You know, the actual goal of the orpheus order isnt’ bad at all. If they can figure out the kinks in the Orpheus bracelet and remove the parts that destroy the wearer’s brains, it could mean a very good way for humanity to evolve, and it’s certainly better than “let’s have humanity evolve by killing everyone.” It’s just that their methods are questionable, having them resort to use involuntary human guinea pigs who can easily die when things go wrong.
Also, this episode broke up the formula that the first episodes tried to set already: Gammon prevented his sister from getting brainwashed. Still, you could say that this all was part of the plans in order to challenge Kaito to a puzzle. This episode pretty much failed for the Orpheus order, because the reason why Kaito nearly became “Phi Brain” was by putting him under constant stress. That’s very hard to do with five of them together like that, supporting each other. Also, this episode revealed all of their names, and they are indeed as weird as the rest of the cast. The main villain of this series is a random card game.
In any case, the bad thing of breaking up this formula is that we didn’t really get to see much more about Gammon’s sister. The most logical solution for this will be that the Orpheus order will find some other way to use her. Can they keep these methods fresh enough for the entire side-cast?
Rating: * (Good)
In a way, this season reminds me of the Black Rose arc in Utena. I like Phi Brain’s version a lot more, though (that part of Utena mostly felt like filler).
I’m really liking the second season so far. The new ennemies are nice and I feel like Phi Brain is still trying to expand its mythos rather then fall into pointless and eternal fights with no story progress.
I really hate this episode. A whole brand spanking new Order of Cliche Take Two (it even includes the token goth loli!), and suddenly they ALL have Orpheus Armbands? When last season it was so rare that it was a HUGE revelation that Rook had one?
I suppose this sort of ‘twists’ are necessary in shonen to keep the power levels even, but I still hate it. I much prefer when the series gives the character a set-back (like being sent to the future in KHR) instead of upgrading the villains like this. Or at least gives a reason why the villains wouldn’t have been around for the lower level fights (like the barrier around the Makai for YYH).