This came completely out of left field, but this last episode of Aria was absolutely amazing. The first three episodes had me shuffling the show away in the refuse bin of Shakugan no Shana retakes, but then an episode like this comes along and blows my mind. Ok, so Kugimiya Rie’s little girl voice is as annoying as ever, and the Holmes / Lupin thing is retarded, but I’m willing to put that aside based on everything else in this episode.
First of all, Riko is an excellent character. I would say she’s an excellent villain but I don’t feel that she’ll remain one for long. Her evil plotting skills are top-notch. Her insanity is super high-level. She has two faces, one demure and ditzy and one pure evil. She’s even good at seduction. I complained last season about how Kyoko from Kore wa Zombie Desu Ka failed as a crazy bitch, but everything they did wrong with Kyoko was just right for Riko. In case it isn’t obvious, I’m a big fan of this character type.
I never thought I’d be saying this either, but the background on Aria that was revealed this episode was great too. How often do you see a character who lives alone because her mother is in prison? (Now if only mercenaries and government officials here in America had the same level of accountability here in America as they do in Aria…)
Kinji’s brief stint in Hysteria mode was awesome as well. We really need to get more of it. The thing is, if this show could have less of Aria and her super-annoying voice it would actually be really good. This episode showed that it can be great even in spite of her voice. Let’s hope it keeps going in this direction.
With Moshidora’s sobfest, continuing excellence from Ano Hana, a spike in quality from C, and now this, today set some pretty spectacular standards for a single day of releases. If they keep it up this season will be one of the best we’ve had in a long while.
(note: I’m not going to start blogging Aria, just felt like commenting on this one episode)
Aria’s character makes no sense at all, it’s like watching a spoiled 7yo brat with guns. She talks with her mother once and gives up everything just like that? That’s very WEAK for a main lead. Kinji’s decision was weak too, he just needed to stumble across Aria to forget all about the “I won’t be a Butei anymore, buhbuh”. I’m always getting a “WTF?!” reaction to every action the characters take. Riko’s scene at the karaoke was too strange and spoiled the twist.
Hidan no Aria’s plot (up to now) is laughable in almost every aspect BUT Kinji’s hysteria mode. This is the only interesting aspect of the show and the fan service is pretty good too (only reason I’ll keep watching the show).
You should watch better quality shows to raise your standars a little bit. Hidan no Aria is far from “amazing”.
Relax, I liked an anime episode that you didn’t, it’s not the end of the world. 🙂
I do partially agree with you though. Aria is the most annoying character of this entire season, and I can’t stand her at all. Most of the character’s actions didn’t make too much sense. And the first three episodes were terrible. But I did really enjoy this episode, in spite of all this, just because it was entertaining and fun to watch. This was mainly due to Riko, and, as you say, hysteria mode and the fanservice (that karaoke scene!).
I was mostly mad at the plot and character development. Forgot to mention that the fight was badass.
Was close to dropping, but Riko saved the day. The girl had won with me since her famous “Ecchi koto!!” outburst in ep2, and I love to see her getting more limelight now. Actually, my gut feeling tells me that she’s going to remain a recurring character, and that’s a good thing ^_^
I completely agree, she is the best part of this show. 🙂 The question is if she will show up enough to counterbalance how annoying Aria is.
I respect your opinion, but if we were to analyze this episode objectively, it sucked hairy monkey balls. First it was an amalgam of most anime cliques from start to ending. Second, Riko is the best character in the show, no doubt, but that doesn’t mean she is a good character. She is just the best of the sad bunch, that’s all. Riko is the typical you-shoulda-see-it-coming usual villain. But I can see her teaming up with Aria in the future.
Overall, it was an eyesore of episode, worst than the rest. What’s with Kinji’s annoying attitude? What’s with Aria’s annoying attitude? Don’t the rest of the guys have something else to do instead of just popping out of nowhere to “help” Kinji? What are their suits made of? If Riko is so evil, why won’t she shoot them in the face? Holmes? Lupin? Seriously?
Horrible episode, and I see a grim future for this show…not that there is any good show this season anyway. Your review is appreciated though, it’s good to have several points of view. My advice to other people: Don’t waste your time with this crap.
Ano Hana and TWGOK 2 are the best of the season so far.
Denpa Onna was hyped but started very annoyingly, I hope it gets better.
Fair enough, Riko certainly doesn’t have much competition. I have a strong bias towards insane characters so I’m willing to cut her some slack. 🙂
I thought hidan no aria was a great anime.Ok i admit aria is some annoying piece of shit that should just get kicked out of this anime.However the fighting scenes were great and it gives you a great scenario of brutei life.I mean its awesome to be a brutei ,you have the ability and power of like super advanced soldiers and if your s rank you can even take down an army.Its’s like there are all these really powerful villains and boom you send in the brutei to arrest these.The sklls are awesome and the way they get out of any tight scenario is just epic.In conclusion its just an amazing fantasy .
Secondly i think rinko’s the best anime character the way she acts cute all the time and the fact that she so upfront in her nature is just awesome.Ok kinji is a quite weak protagonist but when he goes hysteria he is just the coolest ,thus it only emphasises on how cool he in hysteria withought adding some different weak protagonists.The way he acts in hysteria is just awesome and riko is just too cute.To me this outweighs all that crap in the normal kinji and aria.Furthermore the pther main characters power are awesome too like rei perfect snipe skills, shirayuki ‘s firesword and jeanne’s ice power is awesome.Lastly the plot is great in how kinji’s brother is a crossdresser and how it links to EU and how tey form that badass team later.In all i stongly encourage the watching of this as its actually a good intro of the whole story(lightnovel)-aria.
It had its good points (Riko), it also had its terrible points (Aria), but overall I thought it was pretty decent, although not great.