Lancer tells it like it is.
What They Say:
Shirou is devastated since he was unable to save Illyasviel. Together with Rin, he is determined to fight Caster and the others. Out of the blue, they are visited by a Servant who is willing to lend a hand!
The Review:
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
There was little hope that Illya could be saved at the end of the last episode, and despite Shirou finally becoming unable to restrain himself, it was not to be. Given that she was the last hope he and Rin had for a partnership in this war, her Servant had already been taken care of, and a new enemy beyond the scope of what they could’ve imagined has appeared despite the assumption being that there would be no more participants in the war, one who happens to be partnered with someone who holds a grudge against them and can’t be reasoned with, Shirou jumping out in front of them with no methods by which to combat them seems like it should be throwing his life away altogether. Fortunately, Rin is able to just barely avoid the outcome that would end the series for the protagonists with a little threatening that confirms how much of a handicap Shinji is to this amazing and mysterious new partner, who is finally called by his name of Gilgamesh.
Because of how close a call that was, Rin realizes that it’s finally time to have an important talk with Shirou about throwing himself into danger for the sake of everyone but himself. It’s one of the most important themes that this series discusses, and it shows just how obsessive Shirou is about these questionable ideals. With the kind of person he is, even the words of someone he cares so much for do little to sway his way of thinking, and the conversation ultimately ends up with Rin blushing from Shirou’s smile and way of addressing her being a little too radiant.
That’s nothing compared to what happens when another familiar face joins the conversation, though. Who could possibly be left? Ah, there was that one last Servant that the two had counted out of possible alliance configurations immediately, the one whose Master is still unknown and who hasn’t gotten to spend any quality time with our young couple since he was busy killing one half of it and being generally antagonistic to the other. But as if realizing that he’s the only one left who can keep this series going as it’s supposed to, Lancer shockingly offers himself up as an ally to the pair as they’re busy bickering over who will be protecting whom from the exceedingly patient presumed enemy. As if this marriage-like banter wasn’t enough, Lancer’s flattering words to Rin inspire only jealousy and protectiveness from Shirou, which leaves Rin more embarrassed than ever. As she tries to prevent her head from exploding, Lancer looks at her red face and Shirou’s unbearable earnestness and can do nothing but laugh and continue to fan the flames by pointing out how obvious their relationship was even to someone who had been around as little as him, working exactly as intended on Rin and even more amusingly having no affect on Shirou. Lancer is reminded more than ever why he liked these guys, and after all this, it’s honestly not hard to imagine why someone as good-humored as Lancer would want to team up with them.
In Summary:
This is by no means an action episode, but it’s no less valuable because of that. The dialogues that make up the episode cover a wide range of topics and emotions. There are plot revelations regarding just who the mysterious new powerhouse is (with plenty of mystery left), philosophical debates regarding whether or not it’s healthy to live one’s life only for others, beginnings of new alliances, and of course lots of hilarious embarrassment. Even without any fights, it’s a good time.
Grade: A-
Streamed By: Crunchyroll
Review Equipment:
Custom-Built PC, 27” 1080p HDTV.
