That’s… interesting. Three episodes before the end, this series suddenly decides to abandon its brainless action and fanservice formula for the duration of the episode in order to get some depth on the characters, and in that department this probably was the best episode yet, despite being not the most exciting episodes. It’s definitely going to be interesting if this series would decide to go into a completely different direction, if it wasn’t for that ridiculously over the top cliff-hanger at the end of this episode that showed that this was just a single episode mood-swing.
I have watched hardly any zombie flicks, so I don’t know how often they deal with topics like in this episode, but I liked it. The most interesting part here is that the main cast here was in the wrong: now that they have become part of this larger group of people who are trying to survive, they don’t fit in, they refuse to give up the valuable weapons they acquired, they don’t help others and instead of keeping calm they start fighting with each other. Still, this episode worked. I like how the characters in this series have the right combination between flaws and positive character traits.
But yeah… that nazi teacher will be back in the next episodes. Unlike the lead cast, he is a character whose flaws are ridiculously unbalanced within his character, up to the point where most of his airtime was just a string of annoyance, and the same goes for the students that he turned into his slaves. If anyone is able to ruin the finale of this series, it’s these guys.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
At this point, now that I’ve read the HOTD manga, I feel the anime deserves less blame for its story’s often schizophrenic, sloppily paced, juvenile presentation.
While the anime would have greatly benefitted from editing and revision of the manga’s original material, it’s hard to fault it for such a faithful retelling.
That said, unless the anime diverges from than the manga, it’s hard to imagine how exactly the writers will end the series here. It’s a show-down with the series’ “villain” (for god sakes, he’s only been in 2’ish eps up till now!) and a big zombie fight but… so what?
I’m just concerned that, when it’s all over, we still won’t know much about the characters, still wont understand what’s going on in Takashi’s head, still won’t see character growth in Hirano (that happens in the next two chapters of the manga) nor will we feel like the plot had a goal that’s been accomplished… let alone established and being worked towards.
I guess, I’m concerned that, at the end, HOTD will feel like 12 pointless episodes of stylish and occasionally thoughtful content that was made without a message or purpose in mind.
I look forward to the next 40 minutes proving me wrong 😉
dat teacher.
I’m still hoping for a second season, otherwise this Anime would be pointless.