An atmosphere differing from the norm overtakes the latest episode of Aquarion EVOL as a funeral is had for the death of a friend – yet it doesn’t all end in tears, inspiration for living is derived from a power new.
Spectacular and sad was it to see Jin, who originally invaded with iniquitous intentions, ultimately end up sacrificing himself for sake of friends he managed to make in such a short time – while he’d been alone for much of his life, he seemingly found what he sought upon his passing. The academy was brought down in morale over his death – now holding a funeral to honor his life. Impressive indeed is that Aquarion EVOL actually shows such an event take place as rarely, if ever, does an anime portray a funeral in full as is seen here.
Some people are more engulfed in pain than others, like the loli, and the result is generally a divided unity – each of the students are troubled and worried with good reason. Yet even so, such emotions are not ones any should linger too deeply on. Commander Fudo takes a more proactive role than usual for this episode as once the funeral reaches the point where our crew is at the cemetery, and Jin buried with much respect, Fudo insists on the start of a rather intriguing activity.
Andy is called to dig many a hole – and once he’s done so, Fudo proclaims the endeavor each Element is to now undertake is to simply lay in a hole as if they were dead themselves. Strange does the idea sound, and eerie indeed do the holes look, yet Fudo is not one to use time without a purpose. The students hesitate – however it is clear to us Fudo has a greater goal, and he goes on to explain how each Element will become further joined by experiencing life beyond the grave once.
Shrade happily steps forward after hearing Fudo’s words – breaking the tension by being the first to jump into a hole, and so enthusiastically at that, stating that he might as well rehearse for extinction as his is already near anyways. As Shrade has shown the way, others begin to quickly follow suit – taking a hole, and lying in it like corpses.
Deep in the soil, the Elements begin to ponder with great thought – contemplating on life, their relations and desires, as well as their surroundings, such as insects and even themselves. There was one Element however who Fudo did not force to take the challenge – the imouto fetish character Mikono. Earlier in the episode, he confronted her by advising her to go comfort her friend, the loli – and now it seems there’s truly more to why he spoke to her.
Mikono gradually becomes more frantic at the fact that her friends are buried under ground – a few of those friends even starting to receive some disturbing thoughts from being encompassed by dirt and silence, yet Fudo continues observing, and it seems what he’s awaited finally occurs. While Mikono starts to panic, ab entanglement of roots appears and stretches across the soil within a matter of an instant. Apparently, this is Mikono’s elemental power – the ability to connect life and death alike, bringing together those who have gone astray or fogged in sight.
As result, Jin’s voice surprisingly begins to resonate and speak of how he’s went from loneliness to one of many friends and wishes for them to live on. With that, everyone goes from feeling depressed to entirely revitalized – and with Mikono’s elemental power in conjunction with some magic from Fudo, all the Elements are brought back to the surface, seemingly having learned the lesson Fudo had in mind. All is splendid, yet one worry arises right at the end – the red haired creep makes an appearance with a smirk, as if anyone were actually happy to see him.
Aquarion EVOL has moments where it feels no different than a circus, yet this episode was certainly not one of them.
Indeed it did not forget to cater to those with urges for spontaneous skin and flaming text, the very reason many do love the series – however this episode is absolutely spectacular in how it touched upon a topic so sensitive, death, and in a manner never seen before. The series presses the ideal of moving forward whilst appreciating life as is – and to see such a change in pace so moving from the usual mech fighting and gags Aquarion EVOL is usually adorned lush with, indeed this is the reason why Aquarion EVOL isn’t merely some sub-par series.
This episode portrayed emotions only few know in a manner which acts upon all – or more simply, the series can teach one a side of life they’ve overlooked as it does well to have us feeling the same as the characters.
All around, this is an episode composed complete of beautiful sentiment – the only concern we have now is in what will come with the unwanted arrival of the red headed idiot character who dares interrupt harmony.
Apr 2, 2012 @ 21:38 CDT
I’m recalling something I said here, back when this series began. It takes sexuality and mortality and draws them out in characters that blaze across the heavens. Forget subtext. This text. I was correct on the first part, sexuality; or at least the first primal callings of such. But was bothered that the other issue would be forgotten in all but the atmosphere of Altair.
There is so much I can say about this episode. But I want to hold back on the verbal love. I will only say that the past three or four episodes have been so very unexpected. But more the fool I. Why should the circus and the Danse Macabre be so separated?
Apr 2, 2012 @ 21:48 CDT
Very unexpected indeed – you were quite right about this series. Although while the unorthodox take on human expiration is nice – I’m not too fond of such a morbid focus remaining active for long.
Apr 2, 2012 @ 22:58 CDT
…the last scene seems more like a prelude to the ass-kicking we have grown to love in this series than mere morbidity.
Apr 2, 2012 @ 23:11 CDT
I just want the red haired character to go home already and the white haired yaoi service fellow to die if he’s not going to mind his own business – then there can be a happy ending.