[DreamSword]

Episode 13: The Red Sword in Love

I felt this one was primarily saved by the way that it ended.

The episode focuses on Benio; the RA who up until now was known as Scarlet Kiss, the girl who could control people by kissing them.

We get the backstory not only on her, but also her two friends who help form Filament, her section of the Glittering Crux Brigade. And if you don't know who they are, well, they were among the first Cybody users beaten by Takuto.

The overarching theme of the episode is examining how people might fight to regain what they feel they've lost. Whether it be the ability to pilot a Cybody, family honor, or even just interest in a hobby. As well as how obsession over perceived loss can be rather detrimental overall.

One fear I had throughout the episode was that it was going to try and paint Benio as sympathetic, or elsewise someone to feel sorry for. But to my surprise, it didn't. It simply showcased what her motivations were and didn't make any attempt at hiding all of her negative qualities. This in turn made her eventual development, which tied into the ultimate lesson of the episode, all the better.

Basically, it boils down to learning from the punches life throws at you; Either in terms of how to overcome, or to simply let go of something long gone and find a different means of moving forward. And if you wanna primarily go by this episode in itself, it's a major reason why Takuto and Sugata are as strong as they are. Takuto can adapt to whatever situation he finds himself in, and Sugata has been learning to not let his past or family name confine him.

But as I said, the primary focus is Benio, and while she does have her own theme, I struggle to think of a single time I ever heard it play in-show. Thus, I instead present the theme of Filament, the group that she leads, which has played a few times throughout the show. It captures the general vibe of all three of its members rather well I feel. And you know, it helps that the battle theme remix of it is so good too.

Anyway, I won't say the episode is out and out perfect, but I did overall respect it for what it gunned for.