[DreamSword]

Episode 12: Mask Graveyard

There is ALOT going on in this episode.

Like, I haven't bothered looking into if the show was originally going to be 26 episodes or not, but I honestly believe it.

Because really, the content of this episode alone was enough to fill up like four episodes of any other anime. There's two climactic battles, the culmination of Naomi's' character arc, and the reveal of the Puppetmaster's' identity.

And yeah, I called that it was Rouge's' father, who turns out to not actually be dead. It was either going to be him or Eve, though I will say that I did briefly consider it to be Ash(hence my screenshot of him with the pancakes), and my mind was totally blown at that idea.

But regardless, despite just how much is going on in this episode, I do feel that it was all handled the best it could be given the circumstances. I've seen far worse pacing in many other shows, and if nothing else, the atmosphere was on point throughout the entirety of the episode, and the moment where Naomi gives Rouge her Id was very touching.

Alot of the episode also reinforces a big part of the driving theme behind Metallic Rouge; That no matter you choose to do, there will always be consequences, which is why it's important to stay true to your feelings and do your best to ensure you live with as few regrets as possible. Sylvia and Yellow Jacket might both be crazy, but they're doing what many others fail to do: Be true to who they are and fight for what they believe in.

Ideologies will always conflict, that's just a part of life, but by remaining true to your own ideals, you can at the very least live peacefully with yourself. And if not, well, maybe that's a concern you should address.

Very interested in seeing where the final episode will go.