[DreamSword]

Episode #8: Counter

Now, see, this is the episode that I would've titled "Friend."

It's also an episode that I feel works well enough, but it also sort of highlights the inherent weakness that shorter run shows tend to have.

Because on paper, using Amo and his relationship with Kanata as a sort of contrast to Kuon and Hoshiai, and having that be an inspiration for how Kuon carries himself from now on is a great idea.

In terms of execution though? Again, I think it works well enough, but I couldn't help but think about how I would've liked to have seen more backstory on both Amo and Kanata. And I get it, we only have 12 episodes, and the show has done a good job at prioritizing, but still.

There's other bits and bobs with our other characters too, namely how Nagusuke steels his resolve in exposing the truth about Versus Road, and Takane falling deeper into their madness-induced despair. But it's relatively minor, especially given how Hyuga the serial killer finally gets cut down. While I could see some wishing that it would've been Amo who took him out, I do see the thematics in our biggest hero being the one to finally put an end to the most monstrous contestant.

The momentum certainly doesn't stop there though, since the guy who seems to be the big bad(although part of me says it's actually the Redhead Alchemist) is revealed to have been someone who tried to become Garo and failed. So I am absolutely intrigued in learning more about him and why he's doing his best to cover the armor in Inga.

See, Geats? You can still make terrible people into interesting characters. Just takes a small amount of effort.