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「生の代償、死の贖い」 (Sei no Daishou, Shi no Aganai)
“Price of Life, Redemption of Death”
I have no idea what’s going on anymore.
General Impressions
After giving Apocrypha one more episode to really see if the show would decide whether or not it was done playing around, I think I can now confidently say that I have absolutely no idea what this show is trying to do. But, after a bit of retrospect, this may be the best thing for the show at this point.
Now you may be asking, “Takaii, how in the world could things be good the way they are?” to which I would reply “They aren’t, but we can find something good here!” To start off, let’s take a step back from the traditional idea of a Fate show focusing on a specific character or set of characters and instead think of Apocrypha as something that is trying to show us just how crazy the idea of having a Holy Grail war is. With two separate teams fighting with their own set of servants, it’s kind of crazy when you think about 14 different servants (plus Ruler) all fighting against each other. With so many different figures that could fill out the roles of Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin, and Berserker for each side, there’s so possible material that you could literally create almost any situation you could imagine. And if I had to praise Apocrypha for doing something well, it’d have to be the variety it’s shown us for all the Servants we’ve seen thus far.
That said, the praise ends there since I honestly can’t think of anything else that’s been done well. The story has been a mess with a lot of focus on Team Black (aka the Yggdmillennias) and barely any on Team Red, characters are just appearing out of nowhere with some dying out of the blue and some creating possible continuity errors, and the overarching goals that the story is trying to push on us seems to have gotten lost amongst all the jumping between characters.
Honestly, I’m trying really hard not to be a downer, but I think I may have went into Apocrypha expecting too much. That said, with my expectations thoroughly adjusted and the possibility that things could make a quick 180 and go from okay to fantastic since the “groundwork” has to end somewhere, I want to believe that in the near future this show will become something we all are excited to watch.
In any case, I’ll catch you next week where we’ll discover whether or not Siegfried’s decision to be a honorable hero was the right one. See you then!
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2039.jpg
I didn’t belive Altolfo was the best girl when all people said. But I must to admit, the gap is so huge there is no room to discussion. He is certainly the best girl, and an awesome bro too.
Reminder that Jeanne is a slut that only cared about MC after he had a dragon cock while Astolfo was by his side when he had a tiny homunculus cock.
Fate/Apocrypha Episode 5 Preview [Eng Sub]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmGB6z9-ng
Doki Doki no Waku Waku
What do we do about the twenty episode left?
Switch to a Romanian Love-Comedy anime?
Then, I’ll be a heroine who will be falling from the sky.
Jeanne will be a shy childhood friend, Thanks!
It’s quite obvious that they don’t want fans to see Astolfo as a male character but as a female character (one of the heroines alongside Jeanne).
Astolfo will be a a heroine who will be falling from the sky.
gay, but accurate, Altolfo confirmed winning the MC bowl
Jeanne will be a shy childhood friend
jeanne confirmed losing the MC bowl
Team Black have homunculi, Frakenstein and Dracula on their team. I don’t think either Berserker of the Red or Seigfried are going to stay dead. Probably a major reason why the focus has been on Team Black is to basically give enough indications of that and to also set up eventual betrayals and stuff.
Reasons we haven’t seen Team Red outside of Moedrid? Is simply because they are probably way worse than Team Black. Shirou saying that they probably should get rid of Moedrid and his master is because Team Red is only Shirou. He’s a damned Kotomine, meaning I can’t trust him being anything other than evil unless he suddenly proves himself otherwise. Once named Kotomine, always stuck with Kotomine baggage.
I don’t think either Berserker of the Red or Seigfried are going to stay dead.
Seigfried is literally DEAD. The battle between Mordred) and Black Saber Siegfried in episode 1 is in reality a scene from battle between Mordred and Sieg that happened in volume 3 (Sieg can take on Siegfried form for three minutes each time a Command Seal is used), the real Siegfried was already dead at this point(He died in volume 1.
Probably a major reason why the focus has been on Team Black is
The main reason why the focu has been on Team Black is why the homunculus MC is close to them.
Reasons we haven’t seen Team Red outside of Moedrid?
Is simply because Mordred is the first rival of homunculus MC and later she will join the ”rebellion of the homunculi” orchestrated and led by the homunculus MC.
Shirou Kotomine
Shirou Kotomine is a fake name, He uses this false name to hide his true identity, his real name is “Amakusa “, he’s the main antagonist and villain of Fate/Apocrypha, Shirou Kotomine is a ”ruler” too.
Spoilers damn it!
While I already knew everything you typed here, what of the ones who went into the series blind and wanted to keep it that way?!
Thanks for the spoilers, again.
You are truly the cancer of the anime community
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2001%20-%20Large%2012.jpg
I was hoping we’d see the fight between Siegfried and Mordred they showed in ep. 1
In fact, this is a scene from battle between Mordred and Sieg (Sieg can take on Siegfried form for three minutes each time a Command Seal is used), the real Siegfried was already dead at this point.
The fuck? More spoilers in Apocrypha comments.
Takaii, a warning like for Attack on Titan is in order, please.
Show Spoiler ▼
My below coment was supposed to go here.
I’ll have a big spoiler warning on the next (and future) posts.
While that’s the obvious conclusion, the way he spelled it out and with all the details that nobody asked about, it’s clear that he’s a troll spoiling the fun of the other viewers.
Just take a look at his other comment above. Full of spoilers.
Takaii, please, do something about it.
Indeed, you´re right. Did´nt see(read) his earlier comment, I tend to skip on lenghy comments over 5 lines.
It looks like the community handled it, but I’ve tossed in a spoiler tag just to extra safe.
ALSO. TWEET ME @RCTAKAII IF YOU NEED SPOILERS REMOVED ASAP.
It will make my phone beep.
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2038.jpg
Ah justice freaks. Sacrificing their life for others because REASONS!
But then again, he has nothing he wanted from the Holy Grail… but still!
Their characters are so one dimensional!
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2028.jpg
Astolfo is truly the best girl in Apocrypha.
I dont know where I read it, but apparently, Astolfo doesnt mind being in the receiving end of homunculus to-be-Dragon cock
I think its unfair to compare this show to previous Fate series. Just watch it as its own show with an open mind, it’s still a fun ride for me.
I appreciate the honesty.
One thing that absolutely hated was how Unlimited Blade Works was praised to no end. It had amazing animation, I can’t argue that, but the story was an insane, overcomplicated, talkative mess. There were episodes that consisted of nothing of a character talking for the full 20-30 minutes. I didn’t like it much but just because it’s a “Fate” it was the bestest thing ever.
Apocrypha I don’t think has hit that point yet, but I can see the same structural problems of it “trying” to be a complex and deep and bold show by “trying” to juggle all these things and not really care if it gives the viewer whiplash from just wanting to know what. the heck. is going. on. What’s even more frustrating is Fate is the kind of show that actually will stop to explain what’s going on, but explains it in such a way that it’s still confusing.
At this point for me it’s just aggravating that it can’t do something so simple. I’ll continue to watch, but after UBW, you’re on thin ice with me Fate.
I’m currently watching UBW myself for the first time, and I made it to episode 11. It is certainly not shaping up to be at least as good as or even better than Fate/Zero, what with less focus on all the characters and instead dedicating its time to only a few (maybe because it’s adapting a single VN route instead of all 3). But so far at least, I myself am honestly not seeing this mess that you’re talking about. It may happen later though, and I guess it depends on the person at the end of the day.
I’m referring to Archer’s story arc at the end. I won’t spoil it here, but it didn’t work for me.
I think, and I speak of every fan of the TypeMoon religion when saying this, that people watching the show solely for the action have either misplaced expectations or simply not aware of the roots of the franchise as lengthy, really lengthy, visual novels. You would get the same result if Persona 5, despite being a universally acclaimed game, were to have an anime adaptation as it goes well above the previous games by having an engaging story even in each of the social links, leading to it being impossible to have a faithful adaptation due to the sheer length of essential characterisation.
I liken this to the lionising speech that Ruri makes in Gatchaman Crowds in that with admiration directed at all the depictions of heroes, people cease to look at the messages the heroes stand for in favor of blind idolisation. The same could be seen over the past few years with One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100 where people like you would rather focus on having action scene after action scene without realising the futility of having fights with no meaning in pursuit of mere entertainment.
The casting decision for Sieg according to what Hanae Natsuki said in the AnimeJapan stage for the Fate series, was that he was confirmed for the voice role 2 years prior, but I can’t help but find resemblances to his other role as 9S in Nier and such, where he plays a character that struggles with the search for a worthwhile cause to live for, while being aided by others beyond his position.
A casting decision I really enjoy is Uchiyama Kouki for Kotomine Shirou, the link is very similar to one of my other favorite characters, Meruem from Hunter x Hunter, where the calm analysis of a situation beyond anyone’s scope and lack of contempt towards others even on the verge of death, is really admirable.
Also, for the people that find the works of the Fate series in anime form to be confusing, Fate Extra would be far worse as it deals with the concepts of technomages and records of the Heroic Spirits brought forth in digital environments with the final boss of CCC being an internet nun idol which turns into the personification of the world’s sexual desire (A lewd version of Angra Mainyu), whose Noble Phantasm is to use the Earth as a dild-
But in all honesty, if people can’t tolerate the heavy exposition and unique storytelling methods employed, I feel they should just be the ones to just drop it instead of hoping it’d change, or watching it just to be able to fit in or discuss it. The amount of voices in this fanbase yelling at newcomers to just go and finish the VN isn’t new, it’s so common that it’s a meme onto itself. While there is merit in wanting to analyse works on its own, i don’t think people should expect it to apply to the Fate series in particular, where screentime is limited and scenes (Chiron shooting a warning message to ensure the command spell use to prevent Siegfried from revealing his true name for nothing, Chiron’s discussion with his master and giving medicine made by himself, who had learnt the art of healing from the gods causing drowsiness in the 2nd episode etc), it’s similar to the huge backdraft around Rezero fans stating that Subaru’s actions are far more understandable when you learn of the events in the capital that got skipped in the anime (Al’s backstory, Rem and Rom moments with the thugs, Felt’s rallying of the people in the slums etc)
Was UBW really praised? I guess only by the VN fanatics. It was shamelessly overstretched and talky talky talky.
In all fairness, Fate/Zero, widely regarded as the best among the main Fate anime, was talky as well. I’ve come to assume that’s standard territory for Fate, and in any case it depends on the talk itself and the person.
Can’t say that I’m too sad that the first characters are already kicking the bucket. We have too many of them.
Astolfo no pico
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2039.jpg
Damn it! The trap is too strong….that power level equal to lukako.
Hideyoshi spotted
Astolfo’s seiyuu (Rumi Ookubo) used the same tone of voice when she played the reverse-trap in Hundred– I rewatched a few episodes just to make sure. 😀
You don’t need to worry about continuity errors as Fate/Aprocrypha is an alternate universe from the main Fate timeline. Basically like a “what-if” story.
Yes if you take “what if” applying to the original which had three different story lines do to its format. This is sort of like Marvel and DC’s alternative Earths. Especially now Marvel as Marvel’s movie Earth and most often used comic Earth are considered equal to each other.
Best shown with FATE with the Grand Order universe where Fate characters from all the other Fate show up to battle. All characters are canon no matter which FATE they are.
I am enjoying the setup. The need to throw some action in is probably slowing down things too much in getting to the meat of story telling for Takaii and others I imagine. As I know the story is a two season I am not worried yet so I just enjoy the setup.
Is it just me or seem the black masters to be lightweights? The master of saber has been extremely overconfident and incompetent. The others may have better judgment of their abilities, but I don’t think most other masters are very capable. Maybe the black servants are stronger than their red counterparts.
Might be the chief Master is keeping most of the Master hires not a threat to him. Although his golem master might be quite powerful and his servant is actually the King running the show currently. Does not bother me as this a team vs team battle, I expect some personality from some masters but expect other masters mainly foot soldiers in this.
Team Red seems to have several masters out of sight so far.
The Black Faction is made of ragtag 2 generation mages as compared to the families of the mage tower that have inherited centuries worth of magic research based down in their families. The whole point of this war is that they wished to break the status quo of being looked down upon by the greater community despite being far less capable at magecraft. That was the point of the conversation in the first episode when they said the Black faction had sent the Mage Tower word that they’re making their own association.
@Giorno Giovanna
Yggdmillenias are not new families with short history. They’re in fact old families that have declined in power. Basically, those declined & still declining lines of magi banded together under Yggdmillennia name & they planned to use the greater grail to bring back the past glory of whichever family win.
I based my information of the top of my head what I remembered from the descriptions I read, I made a mistake in my memory by remembering “second-rate” as “second-generation”, but the basis of my statement was similar to Waver Velvet’s situation and statements about newer magus families being given the shaft, along with the exposition about them accepting almost anyone that wanted to defect from the Association.
The infodump I made the basis of is here for anyone interested:
Show Spoiler ▼
Thank you for the information. It’s not only the magical prowess I’m concerned of, but also see a lack of taktical understanding and strategic thinking. While Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia, Vlad and caster are greate in that regard, the other masters seem to be desintrested in such matters.
“a lot of focus on Team Black (aka the Yggdmillennias) and barely any on Team Red”
This is a 2-cour show. There’s no reason to rush with them, especially since the whole team seems to be entrenched in some kind of mystery (creepy Shirou, trying to kill Ruler, and Servants who never met their Masters… sketchy).
Kind of makes me think that most of the Masters of the Red Faction are only puppets of Shirou Kotomine, the proof lies with the way Mordred´s instintis went crazy when they enter the Church, that and the last guy with last name Kotomine turn out to be such a reasonable dude, right?. XD
I have not read the original source material, but I was really hoping Jack was going to be a bigger part of the story. I know she has a more “unique” summoning compared to the rest, so I was hoping that was going to be touched on. She’s been in all of 10secs through 4 episodes. I’m still enjoying the show, just twiddling my thumbs waiting for more loli serial killer.
She’s an Assassin, right?
Focusing on an assassin is the opposite of what should happen.
“You may look like a hero. You may feel like a hero. You may have new masks, new armor, new equipment. But it’s not what you’ve got. It’s what you do with it.”
I actually teared at Siegfried’s death scene and Astolfo, how much of a Hideyoshi tease can you be?
Any one knows the true name of Red Besercar?
Show Spoiler ▼
Show Spoiler ▼
Yeah me too! The music, the glowey night visuals and Junichi Suwabe’s silky voice, it was well done.
I doubt Siegfried’s sacrifice was noble. He never learned to bear the needs of the many, got overwhelmed by his feelings of insufficiency and become suicidal. His talk of helping someone he has seen the first time in his live was a week rationalisation of his death wish. It is sad to see him to throw away his live.
Well I´m loving every second of this story, this is exactly how is meant to be complete madness without any way to predict how this is going to turn up. List see the highlights so far:
1.-Siegfried demsotrated how a true hero is meant to be, you help people because it is what you want to do, not because you have the power but becuase you feel it is the right thing to do!. I´m so prud of the dragonslayer right now, that´s one Servant that got his granted the right way.
2.-When you have 15 heroes at war at each other you can expect chaos but we´re far beyond that consodering both factions have demostrated that can use their powers with magnificent tactics instead of just going with the folw of being hotbloded like Shirou was (not that it was a bad thing). Stil, it helps that both factions have heroes that broke the superpower lottery real hard.
3.-We have no idea whatsoever of what the hell the Red Faction is ploting, Jeanne said that the Great Holy Grail War is strange and we only know the face of 2 Masters so someone is not following the rules, if there such things as rules in war. The Black Faction might be a well olied war machine with all their strategies ready but the Red Faction is like a jack in the box for me right now, with a huge surprise ready to jump any time.
From what I observed, I guess Astolfo can potentially be a COOL Lancer. On the side note, does Vlad have a riding skill? Or is riding a horse so simple that riding skill isn’t really needed?
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2013.jpg
Me reimagining this scene if Astolfo had the personality of Konosuba’s Darkness – “I’m so tired that I need my Master to literally whip me into shape. Let’s go back so you can tease me again, but this time give me a big kiss.” Honestly, Astolfo, appreciate your master more. Compared to Saber’s master, she is much better.
https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20Apocrypha/Fate%20Apocrypha%20-%2004%20-%20Large%2021.jpg
OMG, what an idiot. I feel REALLY sorry for this Saber. Who allowed such a buffoon be the Master? I understand that Gordes had created the homunculus, but he never understand their value. Sigh, well compared to the Einzbern homunculus, I can assume that Gordes’s homunculus are trash.
Well, a perfectly created Eizenberg humunculus has the same life span of a normal human, plus great magic circuits, the only side effect known is the albino features (red yers, white hair). In the case of Ygdamillenia they only cared for spared batteries for the Sevants and their Noble Phantasm so can´t the guys for giving them so little life span.
I tried, I really did. I’ve played all the routes of Fate Stay/Night, watched Fate Zero, UBW, etc., but even I cannot understand what is going on here. It’s incomprehensible. Dropped…unfortunately.
Apocrypha is an alternate universe unrelated to Zero & F/SN after all.
All the more reason to make it comprehensible then!
My point is that if someone familiar with the series can’t understand what’s going on, clearly something is wrong. I’m actually very surprised people are so quick to defend them on this point.
Fate/Apocrypha Episode 5 Preview [Eng Sub]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWmGB6z9-ng
Doki Doki no Waku Waku
What do we do about the twenty episode left?
Switch to a Romanian Love-Comedy anime?
Then, I’ll be a heroine who will be falling from the sky.
Jeanne will be a shy childhood friend, Thanks!
It’s quite obvious that they don’t want fans to see Astolfo as a male character but as a female character (one of the heroines alongside Jeanne).
Astolfo will be a a heroine who will be falling from the sky.
gay, but accurate, Altolfo confirmed winning the MC bowl
Jeanne will be a shy childhood friend
jeanne confirmed losing the MC bowl