Squealer didn't deserve that kind of barbaric punishment.
A great ending to the series helps to salve some of the wounds from its inconsistency as a whole. This episode was quite satisfying in how it addressed all of the themes present throughout the series.
I was happy to see that Squealer was a true freedom fighter to the end. Queerats certainly aren't the ones who come off looking bad after that trial.
The revelation of
queerat origins
was something pretty much everyone had figured out already, but it worked really well in the context of the previous scenes and helped to establish just how disgusting their civilization is. And I loved bringing everything full circle with Dvorak at the end.
Overall, it's pretty obvious the series was too ambitious for Ishihama to deal with, especially with the inexperience of his staff and the production schedule/budget issues. Even so, I think the series is enjoyable and worth watching, because it tells a story that's so rare in today's anime, and does it with an unusually mature attitude. When the show is good, it's really, really good. And we may never see anyone try something like this again with how it sold.
I thought the only thing there was, was that he was speaking through Saki in the current time still, to give her hints and such for the whole arc. The episode in the past just had him away from society forcing her away as his cantus was still subconsciously leaking. I dont think he took pills or anything to kill himself back then as well.
Yeah Shun was definitely dead. That was the point of his comment as Saki was regaining her memory of him, the one of Cantus being the power that etches their thoughts into the world, so a part of him was etched deep into Saki's heart. I'm kind of surprised that people missed this, as it was the reason the later scenes concerning him were were so powerful. That stuff composed practically my favorite plot points in this series.
Yeah Shun was definitely dead. That was the point of his comment as Saki was regaining her memory of him, the one of Cantus being the power that etches their thoughts into the world, so a part of him was etched deep into Saki's heart. I'm kind of surprised that people missed this, as it was the reason the later scenes concerning him were were so powerful. That stuff composed practically my favorite plot points in this series.
I went back and watched the portion of that episode where he either died or didn't, and I just don't know. It's very poorly animated (or it's very abstract rather), and though Saki cries, that could be for either reason (either he died, or she can't see him any more).
I went back and watched the portion of that episode where he either died or didn't, and I just don't know. It's very poorly animated, and though Saki cries, that could be for either reason (either he died, or she can't see him any more).
Shun was suggesting to Saki and to us that he was hesitating to make the necessary decision to kill himself, and that he was finally ready at the end of their meeting. There is no other decision that makes sense in that context, I don't think Shun would have struggled just with the decision to leave everything he knew behind to protect it, if that was all he had to decide he would have already been gone. It was that he had to consent to die that made it such a hard decision, and why that entire episode felt like it was lingering in some kind of limbo. That's what it's like when you're contemplating your mortality in an imminent way, every moment feels like an eternity to the point that you wish it could just be over, yet you know that it being over means that you're gone so you painfully cling to what you have left because you don't know anything else. Even Shun would be hesitant to go, even though he was an extremely sensible and self-aware person that would have a lot less difficulty making painful decisions than the average person.
This was also reinforced when Tomiko told Saki about the karma demon that she had met, and how that girl knew that she had to die. And then Saki begins to cry.
Saki was sent away as everything went down, so there's a logical reason we didn't get a good look at what happened. But rather it was how everything was handled from that point on that made it clear he was dead. It's kind of like how Maria's and Mamoru's deaths were handled, only we're given more closure because Saki was there and we were supposed to see the tragic decision Shun was faced with. I'm not sure how to explain it, but the show treats it like he's just gone, there was this persistent and palpable feeling that he's just a memory now that I thought was clearly telegraphed basically every time he came up again. And I also thought that that was why those scenes were so wonderful to watch. It brought up some very genuine perceptions about grief and memory. I might have to watch it again to be more specific, but there's really no doubt in my mind about this.
Someone wanted to know about the envelope with the psychobuster a couple episodes ago, I found this on MAL:
After Saki busts open the safe, she looks at the PB wondering wtf fit is. She saw a weird ass cross and thought that the 3 "branch" like parts split into horns. To form some sort of goat or demon.
The letter, written and left by a religious fanatic. Calls the PB a tool of exorcism. He called cantus/PK some sort of "devil's gift." One that will lead humanity to its fall and destruction in time.
As absolute power shall corrupt those who wield it. It is a power that is far too great for the humans. He believed that the humans who used it will eventually destroy themselves and their surroundings. (surroundings destroyed/mutated by cantus leakage for instance)
So with it destroying the user/surroundings, it is called a power of evil. The people who possess it or were gifted it by the devil are hence forth "demons/witches." They shouldn't be allowed to continue their bastard ways and need to be destroyed.
There comes in the PB. God's divine blessing. Now in the "old times" pagan terrorist sent this "HOLY POWDER" to their targets (demons/witches). If exorcists are on a holy mission, it is by default more fitting to use it like St. Benedict's medal. Thus the shape, a fucking cross.
After reading the letter, Saki clears some dust off the cross and sees that it contains the powder/anthrax. She then notices that what she thought was horns, actually formed a biohazard mark of the sort.
So then she reflects on how disgusting and twisted the PB is and those who made it, yet she sucks it up since it is her only hope to save whoever is still alive back in Kamisu 66th District. And of course not to let Inui's sacrifice be a waste.
Basically just some world building from the perspective of a crazy religious guy, and adds to the horror of what Saki has to go through.
As for the whole "this power...its a devils gift!!!" It more or less comes back at the end to haunt Saki some time later.
I've been watching this show here and there.. finally finished it and... I seriously hate Saki. It's not that going to Tokyo to find this "miracle" weapon and then completely squandering it. It's the selfish intent behind it that kind of just UGH. And it isn't just that instance, I slowly started to loathe her character (and actions) towards the end.
With that one Inui guy taking the Ragworm bullet for her and... anyway, it was good. I enjoyed it for the most part. Did they explain what happened to Maria and her stalker turned lover guy after Squealer snatches their kid up?
During that episode where they talk about the bones of Maria and Mamoru, someone on the Ethics Committee confirms the bones they found some time ago are 100% theirs, DNA tested and everything, so they were most likely killed after the birth (even before in Mamoru's case).
Anyway, I absolutely loved that last episode. I was super negative last week after 24 since the ending arc was really lackluster, but that last episode was really good and brought a decent closure to pretty much every thing in the series.
I can't exactly put my finger on it, but during those six months I definitely thought I was watching something like quite never before when it comes to anime, and I'm really glad I did.
If it wasn't for AnimeGAF I probably wouldn't have known about this, so thank you guys!
This was a really good series, and as Branduil said, we probably won't see anyone trying something like this in the near future. After watching the whole series, I really need to buy those books and read them I don't know how.
Squaler knew what would happen to him for attempting something like that. And I really hate him from the start, and hate him to the end. What he attempted was exactly as horrible as what people did when they turned people without power into beasts.
For me, this series is a 8.8/10. It was different, and I really enjoyed it even with all the production problems.
Now that this series has ended I feel like it has left a void. I've spent so much time thinking about it, growing attached to it despite the flaws, and even though I was satisfied with the ending, I feel like I'm really parting with something. I think that, more than its flaws, is what proves that this really was such a great series.
i just want to say im really glad i gave this show a chance.
i started it a while ago and stopped because i got bored with it. too much worldbuilding and boring stuff happening but then one day i just decided to pick it up again and i marathoned through it in like 2 days.
what an amazing series. flaws yes but damn overall its such a great experience. the music and visuals combined together to make such a great atmosphere. even in scenes with lots of people or showing fun events, you couldnt help but feel extremely lonely. it felt similar to when i went through shadow of the colossus for the first time. large open world, so much history and you just there all by yourself exploring it. the ruins of
tokyo
near the end further established the lonely and deadly world and it would have been cool if this was made into a game and you get to explore it more.
i loved the characters. such a great cast, from both factions. kiroumaru and shisei were complete badasses and squealer was such a scheming little shit.
the ending was perfect. it made sense and like the characters you also felt stupid for not thinking of it earlier. you also become very sympathetic towards squealer and his motivations despite not liking how he went about things. hell, i just liked how you could feel sympathetic towards both the adults and the human society as well as the monster rats, but still hate em at the same time.
the humans looked horrible in the end however.
and even though i saw the twist about the monster rats coming a mile away, i was also surprised that
the PK users purposely made them that way instead of it being a side affect of the power leaking. also, yay satoru and saki finally get married.
Now that this series has ended I feel like it has left a void. I've spent so much time thinking about it, growing attached to it despite the flaws, and even though I was satisfied with the ending, I feel like I'm really parting with something. I think that, more than its flaws, is what proves that this really was such a great series.
Though quite expository in nature, this was a great episode and one of the most melancholic so far, and certainly, aside from the fourth, the most revelatory. As such, this episode effectively served as a thoroughly intriguing transition away from the methodical examination of a diseased society, as it appears likely that the following episodes and the final arc, in particular, will gradually deviate from the enigmatic nature of the narratives development into a focus that explores the
actual destruction of said society
, whether by the seemingly
imminent war with the queerats or the humans themselves
. Not to mention, this episode was suffused with a menacing atmosphere that illuminated an unsettling inevitability for a particularly
nihilistic progression within the narrative
, as their
decayed society is approaching a deeply sinister turmoil
; a rather necessary consequence to the disturbingly
ritualistic cruelties theyve commonly accepted as mere sacrificial trifles that are essential for their civilization to properly survive
.
One of the most effective moments was Sakis
fleeting reverie that was beautifully woven into her questioning, in which Mamoru spoke to Maria of his necessary isolation from their civilization, only to then be quieted by a tearful assurance from Maria that shell permanently accompany him wherever he goes
. This scene perfectly captured the
fatalistic emotions
that were deeply felt by both, elevated even further by the wistful musical selection that was used throughout.
Sakis
defiance at the hearing
was quite satisfying, since, for the first time, her individualistic inclination towards
rebellion was outwardly displayed for the committee to witness
, though, of course, this
hesitancy was also derived from a desire to protect Mamoru
. As such, it was a rather significant and quite inevitable development for her characterization, as she appears to have willfully
shed the dreadful constraints that had been carefully manipulated into her existence
. One particular moment that appeared to be subtly integral, with regards to foreshadowing, was
Sakis illusory remembrance of intimacy between her and Maria
, which was expertly framed, as it drew a parallel to
Maria and Mamorus presently felt embrace
, likely inferring that the final vestiges of
Saki and Marias romantic relationship were slowly disappearing
fates increasingly appear to be lingering on the precipice of tragedy
, as a certain
futility within their existence is edging ever closer, threateningly directing their lives towards an uncertain, but ultimately deteriorated future
. This element within their mutual development was illuminated even further by the scene in which
Saki and Satoru separate from them
, culminating with the shot of
their withering figures tightly grasping onto one another as Saki departs
. The momentary focus on
Marias forlorn expression and the movement of her mouth as words of farewell silently escaped from her lips possessed a distinctly sorrowful and partially veiled finality
. These sentiments were strongly echoed in the final shot, as the camera fleetingly dwelled on
Marias face once more
, yet, following the preceding revelations and in combination with an
auditory isolation of the last word she spoke
, the exceedingly
bleak nature of her future
was distinctly accentuated, which was a fantastically chilling note to conclude the episode on.
Though quite tenuous and only implemented in a rather vague manner, Im enjoying the slow and nearly imperceptible maturation of
Saki and Satorus relationship
, most evidently illustrated by
Sakis abandonment of caution in her desire to follow Satoru on his potentially dangerous excursion
. This complexity certainly hasnt truly evolved into a
romantic sort
, but the intermittent touches of depth seem to quietly foreshadow an eventual furtherance of
their relationship
. As such, it appears rather likely that their interesting dynamic will be explored quite heavily in the future, due largely to
Maria and Mamorus potentially lasting isolation apart from them
Tomiko and Sakis conversation was immensely intriguing, as it touched upon a plethora of deftly foreshadowed revelations. The most compelling of which was the unexpected insight into
Tomikos age of 267
, which logically reconciles several seeming inconsistencies in
her earlier conversation with Saki
. One of the most effective directorial flourishes was the cut to a still of
Maria and Mamoru huddled together
directly following
Tomikos foreboding utterance of humans having become the most dangerous threat to their society
. It established a potential implication that suggests they will, in some fashion,
initiate the destruction of their society
. The momentary mention of
Telomeres and the manner in which their corrosion eventually induces death within their society
was highly interesting, as was
Tomikos ability to continuously regenerate them
.
One of the most impressive and consistent aspects of the show is its writing, displayed most strongly by the meticulous construction of a narrative that rarely, if ever, falters in its ability to strongly convey the deeply disturbing intricacies of their society and the numerous terrors within their unfortunate existence as
unintentional creators of societal devastation
. It continuously manages to properly foreshadow and consequently allude to a litany of essential elements that allow for a deliberate unraveling of the numerous mysteries within the story. As such, there was an abundance of compelling revelations within this episode; several of which had only been previously foreshadowed in a seemingly inconsequential manner. Rather than this partially necessary minutiae remaining forgotten though, this episode, in particular, illuminated the subtlety with which they were ingrained into the narrative.
The direction was consistently solid, particularly in its rather deft handling of the material in this episode, which was permeated with a plethora of expositional conversations. Yamauchis storyboarding was quite strong throughout the episode as well, particularly during the conversation between
Saki and Tomiko
. Though his direction improved immensely for the tenth episode, especially following his thoroughly poor attempt in the fifth, the stylistic consistency of the show would have benefited considerably without the inclusion of his surrealistic expressionism. Visually, this episode was a bit stale and uninspired, particularly due to the singular location that comprised much of the episode, but, thankfully, it wasnt heavily detrimental. The exterior environments do, however, possess a desolate beauty thats quite effective in mirroring the dreary nature of their struggles.
The animation was rather unspectacular, but, due to the prevalence of
mere conversations
throughout much of the episode, it didnt become any sort of constraint. However, it impressed in its ability to properly illustrate a myriad of emotionally nuanced expressions, which was rather beneficial to nearly every conversational moment throughout the episode, particularly
Marias farewell to Saki
. Musically, this episode, similar to most others, was superb, as nearly every individual selection illuminated a highly effective and appropriate atmosphere within the scenes they were accompanying. The opening sequence, in particular, benefited greatly from the choral arrangement that was woven into this
melancholic parting
. I especially loved the slightly altered version of a previous selection that was used during
Tomikos exasperated explanation of a fiends abilities and the consequences of their presence in the world
.
All in all, From the New World, despite its inconsistencies, excels with its portrayal of a
corrupted and desolate society thats edging ever closer to an irreparable ruination
, which is largely due to the terrific writing. Though the last episode was occasionally dull and poorly paced, it thankfully doesnt appear to be indicative of the sort of quality that will persist throughout the conclusion to this arc. This, of course, is wonderfully illustrative of a considerably more satisfying cohesion and consistency, since, aside from the mediocrity of the previous episode, all others within this arc have been quite compelling and surprisingly suffused with numerous intriguing and largely integral developments. This presents a welcome dichotomy to the first arc, which was unnecessarily tarnished by a seeming necessity for a repetitive focus on several fairly inconsequential tangents, along with a decidedly disappointing narrative execution. The next episode looks quite interesting, particularly due to
So, yeah, this was a ride. Despite feeling like the show fumbled the endgame a bit and the whole
Queerats are actually humans! reveal felt completely flat because they had pretty much made it completely obvious ever since they first encountered the fake Minoshiro as children
I still walk away satisfied with it overall and it definitely has one of the more brilliantly conceived and executed villains I have seen in quite some time.
I do still have some lingering questions regarding some timeframes.
So, the way I understood it,
Saki and Satoru had three days to find Maria and Mamoru and bring them back to the village. They returned home empty handed after their deadline was up and shortly afterwards Squealer surrendered what were supposed to be chiseled down queerat bones to pass them off as Maria's and Mamoru's but were actually their real bones all along. There must be something I overlooked here because I don't understand how Squealer could have gotten Mamoru to impregnate Maria and then appropriate the resulting child after she had delivered it if the time frame between them going missing and the subsequent delivery of the bones took place in such a short span of time
. It was a pretty shocking reveal but the way the glossed over it didn't really help. Also,
they never really expounded on what happened to all the infants the queerats took when the rebellion started. I assume the humans retrieved them when they were eradicating the rest of the colonies but there's really nothing preventing someone else taking up Squealer's mantle and giving it another shot eventually if they somehow managed to keep even one of the children in their posession
.
In any case, it is a real shame this project turned out to be such a bomb because I genuinely felt engrossed by its story and themes and it has definitely earned a position in my list for this year's AOTY vote. Provided I still remember it by then, that is.
Saki and Satoru had three days to find Maria and Mamoru and bring them back to the village. They returned home empty handed after their deadline was up and shortly afterwards Squealer surrendered what were supposed to be chiseled down queerat bones to pass them off as Maria's and Mamoru's but were actually their real bones all along. There must be something I overlooked here because I don't understand how Squealer could have gotten Mamoru to impregnate Maria and then appropriate the resulting child after she had delivered it if the time frame between them going missing and the subsequent delivery of the bones took place in such a short span of time
The bones were "discovered" around 2 or 3 years after Maria and Mamoru went missing.
they never really expounded on what happened to all the infants the queerats took when the rebellion started. I assume the humans retrieved them when they were eradicating the rest of the colonies but there's really nothing preventing someone else taking up Squealer's mantle and giving it another shot eventually if they somehow managed to keep even one of the children in their posession
Someone else (named "Squeaker") did take up Squealer's mantle.
He returned all the children and tried to negotiate peace. Mankind replied with a "no thank you" note stuffed in the mouth of what was left of Squeaker's emissary. "An unconditional surrender, then? Oh, those horribly mutated messengers you just sent us back mean "nope, not even that", right?"
Eventually, Squeaker launched a desperate assault, and it "didn't go over very well".
So as a super late bump, I first noticed this series thanks to GAF last year and watched up to episode 4. A year later I restarted the series and ran a marathon, and I echo the sentiments of a sort of sad loneliness after having finished the show. So many fucking amazing and poignant scenes.
I don't even know how to coherently string my thoughts or musings together.
Cliff's Notes: Squealer is one of the best sympathetic villains I've ever seen.
The scene where Squealer is standing over Maria's dead child really stood with me. No dialogue, nothing noticeable at all really, but that brief shot was so amazing in how it encapsulated the ultimate sense of defeat.
Also in regards to Squealer,
man do I feel so bad for him. The finale proved that his rebellion was righteous in every way when you step back and look at things... the humans in the series are so despicably arrogant and sadistic.
With
the death of Maria and Mamoru's child, the horrific decade-long torture and mutilation of Squealer, and the end of the series
I really am left with a void, as other Gaffers have mentioned.
Definitely ranking this series in my top 3 animated shows or films, and it's all because of this thread.
Just finished watching this. While it is a predictable show and it dragged at times, the world building and character interactions were really well done. Worth the watch for sure. Also, dat ED.
Just finished watching this. While it is a predictable show and it dragged at times, the world building and character interactions were really well done. Worth the watch for sure. Also, dat ED.
That's about it I guess. The foreshadowing was palpaleable throughout the entire series:
"Because of Maria's birth, many people would die" is said at the ending of one of the early episodes, implying her or someone related to her would turn into a Fiend.
The Cantus users being engineered to not be able to kill humans automatically raised the question: what about non-Cantus users? Queerats being mutated humans wasn't shocking at all. Although, I did think that it was caused by the subconscious mutating them like Karmic Demons, not by direct intervention.
The advent of the rebellion of the queerats in act III was ridiculously obvious from the first few episodes of the timeskip.
