Episode Review: Muv-Luv Alternative ep 18: Broken Doll
I will kill them all!
The BETA that murdered you, Takeru-chan!
The BETA that murdered you, Takeru-chan!
We got another setup episode for Muv-Luv Alternative. This episode is focused on Sumika – or rather – S00(-unit)mika and Takeru’s “tuning” for her. If you feel the events of this episode is rushed and a bit “incoherent” in terms of timing, because it is actually just that. However, the considerable chunk of rushed content was monologue and TSF simulator, the major parts of the story were still intact, and we get to see what Takeru’s resolve and feelings.
For the first part, we understand what is the 00 Unit, how it was created, and what is its purpose. The conclusion did make my spine go cold, for what’s left of Sumika now turned into 00 Unit, and to the Sumika that we just left behind. That girl, be it the peaceful world or this BETA world, her fate till this point is like the word “cruel” got materialized.
From a cheerful girl to a plant state to a stringless doll who tried to learn how to be a human again, no wonder the animators focused on her a lot, not to mention, we now understand why Tsukuyomi asked Shirogane: “How did a dead man come back to life” in the first season, we now have a vague answer for that. But to what extent did that happen, we could only wait for the right answer (or just go read the visual novel).
For the first part, we understand what is the 00 Unit, how it was created, and what is its purpose. The conclusion did make my spine go cold, for what’s left of Sumika now turned into 00 Unit, and to the Sumika that we just left behind. That girl, be it the peaceful world or this BETA world, her fate till this point is like the word “cruel” got materialized.
From a cheerful girl to a plant state to a stringless doll who tried to learn how to be a human again, no wonder the animators focused on her a lot, not to mention, we now understand why Tsukuyomi asked Shirogane: “How did a dead man come back to life” in the first season, we now have a vague answer for that. But to what extent did that happen, we could only wait for the right answer (or just go read the visual novel).
One of the most shocking things that happened in this episode, definitely Yuuko’s confession. Though we have one moment that could have been the hint for this, at that moment, we probably had thought of something else, not like this, to know that Yuuko indirectly caused the dead of the person closest to her, just what kind of emotion went through her at that time?
For Shirogane, he got one step up in the development, for him to not shoot Yuuko was one of a development I would like to see, after all the messed up things he have gone through. Although, this is not going to be the last thing that try to challenge him, may the adaptation bring him justice.
For Shirogane, he got one step up in the development, for him to not shoot Yuuko was one of a development I would like to see, after all the messed up things he have gone through. Although, this is not going to be the last thing that try to challenge him, may the adaptation bring him justice.
And then we go to the majority of the screen time this episode (as well as the episode’s title) – Sumika, or rather, the 00-Unit. We see Sumika devolve more and more into madness with her thirst to murder the BETA, but we also see some positive reaction to Takeru and some shred of humanity in her. Amidst the crazy fit and murderous spree that Sumika erupt into everytime we see her on-screen, she has slowly recognize Takeru’s presence and identity and displayed some very human affection. And we can see Takeru trying his best to “bring out” the Sumika in her. The Santa Rabbit was a very important item in the visual novel, and although we didn’t get much background on it, we know that it was something Takeru has gifted Sumika way back then and it is something she treasured in the original world. Actually, Sumika still have it hanging on her bag in the Extraverse. However, at the end there, she dropped some crazy hint as to what might have happened to “this world”‘s original Takeru…
Next episode, we set off for war!
Next episode, we set off for war!
Other Episode Review:
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.10 review: Days of Future Past
Even though thought to have revealed its biggest secret, Bang Brave Bang Bravern still got some surprises in stock. The abrupt plot twist gives an already beloved character a lot of depth, through beautiful visual.
Metallic Rouge Ep.10 Review: Space Road Trip
A silly road trip in space with Rouge with some emotional flashback. The gang has a new and rather unexpected addition. The final battle is looming over the calm before the storm.
Synduality: Noir Ep 22 Review: Macht’s true wish
Our Char-clone had a change of heart – or rather, a reclamation of his lost desire. But when one find something, another also lost something…or someone.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.9 Review: Explosive Double Climaxes
“Isami, Yuuki Bakuhatsu!!!” Episode 9 makes viewers explode of hype and emotion with the characters, by revealing the big secret and introducing Bravern’s first gattai form.
Metallic Rouge Ep.9 Review: Revelations & Reconciliation
A balance episode with both action and exposition. Some beautiful visuals to accompany a ridiculous storyline. Nevertheless Rouge is heading towards the final battle.
Synduality: Noir Ep 21 Review: New diva’s wish
The birth of a new determination…and a new songstress. And we get some levity this episode with a “peaceful” resolution between Kanata and “shirokamen”.
Bang Brave Bang Braven ep.8 review: Musashi Last Lovemaking by Lewis
The stakes are raised much higher as Lewis and the Brave Knights have to face Cunus, the nigh omnipotent Deathdrive of Debauchery. Episode 8 puts Bang in the Bang Brave Bang Bravern in two different senses.
Synduality: Noir Ep 20 Review: The Unveiled Past
The aftermath of an intense battle is always a perfect chance to look back…and we peeked much further into the past…the days of Pascale.
Metallic Rouge Ep.8 Review: Going Rogue
From exposition to all out war, Metallic Rouge once again flip us on the tone and the pacing of the story. And it seems like everyone is going down in the next one.
Metallic Rouge Ep.7 Review: Saving Private Rouge
Metallic Rouge is reaching its end – the events are being dished out really fast, maybe even too fast.
Bang Brave Bang Braven ep.7 Review: Burn Axe and Dark Truth
Bravern and gang finally confront the big bad that destroyed Tokyo. On top of the battles, episode 7 reveal new secrets about both the hero and the villains.
Synduality: Noir Ep 18 & 19 Review: The Swan Song
A tragic tale of a false songstress. Ciel gave her life to her master, but gave her soul to Kanata. The last melody of love and trust to give new life to another.
Metallic Rouge Ep.6 Review: Murder on the Orient Express and Kamen Rouge-der
Hell Jaron decided to play a game with Rouge and Naomi. On top of it, a new plot twist, or is it just Naomi trolling?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep 6 Review: Saviour at Dawn
Obari literally said “That’s how you do an Uprising”. New characters, new mechas and new attacks, oh and also a new but old revelation about Bravern’s rival.
Metallic Rouge Ep 5 Review: Fractured History
A lucid dream while Rouge was in the hands of a jester as Naomi raced to save her. A confusing history of the Proto-Neans open the doors to…more confusing stuff?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep 5 Review: Bromance Is A Man’s Romance
Lewis and Isami getting up-close, personal and steamy with each other. And Obari is really hitting us with fetishes after fetishes.
Synduality: Noir Ep 17 Review: Breaking Point
Besieged from all sides – old allies turned enemies, and new threats appear from the lost city. Kanata had to go through all that and more – the betrayal of one of his most trusted person.
Synduality: Noir Ep 16 Review: Noir’s existence
When the light is too bright, the shadow will disappear. Two spirit cannot live in one body – now that Mystere is recovering, what will happen to Noir?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.4 Review: The Calm Before The Storm
After three episodes of combat, it’s time for rest and reflection. Episode 4 nailed the character moment for Isami and set up what’s coming next.
Metallic Rouge Ep.4 Review: Versus Green Scarecrow
The police force launched an assault on Wellstown’s Nean settlement, and Rouge faced off with Phantom Verde. An unfitting end for a mini arc.
Synduality: Noir Ep 15 Review: Dueling Fates
Once allies, now enemies. Kurokamen and Kanata engaged in spectacular fashion – and the door to Tokio’s dark past is slowly opening up. What could be hidden in there?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern ep.3 Review: Beauty from the Beast
Brave Shu-ba-ba-ba-bang! Ep.3 slows the story down and focuses on Lewis and the strange girl he stumbled on, Lulu.
Ultraman Blazar ep 24 & 25: Blazing and Encompassing Blazar
The not-so-explosive but undoubtedly epic climax of Blazar. A unique approach to tying up the story. And an amazing payback for the journey.
Metallic Rouge Ep.3 Review: Freedom for tools and equipments
Out of the desert, our heroines try to infiltrate a Nean settlement, but has a disagreement and Rouge decides to infiltrate the settlement herself. What will come of this situation?
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.2 Review: the Lewis Slap is real
The time for a duel has come – Bravern faces off against Superbia. Episode two keeps the hype train going with the fight scenes and fun surprises.
Metallic Rouge Ep.2 Review – A slight flex in animation
The mission of the heroines continues…on public transport. There, they are met with a handful of new faces, as well as mercenaries.
Synduality: Noir Ep 14 Review: The Power To Reach “That Place”
After steeling their resolve, Kanata and Mystere began preparing to go to Histoire. But it isn’t a simple trip, since they’d have to go up…wayyyy up.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Ep.1 Review: The glorious (unofficial) return of the Brave
When the Bravern is Bang, Masami Obari surprises us in the most unexpected way. The spirit of the Yuusha is strong with this one.
Metallic Rouge Ep.1 Review: A not very impressive first episode
Beginning of Rouge Redstar and Naomi Orthmann’s mission to eliminate the rogue androids. Does it live up to the hype?
Synduality: Noir Ep 13 Review: Burning Desire
A new saga begins! The mysterious Magus with extraordinary power has taken over Noir. And Kanata wanted to show her the world that he lives in.
Ultraman Blazar ep 23: The Threat Approaches
A terrible revelation about a threat that’s coming from beyond. A “visitor” with hostile intention is coming to Earth. And it’s up to Earth’s Kaiju to put a stop to it.
Bullbuster Ep 12 Review: Final Extermination
Let’s pull out all the stops! The final extermination operation Ryugan Island commences, and bring us to a conclusion of the series.
Ultraman Blazar ep 22: The Price Of Kindness
A lesson about humanity’s kindness and sincerity. A heartwarming scene in a destroyed city. Oh, and don’t forget to buy your insurance!
Bullbuster Ep 11 Review: Fight Fire With Fire
Shiota barring its full fangs against Namidome, using vast resources and connections. However, our main cast also got some big help!
Ultraman Blazar ep 21: Feel The Need…For Speed
Take to the sky with Earth Garon as Anri and Yasu engage in a mach speed battle. This mission pushes them to the limit physically with the new upgrade to A-kun.
Bullbuster Ep 10 Review: It’s Time To Fight Back
The tipping point has been reached. President Tajima made a choice once and for all just as Namidome’s employee rise up against Shiota.
Ultraman Blazar ep 20: Assault Of The Insect
Family relationship is always awkward for military man, and after Gento, it’s Teruaki’s turn to worry about his relatives. A swarm of emotion floods this episode.
Bullbuster Ep 9 Review: It’s Time For The Truth
The truth revealed at last. Namidome is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The big shall crush the small, or will there be a spark of hope for them?
Bullbuster Ep 8 Review: It’s Restructuring Time
Namidome finally catches a break, or do they? A sudden inspection that comes with a promising financial backing, or is there something deeper behind the scene?
Ultraman Blazar ep 19: The Song Of Fire And Lightning
The alien Kaiju threat intensifies as Emi and Gento dig deeper into the GGF’s hidden secret. And a fiery ally arrive for a blazing showdown.
Ultraman Blazar ep 18: Keep Digging Deeper
A monster from space threatens the city with poisonous gas, and Capt Gento has to juggle between his family, his power as Blazar and his duty as SKaRD commander to watch over Emi.
Bullbuster Ep 7 Review: It’s Time For Goodbye…
Namari continues to piss us off, while Nagisa steadily climb the ranks of most precious character. Arumi once again has to be on the receiving end of loss.
Ultraman Blazar ep 17: Ultraman Bleachzar
A soul hunter seeking to lay a spirit to rest. Blazar team up with a samurai to deliver some amazing beatdown to a familiar “enemy”.
Bullbuster Ep 6 Review: It’s Harassment Time
Harassment in the workplace comes in all shapes and forms. This time Bullbuster show us the 2 most common in Japan: unsavory behaviours and abuse of power.
Bullbuster Ep 5 Review: It’s Recruitin’ Time!
New characters are introduced with a big jump in plot development. Bullbuster is pushing through the plot at a steady pace.
Ultraman Blazar ep 16: Zura janai… A-kun desu!
The best way to understand and to defeat someone is to use their deepest, darkest fear. But our heroine always improvise, adapt and overcome!
Gundam Build Metaverse Ep 2 & 3 Review
The double broadcast of Metaverse bring things to a boiling climax…not. A promising OVA cut short by setting up an exciting premise yet never follow through, leaving fans wanting more.
Bullbuster Ep 4 Review: It’s Capturin’ time
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.
Ultraman Blazar ep 15 Review: Kaiju Is Art…Literally
A relatively bright and light-hearted episode that shows the unlimited imagination and benevolence of youth. And Gento struggle to be a good “daddy” iykwim 😉
Bullbuster Ep 3 Review: It’s Depressin’ time(?)
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.