Snap, crackle, pop, Ranbu opens this week on a bolt of lightning! We ended last episode on a low point, our heroes defeated and being teleported out at the last second. They reappear on a platform, surrounded by smoldering coals, in what we later learn is the Citadel. The base of operations for our party. Lots going on here, and we will get to it, but lets focus in on our heroes.
The damage from their respective fights appears to have carried over, as both Kane and Tonbokiri are rushed into medical treatment. Its a strange medical treatment, as they magically pad paper on a wound and heal a sword, but its pretty to look at. An explanation would be nice, as we still have no idea as to how our heroes exist as both weapon and time-cop. I understand time is an issue in anime, it has to be used effectively, but I do think it would help flesh out the narrative and characters abit. The rest of the party not in critical condition however, have a much easier and light hearted time.
The comedy this episode really works, as we get some TSA style inspections, witty banter and a time traveling fox food club. It does a good job of filling space between scenes that, even if they don’t succeed, attempt to be dramatic. For example we learn that Tonbokiri is in a comatose state from his wounds, good consequences for their loss. This is undercut when he recovers consciousness later on in the episode. We hear that, as of 2205, the time our characters are based out of, history has not changed. Edo gets a full broadside during an important meeting, goes up in flames, and there are no changes? Didn’t our heroes fail? They completed their mission, history is preserved, so all things considered they won with minimal casualties! Its a disappointing resolution after a well done end of an arc, leaving Ranbu in an akward place.
Speaking of arcs, lets talk about the next one. Much of this episode was focused on Mikazuki, the man in blue and usual captain of the First Squad. Everything this episode, from the music to the lighting and camera angles, leads us to think this is not a good man. Found in the Commanders office alone, ominous music and shadows cast over his face, Mikazuki might be the villain we so desperatly need. Ranbu reinforced this feeling when the Commander states that the Retrograde army usually arnt this subtle, meaning these smart tactics are new. Its laid on so thick, I could almost believe Ranbu is throwing us a red herring. I dont think Ranbu is that clever however as even Mikazuki’s laugh sounds evil.
Continuing on, theres a nice bit of video-game fan service. There is a cafeteria scene with a crazy amount of unique character designs milling about in the background. No doubt they all appear in the game series, so I am sure fans appreciated that. Some of these characters even get names and speaking lines as we are introduced to Yagens brother. A mild mannered white haired boy, he resembles Yagen alot. Curious how a weapon has a brother, but ill roll with it. Numerous scenes occur, some quite frankly pointless scenes that scream “CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT” like an air horn. Its all rather ham fisted, but I suppose its better than nothing. There does have to be consequences for how last episode ended, with defeat and a sweeping orchestra. This week atleast ends on a much less dramatic note.
This week closes out on a flash of the First Squad, which Yagens brother has just been assigned to. Apparently there is a new crisis and they have been sent out! Most likely we will follow the First Squad on this mission for a few episodes as the Second squad recovers. With this squad mostly being comrpised of villainous looking people such as Mikazuki though, I am hoping Ranbu will treat us to some First vs Second squad conflict in the future.
Its not surprising we got a breather episode to setup the next arc, but for the most part Ranbu was empty this week. Scenes could have been shorter with the same content and Tonbokiri could have spent more time out of comission. All in all a little disappointing.
Heres hoping the First Squad makes it interesting again. See you next week!
Honebami and Yagen were made in the same school, hence why they’re “brothers”. You can see 7 more of their brothers in the cafeteria scene (including Yagen and Honebami there’s 16 total as of writing).
Likewise, Yamanbagiri was smithed by Horikawa Kunihiro, hence why he has the same last name and why they would also be considered “brothers”, which I’m sure the anime will address at some point later on (I’m surprised you didn’t point it out in the review).
I doubt Mikazuki’s going to end up being the villain. He’s very popular, so if ufotable were to change his personality that drastically, the fans likely won’t be pleased. I feel that’s why a lot of the characters feel more tropey here than in the game, where they have more defined personalities (Yagen, Kane, and Horikawa being the ones with the most notable personality changes). It would be nice if ufotable came up with some kind of twist though, like having a mole or something, but I feel like the writers are trying too hard to stick to “safe” choices to go that far. I hope later episodes prove me wrong, though.
For Homebami and Yagen, that makes sense. Its probably obvious, but it might not be a bad idea to mention I have never touched the games this is based on. So there’s a lot of basic knowledge fans, who this anime is no doubt made for, would know that I am ignorant of.
For Yamanbagiri, I noticed but wasnt to sure about the relation. I try to keep these at or under 1000 words so they dont get to lengthy. Naturally smaller things will get left out.
As I said, I have no experience with the series. The music, lighting and general tone whenever Mikazuki was on screen however gave me a distinctly foreboding feeling. Ignorant as I am of the source material, that makes me think he is either a villain or a red herring. That might also be caused by my personal need for a charismatic villain to come in and carry the show though. I feel that, with Mikazuki if he were a villain, we would have a strong story arc for the second half of the season.
As is, the Retrograde army made for fun antagonists to start with. The deeper in we go though the more we need a clear endgame/story and we simply arnt getting that so far.
Any other small tidbits that might be helpful going forward? I appreciate the feedback and am glad to know the characters might not be as tropey as they seem in places.
I think you’re doing pretty well writing the reviews with what little info ufotable has given. Some interesting tidbits that might be helpful regarding specific characters:
Yamanbagiri – has poor self-esteem because he’s actually a copy of a sword, and therefore, he isn’t an original. I’m hoping this is acknowledged in future episodes since it was kind of hinted in the last one. In several other official materials, he’s typically shown to be anti-social, only able to hold proper conversations with his brothers and the saniwa (other than Horikawa, he has another older brother, but I don’t think he’ll be making an appearance here). He’s also one of the starter swords, meaning he’s available from the start, so that could add credibility to how experienced he is.
Kane-san – based on his forge date, he’s actually the youngest sword despite his appearance. In the game, this is why he tends to act very immature, is very emotional (he cries in one of his events, and when Horikawa points it out, he denies it as he continues to cry), and likes to show off (the type that thinks he’s cool when he really isn’t). While he acts as Horikawa’s mentor in this anime, in the game, Horikawa’s basically his mom. This could be why he’s lacking in leadership experience, but I doubt ufotable’s writing is smart enough to take that into consideration (I really hope I’m wrong though, because this story really needs more depth).
Not really necessary, but I also think it’s worth pointing out that Yagen is a lot more friendly in the game than he is here.
Anyway, keep up the good work with the reviews, and I to hope this show because something more than being pretty.