Retsgip’s Anime Blog

Darkshaunz sizes up the latest Zero.
Score: 7.5/10

I’d like to start by saying that there are a couple of reasons why I picked up this series (Retsgip too): First and foremost, the VAs from Shakugan no Shana are doing the character voice acting for this series and secondly, Oh God Louise is Hot (and Unfortunately for me, I mean that in a literal sense). She’s meant to be 16, but looks 12, I guess she is just following in Shana’s footsteps to Loli-Queendom. Episode 04 starts investing some time into Siesta, the obligatory Meido-chan and Relationship-stunter character of the series.

This episode starts off very normally for the series, which is poor Saito having to serve out his master’s orders…usually cleaning her lingerie. I kept in mind that Saito was uncomfortable with the whole “Dress your master”/”Wash master’s clothes” thing at first, but now he does it without objection, no doubt this will have some consequences in the future episodes. So the guy has some problem handling Silk with his hands, but then again, coming from a 21st century teenage guy, can we really blame him? And hark! Siesta comes to rescue, handling his laundry and “saving him”. She then thanks him and gives him some generic-inspiring speech. Usually characters which give this kind of speech end up powering up to Super Saiyan Three, Save the maiden and finish the series, Go on a murderous rampage or Inevitable Die. She did none of these, but rather, packs up and leaves in her pumpkin coach to serve a guy called Count Mott.

Pssst Saito, maybe she’s talking about your crown jewels.

I’ll discuss a bit on Kirche now. I kind of like her character, even though she is the token fanservice character. She reminds me of Kitsune from Love Hina, somewhat shameless, a free spirit…yet she knows what to do at the right times. Kirche doesn’t really “Love” Saito at the moment from what I gather, she just goes for the Alpha-male type (which Saito is FAR from without Sha-I mean Louise to activate his rune). On the plus side, she is well endowed, making her “pleasing” to watch. Kirche holds the key to this episode at the moment, a family book which turns out to be an outdated Porn mag (lol, this series never fails to surprise me). After a short skirmish at Kirche’s room, Saito is forcibly dragged back by Bondage-Loli-Master-Queen Louise for some kinky “Punishing”. This part of the series, I approve HIGHLY. They don’t show it, but I am betting 100% Saito enjoys getting whipped by this Pink thunder. If they did show him enjoying it, maybe the anime would move to Midnight airing or something.

You’ve been a baaaaad boy, Saito >:)

Look at that expression on Louise’s face. Thats Perfect for a Sadistic look, If she doesnt win Japan’s Megane Loli of the year award, I will be VERY surprised. She ups Shana’s ante by including an S&M theme, delicious Loli. After an immensely sensuous beating, it seems that Louise encourages Saito to forget about Siesta and give up on his dangerous hunt for the maid. Now, I dont really like Siesta as a character, because she is obviously the wedge that will get in the way of Louise/Saito relationship. But I also realize that without her, the story won’t be as exciting. But this particular scene parallels many in Shana, where Shana constantly tries to make Yuuji ignore/forget about Yoshida-san. As per Yuuji, Saito ignores Louise’s advice to rescue the maiden in distress.

Five minutes later, Saito disobeys the command. Dumbass.

So wait a minute, why would Saito disobey his Sexy loli-master and common sense to go and rescue this Maid anyway? Well, in the earlier episodes the two develop some kind of friendly bond as they are both “commoners” in the Zero-verse. But the actual motivation to save her is that Count Mott, the Imperial Messenger is taking in Siesta not because of her skills as maid…but he wants Siesta as his playmate. And folks, I am sure you understand when I say plaything, we aren’t talking about a Tea Party. The guy which provides this great insight into the world of nobles is none other than Mr.Talking Sword, we don’t know his name yet, but if it’s anything along the lines of Marcosius, I will cheer. So far, he is proving to be a pretty cool support character, I cant wait to learn his name and more about how he got to the way he is. But on the surface, he is pretty much an allusion to the personified items like Alastor and Marcosius in Shana.

And then a few minutes later…

Hint to Siesta: You gonna get <censored>

Oh ok, I’ll admit I feel kind of bad for Siesta here. I mean no girl should have to go through that kind of trauma etc. So this episode scores some points for actually succeeding in drawing in sympathy towards this Meido-chan. At least the writers decided on something a little more subtle, more under-the-table as opposed to an obvious ZOMG KIDNAPPING scenario many writers like using. But this is an anime that is aired in the day, so we know nothing fishy is going to happen to anyone here and someone will eventually rescue her. Actually the clown who will is already on his way, stealing Louise’s horse (he is going to die). Then when he finally gets there, he draws his stupid Golden Sword of +2 to Uselessness against 3 guys. 2 with body armour and spears and an Imperial Envoy with obviously superior magical powers. Saito has many strengths going for him, logical thinking not being of of them. Obviously, Count Mott opens a can of complete Whoop-Ass upon our Hero.

Not Shown: Saito getting OMGWTFBBQ-ed seconds later.

At this point, Saito has a revelation, that he cant function like he did when he fought Guiche in the previous episode. Like many revelations in anime, it comes to late…usually at the near-death of the anime or when they are falling at 100 mp/h from 30,000 ft, something like that. In Saito’s case, Count Mott was about to show him a new world of pain by launching Icicles upon his sorry face. Before the final projectile can strike our dashing hero, Suddenly! Louise barges in to save his face and life. Obviously, the Count’s not very pleased as he is robbed of his moment of glory and wants to punish somebody. He decides that Louise will bear the brunt of the punishment and Her whole family. Of course, Saito the “Hero” is powerless to do something due to his stupidity, but if anybody were in his position…I guess we would have done something along the lines of that. All in all, what Louise did was very apparent to a noble, and she carries herself well.

Bravo. Spoken like a true noble.

So everything is all right by this time. Saito is alive, the Count got his porn mag, and they saved Siesta in time before she got seriously violated. It’s all about moral victories this episode, and for Louise, it was about her priorities towards Saito. But wait, what about the valiant effort of Saito the hero? Well, he gets a nice plant on the cheek from Meido-chan. Awww etc etc, but for those who cheer Saito and Louise on, this is bad. Very bad. In the earlier episodes Saito already touched Siesta’s hand by accident, and now she kisses him. I will guarantee you guys that Meido-chan will have flashbacks, memory sequences about these events sooner or later, which will jigsaw into an ever-complicating Louise/Siesta/Saito relationship. On the offset, Shana always had the advantage of Yuuji’s heart in Shakugan, but this time around, the playing field seems level so early on in the series. This is intriguing and I want to see where the writers take this.

Quietly, the War to win Saito’s hear has begun.

Overall, a pretty easy and entertaining watch…there could have been much more action though. Count Mott had some pretty cool powers and they could have utilized that more. I see this episode as a pretty bridging episode for things to come, the pieces are on the board and the moves are being made. I can’t help but feel excited for the impending events that will affect our homely 21st century guy. Also, Episode 5 looks to be a pretty cool one, we see Saito reunited with his smart-talking sword. Hopefully we get to see more action this time around. I’ll catch you all next week, in the meantime stay sweet and anime hard.

Ja Matane,

Darkshaunz.