Raigyo, you dumbass.

Episode 15

Just Akiyuki’s luck to be caught up in the slave trade, though considering the fact he’s gone completely spacy, I don’t think he’ll be complaining about it much. What’s interesting is that weird eye thing seemed similar to the wierd blob thing that seemed to mindrap Haru in Episode 12. Were they from the same weird blob thing then this could be the key to Akiyuki getting back his memories; only time will tell.

Furuichi’s death is all but confirmed, unfortunately. If I had seen a cell- sorry, a “prepared room” like that I would’ve run away as fast as possible. It’s really surprising to me that Haru didn’t think it might not have been the best idea to descend into the dark cellar with bars on the windows and a steel door, but hey, maybe she’s got some sort of plan. Though why she wouldn’t at least try to leave when Prois said “Everyone cries at first” is beyond me.

The segregation and general dislike for Tessicians is brought up again in this ep, though I’m struggling to see why people dislike them exactly; perhaps they’re seen as thieves or gypsies of some sort. That kid very much irritates me, mostly due to the cloying and slurred sound of his voice, but seeing how he develops with Nakiami alongside him is still something I’m looking forward to, as I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes an ally in the future. Too bad we had to lose the amazing Beat Kayak though, and what’s even worse is those Generic Anime Thugs are going to sell it off to a chop shop ;_;.

It surprised me that the chubby, random Sentan Island commander who seemed incompetent and incapabale turned put to be one of Ryuzo’s war buddies. What exactly has the good doctor completed, I wonder? We also have the deaths of one of the Jibashiri, which means that after more than 10 episodes, we’re finally going to see Lady Sannova do something.

Episode 16

One thing that really stood out to me during this episode was the dialogue. It contained a mixture of insight, allusion, comedy and hints towards the future of the show that really had me engaged the whole time. Like this gem from Raigyo:

“Who doesn’t like drinking a toast out of empty shell casings?”

This show also knows how to get place just the right camera angle at the right time to conjure up emotion and awe, which goes to show you don’t need stellar animation to create amazing shots (Though, this being BONES, I’m not sure to what extent I can say that :P) I hate racism in any form which is why it both angers and saddens me to see the way Tessicians are treated in the show. The war’s taking it’s toll on many, thought I’m still not sure what exactly the goal of it is (though there’s never normally a good reason for war). It’s great how the series always manages to look at the destruction and repercussions of the ongoing war without making it seem cheesy or, on the other hand, emotionless; it’s even shown in the very title of the episode, “Burning in Our Wake”. Delicious subtlety.

Ugh, now they’re even grabbed Midori. From this point on I’m pretty sure we can see Prois and Kakisu as antagonists, though not so much with the doctor (completely forgotten his name); he’s tied to Ruikonism in a big way, considering his reaction to seeing Azami, but why did he have to pick a disabled child to take Azami’s place? In any case, Kakisu’s going to be in the shadows watching from now on. I loved that moment when Azami just looked Kakisu straight in the eyes and told him about his Mama issues, he needs to have his psychological cage rattled every now and again.

Awwww sad Nakiami in the snow. Yango’s having a positive effect on Nakiami, getting her to open up a little more (I lol’d at how she said her heart used to be closed; so what we’ve seen up until now was and open and welcoming Nakiami).

Finally, things get moving again. I’m all for slowing down and taking some time out (heck, this episode was great) but it’s also the sense of something bubbling below the surface and building up that keeps me watching the show. Not only has that girl, Nazuna, finally woken up after 14 episodes, but Azami’s become a prophet of dangers beyond the horizon. What is the Quickening? Why must the Xam’d gather at the Hiruko’s Advent? What darkness threatens to consume the souls of many? It highlights the fact that in the show there hasn’t really been a Big Bad Evil that must be fought yet (I don’t count the Northern Government as such, that’s kind of removed frmo the overall storyline for me). Haru actually has a reason to get out of there other than finding Akiyuki, so hopefully we’ll see more of her epic encopunters in the future. Speaking of Akiyuki:

He’s been bought by some crazy old wheelchair lady. Hmm…

Next Time:

The false Queen Bitch.

I’m not sure if that’s the same pun in English as “Lambs to the Slaughter”. Interesting connotations.