Comparing Version 3 to Version 4:
Comments:
\[2005-04-28, Devil Doll]
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Originally this has been not a Skuld story but a Belldandy story (manga volume 7 chapter 46) but apparently the anime doesn't want to show Belldandy as the technology freak she's in the manga (which is part of why she and Keiichi understand each other so well). Certain other important aspects of this story are delayed until later episodes (such as the moon stones and Senbei, hopefully); but despite at least three illogical scenes during the second battle (if I insist on being nitpicking), rewriting this episode the way they did added considerably to the drama of the story, giving Skuld's character more depth.
<br />
Stories about robots with limited knowledge acting according their rule set are a two-edged sword. They can be executed in a way that the audience sympathizes with the robot, such as in [series:444], or they can be done in a way that looks ridiculous. I do have several complaints about this episode but Banpei-kun'sbehaviourbehavior is none of them: His selection of attack methods is reasonable as well as funny, and allowing the audience to read his actions on his internal sceenscreen is a great idea. Banpei-kun learning with each new experience and even rewriting his program is done reasonably, as part of this is basically Belldandy's influence on him (and on all beings).
<br />
I use to like Mara's appearances. But her longspeachspeech this time right before the first battle, explaining all her evil plans to the audience exclusively, is something I <i>hate</i> about many shows, most notably [series:146] - this is a lot more childish than I was hoping this series to be. Compare this to Belldandy's speech to Banpei-kun half-way though this episode which completely makes sense (as the robot is in standby-mode). Then again, if Marller'sMarller is in the show you may look forward to interesting action scenes!
<br />
Belldandy knowing Banpei-kun's name at their first meeting I consider a continuation flaw (nobody told her so until this moment, and she didn't know what was up in the room). Except for this and for the limitation of her part in this episode one she has strong appearances ("I hope you can eat someday") - whereas poor Keiichi (wearing a helmet during most of this episode) serves as mere slapstick target in most of his scenes this time.
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\[AstroNerdBoy -- 27 April 2005]
<p>
On the whole, I rather enjoyed the episode. As Devil Doll stated, Mara's "here's my evil plans" was annoying. The most annoying part was Belldandy staying on the phone for three minutes talking to no one. That made me just want to SCREAM! Meanwhile Mara is attacking her sister, but Belldandy is blathering to nothing on the phone. I know Belldandy can be a bit thick at times, but I don't recall her being that thick in the manga. Ugh! I was disappointed that Belldandy's little spell on Banpei-kun in the manga wasn't used in the anime. As it was, the anime doesn't make it that clear as to how Banpei-kun developes emotions. It gives an explaination, but it didn't feel right to me.</p>
<p>
On the plus side, I enjoyed Skuld's creation of Banpei-kun. I really enjoyed her battle Mara. It makes Skuld a stronger character in my opinion and should the anime cover the Lord or Terror arc, it should come to play there.</p>
<p>
While there are more pluses than minuses, I'm very disappointed that I continue to find so many minuses in this episode.</p>
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<br />
Originally this has been not a Skuld story but a Belldandy story (manga volume 7 chapter 46) but apparently the anime doesn't want to show Belldandy as the technology freak she's in the manga (which is part of why she and Keiichi understand each other so well). Certain other important aspects of this story are delayed until later episodes (such as the moon stones and Senbei, hopefully); but despite at least three illogical scenes during the second battle (if I insist on being nitpicking), rewriting this episode the way they did added considerably to the drama of the story, giving Skuld's character more depth.
<br />
Stories about robots with limited knowledge acting according their rule set are a two-edged sword. They can be executed in a way that the audience sympathizes with the robot, such as in [series:444], or they can be done in a way that looks ridiculous. I do have several complaints about this episode but Banpei-kun's
<br />
I use to like Mara's appearances. But her long
<br />
Belldandy knowing Banpei-kun's name at their first meeting I consider a continuation flaw (nobody told her so until this moment, and she didn't know what was up in the room). Except for this and for the limitation of her part in this episode one she has strong appearances ("I hope you can eat someday") - whereas poor Keiichi (wearing a helmet during most of this episode) serves as mere slapstick target in most of his scenes this time.
<br />
<br />
====================================
<br />
<br />
\[AstroNerdBoy -- 27 April 2005]
<p>
On the whole, I rather enjoyed the episode. As Devil Doll stated, Mara's "here's my evil plans" was annoying. The most annoying part was Belldandy staying on the phone for three minutes talking to no one. That made me just want to SCREAM! Meanwhile Mara is attacking her sister, but Belldandy is blathering to nothing on the phone. I know Belldandy can be a bit thick at times, but I don't recall her being that thick in the manga. Ugh! I was disappointed that Belldandy's little spell on Banpei-kun in the manga wasn't used in the anime. As it was, the anime doesn't make it that clear as to how Banpei-kun developes emotions. It gives an explaination, but it didn't feel right to me.</p>
<p>
On the plus side, I enjoyed Skuld's creation of Banpei-kun. I really enjoyed her battle Mara. It makes Skuld a stronger character in my opinion and should the anime cover the Lord or Terror arc, it should come to play there.</p>
<p>
While there are more pluses than minuses, I'm very disappointed that I continue to find so many minuses in this episode.</p>
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