WIXOSS hews a little too closely to the Madoka template before discarding it for the second season.
What They Say:
Word spreads of the intimate, yet forbidden love Yuzuki has towards Kazuki. Meanwhile, Ruko learns the horror of what happened to the ‘true’ Yuzuki.
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
What a long, strange trip WIXOSS has been, and from the announcement of a second season, selector spread WIXOSS, it’s now clear it’s only half over. This is a great thing, as since Madoka was only twelve episodes, WIXOSS can now claim new territory as its own, or come crashing down to earth. But it needs the freedom a second cour brings it. In its final episodes, selector infected WIXOSS shows itself nowhere as tightly written as Madoka.
In episode eight we learn that WIXOSS is a raw deal for both winners and losers, as Yuzuki has her wish granted, only to become an LRIG trapped in a card, while her LRIG Hanayo takes over her body and attempts to seduce her brother.
But episode nine assumes we don’t understand this, or perhaps it just wants to rub salt in the wounds, as it flashes back to Hanayo accepting Yuzuki’s wish, and then has Yuzuki, from her card, explain point by point, how WIXOSS is rigged to Ruko. Ruko had to find out eventually, sure, but this feels like wheel spinning, and it hurts the momentum of the show. Episode 10 is not much better, as it lingers on the conclusion of the twins’ relationship, and the conflicted anger and gratitude Yuzuki has for Hanayo. Akira, Hitori, and Chiyori have all but disappeared from the main narrative at this point.
Its clear here that Ruko is being set up for a Madoka-like moment where she destroys the WIXOSS system, but Madoka sped forward with momentum from each new revelation, while WIXOSS lingers on a point already made.
Things do pick up in the final two-parter where Iona decides to start a selector tournament in the ominous giant skyscraper in the middle of town. Fortunately, most battles are skipped, focusing only on the showdowns between Ruko and Hitoe and Ruko and Iona. In the former battle, its horrifying to see poor Yuzuki have to battle with Tama, and it will be difficult to ever look at Pokemon with innocent eyes again. But Hitoe’s cruel punishment seems to have been mitigated somehow, as she confesses she does remember her friends after all. Power of friendship or plot hole?
For the latter battle, Ruko is ready to sacrifice herself to free all the LRIGs in a final show of love for her friends. But Mayu, the woman inside of WIXOSS’ alternate world has other plans. She convinces Tama not to fulfill Ruko’s wish ostensibly for Ruko’s own sake. When Ruko’s wish fails, Iona gets one by default. And her wish is… unknown. It results in Iona becoming Ruko’s selector, however, a strange twist that Madoka can’t even begin to explain.
It’s a whole new game from here.
In Summary:
After some fairly effective shocks, WIXOSS slows down to gawk at itself, losing almost all momentum in the process. However, the first season ends on a strange note that at least holds the promise that things will eventually come together in a fascinating way. As toy commercials go, WIXOSS had been an entertaining if bleak experience.
Grade: B-
Streamed By:Funimation
Review Equipment:
Acer Aspire 17″
