+ | N o v a s t o r m | +

Rating: 8.5/10

Impressions:

Good, the quality has returned to acceptable standards. People how this arc should have been only three episodes, though I can say it would have been pretty rushed if that was the case. This episode only covers two chapters, and the conclusion to this arc has another two chapters in the manga. This means that fitting four chapters into one episode would be possible, though there really is no reason to rush. The slow pace allows more emotions to sink in, as there is some pretty heavy Miranda development here. She’s thanked twice this episode, which is probably more than she has ever been thanked in her life, judging by the impression her past is meant to give. This is obviously a significant turn of events, as this could very well motivate her to keep trying and not give up on life. That is something she will definitely not regret doing. I really want to see how she is portrayed when she returns after this arc. Actually, her new resolution should be obvious at the end of this arc, so I won’t have to wait as long.

Speaking of taking things slowly in terms of plot pacing, next episode will feature three important things. One, the fight with Road Two, a little hurtful confrontation between Linali and Allen. Three, the introduction of Rabi, the character who will come along for the ride in the next mini-arc. Oh and don’t worry, the next arc will be last one before the real, continuous one begins. The fight with Road is pretty straightforward, but the problem lies with the incident involving Linali and Allen. At the time it might not seem like much, just perhaps a bit painful, though it really does affect things later on. That’s not the problem though, it’s the fact that 75% of character development between Allen and Linali prior to this has been left out. Because of this, those who have not read the manga will not be impacted by this event as strongly as they should. Oh well, it seems like nothing is going my way with regards to the two most important characters in the show. There really won’t be many more chances for character development between Linali and Allen. Pity.

Oh yeah, I guess I should talk about the censoring too huh? Since everyone’s been doing that. Alright then, where should I begin? ‘Fuck you! Exorcist!’ turned into ‘I’ve got your innocence! Ho ho ho!’ while zombie-Road turned into charcoal-Road, and finally, Allen-with-candle-in-eye turned into…well, nothing, it wasn’t even remotely shown; only Road launching the attack. The first one is quite hilarious, I mean, ‘Ho ho ho’? What the hell is that? The second censored scene is rather disappointing. I wanted to see Road’s gruesome face inside-out. The third one is also disappointing. Just imagine the blood splattering, the squelching sound…(There’s also Miranda’s hand that was censored, but I mentioned that last time). Well, it’s too bad that D.Gray-man airs in the evening and not late night, so the censoring can’t be helped. Don’t want to frighten the little kiddies. Nevertheless, most of the darkness that radiates from the manga is maintained, so not all is lost. I still encourage those who like D.Gray-man to read the manga if they haven’t. All the manga readers will agree with me on this.

Plot Outline:

- Road tells Allen about her true identity and how she is a gifted human related to the Earl
- Her pumpkin umbrella tries to stop her from doing any more, though Road says the Earl’s plans won’t be affected by this
- Allen uses his eye to determine that Road really is a human
- He also manages to break free from the way he was nailed to
- Road hugs Allen to help convince him that she’s human
- Allen raises his arm to kill Road, though she grabs it and slashes herself intentionally
- She shows her gruesome face and quickly regenerates it, proving that she is no ordinary human
- Following that performance, Road launches a barrage of sharp candles at Allen, one which stabs him in the eye
- Allen tries to shoot Road but is too weak

- Road turns her attention to Miranda and attacks her with candles
- Allen manages to save her just in time by using his hand as a shield
- He also frees her, but collapses due to his wounds
- Miranda tries to protect him and ends up activating her Innocence
- She creates a realm in which time is turned back, so Allen’s wounds disappear
- Allen extends his arm and also retrieves Linali
- Linali seems unharmed and wakes up soon
- She starts firing blasts of wind at the Akuma, in which Allen travels through to attack as well
- Together, they challenge Road, and she replies by calling Exorcists interesting

Preview:

Next episode – #12
Conclusion to the Miranda arc…

Popularity: 8% [?]