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Shana3_11_1

Things just continue to get crazy with the full out war between Flame Haze and Tomogara picking up steam. A key point in the episode as well was the awakening of Margery and what happened next with Satou. The ending definitely sets up a good fight as well with Sabrac being used to buy time. In that sense he is the ultimate stall tactic since it’s so hard to attack his main body. Doing that required a great deal of effort and planning the previous time. Even with an excellent quality of forces they won’t be able to quickly defeat him. Carmel might be able to take care of his annoying ability to make wounds continue to bleed, but fighting Sabrac is like being in a marathon.

It was interesting to see both sides throwing their tactics and plans at each other. Though I have to say the trick played by Rami was probably the most effective. That bird trick was annoying for Margery to deal with, but it’s utterly devastating in a military sense. They could sneak in such a huge force which turned the tide of the battle. Of course that doesn’t mean the Flame Haze didn’t get some good shots in here. They forced Decarabia into the open and thus were able to take down the one left behind by the Trinity to handle the forces. They do have a leader that came with the western army, but hard to say if that guy is nearly as competent as Decarabia in handling all the armies.

On that note this episode probably had the most bad-ass attack from a woman dressed in a nun that I’ve seen in some time. To be fair the only fighting nun that come to mind is Rosette from Chrno Crusade. Anyways she just owned Decarabia in one shot. Sure, that apparently took a lot out of her, but damn if it didn’t get the job done.

The more emotional moments of the episode certainly came from Satou and Margery. When the series was in it’s first season can’t say I would have seen this coming. While Satou’s feelings towards Margery weren’t hard to see as time went on, it took a while to notice things from her perspective. This episode gave him the chance to say everything he needed to say and express his love for her. Of course it did take a bit of a kick from Eita and Marcosius for him to actually do that.

Really this was just a nice scene with both of them making clear how they felt. Margery getting that full confession out of him and then things taking their natural next step. Small chuckle when she had to put a unrestricted spell on him before that could happen XD. It’s actually nice in anime to see an official pairing just happen and them not shying away from the fact that they slept together. Both (certainly Margery) are old enough to make that kind of decision and pretty much all the characters knew it was going to happen. So anyways good on Satou x Margery XD!

In terms of the war, it’s surprising how much growth Shana has gone through. Really she’s been taking command and now her powers have just gone that extra step in terms of usefulness. Seems this time she’ll be able to match up against Yuji. Of course the Trinity are hardly going to sit around while she tries to stop them.

Like I said before Sabrac is going to be a tough guy to get past. Yuji was clearly thinking of all possibilities when he left him part way behind them. Of course if they want Shana to bust past and go ahead it should be possible. It’s just a question of how large a group they can afford to spend on Sabrac when he’s only one of many enemies.

Things should get all the more entertaining at this point. The battles continue to rage and the plot is going full-steam ahead. It’s a good time to be watching this series.
Score: A+



About FlareKnight:

An older member at 25, yet a new addition to Anime Evo. Recently graduating University and in the difficult point between school and a true career. Anime being a salvation and blogging a good way to put all those hours of writing essays to some use. Enjoys talking about series, yet not taking on so many that the quality dips. A Canadian who enjoys his anime and hearing what others think about the series he enjoys watching.


  • setsuken

    Finally caught up with this series. Apologies for the comment, as it kinda covers the series upto now.

    I’ve gone back and read your reviews, and one thing that I definitely agree with is your assessment of Yuji. While his plan is, I suppose, to fundamentally change the wold as is, its hard to think that an out off control god is actually going to be able to help him do this. If anything, the end goal for said god of creation will probably to double cross Yuji and just assume complete control.

    I find this whole placement of Yuji slightly puzzling, or rather, it just doesn’t fit. Yuji as a villain would’ve been a cool idea, and it kind of is, but his motivation seems a bit muddled, and forced. He NEEDS a reason to believe he needs to save Shana, and hence he walks the evil path.

    Thing is, Yuji was never a dumb character. As Shana constantly points out, it was Yuji that came up with all the plans and was the brains of the operation. Him being extremely stupid… well, its just stupid.

    That said, the way Shana’s changed, and become less of a bitchy whinner, is refreshing. Shana is the most likeable she’s ever been, and the story itself really is coming to one major end.

    Finally, As for this episode, the major thing of note was the whole Margery x Satou thing. I never saw it being properly developed, or even hinted at at all, in past seasons, so it was really kinda surprising.

    At the same time, despite the fact that the development and setup was absent, I couldn’t find myself hating the development. If anything, it was nice to see at least two characters find happiness and admit their feelings for one another.

    In essence, I’d say that Margery’s character arc for the series wrapped up in this episode. Now I guess she and Satou are going to serve as support for Shana and the rest.

    I’m eagerly anticipating where this series goes. It seems like it’ll be nothing more than 13 episodes, which is a major breaking of point as far as tradition goes, but given how close to the end the story seems to be, it doesn’t seem like they can stretch this out for another 12 episodes XD

    • FlareKnight

      A comment covering the series to this point is fine by me. Get some good insights :) .

      When it comes to Yuji I agree there is a danger putting so much trust in this god of creation. He has the power here and who knows what he could do to. It’s possible they really are on the same page, but there are still issues here.

      Yuji has always been a bit dense when it comes to emotions. It took him how long to even conceive that Shana might have feelings for him? But still it’s been a bit odd to watch him, the brains of their group be rather stupid. He didn’t get why Shana was scared of him and has this belief they will end up together after he succeeds in his ‘ambition’. I can get his probable motive of not wanting Shana to fight forever and perhaps get killed. Seems he also hinted that he’ll protect his loved ones from Tomogara by doing this.

      Still I think nearly killing friends (like Margery), kidnapping (Shana), etc is a good way to make long bonds. He’ll cut all his ties to everyone by doing this and won’t get what he wanted. Not to mention the problem that even if he stops Tomogara attacks by doing this it won’t change that his loved ones could die. The world is hardly safe even without them.

      I also like Shana’s development. She’s gone through some difficult experiences, but came through them pretty well. It’s been a key change in Shana to realize her feelings fully and to come in touch with her true strength. She’s now stronger than she used to be mentally and physically.

      With Margery and Satou I was a bit surprised early in this season when it started to get really hinted at. Satou’s feelings have been clear enough from early in the show so that wasn’t a problem. Margery’s was much more subtle though seemed like a couple hints were sprinkled in the second season and some more here. It could have been more obvious, but considering Margery’s position and passion for revenge it’s not too surprising. Plus like you said it’s nice to see characters getting together and being happy. A lot of time romance in a more action series is either hinted at or not really touched at all. In this case it’s nice to just have two characters admit their feelings.

      Without a major revelation I agree it’s hard to see how much further they can take the series. We’re already in the middle of the war and heading to a major battle. Suppose anything could happen if they wanted to stretch it out though.