Clockwork Planet – 08

「電磁式機動兵器八束脛(ヤツカハギ)」 (Denji-shiki kidou heiki yatsukahagi (yatsukahagi))
“Yatsukahagi”

I have mentioned it before, but Clockwork Planet has a way of impressing me at times. While a largely laid back episode—ironic given the imminent world ending crisis—the parts keeping me interested in this show came on strong. A little Naoto gear fetish was sacrificed for some science, plot hints were teased, and by hell we got a mellowed Marie proving she’s more than simple pint sized troublemaker. I definitely got my fill of enjoyment this time around.

While Clockwork has been inclined towards more theoretical science (ex. multiverse theory), the concepts this week were both practical and realistic. Curie temperature is a real thing and well documented to boot, although as with most physical approximations it’s not as simple as made out here. Funnily enough too the magnetization aftereffect does offer an explanation for why electromagnetism is outlawed. Instantaneous magnetization of a gear system would induce preemptively aligned dipoles, freezing the gears in place because the opposing magnetic poles would already be “connected”. If you know what it’s like to pull apart two attached magnets you will understand the problem. It doesn’t offer an explanation for how AnchoR cools herself—seriously, most metals and alloys have a Curie temperature >700 degrees C!—but when you’re this cute, the details are unimportant.

Probably helping matters here was Naoto’s actions this week. I know I harangue on the kid a lot—he makes it easy, don’t deny—but I’ll be damned if he did not rise to the occasion this time. Yeah the family jokes were still present, but they were noticeably muted against Naoto’s care and quiet affection. This is what transforms basic wimpy harem leads into half decent characters, a bit of knowledge, some self-sacrifice, and a refusal to ever surrender. Well, and a willingness to embrace the girls too. I quite like dweebs who know what they want and aren’t afraid to take it. And that doesn’t include Naoto bringing Marie back to her fetish hating senses. Naoto has not entirely won me over—I’m too stubborn for that—but given how increasingly synergistic his and Marie’s relationship is becoming, it’s hard for me not being impressed. What started out as a mediocre, paint by numbers cast has slowly morphed into an enjoyable ensemble, buoyed by chemistry and clear differences in personality. I still have my problems with Clockwork as a whole, but if this form of character development keeps up, I honestly have little to actually complain about.

Speaking of development, it’s time to deal with the big giant robot—err, go shopping for AnchoR? Well I guess that counts as a form of development. It’s pretty much another calm before the storm episode–mostly–but I doubt the plot surrounding the electromagnetic doomsday device and our big baddy’s belief in reality being a figment of the imagination won’t pop up somehow—seriously, those Matrix jokes won’t do themselves. With only four episodes remaining and all the pieces finally coming together, I dare say Clockwork is ready for the endgame. Stay tuned boys and girls, the clockwork shenanigans are just getting started.

Preview