[Sh Ranger]

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Originally Posted by Zolda

Kyouka also states that the second process is similar to the memory manipulation process, only performed in reverse. Minato then reveals that the Neuralyzer/memory manipulation spell doesn't actually erase the memories of the Chemy witnesses, but seal and overwrite them, very likely with blank memories, which created holes/lapses in a subject's memories. The blank memories are likely similar to what happens to a person's memories when he's drunk or drugged/sedated. I think the reversal process is basically opening "the seal" (aka the blank memories) and recovering the original memories. This is a nice elaboration on the internal logic, but it should've been hinted at and shown since many episodes ago, not dumped in an exposition dialogue in a single scene. I mean, it's episode 44 already!

Blank memories make sense, as otherwise people would immediately notice they're forgetting stuff. Human memory is pretty malleable, with imagination filling in any gaps to construct a coherent sequence of events, so the memory wipe spell is essentially inflicting false memory syndrome, like what Gai did to Isamu. Kyoka's machine reminds me of the Animus.

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Originally Posted by Zolda

The stalker guy/Deepmariner Malgam from episode 3 & 4 appears again in this episode, thanks to Clotho kidnapping him from the prison. He's revealed by Gaelya to be a serial stalker/killer who's obsessed with women. He's then re-transformed into Deepmariner Malgam by Gaelya, without the need of the Deepmariner Chemy/RCC. Clotho reveals @ 14:58 that Gaelya told her that the Chemy element remains in former Malgam hosts, so as long as they have malice they'll still be able to transform into Malgams without being exposed to Chemies/RCC's.

Not just any Deepmariner Malgam, but the Dark Deepmariner Malgam, the same variant created from Gigist's corruption of Chemies. So the Dark Kings can do that to humans as well, provided the target is a former Malgam. We already knew this host was a creepy stalker, but a killer as well, damn, he's worse now.

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

And Supana has warmed up on her too to give sincere praise, albeit it may indicate Supana's one of those who think asshole = genuine.

I was surprised to see Spanner casually giving praise and reassurance to Lachesis like that, I think he's really softened in a good way. There could also be a parallel that Spanner became stronger by confronting his lost memories and he believes that Lachesis can do it as well.

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

In contrast, Clotho here is at her most malicious, relishing over humans that have become Malgam turning into one again without Chemies, due to its residual, not unlike Germain. Houtaro claims she's changed by this, but I'd think he just had a rose-colored view of her before, regardless of whether it makes sense for him to show concern over villains. I'm not sure about Tsurugi getting praised here by Houtaro as having a change of heart either.

I think you're being a little too skeptical here. Other than Houtarou having a talent for character judgment, we saw that Clotho has good intentions of wanting to bring her family back together but she's willfully ignorant to the problems that are preventing that from happening, like Rintarou was. For Tsurugi, he's encouraging Hijiri to move on with her life and receiving rehabilitation in prison, so I still believe he deserves the benefit of the doubt that he can someday return to society a changed man.

Curious to see how Clotho's and Gaelijah's alliance will develop. Gaelijah has reversed the upgrades given by Geryon and Gigist, so looks like she wants to create a new path for Clotho, using the power of astrology to guide her to the future she wants. The Dark Kings can be manipulative though, so I fear that Gaelijah might be planning to exploit Clotho's trust.

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Originally Posted by DreadBringer

Though this means Gotchard's final form is wasted on weak MOTW again here albeit it's important to show off DeepMariner abilities.

Sky's The Limit even when you're submerged, I guess. I totally enjoyed the creativity of this fight scene and the surprise return of VenoMariner, since that form wasn't included in the Souchaku Henshin Series so a lot of people thought it might've been scrapped for parts. Notice that Gotcha Brothers are usually recurring forms or limited to Wild Mode.

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Originally Posted by Mesnick

Klotho even changed her outfit in honor of this.

Makes sense for her most revealing outfit to return for the summer. It was originally changed in winter due to being impractical for cold weather.

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Originally Posted by Mesnick

I'm also interested in the idea that the Sisters are based on real people. Given Geryon's special relationship with Atropos, one wonders if it was founded by someone important to him. Or, more accurately, in the past for him. Also, it?s strange that no one has ever encountered the originals. Maybe they are no longer alive?

This could result in some weird biological stuff, like how Takeru married a clone of his mother. However, if Geryon is an artificial lifeform created by Germain, then I wonder what could possibly be his connection to Atropos' human template, that causes him to favor her to the others. Some connection to Kongo Mami, perhaps? Looks like they have history.

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Originally Posted by Mesnick

Minato also decided to trust Houtarou, since it had proven itself many times in the past. I wonder what the consequences will be?

I have to praise Minato's impartiality here, he's a good and wise mentor. At the start, he was afraid to believe in Houtarou's hope, but now he has gained the courage to stand up for it, while still respecting the cautious words of Spanner regarding the dangers of alchemy reaching the outside world. He carefully considers all the options before reaching a conclusion.