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Summary:
After challenging Hibiki to a duel (last episode), Tsubasa makes good on her word and pulls out one of her ultimate attacks. Fortunately, Genjuro, the leader of the 2nd Division, arrives at the scene quickly enough to break them apart. He is apparently strong enough to stop Tsubasa with just his bare fists.
After the shaky beginning between the two girls, Hibiki’s and Tsubasa’s relationship don’t improve much even after a month. Hibiki is still trying to get the hang of her symphogear, while Tsubasa is riddled with guilt; believing that her weakness was the cause for Kanade’s death. While Hibiki nears the point of exhaustion from her part-time duty of saving the world from Noise, Tsubasa begins to withdraw her emotions more and more, claiming that “a weapon needs no emotions.”
I guess I can't really blame Tsubasa for acting the way she does. Her attitude's still hella annoying at times, though.
There is another short info-dump on the Noise. It seems they were around since ancient times, but are resurfacing in startling numbers now. It appears that someone is sending the Noise out to attack the school, because it holds the “Durandal.” The Durandal are relic fragments that anyone can use, not just those wearing symphogear. However, it needs to be activated first. There is also the possibility of some U.S. terrorists who want to get their hands on it.
...I think it's just pure coincidence that the two anime series that I am reviewing have a perverted female character...
Not long after this, Hibiki is forced to choose her job over watching shooting stars with her best friend, Miku. This causes her great pain and she enters a brief rage mode. Still unable to draw her Arms Gear, she simply wails on enemies with her fists. Tsubasa then makes a dramatic entrance to destroy the remaining Noise. Hibiki tries to appeal to Tsubasa again, but their reunion is interrupted by the appearance of a new villain.
HIBIKI, NO ;-;
I'm sorry, but you get villain points subtracted for having the most ridiculous costume in this show. Also, a note to costume designers: armor is supposed to PROTECT the chest area, not show it off!
My Opinion:
This series seems to have found its stride, so the usual stuff like singing and animation are all about the same as the last few episodes. I still have the same opinion on both these things so I won’t bore you by talking about them here.
I am pleased that the plot continues to take center stage, despite the higher than usual fanservice segments that appeared in the last episode. This one had much less, so I’m guessing (or hoping, rather), that future episodes won’t be super fanservice heavy. The plot itself is still rather interesting, and I’m curious to see what happens next. The only thing that kind of made me “:/” was the hint of the U.S. government being a potential baddie. Japan, why you always gotta rag on us? I probably wouldn’t be so biased in disliking this trope if I wasn’t an American citizen myself, but I still think that any “X COUNTRY IS BAD” used as a plot device is in poor taste. Anyway, I digress…
I was actually surprised by the introduction of a main villain this episode. With the Noise being as dangerous to humans as they are, I didn’t expect there to be a person who would be the “mastermind” behind all the attacks; but there you go! I’m not sure what to think of her yet, other than her outfit is really ridiculous. I know it’s supposed to be “threatening” but I’m not really getting that vibe… I hope she turns out to be a well-written villain and not just the “EVIL FOR THE LULZ!” character.
Overall, an average but decent episode. There seemed to be a little less action than past episodes, though it’s still an interesting watch. Character developments and interactions so far are handled very well too.
Out of five:
I still think Hibiki's symphogear armor is a little uninspired, but it has grown on me.
