Episode reviews for the second season Options

[Dr. Casey]

I'm going to order MKR Season 2 for my birthday coming up, so I'll give my thoughts on the episodes after watching them like I did with the first season.

[Dr. Casey]

Episode 24: Magic Knights and the Battleship MSX

This episode got off to a good start with the scene between Clef and Umi. I noticed from the get-go that Umi's demeanor was sweeter and more gentle than it usually is, and the reasoning for that became apparent soon enough. It's interesting that Umi said she was only halfway paying attention to what Clef said when she first came to Cephiro... very realistic flaw, and one that makes me want to see the first episode again now that I know more about what her perspective was like. It always fascinates me whenever deeper layers are added to something as volatile and innocent as the beginning of the first episode was.

The Fuu/Ferio scene was nice, although I don't have much in the way of specific commentary. That makes two episodes in a row where Fuu cries, though. You should probably back off for now, Ferio. >_> I really enjoyed the long scene with Hikaru and Lantis. His character design isn't the only good thing about him; he also has a very cool dub voice and a very interesting personality. Dark, serious, and always says something worth listening to. He's now probably my favorite character aside from Hikaru. I totally didn't remember who that kid was until the flashback from episode four was played, though.

I enjoyed Clef's brief talk with Lantis. Clef is pretty damn awesome when he gets into his all-business mode. Hikaru's line, "Yes, talk! I don't want to fight without knowing what I'm fighting for!" was a very telling one, and I have to respect her for feeling that way and learning from their last adventure. I was pretty surprised to see Alcyione again, and I'm glad that she showed Umi who's boss because youth-oriented culture annoys me. Umi's cocky statement, "Like that middle-aged woman can do anything with a Rune God!" shows that her role as a Magic Knight is becoming second nature rather than a weird fantasy thing, a stigma which had largely worn off by the end of the first season but not entirely.

Also, I forgot to mention this in the last episode... I really like the ending song. It reminds me of something, though... several things, actually; I think they're from the 2003/2004 area... I hate it when a song brings me back and I don't know what I'm being brought back to. XD

Rating for Episode 24: Great

Badass Scene of the Episode Award: The transformation sequence of the three girls. Badass and not drawn out. Sailor Moon could stand to follow its lead.

Anyway, that's it for Disk 1: Wake. This is a nice show with a better (and more carefully defined) atmosphere than the original. More reviews to come at a later date.