Even though it seemed like this episode pulled a whole bunch of things out of thin air, it still added a whole lot of clarity to past events, which is something that the series has done more of the past few weeks. Hopefully, this means we are in for a conclusion that ties up all of the show’s loose ends, though could you blame me if I still have doubts?

To start, I suppose it would be prudent to talk about the parts of this episode that actually made sense, and then gradually shift to the bat sh#t crazy. The flashback featuring Sion meeting Lucile, which expanded a scene from the beginning of the series, gave some insight as to what might have caused Sion to go crazy and lock himself in a poorly lit room for half of the show. It seems to have something to do with a splitting of Sion’s personality, which he had been able to contain up until this episode. But now it seems as though the darker side has now taken over completely, considering Lucile’s smirk and Riphal’s warning to Kiefer.

However, I think it would be a mistake just to assume that Sion just wants Ryner dead, as it would seem that both Sion and Lucile want to use him in some grander scheme. This really depends on how you view the conversation in the previous episode in which Sion made it clear to Miran that Ryner must live. I suppose you could assume that Sion was a different person back then, or you could say that he needs Ryner alive for something bigger (It would also be pretty bad writing if Sion just flip-flopped like that in one episode). Perhaps, those tests on Alpha Stigma users that Milk finally found out about this episode are meant as practice for Ryner. These tests, also lend credence to the theory that Ryner is a part of a larger plan, as Evil Sion must have ordered their continuation some time ago. Also, I know this is probably wrong of me to say, but did anyone else find that monster’s voice hilarious?

On another Roland note, it seems like everyone who used to be a part of Sion’s brain trust is getting tossed aside. I mean even Miran deferred to Sion, Clough doesn’t seem like he is going to be useful anytime soon, and where are the rest of his generals?

Then there was the part of this episode that was just plain crazy. I’ll admit, the scene in which Lucile confronted who I can only assume to be Ryner’s father, as I don’t think it was ever explicitly stated, was pretty awesome, and really showed, without really even showing, how powerful these two were. But then, what was up with that whole heaven/dream/revelation world Ryner was sent to. While this part of the episode did help explain (very poorly, I might add) the links Ryner shares with the past (which really hasn’t been mentioned since episode 2, though I guess implied through the title), what was with that emblem taking the form a monster. Even more messed up is that we were probably introduced to Ryner’s mother, only for her to die in a matter of seconds.

Even though there were plenty of crazy things going down in this episode that made no sense, all is forgiven as we got to see Ferris blush. Focusing on the plot though, it will be interesting to see how that tattoo is going to protect Ryner from Sion, as well as how Ryner will react to seeing Kiefer again in upcoming episode(s). Regardless of what happens, it seems to be inevitable that Ryner and Ferris are going to be stuck in the middle of the conflict between Roland and Gastark, no matter where it occurs.

Also, where in the h@ll is Tiir?

This was actually a very good episode, but there were a lot of things that left me scratching my head. The single biggest question mark relating to this episode’s events was how the hell did Sion get so damn strong, because it seems like all he has been doing in the past 10 episodes (aside from letting Ryner help him get rid of Tiir) is sitting in a chair in that room full of glass muttering to himself.

Twenty/Twenty hindsight, I suppose you could have seen this one coming with Ryner calling Sion the devil like 10 times in this episode, not to mention countless times in previous episodes, which was actually a pretty nice touch if it was done on purpose. While there had been more than enough foreshadowing in earlier episodes to show that Sion was going to turn evil, especially after Fiole was killed in episode 5, this shows that the original creators (presumably?) planned ahead well, so I would expect more of those aha moments in the future.

Sexy time

Also, this episode (finally) took the show in a more adult direction. Sure, there had been gory battle scenes and some heavy emotions in previous episodes, but the only adult shot was when Claugh rescued Noa in a previous episode. This episode threw them out so often it was like they were going out of style. Back to Sion though, it is pretty reasonable to assume that he at least has some hand in the use of the forbidden magic infused soldiers that Riphal’s men found in Runa, if not the mastermind.  Then there was his somewhat surprising change in his morals, as for no apparent reason he decided to start killing Roland’s nobles (including Milk’s parents) without even informing Miran. Then there was the phrase I hate hearing any anime, in which Sion said there was more going on in this world than lines being drawn on maps. You can read my thoughts on this type of plot device here, but suffice it to say, it seems we have been down this road before.

One sided sexy time?

That’s not to say that Sion is the only character who seems to be going down a dark path in this episode. First there was Claugh getting his arm back (and a little action on the side), though there was conveniently little explanation as to how this happened. I think it is hard to ignore the symbolism of Claugh having a black arm, though I am having a little difficulty seeing what role that is going to play in the future. And then what would Legendary Heroes be without making you hate both Sion and Riphal, who had resorted to torturing (but in what way?) Kiefer after she had reacted to Ryner’s name in a previous episode. You have to feel for what she may face in the future, as I doubt she knows anything about Sion using forbidden magic, but I guess you never know.

Finally, there was the revelation that Milk’s foster parents had been killed, and that it was likely done on Sion’s orders, though I don’t think she or anyone else in her squad made that connection, but the scene cut off after she asked about what is going on in Roland. I found it pretty weird that she was so broken up about her parents dying even after she found out that the only reason she was adopted was so that her parent’s real  children wouldn’t have to go fight. Then there was that dream sequence she had with Sion before she woke up. There have been hints earlier in the show that she and Sion were connected in some way, but how important the two are to each other is still in question. Then, just to throw more wrenches into the plot, Milk came up with a reason as to why she shouldn’t trust anyone in her squad. Though I guess this isn’t really a surprise, as it seems like nobody trusts anyone in this show, but that will make for a good conclusion.

This was a good scene, with some new, but welcome, eye movements from Ferris.

Then there was that whole back and forth between Sion and Miran about Ryner. Why Sion still considers Ryner so important to his identity is a little weird, but I’d imagine that he will eventually change his mind, like he did with the nobles (because, really, what are the odds that Ryner is dead?).

Oh yeah, Ryner also got stabbed.