Whoa, a major episode here. For the second time in a row, it focuses on Kanako, but in this episode she actually ends up fighting. The previous episode apparently created this backlash that somehow affected her first phase, causing all of her stocks to drop, creating this surprising sense of urgency for this series.
And okay, it is rather questionable for her to be an Olympic level boxer despite never having seen her train, but my guess is that this is all part of this series’ idea to make her as successful as possible (though granted, it would have been nice if we saw her actually box a bit before this episode). The interesting thing is also that she can’t become the leader of the Glittering Crux anymore. Does that mean that we’ve got a villain less? Is this the last time we see her in the spotlights, or are the creators going to pull a few more tricks?
Also, the revival of Cybuddies. It’s still a bit vague on what exactly needs to happen in order to revive broken Cybuddies, and in what way it’s going to drain energy from Takuto (do they need to beat him in order for it to work, or do they need to be near him?) In any case, I’m glad that they made it not as easy as it sounds here.
Rating: ** (Excellent)
The 4th picture is really big.
Ack! Forgot to make it smaller. Fixed now.
I believe they’re called “Cybodies”, not “Cybuddies”.
From what I understood, each Cybody’s restoration process depends on Takuto’s libido and if his libido isn’t enough, the process will eventually kill him. I think that’s what happened to Samekh’s previous drivers (who have fallen into a deep sleep and never woke up), but didn’t happen to Sugata, which probably means his libido was enough to revive Samekh.
Does this make any sense?
On restoring cybodies, I thought the GCB said that they would use the libido of the pilot to revive them and it would be bad if the pilot didn’t have enough, I didn’t see them saying they were going to use Takuto (plus, it seems like not just anyone can pilot any cybody so using someone elses’ sex drive probably wouldn’t help).
Sapphire: the fansubbers indeed call them Cybodies, but in an interview with the director and scriptwriter that I read, it was translated into Cybuddies. That’s why I prefer to use the latter.
Also, the part I don’t get is indeed what Takuto role is, but it seems that I indeed misunderstood that part.
It´s Star Driver not Galactic Pretty Boy. The Star Driver is the Cybodys Pilot.
The series is foreshadowing rematches very, very heavily and once again the Pilots onesided loves (libido) will be a major factor in the fights.
Takuto isn´t exactly involved but it´s implied that Sugata might partner up with him for the rematches.
Star Driver keeps letting me down. It has potential, but it keeps repeating the same thing week after week. Takuto fights someone, gets some new magic power and wins. I would have thought someone that was elite like Kanako would put up a decent fight, but once again new random magic power saves the day. I really hope they get rid of this formula soon, and make Takuto suffer, its boring to watch if the main character has nothing to worry about as he beats his foes with ease.
I like how this show really builds up hype. The one-on-one matches are fun, but you can tell in the future it’s going to be multiple Cybodies in Zero Time, and of course favourite returning.
Personally i’m interested to see if Professor Green gets a rematch, as she never really gave it her all with such a ridiculous power, and her Cybody design is my absolute favourite so far.
I though Kanako first phase power was actually healing and the last episode explained her intelligence was all her own (Though this episode hinted her family may have had plenty of money before her marriage anyway).
Again its resorting to the trope of baddie of the week, losing until a new power/weapon is used. And yet again they recyled the summoning of star driver, this 10 second clips been used around 11 times now.
One of the worst episodes thus far. Really disappointing series for me. I would expect some real development for once and for the show to move out of that stupid episodic nonsense that’s wasting time. The final 30 seconds were fun and that’s about it.
The battles in this show are merely a flashy motivational device, while the thrust of show lies in the exploration of the characters. They’re slightly less relevant than the particulars of the fights between contractors in Darker than Black, or the duels in Utena. I don’t know how anyone could watch the fifth episode of this series and come away thinking that the fights are serious business, and riveting gladiatorial spectacle lies just around the corner. They’ll change as necessary for motivating particular scenes, but I’m certainly not holding my breath in anticipation of this ever becoming a serious giant robot anime instead of a comedic drama.