I really am amazed: this show was already doing incredibly well. And here it surpassed itself yet again. This episode once again was stunning, acting like there’s not going to be anything such as a sequel, and packing some awesome plot twists. I mean, this is the episode where everything comes together. Seriously, I’m not kidding when I say that Phi Brain has just become my favorite Sato Junichi series since Kaleido Star.
At my February Summary, I remember someone asking whether the puzzles in Phi Brain improved somewhat. Like, a big criticism of the first few episodes was that we as the viewer weren’t given an opportunity to solve the puzzles ourselves. And to that, I have to say: at this point, that doesn’t really matter anymore. This episode had no puzzles whatsoever. At this point it’s not about solving puzzles, especially once the puzzles changed into actual battles. Right now what’s important is how this completely warped organization exists who trains kids into puzzle solving and making machines.
Jin’s background was awesome. He really changed many times in the different flashbacks in this episode. There was a point at which I really thought that he’d be Baron Pythagoras, but with this episode that theory also seems dead. Speaking of which: him being dead was a great twist for Rook, not to mention how in the visions of the future, it was Kaitou who stood there, rather than Pythagoras who apeared in Jin’s visions.
Rating: *** (Awesome)
I was convinced Jin was Baron Pythagoras, but… Wow, this episode *__* I really, truly love this series, and this episode was a good proof of why.
Ana’s drawing though… He drew the exact same scenery Kaitou (and Jin) had seen. Wonder why…
At one point, there was a screen with Kaito, Rook, Gammon, and Anna on it, as kids that were being experimented on. Most likely, Anna’s at the same level they are. Possibly even higher, since she doesn’t have an armband and can see the future.
Don’t forget Strange Dawn! That’s a Sato Junichi anime! Have you forgotten, Psgels?
Yes, it aired before Kaleido Star, which is why I was able to make that comment. 😉
So…this is good? I remember enjoying the first 2 episodes, but I dropped because I didn’t think it would actually get better.
In all honesty I preferred the early episodes (so much heartwarming cuteness), but this anime is seriously, unironically great. I was a bit worried that the inherent ridiculousness of the main theme (puzzles as serious business) would work against the increasingly dark plot, but no, not at all – solving puzzles have increasingly became a vehicle of story and character development, while at the same time becoming more dynamic and/or violent to compliment the mood and the plot. Great writing.
Btw, as for Phi Brain not giving the viewers the opportunity to solve the puzzles – that’s because us downloaders are not watching this show the way it was meant to be watched. On TV the show is semi-interactive, providing a chance for viewers to try and solve the puzzles. Obviously, this doesn’t carry over to the downloadable version, but if you know where to look you can find the “puzzle mode” segments that give you a feel of how it actually works.
(And I don’t understand why people thought Jin was Baron. Their voices are different as night and day!)
I was definitely surprised by several developments in this episode. I thought Count Pythagorus was going to be Jin as well.
I also thought Jin is Pythagorus but this episode proved me wrong. I really love the backstory of Jin and Baron. But I’m sad that Jin just lost his mind after defeating Pythagorus.
But it’s very interesting that Rook also has the Orpheus armband and that there are more armbands out there. And this makes me wonder if the second season will deal more of the Orpheus armband users because if I’ve read before that there’s a group called Order of Orpheus or something which means there’ll be new characters in the next season.
Oh, source of that is here: http://www.nhk.or.jp/anime-blog/180/108641.html
Speaking of new characters, I don’t know if Rook and the other POG members (such as Bishop and Elena, nevermind the other three useless POG members) will show up in the next season. I just don’t think this anime would be the type of killing off characters XP