[DreamSword]

Episode 21: The Age for Libido

I have some rather mixed feelings on this one.

On the downside, this episode primarily focuses on Madoka(one of the lesbian antagonists), and the mecha side of the show.

And while the idea the episode presents: A scenario inwhich Takuto might have no other option than to kill someone, is interesting, it's resolved in a rather sudden way and it comes at the cost of eating up screen time that other characters could've really used, like Takashi(Kendo Boy), who at first seems like he'll be important only to not be. Like at all.

Which is a seriously missed opportunity given the emphasis that the start of this arc concerning how he had a natural mark and thus should still be able to summon and take his Cybody to the next level. But alas, it's not to be.

It's a real shame too because we're now in the last stretch of Star Driver, and it's starting to feel like some plans were made without entirely accounting for just how long the show would actually run. Sure, this is only one loose plot thread in a show that's been handling its pacing rather well, but still, it's notable.

But, on the upside, the small selection of scenes that focus on other characters, most notably Head, Kanako, and Keito, are all very interesting to see play out as they all highlight past regrets and how each character processes them. Kanako doesn't hold anything personally and is willing to move on, Keito is conflicted on how exactly to keep going with her current situation, and Head meanwhile still isn't willing to take any of his past reflections to heart.

So anyway here's "Fool." Not because it's a song that notably plays during this episode or anything, but because it's one heard often throughout the show, typically played during embarrassing moments. And uh, this episode also doesn't provide any real highlight songs which which to showcase, which is another strike against it.

But, yeah. Not a total wash of an episode, but it could've easily been something alot better for my tastes.