Putting on a third spectacle for the many otaku eager in anticipation of servant-on-servant action, Fate/Zero’s unpredictable ways escalate the story yet again – literally multiplying in magnificence before our eyes.
Tohsaka speaks with his servant, the obviously arrogant flashy golden man with armor which yells out his perceived superiority, Gilgamesh. They’re clearly not on the same page, nor necessarily legitimately respecting of one another – yet they realize their positions of servant and master, the single aspect which still allows them to cooperate. Gilgamesh isn’t too flattered with Tohsaka’s scheming – and likewise, Tohsaka’s not a big fan of sparkly armor.
Gilgamesh then dissipates off into dust, mentioning to leave the finer details to Tohsaka. The scheme Gilgamesh was referring to is as we find out, the ordeal with Assassin. The truth of the matter is Assassin is not dead at all – in fact, Assassin is not even a specific character. Assassin is an entity, a collective of shadowy characters from different backgrounds, varying in size, shape, and gender, identical in that they’re all equipped with white bone masks. One may even notice Hassan, unless that is simply a look alike – either way, Hassan’s death was merely a ploy.
Many masters were watching under the shade of night during that event – and thus, they’ve come to believe incorrectly not only that Assassin is dead, but they remain ignorant to the teaming of Tohsaka and Kirei. One of those foolishly deceived is the naive Waver-kun – he joyfully tells Iskander of the sight which he apparently seen first hand. Assassin’s “death” at the hands of a golden man, though Iskander is not amused by mere “cowards” who hide in the shadows.
Isakander and Waver begin to bicker in the regular fashion one has come to expect at this point – Waver excited over the transpiring events, whilst Iskander obsessed with historical items unrelated to the war at all. Iskander’s easygoing attitude stems from his resonating confidence – as he’s quite clearly proved in the previous episode, power is no concern of his.
Elsewhere, Saber and Irisviel arrive fresh into Japan. The two become intimate as they head out just as instructed to them by Kiritsugu. Their arrival to Japan prompts the start of Saber’s suit wearing phase – it certainly looks classy, though not much else can be said. In any case, as Saber and Irisviel accompany one another, this leaves those watching in espionage mistakenly believing Irisviel is the master of Saber. All the while, Kiritsugu is refining his arsenal whilst also receiving some information – all from a female clad in black.
It’s worth noting this female begins to passionately engage in kissing Kiritsugu – to which he doesn’t deny, though the scene ends with little else development in regards to that end.
Coming to a close, this third showing places some players as needed for inexplicable intensity in the next episode. Saber meets Lancer – two servants, staring down one another, yet not a single master can be seen. Lancer’s master remains out of sight and unknown – and Saber’s own is who knows where, yet she remains backed by Irisviel.
The episode is one of revelation – nothing revolutionary happens within it, yet the pieces needed for this proposed revolutionary display are brought forth and rearranged as needed. Assassin’s outcome was certainly anticipated, “too easy” a death indeed for it to have been true – yet their glorious survival leaves us riled up in anxiety to see what further occurs as result of this band of mysterious characters.
Another topic one must mention, Waver’s recurring appearance though Fate/Zero is certainly more prominent than one may have originally thought to be. This may foreshadow him to be a far more integral character to the tale than just some kid who came across luck as initially one likely insinuated.
Needless to say, the series is building in complexity as we look forward to the fourth episode.
