July 26, 2004
Saikano Episode 07
"What I Want to Protect"
The various cast members of Saikano all get a chance to make some pointed observations during the course of another emotionally trying episode. I think it's interesting that this show doesn't really focus on adult opinions at all (except for brief encounters with soldiers), but instead focuses completely how high school aged kids see and react to the war in their own way.
One of the larger plot threads that seems to run through this episode is how relationships are moved on from, or how people react to their ending. Shuji and Chise struggle with trying to remain distant from each other, despite the fact that both are still very much in love (and failing, more or less), while Akemi wonders if their apparent breakup would make it okay for her to pursue Shuji, whom she's secretly been in love with all this time. The girlfriend of the boy who was killed earlier on (I forget his name), has moved on from his death (and has a great line about love during wartime), but not entirely, as she's still wearing his pendant around her neck. Then there's Atsushi, who has contented himself to fighting for Akemi, as she won't return his love for her. Despite the fact that he has placed himself in an absolutely awful situation, he seems satisfied.
The other thing of interest is the increasing presence of Chise's "other side". Her ultimate weapon alter ego comes through more often, talking dispassionately about the troops she has killed and the destruction she's wrought, while also driving the normal Chise to seek more power. On top of that, her other side absolutely frightens Shuji (no surprise there), which pains her greatly, and probably is pushing her more down turning into a more powerful and efficient weapon. It's almost like she's given chances to take control of her humanity, but the fact is that she's gone too far to turn back.
Rating: A-
Posted by Kei at July 26, 2004 12:26 AM