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Impressions:

The final episode was pretty good, though the entire series as a whole is only average in my opinion. The major concern is its simplicity, which was quite apparent in the last episode as well. When Henrietta offered to command the army herself, no one objected. I’m pretty sure this would not happen normally; the princess of a country being allowed to go and fight on the front lines – that’s crazy! Although, the reason for this was probably lack of time, as the producers had to get through quite a few things in the last episode, and that is one thing they did pretty well as it didn’t feel that rushed.

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Popularity: 20% [?]

Impressions:

The question that’s been running through my mind for ages…Louise or Siesta? While of course Saito will choose Louise in the end, I still think Siesta is a better person overall. Everyone’s just feeling bad for Louise because she acts so sad and miserable when she sees Saito ‘cheating’ on her, but the fact of the matter is that she deserves all this. The way she treats Saito is enough to make anyone hate her, no matter how cute she may be. And don’t even say anything about Kirche…her chance was blown long ago.

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Popularity: 23% [?]

Episode 11: Louise’s Marriage

Impressions:

A good episode for the series, but once again there was not enough clashing when Saito and Ward fought. I wonder if the last fight will be with him and Saito or Louise with her new soon-to-be-found powers. It should be Louise, as she has yet to really prove herself as a good mage. Saito has definitely proved himself to be a tough adversary, even though his battles were quite brief. Another thing, Derflinger doesn’t get enough lines. His character doesn’t develop enough (even though he’s a sword, he still has a personality and past). At the end of the episode, it seems that Saito has made up his mind about being with Louise, though I can’t see him completely forgetting about Siesta. Kirche is definitely out of the picture, so it’s only those two now. I wonder if Siesta is actually related to Saito in some way. At least if that were true, it’d give him a reason to go with Louise. So…let’s see what happens in the final two episodes…

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Popularity: 21% [?]

Episode 10: The Princess’s Request

Impressions:

Well, from this episode, we can conclude (almost) two pretty important things:

1. Louise is a VOID element mage, which means she uses the VOID element. I repeat, Louise is a VOID mage, something that has not appeared since 6000 years ago, or so it seems.

Proof – Colbert confirms that a Gundolf (Gandalfr) is the familiar of a void user. The rune on Saito’s hand, Delfringer pairing with him and the Holy Spirit being able to tell he was one all point to the fact that he is a GUNDOLF. Which means Louise must be a void mage. Btw, the void element is the element of nothingness. Remember how Louise managed to break the seal on the tower which Fouquet was not able to break while trying to steal the Staff of Destruction? (There’s also the fact that the last episode is called “Louise the Void” – oops was that a spoiler?)

2. Ward is Cromwell and an affiliate of Fouquet.

Proof – while there is no hard evidence in the Anime so far, it is quite obvious. They look exactly the same and Fouquet smirking while Ward was leading Louise into his room was kind of a giveaway. And we all know Ward is trying to trick Louise, but in the end Saito will come and save her and she will realise her true feelings for Saito.

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Popularity: 20% [?]

Impressions:

Louise’s behaviour was absolutely atrocious this episode, even if she was under the effects of an illegal love potion. I did not appreciate that at all. However, the whole love potion thing allowed for a greater expanse in the story. The whole holy spirit thing ties together nicely with this new Cromwell guy, and also provided some interesting moments in an otherwise below average episode. Once again, I’m quite dissatisfied with the confrontation between Saito and Kirche/Tabitha. The fight was not long but long enough, although I was hoping for a more dramatic scene when everyone finally realised the identity of the ones they were fighting. I also wished Saito was able to penetrate Tabitha’s water wall as a display of his power, which would also awe everyone in view. Cromwell, the new and most likely final enemy of the series. So far, the show proves it incapable of creating a serious fight. The bout with Fouquet was the closest to a meaningful one, though the way she went down does not present Saito as much of a hero. I guess the true secrets of the Gandalfr will be revealed in the final battle.

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Popularity: 15% [?]

Zero no Tsukaima 08: “Tabitha’s Secret”

Impressions:

Very, very good episode! Lots of romantic fun mixed in with some serious, interesting story development – a fantastic combination! Saito’s bath with Siesta was definitely the main highlight of the show, but there are other much more important things that happened. First there was the telling of Tabitha’s history as well as the lead-in to this dangerous task that she has been assigned. I loved how Tabitha was drawn before she became so reserved. I wish that she will return to that way soon, if at all. Also, this episode is when we get to hear her speak the most so far, and that is at the end when she is sleep talking. The other important thing is how Louise was drugged. It seems that potion lasts quite a while and will still be in effect next episode. I think that the love potion is meant to bring out someone’s true feelings and not create fake ones, which means that the only thing it did to Louise was make her more aware about her feelings toward Saito. It’s also good hw Montmorency and Guiche are getting more involved with the series, as so far they haven’t done much except for the first fight between Guiche and Saito. With that as well as Tabitha’s story, this show is turning out to be far more interesting than I had originally thought. It is also becoming more complex, which in my views is a good thing. I love it when things are complicated with a lot of history and such. It all makes the show more interesting, which in turn makes it more enjoyable. I don’t think there’s been a point where there has been too much information yet.

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Popularity: 23% [?]

Impressions:

What a great episode! Saito you gun! First you kiss the Princess then you sleep with your master? Lucky bastard…lol. Yes, those moments were so good that I I’ve put the full screenies up. Just click on a pic below to see a larger version. Anyway, like I said before, this episode was fantastic! It was very entertaining and extremely funny. It’s never been this hilarious before – bordering Muteki Kanban Musume funny! Those two moments were awesome and topped the episode off nicely. There is one thing that I wished had happened differently. At the end when Saito had come between that tax dude and Louise to protect her – that was funny, but it would’ve been better if he actually had his sword as was the one to shut those goons up. He looked so cool and confident when he slid into view – classic Anime technique =) It would’ve been awesome with a little more action. Louise jealousy over Saito was also good. Not only was it funny, but I’m glad that she’s finally developing more feelings for him (and hopefully Saito can forget about that bitch Kirche – Siesta I don’t mind and, oh, wait! Henrietta: possible fourth partner?!) And – oh my god! Saito in a tub with Siesta next ep? Nah, wouldn’t be that dramatic. I don’t think they’d be in the same tub, but if they are – woot! Go Saito!

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Popularity: 31% [?]

Impressions:

Best episode so far! Finally some action: Saito owning in the fight. There was also some serious emotional development between Saito and Louise. I think she’s finally fallen for him! Aside from that, I was shocked at my slowness for not realising Ms Longueville was Fouquet earlier! I mean, who else has green hair?! I’m also quite surprised that Osman took the news so calmly. I had the idea he was pretty attached to her (or maybe just the colour of her panties). The Staff of Destruction being a rocket launcher was pretty funny, and Louise trying to swing it while displaying the all too well-known XD was hilarious! Saito was very impressive this episode, operating the weapon so expertly. The scenes of him destroying the golem were great, and he didn’t faint for several days after either. I guess this is probably because he wasn’t injured severely, and he’s getting used to the power. The end was nice. I just wish she had kissed Saito to go with her attitude change and sudden shyness (yes, I do realise she kissed him in the first episode, but that’s different). With only 7 episodes to go, I hope the series retains this level of entertainment. (Heh, I just realised my review of the first episode of Zero no Tsukaima hasn’t been transferred from my old blog…doing it now.)

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Popularity: 26% [?]