A Gaichuu with no openings. Lag, Zazie, and Noir are just firing blanks now.

「決戦!ユウサリ中央(セントラル)」 (Kessen! Yuusari Chuuou (Sentoraru))
“Decisive Battle! Yuusari Central”

Tegami Bachi is generally know for its immersive world and emotion-filled stories, but this lead-up to the finale gave quite a different look with its action-filled city-wide destruction. Once the Bee Hive was completely destroyed by Cabernet, it honestly felt like the series had tread past a point of no return. Once Maka showed up to help and Yuusari Central was getting destroyed from the inside out, the scale of the battle was taken to a whole other level. As is often the case, there wasn’t really a sense of urgency while it all happened. Instead, it was simply bewilderment over the fact that something so drastic was happening that made it all exciting to watch.

 

After all my talk about some nameless Bees, we finally see some!

My hunch on giving Thunderland the benefit of the doubt wasn’t for naught, so I was secretly happy about seeing that come to fruition. Aria also got her moment in the spotlight by foiling Lawrence’s plan to a certain degree and springing the surprise on Maka’s arrival. Given how she appeared right on cue, it seemed like the legendary creature was lying in wait for Cabernet to come busting through the city, though I’m inclined to believe that Maka had just made it to Yuusari and that Aria and the others would’ve liked to save the Bee Hive if possible. Of course, that seemed to be the least of their concerns with the chance to bring down Lawrence, Caribs, and Hazel.

 

Maka vs. Cabernet. Godzilla-size action!

I had a feeling that Lloyd wasn’t just taking a vacation out of the blue.

The real reinforcements arrive.

That was a pretty weak attempt on Aria’s part to apprehend the Reverse trio considering that none of the Bees were packing guns. I can’t say I’m all that surprised that it turned out to be just another face-to-face confrontation, considering how all of Lag’s run-ins with them have ended up the same way. The best thing I took away from the discussion was how Signal and Signaless really stuck it to Lawrence by revealing that they planned to betray him from the very start. Lawrence was livid and I enjoyed every moment of it.

 

The most important girl in Gauche’s life is saved by the most important girl in Noir’s life.

Niche’s learned a lot of new techniques, making her a deadly combo with her sister.

Lag and Noir deal the finishing blow. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

It wasn’t quite how I imagined, but I did get what I was hoping for — Noir and Roda fighting alongside Lag and Niche. The former two have become a respectable pair who doesn’t support the Amberground government or Reverse, so it’s quite possible they may show up periodically in the future to lend Lag a helping hand. Unfortunately, that seems to close the chapter on the hopes of bringing Gauche back, as indicated by both Lag and Sylvette’s acceptance of it. I don’t know if it’s any consolation knowing that he’s alive and pursuing his new-found aspirations supporting Roda, but Lag seems to have come to terms with how Noir still exhibits a lot of Gauche’s characteristics even without his memories. From a viewer’s perspective, it’s far from a happy ending but definitely not a horrible one. I’ll still have mixed feelings about it if they leave it at that, provided there is a third sequel in store later on.

 

Lawrence finally does something befitting of his extremist character.

Noir on the other hand protects Lag just like Gauche would have.

Preview

Noir’s bleeding to death and Cabernet is rushing off towards the artificial sun.
Can this be wrapped up in a single episode? The season two finale is next!

15 Comments

  1. They sure know how to keep you on your toes =03. This was a GREAT episode, with quite the climatic feel to it with all the character entrances. I’m glad Lag finally accepted Noir as NOT Gauche, because his obsession with that in the latter half of this 2nd series was getting on my nerves =0/. He’s really been too dependent on wanting Gauche, so by him being Noir(and Lag accepting that), it eliminates that need, and allows Lag to get some character growth by his own experiences rather than relying on Gauche’s ideals from 5 years ago.

    Once again, Niche becomes the perfect medicine for Lag by telling him Noir is “Gauche” as well. That was a touching moment with Niche saying she will always stay by Lag’s side. Makes me wonder if Niche is more important to Lag than Sylvette?

    frubam
  2. Awesomeness filled this episode from the beginning til the end. I wasn’t expecting the Maka to show up with Niche’s sister…wow it’s nice to see the sisters are fighting together. It was great to see everyone united, but I wanted to see all the letter bees fight the Carbanet as a team. (Hope to see it in the last episode. – Can’t believe it’s almost over.) Noir/Lag combo = ultimate shindan attack. (I guess Zazie was not needed.) If Noir survives this, then maybe another season. (Fingers crossed)

    Rika
  3. It was a pretty interesting episode as we saw glimpses of everyone together working to thawrt Reverse’s plans. The question I have is will we see Lag’s Mother next week as the Cabernet attacks the sun? It would be pretty epic if there were heart-fueled flying vehicles around.

    Shadiic
  4. Can’t believe that Tegami Bachi is going to end next episode… how much of that which is unexplained can be explained in one episode? Lawrence’s disgusting facial expressions reminded me of Orochimaru as he was getting his heart eaten by the Cabernet… I have to say Tegami Bachi really is one of a kind, I don’t think I’ll see another anime quite like it anytime soon in the future.

    azuredivinity
  5. This was a great episode but – after all the struggle for him, and for Lag accepting him, don’t tell me that Gauche will die! I’m gona feel like I wasted these weeks.. Sorry, I just like happy endings, or at least I hoped that finally one of my favourite characters survive the series.
    I hope that there will be a 3rd season, the problem of the capital haven’t been solved yet (or with the Reverse gone, it just doesn’t matter any more? ) And I want to know more about Lag’s mother.
    Thanks for the entry, like always.

    Bambi

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