[DreamSword]

Episode #07: Resistance

For an episode with so much intensity, it's surprisingly funny!

In my opinion, this episode has some of the best comedic beats in the show. That moment I screencapped has lived rent free in my brain ever since I saw it.

It's a great bit of levity, really, because right from the outset the episode sets you up for the character drama that the plot of this one entails. And while it's mainly centered on Will, other characters aren't left out.

A great duality is built between Will and Nick, for example. Since episode 1, Will has been a man who takes charge of his own path in life, whereas Nick has always wanted to mooch off of others. And once the Skrugg's' mind control is broken, things don't change.

The Presidental side of things is again included too. With Minami representing the more unsavory side of international politics. Minami sees the sphere crisis as a chance for opportunity and militaristic superiority, wheres Mr. President treats it as many others would: A crisis that needs to be stopped. It's an ugly debacle that unfortunately the world has to deal with even unto today.

But again, Will is arguably the star here despite alot of the action in the episode having to do with infiltrating the Skrugg base. That opening scene is not only appropriately atmospheric, but shows even more insight into Will's' upbringing. Including how he was the one who broke Psy's' leg(on accident), which is why Will always backs down to Psy. And of course, his love of his sister is what ultimately helps him to rebel against the Skrugg. Nick included.

The ending has serious Metal Gear Solid vibes, by the way. If you know, you know.

"Strategy" seemed like the most appropriate song to highlight this time, given how much focus is given on the planning that crew does in infiltrating the enemy stronghold. I rather liked how realistic they were being about the entire process as well. Sure, saving Will and Nick, stopping the spheres, and even beating the Skrugg would all be wonderful things to accomplish in one go, everyone knows that even just achieving one would be more than enough and to hightail it as soon as things start to go south. It should how level headed everyone is trying to be despite the high emotional stakes in everything, and I rather liked that aspect.