,however,the few songs that have vocals (thinking of “god diva” and “king knight” among others) it goes back to sounding like their “normal” selves,one notable exception (to me atleast) is “Junkyousha no Yubi” which is of my favorite song from the OST.
as for shigofumi,still waiting patiently for the subs.
About your comment for ‘random policeman shot without any reason’
The senior police explained during the show that ‘naive’ criminal is more dangerous. Hence the ‘rookie’ policeman was all worked up.
And when he approch to the rooftop, his senior looked like he’s in danger since Asuna was charging to his side with knife. Hence he fired.
There’s no scriptual flaw in this sence. Of course I guess u cannot understand Japanese fully anyway so u might have this impression.
Is anyone subbing this?
I noticed the same thing. The first episode was so great, but right now you can see it everywhere. Characters being places they have no reason to be just so that they can see or hear something, random people walking up and talking about plot hooks… it’s not debilitating, but it’s pretty dang annoying.