The previous two episodes really were an intermezzo: they were completely standalone compared to the rest of the linear storyline. In theory, they could have been shown at any point in the series. The place the creators ended up choosing is interesting. The effect is that this episode immediately started with the aftermath of what happened three, four and five weeks ago, only to follow with one heck of a climax as well.
I get the feeling that there would have no point in the second season where the past arc would really have fitted in: there are four different storylines going on at the same time and the build-up and aftermaths of all are so intertwined that it’s impossible to find one clear point where everything has quieted down. the first season had these moments, but it seems the creators were really saving that arc for the second half of the show. This is all a good thing, by the way. It’s a sign that the storytelling is great if there is always something going on like that.
The interesting thing is that this episode contained even more background, but this time it was much more weaved into the narrative. These really were the remaining bits of background that were still missing, like who the black-haired woman was, and why Irie devoted herself to the Grail War (her loyalty towards Kiritusgu did not turn out to be the only reason; that surprised me”).
And then there was Rider. First of all I really liked that this episode showed some of the things that went on in his mind during his monologues in the first season of Fate/Zero, but at the end of this episode he really showed a different side of his. The first person he actually killed, the black haired woman. After so much heroic talk, he finally shows that like Kiritsugu, he isn’t going to take it easy on his opponents. There was no chivalry in it whatsoever, which is a great point against Saber.
Rating: **+ (Excellent+)
If I remember correctly, Rider never claim to be chivalrous, though he always acted honorably. However, the series has a history of ending on false pretenses and surprises, so thing might not be what they appear to be.
In a way, these last 3 episodes are used to really build an flesh out the supposed “protagonist” that stayed in the background for the majority of the series, and without the prior 2 episodes, Maiya’s death scene and Kiritsugu’s reaction to it would not be as powerful. Even so, I think the novel had a more dramatic moment described
Some interesting points about this episode:
1) This was the first time Kiritsugu actually spoke to Saber. To use a command spell.
2) In UTW’s release at least, reference was made to the “third true magic”. Seriously, read up on this. I highly doubt such integral ideas to the Fate universe will be explained in the remainder of the show.
3) Saber’s instant teleportation is not something easily done. The mana (I think) was actually provided by the command spell.
All that aside, explaining “big bro” Rider’s thinking was really well done. Really enjoyed this episode.
Didn’t he speak to her three episodes ago about how war is hell and all that?
He never spoke *directly* to Saber, there’s a difference.
He talked to her… He meant all those words for her while talking to Irisviel, last time, and a few times before if I’m not mistake… But I know it would be hard to make the last one without actually talking to her. Making him not talk to her is too much of a hurdle that was placed in Fate/Stay Night. Despite that, Gen did an awesome job.
I haven’t read the last two volumes, but I’ve read the first two in Japanese. Urobuchi Gen makes it clear that regardless who Kiritsugu is addressing, he’s making a clear effort to not actually speak TOWARD Saber. He doesn’t want to acknowledge her because they’re way too different as people.
Just a minor spoiler for Fate/Stay Night, but Saber does mention then that Kiritsugu only spoke directly to her in order to use his command spells–nothing else.
“The first person he actually killed, the black haired woman. After so much heroic talk, he finally shows that like Kiritsugu, he isn’t going to take it easy on his opponents. There was no chivalry in it whatsoever, which is a great point against Saber.”
So you think a mysterious character who would even invite Assassin to a wine party giving them a chance would needlessly kill without saying a word? When the said character explicitly tells Waver (and the audience) he can’t do anything until the night. When the audience must be also aware that the Teams don’t hand out their address so easily.
Kotomine needed a group of Church spies in episode 17 to find out the new location since they vacated the castle. That was the reason why he stayed.
Kiritsugu needed Tokiomi’s intel to know where Rider and Waver were hiding.
*boisterous
Keep in mind Rider’s words – he can’t do anything until it is night. However, it is still clearly day when Rider appears at Irisviel’s place and there is no indication that Rider and Waver learned of their location beforehand.
I’m not spoiling anything, but I think you should keep these details in mind.
You should take into account that providing hints that a monkey could figure out is exactly the same as spoiling.
I wouldn’t consider him to be spoiling anything as i thought these hints were already quite conspicuous and given the way that the kidnapping scene was animated without Rider actually showing his face nor hearing him speak was to cast doubt on his true identity…
* I’ve not read the light novels therefore these are merely my assumptions
Not to mention that very action contradicts Rider’s personality. He wouldn’t silently leave.
That’s like asking Gilgamesh to be meek and humble.
I think the title itself is a huge hint.
I really liked the scene between rider and Waver this episode, made me like that combination a whole lot more than I already did. Seeing that they are destined fall (or are they?), I really hope it will be epic.
Did you know, that they chose to air the second flashback, with kiritdugu and his mother figure…. on japanese Mothers Day
*kiritsugu
I haven’t read any of the novels, and it’s pretty obvious that it is somebody pretending to be Rider.