「目覚め(カタストロフ)」 (Katasutorofu)
“Catastrophe”

Is it wrong that I think Accelerator is doing a better job with magic shenanigans than Index itself? Because it’s clearly doing a better job if this latest magic-science clash is anything to write home about. From beating around the bush to all out boss fight, we’re getting all the Index-verse fun in one convenient package—and the best part is there’s still two episodes to go.

Considering how Accelerator is inherently focused (at least for this arc) on the science side of the Index-verse’s paradigmatic dichotomy, it’s pleasantly surprising how well the show has managed on integrating magic into its narrative without the accompanying chaos, confusion, and base inexplicability. Whether it be down purely to better pacing and deliberately restricting the amount bitten off (things Index III failed spectacularly at and even Index II had difficulty with) or simply keeping its magic jargon limited and positioned in the rear, Esther’s history and the Rosenthal raison d’etre was remarkably logical and consistent. Sure, the whole necromancy aspect is a little out there (it is Index at heart after all), but at its core it’s just Judaic flavoured shenanigans with a bit of Chinese mysticism for spice (see Obed and the Kabbalah for a better idea). Inherently crazy or not, it’s a simple story at heart and Accelerator benefits all the more because of it.

As for the story resolution I imagine few will wind up shocked with how it’s playing out. Accelerator for example is going to be the hero of the moment (surprise surprise) and put an end to our new little (big?) monster, while Esther will likely find redemption and atonement in the aftermath and her relationship with our antihero. I got to admit I was holding out hope Hibiki was still alive in some capacity (oh the catharsis!), but having her memories being copies and our evil spirit actually being the family ancestor? Oh yes, that’s a twist I can get behind. Accelerator may have been playing it safe in its setup and development, but it’s always nice seeing it able to still keep the Index-verse craziness popping up when the moment demands it. After all, who cannot get behind the idea of a dual soul Lovecraftian-esque shark toothed gorgon tentacle monster wreaking havoc all around? Some things are just meant to run wild.

Somehow I think next Friday is going to be better than it has any right to be.

 

Preview

4 Comments

  1. https://randomc.net/image/To%20Aru%20Kagaku%20no%20Accelerator/To%20Aru%20Kagaku%20no%20Accelerator%20-%2010%20-%20Large%2007.jpg
    “I’ve seen enough hentai to know where this is going…” (To say nothing of Hirumi’s unnaturally long tongue and shark-like teeth.) I’m also reminded of the AIM Burst Misaka fought in episode 12 of Railgun season 1.

    So basically, attempting to reach Level 6 turns you into a being with Lovecraftian (strange minds think alike) superpowers? Um, no thanks… I’d rather have the ability to “Kaiju-shift”. Perhaps Accelerator can reverse the blood flow on Taowu/Hirumi or something and cause damage from within? (Also, can he use Esther’s dagger to kill off Taowu/Hirumi in case the former doesn’t work?)

    Incognito
    1. Mikihiko’s theory was an esper level can go higher if he/she was given bigger body. So in order to increase the body size, the Lovecraftian design was deemed the most effective i guess

      Exiled_Gundam
  2. I can see the H-doujins being written already…
    My hunch about the Golem myth being involved is vindicated.
    What surprised me was one of the ancestors actually merging with pseudo-soul in seeking pseudo-immortality.
    And poor Esther… she was so proud of her family arts and now she is being crushed by real potential of necromancy.
    But the moment Taowu/Isaac dropped the “pretending to be Hirumi” subroutine was the best. Almost had me fooled. Even her own brother was deceived.

    ewok40k
  3. Is it wrong that I think Accelerator is doing a better job with magic shenanigans than Index itself? Because it’s clearly doing a better job if this latest magic-science clash is anything to write home about. From beating around the bush to all out boss fight, we’re getting all the Index-verse fun in one convenient package—and the best part is there’s still two episodes to go.

    Accelerator really benefited by having its single cour cover a single story.

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