Arpeggio of Blue Steel Episode 5
Buckeye: So in this episode, the focus was on Makie, Haruna, and Kirishima as they made friends with each other. This episode is pretty lighthearted after the previous episodes were all about action on the seas. While the CG animation is still a bit bothersome in an episode like this, the episode itself is pretty enjoyable for what it is about. It’s funny to see how Haruna had been learning all about what humans are all about there having to look into her database everything Makie said something. It’s a nice break from the action.
EmperorBrandon: It was nice to get some lighthearted comedy out of the show this time, and some good lighthearted comedy as Haruna’s quirks serve as a nice foil to adorable little Makie. Kirishima-as-a-teddy-bear was also pretty amusing. Makes sense to focus on a new character to bring in such fun antics, as we wouldn’t expect much around uber-serious Gunzou. Makie is not an ordinary little girl, though (already caught hints of that even before we saw her interacting with Haruna, and her secrets getting revealed). Definitely looking forward to seeing how these different players will interact going forward.
Ah yes, and even more Kantai Collection collaborations with the endcards… (knew a Kongou one was inevitable).
Hitsugi Amachi: It was nice to get away from the battles and politics and other heavy elements of the show. There was also a little comedy with Takao at the end, where she’s completely surprised by her reception at Iwoto and then gets knocked for a loop (we’re going to need some explanation for why Iwoto is so well armed to repel a Fog attack, considering how lame Yokosuka’s defenses turned out to be).
GingaDaiuchuu: I expected to like an episode almost entirely focused on the characters and not at all on battles less, but I actually quite liked this one. Maybe I just like these characters better than the leads. Some of my issues with the treatment of the girls in this show is still prevalent, but I guess at least the guy’s not there to be told to use the girl. And I’d like to believe some of it is more innocuous in this episode.
Most importantly it worked because it was pretty funny. I saw it coming when Makie put out the carrot, but Kirishima Teddy chomping down was perfectly executed.
