Things are never boring with you around." As we're introduced to a new main character, things already feel different in this show. The eminent witch, Croix, brings about a new age at Luna Nova where the students don't need to rely on the Sorcerer's Stone any longer, but have an endless supply of magic through Croix's new inventions. Naturally, this seems like an invasive and unconventional way to start your teaching career in the Academy, and a number of fellow teachers seem just a little bit perturbed by the changes - Professor Ursula more than most. Indeed, this episode sets up a new rivalry - one in which Akko could finally be told the truth about Chariot. Croix herself is a fascinating character, and one so caught up in her own mystery, can easily be seen as the villain of the show - someone who is manipulating magic in order to gain allies. Her manipulation of Akko in Chariot of Fire was particularly malevolent as she finds out all about Chariot's so-called Shiny Rod.
Whilst Akko may finally be finding a way into the good books of the Academy, her temperament has not improved. In fact, it's detrimental to the progression of the story. As she continues to find the 'seven words' that unlock the Shiny Rod, she never ceases to amaze me how impatient, self-centered and unappreciative she is of the world around her. Her close friends Suzy and Lotte often joke about her character flaws, but when it's this obvious, it's not that funny. Her complete lack of perception even puts her in danger as she willingly allows Professor Croix to analyse the Shiny Rod - although in this respect she could be perhaps forgiven. Regardless of Akko, Chariot of Fire is definitive for one reason - it introduces the true Shiny Chariot, as she attempts to save the one student who has taken a liking in her, and the one who has the greatest potential to wield the Shiny Rod in the future. Her great powers are demonstrated as she faces off against Croix's menacing stone legions that attempt to repel her from the top of the tower, where Akko is being kept for analysis. The enmity between the two characters is clear, but what yet isn't clear is their history and how it came about they went in practically opposing directions. The interesting part of their early lives is that whilst Croix was the child prodigy in the past, Chariot was the one who forever stood side by side with natural magic. Pohjola's Ordeal is a throwaway episode, in its truest sense. Whilst it does set up the fourth word to be spoken to unlock the Rod, it does nothing else either to develop its characters or entertain its audience. I struggle to understand Akko's luck in being able to concoct a cure for the ailment that befell Suzy, Lotte and her family. Her capabilities as a cock seem to vastly outweigh her capabilities as a witch, and yet that doesn't seem like a very meaningful trait for her character. Despite everything that she does in saving her friends, she still comes out the other end as someone without the consideration for patience or seriousness. Indeed, despite being a slight back story to Lotte's life, the story is a wild gamble that goes horribly incoherent by the middle section, to the point where I question whether it is the same show. Perhaps one to avoid, especially considering it has no standing within the overarching plot. The fourth episode of the season, however, has more significance. Akko and Amanda seem to be brewing a friendship for the ages, as they head out in search of the Holy Grail, something that Akko believes to have some hidden connection to the Shiny Rod. The episode is clever in that it balances a number of stories all at once; introducing us to Louis, an up jumped son of a rich politician who learns the meaning of justice, reintroducing Andrew, the handsome boy who has grown affection for Akko in their previous adventures, and gives Amanda a chance to understand why leaving Luna Nova would be such a wasted opportunity in her life. The episode is jam-packed full of action, and even gives us a glimpse inside the prestigious all-boys school as we learn about its traditions and history. However, I must point out the choice of costumes during the supposed witch trial, as it does hold racial connotations as parodies of the KKK. Needless to say, the episode ends on a positive note, and a newly-formed friendship. A disjointed opening to Season 2, but not without immense potential. As we move away from the classroom more and more, we start to understand and appreciate the larger world at hand, one which is filled with more looming adventures for Akko and her friends. I would like to see more content for Diana Cavendish, however, as we see how she adapts to the form of magical power that Croix has introduced. Her family's mention in the fourth episode perhaps indicated trouble ahead, but I anxiously await its arrival shortly. 1. New Age Magic - 7.5/10 2. Chariot of Fire - 8/10 3. Pohjola's Ordeal - 5.5/10 4. Amanda O'Neill and the Holy Grail - 8/10
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorA very passionate Welsh nerd... Archives
October 2017
Categories
All
|