It has been a few episodes since my last post on this show, but aside from some Karaoke and late night shenanigans from Keito, nothing much happened in episodes 18 and 19. It doesn’t help that I’m not really a fan of either Kou or Madoka, as I find their characters rather shallow. Episode 20, on the other hand, threw a whole bunch of stuff at us that is worth mentioning, but my main focus is going to be on the how the modern trio of Sugata, Wako, and Takuto is eerily familiar to the one fully introduced in this episode.

The main thing from this episode was that we finally got to learn about the back stories for both Head and the Eye Patch Guy. Though it had already been heavily hinted at, Head is Takuto’s father, but the way it all went down was actually more interesting than I thought it would be. It is almost as if Takuto and Sugata are somehow reliving the events played out in the past between Ryousuke (Eye Patch Guy) and Tokio (Head) over Sora, but with some fairly substantial differences.

First, how can Sugata and Wako not remind you of Ryousuke and Sora. Both pairs are seemingly forced to be together, but yet it seems pretty clear that both Sugata and Ryousuke developed some feelings for the respective women in their lives. Then both Takuto and Tokio seem to come out of nowhere to kind of throw a wrench into things. That’s not to say that I expect Takuto to steal away and impregnate Wako, or for Sugata to rip out his eye anytime soon. Now while I don’t know who will end up with who in five episodes time, a conflict between Sugata and Takuto seems less likely now than it had been in current episodes, all evidence to the contrary.

I mean the show is clearly trying to build up some sort of tension between Takuto and Sugata. The kiss Sugata gave Wako while Takuto unknowingly watched just seemed like it could be the match to start the fire, especially after all the friendship stuff from Wako’s birthday. Further, it seems like Wako knows who she likes at this point, from the end of episode 19, and now might just fear the consequences of what might happen if she were to choose.

However, it would seem that given the limited number of episodes remaining, that all the plot threads are going to converge together in last one or two episodes. While what will happen with Keito’s seal, the forgotten members of the Glittering Crux, and the Departure are all important, it would seem to me that Head’s access to a new mark and the resolution to the Wako-Sugata-Takuto triangle will happen simultaneously. If that does turn out to be the case, I think Ryousuke will be extremely important to the story’s conclusion. I find it hard to believe that he is just supporting Head to see the conclusion of the Cybody project, as there must be some other reason he is there. I get the feeling that in the end, he will give Takuto or Sugata some piece of advice as a way to prevent the two from fighting, so that the two do not end up living with regret, as it seems he is. I mean the show is about living out your youth.

A few other interesting things from this episode is that the revelation of Takumi’s first phase certainly means that I’ll have to re watch this show sooner or later, because there were probably many instances in which he had a bird’s eye view of things, which may come into play later in the series. Also, while I had thought it possible at one point, I had all but given up on seeing more than two cybodies fighting in Zero Time at a time. But this episode debunked that line of thinking with Kou preventing Takumi from defeating Takuto. It’s hard to believe that all of the members of the Glittering Crux are so selfish that no one wants to help each other beat Takuto, because of the benefits that might come from being the group’s leader. It’s really the first big and fairly bad plot hole in the series.

One final thing is the episode stated that Sora had Takuto and gave him to Tokio’s father, but left soon after. I wonder where she went?

No Cybody fight this week, but this episode did a lot to bring the two big storylines closer to their conclusion. While I know a lot of people have been focusing on the Mizuno’s endless eight like experience, I thought the far more interesting storyline came from the very short segment between Sugata and Head.

First, given that Sugata must have figured out by now that Head was a part of the Glittering Crux, it was only natural for Head to finally offer him the position as the Emperor Squadron leader. While it seemed that Sugata was at first against the idea, his conversation with Takuto later in the episode about fighting for Wako did make me wonder what his motives were for this sudden change. That aside, the big revelation in this scene was that Head signed his painting the same way Takuto’s father did/does.

Now does this mean that Head is Takuto’s father? That would be pretty messed up if that were the case, but I think it is more plausible that Head somehow has access to Takuto’s dad’s memories after he apprivoised. This line of thought would require that Takuto’s dad would have at one point piloted Head’s current Cybody, which I guess isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but who knows. Star Driver does have a way of pulling things out of left field. However given that this show has already used some time/age altering plot devices, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that time passes differently for some characters (I thought that it might be possible that time passes at a different rate on the island than on the mainland, but it seems that Mizuno’s aunt recognized her now returned mother fairly easily, so that theory doesn’t seem to hold any water).

Poor Mizuno

Then there was poor Mizuno. Not only did she have to deal with the news that her mother had returned to the island, but she had to hear the aforementioned conversation between Takuto and Sugata, in which she deduced that Takuto liked Wako, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. It now seems even more likely that Marino doesn’t actually exist than it did last week, especially considering that Mizuno likely created her as some sort of coping mechanism after her mother left. One thing I would like to know is if Marino really is just a figment of Mizuno’s power, does she realize it and does she have her own thought processes.

Regardless, I thought that Groundhog Day sequence was very well done and in such a short time period at that. I didn’t really understand Wako’s explanation for how she figured out what was going on, or why she and her grandmother didn’t keep a better eye on Mizuno after taking her in, but those are minor complaints to an otherwise very good episode.

Looking ahead to next week from the previews it seems like Takuto might finally lose to the Blue Cybody shown, but I wonder it will be interesting to see if this is the true form of Sugata’s Cybody or if it is Head’s. Additionally, it will be interesting to see what Keito and the Glittering Crux do with Mizuno. I find it weird that Keito would tell Mizuno how to leave the island, when it seems that there needs to be some sort of ritual performed, but maybe Keito isn’t all that bad (probably not, I mean did you see the above picture?). Still, all signs point to a lot of things happening in the next episode, so it should be good.

For a show with a rather ridiculous premise, Star Driver sure is expecting a lot out of its viewers. Could you see the revelation that Head knew who Keito really was? Sure, if you wanted to analyze every little piece of information (end of episode 4), you probably could have deduced that Head knew who Keito was, and that the Glittering Crux would inevitably find out that Mizuno was a maiden. But still, it seemed a bit too convenient.

That aside, this episode did give us a few new things to consider, the most perplexing being if Marino is really even a real person. From, the flashback scenes in this episode, it seems like Mizuno was the only one who existed in the past (the new OP seems to suggest this), but then again this could have something to do with Marino’s trauma with her Cybuddy. Still, we don’t exactly know what Mizuno’s first phase power is. I mean can she talk to birds, or is it possible for her to create another person?

We know memories can transfer, but can personalities?

One interesting note is that this episode finally seemed to confirm that people who pilot Cybuddys can access the memories of those Cybuddys. While it certainly seems that Takuto is one of only a few who can fully understand these memories, it is interesting to wonder if the Cybuddys can alter the moods of the Star Drivers. Since it seems pretty clear that Ayingott was evil, you have to wonder if it gave some evil thoughts to Marino, which may have caused her visions of her nonexistent past. On the other hand, if Marino is a creation of Mizuno, maybe she will inherit these evil traits. Either way, it finally seems that there will be some tension between the sisters in the next episode, though there were some hints in this episode that signaled rough waters for our favorite pink haired twins.

There were some other things that also intrigued me in this episode. For such an inconspicuous character, I was a bit surprised to see that Sarina was even shown in the OP. She did play a fairly pivotal role in this episode by choosing Mizuno and Takuto for the kissing scene. I wouldn’t be surprised if she first had to run this by someone more important, as it seemed like she could have easily given those two the part when Mizuno first brought it up.

Then there was what seemed to be the final Head/Sugata interaction for a while as Head left during zero time to return to the Glittering Crux, which pretty much signaled to Sugata that he was indeed part of the Glittering Crux. This does raise a few questions though. How was Head able to stay in black and white view when Zero Time began so that he could initially fool Sugata? From this, it would seem that Head has reached the 3rd phase at the very least, and likely has reached higher stages. Finally, what will Head do with Keito down the line? It appears that he is the only one who knows Keito is a maiden, but it seems like all of the seals will eventually need to be broken (though the pacing of this series suggests that all four seals will not be broken). What will he do when that time comes?

Too often, we judge anime by the quality of its epic moments and ignore some of the calmer, but just as interesting parts. This episode of Star Driver didn’t by any means redefine what epic means, as it once again featured a relatively mundane fight. But what it did do is provide a series of notable moments that reminded me how good anime can be on a week to week basis. Whether this is a sign of things to come for Star Driver, or just a fluke, is yet to be determined.

Head must be majoring in psychology, because he mind raped Sugata

First, how could you not love the subtle, but yet not that subtle, that show made to the changes in both Sugata and Marino’s characters. I especially loved that scene with Sugata doing a one man play in middle school, because when combined with his run with Head, the quick trigger he had with his King’s Pillar in Zero Time, I really got the sense that he doesn’t just want to fight alongside Takuto, but that he probably wants to push Takuto aside.

The use of mirrors in this episode was really well done

But Sugata wasn’t the only one acting a bit strange this week, as I’m obligated to mention how Marino is starting to give me the creeps with her newfound stalking hobby. It was nice to see that the show didn’t just forget about the You sisters after the story shifted back to Kanako, but I would have liked to get a clearer understanding as to what Marino’s feelings are. She just doesn’t seem to be able to reconcile her relationship with Mizuno and her feelings with Takuto, but I got the eerie feeling that Mizuno already knows, and is content with the fact, that Marino is ultimately going to do something really stupid.

Its clear now that Glittering Crux members are indeed quick change masters

Now I’m halfway through the post, and I haven’t even mentioned the episode’s main storyline, which featured Simone/Pamela’s relationship with Kanako. This, more than anything, speaks to how well paced this episode was, which is something I always appreciate. Anyway, back on point. While the implications of Simone and Kanako’s (who was awesome this week, as always) relationship may or may not have implications for this series’ end game, as it seems Kanako’s husband may have some SEELE like influence on the goings on of the Glittering Crux Brigade, the conflict did lead to some interesting revelations. Also, seeing Kanako nervous for the first time was pretty interesting, and it seems like its going to cause her to make a move in the next episode.

The Third Phase

It was also pretty interesting to see that Takashi, via Simone, was able to access the third stage on her Cybuddy. Whether or not this is going to be some sort of new trend in the series will be interesting, as it could open up some sort of new dynamic ala Utena, in which the duelists needed a partner to draw their sword for them. While I don’t think this will happen, considering some of the characters who still need to fight, like Kanako and Keito, seem too independent, it was something that crossed my mind.

Aside from all that, this episode was full of WIN, if only for one reason.

I have to say that Star Driver is beginning to have me question why I watch it. At some moments the show delivers kick but action scene after scene, but it increasingly seems to be borrowing frame rate lessons from Evangelion at other moments, though I guess if you’re a fan of two bishies panting for what seems like an eternity this is probably right up your alley. More on point though, this series is moving at quite the breakneck pace, what with fish girl (and her awesome battle song) leaving after only a third of the series is complete. Suffice it to say no one really knows where this thing is headed, but then again, did anyone ever really?

=(

Starting with episode 7, it seems like Mami was in reality nothing more than a one timer meant to induce Sugata into unleashing his King’s Pillar in the previous episode, though I guess you never know for sure. I mean the way Takuto completely ignored her during their fight, only to defeat her in an instant was surprising as it was awesome. That said though, it does seem like the series is breaking away from its established routine given that neither Mami or Benio were shown giving up their badges after their defeats. Speaking of breaking from the routine, what was more unexpected than the sudden departure of fish girl? Sure, I didn’t know what the hell she was talking about half the time, and I’ll definitely miss Monochrome every time Takuto summons Tauburn, but I guess the adventure of life must go on.

As most people have surmised, I also think that the bus scene featuring Wako, fish girl, Keito, and the newly introduced Mizuno has some sort of special significance, with the most likely scenario being that the four are the four shrine maidens on the island. While it certainly surprising to see a member of both the Midnight Flight and the Glittering Star as maidens (if that is indeed the case), it is certainly going to make for some interesting storylines, especially for Keito. I mean, as a member of the Glittering Stars, it seems that she may be one of the keys to unlocking either any phase or a phase after Wako’s. It will be interesting to see if other members of the Brigade already know this, or what will happen to Keito should they find out. Perhaps, she will be forced to change sides in the future.

I just like this shot.

But the most pressing matter on my mind is who will Head have replace fish girl, so that he won’t be bored before bed time. If he does need some sort of replacement, as it seems he does if the Glittering Stars are to move on to the next phase, who will he choose. Regardless of whether he chooses someone to be in his birdcage, I would like a little back-story as to how fish girl ended up in that birdcage in the first place (plus a whole lot of other things). If he does manage to “capture” another girl, I’d imagine the process wouldn’t be that different that fish girls, so that would also suffice as a pseudo back story, I suppose.

The series continues to expand on the use of the first phase, both in and out of zero time. I thought it was quite brilliant of Benio to come up with the idea of using her First Phase ability in zero time after kissing Sugata in the previous episode, even if she failed on the execution. However, I fail to see where the already introduced first phases (by my count there are four of them thus far: Kanako, Benio, Mami, and Midori, though if there are more let me know) will have any pivotal impact on the plot, unless perhaps they have enormous side effects as episode 7 hinted at. The last thing this series needs to do introduce new first phases right before using them at a critical junction, as that would be pretty cheap.

Though I’ve mentioned how I thought some characters were far less important than they initially appeared, Mami for instance and perhaps Kanako, it almost goes without saying that there are likely many characters that may be more important than I would have initially guessed. For example, it seemed like Sarina had a thing for Takuto during their conversation about Wako in episode 7. Perhaps, she may play a more important role as the series progresses, and who knows, if she does like Takuto and he doesn’t reciprocate the feelings, or even notice her, Sarina may join the Glittering Star. It wouldn’t be unlike a teenager to completely switch her group of friends over a boy because as we know by now, the adventure of life must go on.

I guess this post wouldn’t be complete without some mention of Sugata’s short lived fit from being slapped by Takuto. I guess if anything, this means that Sugata truly values bros before h*es, as he was able to overcome the power of Benio’s kiss, and do who knows what with Takuto in zero time. I’m a guy, and that seemed way too dramatic for any resolution to any disagreement I’ve ever had. That said, I suppose the overall concept of the idea was good especially considering Wako was at the center of it, but the execution again was poor. And what happens now? I mean, Sugata can apparently summon his Cybuddy in zero time now, so is that going to mean we are going to see Takuto and Sugata versus all comers, though tag team battles would be pretty cool. That sort of development would sort of mesh with the whole adventure of life goes on thing, but I don’t really know if it would work.

What is this guy's role?

Regardless, the next episode or two will tell us what the departure of fish girl means. Will the series enter some sort of second phase ala Utena and the Black rose arc, or will it squander its good foundation with too many unanswered questions?

This close to a zero time wardrobe malfunction

Since I am looking down the barrel of two hellish weeks of school before Thanksgiving break, I am going to combine the two shows I am reviewing into one post this week and next. Unfortunately, that means I am not going to be able to go as in depth as I would like to, which really sucks since Legendary Heroes is really starting to heat up again, and Star Driver continues to meet and exceed expectations.

To begin with, you have no idea how happy I am that Ryner finally decided to do something, instead of constantly complaining/moping about his situation. While his decision to join Tiir, and what looks like a group of outcast magical eye users, made sense when you consider the order Sion gave Luke, you have to wonder what the hell he was thinking in leaving behind Ferris. It seemed as though she thought she had gotten through to Ryner after his last outburst in episode 10, as the flashback reminded us, so it is hard to imagine how hard Ryner’s betrayal must have hit her. Though to empathize with Ryner, having what looks like thousands of people in the army shudder in fear from your presence, right before you decide whether to join Tiir would probably have a big impact on your decision.

It seems like Ryner regrets leaving, but has it in his mind he has no other choice

As for Sion, how freaking lucky is this guy? This guy was anointed a hero after the events in episode 3, in which he needed Ryner to save his ass, and now it was only because of Ryner’s s decision that Tiir disappeared. I mean how much does he have his army wrapped around his finger to declare that he sent away the monster, even though pretty much everyone there saw that wasn’t the case. I guess that also begs the question about how stupid his army is, but that’s a question for another day.

Anyway, it seems Ferris is going to go look for Ryner and try to knock some sense into him which is all well and good, but the really important development is that Ferris looks infinitely hotter in her new pink get up. On a side note, I kind of was disappointed that we didn’t get any resolution to the Miran/Luke encounter from the previous episode.

As for Star Driver, things weren’t quite as crazy as last week, but we finally got to learn a few things about Sugata. Apparently, he is the heir to the strongest Cybuddy there is, and also has the strongest First Phase in the form of the King’s Pillar. The only problem is that if he apprivoises, he will fall into a deep coma. There is also some added drama about how he learned of his abilities on his birthday five years ago, and ever since he needs to do some emo scene on said day. On a side note, the show seems to have made a special note about how both Wako and Sugata learned of their abilities, and in both instances it seems like it has filled them with regret and forced them to restraining themselves, with their inability to leave the island likely symbolizing something else.

Glasses, bunny ears, maid outfits, what's next?

With that said, you know Sugata was planning for the long run when he did apprivoise to save Wako. I mean he pretty much sacrificed himself to save her, so you know that when he inevitably wakes up (he is a main character) that Wako is going to want to get into his pants. More seriously, this episode made it more clear that Takuto wasn’t necessarily going to be the one to break Wako’s seal and that there will likely be some sort of love triangle between the three. I’d really like to see Sugata become an enemy to Takuto as that would be a pretty interesting story line.

A little uninteresting, but that may be due to the lack of fan service when compared to other characters

As for the show’s stand alone story, I wasn’t really that impressed with Undine’s character as she seemed to be a little bit too paranoid about Takuto and Wako being together. On the flip side, her first phase was pretty awesome, and was the catalyst for some pretty sweet fights between her Mermiadolls and the maids with the ever growing list of moe elements. Just as interesting was the increasing screen time that was devoted to the mentioning of the First Phases. The scene with Kanako, in which she said she was lucky to have a first phase that didn’t cause that much stress was really interesting, especially in comparison to the trouble Undine seemed to have with hers. If we were going to somehow try and relate this to adolescence, which this show seems to be about, it seems that some characters have a lot easier time adapting to their newfound first phase powers than others. This, in addition, to some other characters who have trouble dealing with finding out about their powers, certainly goes to show that while people may go through the same things in life, more or less, not everyone can handle them as well or as easily as others.

Do they really need to wear their costumes outside?

On a side note, this was the first time I could easily understand the nonsense coming from fish girl’s mouth, as it seemed to predict the events that would occur later in the show, and was the basis for my theory that Sugata and Takuto might become enemies.