The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance

Episode 8

This may be the final episode of Dust Storm Dance, but its content makes clear that there's still a lot of Arslan anime to come. This season goes out not unlike the first one, using the final episode to set up the next series. This finale also acts as a strong conclusion to the current arc, tying up loose plot ends by the episode's final minutes, along with giving viewers an idea of where we go from here.

There are two main plots in this finale: Arslan and his group running into various allies and then deciding to march on Ecbatana with or without Arslan's father, and Hermes' crusade to retake Rukhnabad, the founding sword of Pars that he believes is his birthright. Guiscard now wants nothing to do with Hermes, or the "Silver Mask," leaving the latter on his own to complete his quest.

Hermes's moment near the narrative climax was the most exciting part of the episode. We first see Bodin preaching to a room full of devoted Yaldaboath followers, somewhere in Maryam's territory. This is where we first learn that, for all his seeming devotion and fanaticism, Bodin is ultimately in it for money and power. He jokes when he thinks no one is listening about seeing his followers as mere fools who are easy to manipulate. Luckily, we never get to see this aspect of his worldview in action. Hermes literally bursts in and takes out his army, grabbing the sword before swooping out just as quickly. It's a shame this series' animation isn't all that great, but the strong music almost makes up for it here.

I've begun to realize that Hermes feels far more sympathetic and human than Arslan does. Knowing his backstory goes a long way, but given his complex over being literally robbed of his birthright as a child, I almost prefer him as a protagonist. There's something very easy to root for in Hermes's resentment at being denied what he was raised to expect. By contrast, Arslan remains a perfect angel, although at least today we saw some details of his anti-slavery plan. He may be the most "correct" choice for ruling Pars, especially with the reveal this episode as to why an adopted bastard would be raised to become the crown prince. (The ruling family has some sort of curse over them, and as a non-blood relative, Arslan is the key to breaking the curse.) Still, Hermes's story is just more fascinating, making it easier for me to root for him.

This finale's diversions to the various fortresses were less interesting, as were the other stories involving more minor characters. Many of these characters haven't been seen onscreen since last season, and we barely received a re-introduction beyond their names. I had a difficult time following what was going on at Peshawar Fortress and why I was supposed to care.

The arrival of Merlane, Alfarid's brother, offered an interesting contrast to Alfarid when it comes to leadership of the Zot Clan. The previous episode did a lot to set up this reunion, leading into a discussion over Alfarid being the chosen heir this week. This should be a huge exciting honor for her, but instead Alfarid refuses it because she's "Narsus's wife" instead, as though the two are mutually exclusive. Not only does this send a bad message, but it reinforces how much Alfarid's (lack of) character is based on Narsus alone. In its next cour, The Heroic Legend of Arslan needs to do better by its supporting characters, especially its female cast. "One personality trait" does not suffice to make these people interesting, even in subplots.

There is a lot to both praise and criticize about this last episode of The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance. It enables some of the series' worst qualities, but also manages to improve in unexpected places. Either way, it neatly ties up the plot in an exciting way for fans. It would be all the more exciting if the series could figure out what to do with all of its characters and plots, not just its main thrust. As the three armies converge on Ecbatana, I wish I cared about more of the people in them.

Rating: B-

The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance is currently streaming on Funimation.

Rose is a music Ph.D. student who loves overanalyzing anime soundtracks. Follow her on her media blog Rose's Turn, and on Twitter.