[DreamSword]

Act 13

So are we just doing two-parters from now on, or...?

Because yeah, this is the start of another one, but unlike episode 11, I think there's quite alot that makes this episode work as a standalone.

Coming off that, had you told me that this episode was written by Toshiki Inoue, I'd totally believe you due to just how similar this story ended up being to a specific episode from Kamen Rider Kiva.

The premise being that Serena and Darien run into an amnesiac, and decide to try and help him recover some of his lost memories. Not all is as it seems, however, as the man with little memory ends up being Malachite, the last of Beryl's' Generals for the Dark Kingdom.

And on the note of Malachite, I'm a bit peeved that Zoicite ended up looking like Malachite, while Malachite ends up looking like Nephlite, and Nephlite looks totally different from any sort of design that I'm familiar with. Given how much Jadeite looked like his anime counterpart, why couldn't they keep the designs for the other Generals consistent too?

Regardless, this episode was rather sweet. Sure, "Shin" and his missing memories are the goal and catalyst, but what this episode is really about is once again not only showcasing Serena's' empathy, but allowing Darien to see it for himself, and to that extent also allowing Serena to see Darien's' softer side. It's a big move in characterization for them both, and only serves to highlight just how cruel Queen Beryl really is, given her role in all of this.

I do legit want Malachite to find redemption after this, and given time, I might feel the same of the other Generals too.

[DreamSword]

Act 14

This... this was so good.

The premise is that Serena is incapacitated for a majority of the episode due to the spell that Malachite put on her, and the rest of the team have to try and help her break the curse, before it's too late.

I really, really have to give it up on part of both the writing and the actors in how they've made it very believable just how strong the friendship between the girls has grown over these past 14 episodes. From the fun they have at the start, to the determination and danger they face later on, I was totally engrossed in the entire episode from start to finish.

And really, that's the big crux of the episode. The emotions of it all were something I did genuinely get swept up in. And given the past experiences I've had with these mediums, I both love and am saddened by just how well friendships are written in most of the magical shows I've seen.

It's a big love due to me being a sucker for these types of tropes to begin with, but I sometimes face disappointment due to how shows aimed at boys tend to not write friendship nearly as well(looking at you, Kamen Rider Build). If there was any one thing I'd want "boy" shows to take from "girl" shows, it'd be the ability to make bonds between friends feel big, important, and natural. It's sadly much more rare than what I'd like.

Just, man, this was such a big feeling episode all around, and I really have no idea what to say outside of that.

[DreamSword]

Act 15

Molly sets Serena up on a date with Darien, and then some jewel thieves arrive.

The set up is rather simple, but the execution of the idea is another step in bringing Darien and Serena closer, which is important.

I also rather dug how, despite being the start of another two-parter, the consequences of what happened between Amy and Molly last episode are what end up leading to a big chunk of the events in this one.

And yeah, the duping of the jewel thieves and ensuing monster fight are fun for what they are, but the real meat of the episode is all of the character interactions. Not just between Serena and Darien, but literally everyone involved. Again, Motoki gets only a little screen time, but what he does have really highlights his personality(he's cued in that Serena isn't into him).

There's also a B plot involving the other Sailors investigating a string of kidnappings, but it's literally only a hook for next episode and to give them something to do since they're not in focus this time around. We get to see plushit Artemis though!

Anyway, yeah, a simpler episode, but still a fun one.

[DreamSword]

Act 16

Amy and Molly's' jealousy of one another comes to a head.

While it's a bit of a shame that the episode primarily focuses on Amy over Molly, I still overall liked how things played out.

Raye gets in on things too; telling Amy that her feelings are nothing to be ashamed of and that someone doesn't need to be 100% pure in order to be a good person was a great moment.

It's not as if Molly was totally left out either. She's not only had her moments throughout the past couple of episodes, but here too she shows how she's felt spurned by both Amy and Serena, and it's only at the end how alike her feelings align with Amy and she gives Amy a chance.

There's also the subplot of Serena trying to sort out her newfound feelings for Darien, but it's mainly a hook into next episode. Heck, the only character who doesn't get much of anything here is Lita, in a way that makes me think that her actress was busy with other things while the show was being filmed; Given both this episode and one where Sailor Venus is unveiled.

It's a rather straightforward episode, but a good one all the same.

[DreamSword]

Act 17

This time, we get two one-on-one connections!

As Lita tries to help Serena with the latter's' feelings towards Darien, Raye runs into Mina, with Mina's' identity as Sailor Venus exposed.

The two plots get an equal amount of screen time, which is just great to see right off the bat, but I was also equally invested in both. Even with the idea that the Serena story is "done" here while Mina's' continues into next episode.

And keep in mind, I'm not typically one for romantic melodrama, but I've really grown to like these versions of Serena, Lita, and Darien as characters, so seeing Serena finally come to terms with her feelings, even if not in the most ideal of circumstances, was a journey I was into.

Meanwhile, it's funny how despite arguably being the most anti-social of the group, Raye has had the most heart to hearts with the other characters, and now she's paired up with Mina, who's arguably even more distant than Raye is. It makes for an interesting scenario where now Raye has to be the "softer" one of the two, thus showing how far she's come as a character.

Given the subject matter of some of these episodes, and especially with the increased focus on romance, I'm thinking that fans of Kamen Rider Kiva might also like this show? Just a little bit? Some of the monster aesthetics have certainly been in that same wheelhouse, that's for sure.

[Mesnick]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamSword

.And keep in mind, I'm not typically one for romantic melodrama, but I've really grown to like these versions of Serena, Lita, and Darien as characters, so seeing Serena finally come to terms with her feelings, even if not in the most ideal of circumstances, was a journey I was into.

One of the show's strengths is that the relationships between the characters aren't so much predetermined by past lives, but rather develop naturally and unfold before the viewers' eyes. So here, the characters have much more agency and the opportunity to express their individual personalities.