Short Synopsis: Akiyuki finally gets the chance to meet Haru.
Highlights: So that’s who that mysterious guy in the OP was.
Overall Enjoyment Value: 8,5/10
Excellent episode, among the best of the series so far. Although I spotted some strange coincidences in this series for the first time (like how did Akiyuki know exactly where Haru would be?), but these were small enough to be ignored. Especially since that scene of Akiyuki and Haru’s re-encounter resulted in some great character-development, now that it turns out that Furuichi became to hate Akiyuki for letting the white-haired girl blow up the bus, along with his classmates. It’s quite sad that he never allowed Akiyuki to properly talk to Haru in this way, but at least this way, Haru will have nobody to rely on. I predict some great growth from her.
The creators do need to pay attention to not let Akiyuki’s and Furuichi’s rivalry become overly cheesy, though. I’ve often seen such an attempt at drama fail, where childhood friends come to hate each other (Dragonaut, anyone?). Sure, I can understand how two close people can grow apart from each other, but for the rival to become one of the top officials of the evil empire (or something similar), it gets a bit hard to believe. One example where the childhood rivalry did work was Area 88, where the rival basically ruined the lead character’s life out of jealousy.
In any case, I loved this episode not just because of that, but everything that went on around it, from the crew of the Zanbani who was worried about Akiyuki and Nakiami, to the father and daughter that Akiyuki met in the previous episode to those strange people from the northern lands, who helped the southern government. I personally love a series with a huge amount of characters, where each of these characters has his or her own agenda and issues, and Bonen no Xamdou is also doing really well in that area.
Also, is it me, or did the background art in this series look better than ever in this episode? I’m also glad to see that the guy with the camera from the OP finally appeared. It’s obvious that it’s been a long time since he shaved, but I’m surprised that he was Raigyo, the Xam’d that Nakiami saved before Akiyuki.
I thought his name was Zuizo =/.
I usually hate friends turning against each other. But Xam’d is different. I hate Furuichi so them turning against each other has no impact on me.
Ah, bugger. I could have sworn they were the same guys. I guess I’ve always been bad with names. ^^;
LIP-SCAR HAS APPEARED!
Been waiting for that guy to make his entrance. Though why does he look so much younger in the OP/ED? Does facial hair do that much?
Anyway, hope he doesn’t take the path of certain other characters I’ve taken an instantaneous liking to. (See: Rossiu and Popo.)
And HARU. What’s with the rampant sexism towards her? Though if it forces her to finally punch Furuichi or take other more strong-willed actions in the plot, it’ll make my month that much better. This show needs more character development, though it’s already fleshed several characters out nicely enough to leave plenty of room for that.