Spice and Wolf – Episodes 20/21 Review

Episode 20

Episode 21

「教会の少女と粉挽きの少年 / 異端の村と司祭の契約」 (Kyoukai no Shoujo to Konahiki no Shounen / Itan no Mura to Shisai no Keiyaku)
“Church Girl and Miller Boy / Pagan Village and Priest’s Contract”

Ahh new Spice and Wolf, and most importantly, a new Spice and Wolf arc. After the chaos (relatively) from what happened before and the major jolt to Kraft’s and Holo’s relationship you would think some downtime would be needed and indeed that’s what we got this time. Of course it won’t be that simple in the end, but hey, for the moment there’s nothing like smelling the flowers and enjoying the sights.

While I’m kicking myself for missing a week, the one big thing I’m loving right now is getting the Tereo arc in all its glory. This was the main point of contention from the original adaptation as it was cut out entirely; it’s not an especially essential arc to the overall story, but as already seen in spots it’s a fantastic bit of reinforcement from the latest developments concerning Kraft and Holo. Between the continual wolf-man banter and the increasingly hilarious married couple interactions between both we also now have both Holo fully indulging in the teasing and Kraft giving as good as he gets. Repeatedly. It’s a high point showing how close these two now are and just how much ground they have left to tread, because after those confessions prior you know the current situation won’t last forever. One way or another canine naps will soon demand a bigger bed for the additional company.

As for the arc itself I think the latest episode in particular helps show what things are about. This arc is the first to really highlight the tension existing between paganism and the Church, with the former increasingly at odds with the more organized – and ruthless – group with ever expanding reach. Thanks to one Father Franz Tereo managed to hold onto their ways and even turn a profit besides, but such deals are only as good as those who uphold them, and naturally the more powerful party will want to rectify past oversights the moment an opportunity arises. The risk to Kraft and Holo isn’t as much discovering the truth as getting caught up in it, because much as teased Tereo’s populace won’t be too pleased if it looks like Kraft is fully on the side of the Church – and doubly so when it’s unclear just how Franz died. I won’t spoil anything here, but suffice to say obtaining information on Yoitsu won’t be as simple as first thought, no matter how solid Holo’s scheming may be.

Best keep that popcorn handy, the fun here is just beginning.

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