September 23, 2003
Scrapped Princess Episode 18
"Elegy of the Back Alley"
Wow! It's been a long time since we had a reference to the Purgers (one of the very early episodes).
I haven't griped about it yet, but I feel that it's probably time to. All the characters in this show are awesome. They all have very unique looks, personalities, character development, but Fulle falls a little short. For one thing, he looks almost exactly like Shannon (and is taking away from Shannon's screen time, darn it!).
One odd moment in this episode comes during the chase scene, when the music comes blaring in the background, something that I can't remember happening up until now (the music has been very understated and environmental so far). Very pretty music at the end of the episode, though. I haven't had much chance to comment on the music in this series, and honestly it isn't stellar (besides that upbeat, happy opening theme song I like).
Rather large spoilers follow.
While it was a emotional scene with Fulle dying at the end, I have to say it didn't really hit me as hard as character death in other series has done. Mainly, this is because Fulle was an extremely minor, and rather undeveloped character. Most of his character reacts and acts in a way that all the other characters acted when met with Pacifica. If it was Leo or Shannon who went, obviously I'd care more. But honestly, it almost feels like Fulle was introduced purely for the sake of dying. Well, yes he did more than that, but there was definitely opportunity for his character to be further developed, it just seems like it fell by the wayside, needing to follow too many subplots after the group was splintered.
On the other hand, Leo gets a bit more development in this episode, with his feelings for Pacifica made a bit more clear, and also maturing as a person and knight. This was definitely overdue for him, especially since he's something of a major non-main character.
Rating: A-
Posted by Kei at September 23, 2003 09:49 PMI would have to say that the death of Fulle (or Hyue) is one of the most touching moments in Scrapped Princess. I simply love the guy; he has a hard, cold external side, but he is very kind and soft inside. Add on his hilarious yet tender interactions with Pacifica, and you have a wonderfully developed character. And of course, it is quite obvious that Pacifica loves Fulle, and Fulle loves her too. The struggle he went through before he died was spectacular and made his death all the more heartbreaking. The interchange b/w him and Leo was a major transition point in the story: now Leo has to take up the physical responsibility of protecting Pacifica, and possibly the caring and loving responsibility too. It is sad yet happy to see Fulle finally realize he cares and loves Pacifica. And of course, at the very end, the comments Shannon said when he walked by Fulle’s corpse pounds the impression in even harder. I love Fulle; quite possibly my favorite character in Scrapped Princess.
Posted by: haruharaharuko-san at July 20, 2004 08:21 PMI, too, was very moved by Fulle's death. haruharaharuko-san's words describe precisely how I feel. Hey I thought Fulle resembled Shannon in a way, for instance the way their eyes look, and the fringe... hah. and hence perhaps he was intended to be Shannon's temporary replacement as one who fiercely protects Pacifica with his life? ;)
Posted by: Haruyuki at October 3, 2005 10:59 AM