Shakugan no Shana III (Final) – 04, 05
「再会と、邂逅と」 (Saikaito, Kaikouto)
“Reunions and Chance Meetings”
After two weekends of being stuck out of state combined with exams eating what remaining time I had left, it feels nice to have a chance to finally catch up on these posts that I’m terribly, terribly behind on. So, let’s begin this first of three double episode posts!
Chihayafuru – 06
「けふここのへににほひぬるかな」 (Kefuko Kono E ni Nihohinuru kana)
“Now Bloom Inside the Ninefold Palace”
If you were worried that Chihayafuru was getting a little too melodramatic after episode 5, this week’s effort should be a welcome change. It’s a return to the innocent, childlike exuberance of the first three episodes – and damned if it didn’t actually get me interested in Karuta a little bit, too.
Last Exile -Ginyoku no Fam- – 04
「Dubious move」
The fourth episode of Last Exile: Fam tries awfully hard to please. I think it would be well served to try a little less hard as it develops.
Ben-To – 05
「北海道の鮭を使ったあら汁 326kcal」 (Hokkaidō no Shake o Tsukatta Arajiru 326kcal)
“Fish Soup with Hokkaido Salmon 326kcal”
They’ve gotta start using guys for the break image soon, right?
Mirai Nikki – 05
「ボイスメモ」 (Boisu Memo)
“Voice Memo”
It was a big episode for Yukkii. He’s finally come to realize that Yuno is the perfect girl, except for that one nagging flaw – she’s a stalker and her house is full of bodies. I feel you, Little Brother – haven’t we all been there?
Gundam AGE – 05
「魔少年」 (Mashounen)
“Devil Boy”
In some ways, Gundam AGE continues to follow a somewhat predictable progression to establish Flit as the Gundam’s pilot, but the introduction of “devil boy” Desil Galette (Takagaki Ayahi) manages to keep me guessing about the direction the series is headed.
WORKING’!! – 06
「就任、解任、もう堪忍」 (Shūnin, Kainin, Mō Kannin)
“Hired, Fired, Tired”
At Wagnaria, it’s customary to be greeted by blackmail and falcon punches on (hell, even after) your first day.
Fate/Zero – 06
「謀略の夜」 (Bouryaku no Yoru)
“Night of Stratagems”
The episode title said it all, so I don’t think anyone should be terribly disappointed that the action dialed back this week in favor of more exposition. It’s not like more exposition is ever a bad thing when it comes to Fate/Zero, but Kiritsugu did blow up a building to make sure everyone’s paying attention.
Ao no Exorcist – OVA
「クロの家出」 (Kuro no Iede)
“Kuro Runs Away From Home”
If you’re tempted to skip over this OVA as a superfluous extra – don’t. It might not be essential to the overall plot, but it’s highly rewarding just the same.