Most of the second halves of the series of the past Autumn season have changed into predictable directions: Jojo got more epic, Sakurasou got more dramatic, Psycho Pass started to delve into its setting, Robotics;Notes started to tie its various subplots together. Zetsuen no Tempest though… I did not foresee this change… The show has actually gotten much more light-hearted.
And yet, it still rocks. This episode shined in the details. From various small hints to indicate the building chemistry between the characters, ranging from subtle to hilarious (Samon buying Mahiro some flashy underwear?), to people dressing up that mage of Exodus guy as a superhero and having him destroy the tree of Genesis. This episode was stuffed with those fine moments that just made me smile. The dialogue was just brilliant here.
Best of all was the romance, though. I loved both Exodus-kun making fun of Mahiro’s sister complex (and how everyone knew EXACTLY what he was talking about), as well as Hakaze realizing that she has a crush on Yoshino, complicating Aika’s death even more because she, if she wants to, could have easily killed Aika unconsciously with her Genesis powers. Yes, Hakaze, wanting to couch his earlobes is perfectly normal. Rating: 6/8 (Awesome)
I have a few concerns in my head that this change in tone (and its in the manga too) will put this series is a typical shounen direction that betrays the uniqueness of the beginning.
That said I’ll stick that out as from chapter 30 or so onward the revelations start and things get exciting again.
That’s the thing thi story shown us once already that Hakaze’s power’s can work a cross time so while it may seem alittle crazy what if Aika died in the past becuase Hakaze fell for her boyfried in the future.
That’s mind-blowing however you look at it. Right now they have a lot to play with story and setting wise. I didn’t consider Kaiserin Emma’s concerns until now. I’ll just have to wait and see.
Exodus-kun == Megumu Hanemura 🙂
There were so many awesome face-palm moments in this episode! The good thing though even though this was a really funny episode it somehow fitted the show. It wasn’t all lighthearted. Most of the comedy came within relatively serious moments .. well apart from that underwear shopping. That was just weird!
And here I was afraid this show might derail itself. Based upon the first half though its too late to doubt! I liked the episode enough, but I’m ready for more plot! Actually, the things happening are pretty great, but man I hate the Exodus guy. The world has been made much better, and yet I have a feeling everything is going to go to hell.
Lovely episode indeed, and great use of the light-hearted moments to flesh the characters and progress the plot .. also Frau Yamamoto continues to be as mysterious and as cute as always XD
I also have to add that the Exodus-kun reminds me of the camera-guy from Dreamworks movie “Megmind” who was given super-power and almost immediately turned from your average-Joe clueless nice guy into a maniacal unstoppable villain .. Exodus-kun will probably follow the same route once he dons the armor and starts gaining self-confidence and/or has something he wants so badly (why is it that i have doubts the identity of his girlfriend will have a very big impact on the story)