Rating: 7/10

Overall Series Rating: 6.5/10

Impressions:

Heh, I totally forgot I hadn’t finished this blogging this last episode until now…and it IS kinda too late since I can’t even remember what happens. What I CAN remember is how this series finishes without any closure, and without answering any important questions. I’m guessing this means there will be a sequel, and if there is, I will watch it. However, overall, I did not find this series to be that entertaining, so anticipation for a second season is virtually zero. Having blogged the first season though, I may consider blogging the second, but the chances are very slim as I’m trying to cut down on blogging…by a lot. Life’s getting busier.

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

So if this series finishes at episode 24, it doesn’t look like anything will be accomplished regarding the secret conspiracies involving Orlando and such. However, ANN has yet to put up the number of episodes this series is, which makes me unsure of the total yet. Anyway, this episode is a nice mixture of character development, action and plot progression. It looks like things are finally going to get a move on after the duel has been settled. It will be interesting to see how Section III can get out of the mess they are in now, and perhaps even save the nobles and commoners involved.

I can’t help but wonder, if the next episode really is the last episode, how will everything work out? It seems really unlikely and improper for the series to end like this. I think I remember seeing (FINAL) in a filename of a raw of episode 24, and I don’t want to check episode 24 until after I finish this post. Emotionally, Alice and Orlando seem to be at peace, so there’s no need for any closure in that respect. However, plot-wise, the show has gotten no where. Has the manga even finished yet? And how much of the manga does Pumpkin Scissors (the anime) actually cover? I don’t think they have gotten very far at all.

Rating: 8.6/10

Impressions:

Once again, I was expecting a lot of action, plot advancement and drama, but once again, little to nothing happened. Sure, there’s a lot of character development, but that is hardly necessary during the last few episodes of the series. Personally, I think at this stage of any series, it should be plot and climactic action all the way, until a nice resolution at the end. So far, the pace is far too slow, and it doesn’t feel like anything is getting achieved. Sure, maybe Alice changed the minds of some of the people around her, but that is not going to do anything. It does increase the drama and tension, though not much to my liking.

The suspense is rising steadily though, with the approaching members of Silver Wheel(?), as well as what seems to be the real fight now. The next episode better be good to make up for the crap episodes near the beginning of the series. The animation quality really is pretty inconsistent, and in this episode alone, there are some nicely done scenes, though a few are pretty mediocre. Overall the quality is a lot higher than the first half of the series, though this makes me wish this series had been 13 episodes long. The pace would be faster and perhaps more entertaining, while the cost will be cut down significantly. There wouldn’t be any useless episodes about nothing either.

Rating: 8.3/10

Impressions:

Well that was a dragged out episode, and to think this series is almost over. Have they even touched on the main plot yet? Or is this it? In any case, I was expecting some kickass fighting this episode, but it looks like I’ll have to wait for the next episode (but in my case, I will watch it as soon as I finish this post lol). It’s quite saddening to see Orlando so frightened and powerless, when you’re used to him owning everyone while in berserk mode. I was hoping he would pull the trigger on the flail guy, but with the resolve he has shown so far, it doesn’t look like he’s going to do it.

At least Alice keeps her cool the whole way, and hopefully she will indeed win the duel. Otherwise, her speech and all would have been a big waste of time. It’s interesting how the true reasons for the mob of lower class civilians to raid the party. Any ‘reward’ they get would probably be nothing compared to the daily life of a noble or upper-class citizen. The unfairness is apparent, though society can never be worked to a stage where everyone is happy. The poorer ones will be unhappy, and if society becomes ‘fair’, the previous upper class would be in strife. At the moment though, it is pretty clear that the mob have good reason to be vengeful.

Rating: 8.9/10

Impressions:

Ahh, forgot to mention this last time but it seems that ‘new ED’ was only a one-off edition. The ED has reverted back to normal now. This episode sure was entertaining, and it looks like we might get to see Alice in action again next episode. This episode seemingly tries to encourage the acceptance of an Alice and Orlando pairing, though I hate the thought of the two being a couple, and don’t expect them to end up together anyway. This is a war-themed anime, and romance has never been apparent, so I’m not expecting, nor hoping for any of it at all. One reason is that Orlando’s personality is too soft, while he is physically too large…quite the opposite of Alice.

It’s pretty disturbing to know that each noble/upper class person could be scheming something to take advantage of those below them in status. Quite a large number of the wealthy are presented as selfish bastards, so it’s reassuring to see someone like Alice take the opposite role. But the problem is, the stereotype of wealthy people among the lower classes is probably something along the lines of ‘despicable and egotistic’, and so when Section III try to help the poor, they get frowned upon. Anyway, I wonder how this show is going to end. It will probably conclude when the conspiracy is dealt with, and after Orlando’s and the others’ hearts are settled.

Rating: 8.8/10

Impressions:

After that short break last episode, it seems things have gotten back on track. Alice is now well on the way of getting married, and a new enemy has begun to brew. Although this new foe is only a bunch of homeless people with guns, it is at least more interesting than comedy, which does not fit in with the overall feel of the show. The cliffhanger ending is pretty effective, as now the main powerhouse of Section III will probably go missing in action. I’m hoping for some action next episode, and a lot of plot progression, as it is still pretty slow at the moment in my opinion. When are we gonna get back to original conspiracy?

It is interesting to discover how Alice never smiles except when with Section III. From this and various other reasons, it is clear that Alice is not going to leave the army (and if she does, I will be very disappointed). It’s touching to see how much she cares for those in Section III, yet also depressing to know that what they do only affects a fraction of all those in need. The way Stekkin and Orlando give away so many mittens is a good example of how if you give out something, others will want it too (this is highly true in families). This means that even though it might be heartless to not help others, it is sometimes best to not do so in order to avoid aggression.

Rating: 8/10

Impressions:

A rather pointless episode in my opinion; I was never fond of Stekkin anyway. The jokes at least were funny, though the episode doesn’t really bring forth anything, except introducing the wedding and the possible relation with Section I in the future. But or now, it looks like things are going to be focused on Alice and her evil fiancée. The new ED is better than the first one, though I hate both as they fail in the main aspect of suiting the show. I wish they had some sort of battle-animation ED with epic adventure music or something. Or perhaps a slow ED song with slow stills and sad characters in the snow…

Rating: 9.3/10

Impressions:

This episode is pretty deep and thought provoking. First there’s the sad and gruesome flashback of Hans, which makes it really sad when he dies, as he becomes an easily pitiable character. I’m glad he dies though, as I think living the rest of his life in depression and in a large suit is a worse fate, though it really is up to Hans’ own opinion. Second is the ‘kill’ sequence that is played when Orlando goes berserk. The flashing images in purple and unnatural colours really emphasize how much the 901 were conditioned several years ago. It’s also amazing how Orlando can actually turn off his own lantern when he is in such a terrifying state.

Speaking of his lantern, or will-o-wisp, it still hasn’t been explained how it truly works. But that does indicate that the unveiling of the conspiracy is soon to come. The episodes now are noticeably of higher quality, better story and return to the action/war theme of Pumpkin Scissors, which it originally displays. I actually wouldn’t have minded if the first half of the series had more action episodes while still keeping in the boundaries of ‘post-war relief’. However, it doesn’t really matter now, and it seems the show will only keep getting better until the end. A crap first half isn’t all that important for those who marathon the series as well.

Rating: 9.2/10

Impressions:

Ewok, I am now only one episode behind, and hopefully I can finish episode 17 before episode 18 comes out. I’m really only behind because of so many shows being better than Pumpkin Scissors, which makes me want to watch this less. That is…until now. This episode is definitely the best episode so far (dunno about 17) and this is the first time I’ve given the episode more than a nine. Hopefully Pumpkin Scissors can stay consistent on this new standard which it has set for itself, as I’m sure everything happening now is part of the main plot, and will be relevant to the end of series from 20+. At least I hope it is. I hate it when shows chop up events and display them with no link to each other.

Wow, Alice has returned to awesomeness again, with her cockiness absent and her will to carry out justice continues in a pleasant manner. And her sword-wielding abilities are totally cool. As this show is clearly not a fantasy/shounen show, Alice is not a super hero and does not wipe everyone out in one swing. Instead, she gets tired after a few knockouts, which is what is meant to happen. Still, she completely engulfed me with her kickass aura as soon as she pulled out that gigantince double edged sword (I have no idea what it’s called lol). And to top it off, the quality is actually very high this episode! Her movements are greatly animated, and she looks pretty hot in some scenes.

Next episode, it looks like there will be a bit more of Alice in action, though the main feature will most likely be Orlando’s and Hans’s eventual showdown. It’s gonna be sweet (I hope). A lot of stuff apart from action happens as well. We get the reappearance of the masked man (and he’s STILL not the ultimate bad guy it seems), as well as the scientist whose name is no where to be found in my head. And she’s actually on good terms with Orlando. I guess she would be, as she is the supervisor of all the 90x series…right? And it looks like Orlando has no idea of her true motives and nature…

Oreld is still the player that he is, and this time it actually comes in handy. Sure, the lipstick marks on his face are an exaggeration and indication of what he’s been doing, but it’s still ridiculously funny. I wish he was in the fight though, but it seems like he’s had enough focus for now. He’s been my favourite character for most of the show, but if Alice can stop being naive and bitchy, I might actually like her more. And on the other side of the spectrum, sheesh what is up with Mione? I really hate him. First he’s completely scared of the masked guy, then he shoots him and tries to act tough, and finally reverts back to his spineless self. God I hate him. He’s ugly as well…

Rating: 8.7/10

Impressions:

I was actually pretty impressed with this episode. Even though I was left wanting action from the last, and for a possible 901 vs 908 showdown, I didn’t feel this episode lacked anything when it had like, no action at all. The story completely makes up for it, as well as the comedy. I really wasn’t sure of what Oreld was doing when he ‘bought’ the girl until Machs stepped in like that, causing a massive burst of laughter from me. It’s just so funny watching someone try to act the opposite of their own personality. The twinkle in his glasses is just golden, and an excellent touch to the scene.

Speaking of personalities, I like Alice a lot more this episode than in the previous ones. She’s not as bitchy or arrogant anymore, and actually gives a nice speech this episode. Her fighting trait which is apparent since the first episode is what attracted me to her character in the beginning of the series, but her naivety and bossiness made me lose interest. Alice doesn’t even push Orlando this episode to reveal what he’s hiding from her. She also takes it up with herself to fight against the flamethrower dude and not run away. And is it just me or does she get cuter? Must be the quality rising slightly, and less deformed faces.

Seeing as how this episode is rather lacking in the action department, I’m hoping for a satisfying fill of that next episode. The ending of this episode suggests a large showdown next episode, and perhaps the end of the 908 soldier as well as the severely bucktoothed guy (ok, I haven’t watched this show in weeks so I can’t remember their names…oh wait, was it Mione or something?) Alice looks like she’s going to take up some of the fighting too. I’m not familiar with weapons so I have no idea what she lugs into the car in the end. Is that a rocket launcher or something? Also, I’m hearing things about a Darth Alice…