An intermezzo, and it doesn’t really help that Milk returned. I understand that it’s necessary to build up the upcoming arc with a solid introduction (which had better be awesome, by the way), but more than half of this episode consisted out of the same character antics that have gotten old by now.
Here’s the thing: Ryner developed more when he was in prison than afterwards. The entire purpose of the previous arc was building up, but in itself it did not evolve this series in any way, other than increase the intrigue between the different countries a bit. The humour really shows this, as it’s been the same for ages now: Ferris insults Ryner as much as she can, Ryner tries to retort, and now that Milk has come into the picture she has gotten even more annoying. I did like that Ryner and Shion got to meet each other again, though. This episode should have had more of that.
Also notable was that there was one particular un-ZECXS-like animator at work on this episode. I’m not sure who or what, but for once there were scenes in which the hair of the characters didn’t stay perfectly in model, like characters were using some really strong hair-spray or something.
Rating: (Enjoyable)
According to the official website, next episode is a recap episode and numbered 15.5. So I guess they are going to start with the second half of the series from episode 16.
for me its a nice episod as long as i can see more milk ^o^
Haha, call me nuts, but this episode really made me laugh. The complex nature of the alternate reality Ferris weaves about Ryner according to her unshakable conviction of his carnivorous sexuality… just unspeakably hilarious at points. Good grief…
Anyway, this series has done an excellent job of depicting Ryner’s adventures and the role he plays (and building up to that which he will soon play) in the very “intrigue” you mention. The leads (Ryner, Ferris, and Miran) are learning but not growing. They have been in motion, but not central to the main plot proper. Development will take place as they and their beliefs clash within the framework of the overall story, and not a moment before so it seems.
I’m cool with that. Don’t let it get to you too much. It’s best to enjoy what it does offer. 😉 That said, this episode in particular did convey a lot of in-character humor, a bit of character chemistry, and like you noted, a setup for the next leg of the journey.
Onwards, I’d say!
I know what you mean about the hair. The same animator has a scene in the OP where Ferris kills someone and leads on her sword breathing heavily. It looks quite good I wish I knew who did it.
The scene you’re talking about was most likely done my Yoshimichi Kameda.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAKsjtHWO2c :More scenes from him if you’d like to compare the animation.