CROSS ANGE Rondo of Angel and Dragon

Episode 8

A couple of episodes ago I wondered about what consequences having a second person on Arzenal capable of using the Light of Mana might be. This episode we get a partial answer: it allows Emma (the Mana user who is second-in-command) to use Momoka to call Ange, but it apparently it does not mean adjusting security procedures. That transport ships would not have any security on the docks normally is perfectly understandable; the transports require a Mana user as a pilot, which means that Norma cannot use them to escape on their own. Someone clearly dropped the ball on not adjusting that policy to account for Momoka and her known strong loyalty to someone who has tried to escape before. But first thing's first. The Norma on Arzenal get one day off a year for Festa, where they participate in games, watch fireworks, get professional massages, and so forth. Since this is a fan service show, swimwear is, of course, mandatory for the Festa, which gives viewers a chance to see all of the ladies in surprisingly tasteful bikinis or one-pieces. The only exception is Emma, who is entertaining visiting dignitary Princess Misty, who knew Angelise from games (she was the leader of the opposing team in episode 1) and came to Arzenal to see her because she couldn't believe the stories about her. While almost everyone else enjoys the Festa, Ange is her usual antisocial self, even initially using a mascot costume to avoid Emma's summons. When she does meet Misty, the latter discovers, to her dismay, that the Princess Angelise she knew is gone and replaced by a colder, more ruthless individual. As Ange uses Misty to plan her escape, she discovers that Hilda also had the same idea and has, in fact, been plotting an escape herself for a very long time. Ange reluctantly agrees to work with her to escape, and the two take off with Momoka piloting and Misty in tow. Once their getaway is successful, Ange and Hilda part ways to pursue their individual objectives. Meanwhile, Jill puts Tusk on their trail.

In retrospect the bulk of Cross Ange to date has actually been about character development (yes, I know that's a strange thing to say about a fan service show, but it's true), but the late stages of this episode mark a major shift by instead making a dramatic leap forward in plot. That Ange would use Momoka and a visitor to stage a successful escape was expected, especially given the message from Sylvia last episode. What is a surprise is that Hilda is the one determined to join her, and that we apparently haven't seen the real Hilda before this point. (We are also left to wonder just how far Hilda went in ensuring their escape in action towards the girl on duty.) This opens up some new story possibilities, ones that the next episode will apparently spend at least some time exploring. Just as importantly, though, it finally puts Ange off of Arzenal with her revamped attitude and gives us a chance to see how things have changed and how she reacts. Given Jill's reaction, it might even open a window to us seeing what the commander is really up to as well. The potential for some interesting developments look strong.

Perhaps just as surprising as anything is that a series which has made fan service an integral part of its production actually passes up golden opportunities to thoroughly exploit it this episode. In fact, despite all of the swimsuits this is arguably the least racy episode to date. I have no expectations that this will hold, but the series has been pushing towards wanting to be taken more seriously for a while now and, for the moment at least, this is a big step forward.

Rating: B

CROSS ANGE Rondo of Angel and Dragon is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.