Rating: B+ During the last couple of reviews, I wondered why the succession of the Oriana Kingdom bypassed the former queen and went straight to Rose. This episode gives us the answer: the former king, in one of his few moments of lucidity towards the end of his life, forced the succession onto Rose byContinue reading “The Eminence in Shadow episode 31”
Category Archives: Episode Reviews
The Apothecary Diaries episode 10
Rating: B+ Last episode began a narrative shift away from individual mysteries and more towards how certain mysteries may be connected into a bigger picture. This episode continues down that path as Maomao interacts with two of the other four high-ranking concubines: Lishu and Ah-Duo. In the process, we learn a bit more about eachContinue reading “The Apothecary Diaries episode 10”
The Eminence in Shadow, episode 30
Rating: B+ As I watched this week’s episode, I was struck by the thought that I have been overlooking one big inherent irony: Shadow Garden’s behavior is itself very cult-like, especially in the way it idolizes and even (in some cases) outright worships Shadow. That comes through clearly in the different reactions of 559 andContinue reading “The Eminence in Shadow, episode 30”
The Apothecary Diaries, episode 9
Rating: A- One of the major factors which makes this series a top-tier title for both the season and year is its effortless ability to mix its comedic and serious components and still excel at both. Episode 9 is a great example of that. Many other series could stand to use it as a model.Continue reading “The Apothecary Diaries, episode 9”
The Apothecary Diaries, episode 8
Rating: A- Maomao’s back home, so naturally she’s going to get involved in a brothel-related mystery while there. Actually, two arise, and both are left open-ended, though in dramatically different ways. The first is what initially appears to be an attempted double-suicide involving a courtesan and a customer. However, a few things don’t add up,Continue reading “The Apothecary Diaries, episode 8”
The Eminence in Shadow, episode 28
Rating: A- What self-respecting anime series with a bevy of sexy ladies in its cast – especially one with a reputation for pointed use of fan service – wouldn’t have one or more of a beach, water park, or hot springs episode? With Cid gone for a season (in fear of the girls’ displeasure withContinue reading “The Eminence in Shadow, episode 28”
The Apothecary Diaries, episode 7
Rating: B+ If last episode was the big showpiece of the garden party, this episode is the metaphorical side of the clean-up. It covers in efficient fashion a number of matters brought up last episode, providing the smoothest and clearest sense of plot progression seen so far in the series. Few details from last episodeContinue reading “The Apothecary Diaries, episode 7”
The Apothecary Diaries, episode 6
Rating: A- More than any other, this particular shot strikes at the essence of how much of an adorable little freak Maomao is. It is the franchise’s signature moment, the one that any fan of the LN and/or manga versions was eagerly waiting to see, and the anime production has executed it well enough thatContinue reading “The Apothecary Diaries, episode 6”
The Eminence in Shadow episode 26
Rating: B+ The series has been cycling through members of the Seven Shades for feature treatment this season, and this episode is Alpha’s turn. What we learn about her here is quite interesting and, honestly, a little heartbreaking. It’s hard not to sympathize with her given how Cid/Shadow/John Smith handles the situation. To this point,Continue reading “The Eminence in Shadow episode 26”
Oshi no Ko episode 11 (season finale)
Rating: A- For a series which has idols at its heart, Oshi no Ko has been remarkably light on actual idol performances. Since episode 1, the closest the series has gotten is the silly exercise video with Pieyon (which I don’t count) and Kana’s past music videos (closer, but not really the same thing). TheContinue reading “Oshi no Ko episode 11 (season finale)”
USA Anime 