Fairy Musketeers 37-39 + Final Thoughts
Though it started off like a middle school romcom, by around episode 8, the show had fully transitioned into the fantasy adventure story it always was. I was surprised at several elements from the early episodes that returned for the final moments, including Gretel's human alias of Erika Shizumori, the cosplay contest and more. And the finale itself was what I'd expect from a finale. The villain advancing to a monstrous final form, a power that comes from within at the last minute, and some farewells. Plus a lot of cameos from every minor character up to this point, including the talking fish.
It wasn't exactly last minute, though. We knew Souta was the Key from day one, and saw its latent power in action several times before that. The show's not being Americanized, but it uses the "other dimension" banishment as a natural part of itself. Maybe all those Nightmarians survived elsewhere. It also meant Cendrillon
Seeing the girls in casual clothes and living in our world was amusing. Riding Hood's gag with Doremi pizza - that reminds me, I need to watch that - got a laugh. "Souta, what are you doing there?"
"This is my house."
Seeing Snow White and Ringo joining forces in the finale, and Snow protecting her, was a nice way to drive home that even if they're bickering over Souta, they really are friends. Seeing Cendrillon grab Briar Rose by her vine and then wilting it until it was spreading to her skin... eugh. Glad that was healed. If this show was a later time slot, that could've been much worse.
I take back what I said about Randagio. I think a part of him likes working for Cendrillon. He was convinced the fight was still going on long after she'd been defeated. Maybe since the Bremen group hasn't had much luck (though they did get their reunion tour in the end), working for the Nightmarians gives him a purpose in life.
The show wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't call it standout either. The way it blends a romantic comedy, fantasy adventure, and magical girl story together made for something similar to, but not quite like either of them kept my attention, and the backstories for everyone were given out at a good clip. Character motivations were consistent, even if the plot was telegraphed, not that that makes it any less enjoyable. Princess Mode did get a bit overused, with a transform every episode, but it was never so powerful that it could one-shot everything. Animation was alright most of the time. A few odd faces here and there, but I saw no huge problems with it. And the way it mixed and matched elements of various fairy tales was pretty good.
Magical girls are definitely Yukarin's forte, and the idea of something aimed more at figure collectors that got retooled as a kids' show is an interesting origin for an anime like this. Glad CR had it.
Next on the backlog, I'll admit that my hand has been forced since earlier this year. It's time I gave Fate/Zero a shot. It's not what I'd usually watch, but I'm open to expanding my horizons.
Though it started off like a middle school romcom, by around episode 8, the show had fully transitioned into the fantasy adventure story it always was. I was surprised at several elements from the early episodes that returned for the final moments, including Gretel's human alias of Erika Shizumori, the cosplay contest and more. And the finale itself was what I'd expect from a finale. The villain advancing to a monstrous final form, a power that comes from within at the last minute, and some farewells. Plus a lot of cameos from every minor character up to this point, including the talking fish.
It wasn't exactly last minute, though. We knew Souta was the Key from day one, and saw its latent power in action several times before that. The show's not being Americanized, but it uses the "other dimension" banishment as a natural part of itself. Maybe all those Nightmarians survived elsewhere. It also meant Cendrillon
was only sealed, or at least sealed until she can find the Marelene in herself once again. The way Sultan saved Souta's mom was a bit of a surprise, but it's consistent with the rules of the universe and made for a touching reunion. Fernando called them the New Seven Sages. If the show was building up to that, I would've liked a bit more foreshadowing for it. It's a neat idea, but there was nothing really said of it beforehand other than there happening to be seven of them.
Seeing the girls in casual clothes and living in our world was amusing. Riding Hood's gag with Doremi pizza - that reminds me, I need to watch that - got a laugh. "Souta, what are you doing there?"
"This is my house."
Seeing Snow White and Ringo joining forces in the finale, and Snow protecting her, was a nice way to drive home that even if they're bickering over Souta, they really are friends. Seeing Cendrillon grab Briar Rose by her vine and then wilting it until it was spreading to her skin... eugh. Glad that was healed. If this show was a later time slot, that could've been much worse.
I take back what I said about Randagio. I think a part of him likes working for Cendrillon. He was convinced the fight was still going on long after she'd been defeated. Maybe since the Bremen group hasn't had much luck (though they did get their reunion tour in the end), working for the Nightmarians gives him a purpose in life.
The show wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't call it standout either. The way it blends a romantic comedy, fantasy adventure, and magical girl story together made for something similar to, but not quite like either of them kept my attention, and the backstories for everyone were given out at a good clip. Character motivations were consistent, even if the plot was telegraphed, not that that makes it any less enjoyable. Princess Mode did get a bit overused, with a transform every episode, but it was never so powerful that it could one-shot everything. Animation was alright most of the time. A few odd faces here and there, but I saw no huge problems with it. And the way it mixed and matched elements of various fairy tales was pretty good.
Magical girls are definitely Yukarin's forte, and the idea of something aimed more at figure collectors that got retooled as a kids' show is an interesting origin for an anime like this. Glad CR had it.
Next on the backlog, I'll admit that my hand has been forced since earlier this year. It's time I gave Fate/Zero a shot. It's not what I'd usually watch, but I'm open to expanding my horizons.