「開幕の刻」 (Kaimaku no Koku)
“The Curtain Goes Up”

After two amazing prologue episodes that established the world we’re about to dive into, this third episode scaled things back a bit and focused on some of the finer points about this “Holy Grail War”.

Getting Up to Speed

Out of all the things that draw me to this series, one of biggest is watching Shirou as he adapts and grows to the idea that he’s really living in a world where magic exists. Sure, his late stepdad may have introduced him to the basics but there’s a huge difference between imagining what you can do and seeing it unfold right before your eyes. And I don’t know about you but between being brought back from the brink of death and summoning one of the strongest servants, you have to wonder why Shirou isn’t asking even more questions than he already has.

Luckily this episode did a great job at giving us a quick and dirty explanation about just how serious of a situation Shirou landed himself in. Coming straight from the mouth of the always-creepy Kotomine, it became crystal clear that Shirou isn’t in any position to just walk away and ignore what’s slowly unraveling before him. Stuck in an inner battle between living a normal life and doing the right thing, you have to wonder just how far he’ll go to stand up for what he believes in.

Show Spoiler ▼

Viewing Experiences

Ever since episode 00, a recurring question I’ve seen in the comments has been newer viewers asking whether or not it’s safe to watch this adaptation without watching Studio Deen’s take at it or the prequel to all of this. While I’ve already copy and pasted a great comment that explains everything in a few sentences, it got me thinking — how much of a difference is there really? Specifically, how different is the experience for viewers who’ve already seen everything versus someone who’s watching all of this for the first time? While I can’t speak for the later, I can say for sure that as a veteran of the series, I’m excited for the journey we’re about to embark on. And if anything, I’d love to hear what new viewers have to say!

Looking Ahead

So after three episodes, I must say that Fate/stay night UBW seems to be doing everything right. While it might be a little unrealistic to expect any show to give us two double length episodes to get all the introductions out of the way while giving us a taste of what’s to come, there’s no denying that its an effective way of getting the ball rolling. Anyways, I hope you’re as excited as I am for what’s to come! See you next week when we get to see Berserker (Berser-car?) and his fabulous muscles.

 

Preview

150 Comments

  1. Ah yes, the UBW/ Rin route, already Shirou is scoring flags on Rin without even realizing.
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2024.jpg

    Fate Zero question
    Show Spoiler ▼

    Prisma Illya observation
    Show Spoiler ▼

    echykr
    1. Saber observations
      Show Spoiler ▼

      Drasca
      1. Saber
        Show Spoiler ▼

        EamonX
      2. Show Spoiler ▼

        Drasca
      3. Show Spoiler ▼

        Jim Dean
  2. Another amazing episode!

    Just a question about the Jewell that Rin used to heal Shirou is the discrepency between episode 0 and Episode 1 and 2. In episode 0 we see Archer give her the Jewell back saying he went to pick it up after they had healed Shirou, yet we see that Shirou still has the Jewell? Did I miss something??

    If it’s a spoiler please put the answer in spoiler tags.

    Scruffy
    1. This is a HUGE plot point and a HUGE spoiler if you try to find any information about it.
      Show Spoiler ▼

      I tried to be as vague as possible but alfljfkdsjfdsf you just wait.

    2. It’s also very important for another reason.
      Show Spoiler ▼

      Znail
      1. If I remember correctly, the jewel is a device to store mana over long periods of time. Rin had spent many years storing mana into the jewel to aid her in the Holy Grail War. But unexpectedly she had to use its full contents to heal Shirou from the brink of death.

        As Archer says in ep0, you can never have enough mana so the aim is to always gather more.

        EamonX
    1. Its unfortunate that in this route….
      Show Spoiler ▼

      nexuszero
      1. I think Ufotable will…

        Show Spoiler ▼

        EamonX
  3. I think the fact that I don’t remember the original Fate/Stay Night (or the UBW movie) very well makes this series more enjoyable for me =P I like how I already know the basis of what’s going to happen, but the little details still surprise me. I also don’t remember Shirou losing his first Command Spell so easily =X oh wells…

    I would’ve thought that Saber would connect the dots a lot faster after finding out Shirou’s last name and the people that are involved in this war. It would help HIM too because then he wouldn’t go blindingly trusting Kirei. I also feel bad for Saber… being summoned in two wars back to back? Damn, that sucks =S

    1. according to the games/lore servants should not remember being summoned multiple times. It kinda pissed me off that saber even said she remembered. I understand that they want to connect it to fate/zero, but man what about heavens feel?

      blairblare
      1. Yes, there is a very specific reason for why she recalls previous grail summons. Unfortunately this point may not be covered in UBW. If you wish to know now:

        Why she remembers
        Show Spoiler ▼

        Why other heroes don’t remember
        Show Spoiler ▼

        kssyu
      2. Re: kssyu, other heroes remembering,
        Show Spoiler ▼

        flap
    2. Makes sense that you don’t remember Shirou burning it so early. That first command seal is the branch point between the Fate (basis of the Deen ver.) and UBW (current ver.) routes; using it leads to UBW, not using it gives us Fate.

      SK
      1. Well, there’ll always be some idiots without sense of humour / too stuckup in their moralfag uprighteousness whenever it comes to these humourous servicey posts.

        And if people downvote this in retaliation, it simply means they’re butthurt that I’m telling the truth.

        anonymous
  4. Kotomine was never a mindless killer ‘itching to just kill everything in front of him’ as you put it, also, he actually held Kiritsugu in high regard despite anything else. Show Spoiler ▼

    Giorno Giovanna
  5. Show Spoiler ▼

    NothingLess
    1. Dude, you should really put a spoiler tag as people that have not watched the movie or read UBW that come across this comment will get massively spoiled. DO NOT READ HIS COMMENT if you are passing through the comments people!!!

      ButterzBoy
    2. They have announced that Heavens Feel will be it’s own movie next year. The thing about that is that I hope it will be more then just one movie, because obviously they aren’t going fit the entire story into 2 hour film.

      XxVanitasXx
    3. Oh yeah,my bad,sorry everyone,didn’t know that there were some people who didn’t get to see the MOVIE.
      > < really get sucks in Internet during those days without internet

      NothingLess
    4. You should use spoiler tags. If you want an explanation for Berserker vs Gilgamesh..

      Show Spoiler ▼

      BTW there will be a series(?) of Heaven Feel movies made by ufotable. If you want a route where nearly all the characters get a chance to shine, that would be it.

      kssyu
      1. Show Spoiler ▼

        NothingLess
      2. @NothingLess
        Show Spoiler ▼

        Nayrael
      3. Show Spoiler ▼

        NothingLess
  6. I wonder to what extent does Saber remember the events of the 4th Holy Grail War. From mentioning that she has been in this time period to the slight reaction to the name “Emiya”. Kinda expected to see Kotomine be more ecstatic to meet the fostor son of Emiya Kiritsugu or did he just think that it was a coincidence?

    Show Spoiler ▼

    Flappy
  7. Mix ups, Clarification, Not completely spoilery, but taking no risks.
    Show Spoiler ▼

    Drasca
    1. More spoilers, big spoilers, very big.

      Show Spoiler ▼

      flap
      1. Preaching to the choir here!
        Show Spoiler ▼

        Drasca
  8. Too bad that this version is making the same mistake that other versions, and vns in general do: Leaving out the monologue.
    Show Spoiler ▼

    Yogghii
    1. Show Spoiler ▼

      1. Sorry for the lack of spoiler tags haha, didn’t think about putting them up.

        Show Spoiler ▼

        Yogghii
  9. As a veteran of this series, I can say for a fact that even though I know what will exactly happen down to the very words the characters will say,I am enjoying the heck out of each and every second of this adaptation.

    bakakubi
  10. I was hoping we would see Berserker battle this episode. Instead this episode was mostly just exposition dump. That’s fine though, since this is a highly detailed world, it would be best to get the basics of the settings established. Certainly can’t wait for next week now.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2015.jpg
    One thing I really did like that UFOTABLE added was when the great fire ten years ago is mentioned, Shirou has a visible anxiety attack. Its subtle, but it shows how that event affects Shirou so much and how it shapes him as a character, for better and for worse.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2004.jpg
    My only (minor) gripe is the scene earlier where Rin laments not summoning Saber. In the VN she just laments loudly her feelings and that was it. Here she sort of just spazzes… then sticks her ass out to Shirou. I appreciate the Rin backstory UFOTABLE, but that was a little too over-the-top.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2002%20-%20Large%2023.jpg
    Now about the character redesigns, lets talk about Shirous new outdoor outfit. Mainly the fact he actually has one now! I like the jacket he was given, its very minimalist but does wonders to give him an air of a protagonist of a fantasy-action setting. I dare say it even gives him GAR vibes? It’s certainly a better look than the lame blue-white shirt or the dull khaki brown uniform he has been stuck with all these years.

    Also for the VN readers
    Show Spoiler ▼

    fragb85
  11. For a series like this, it’s incredibly hard to write anything that won’t end up sounding like gushing and obnoxious key smashing, but I will say that I am an incredible fan of all things Fate and having prior knowledge of what is to come combine with Ufotable’s amazing budget is almost dizzying. This should be an incredible ride for all involved. And as a side note, what I look forward to most this season is Shirou and Rin’s amazing chemistry and banter. Shirou x Rin <3

    Kagehina13
    1. No, it is actually to help the newbies that don’t want to be spoiled; however it could also help those other newbies that don’t care for being spoiled and want to “complete the lore’s jigsaw” faster.

      Some people just want to write of what they want to see animated or of how everything connects so well.

      kob264
    2. Yeah, sure. Explaining hidden in Spoilers to newbies, what will happen, or mysteries uncovered for them. Sure it helps a lot for their curiosity

      is it not better to let them find it out themselves? to tame their own curiosity?

      Today, if you not have the patience to wait until mysteries are uncovered, you just go google it….

      Germanguy
    3. Yeah, your right. But i fear in the future this Site get the reputation of just Looking for the Pretty Pictures and Editors thoughts, but avoid the comments full of spoilers

      Germanguy
    4. Spoilers are the only way that people who are familiar with an almost 10 year old story and new viewers can discuss it together.
      No one is forcing new viewers to click the tags and if someone is irrationally compelled to read spoilers then they have bigger problems than being spoiled
      I noticed that you, Germanguy, were quite happy to post spoilers in some discussions while always being one of the first to bemoan their use.

      celebrinen
      1. From what I’ve seen at RC so far you’ve complained about spoilers in Sidonia, Barakamon and now FSN (that I’m aware of).
        Didn’t you spoil yourself reading the discussions on Sidonia and then read the manga and start posting spoilers yourself? If so then the problem is yours alone. I’m sure other new watchers are strong enough to resist clicking the tag if they don’t want to.

        Correct me if I’m wrong but people familiar with FSN are perfectly free to discuss whatever they want here so long as they do it with consideration and courtesy.

        celebrinen
      2. I did not post Spoilers of Sidonia, and others. Or are you refereeing to my Appetizers? But yes, i read the Manga a bit ahead (not all), to recognize Spoilers. Celebrinen, i am talking about the Site here. The Reputation is on its stake. Would you visit a Site, where the Comments are full of spoilers (even hidden)? The comments are there to talk and discuss about the Episode, or a bit speculation. But it is not there to Show the World, how the Story will unfold or Mysteries explanation. The Spoilers takes away the curiosity. The tingling in the stomach seeing the Episode is gone. Should we not take aware of this?

        Germanguy
      3. I love RC and have no problems with spoilers. It’s real simple, I don’t click on the tags and if I do it’s my fault.
        Just because you have a problem doesn’t mean everyone else does too.

        celebrinen
      4. @germanguy you do realize that not allowing spoiler tags at all means that anyone that has read the VNs or just knows what’s coming basically can never post meaningful things, right? they can’t have a speculative discussion if they know all the answers. posting questions for the people that don’t know will also have bias, pointing others to things that they might not have noticed and might only notice if they knew.

        GoXDS
  12. While this probably won’t effect any decisions, with all the talk about what to watch in what order, I’d strongly suggest NOT starting with Fate/Zero.

    It’s great and attracted a lot of fans obviously, but it spoils a ton of character relationships and plot details that were surprises in Fate/Stay Night originally.

    UBW should be a fine jumping on point though, especially with this episode. The ideal would be this, then waiting for the Heaven’s Feel movie, THEN Fate/Zero as a bonus.

    Nex
    1. I disagree. Watching Fate/Zero first adds many layers of subtext and significance to characterization and plot development in the UBW anime, especially in the first three episodes. It produces a different viewing experience, that is not necessarily inferior to jumping into the anime blind, and in some ways, perhaps superior.

      Coming from F/Z, and having never read the visual novels (I went on a Wiki binge on Type Moon wiki before, but that;s about it), I admire UFOtable’s ability to cater and keep the interest of the F/Z audience while simultaneously focusing on ensuring that UBW can work as a standalone (and hence the expository, worldbuilding nature of this episode).

      Show Spoiler ▼

      Andmeuths
      1. I agree that if you only want to watch the anime, starting with F/Z is fine to build hype, especially since F/Z don’t spoil much of the UBW Route; however, it does spoil the Fate and (to a lesser extent) Heaven’s feel routes.
        Why? well…
        In Fate…
        Show Spoiler ▼

        In HF…
        Show Spoiler ▼

        So, is not a question of what is better, is a question of how much of this fictional world you want to know and experience.

        If you don’t know just watch this series an enjoy it.

        If you don’t want to read a Visual novel that literally takes days to complete but is never boring, go ahead and watch F/Z now and then this FSN:UBW.

        If you do want to play/read the VN, then I would suggest doing so and keeping F/Z for later.

        If you want to Dive in the extensive lore of TYPE MOON, then Fate Stay Night (including F/Z) might be the worst start, because in my opinion is better to leave the best for last.

        My personal recommendation for the full TYPE MOON course would be to: first watch the Kara no Kyoukai movies, then to Play/read Tsukihime VN and Kagetsu Tohya [insert here Melty Blood game if you like fighting games], then dive into FSN VN, then either watch F/Z or read it’s LN (or both if you desire) after that is this FSN UBW and the upcoming HF movie(s), follow that with FSN Hollow Ataraxia VN and end with Carnival Phantasm and the other spin offs like Kaleid liner Prisma Illia and CANNAN as dessert; Play Fate EXTRA if you aren’t satisfied, then wait patiently for what the future might bring next.

        Or you could avoid the whole thing and enjoy your free time in other activities, because it really is a lot.

        kob264
      1. Show Spoiler ▼

        Drasca
  13. I have a question. This pendant.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2042.jpg

    In the first episode 0, we brief see Archer retrieving it after Rin used it to save Shirou and handing it back to her. In the previous episode 1, we instead see Shirou grabbing it and running home. Now in this episode, we see that he has kept it and put it in a drawer.

    So what was the pendant that Archer gave back to Rin in the episode 0?

    Raijin
    1. It doesn’t mean of course, you shouldn’t watch Fate/Zero before UBW, unlike what some seem to be claiming. Both are equally valid approaches, that deliver different viewing experiences.

      Andmeuths
      1. Yep, I think watching Fate/Zero first would provide a better experience since UFOtable directed this as a sequel in mind, even though UBW story came way before Fate Zero’s.

        But it works as a standalone too.

        YanDaMan
  14. Damn! The hype for episode 3 is so strong. Berserker vs. Archer and Saber! Here we go! Fast forward time. please… I need a dose of GARcher already.

    Also, nice curves Tohsaka. Archer’s a really smooth fellow.

    Reikakou
  15. Does Rin lives in a big mansion all by herself? Did she clean it all by herself? using magic? or does the allegedly rich Tohsaka family actually have household servants that wasn’t shown to us?

    azimbe
  16. TLDR: I really want to know what audiences jumping into the Fate Series from the 2014 UBW anime think about the characterizations, exposition/worldbuilding and pacing of the show so far. The loudest voices are coming from the VN and F/Z audience, and those have generally been positive, but for the “Watch UBW” first thesis is correct, the UBW anime has to work for the new audiences so far. I think it is fair to ask this question because of the three episode rule widespread among those audiences.

    The main challenge with UBW is that UFOtable is trying to cater to multiple audiences simultaneously – the VN audience, those coming in immediately from Fate/Zero (or perhaps Fate Prisma, to a much, much lesser extent), and those coming in for the first time into the Fate-series/Nasuverse franchise. The voices of the first two groups are extremely loud to the point that they drown out the voices from those who are going into the franchise for the first time. And UFOtable I think has succeeded with catering to the vast majority of the two audiences.

    What I wonder, however, is what the drowned out section of the audience who has never seen any of the Fate Series think of the adaptation. Alot of the praises are coming in from the F/Z and VN perspective, but I am not certain about the “Anime-only” , “First time” viewers. Certainly, from some of the criticisms of the first two episodes of UBW (and yes, those might be trolls), some aspects of UBW triggers warning flags among those in the demography that despise Harem ,High-school , and “Wish-fulfillment OP protagonist” (and I use this term loosely) animes, and anything resembling those two settings.

    Here on out be spoilers elaborating my pointsShow Spoiler ▼

    Andmeuths
    1. As a first-time watcher, I’ll take a stab at answering you. While I’d heard about the whole series/world before, I didn’t come in knowing the details beyond Servants, the Holy War and the Grail (and even then I was pretty lost through the first episode until Rin summoned Archer). All the undertones between the characters were hard to pick up (other than knowing there’s some connection there) and though I’ve been spoiled a bit since, I think watching things being revealed will be just as satisfying – and there’s plenty I still don’t know.
      I think the amount of info that you’d like to know as a first-time viewer could be frustrating, but if there hadn’t been any previous series animated, it would be everyone in the same boat – and on that basis, I think they’re doing a great job with slowly & mysteriously introducing the information, characters and consequences (of plot).

      The animation quality alone just makes me wriggle in delight, and that first battle was fantastic. I think I recall reading people’s high regard for ufotable’s dedication to animation for the previous Fate series, and considering how bad the animation is for several other series I’m currently watching, it’s a joy to just sit and look. I also love Rin and Archer’s style of interactions, and was so disappointed to hear that this is still a male-protagonist focused series. Rin seems to be pretty kick-ass, and there still just aren’t enough of those female characters around. That she might fall for Shiro is sort of annoying to me… but ARCHER.

      For my own labeling, I wouldn’t characterize the show as harem or high school yet, not with the main focus being on magic, the war and Servants. I say yet, since I don’t know what I’ll end up thinking.

      In conclusion, despite ignoring the previous shows, I am now fully on-board watching this one, so ufotable has done something right to be able to pull me in. And I doubt I’ll go back to watch the others.

      Gracelyn
      1. If this is the case though, I highly recommend you watch Fate/Zero after UBW. It’s a very well written story with very rich themes (some of these themes are in play in UBW, some aren’t). It shows what a Grail War really is like were most of the participants adults who spent years preparing for the war. In comparison, FSN is a war between children.

        Your point about Shirou is rather interesting though – knowing what kind of person Kiritsugu was in Fate/Zero I think made Shirou’s character interesting for me. But it’s largely because I don’t see him as a full character, but rather the embodiment of the idea of “what s a hero”, which was also a main theme in Fate/Zero , since Kiritsugu’s ideals informs Shirou’s personality.

        As for Rin
        Show Spoiler ▼

        Andmeuths
    1. Show Spoiler ▼

      kob264
  17. Show Spoiler ▼

    kob264

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