Now, she has spoken the second word as well. Remember, together the seven words of Arcturus - those remaining must be spoken. Chariot...you must guide her." In the last episodes in the first half of the series, Little Witch Academia decides to finally up the explanation and emotions, but it still hasn't reached its pinnacle yet. There are some lovely moments, and highlights of revelation, but we are still ultimately as blind as Akko as to her destiny and her overall skill in magic. She may have wowed the judges and her fellow Luna Nova classmates at the Samhain Magic Festival, but her capabilities are still very much in question as we wait for the second half.
Diana Cavendish is still my favourite character, and this is reassured in the final two episodes as we learn a little more about her personal life and the truth behind her untold wisdom. She is the most capable witch in the academy, but she is also modest, kind and calculatingly clever in everything she does. Akko may be the protagonist in this overall story, but Cavendish demonstrates a character on the sidelines who perhaps has more reason to be the lead. Here is someone born into her unimaginable skills and respects it with dignity. She may annoy some people for outsmarting Akko most of the time, but as is evidential in the final moments of episode thirteen, there is more to her character than just perfection. Whilst Undead Travelogue and Bee Affection are more standalone episodes that rely on character development rather than story progression, they are still fun romps, if a short on complexity. Undead Travelogue gives us a brief glimpse into the past of the headmaster of Luna Nova and Bee Affection hints at Akko's growing relationship with Andrew who still has a problem with magic. Nevertheless, they clearly understand each other's trials and tribulations during a heartfelt scene at his mansion. Professor Ursula is revealed as Chariot - I can honestly say that I guessed that revelation, but it's nice to get confirmation. Blue Moon gave us a deeper perspective in the ancient lore of magic and how Shiny Chariot gained such amazing powers. This was the best episode yet, as it mixed a darker storyline with some important character development for both Akko and Cavendish, who discovers an ancient book discussing an ancient power. The denouement leads Professor Ursula to the realisation that she must support Akko wholly in every situation and becomes the devoted suitor. I must particularly praise the animation in episode eleven for its visual horror. The final two episodes are good, but they perhaps don't live up to the buildup for the mid series finale. We do get a lot of character development, and some much-needed conclusive evidence that Akko can properly use magic, but it leaves much to be desired for the story itself. There were some funny moments, especially when Akko gave Cavendish's cronies a piece of their own medicine, and a few moments of emotion as the friendship between Akko, Lotte and Sucy intensifies in their sacrificial show to conclude the Samhain. Concisely, there's a lot of heart, but not a lot of impact in its execution. As we're now at a point where we understand most of the goings on in Luna Nova, it's time to dig deeper and find the minute elements that define the personalities of its residents. There's a lot of loose ends that need to be revisited and tied up - particularly related to the magical spells themselves. There's no coherent explanation for the source of spells and their respective categories - we've simply had a collection of them pronounced every now and then. Hopefully Netflix can bring out the second half of the series before the end of 2017 so that we may get some serious answers. Until then, there's a lot to enjoy for younger viewers, somewhat less for adults, but it's still a decent little show with heartfelt messages of love, friendship and inspiration. Episode 9: Undead Travelogue - 7/10 Episode 10: Bee Affection - 6.5/10 Episode 11: Blue Moon - 8/10 Episode 12: What You Will - 7.5/10 Episode 13: Samhain Magic Festival - 8/10 Season Overall - 7.5/10
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