[DreamSword]

Episode 6: The King's Pillar

Just what is Sugata's' deal anyway?

We know what's going on with Wako and her duties as a Maiden of the islands, but what role do Sugata and his family play in all of this?

Well this episode is almost entirely about that, and as such there is alot of exposition. Not mecha battle, though the mechs are still important to everything going on and we even get a bit more insight into their magical nature.

There's been alot of talking of "Phases" in the show so far. Here we learn about the 1st and 2nd. A "First Phase" is a magical ability that someone gets when their Cybody awakens for the first time. A "Second Phase" is the Cybody in question gaining their true form that can be piloted in Zero Time.

So, since Sugata has a mark, and thus has a Cybody, what's going on with him? Well, his particular Cybody is actually the King of all of them, which ranks his family very highly on the islands. But as far as anyone is aware, the King Cybody is nonfunctional, with any attempts at calling it making the user fall into a coma. But because of the sheer power it wields, those bound to it are forbidden to leave the island and live lives of their own.

Sugata learned all of this on his birthday five years ago, and as such not only hates his own birthday now, but has grown rather aloof about life over time. He still loves Wako, but just because someone can smile on the outside and appreciate others doesn't mean they aren't holding alot of hurt on the inside. Wako herself notes how sad Sugata's' smile actually is.

With all this in mind, it's only fitting that Sugata's' theme is not only quite somber in itself, but plays during alot of the more dramatic talky scenes in the show. The episode itself really excels in following up on that atmosphere too; With a story that starts off rather cheery slowly becoming alot more downtrodden. And it all culminates in an explosive climax that arguably does more harm than good. Sugata saves Wako, but at the cost of himself. And all on the combined birthday of both him and Takuto.

It's rather telling of Takuto's' character too. It's his birthday, and a day he wanted to celebrate. But once he sees the signs of his friends suffering, he doesn't make the day about him at all, and is instead putting everything into helping those he cares about.

I really liked this episode overall. It has some great character interactions and development ontop of making sure that the heavy exposition is never boring. And again, it's all carred by a solidly done atmosphere that kept me engaged. I have no complaints.