Then there were six.
What They Say:
Episode 23: “Morning of Promise”
The Review
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
That cliffhanger at the end of the last episode was a real shocker. Lest we forget that Yona is on the run, who does she bump into but the very man she’s declared vengeance on! Soo-won is still out checking out his domain, and fate would have it that his next stop was Awa. He is out to clean up the kingdom but Yona beat him to the port city and did some of his dirty work for him.
Yona doesn’t know how to react to Soo-won’s sudden appearance. I don’t think I would have done any better in her place. Rather than capture her, Soo-won hides her from his men. Yona almost blows everything reaching for his sword, and Soo-won casually stops her rash move without blowing her cover. He departs from Yona without her saying a word to him. She doesn’t take the reunion well, breaking down after he disappears from view, much to Hak’s shock. Nor does she mention the meeting with anyone else in her party. Whatever form their final confrontation will take it will have to happen later.
The victory party continues in full swing, with the pirates in a day long cycle of partying and passing out. Yona appears to be getting in on the action oblivious to the state of her attire and the condition she appears to be in. Hak has to stop her from striping down in front of the men to change clothes. He’s concerned with her odd behavior, and doesn’t know why his princess is acting so strangely.
The long goodbye for Jae-ha begins. He knows where he’s supposed to go, but is reluctant to give in to what his blood demands of him. His time being a pirate is over and he has to say goodbye to his chosen family. Gigan might have to say goodbye to a son, but she gained a daughter in Yona. Yona tries to leave town with dignity but breaks down and embraces the captain. She never had a mother figure, and now she’s gained one whom she can turn to.
Oh, hey, remember the original ending animation with Yona looking out over the sea? That scene shows up in episode with one major addition. Hak and the others are there with Yona to renew their pledge to continue on with the journey.
The simul-dub from Funimation has begun on this show as well, and you can read my thoughts on it and that of others over at the forums.
In Summary:
The situation in Awa has been resolved, and Yona is ready to continue her journey and find her last dragon companion. First she has to dodge the ramifications of a startling reunion whose time came too soon. Now both parties are aware of each other’s intentions, but I’m not sure the surprise meeting can stay secret forever. It looks like next week we meet the yellow dragon, and then the party should be complete! Which also means this season is slowly drawing to a close.
Episode Grade: B +
Streamed by: Crunchyroll & Funimation
Review Equipment: 27” iMac running OS 10.10.1, via Safari 8.0.2, FIOS 15/5 Mbps connection. Your milage may vary.
