Most DVD episodes are random side-stories that if they’re lucky, have something to do with the main story. This one is different though: it shows a vital conclusion to this series. The story is over now, but it tells what happened to the characters after the events of the TV-series: what happened to them, and how they changed.
It was mostly centred around Kazura, as this episode hints that he died in a rebellion, started by his former classmates. Before that happens he’s able to meet Aoi (who recovered and is now travelling with Shizune) and Yukina, who has been handling Natsume’s death. Again, they really did justice to the setting: they didn’t choose a cheap way out. Even Aoi helping Kazura from out of nowhere didn’t really have an effect, and he made the conscious decision to help his former classmates.
It was also wonderfully told. This had none of the acting problems of the TV-series, and the actors probably put out some of the most believable performances of the entire series. Obviously the story being less epic really helped there, but even compared to the other DVD special, the pacing and atmosphere felt very natural here. I also really like how the creators used that story of the escaped panther to subtly spice up this episode. If you liked the TV-series, then this episode is a must watch.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
thank you SO much for reviewing this 🙂
Actually, Kazura’s fate is ambiguous so it’s either he died or got arrested since I’ve read that some of the officers who are involved in the February 26 incident, got life imprisonments. But most of the officers got death penalties so, you might be right that he could be dead or executed.
He either escapes using his teleportation abilities or just decided to be a martyr
Oh wow, I had no idea there was going to be another DVD only episode. I remember the prolouge was really useful but, since I can’t remember that much of the series now, I think I’ll miss this, wish it had come out sooner.
Apparently there was a “numberless” episode that came out between 00 and 14 too.
@Protodude
Yes, it’s a side story set I think around the middle of the series. The title is Demon of the Opium Den or something like that. It’s also a very good episode (though quite different from this one).
Psgels, I’m glad you liked this! 🙂 I think this is where the historical setting and Kazura’s character development really paid off. I mean, in the show it was obvious that in the end he would defect back to the good guys, but here he had choices. Well, he made pretty much the same choice he made when he joined Isao, but I liked that he felt the same urge he did back then and grabbed the chance to do something for his country (even if it was a misguided attempt, something I don’t think I’m really qualified to judge).
I also liked the way the episode dealt with the others: Natsume’s poor relatives, Yukina and Aoi. Aoi might have seemed a little bit too convenient and happy, but IMO this was to emphasize that he made the right choice.
Cool, glad you reviewed it! I didn’t realize they were making another one of these episodes, enjoyed the show so I’ll need to watch this one too.