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「偽りの果て」 (Itsuwari no Hate)
“The End of a Lie”
Can you say all according to expectations? No? Does Keikaku work better? Probably not, particularly if you’re one adopted father finding out the hard way about temporary powerups. Oh yes Eminence in Shadow wrapped up its latest arc in the usual shadowy (heh) fashion with a largely predictable outcome, but as should be well-known by now this series has more than few twists hidden up its sleeve. It might take a few episodes to get them, but you can start guessing where things are heading.
Considering how much it’s been slapped in everyone’s face over the past few weeks, lo and behold Sherry’s step-father was in fact the big baddie. While I’m a tad disappointed his inevitable fight with Cid was basically a stroll through the park without any of the fireworks, it’s nice seeing the willingness of the series to let Cid’s identity not be some sacred thing. It’s perfectly in character for the aspiring mastermind to slyly reveal his true self in the last moment, and to do it right when Mr. Antagonist recognizes his utter defeat. Of course it still doesn’t take away the fact this was just another enemy of the week sort of deal, but hey, at least it wasn’t dragged out for another episode.
Mind you it can also be said that this arc wasn’t as much about its antagonistic face as much as foundation it builds up for later arcs, particularly in regards to Sherry herself. This cliffhanger after all could be taken one of two ways: either Sherry is out for revenge against Shadow, or she discerned enough from overhearing to want revenge against Cid. While I suspect this will pan out being the former (based on everything so far) the latter cannot be discounted; it would be right up Cid’s overactive chuuni alley to have a potential friend turned enemy he must suddenly deal with – especially one capable of blunting his powers. In either case that development will come after Shadow Garden gets a taste of the limelight and what is likely to be some pair dancing with the good guys (gals?) in the room.
We might still be lacking a proper enemy for Cid to sink his imaginative teeth into, but I think wrangling a princess or three (among others) will do the trick to tide us over for a bit.
We could have had a nice oyakodon between Sherry and her mom, damn you diabolos cult! Damn you to hell!
One thing i still insist the mangaka interpretation of Rose Oriana is better is because, when she is kind, friendly and caring…. the delusion she had on the romance in her head was played more ironically and felt more passionate. This one felt a bit naive and pitiable as if a contradiction because it played like she is a haughty sheltered princess who is ignorant of outside world. But the game look nice…. she is indeed delusional, but i expect kind pampering onee-sama character though….
Man… i wish Claire or Alexia also there (at least more active role). Or at least Kagejitsu talk about more in depth stuff like how Code Geass season 1 do their side material like Sound Drama and Picture Drama; a real supplement to add on its worldbuilding instead of inane talk.
I have to said that i like Anime version of Sherry. They her much more interesting.
Reading Porn’s and TeddyBear’s comments, I must agree with both. I find that Oriana’s depiction works better in the manga, while Sherry works better in the anime. The voice acting does wonders for our pink-haired genius, but I also must commend the animation. The scene when she goes through anger and sadness, and can’t give Cid a clear answer, was masterfully done.
This seems to be a trend with the anime, since I felt a similar divide in the previous arc. I found Cid/Shadow better in the manga and Alexia better in the anime. Different ways of interpreting the source material.
@Mistic
I forgot to add these:
Nishimura Akane is great in both anime and manga. In manga she is perfect osananajimi character (at least the impression and vibe she gave) that i love and adore especially if she will get netorare’d. But in anime, she is the perfect model student that i admire and obsessed with that i want to see her throughly crushedn and broken (especially Horie voice is soooo on point that it felt scary; i wish she also spoke on how lame and cringe stylish thug slayer was in affectionate, amused and loving tone like she did in manga). Both have their own strength that i wish they were adapted separatedly as if two different character…… i dunno maybe two hot twins, lol?
I say this because Sherry is very well done, and i already liked her in manga despite her blandness, but here …. the director just do great job at shoving her to the viewers. And yes the frame transition of her trying to supress her feeling in the end is great and better than i expected (i don’t mind how mangaka did, but here… it was portrayed more clearly…. the best show, don’t tell in the execution i saw so far). God…. i hope everyone like her because i want to see a lot of her in c101.