Posted by  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
「ザ・フォッグ」 (Za Foggu)
“The Fog”
Port secured; logistical chain successfully in place; happy feels all around: yupp, it’s tried and true Strike Witches alright. While I imagine some may be a tad disappointed reserved dominated over lewd this time around (unless you’re neko Francesca of course), it’s hard being satisfied the main plot is back to moving right along and gearing up for big boss fights and happy celebrations both. Not that I’m expecting stupendous finale fireworks, but methinks rave-esque laser beams will do the job just fine.
After getting Erica and Gertrude some time to shine, the only Witch pair left outstanding (barring one wholesome Lynette) was Eila and Sanya, which was conveniently taken care of this week. While we got a typical premise for such character reintroductions/development (overcoming personal biases and hubris are hallmarks for creating happy ever afters, no matter the influence of alien invaders in the proceedings), it still did the job just fine of showing Sanya to be a smart little cutie pie in need of a head pat or twelve, and playing up one perfect tsundere-in-training with Eila who definitely can use some further screentime because reasons. Important reasons. And that doesn’t even touch on going full Finnish Christmas Saturnus festival because obviously nothing says adorable like surprising the wannabe gift giver with some gifts of her own. Yes, I might just indeed have a soft spot for Eila.
On a more serious note though is where things are heading in this season’s latter third and we got some indication this episode. Besides the seizure of Kiel giving way to an inevitable battle for Berlin within the next few weeks, the coming of post-Witch age for both Gertrude and Minna means some noticeable pressure is about to be exerted on the 501st to see this latest offensive through as soon as possible. This isn’t just to give both our senior leaders a well-deserved sense of cathartic satisfaction either; once Gertrude and Minna reach the age of twenty, the 501st is set to lose two very important members who arguably have similar status to Mio. Not only will affect the current squad members (Erica for one is going to feel really listless with her designated chocolate dispenser), but bring on a whole new set of troubles as promotions occur and new members like Shizuka are brought on. These sorts of changes are not what you want to deal with when in the middle of battle, so you can expect a serious attempt to wrap things up before they make their presence felt.
After all, such change and growth would be perfect for any future Strike Witches sequel.
Preview
 |
This episode is really about trust, which really just reinforces what the Witches take with them into the final battle.
I believe we’ll find out more next week about Minna and Gertrude’s timelines, as well. Also, INB4 Tashiro Sato! How’s that feel? 😛
We hopefully should regarding the two older girls, but if not it’ll be something discussed more at the end of the season guaranteed.
Wife Sherly https://randomc.net/image/STRIKE%20WITCHES/Strike%20Witches%20Road%20to%20Berlin%20-%2008%20-%20Large%2033.jpg
https://randomc.net/image/STRIKE%20WITCHES/Strike%20Witches%20Road%20to%20Berlin%20-%2008%20-%20Large%2005.jpg
You’re a shameless one, still at this even after being called out for it?
At least he leaves such expression at screenshots, cannot fault that too much 😛
Thanks to Sanya basically taking the initiative and going against general orders at Allied command (and sharing a similar sentiment with the Karlsand witches), Kiel was spared the fate of Dresden in (real-life) World War II. (Said bombing also served as the inspiration for the bombing of Hoffnung, Belka in Ace Combat Zero. And in the next episode preview: “That’s what V2 is for.”)
Further thoughts:
– Was this the first time that Sanya had doubts about Eila’s precognitive powers? I honestly can’t remember any moment from the previous seasons where Eila’s precognition turned out to be wrong, plus Eila’s still at her prime (16 y/o) as a witch. That being said, it was understandable for Sanya to think Eila may have jeopardized the mission in the first half since she was being cautious (not to mention had insufficient information about the enemy).
– So the retaking of Hamburg was off-screen? Damnit. Would have loved to see the 501st kick Neuroi a** in that mission.
– I wonder what those “cannon-type” Neuroi looked like. I mean, it’s pretty rare to see Neuroi on the ground (IIRC, the only ground Neuroi seen so far were in the movie and Road to Berlin ep. 05) since the action is mostly focused on air-to-air combat, but I’m curious about the cannon-type Neuroi’s capabilities (and if a real-life weapon inspired it). Hope there’s upcoming supplementary material covering that.
– And yeah, I’d honestly love to see a prequel series (probably a manga or light novel) focusing on the Karlsland witches during the fall of Berlin to the Neuroi. Though to be fair, I recall seeing Minna’s backstory in season 1 where (IIRC) she lost a loved one to the Neuroi and that she was originally a singer before becoming the 501st commander. Hope the next episode expands on that, as well as Gertrud’s backstory.
“One step closer to Berlin!”