As Luke proclaimed, “It gets better!”
Quick note: I am trying to write more about the stuff I watch, but I am borderline neurotic about avoiding spoilers. So I am trying some formatting tricks to keep them hidden, without using a plugin (I don’t like any of them).
I only have a few thoughts to share on the show, one being that is one of my favorites. It is incredibly entertaining, and as I see the characters branch out from the fortress I fall into a cathartic state; the landscape and art work are just so beautiful!
Ahem… the have a quad-legged mecha tank! Not fully operational, mind you, but that is a minor detail. I am okay with it never being operational, partially because I am okay with the war being over and everyone just trying to get over their own personal tragedies.
The level of tech in this world, really all the various cultural and temporal mashups used, amazes me. I am looking forward to how they are going to weave more of what happened in the past into the story, which seems inevitable, at least as far as the characters personal lives are concerned. But seriously, lost tech from the old world? Sign me up!
Speaking of things to be explained, what is up with Rio and Yumina, and how the Bishop looked at Rio when they sent lanterns down the river? The only time I have seen Rio with the blonde woman that we now know to be Princess Iria was when she (Rio) is playing her trumpet for Iria and Rio’s mother. Are they related? That would explain the Bishop’s reaction. More intrigue!
I really happy with Felicia’s conversation with Rio about the lack of meaning in life. As it was translated I have almost said those exact words, and it both shocked and warm-fuzzied me. The scene just prior to that, where the three junior members admit their worry and need for hugs had me tearing up, and I wondered later how that is received in different parts of the world (like Japan). That is some raw emotion, and I adore such scenes in media. We should have more modeled behavior of positive reinforcement and healthy emoting.
One last point: episode 6 (Kanata’s Day Off: Hair Braiding) reminded me of a particular series, both in style (clothing and character design) and pacing (separate stories told out of chronological order). Can you guess which series I am thinking about?
Baccano!
I was thrilled to find out that they had an illegal liquor-making enterprise, though I wonder if that is what they were referring to in the second episode when they were sitting so solemnly, discussing how Kanata (I presume, though I thought they meant Kureha as well) didn’t know, or suspect something.
Oh well, I am sure everything will be revealed in time (or if we are lucky, it won’t be). 