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MY RE:ZERO 2 EPISODE 9 THREAD
Just me rambling about a bunch of nice framing choices, characters and whatnot.
Just me rambling about a bunch of nice framing choices, characters and whatnot.
Most of the episode is heavy on dialogue, with some revelations regarding RbD and its limits. Re:0 isn't only about Subaru overcoming those trials; it's about him doing so with as little sacrifices as possible, as history will be set in stone regardless of who he lost (like Rem).
This is an especially difficult situation for Subaru considering this arc's gimmick, where two places are in danger at once. He's forced into a corner where he may likely have to choose between Sanctuary & the mansion.
This is from the author's tweets on the episode:
This is from the author's tweets on the episode:
Many people didn't realize the mental burden of not knowing much about RbD, including how many "tries" he has, which counted among the things he agonized on in S1 & the reason why he didn't throw away his life thoughtlessly. I'm glad this scene shed some light on that struggle.
RecklessPeggy also made a really good observation on that scene's framing here: https://twitter.com/RecklessPeggy/status/1301198429708783620?s=20
This is a surprising revelation, since it was stated in S1 that the Whale was the Witch Satella's creation, but that doesn't seem to be the case. As Beatrice implied in Arc 2, the rest of the Witches are nigh-erased from history. This brings up a good point about R:Z's writing.
Characters in Re:ZERO do not know everything, and they don't necessarily tell the truth. Not everything a character says should be accepted as fact. Series like Re:ZERO and AOT avoid using characters as trustworthy loredumps, but rather actual people in that world.
Also, the Mabeasts being aggressive towards those with the scent of the Witch is interesting in this context. It appears that Daphne created all Mabeasts, & they harbor hatred towards the one who devoured their Mother.
Or maybe they just have the same taste as their creator…
Or maybe they just have the same taste as their creator…
I just adore these shots, man.
I love how despite how much of a small child she is, Typhon is always towering above Subaru, with the way she's framed as she passes judgment on him. Maybe it's not so surprising that Pride would be curious about him.
Subaru is working to better himself, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still harbor self-hatred & guilt as identified by Typhon (& the root of her childlike curiosity). This reminds me of an interpretation for these Witch tea parties as an allegory for depression therapy sessions.
It's no secret that Subaru is severely depressed, but forced to put up a facade for those around him. He's desperate for release, & Echidna is the only one who provides him exactly that. The tea mending his mind is the thing that makes him numb to the pain… like depression meds.
Everything from Minerva's dialogue, to her design, attitude and the effects, scream magical girl. I love it.
That sign on the coffin… look familiar?
A lot of connections between R:Z characters are hinted through their character designs (Otsuka did a fine job), but for the sake of keeping this spoiler-free I'll only point these out when said connections become relevant in the anime.
A lot of connections between R:Z characters are hinted through their character designs (Otsuka did a fine job), but for the sake of keeping this spoiler-free I'll only point these out when said connections become relevant in the anime.
Love this little standoff that almost feels like a declaration of war from Subaru. I wish the anime put a bit more emphasis on that line, somehow.
Emilia's hardships stem not only from the harshness of her past, but also from the one supervising her Trial. Echidna is using this as an opportunity to conspire with Subaru, to further strip Emilia of her agency so she could satisfy her own curiosity regarding his existence.
I love Satella's design so much. She's clad in a mourning dress… and there's no question who she's meant to be mourning for. This is a motif that's recurrent in horror movies & which I'm a sucker for, honestly. R:Z is truly at its peak when it gives off these eldritch vibes.
Props to both Satella's VA and the sound direction here. When the Witch whispers to Subaru's right ear, headphone users feel like she's whispering directly to theirs.
Another fantastic episode, with a great revelation in the after-credits about Roswaal, the owner of one of the two "perfect" Gospels. Certain moments like Subaru's declaration could've packed more of a punch, but the final scene especially is a 10.
