「窮地」 (Kyuuchi)
“Predicament”

Anime adaptations of late can be charged with imitation, but sometimes you really have to wonder. Slimes, in yet another isekai? Truly the mob which gets around it seems. At least they’re not the primary focus of Seijo no Maryoku though, because as recent events have shown, it’s all about the smile. That adorable saintly smile.

While a given Seijo no Maryoku won’t be leaving off on any major new developments, there is some satisfaction in seeing Sei more or less wind up where expected. Her mastering of her Saintly powers (if you can call it that) for example ties the bow on her initial development and sparks the next big thing to come down the pipeline in Albert. Oh yes, the romance aspect might not be central to this story, but it sure as hell hasn’t been forgotten. We may not see Sei finally accept the inevitable and embrace her inner crushing, but everything else we’re getting for the moment I think more than meets the requirements. Bedside embarrassment; physical awkwardness; all the amazing fun of giggle-worthy jealousy and ignorance in action – truly a cornucopia of warm and comedic fuzzies. Whoever said laidback couldn’t be entertaining?

As for the more serious aspects of Seijo no Maryoku, those too will get their chance to shine. Besides Sei having a second opportunity to strut her Saintly stuff (now with added experience), we also get the pleasure of having Aira too join the party and show what’s she’s made of. Although I’m more looking forward to watching Yuri go full inquisitor over the mechanism of love-fueled gold sparkles and monster dissipation, seeing Aira actually come into her own is a very nice touch; she not only will avoid consignment to the background, but also apparently solidify as a skilled member of Sei’s immediate circle just like Liz. Given how disposable these sorts of characters can often be, keeping such a foil around in a suitable capacity is nice to see as Aira will provide a good counterweight to Sei’s own shenanigans and give this story additional legs through her own growth. Obviously won’t see it this season, but you can expect Seijo no Maryoku as a series won’t be burning itself out anytime soon.

Well, at least until Albert finally says the magic words of course. Something tells me there’s one face which might just overheat in the moment.

 

Preview

5 Comments

    1. Likely the final ep will cover Vol 4 of the LNs, since it wraps up this current Klausner arc.

      Which only leaves Vols 5-7 unadapted (and Vol 7 only came out last month in Japan).

      zztop
  1. The discrepancy in Aria’s expressions between this episode and the previous ones is astonishing.

    Anyway, Yuri is fun. Looks like the next episode will be a blast.
    You can’t have enough hell fire to deal with slimes.

    theirs
  2. It’s been an emotional, eye-opening ride in terms of adapting enough amount of realism from Sei’s inner monologue letting viewers what decisions she’ll be making along with her knowledge of her being the Saint will change her “slow lifestyle” to Aira’s hesitation & timid former self that makes her a target of unsettling rumors given that women during medieval times should give into this world’s semi-sexist rules.

    I’m gonna miss this isekai series knowing that a season renewal is very rare in this medium regardless of last year’s many SR news of (around) ten series. Guess I shall get the LNs someday. For now, I’m bracing for season finale though I wanted to see from Hawke’s POV before he met Sei; for I wanted to see his “icy personality” as claimed by Liz in a certain previous episode. That perspective would’ve make him a bit more interesting than his status as the “too consistently being a nice guy but is jealous to other hunks” love interest.

    Honourable Mention Scene: Is anyone aware of how Hawke’s brother and Yuri’s cat-and-mouse chase in the opening scenes remind you of a ninja trying to catch his target? That was hilariously ridiculous to see them running like that. Those from the visual humor department would be delighted to see this chase scene as humorous as it can be.

    writerRichieK

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