[DreamSword]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fish Sandwich

I'll probably start having more to say about it as you go along, but I'm really liking it so far! For the record, I'm also going with the Japanese audio. It blew my mind when I realized Tomokazu "SHINING FINGER!" Seki was Jirou's voice actor near the end of the first episode. I legitimately was not aware he had the range to do a character who needs to come off as gentle and vulnerable, but he's really nailing it. And also, Kenichi Suzumura taught him how to play guitar!

I... honestly never would've guessed that Seki was his JP VA. That IS a surprise!

Episode 4: Mirror

The opening of this episode is intense, man!



We get an answer to the ambiguity of Mitsuko's' stance last episode. Deep down, she does care for Jiro, and no, she hasn't gotten over all of the attempts on her life, either(as if it'd be that easy, right?).

Again, probably gonna be an odd thing to call out to alot of you, but I do love how the blood in this sequence looks like actual, you know, blood. Not red water, not black oil, straight up, gooey, crimson red, BLOOD. That's actually really unique for alot of anime of this type. Atleast in my experience.



Jiro meanwhile has found a new hobby; Playing his guitar for anyone willing to hear. I actually got a bit of giggle at how he continues to play even as the old woman scolds her child and drags him back home. And hey, when your guitar playing is this good, why stop?

We also get another flashback to the Mad Machine scene, so, 5, if you count it. Again, I don't, as it's not Mitsuko herself repeating it, and is more to reinforce part of what's keeping Jiro in the state he's in. It's legitimately sad.



Back to Mitsuko, we learn the primary source of her Robophobia and abandonment issues. What's really nice about this is that it's a scene that shows not only a big reason why she is the way she is, but also notes that it in itself is not a good thing, and that she's actively trying to work on it. So many times I've seen stories that expected me to feel sorry for someone for and totally excuse all of their wrongdoings solely via their backstory, but not here. Here Ishinomori shows it's not just what happens to you, it's what you do moving forward that matters most.

Mitsuko is voiced by Lia Sargent, who to me stands out as Dorothy from The Big O, another of my all time favorite anime! (also kinda funny when you consider the plot of Kikaider and who her character is in Big O).

Oh and uh, before moving on, can I just point out how awesome this character design is?



Hahahaha, I love that afro. *Ahem* ANYWAY, we get a cool bit of lore on Gill and his flute. It serves the dual purpose of not only driving Jiro crazy(literally), but it's also a message to his robots; An order to destroy.

We also get to hear Jiro's' Henshin phrase for the first time! "SWITCH ON!" Which I feel like Fourze should totally say(I'm only like 10 episodes in on that so shhh).

The robot this time is a giant ant who shoots acid. Kinda random, but okay.

And the mirror that the title is referring to?



It's brief enough so as to not be overbearing, but it really is the crux of the episode in that Jiro for the first time actually gets a good look at himself. From his physical appearance, to what he's capable of when he becomes unhinged, it's a heavy burden to bear. They even flashback to the guitar scene. So double gut punch. Jeez.

Real quick I wanted to GIF a certain bit of the fight scene, because it was cool.

And to further emphasize how diabolical Gill is, when Jiro refuses to fight what is essential his own brother in the Ant, Gill orders the Ant to kill an innocent girl. Gorgom clearly had an idol in mind when they formed their organization. It's also a subtle clue as to Gill's' true intentions. But I'll leave you to think about that one.

But he's not done there!



Yeah, ordering your own soldier/adopted child to suicide bomb is pretty messed up! And showing the divide between the two, Jiro is horrified by the notion, while Ant sees nothing wrong with it.

I won't dare spoil how this episode ends, but it really all does come together true to its title. "Mirror" really was the perfect title, as well as the perfect symbol to show the theme and plot of the episode. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I basically gave my thoughts on the episode with the bit above, but as usual, lemme know what you guys thought.